zoo JOHN EVELYN 



if it were ioo; three miles from Dorking, which 

 serves it abundantly with provisions as well of land as 

 sea ; 8 from Gilford, 1 4 from Kingston. I will say 

 nothing of the ayre, because the preeminence is uni- 

 versally given to Surrey, the soil being dry and sandy ; 

 but I should speake much of the gardens, fountaines, 

 and groves, that adorne it ; were they not as generaly 

 knowne to be amongst the most natural, and (til this 

 later and universal luxury of the whole nation, since 

 abounding in such expenses) the most magnificent that 

 England afforded, and which indeede gave one of the 

 first examples to that elegancy since so much in vogue 

 and follow'd in the managing of their waters, and other 

 ornaments of that nature. Let me add, the contiguity 

 of 7 Mannors, the patronage of the livings about it, 

 and, what is none of the least advantages, a good 

 neighbourhood. All which conspire to render it fit 

 for the present possessor, my worthy brother, and his 

 noble lady, whose constant liberality give them title 

 both to the place and the affections of all that know 

 them. Thus, with the poet, 



Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine cunctos 

 Ducit et immemores non sinit esse sui. 



19 Aug., 1 64 1. We visited the Haff or Prince's 



