Fonthill Pavilion; James Morrison, Esq., M.P. - The late Mr. Farquhar, having taken a dislike to Fonthill, determined on dividing the estate, and selling it in portions, and on one of these be placed a nephew, and built for him a cloth manufactory. At the death of this individual, who according to all accounts was not blest with much taste, his portion was purchased by Mr. Morrison, and the kitchen wing of the mansion built by Mr. Beckford's father [William Beckford] was turned into a residence for that gentleman. This house is badly placed, and it does not appear to us to be much improved by some immense clumps which Mr. Farquhar's nephew had planted near it. The same individual had the beautiful mosaic flooring of the cave taken up, and, in relaying it, placed a large mariner's compass of black and white marble in the centre. The orifice in the roof of this cave, by which it is lighted, is unprotected by any fence or grating, and may be considered as a trap for the destruction of men or other animals. We very nearly fell into it, and in consequence wrote to Mr. Morrison, who has since informed us that he immediately afterwards surrounded the opening by a feuce. Mr. Morrison's grounds contain the larger lakes of water, some finely planted hills, and undulated valleys. The Fonthill kitchen-garden also belongs to this part of the property; but it is now let. Mr. Morrison, no doubt impressed, with the state of utter ignorance into which the labourers of this part of the country are sunk, has established a charity school in the building which Mr. Mortimer used as a manufactory, and in which all children are educated who choose to attend.
