76 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



so are the situations of their gardens. And, although 

 divers do diversely prefer their own several places 

 which they have chosen, or wherein they dwell; as 

 some those places that are near unto a river or brook 

 to be best for the pleasantness of the water, the ease 

 of transportation of themselves, their friends and 

 goods, as also for the fertility of the soil, which is 

 seldom near unto a river's side; and others extol the 

 side or top of an hill, be it small or great, for the 

 prospect's sake. And again, some the plain or cham- 

 pian ground for the even level thereof. Yet to show 

 you for every of these situations which is the fittest 

 place to plant your garden in and how to defend 

 it from the injuries of the cold winds and frosts that 

 may annoy it, I hope be well accepted. 



"To prescribe one form for every man to follow 

 were too great presumption and folly ; for every man 

 will please his own fancy, be it orbicular or round, 

 triangular or three-square, quadrangular or four- 

 square, or more long than broad. Let every man 

 choose which him liketh best. The four-square form 

 is the most usually accepted with all and doth best 

 agree to any man's dwelling. To form it therefore 

 with walks cross the middle both ways and round 

 about it also with hedges, knots or trayles, or any 



