Theory and Practice 



77 



where the dotted Hne shews the original shape of the 

 ground; the zigzag Hne, holes from fifteen to twenty- 

 feet deep; the shaded line, the shape of the ground 

 as altered. 



By this expedient we hide the objectionable part of 

 the view, and by planting the raised heap of earth we 

 produce a degree of privacy and seclusion in this newly 

 created valley within the pleasure-grounds which was 

 never before known or expected in this open situation. 

 The pleasure-ground, immediately near the house, is 

 separated from the park by a wall, against which the 

 earth is everywhere laid as before described, so as to 

 carry the eye over the heads of persons who may be 

 walking in the adjoining footpath. This wall not only 

 hides them from the house, but also prevents their over- 

 looking the pleasure-ground. Yet, notwithstanding this 

 great utility, this absolute necessity, the appearance of 

 such a wall, from the park, gives an air of confinement, 

 and the only expedient by which this might be well 

 remedied would be a total change in the character of 

 the place, or, rather, by altering the house to make it 

 what its name and situation denote: for if the fort were 

 restored to its original character of a castle or fortress, 

 this wall, instead of being objectionable, would then 

 act as a terrace, and contribute to the general effect of 

 extent and the magnificence of the whole. 



Although, from the nature of this work, it is difiicult 

 to preserve any connecting series of arrangement, yet 

 it may not be improper, in this place, to mention a few 

 remarkable instances of removing earth and altering 

 the shape of the surface of ground, especially as there 

 is no part of my profession attended with so much 

 expense, or more frequently objected to, because so 

 often mismanaged. 



