Sir TKtlilUam {Temple 117 



this care is most necessary in vines, which are 

 observed abroad to make the best wines, where 

 they lie upon sides of hills, and so most ex- 

 posed to air and the winds. The way of prun- 

 ing them too is best learned from the vine- 

 yards, where you see nothing in winter but 

 what looks like a dead stump ; and upon our 

 walls they should be left but like a ragged 

 staff, not above two or three eyes at most upon 

 the bearing branches, and the lower the vine 

 and fewer the branches, the grapes will be still 

 the better. 



The best figure of a garden is either a square 

 or an oblong, and either upon a flat or a de- 

 scent ; they have all their beauties, but the 

 best I esteem an oblong upon a descent. The 

 beauty, the air, the view make amends for the 

 expense, which is very great in finishing and 

 supporting the terrace-walks, in levelling the 

 parterres, and in the stone stairs that are neces- 

 sary from one to the other. 



The perfectest figure of a garden I ever saw, 

 either at home or abroad, was that of Moor 

 Park in Hertfordshire, when I knew it about 

 thirty years ago. It was made by the Countess 

 of Bedford, esteemed among the greatest wits 

 of her time, and celebrated by Doctor Donne, 

 and with very great care, excellent contrivance, 

 uch cost ; but greater sums may be thrown 



