[263]
To this place (which is one of the most perfect and correct specimens of the stile of gardening that succeeded the Dutch manner, and which, from its decorations, I would call the classical stile) we were conduced by a good private road, approaching the house through a long-drawn avenue finished at the further end by an obelisk, and letting in at the opposite termination a view of Ripon church; the two western towers of which are here seen to great advantage, assuming a very imposing appearance. The avenue is a mile in length, formed by noble trees, and therefore extremely grand of its kind; and if ever proper, as connected with any modern residence, would have been so here. But there are objections to 'it which no extent of dimensions can do away; radical faults, which never can be gotten over—the want of variety, and the appearance of art. An avenue only gives one confined picture to the eye, which is always before it, and never diversified. Imagination cannot create, because every thing is already defined; nor can fancy be gratified by interrupted appearances in the view, temporary concealments of objects, or new combinations of natural features. The regularity of the form also adds to the disappointment of the lively faculties of the mind; the operations of art are suggested to it, and these ge-
