88 Notes and Recollections of a Tour. 



means to make them, and where there is a greater necessity 

 of their being always in good order. 



ChatsiDorth^ the Duke of Devonshire. — This noble place is 

 one of the finest in the kingdom. It contains an immense 

 extent of ground, and the situation is both picturesque and 

 romantic. To the east extends a range of rocky highlands 

 which closes in the view in this direction ; but to the west it 

 overlooks a portion of the richest and most picturesque part 

 of Derbyshire. The lovely Derwent flows through its noble 

 park, and a sylvan quietness pervades this princely residence. 



The House is in the Italian style, and during the last ten 

 years has had several alterations and additions which have 

 improved it. Viewed from the south it has an imposing 

 front, but as a whole it has nothing remarkable in its style or 

 composition. It stands a little distance from the base of the 

 highlands, between them and the river Derwent, and the 

 west front of the terrace is supported by a wall and parapet. 

 Every thing at Chatsworth is in good taste : there is no osten- 

 tatious display. The house, — the pleasure ground, — the 

 water- works, — the great conservatory, — the parks and the 

 gardens, are all objects of interest, and the mind is not star- 

 tled by any attempt to make one part appear superior to the 

 other. It is this which makes Chatsworth so satisfactory. 

 The gallery of Sculpture, — the immense water-works, — the 

 grand conservatory, or the village of Edensor, are each ob- 

 jects which might alone, in many places, excite and astonish 

 the observer. But here they do not surprise, because one is 

 insensibly led to the conclusion that they are the necessary 

 appendages of so princely a place ; and are the result of im- 

 mense wealth, liberally and judiciously employed. 



Our first call was upon Mr. Paxton, the gardener, whom we 

 found at his own residence within the grounds, at a short 

 distance from the park gate. From him we received every 

 attention, and we take this opportunity to return him our 

 thanks for his kindne<5s. As it would have been quite impos- 

 sible to see all at this place in the space of five or six hours, 

 we decided upon remaining two days, and put up at the vil- 

 lage inn near by. We then made our arrangements to see the 

 interior of the house, and visit the gardens, conservatory, 

 &c., the following day. 



