TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 271 



or on horseback. Of course it can only be formed upon places 

 of considerable extent; but it enhances the enjoyment of such 

 places very hiorhly, in the estimation of those who are fond of 

 equestrian exercises. It generally commences where the ap- 

 proach terminates, viz.. near the house : and from thence. 

 proceeds in the same easy curvelinear manner, through various 

 parts of the grounds, farm, or estate. Sometimes it sweeps 

 through the pleasure orounds, and returns along the very 

 beach of the river, beneath the fine overhanging foliage of its 

 projecting bank — sometimes it proceeds towards some fa- 

 vourite point of view, or interesting spot in the landscape ; 

 or at others it leaves the lawn and traverses the farm, giving 

 the proprietor an opportunity to examine his crops, or exhibit 

 his agricultural resources to his friends. 



Walks are laid out for purposes similar to Drives, but are 

 much more common, and may be introduced into every scene, 

 however limited. They are intended solely for promenades 

 or exercise on foot, and should therefore be dry and firm, 

 if possible, at all seasons when it is desirable to use them. 

 Some may be open to the south, sheltered with evergreens, 

 and made dry and hard, for a warm promenade in winter; 

 others formed of closely mown turf and thickly shaded by a 

 leafy canopy of verdure, for a cool retreat in the midst of 

 summer. Others again may lead to some sequestered spot, 

 and terminate in a secluded rustic seat, or conduct to some 

 shaded dell or rugged eminence, where an extensive prospect 

 can be enjoyed. Indeed, the genius of the place must sug- 

 gest the direction, length, and number of the walks to belaid 

 out, as no fixed rules can be imposed in a subject so ever- 

 changing and different. It should however, never be forgot- 

 ten, that the walk ought always to correspond to the scene 

 it traverses, being rough where the latter is wild and pictur- 



