Near Reading, Caversham House, celebrated by the immortal author [Thomas Whately] of Observations on Modern Gardening, has a magnificent appearance; having been greatly enlarged by the present proprietor, Mr. Crashaw. The scenery beyond Reading includes occasional glimpses of the Thames, and is remarkably umbrageous and rich, exhibiting some fine trees, and, among others, an Oriental plane, the only tree of this species which we have noticed between London and Plymouth; though that more tender and much less beautiful tree, the Occidental plane, is frequent wherever we have been. On both sides of the Swindon station, the country is flat and apparently uninteresting; but the station itself is the handsomest we have yet seen. At this station, which is considered half-way between London and Taunton, there are four large refreshment rooms, two on each side of the road, of noble proportions, and finished in the most exquisite style; with the walls paneled, Sylvester's fireplaces, and beautifully painted ceilings. Such rooms cannot fail greatly to improve the taste of every one who enters them; and, in this respect alone, the proprietors of the rail-road are entitled to the best thanks of the country. All the station-houses are more or less elegant and original in design. Some are remarkable for far-projecting veranda roofs, unsupported either by columns or brackets; nor is there any essential reason why they should have such supports, since horizontal beams built into the walls, or merely the flooring joists extending through the whole structure, are sufficient to support the roof. They also afford more room for passengers below, and they cost less. The rail-road buildings on this, and indeed on every line, afford fine examples of beauty arising from no other consideration than that of fitness for the end in view.
