6 4 . THE PLEASURE, OR [Jan. 
some opens at intervals; and behind these have compartments of 
the like plantations, with grass openings, gravel walks, water, and 
other ornaments; so that a spectator will be agreeably surprised to 
find, that what terminated his prospect, only served as an introduc- 
tion to new beauties and varieties. 
It is impossible to exhibit any regular direction for planning an 
extensive pleasure-ground, as the different figures, and situations, 
&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 sum- 
mit 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 situations, 
as level plains, hollows, eminences, declivities, and other inequali- 
ties, which may be so improved as to make a most desirable plea- 
sure-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 occasion- 
ally a hedge, paling or wall, &c. as most convenient. 
With respect to the arrangement of the several divisions, the fol- 
lowing 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 inter- 
vals, 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, 
