240 SOME FAMOUS GARDENS 



Philosophy ; and indeed no other sort of abode 

 seems to contribute so much, to both the Tranquil- 

 lity of Mind, and Indolence of Body, which he 

 made his Chief Ends. The Sweetness of Air, the 

 Pleasantness of Smells, the Verdure of Plants, the 

 Cleanness and Lightness of Food, the Exercises of 

 working or walking, but above all, the Exemption 

 from Cares and Sollicitude, seem equally to favour 

 and improve, both Contemplation and Health, the 

 Enjoyment of Sense and Imagination, and thereby 

 the Quiet and Ease both of the Body and Mind. 



THE GARDEN OF ALCINOUS 



THE Garden of Alcinous, described by Homer, seems 

 wholly Poetical, and made at the pleasure of the 

 Painter, like the rest of the Romantick Palace, in 

 that little barren island of Phoeacia or Corfu. Yet 

 as all the pieces of this transcendent Genius, are 

 composed with excellent knowledge, as well as 

 fancy ; so they seldom fail of Instruction as well as 

 Delight, to all that read him. The Seat of this 

 Garden, joining to the Gates of the Palace, the 

 compass of the Inclosure, being four Acres, the 

 tall Trees of shade, as well as those of fruit, the 

 two Fountains, the continual succession of fruits 

 throughout the whole Year, are, for aught I know, 

 the best Rules or Provisions, that can go towards 

 composing the best Gardens, 



