234 



This propensity for appropriation and exclusive enjoy- 

 ment is so prevalent, that in my various intercourse with 



proprietors of land, I have rarely met with those who agreed 



with me in preferring the sight of mankind to that of herds of 

 cattle, or the moving objects in a public road to the dull mono- 



tony of lawns and woods. Of these few, I cannot resist men- 

 tioning one venerable Nobleman, who enjoyed health, cheer- 

 fulness, and benevolent feelings, more than eighty years, re- 

 taining to the last his predilection for the scenery of a garden, 

 rather than that of a Park ; and who used at his Villa on Ham 

 Common, to enjoy the sight of the public passengers from his 

 garden-seat surrounded by roses. To this rare instance of be- 



nevolence in the noble Viscount Torrington, may be added 



that of his friend and cotemporary, the late Duke of Portland, 

 who gave leave to all persons to pass through the Park at 



Bulstrode, and even encouraged the neighbouring inhabitants 

 to play at cricket on the lawn. How different is this from the 

 too common orders given at the gates and lodges of new 

 aces, recently purchased by strangers, and only visible to 

 themselves and their own inmates. For the honour of the 

 Country, let the Parks and Pleasure-grounds of England be 

 ever open, to cheer the hearts and delight the eyes of all, who 



have taste to enjoy the beauties of Nature. It was formerly 

 one of the pleasures of life to make tours of picturesque in- 

 quiry ; and to visit the improvements in different parts of the 

 kingdom : this is now changed to the residence at a watering- 



