76 THE PRAISE OF GARDENS 



proper existence to be the most absolute form, containing within 

 it all other forms whatsoever ; but few I think will choose such 

 a proportion to be joyned to their habitation, being not accepted 

 any where I think, but for the general Garden to the University 

 at Padua. . . . The four square form is the most usually accepted 

 with all, and doth best agree to any man's dwelling, being (as 

 I said before) behind the house, all the back windows thereof 

 opening into it. Yet if it be longer than the breadth, or broader 

 than the length, the proportion of walks, squares, and knots 

 may be soon brought to the square form and be so cast, as 

 the beauty thereof may be no lesse than the four square pro- 

 portion, or any other better form, if any be. To form it there- 

 fore with walks, cross the middle both wayes, and round about 

 it also with hedges, with squares, knots and trails, or any other 

 work within the four square parts, is according as every man's 

 conceit alloweth of it, and they will be at the charge : For 

 there may be therein walks either open or close, either publick 

 or private, a Maze, or Wildernesse, a Rock, or Mount, with a 

 Fountain in the midst thereof to convey water to every part 

 of the Garden, either in Pipes under the ground or brought by 

 hand, and emptied into large Cisterns, or great Turky Jars, 

 placed in convenient places, to serve as an ease to water the 

 nearest parts thereunto. Arbours also being both graceful and 

 necessary, may be appointed in such convenient places, as 

 the corners or elsewhere, as may be most fit, to serve both for 

 shadow and rest after walking. And because many are desirous 

 to see the forms of trails, knots, and other compartiments, and 

 because the open knots are more proper for these Out-landish 

 flowres ; I have here caused some to be drawn, to satisfy their 

 desires j . . . Let every man therefore, if he like of these, take 

 what may please his minde, or out of these or his own conceit 

 frame any other to his fancy, or cause others to be done, as 

 he liketh best, observing this decorum^ that according to his 

 ground he do cast out his knots, with convenient room for 

 alhes and walks ; for the fairer and larger your allies and walks 

 be, the more grace your Garden shall have, the lesse harm 



