166 tTbe <3ar5ett 



seventeen feet in length, and two hundred in 

 breadth. You see it is far from large ; but so 

 prettily disposed (though I say it), that I never 

 saw a more agreeable rustic garden, abounding 

 with all sort of fruit, and produces a variety 

 of wines. I would send you a piece if I did 

 not fear the customs would make you pay too 

 dear for it. I believe my description gives you 

 but an imperfect idea of my garden. Perhaps I 

 shall succeed better in describing my manner 

 of life, which is as regular as that of any mon- 

 astery. I generally rise at six, and as soon as I 

 have breakfasted, put myself at the head of 

 my weeder women and work with them till 

 nine. I then inspect my dairy, and take a turn 

 among my poultry, which is a very large in- 

 quiry. I have, at present, two hundred chick- 

 ens, besides turkeys, geese, ducks, and peacocks. 

 All things have hitherto prospered under my 

 care ; my bees and silkworms are doubled, and 

 I am told that, without accidents, my capital 

 will be so in two years' time. At eleven o'clock 

 I retire to my books ; I dare not indulge myself 

 in that pleasure above an hour. At twelve I 

 constantly dine, and sleep after dinner till about 

 three. I then send for some of my old priests, 

 and either play at piquet or whist, till 'tis cool 

 enough to go out. One evening I walk in my 

 wood, where I often sup, take the air on horse- 



