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water, by the boat-house, the cold-bath, and the walls with steps
leading to a bridge, near which the engine-house may form a
barbican, and contribute to the magnificent effect of the picture,
as well as to the general congruity of character.
When we look back a few centuries, and compare the habits
of former times with those of the present, we shall be apt to
wonder at the presumption of any person who shall propose to
build a house that may suit the next generation. Who, in the
reign of Queen Elizabeth, would have planned a library, a
music-room, a billiard-room, or a conservatory? Yet these are
now deemed essential to comfort and magnificence: perhaps, in
future ages, new rooms for new purposes will be deemed equally
necessary. But to a house of perfect symmetry these can never
be added: yet it is principally to these additions during a long
succession of years, that we are indebted for the magnificent
irregularity, and splendid intricacy, observable in the neighbour-
ing palaces of Knowle and Penshurst. Under these circumstances,
that plan cannot be good which will admit of no alteration.
Malum consilium est, quod non mutari potest."
But in a house of this irregular character every subsequent
addition will increase the importance: and if I have endeavoured
to adopt some of the cumbrous magnificence of former times, I
trust that no modern conveniences or elegances will be unpro-
vided for.