24 



GARDEN CRAFT IN EUROPE 



A FLOWER GARDEN, 

 FIFTEENTH CEN- 



TURY, GRIMANI 

 BREVIARY. 



ders should be planted every species of odoriferous 

 herb, such as goats-rue, sage, basil, marjoram, mint and 

 the like. The paths were to be of grass, and against the 

 wall a high bank of earth arranged as a seat, blossoming 

 and beautiful, whilst pergolas of vines gave to the charm- 

 ing spot a cool and delightful shade. " As in trees of this 

 kind the shade is sought rather than the fruit, they must 

 not be dry or manured because it would hurt the neigh- 

 bouring herbs and flowers, . . . and care must be taken 

 that the trees neither be too many nor grow too thickly, 

 because the shutting off of air corrupts the health of the 

 place, also because the garden requires a free current of 

 air." 



He recommends the use of sweet-scented and shady 

 trees, and advises that " in the middle of the lawn there 

 should be no trees, but the fresh level of the grass left 

 alone in a pure and glad air, and if possible a clear foun- 

 tain, to add pleasure and gaiety by its beauty." 



Crescenzi then proceeds to deal with gardens for 

 ordinary persons from two to four acres in extent ; these, 

 he^suggests, should be surrounded by trenches of prickly 

 shrubs and white briars, with a hedge beyond of pome- 

 granates in hot countries, and of hazel nuts or quinces 

 in cold. He also suggests an arbour or trellis bower 

 made in the fittest and most convenient plan, " like unto 

 a pavilion." Thirdly, the treatise deals with the gar- 

 dens of kings and other rich persons for, " whereas such 

 persons having great riches and power can in these 

 worldly things entirely satisfy their wills, most times only 

 lack the industry and the science of ordering them. . . . 

 On the northern side let there be planted a forest of 

 different trees where the wild animals let loose in the 

 garden can run and hide. On the southern side let 

 there be built a beautiful palace where the king or 

 queen will dwell when bent on escaping serious thoughts 

 and renew their soul with comfort and mirth. . . . Also 



