VOL. 17, No. 493.] SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1831. [PRICE 2d.
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[Illustration: BOAT-HOUSE AT VIRGINIA WATER.]
Lakers and lovers of the picturesque will, doubtless, be flocking to
Virginia Water in the coming summer. The rides and walks on its banks
are thrown open to the public; but we hope this privilege will not be
abused, as of old; for "there was a time when Virginia Water was
profaned by the presence of prize-fighters, who were accustomed to
train in the secluded alleys that bordered the lake; and it was,
therefore, quite necessary that the privilege of admission to the
grounds should be withdrawn from the inn to which these persons
resorted." We hope better things from the improved taste of our times.
The attractions of the place are of no common order: all that art and
luxury could suggest have been lent to its embellishment. "The
artificial water is the largest in the kingdom, with the single
exception of Blenheim; the cascade is, perhaps, the most striking
imitation we have of the great works of Nature; and the grounds are
arranged in the grandest style of landscape gardening."[1]
[1] We quote these passages from an excellent description
of Virginia Water, in the Third Series of the London
Magazine, and, for the most part quoted in vol. xii. of _The
Mirror_. The reader should turn to these pages.
Many persons may be disposed to question the taste of the Boat-house
in the Engraving. Its style is toy-like, and too artificial to suit
our idea of picturesque propriety. It was built by direction of the
late King, and its design or approval was probably one of his labours
of leisure. It is less decorated and fantastical than other buildings
in its vicinity, and perhaps deserves the faint praise of prettiness.
Grave persons dislike the little bells attached to the lantern-like
part of the roof, and consider them too closely allied to the cap of
folly. Perhaps this objection to the building itself will only make
the contiguous scenery more delightful. Of its varied character, the
Engraving furnishes an accurate idea, since the original sketch was
made in the course of last year. We could linger amidst these sylvan
glories all the live long day, with a canopy of foliage just to
shelter us from the heat of the meridian sun.
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