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quently happens, that by the enclosure of a common, or the
grant of a small piece of land from a forest, the most essential
benefit may be derived, although the quantity of land acquired
be very trifling; and I have often observed, that-the cupidity
natural on such occasions, generally leads to the obtaining
more land than can be rendered useful; since it is either too
small to be fed, or too large to be kept under the scythe and
roller.
In my former volume I used the word appropriation, to
describe that sort of command over the Landscape, visible from
the windows, which denotes it to be private property belonging
to the place.
A view into a square, or into the parks, may be cheerful
and beautiful, but it wants appropriation, it wants that charm
which only belongs to ownership; the exclusive right of enjoy-
ment, with the power of refusing that others should share our
pleasure: and however painful the reflection, this propensity
is part of human nature. I have too frequently witnessed
a greater satisfaction in turning a public road, in stopping a
foot-path, or in hiding a view by a pale and a skreen, than in
the most beautiful improvements to the scenery; and sometimes
have contended in vain against the Firs and Poplars, which on
the verge of a forest presented more agreeable objects to the
proprietor than the scenery of the forest itself; one acknow-
ledged that he would rather look at a young sapling of his own,
than the most venerable oaks belonging to the Crown.
QH