The ancient dignity of character in the house at COBHAM would be violated by the too near intrusion of that gay prettiness which generally accompanies a garden walk; yet convenience and comfort require such a walk at no great distance from the house.* I shall, perhaps, astonish some of the improvers in modern serpentine gardening, by declaring that, as an appendage to this ancient mansion, I would prefer the broad and stately mall along a straight line of terrace, to their too frequently repeated waving line of beauty.
*[Twelve years ago, when I first delivered these opinions, they were deemed so contrary to modern practice, that I was cautious in defending them. I have since more boldly supported my original opinion, and rejoice that the good sense of the country admits their propriety.]
