On the whole, Cobham furnishes a striking example of artificial arrangement for convenience, in the grounds immediately adjoining the house, contributing to the natural advantages of its situation and scenery, and enriched by the most luxuriant foliage and verdure. The home views give a perfect idea of what a park ought to be, without affecting to be a forest; for, although its extent of domain might warrant such character, there is a natural amenity in the face of the country, that is more beautiful than romantic, more habitable than wild; and, though in the valleys the view is not enlivened by water, which, in a chalk soil, is not to be expected, yet, from the elevated points of the park, the two most important rivers of England, the Thames, and Medway, form part of the distant prospect.
