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above the shrubbery, so that while they give importance to the mansion, they
will possess only a
subordinate place in the general scenery; still contributing to that unity
of design which makes a
composition perfect.'
'WELBECK.]     The house appears to stand much lower than it really does,
by the entrance in the
' basement story; which, being carried up to the principal floor, will not
only be of great advantage
' to the inside, by removing all necessity for ascending the present staircase,
but the effect on the out-
'side will be much greater than may at first be imagined; since, by giving
an opportunity of altering
'the shape of the ground, it will take the house out of an hollow, and set
it on a pleasing eminence.
The ground at present slopes gradually towards the house, with a flat hanging
level, which is
evidently artificial; and, from the north-west corner of the projecting wing
there is a ridge of earth
which divides this platform from the adjoining valley: the superfluous earth
from this ridge will be
sufficient to answer every purpose of raising the lawn to the house, and
I propose to slope the
ground with a gradual fall from the riding-house to the valley, and to cross
this fall by an additional
steep from the west front, making both to wind naturally towards the low
ground of the valley.
' The earth may be raised just above the tops of the windows in the basement
story, which may
stillbe sufficiently lighted by an area; but when the lower row of windows
is totally hid, the house
will appear too long for its height, and the depth of roof will be still
more conspicuous. Having
hinted this objection to Mr. Carr, he immediately assented to it; and, after
various attempts to coun-
teract this awkward effect, without any great operation, the following appeared
the most simple; viz.
that the present pediment (which is incongruous to the battlements) should
be raised as a square tower,