A BOOK OF ENGLISH GARDENS 



ON GARDENS 



ARDENS and houses of Pleasure," for such 

 Gardens have been to all sorts and conditions 

 of men, each in his own way falling under their 

 spell. Philosophers have discoursed of wisdom and 

 happiness in Gardens "As for myself," says 

 Epicurus (called the philosopher of the Garden), 

 " truly I am not only well content, but highly 

 pleased with the Plants and Fruits growing in 

 these my own little Gardens." 



Statesmen, after gaining a country's gratitude, 

 have retired for a well-earned rest to their Gardens, 

 and artists ever delight in their gorgeous blossoms 

 and restful quiet, as well as poets, who have 

 loved, from Omar onward, to sing of " Rose 

 spring-laden Gardens " ; while fashionable wits, 

 like Horace Walpole, and learned divines, have 



