86 Xan^scape Brcbitecture 



quaintance. I have in mind neither their pleasure 

 grounds, nor their gardens, which are full of variety, 

 but their parks. For instance, in regard to the de- 

 liberate treatment of these parks as features laid out 

 on a diminutive scale, the effect seems to be altogether 

 inadequate when compared to the grandeur and 

 magnificence of the open country round them. In- 

 deed, in my opinion, the outside country not infre- 

 quently resembles far more a region ennobled by art 

 in variety than the parks. 



"I have previously stated the proposition that size 

 is not an absolutely necessary element in the making 

 of a park, yet where it is possible, I think it very 

 desirable, in order that a greater variety of parts 

 be gained, a quality which will always present the 

 supreme charm of novelty. Laid out with equal 

 intelligence I should always prefer the more exten- 

 sive to the smaller park, even if the latter should be 

 more favoured by nature. In Prussia, where land 

 has so much less value than in other countries, such 

 large estates are easily obtainable, and I advise 

 every one of my countrymen to strive for large places. 

 It is certain that, considered as a little world sufficient 

 unto itself, a park where one cannot ride or drive for 

 an hour at least without going over the same roads, 

 and which does not comprise many more walks, 

 very soon tires one, if confined to it alone. But 

 where a rich picturesque nature has already idealized 

 the region around and has made it, as it were, into a 

 great work of art, as in the case of many parts of 



