By this expedient we hide the objectionable part of the view, and by planting the raised heap of earth we produce a degree of privacy and seclusion in this newly created valley within the pleasure-grounds, which was never before known or expected in this open situation. The pleasure-ground, immediately near the house, is separated from the park by a wall, against which the earth is everywhere laid as before described, so as to carry the eye over the heads of persons who may be walking in the adjoining footpath. This wall not only hides them from the house, but also prevents their overlooking the pleasure-ground. Yet, notwithstanding this great utility, this absolute necessity, the appearance of such a wall, from the park, gives an air of confinement, and the only expedient by which this might be well remedied, would be a total change in the character of the place, or, rather, by altering the house to make it what its name and situation denote: for if THE FORT were restored to its original character of a castle or fortress, this wall, instead of being objectionable, would then act as a terrace, and contribute to the general effect of extent, and the magnificence of the whole*. *[A drawing is inserted in the Red Book to shew the manner of thus altering the house; but the plate in this work is sufficient to explain the process used in ascertaining the possibility of so planting out the view of the neighbouring houses as to exclude what ought to be hid, without hiding what ought to be seen.]
