THE WOODS. The effect of these woods I consider as accidental, rather than designed, since it is obvious, that the only rule observed, was, to plant such land as would not bear corn, and, consequently, all the hills have been clothed boldly; and, fortunately for their beauty, the value of the timber was not so much considered as that of the land; since it may be observed, that the trees in the valleys have grown much taller than those on the hills, and the walks and drives have been made through these woods, yet their comparative interest is hitherto unknown, since few can distinguish betwixt what they do see, and what they might see. Some trifling changes, in the course of these walks, would prove how easy it is, by the proper line of a path, to make it not only beautiful in itself, but a beautiful display of other beauties; or, as De Lille expresses it, "Les sentiers, de nos pas guides ingenieux, Doivent embellir en nous montrant ces lieux." [The paths, those ingenious guides of our steps, In shewing, ought to embellish the different points to which they lead.] For this reason we may assert, that the treasures of Sherringham are yet in the mine; and, from the present site of the house, almost useless.
