12 



He now sees man's first place of bliss, 



" planted with the trees of God, 



Delectable, both to behold and taste." 



Now the gardens of the Hesperian nymphs, with every classical 

 embellishment, attract his eye. He sees the Babylonian terraces, 

 which, by the magnificence of art, and the luxuriance of nature, 

 formed a wonder of the world. The pleasure-grounds of Solo- 

 mon, described in Scripture ; and the gardens of Laertes and 

 Alcino is, which Homer has immortalized ; the far-famed Sar- 

 dian retreat, which Cyrus cultivated ; the Panchsean paradise 

 and the Orontian grove, here rise in their enchantment. There 

 appear, the celebrated vale of Tempe ; and the Academus and 

 the Lyceum, each associating nature in her loveliness with phi- 

 losophy in all its pride. The splendid works of ancient Roman 

 sumptuousness are seen displayed by a Lucullus and a Horten- 

 sius ; and to these villas that extend round the Imperial City, 

 the orators, the poets and the philosophers of Rome invite the 

 student who would sympathize in their emotions. Such is the 

 Ancient History of Horticulture. 



And the first rosy light, that beamed after the dark ages, 

 kindled a new radiance about our subject. It is thus encompas- 

 sed by the attractions of its Modern History. The gardens of 

 Holland and the Netherlands feel the influence of Science and 

 the Arts revived. The atmosphere of Italy and France next 

 breathe rich odours. They soon scent the isles of Britain ; 

 they pervade the continent. 



This department of our subject draws its copious details from 

 the political and moral state of Europe, while the last four hund- 

 red years have been inditing their momentous records. To the 

 understanding of the intelligent it here offers a rich feast ; for 

 its garlands have allured the eye and called forth the emulation 



