56 THE GARDENS OF EPICURUS 



What I have said of gardening, is perhaps enough 

 for any gentleman to know, so as to make no great 

 faults, nor be much imposed upon in the designs of that 

 kind, which I think ought to be applauded, and en- 

 couraged in all countries. That and building being a 

 sort of creation, that raise beautiful fabricks and figures 

 out of nothing, that make the convenience and pleasure 

 of all private habitations, that employ many hands, and 

 circulate much money among the poorer sort and 

 artisans, that are a public service to one's country, 

 by the example as well as effect, which adorn the 

 scene, improve the earth, and even the air itself in 

 some degree. The rest that belongs to this subject, 

 must be a gardener's part ; upon whose skill, diligence, 

 and care, the beauty of the grounds, and excellence of 

 the fruits will much depend. Though if the soil and 

 sorts be well chosen, well suited, and disposed to the 

 walls, the ignorance or carelessness of the servants can 

 hardly leave the master disappointed. 



1 will not enter further upon his trade, than by three 

 short directions or advices : first, in all plantations, 

 either for his master or himself, to draw his trees out 

 of some nursery that is upon a leaner and lighter soil 

 than his own where he removes them ; without this 

 care they will not thrive in several years, perhaps 



