Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/30

24 the eastern end) we entered at a handsome double gate, with hewn stone square pilasters, a gravel walk, which led us about one hundred and fifty paces to the house, with a meadow on the left, and a shrubbery on the right, separated by a low hedge of privy-sally, through which innumerable columbines and various other hardy flowers were displaying themselves to the sun. The house is built of wood, and occupies a square of about fifty-four feet each side, is two stories high, and in just proportion; it is connected with two wings,by a semicircular portico, or corridor running from each front corner. The shrubbery well stocked with flowering shrubs, and all the variety of evergreens natural to the climate, as well as several exotics, surrounded the garden, and has gravel walks labyrinth fashion winding through it. The garden is not large, but seems to have had every delicacy of fruit, vegetable and flower, which this fine climate and luxurious soil produces. In short Blannerhasset's island is a most charming retreat for any man of fortune fond of retirement, and it is a situation perhaps not exceeded for beauty in the world. It wants however the variety of mountain, precipice, cataract, distant prospect, &c. which constitute the grand and sublime."

From Bellepre to the Great Hockhocking the country is uneven, and some high hills near the Ohio, but the soil is generally good and the