The drive now sweeps round on the knoll at No. 6, along a natural terrace, from which the opposite hill and the house appear to great advantage. From hence, crossing the valley, No 7, among the finest trees in the park, it passes a deep romantic dell at No. 8, which might be enlivened by water, as a drinking pool for the deer, and then, as it will pass at No. 9, near the side of the Roman camp, I think the drive * should be made on one of the banks of the Vallum; because it is a circumstance of antiquity worthy to be drawn into notice; and, By being elevated above the plain, we shall not only see into the intrenchment, but remark the venerable trees which enrich its banks; these trees are the growth of many centuries, yet they lead the mind back to the far more ancient date of this encampment, when the ground must have been a naked surface. Another advantage will also be derived from carrying the drive above the level of the plain. The eye being raised above the browsing ** line, the park wall will be better hid by the lower branches of intermediate trees. At No. 10 the drive is less interesting, because the surface is flat; but such occasional tameness gives repose, *** and serves to heighten the interest of subsequent scenery; yet at this place, if the drive be made to branch along the Vallum, it will pass over the most beautiful part of the park, on a natural terrace, at No. 11, and this will join the inner drive, returning down the valley towards the kitchen-garden. *[This great work being in a progressive state, the reader will observe that some parts of this drive are mentioned as not yet completed.]. **[The browsing line is explained in Chapter IV. page 174.]. ***[The excess of variety may become painful, and therefore, in a long drive, some parts should be less interesting, or, if possible, should excite no interest, and be indifferent without exciting disgust.]
