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Amongft the mod interefting parts of the Chinefe 

 plantations, are their open groves ; for as the women fpend 

 much of their time there, care is taken to fituate them 

 as pleafantly as poffible, and to adorn them with all 

 kinds of natural beauties. 



The ground on which they are planted, is commonly- 

 uneven, yet not rugged; either on a plain, raifed inio 

 many gentle fwellings; on the eafy declivity of a mountain, 

 commanding rich profpe&s; or in vales, furiounded with 

 woods, and watered with fprings and rivulets. 



Thofe which are in an open expofure, are generally 

 bordered with flowery meadows, extenfive corn-fields, or 

 large lakes; the Chinefe artifts obferving, that the bril- 

 liancy and gaiety of thefe objects, form a pleafing contrail 

 with the gloom of the grove: and when they are confined 

 in thickets, or clofe planted woods, the plantation is fo 

 formed that, from every approach, fome part of the grove 

 is hid; which opening gradually to the eye of the paf- 

 fenger, fatisfies his curiofity by degrees, 



Y Some 



