64 THE PLEASURE, OR [Jan. 



&c. of the ground, may require different designs, therefore general 

 hints only can be given. 



Sketch of the Design. 



The following general sketch may be varied according to the 

 situation and extent of the ground, and may be useful to persons 

 who arc unexperienced in designs of the kind. 



With respect to situation, this must be immediately contiguous 

 to the mansion house, whether high or low situated; remarking, 

 however, that a somewhat elevated situation, or the side or summit 

 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 situa- 

 tions, as level plains, hollows, eminences, declivities, and other 

 inequalities, which may be so improved as to make a most desirable 

 pleasure garden, as the scene may be varied in the most beautiful 

 manner. 



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 occa- 

 sionally a hedge, paling or wall, &c, 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 ot a stitt' 

 uniformity; introducing between the. plantations, at intervals, 

 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 

 Bhrubbery, wilderness, &c, under the shade and shelter of trees; 

 but the outward extension on each boundary should widen gradually 



