140 



We may now proceed to consider the style in v/liich the 

 pleasure Gardens and Grounds of the period we are tracing 

 were disposed. It only differed from the formal taste of pre- 

 ceding periods, in being on a more extensive and expensive 

 scale. The defprmities were only enlarged and rendered more 

 splendid. The beau ideal of such structures in that age, is to 

 be found in the writings of Lord Bacon, and Sir W. Temple. 

 Those Gardens which are indeed prince-like, says the former,* 

 should not be less than thirty Acres. This space to be divided 

 into three parts. The first part, consisting of four Acres, 

 should be a lawn without any plot or parterre. It was a custom 

 which he has the good taste to ridicule, to have many little 

 knots, or beds of different coloured earth near the house. 

 Then was to come the main body of the Garden, a square, di- 

 vided into regular figures : A main walk extending the whole 

 length, garnished with rows of orbicular-headed Laurels, and 

 terminated by a Summer House. The parterres on each side 

 to be exactly like each other, in the forms of ovals, quincunxes, 

 triangles. &c. Trees or Shrubs were to be planted in similar 

 forms, and similar corresponding monotony ; 



each alley has its brother. 



And one half of the Garden justs reflects the other. 



These were to be accompanied by arched walks hung with 

 Bird Cages, and little mirrors " for the sun to play upon;'' 

 evergreens cut into Pyramids and Columns ; fountains ; pigmy 

 streams ; and mythological Statues. Such were commonly 

 adopted, and such even this sagacious Philosopher admired ; 

 he reprobates however something scarsely of worse taste, 

 namely Canals, Aviaries, and Evergreens cut into the forms of 

 Animals, yet these were pretty generally adopted likewise. He 

 recommends the Garden to conclude with a Heath or Desert, 

 which in some degree resembles the natural style now pursued, 



* Lord Bacon Essay's on Gardens. 



