1 88 THE FORMAL GARDEN IN ENGLAND viii 



skill, flights of steps were formed of great 

 technical difficulty. There is a remarkable 

 instance at Prior Park. A flight of seventeen 

 steps leads from the terrace to a landing, and 

 then two flights of eighteen steps lead off from 

 either side of the landing, curving round and 

 widening out as they go. It is a masterpiece 

 of masonry, but not very beautiful, for the 

 staircase has an uncomfortable suggestion about 

 it of rolling down-hill. The simpler designs 

 are the best ; these tours de force of technical 

 skill are a sure sign of failing taste. 



