198 AGRICULTURE. BOOK I. 



is, that those unacquainted with such arts produce plans which 

 never can be executed. This is evident from the writings of se- 

 veral authors ; and it explains the reason why few or none of 

 those shewy plans or views for altering and improving places 

 which some have published, have ever been executed ; or if 

 some have, it has always been in a different way from that re- 

 presented in the drawing. Let me not be thought uncandid 

 or severe in particularizing these things; they are mentioned, 

 first, with a view to justify gentlemen in disregarding the plans 

 of such professors ; and secondly, that those who propose follow- 

 ing the art may attend to this branch of it; both in theory, by 

 reading books, and studying nature; and in practice, by serving 

 apprenticeships to agriculture and gardening ; a practice which 

 is neither inconsistent with high birth, riches, nor politeness, as 

 some of the greatest men of this age have evidenced. I may 

 further add respecting the neglect of this study, that many 

 things are hence obliged to be left to the direction of garden- 

 ers, bailiffs, or foresters, who, though frequently conversant in 

 their respective branches, yet generally and of necessity have 

 more or less contracted ideas, and in most cases are without 

 sufficient experience in regard to general design and contriv- 

 ance. Thus they often lead their employers into immense ex- 

 pences, which frequently end in total disappointment, and too 

 often in mischief and ruin*. 



* A striking instance of this has just come under my notice. Since writing the 

 preceding page, I have been called above a hundred miles into the country by a 



