LETTER TO A FRIEND IN LONDON. 
251 
Hoare, Esq. The latter is said to be ** the closest copy of natural 
scenery as yet produced by means of plantation, in any part of the 
kingdom/’ The author also speaks in high terms of the late alterations 
in St. James’s Park, which he attributes to Mr. Eyton (Aiton) 
of Kew ; but gives no opinion how far simply beautiful scenery is 
suitable for the front of a regal palace situate in the midst of a city. 
There are many other interesting notices in the book well worth the 
attention of improvers in general, and landscape gardeners in particular. 
Ed. 
LETTER I. FROM A. B. TO A FRIEND IN LONDON. 
Entrance Gate to Fairfax Hall. 
My dear Sir, —Like myself, you have always been an ardent 
admirer of rural life and rural scenery; and often have we lamented 
that our lot was not cast where we could every day enjoy the refreshing 
aspect of woods, and lawns, and babbling brooks, and sunny banks, and 
shady dells, instead of being immured in noisy streets, amid “ the 
busy hum of men.” From such turmoil you know I have fled away 
for one short month at least, and only regret we could not fly together. 
You have, however, imposed a pleasing task upon me, which, as leisure 
allows, I shall faithfully execute, and give from time to time, as well 
as I can, some description of the country-seat of my excellent friend, 
under whose hospitable roof I am to be an inmate during my absence 
