NOTES ON THE ILLUSTRATIONS 



flower beds set in the smooth turf, the broad flights of steps leading 

 from the higher to the lower levels of the garden, all show the 

 influence of sound artistic judgment, and, by their justness of pro- 

 portion, prove the correctness of the taste which has been exercised 

 in setting them out. It is not so much on the ground of their 

 magnificence that the gardens at Clumber claim attention, but 

 because they have an air of repose and quiet elegance which comes 

 only from respect for decorative subtleties. 



The formal garden at Compton Wynyates (Plates XLII. to XLIV.) 

 fits exceptionally with the fine old sixteenth century house, accentua- 

 ting its attractive irregularity and giving, as it were, the finishing 

 touch to its architectural dignity. The specifically English aspect 

 of the garden, with its simplicity of plan and profusion of detail, 

 is especially fortunate ; there would have been an evident incon- 

 gruity in placing the elegant artificialities of the Italian style or 

 the fantasies of the French design in close juxtaposition with a 

 house of such a character. Of the two examples from Coombe 

 Abbey (Plates XLV. and XLVI.) the illustration of the paved 

 walk is the more interesting pictorially. It is a good instance of 

 the way in which a telling effect in gardening can often be 

 produced by the simplest means. At Drakelowe (Plates XLVII. 

 to LI.) there is more to engage the attention of the garden lover 

 because the place has natural and architectural features of unusual 

 importance. The terrace in front of the house, with its curved 

 flights of steps, is notably successful in fulfilling its proper function 

 as a connecting link between house and garden, and gives solidity 

 and dignity to the house itself. The river terrace, designed by 

 Mr. Inigo Thomas in 1902, is a valuable addition to what existed 

 before, and a very well-considered piece of work. But perhaps the 

 most charming feature is the round garden with the fountain in 

 the centre, set in a ring of turf this, and the grass walk bordered 

 with flowers and enclosed with tall hedges, make rarely beautiful 

 pictures. 



Eastnor Castle (Plates LIII. and LIV.) derives its main interest 

 from the manner in which the peculiarities of the site on which 

 it stands have been utilised to give to the building an appropriate 

 surrounding. The high terrace with its battlemented wall makes 

 a well-proportioned base to the castle, and the lower terrace by 

 its spaciousness and simple laying out leads the eye properly to the 

 dominant mass of the building above. The steps, which run from 

 the lower to the upper terrace, are well placed in the general 

 architectural scheme, and have a distinct character. Easton Lodge 

 xxvi 



