272 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



esque, sometimes scarcely differing from a common footpath, 

 and more polished, as the surrounding objects show evidences 

 of culture and high keeping. In direction^ like the ap- 

 proach, it should take easy flowing curves, though it may 

 often turn more abruptly at the interposition of an obstacle. 

 The chief beauty of curved and bending lines in walks, lies 

 in the new scenes, which by means of them are opened to the 

 eye. In the straight walk of half a mile, the whole is seen 

 at a glance, and there is too often but little to excite the spec- 

 tator to pursue the search ; but in the modern style, at every 

 few rods, a new turn in the walk opens a new prospect to the 

 beholder, and " leads the eye," as Hogarth graphically ex- 

 pressed it, " a kind of wanton chase," continually affording 

 new refreshment and variety. 



Fences are often among the most unsightly and offensive 

 objects in our country seats. Some persons appear to have 

 a passion for subdividing their grounds into a great number 

 of fields ; a process which is scarcely ever advisable even in 

 common farms, but for which there can be no apology in 

 elegant residences. The close proximity of fences to the 

 house gives the whole place a confined and mean character. 

 " The mind," says Repton, " feels a certain disgust under a 

 sense of confinement in any situation however beautiful." A 

 wide-spread lawn, on the contrary, where no boundaries are 

 conspicuous, conveys an impression of ample extent and space 

 for enjoyment. It is frequently the case that, on that side 

 of the house nearest the outbuildings, fences are, for conven- 

 ience, brought in its close neighbourhood, and here they are 

 easily concealed by plantations ; but on the other sides, open 

 and unobstructed views should be preserved, by removing 

 all barriers not absolutely necessary. 



Nothing is more common, in the places of cockneys who 



