Jardine Hall, in the midst of what was recently a wild country, and several miles distant from any similar mansion, is an imposing object; and, as we approached it, the broad flight of steps to the portico, with the group of stable offices with clock cupola on the one side, and the encircled boundary wall with its porticoed doors and ornamented railings on the other, had an Anglo-Italian air, the more charming, because unexpected in such a style of country. The ample entrance hall of this house contains some large handsome paintings, and rare specimens of natural-history subjects; and, like the first bar in a piece of music, it gives a note of preparation for the ornaments which prevail throughout the house, and for the almost complete museum of British birds collected by Sir William Jardine, and admirably mounted and displayed. There is a large botanic garden, which already includes a considerable American ground; an arboretum, which will be as complete as the climate will admit, is commenced; and Linnï¾µan and Jussieuean arrangements of herbaceous plants are in contemplation. The object is, to combine general effect and ornamental display with science. On the whole, Jardine Hall, and the pursuits of its amiable and hospitable owner, show how much happiness a cultivated mind may enjoy in the country, without reference to towns, cities, or a populous neighbourhood. [Editor's Note: Jardine Hall was built for Sir Alexander Jardine in 1814 and designed by James Gillespie Graham. It was demolished after a fire in 1964].
