Such a happy fall of ground

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Marius Hancu - 31 Mar 2008 21:47 GMT

Hello:

In:
"such a happy fall of ground"
could fall by any means signify
"relief/shape/configuration?"

Or is it just "slope/inclination/pitch?"

---------
"My dear Henry, have you nothing to say? You have been an improver
yourself, and from what I hear of Everingham, it may vie with any
place in England. Its natural beauties, I am sure, are
great. Everingham, as it used to be, was perfect in my estimation:
such a happy fall of ground, and such timber! What would I not give to
see it again?"

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, p. 74
http://www.classicauthors.net/Austen/mansfield/mansfield6.html
---------

Thanks.
Marius Hancu

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Pat Durkin - 31 Mar 2008 22:00 GMT

> Hello:
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Or is it just "slope/inclination/pitch?"

I think this is the intended meaning. Apparently a gradual enough slope
so as to be easy to climb or drive up or build on, and providing a view.

> ---------
> "My dear Henry, have you nothing to say? You have been an improver
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks.
> Marius Hancu

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tinwhistler - 31 Mar 2008 22:30 GMT

> > Hello:
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> I think this is the intended meaning. Apparently a gradual enough slope
> so as to be easy to climb or drive up or build on, and providing a view.

A gentle slope often provides optimal drainage of water (and the
underlying watershed) so as to prevent flooding -- would that every
homesite had a "happy fall" slope to it.
--
Aloha ~~~ Ozzie Maland ~~~ San Diego

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Marius Hancu - 31 Mar 2008 23:47 GMT

> A gentle slope often provides optimal drainage of water (and the
> underlying watershed) so as to prevent flooding -- would that every
> homesite had a "happy fall" slope to it.

Thank you all.
Marius Hancu

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / March 2008

Such a happy fall of ground