LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
373 
of Jess value as food for plants, than if applied in a moist state. So it 
is in respect of light land long exposed in ridges ; it needs no pulverisa¬ 
tion or reduction of its constituent parts; and, therefore, laying it in 
ridges can only detract from its value, and defeat the object of the 
cultivator’s labour. 
Z. 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
LETTER IV. 
I closed my last letter with a promise to give you a more particular 
account of that portion of the grounds which immediately surrounds the 
mansion-house, offices, and gardens. You are already aware that it is 
that portion of the park which, being fenced from cattle, has received 
the greatest share of taste in the general disposition of its various 
features, and constantly receives the greatest attention to keep it what it 
really is—a most interesting spot, combining all the pleasing advantages 
of an arboretum, shrubbery, and flower-garden within its bounds. 
Every tree, native or exotic, that was known four-score years ago to 
be sufficiently hardy to bear the British climate, and whether useful or 
ornamental, has here a place, some of which are of large dimensions; 
and all the later-introduced exotic trees and shrubs are added as soon 
as they are purchaseable. 
In describing this portion of the gardens, it will be as well to begin 
at the house, and make a tour over the whole. I have first to observe, 
that the ha ! ha! opposite the front and sides of the house, is consider¬ 
ably higher than it is in any other part, except at the entrance into the 
back court. It is at an equal distance from the three fronts of the 
house, and on the outside face has some little architectural character 
bestowed upon it. Pilasters, at regular distances, support a projecting 
cornice, surmounted by a low parapet and coping. At the salient angles 
there are outward breaks on each side, which add to the strength and 
massiveness of the whole, when viewed from the park ; and as its 
pilasters, &c., correspond in some degree with the architecture of the 
house, the whole not only gives elevation, but appears to be the actual 
base of the building. 
On these three sides, the ha! ha! is about forty-live yards from the 
walls of the house, and inclosing an open platform diversified by smooth 
