154 XanOscape Hrcbltecture 



from one to the other is very gradual, for an island 

 near the confliox, dividing the breadth, and conceal- 

 ing the end of the lake, moderates for some way the 

 space, and permitting it to expand but by degrees, 

 raises an idea of greatness, from imcertainty accom- 

 panied with increase. The reality does not disap- 

 point the expectation; and the island which is the 

 point of view is itself equal to the scene; it is large 

 and high above the lake; the ground is irregtilarly 

 broken ; thickets hang on the sides ; and towards the 

 front is placed an Ionic portico which commands a 

 noble extent of water, not less than a mile in circtmi- 

 ference, bounded on one side with wood, and open on 

 the other to two sloping lawns, the least of a himd- 

 red acres, diversified with clumps, and bordered by 

 plantations ; yet this lake when full in view and with 

 all the importance which space, form, and situation 

 can give, is not more interesting than the sequestered 

 river, which has been mentioned as the third great 

 division of the water. It is just within the verge of 

 a wood, three quarters of a mile long, everywhere 

 broad, and its course is such as to admit of infinite 

 variety, without any confusion. The banks are 

 clear of imderwood; but a few thickets still remain; 

 on one side an impenetrable covert soon begins; the 

 interval is a beautifid grove of oaks, scattered over 

 a greensward of extraordinary verdtu-e. Between 

 these trees and these thickets the river seems to 

 glide gently along, constantly winding, without one 

 short turn, or one extended reach, in the whole 



