38 THE DELIGHTS OF GARDENS 



well as to the plenty of the place. I have so con- 

 ducted it, that it visits most of my plantations ; and 

 have taken particular care to let it run in the same 

 manner as it would do in an open field, so that it 

 generally passes through banks of violets and prim- 

 roses, plats of willow, or other plants, that seem to 

 be of its own producing. 



JOSEPH ADDISON. 



MY GARDEN 



(From "A House and Grounds") 



MY grounds should not be large ; I like to go 

 To Nature for a range, and prospect too, 

 And cannot fancy she'll comprise for me, 

 Even in a park, her all-sufficiency. 

 Besides, my thoughts fly far ; and when at rest, 

 Love, not a watch-tower, but a lulling nest. 

 But all the ground I had should keep a look 

 Of Nature still, have birds' nests and a brook ; 

 One spot for flowers, the rest all turf and trees ; 

 For Fd not grow my own bad lettuces. 

 Fd build a walk, however, against rain, 

 Long, peradventure, as my whole domain, 

 And so be sure of generous exercise, 

 The youth of age, and med'cine of the wise. 

 And this reminds me, that behind some screen 

 About my grounds, Fd have a bowling-green ; 

 Such as in wits' and merry women's days 

 Suckling preferred before his walk of bays. 



