JAN.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 57 



mit of some moderate rising ground, is always the most eligible on 

 which to erect the chief habitation, arranging the pleasure-ground 

 accordingly ; such an exposure being the most desirable, both for 

 the beauty of the prospect, and healthfulness of the air ; there are 

 however some level situations, forming plains or flats, that possess 

 great advantages, both of soil and prospect, and also the beauties 

 of water, without too copious damps or moisture ; there are also some 

 large tracts of ground, consisting both of low and high situations, 

 as level plains, hollows, eminences, declivities, and other inequali- 

 ties, which may be so improved as to make a most desirable plea- 

 sure-garden, as the scene may be varied in the most beautiful man- 

 ner. 



The extent of pleasure-ground may be varied according to that 

 of the estate or premises, and the fortune of the owner ; so may 

 be from even a quarter or half an acre, to thirty, forty or more. 



The ground should be previously fenced, which may be occasion- 

 ally a hedge, paling or wall, Sec. as most convenient. 



With respect to the arrangement of the several divisions, the 

 following general sketches are on a supposition of a considerable 

 tract of ground ; and if the piece of ground is small, greater sim- 

 plicity of design must be observed in proportion. 



First an open lawn of grass-ground is extended on one of the 

 principal fronts of the mansion or main house, widening gradually 

 from the house outward, having each side bounded by various 

 plantations of trees, shrubs, and flowers, in clumps, thickets, &c. 

 exhibited in a variety of rural forms, in moderate concave and 

 convex curves, and projections, to prevent all appearance of a 

 stiff uniformity ; introducing between the plantations at inter- 

 vals, breaks or opens of grass-ground, communicating with the 

 lawn and internal divisions, in some places widely spread, in others 

 more contracted ; leaving also tracts for serpentine gravel-walks, 

 some winding under the shade of the plantations, so conducted as 

 to command views of the lawn and interior divisions occasionally, 

 and at intervals, of the most beautiful parts of the surrounding 

 country. 



This ground must be more contracted as it approaches, near the 

 mansion, that company may the sooner arrive in the walks of the 

 shrubbery j wilderness, &c. under the shade and shelter of trees ; 

 but the outward extension on each boundary, should widen gra- 

 dually towards the extreme termination, to give an air of grandeur, 

 and admit of a full prospect from and to the mansion. 



Each boundary must be planted with a choice variety of orna- 

 mental trees and shrubs, deciduous, and ever-greens, arranged prin- 

 cipally in several clumps ; some consisting of lofty trees, others be- 

 ing entirely of the shrub kinds, and some consisting of trees, 

 shrubs, and herbaceous plants together : in all of which, arrange 

 the taller growing kinds backward, and the lower forward, accord- 

 ing to their gradation of height ; embellishing the front with the 

 more curious low flowering shrubs, and ever-greens, interspersed 

 with various herbaceous flowering perennials, all open to the lawn 

 and walks. 



