The views from the windows to the grounds give no adequate idea of the extent of the park, because the latter is too much crowded with trees near the house, and because there is an architectural seat, very improperly placed as a termination to a short broad walk, conveying the idea to a stranger that there is a public road, or some interruption, or object to be concealed, behind. The view to the Palladian bridge, and that to the fine old cedars is good, and is heightened in effect by the rising grounds in the distance, well clothed with wood. The view from the library to the architectural flower-garden is the best of its kind; in the centre walk there is a fountain, and it terminates at the distance of several hundred yards in a building from a design by Hans Holbein, which was once the entrance porch to the house. It is in the impure Grecian style of that artist's time. In descending from the house to the grounds, the first cause of regret is the want of an architectural basement, but ill atoned for by placing some pedestals and vases on the naked grass. The flower-garden alluded to has an excellent general effect; the descent to it is by a broad flight of steps from the library, and it has on one side an open pillared building, elevated so as to command a view of the whole garden, and of the park scenery beyond. This scenery consists chiefly of cedars in the foreground; and their effect, in connexion with the fountain, and with the vases and other objects in the flower-garden, has a grand and Oriental air.
