48 Notes and Recollections of a Tour. 



gives an impression of what is to be expected. We proceed- 

 ed along the avenue, which sweeps in broad curves through 

 verdant turf, bounded on each side by dense plantations of 

 trees and shrubs, among which the laurel and the rhododen- 

 dron are most conspicuous. A distance of more than two miles 

 brought us to the park. Here we entered through a grand 

 portal yet more highly enriched than the first, but in the 

 same style ; and now passing along another avenue, wind- 

 ing through glades of turf, and picturesque groups of trees, 

 we reached the lawn front, where, through the masses of 

 foliage, a glimpse is caught of the house itself 



Our first object was a view of this gorgeous Gothic man- 

 sion ; and although our expectations were highly raised, we 

 were not disappointed ; nothing could surpass its elaborate 

 finish, or the harmony of its arrangement. It is built in the 

 florid style of the fourteenth century, and in the richness of 

 its details is perhaps not surpassed. Its only fault is the 

 redundance of ornament. It was commenced in 1803 and 

 finished in 1825, and cost, as we were informed, upwards of 

 1,000,000 pounds sterling, (five millions of dollars.) The 

 neatness and splendor of the interior, corresponds with the 

 exterior of this costly mansion. 



Eaton Hall is situated on an almost level spot of ground, 

 and although the demesne covers an immense number of 

 acres, for several miles, there is no distant view to be obtained. 

 Beyond the house, the pleasure ground, the lawn and the park, 

 there is nothing to attract the attention of a stranger. The 

 garden front opens on to a terrace, which leads to the pleasure 

 ground ; this is laid out with three broad parallel walks, and 

 one cross walk, the turf being varied by groups of shrubs 

 and trees. On the terrace, which is not sufficiently architec- 

 tural to correspond with the house, were planted beds of ver- 

 benas, petunias, mignonette, and other flowers, among which 

 was the i>upinus nanus ; this pretty dwarf species is admir- 

 ably adapted for beds, and the great profusion of its spikes of 

 blue and white flowers renders it a most desirable ornament 

 for this purpose. 



An hour was passed in viewing the interior of the palace ; 

 but it is not our intention to occupy room with a description. 

 After taking a last view of its magnificent front, we turned 



