im A HISTORY OF GARDENING IN ENGLAND. 



example flowers shut in rooms, the leaves of which become paler, 

 and the "whiting the leaves of Artichokes, Endive, Mirrhis 

 Cichory, Alexander, and other plants, which is done by keeping 

 them warm without the approach or sentiment of the cool fresh 

 aire." It is to be wondered how they got delicate plants to live 

 by sheltering them in dark places during the winter months. 

 " Some defend their Mirtles, Pomegranates and such other 

 tender Plants, either by houses made of straw like Bee hives, 

 or of boards (with inlets for the sun by casements, or without 

 them) Litter of Horse Stables being laid m very cold weather 

 about the houses of defence." 



Le Notre was invited to England by Charles II., and it 

 has generally been believed that he accepted the invitation, 

 and that St. James's Park, as well as alterations at Hampton 

 Court and Whitehall, were made from his designs, and under 

 his direction. In 1661 a certain Adrian May was appointed 

 by Royal Warrant, " supervisor of the French gardeners 

 employed at Whitehall, St. James, and Hampton Court, to 

 examine their bills, &c., and see that they have due 

 satisfaction." This shows it is a fact that Frenchmen were 

 employed, if not the great Le Notre himself, Perrault, or 

 some of his pupils. Switzer in 1718 mentions Perrault's 

 visits to England, but says nothing of the coming of Le 

 Notre. Jean de la Quintinye, who was the great French 

 gardener and fruit grower, as Le Notre was their chief 

 garden architect, certainly visited England, and gave hints 

 to and corresponded with the principal Englishmen of rank 

 who followed the fashion, and were lovers of gardens. His 

 works were translated by Evelyn and London and Wise, 

 and were quite the standard books in England, and his 

 illustrations of the manner of grafting and pruning, are 

 admirable. Rose, who was considered the best practical 

 gardener of his time, was sent by the Earl of Essex to study 

 at Versailles, and on his return he was appointed Royal 

 Gardener by Charles II. Thus the French influence was 

 strong in England, and grand gardens, belonging to the 

 largest houses of the nobility, not old-fashioned manor-house 

 gardens, were laid out in the French style. 



