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Repton, Humphry, 1752-1818 / Fragments on the theory and practice of landscape gardening: including some remarks on Grecian and Gothic architecture, collected from various manuscripts, in the possession of the different noblemen and gentlemen, for whose use they were originally written; the whole tending to establish fixed principles in the respective arts
(1816)
Fragment XXXII. Concerning improvements, pp. [191]-194
Page [191]
FRAGMENT XXXII. CONCERNING IMPROVEMENTS. I HAVE frequently been asked, whether the Improvement of the Country in beauty has not kept pace with the increase of its wealth; and perhaps have feared to deliver my opinion to some who have put the question. I now may speak the truth, without fear of offending, since time has brought about those changes which I long ago expected.. The taste of the country has bowed to the shrine which all worship; and the riches of individuals have changed the face of the country. There are too many who have no idea of improvement, ex- cept by increasing the quantity, the quality, or the value of an estate. The beauty of its scenery seldom enters into their thought: and, what will it cost? or what will it yield? not, how will it look? seems the general object of inquiry in all improve- ments. Formerly I can recollect the Art being complimented as likely to extend its influence, till all England would become one Landscape Garden: and it was then the pride of a Country Gentleman to shew the beauties of his place to the public, as at Audley End, Shardeloes, and many other celebrated Parks, through which public roads were purposely made to pass, and
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