UNITY OF THE PARK. 



107 



the marked character o f the locality, or from the acci- 

 dental circumstance of an existing mass or group of 

 fine old trees, rather than from any systematic efforts 

 on the part of the designers. This frequently occurs 

 where parks have heen gradually enlarged by succes- 

 sive additions. Yery often, instead of a fine park, we 

 find ourselves in the midst of an accumulated mass of 

 acres, woods, fields, and fences, without any visible 

 arrangement in reference to beauty of individual out- 

 line or to harmonious combination. The impression 

 is that of a labyrinth. The only unity is contiguity 

 of space. We do not say that there is no interest even 

 in such scenes ; but it arises from the beauty of single 

 trees, or occasional nooks of greenery, or detached 

 pieces of rock or water,— -very beautiful things, cer- 

 tainly, in themselves, but only a scantling of what 

 might have been secured by the moderate exercise of 

 taste, and foresight. After all, an extensive and per- 

 vading unity is often unattainable. Some corner of a 

 neighboring estate, some IsTaboth's vineyard, comes in 

 the way, and, offending the feeling of appropriation, 

 must be planted out if it cannot be purchased ; or a 

 parish road, or a church with graveyard and hamlet, 

 may obtrude themselves irremediably. In such cir- 

 cumstances, the absence of a visible disunity may be 

 the most favorable consummation that can be realized. 



Note. — "We cannot but regret that our author has 

 not enjoyed the privilege of visiting America, that his 

 eye might for once be gratified with the sight of the 

 grandeur and beauty of the natural park scenery so 

 often presented to the traveler in our new states, and 

 still remaining in some of the old ones. We know 

 hundreds of agricultural estates which can boast parks 



