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Thirdly, Having only a map of the surface, without any
sections of the ground, to describe the various levels: and
Lastly, The vast difference in climate, soil, seasons, and
costume, between England and Portugal. All which seem to
render the introduction of our English Garden into the grounds
near Oporto almost as difficult as it has been to introduce the
vegetation of a hot country into the cold regions of the north:
yet this has by perseverance been accomplished; and I am
happy in an opportunity of attempting to shew in this instance
how far difficulties may be surmounted.
Having at various times published my opinion on English
or Landscape Gardening, I must beg leave to refer your cor-
respondent to those works, and shall only point out the pecu-
liarities which seem to render our English style almost inappli-
cable to Portugal, or at least to call for a different mode of
treatment in the subject under consideration.
The first of the great requisites in English Gardening is, to
banish all appearance of confinement, and to give imaginary
extent of freedom, by invisible lines of separation, by a ha! ha!
or sunk fences, &c. If this be difficult in a territory of two or
three hundred acres, how much more so must it be in a plot
of three or four acres, enclosed by walls, and surrounded by
Jneighbouring buildings: all we can hope to effect is to hide this
boundary every where by plantations of such varied outline
and depth, as to disguise what we cannot extend or remove.
-  Secondly, That which peculiarly distinguishes the gardens
of England is the beauty of English verdure: the grass of the