312 



Remarks on Mr. Billing oji's Plan for 



Section through the Entrance and Orangery, 8;c. 



walk which appears round the pond is bad, inasmuch as it 

 betrays the whole of its extent. The large pond in the centre 

 of the garden, I think very tastefully varied in its margin, but 

 not sufficiently long for its breadth. The two bridges crossing 

 it near together, both seen from one point of view, and at the 

 same time appearing of no other use than to approach the 

 island, which is too trifling in extent, can scarcely be in accord- 

 ance with true taste. But what I consider the most unnatural 

 of all is the site chosen for this pond. The hand of taste 

 could never be so far misled, as to direct that ponds and lakes 

 should be formed on high ground, when at the same time low and 

 more appropriate situations present themselves in the landscape. 

 In this case, the spectator, standing in any position on the high 

 ground, cannot fail to detect an error so barbarous. Moreover, 

 we infer from the plan, that nearly the whole breadth of the pond 

 will have to be formed on the north-east side of the well, in which 

 direction the ground rises considerably, consequently the exca- 

 vation that will be required, together with the embankment 

 necessary to form a bed for the water, will materially lessen the 

 importance of that beautiful rising 

 ground now existing: on each side 

 of the well, and destroy that va- 

 riety of surface, which every one 

 of true taste would seek to pre- 

 serve. Indeed, it should be the 

 artist's aim, in these grounds, to 

 increase undulated surface as 

 much as possible. 



In the arrangement of the planting, two very important de- 

 fects present themselves. In the first place, shelter has scarcely 

 been a consideration, as there are many breaks, and some to a 

 considerable extent, in the boundary plantation, without a tree ; 

 there is also a want of shelter on the high and bleak ground 

 about the plant-houses. Shelter in these grounds certainly is of 

 the utmost importance, not only to afford comfort to the visitors, 

 but, also, because tender plants, and many animals, require all 

 the protection possible from the strong cutting winds. In the 



Elevation of Entrance Lodge from Barley. 



