JAN.] TLOWER-GARDEN. 69 



Regular terraces either on natural eminences or forced ground 

 were often introduced by way of ornament, for the sake of pros- 

 pect, and of enjoying the fresh air in summer ; they were of various 

 dimensions with respect to height, from two, to ten, or twenty feet, 

 according to the nature of the situation and purpose they were design- 

 ed for ; some being ranged singly, others double, treble, or several, 

 one above another, on the side of some considerable rising ground 

 in theatrical arrangement. 



The perpetual show of stiff formality, displayed by this kind of 

 fancy, has induced many to discontinue it ; but some of these run 

 into the contrary extreme, by excluding all formal regularity and 

 uniform appearances ; and substituting various dissimilar arrange- 

 ments, in the formation of the different compartments, in fancied 

 imitation of natural rurality as much as possible. 



However, for sake of diversity, some of the more elegant regular 

 works, ought still to be admitted, which would form a beautiful con- 

 trast with the general rural improvements, and diversify the whole 

 scene, so as to have a most enchanting effect. 



General Care and Culture. 



With respect to the general culture of the ground, neatness must 

 ever be observed in every part ; the walks, lawns, shrubbery, 

 clumps, See. and the several compartments of trees, shrubs, and 

 flowers, kept duly furnished with a proper stock of the various 

 plants. 



In the provision of plants, both of the tree and shrub kinds, let 

 it be remarked, that when such are taken out of the woods or 

 swamps, and planted in open exposures, they seldom succeed ; 

 therefore, the better way will be, to propogate them in your nurse- 

 ry, either by cuttings, (of such as grow that way) or by seed ; and 

 when arrived there at a proper size, they may be transplanted into 

 the pleasure-ground or elsewhere with success. 



The gravel-walks must always be kept free from weeds, and all 

 sorts of litter, and should be rolled at least once every week or ten 

 days, in summer, particularly the principal walks; previously trim- 

 ming the edges, especially if verged with grass-ground, and sweep- 

 ing off all loose litter. 



The rolling in summer should be occasionally performed imme- 

 diately after showers of rain, particularly the first after any continu- 

 ance of very dry weather, to settle all the loose parts compact and 

 smooth ; in winter, the rolling should also be occasionally perform-^ 

 ed; observing, that it is improper to break up the walks at that 

 season in rough ridges, as often practised, to remain in that unsight- 

 ly manner till spring; whereby they are rendered useless at a 

 time when there is hardly any dry, or safe walking upon grass, or 

 other parts ; besides, they have a disagreeable and slovenly appear- 

 ance. 



I would therefore advise, to let the walks remain undisturbed, at 

 least until spring, when, if the surface be foul or mossy, they may 

 be broken up, the top turned to the bottom, and immediately raked 

 and rolled, and rendered in a fit condition for walking on. 



