In 1813 Mr.
Bentham, my father, and I made an excursion, which included Oxford, Bath and Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and Portsmouth.

In this journey I saw many things which were instructive to me, and acquired my first taste for natural scenery, in the elementary form of fondness for a "view." In the succeeding winter we moved into a house very near Mr.
Bentham's, which my father rented from him, in Queen Square, Westminster.

From 1814 to 1817 Mr.Bentham lived during half of each year at Ford Abbey, in Somersetshire (or rather in a part of Devonshire surrounded by Somersetshire), which intervals I had the advantage of passing at that place.

This sojourn was, I think, an important circumstance in my education.

Nothing contributes more to nourish elevation of sentiments in a people, than the large and free character of their habitations.