64 THE PLEASURE, OR [Jan. 
&c. of the ground, may require different designs, therefore general 
hints only can be given. 
Sketch of the Design. 
The following general sketch may be varied according to the 
situation and extent of the ground, and may be useful to persons 
who are unexperienced in designs of the kind. 
With respect to situation, this must be immediately contiguous 
to the mansion house, whether high or low situated; remarking, 
however, that a somewhat elevated situation, or the side or summit 
of some moderate rising ground is always the most eligible on 
which to erect the chief habitation, arranging the pleasure-ground 
accordingly; such an exposure being the most desirable, both for 
the beauty of the prospect and healthfulness of the air: there are, 
however, some level situations, forming plains or flats, that possess 
great advantages, both of soil and prospect, and also the beauties 
of water, without too copious damps or moisture; there are also 
some large tracts of ground, consisting both of low and high situa- 
tions, as level plains, hollows, eminences, declivities, and other 
inequalities, which may be so improved as to make a most desirable 
pleasure garden, as the scene may be varied in the most beautiful 
manner. 
The extent of pleasure-ground may be varied according to that 
of the estate or premises, and the fortune of the owner; so may be 
from even a quarter or half an acre, to thirty, forty or more. 
The ground should be previously fenced, which may be occa- 
sionally a hedge, paling or wall, &c., as most convenient. 
With respect to the arrangement of the several divisions, the 
following general sketches are on a supposition of a considerable 
tract of ground; and if the piece of ground is small, greater sim- 
plicity of design must be observed in proportion. 
First an open lawn of grass-ground is extended on one of the 
principal fronts of the mansion or main house, widening gradually 
from the house outward, having, each side bounded by various 
plantations of trees, shrubs, and flowers, in clumps, thickets, &c. 
exhibited in a variety of rural forms in moderate concave and 
convex curves and projections, to prevent all appearance of a stiff 
uniformity; introducing between the plantations, at intervals, 
breaks or opens of grass-ground, communicating with the lawn 
and internal divisions, in some places widely spread, in others 
more contracted; leaving also tracts for serpentine gravel-walks, 
some winding under the shade of the plantations, so conducted- as 
to command views of the lawn and interior divisions occasionally, 
and at intervals of the most beautiful parts of the surrounding 
country. 
This ground must be more contracted as it approaches near the 
mansion, that company may the sooner arrive in the walks of the 
shrubbery, wilderness, &c., under the shade and shelter of trees; 
but the outward extension on each boundary should widen gradually 
