HEATHFIELD PARK is one of those subjects from whence my art can derive little credit: the world is too apt to mistake alteration for improvement, and to applaud every change, although no higher beauty is produced. The character of this park is strictly in harmony with its situation; both are splendid and magnificent; yet a degree of elegance and beauty prevails, which is rarely to be found where greatness of character and loftiness of situation are predominant: because magnificence is not always united with convenience, nor extent of prospects with interesting and beautiful scenery. The power of art can have but little influence in increasing the natural advantages of Heathfield Park. It is the duty of the improver to avail himself of those beauties which nature has profusely scattered, and by leading the stranger to the most pleasing stations, to call his attention to those objects which, from their variety, novelty, contrast, or combination, are most likely to interest and delight the mind. On this foundation ought to be built the future improvement of Heathfield Park; not by doing violence to its native genius, but by sedulously studying its true character and situation: certain roads, walks, or drives, may collect the scattered beauties of the place, and connect them with each other in lines, easy, natural, and graceful.
[Heathfield Park, Sussex, belonged to Francis Newberry]
