FoyithiU Abbey. 443 



and wild bushes, as to leave no doubt, in the mind of the spec- 

 tator, of its having been cleared by the founders of the abbey 

 from the native forest. In one angle, formed by two projections 

 of the building, there was a small flower-garden, with a sun-dial 

 and fountain; but exterior to this there was nothing exotic. At 

 the distance of a few yards, there was a range of humble sheds, 

 in which workmen of different kinds were employed, hewing and 

 carving for continuous additions of improvements ; and this was 

 also quite in character with the scene, as such was often the case 

 with ancient monastic establishments. A little farther there were 

 sheds for carts, a room for Mr. Beckford's carriage, and stables 

 for ponies. There never were any regular stable offices, as post- 

 horses were always employed when the carriage was made use 

 of. The ponies were used, not only by Mr. Beckford, but by his 

 principal servants and attendants. It may be proper here to 

 state for the information of those who are unacquainted with the 

 history of Mr. Beckford and of Fonthill, that, while these im- 

 provements were going on, from 1800 to 1820, Mr. Beckford 

 resided almost constantly on the spot, saw scarcely any company, 

 and seldom went from home. 



The appearance of the abbey character being complete, in 

 the general expression, the next point to be studied is the extent 

 and the manner in which Mr. Beckford introduced modern im- 

 provements in the grounds : this was exceedingly simple. He 

 confined himself entirely to the introduction of exotic trees and 

 shrubs in secluded places only; and these he disposed in what 

 may be called by-scenes in the woods, in such a manner as that 

 a person who knew nothing of trees could never suspect that 

 they were not natives. There was an American ground in the 

 place, consisting of many of the trees and shrubs of that coun- 

 try, disposed in groups and thickets, as if they had sprung up 

 naturally, with glades of turf kept smoothly mown to admit of 

 walking through among them, and examining their separate 

 beauties. There was a rose-ground, a thornery, and a pinetum 

 treated in the same manner ; but, along the numerous walks and 

 drives, the common trees and shrubs of the country were those 

 principally introduced. The next point of study is the manner 

 of conducting the walks and drives. There was, first, from the 

 end of the grand avenue, a broad carriage drive of several miles 

 in length, which made a circuit of the whole place, and displayed 

 the finest views of the abbey and the surrounding country. The 

 greater part of this country is sufficiently naked to keep up the 

 idea of a past age ; and the tower at Stourhead, and the woods of 

 Wardour Castle, are sufficiently distinct not to counteract this 

 impression. Within this outer drive there is a park wall that 

 encloses nearly 600 acres, the greater part of which is covered 

 with wood, but with innumerable grassy glades, and some small 



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