In the sketches [figs. 63 and 64], I have represented a view of that long screen at MILTON ABBEY, which shuts out Castor field, and which is certainly not a pleasing feature, from its presenting not only a straight line at the bottom, but the trees being all of the same age; the top outline is also straight. This screen forms the background of a view taken from the approach, and [figs. 63 and 64] represents the difference between an attempt to break the uniformity of the plain by open or by close plantations. The trees of this screen are of such a height, that we can hardly expect, in the life of man, to break the upper outline by any young trees, except they are planted very near the eye, as at e [in fig. 63]; because those planted at f or g [in the same figure] will, by the laws of perspective, sink beneath the outline of the screen; it is therefore not in our power to vary the upper line, and if the plantations be open, the browsing line will make a disagreeable parallel with the even surface of the ground; this can only be remedied by preventing cattle from browsing the underwood, which should always be encouraged in such situations; thus, although we cannot vary the upper line of this screen, we may give such variety to its base as will, in some measure, counteract the flatness of its appearance.
