English public parks and gardens

706. Gardens, parks, or promenades, for public recreation, were not till lately common in Britain; but of late an extensive equestrian ride, or drive, has been formed in London in the Regent's Park, and one at Edinburgh on the Calton Hill, and another, called the Queen's Drive, round Arthur's Seat, which commands a singular variety of prospect. There are also squares and other walks, and equestrian promenades, in the metropolis and other large towns; but, in respect to this class of gardens, they are much less in use in Britain than on the Continent; for Britons are comparatively domestic and solitary animals.