THE FINE APPROACH. 



71 



may be seen extending for a mile or more through a 

 narrow stripe of trees planted on the sloping banks and 

 knolls, on the side of a small valley or of a wide glen 

 along which the pnblic road passes. This is, indeed, 

 the favorite position of the fine approach. The highest 

 powers of the designer, who is rash and inexperienced 

 enough to undertake the work, are called into exercise. 

 Cuts, and curves, and gradients, and embankments, 

 are all elaborated for the purpose of enabling the ap- 

 proach to occupy the principal points of view. In the 

 limited grounds no room is left for the formation of a 

 good walk. The approach is walk, and ride, and every- 

 thing. Seclusion there is none, except that the fine 

 approach is not much frequented, people familiar with 

 it often preferring to go by the back-way to the house. 

 It is evident that in such elaborations the proprietor 

 thinks more of securing the applause of strangers than 

 of consulting his own comfort and convenience. He 

 is content to admire and enjoy by proxy. In short, 

 of all the follies committed in the laying out of country 

 residences, the fine abroach may be allowed to wear 

 the crown. 



Note. — •According most heartily with our author, we 

 have not a word to say at variance with his views on 

 the affectation of which any one who chooses to indulge 

 in the vanity of a " fine approach" may be guilty. It 

 is a fortunate circumstance that in this country, all the 

 elements constituting the attractions of parks and plea- 

 sure-grounds are to be found ready made to our hands ; 

 and they are showered around us with a profusion 

 which renders a choice easy, and comparatively unex- 

 pensive. It is, therefore, in a sheer wantonness of 

 prodigality, and an entire absence of sound taste, that 



