Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-11-08
NO.. 40.

art. They have, one would think, almost
daily showers, and the soil generally rests
on chalk, or limestone, both being cOndl-
tions very favorable to this growth. Then
they keep the same lawn NOT from year to
year, but rather froIl century to century,
UndiSturbcd except by the hand of the
mower and the prosaure Of the roller One
gentleman whom / recently visited told me
that lawn on which l had just been walk
ing, had been used for that purpose only,
SO far as he could learn, from the days of
King John. 1t is tire, then, and cultiva-
ton as well as a weeping sky, and n cal
carcou8 soil, which give to England It's pc
cuIiarly rich and beautiful turf.
But to return to our English country
gentleman. His house is usually of stone,
large, often irreGulariy built, gener-
ally old, and the more valued for being so,
So that L lately heard one who was, a good
deal more than mere country gentleman
complain rather bitterly Of his grand
father, as having JooILshiy pulled down
house of immemorial antiquity, to build
new one i'll its stead. The furniture of
these houses appears to me quite plain,
compared with that of people of correspon-
ding wealth III our own country. But they
always have one ornament which they value
highly, that is, pictures, portraits of their
ancestors, and works Of art executed by en-
inent painters OF their own country, or
master pieces OF continental artists, and
costing usually very large sums to the pur-
chaser, whether of the present or Of past
generation. They keep too more servants
than is usual with us, even with the same
fortune, and they certainly have the finest
and handsomest houses [ have ever seen.
With homes, then, having SO many COM
forts, and with country SO prosperous
and means OF intercOmmunication so per-
feet, that a pleasant society is accessible
everywhere, it is no wonder that the En-
glish delight in a country life. 1t is pity
that so few Of them can enjoy it millions
know nothing of trees, and grass and lux
aries, except what they see in the Parks
and squares Of London and other great ci-
ties. Indeed, in this respect, as in many
others, clouds seem to me to be gathering
over and beginning to darllen this land,
now so beautiful, so free, SO prosperous
The agricultural element is dwindling in
proportion to the general population. Lon
don and the other cities are swelling out in
every direction, SO as to threaten to cover
the whole country. Now the population of
a great city is, I believe, in every respect, |
inferior to that of the country. They are
smaller, feebler have less stern enduring
and at the same time are more
passionate and excitable. [ believe that
an English army would not be moac as for
midable to that of another nation, as it |
was at Crecy, at Blenheim, or at Waterloo
An urban population is at the same time,
more unruly than rural one.
The Hyde Park riots last summer indi-
Gated pretty plainly the lawless temper of
London mob, and the timid policy of the
ministry, who really gave up for several
days, the property of the government into |
the hands of the populace, augured i'll for
the future tranquility of the great metro
polls.
But must now close this long letter.
Yours truly,
THOMAS ATKINSON.