THE CHARM OF GARDENS 



surrounds a delicate shady vineyard, the paths of 

 which are easy and soft even to the naked feet. 



" The garden is filled with Mulberry and Fig trees ; the 

 soil being propitious to both those kinds of trees, but 

 scarce to any other. 



" A dining-room, too remote to view the ocean, com- 

 mands an object no less agreeable, the prospect of the 

 garden : and at the back of the dining-room are two 

 apartments, whose windows look upon the vestibule of 

 the house ; and upon a fruitery and a kitchen garden. 

 From hence you enter into a covered gallery, large 

 enough to appear a public work. The gallery has a 

 double row of windows on both sides ; in the lower 

 row are several which look towards the sea ; and one 

 on each side towards the garden ; in the upper row 

 there are fewer ; in calm days when there is not a 

 breath of air stirring we open all the windows, but in 

 windy weather we take the advantage of opening that 

 side only which is entirely free from the hurricane. 

 Before the gallery lies a terrace perfumed with Violets. 

 The building not only retains the heat of the sun, and 

 increases it by reflexion, but defends and protects us 

 from the northern blasts." 



After a further description of this gallery written 

 with some care, Pliny begins his praise of his garden 

 apartment. No man but a man of true leisure could 

 have dwelt so lovingly on a description of a summer- 

 house. Herrick loved his simple things as much, and 

 sang them tenderly. The small things that come close 

 to us, to keep us warm from all life's disappointments, 

 these are the things our hearts sing out to, these are 

 the things we think of when we are from home. " At 

 the end of the terrace, adjoining to the gallery, is a little 

 garden-apartment, which I own is my delight. In 

 truth it is my mistress : I built it ; and in it is a 



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