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ENGLISH PLEASURE GARDENS 



without being monotonous in its plan, formal without 

 being rigid in its planting, cosey without being 

 cramped in its dimensions, it might be cited as the 

 perfection of a small out-of-door dwelling-place for 

 plants and people. The plan could have been 

 designed only by one possessing a knowledge of 

 architecture, although, with the exception of the 

 fountain and conservatory, it might be carried out 

 without "invegetate ornamentation." 



The house at Longleat is a large and somewhat 

 elaborate edifice in the style of the late Renaissance. 

 Formerly, stiff pleasure grounds 

 laid out by London and Wise 

 in the reign of William and 

 Mary surrounded three sides of 

 this mansion, or rather palace, 

 while on the fourth side it 

 opened into a spacious forecourt. 

 But this extensive arrangement, 

 forecourt and all, was swept 

 away by "Capability" Brown, who 



PAVILION ; LONGLEAT 



substituted the picturesque planting now seen, as the 

 residence is approached, with no visible separation, 

 except the driveway, between the front door and 

 the park. In order to compose well with a house of 

 such magnificence, if closely connected with it, the 

 gardens must necessarily have been carried out on 



