The pleasure-ground is a large roundish area behind the Abbey. There are a few fine old specimens in it of oaks, pines, firs, and cedars, but very few rare trees or shrubs. Since the accession of the present duke, it has been very greatly improved in one small spot near the house. Some beautiful flower-gardens have been formed from the designs of Repton, and the suggestions of the present duchess; but the principal features are the exotic and hardy heatheries, formed under the particular direction of the duke. Plans and a description of these have been printed, and distributed by His Grace, accompanied by an enumeration of the heaths they contain, by Mr. George Sinclair. A willow-ground is in contemplation, which will be a great addition to the interest of the scenery. [This has been since accomplished, and the Salictum Woburnense printed.] We must not forget the grass-garden, the most complete thing of the kind which has ever been formed in any country; and which, from the exertions of Sir Humphry Davy, and the patient and assiduous labour of Mr. Sinclair, and the publication of them to the world in the Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis, it may confidently be predicted, will, in time, bring to a very high degree of perfection that part of agriculture which consists in the culture of forage grasses.
