



FRAGMENT XXXII 



CONCERNING IMPROVEMENTS. 



have frequently been asked, whether the Improvement <> 



the Country in beauty has not kept pace with the increase 6 



its wealth; and perhaps have feared to deliver my opinion to 



some who have put the question. I now may speak 



W 



truth, 



without fear of offending, -inee time has brought about those 



© 



changes which I long ago expected. The taste of the country 

 has bowed to the shrine which all worship; and the riches of 

 individuals have changed the face of the country. 



There are too many who have no idea of improvement, ex- 

 cept by increasing the quantity, the quality, or the value of an 



estate. 



Th 



e 



eauty of its scenery seldom enters into 



1 e i r 



thought: and, what will it cost? or what will it yield? not, how 

 will it look? seems the general object of inquiry in all improve- 

 ments. Formerly I can recollect the Art being complimented 

 as likely to extend its influence, till all England would become 



Landscape Gard 



d it was then the pride of a Country 



Gentleman to shew the beauties of his place to the public, as at 



Audley End, Shardeloes, and many other celebrated Parks, 

 through which public roads were purposely made to pass, an 



