GLEANINGS ON GARDENS. 97 



forcibly indeed has this passion operated that the 

 neighbourhood is no less indebted for its population 

 than its celebrity to this circumstance. Of all the 

 nations in Europe, the English have the greatest 

 attachment to classic ground. The genius of improve- 

 ment has been called in to aid the natural advantages 

 of this charming place, for the present possessor has 

 not only expended a considerable sum of money in the 

 extension, but has also been at infinite pains in the 

 adorning of the grounds, which must now be allowed 

 to exhibit some of the sweetest portions of cultivated 

 scenery in the vicinity of the capital. In the lifetime 

 of the poetical architect, the house, like his own 

 ambition, was humble and confined ; since that period 

 attachment to his memory has enlarged its dimensions 

 and made it in some measure worthy of his virtues. 

 The centre building only was inhabited by Pope. 

 Sir William Stanhope, his successor, added two wings, 

 and considerably enlarged the garden adjoining to it, 

 circumstances which he has recorded on a marble 

 tablet placed above an arch leading to his new 

 acquisitions : 



' The humble roof, the garden's scanty line, 

 HI suit the genius of a bard divine ; 

 But fancy now displays a fairer scope, 

 And Stanhope's plans unfold the soul of Pope.' 



Mr. Ellis has stuccoed the front of the house and 



H 



