M9 



much hurt to learn from the master of the 

 place, that I might take my leave of the 

 avenue and its romantic effects, for that 

 a death warrant was signed. 



The destruction of so many of these ve- 

 nerable approaches, is a fatal consequence 

 of the present excessive horror of strait 

 lines. Sometimes, indeed, avenues do cut 

 through the middle of verv beautiful and 

 varied ground, with which the stiffness of 

 their form but ill accords, and where it 

 were greatly to be wished they had never 

 been planted; but being there, it may often 

 be doubtful whether they ought to be de- 

 stroyed. As to saving a few of the trees, 

 I own I never saw it done with a good 

 effect; they always pointed out the old 

 line, and the spot was haunted by the 

 ghost of the departed avenue. They are, 

 however, not unfrequently planted, where 

 a boundary of wood approaching to a strait 

 line was required* ; and in such situations 



* At a gentleman's place in Cheshire, there is an avenue 

 of oaks situated much in the manner I have described ; 

 .Mr. Brown absolutely condemned it ; but it now stands, 



