208 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
of the declivous surface on both sides, and of the hanging woods, or 
other objects thereon. 
In modern times, when a country residence is intended to be built, 
the choice of a proper site requires a good deal of consideration. On a 
first survey, it often happens that the most beautiful part to look at 
from a distance, is recommended as the best station for a house. This, 
though a very natural, is a deceptive impression ; because the beautiful 
ground cannot be all seen from the windows of a house built upon it. 
If, indeed, a proprietor wishes to make his house an eye-trap, to arrest 
the attention or provoke the envy of the public, or to form a fine picture 
for himself to take a walk or ride to look at; then he has only to place 
his house on some commanding brow overlooking the turnpike-road ; 
but he, it is likely, may have cause to repent placing his house on that 
beautiful brow, as soon as he looks from its windows. 
It is very often remarked by those who have not studied ,the subject, 
when they see a house surrounded by beautiful hills, that it is mis¬ 
placed, conceiving that, if it had been placed on the higher ground, 
it would have looked better. So, indeed, it might, if the house, as a 
piece of architecture, be only considered; but, as much more beautiful 
scenery may be formed on an acclivous, than on a declivous, surface, 
no one would sacrifice pleasing views, as seen from the windows, upon 
an ascending surface, for any upon a descending slope, which the 
inmates must go abroad to see. 
But, on the other hand, as the love of prospect is said to be an inhe¬ 
rent principle of the human mind, a castellated mansion, on a com¬ 
manding eminence, has certainly most attractive charms. Where the 
surface sinks away on all sides from the ramparts or windows, and 
commands a distant horizon circumbounding an extensive tract of 
country, stretched out like a map before the spectator, with all its 
interesting objects of towns, villages, public and private buildings— 
such a range for the eye is at all times most gratifying ; and though 
the lord of the castle, unlike the proprietor of a secluded house, may 
see but little he can call his own, he has the privilege of overlooking 
that of others. 
Both situations have advantages peculiar to themselves, and these 
are differently regarded, according as the proprietor is an admirer of 
extensive prospect, or content to sojourn in 
“ An unseen, unseeing dell.” 
The abbey to which I have called your attention belongs to the latter 
description, and, considered as a quiet retreat, is most perfect of its 
kind. It is shut out from the garish eye of day—a sort of extra-mun- 
