Iv>4? O? RURAL GARDENING. SECT. XI. 



deftroy it entirely, and fo plant it anew." This obfer- 

 vation of Mr. Miller's, j unifies tlie advice given of 

 employing the moft Jhilful in planning and directing 

 pleafure grounds. To proportionthe breadth of walks, 

 the fize of carpets, calling and levelling of grounds, 

 parterres, &c. The difpofal of fountains, ftatues, vafes, 

 dials, and other decorationsof magnificence to moft ad- 

 vantage, requires a particular addrefs, fays Mr. Evelyn, 

 or to fpeak more emphatically, a prophetic eye; and 

 though the talte is not now what it was in Mr. Evelxns 

 time, yet, perhaps, the only difference is that more 

 ikill is requifite. 



What has been faid of the difficulty of rural and ex- 

 tenfive gardening, is meant only as advice to proceed 

 with cautious fteps. The work is truly of the moft 

 worthy nature, and a tafte for it deferves to be cherifh- 

 ed. Mr. Shenjlone, in an ode on rural elegemee, defends 

 his favourite employment thus : 



And oh ! the tranfport, moft ally'd to fong, 

 In fame fair villa's peaceful bound, 

 To catch foft hints from Nature's tongue, 

 And bid Arcadia bloom around: 

 Whether we fringe the floping hill, 



Or fmoothe below the verdant mead ; 

 Whether we break the falling rill, 



Or through meandering mazes lead : 

 Or in the horrid bramble's room, 

 Bid carelefs groupes of rofes bloom : 

 Or let fomc {helter'd lake fercne 

 Reflect flow'rs, woods, and fpires, and brighten all the 

 fcene ; 

 O fwcet difpofal of the rural hour ! 

 O beauties never known to cloy \ 

 While worth and genius haunt the favour'd bow'r, 



An<i every gentle bread partakes the joy ! 

 While Chanty at eve furveys the fwain, 

 Enabled by thefe toils to cheer 

 -A train of helplefs infants dear, 



Speed 



