150 OLD-FASHIONED GARDENING 



deed from it — an element which he revealed on more 

 than one occasion, but never more deliciously, if I mis- 

 take not, than when as a very youthful and somewhat 

 in love young man, he indulges in reflections upon and 

 melancholy plans for, his tomb ! 



The spot which he will "choose out for a burying 

 place" shall be "some unfrequented vale in the park," 

 with a brook only to break the hush which broods over 

 it. All around there are to be "ancient and venerable 

 oaks," mingling with "gloomy evergreens." And in 

 the midst of this solemn retreat, in the very center and 

 heart of it, he will have a "small gothic temple of 

 antique appearance," one half of which shall be re- 

 served for his family, while the other is hospitably set 

 apart for "strangers" ! — and servants. "Pedestals 

 with urns and proper inscriptions" shall abound, while 

 the grave of a favorite and faithful servant — who for 

 some reason fails to get inside — is to be marked with 

 a "pyramid of the rough rockstone." A grotto 

 "spangled with translucent pebbles and beautiful 

 shells" conforms to the fashion of the hour, and its 

 ever trickling stream, mossy couch and sleeping nymph, 

 with appropriate mottoes in both English and Latin, 

 complete an absurdity which the mature Jefferson must 

 have laughed heartily over, I am sure. 



The shrubbery and flowers which he chose and 

 planted were so well selected that there was perpetual 



