120 COUNT RUMFORD. 



converted by Thompson into an ' English garden.' 

 Pleasure-grounds, parks, and fields were laid out, and 

 surrounded by a drive six miles long. Walks, pro- 

 menades, grottos, a Chinese pagoda, a racecourse, and 

 other attractions were introduced ; a lake was formed 

 and a mound raised ; while a refreshment-saloon, hand- 

 somely furnished, provided for the creature comforts 

 of the visitors. Here during Rumford's absence in 

 England in 1795, and without his knowledge, a monu- 

 ment was raised to commemorate his beneficent achieve- 

 ments. ' It stands within the garden, and is composed 

 of Bavarian freestone and marble. It is quadrangular, 

 its two opposite fronts being ornamented with basso- 

 relievos, and bearing inscriptions.' The wanderer on 

 one side is exhorted to halt, while thankfulness streng- 

 thens his enjoyment. 'A creative hint from Carl 

 Theodor, seized upon with spirit, feeling, and love by 

 the friend of man, Rumford, has ennobled into what 

 thou now seest this once desert region.'' On the other 

 side of the monument is a dedication to ' Him who 

 eradicated the most scandalous of public evils, Idleness 

 and Mendicity; who gave to the poor help, occupation, 

 and morals, and to the youth of the Fatherland so many 

 schools of culture. Go, wanderer ! try to emulate him 

 in thought and deed, and us in gratitude.' 



Rumford's health, as already indicated, had given 

 way, and in 1793 he went to Italy to restore it. He 

 was absent for sixteen months, and during his absence 

 was seriously ill at Naples. Had he been less filled 

 with his projects, it might have been better for his 

 health. Had he known how to employ the sanative 

 power of Nature, he would have kept his vigorous frame 

 longer in working order. But the mountains of Mag- 

 giore were to him less attractive than the streets of 



