34 



PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS, 



approach. Tlie liigliest powers of the designer^ who is 

 rash and inexperienced enough to undertake the work, 

 are called into exercise. Cnts, and curves, and gradients, 

 and embankments, are all elaborated for the purpose of 

 enabling the approach 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 everything. Seclusion there is none, except 

 that the fine approach is not much frequented, people 

 famihar 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 con- 

 venience. He is content to admire and enjoy by proxy. 

 In short, of aU the follies committed in the laying out 

 of country residences, the fine approach may be allowed 

 to wear the crown. 



