INTRODUCTION. CONCERNING THE STYLE AND CHARACTER OF * * * * **. If the fashion of gardens could be altered with the same ease as the fashion of dress, or furniture, it would be of less consequence how often it was varied, or by what caprice or whim it was dictated; but the original plan of this place must ever be strongly traced in many parts, though a century has elapsed; and it is impossible to be quite obliterated, in conformity with more modern styles. It is, therefore, an object worthy of consideration, whether the original, or the more recent style, be advisable; and how far both may be admitted, without the incongruous mixture of two things so opposite that they cannot be blended in one rational plan. I shall call the ancient style of gardens that of Versailles, as introduced into this country by Le Notre, in the beginning of the last century; and the modern style, that called English, as invented by Brown, and practised in England during the latter half of the last century.
