436 Formation of a Classical Garden,. 



specimens, have yet been procured from that unexplored 

 quarter. 



To complete the number of requisite buildings, and con- 

 centrate all the exotic vegetable beauties, an orangery of 

 light Grecian architecture facing the Gothic conservatory on 

 the one side, and an ornamental green-house for South African 

 and Australian plants, facing the Chinese conservatory ou 

 the other, would be necessary; these, together, would con- 

 tain a collection sufficient for every purpose required in such 

 an establishment. 



Along and within the northern wall or boundary, which 

 should be concealed by a thickly planted shrubbery, an 

 avenue the whole length should be planted : this, when pro- 

 perly gravelled, would be a most agreeable mall, or pro- 

 menade, for meditation or exercise, in the summer months. 



Basins of water warmed by the flues should be made in 

 each of the houses ; as well as in different parts of the sub- 

 divisions, for the reception of aquatic plants ; many of which 

 are extremely curious and beautiful. 



The other or most southerly grand division of the garden 

 is intended for the cultivation and display of all plants fit 

 for the use of man or beast; viz., fruits, grain, pulse, herbs, 

 and roots, whether for the use of the apothecary, the cook, 

 the confectioner, or the dyer^ together with the artificial 

 modes and means of forcing fruits, &c. : and though the 

 whole of this department might be dispensed with in a gar- 

 den attached to a university, yet in a national establishment 

 it should, as being the most useful, be arranged and con- 

 ducted on the most ample and judicious practical processes; 

 not only for perfecting our practice, and the stock of our 

 kitchen-gardens and orchards, but also for ascertaining the 

 most valuable, and introducing new varieties, for the im- 

 provement of our present collections. 



Should such a garden as this, which is capable of re- 

 ceiving much more embellishment than is here noticed, be 

 carried into execution, how amusing would be a visit to, or 

 walk through, this living panorama of plants, this varied 

 assemblage of vegetation ! To the naturalist, how delight- 

 ful ; to tlie artist, how useful ; to the botanist, how con- 

 venient; to the amateur, how interesting! and the man of 

 business, where could he find such a retreat for rational 

 and pleasing recreation ? 



I am. Sir, &c. 

 Chelsea, April, 1829. James Main. 



