The garden of pleasure containing several draughts of gardens, both in embroyder'd-ground-works, knot-works of grass, as likewise in wildernesses, and others : with their cuts in copper / by Andrew Mollet.

THE GARDEN OF PLEASURE .

THe Garden of Pleasure consists in Ground-works , Wildernesses , choice Trees , Palissado's , and Alleys or Walks ; as also in Fountains , Grotto's , Statues , Perspectives , and other such like Ornaments ; without which it cannot be perfect : Nevertheless it will be easily granted , that all these things confusedly and ill-dispos'd , cause no pleasant effect ; therefore we shall strive to dispose them each in its proper place , according to that which Experience hath taught us herein : To which purpose the following Designes will very much conduce .

In the first place , we say , That the Royal and Lordly House ought to be situated in an advantagious place , thereby to be supply'd with all the requisite things for its Embellishment , of which the Water has the first place , be it of Spring or otherwise ; for it is with a great deal of reason that Water is said to be the Soul of Gardens , since that without it they seem alwayes to be dying .

The second thing requisite to the decoration of Houses of Pleasure , is to have the conveniency to plant before them a great Walk of double or treble rank , either of female Elms , or of Lime Trees , which are the two sorts of Trees which we esteem the fittest for this purpose ; which Walk ought to be drawn by a Perpendicular Line to the Front of the House , and of a convenient and proportionable breadth to the House ; and for the Basis of the said Walk , may be made a large Demy-circle , or Square ; and in case the place will allow it , there may be also drawn large Walks on the Right and Left of the said Front , which must be Parallel to the said House . As also at the end of the Garden another Walk in a direct Line to the great Walk , in the midst whereof there may be with conveniency a Door of Railes or Palisado's , through which , when the doors of the House are open'd , one may see from one end to the other , as far as our sight will extend . Such outward Works are most necessary to the Adorning of Houses ; and as I put them here in the Front , and before the In-works ; it is also by them , that one ought to begin to Plant even before the Building of the House , that the Trees may be come to half-growth when the House shall be built .

Let us come to the inward embellishments , which we commonly call Garden ; which ought to be composed of Imbroider'd Ground-works , knots of Grass , Wildernesses , fine Alleys in Terrasses , and flat Walks , so ordered , that they may still end at some Fountain or Statue , and at some of the extremities of these Alleys , ought to be set up some fine Perspectives painted on Cloth , that they may be removed at will , to preserve them from the injuries of the Weather . In fine , to finish our Work , the Statues ought to be erected upon their Piedestals , and the Grotto's built in the most convenient places ; as also the Fountains , Spurts , Ponds , Falls of Waters , Bird-cages , and such like Ornaments , which being well order'd and placed , will give the last Perfection to the Garden of Pleasure .

We come now to give some Instructions touching the following Designs , that they may be put in practice as it is befitting , and with those proportions thereto required .

But first of all is to be noted , that all Ground-works ought to be framed as near as possible may be to the House , that they may be perfectly seen from the Windows , without the obstacle which might be caused by Trees , Palissado's , or any other high Work . It is to be observed also , that the Ground-works the most remote from the eye , ought to be drawn of a larger Proportion , then those that are nearer ; for it is certain , that if they be very exactly proportion'd to the distance of the sight , they will thereby appear much more beautiful : And , before I go any farther , it will not be amiss to say a word or two concerning the Knots in Embroidery . They may be made in two manners , viz. with Box , or with Turff . Those of Box are more fit for the neat and small Embroidery , because that the Box can be planted and clipped into what shape one will , and that there is less pains required in the preserving and keeping of it then that of Turff , which is to be often Mow'd and Roll'd . The Turffs are more fit for the Great works , and for Knots , then for Embroidery : yet for curiosity sake , there may be some of them made in the Garden of Pleasure , that it may want nothing of what Nature and Art can bestow on it of beauty ; which is the reason we have set some down here for the satisfaction of the Curious .

Let us give now some Instructions concerning the said Draughts , according to their proportions . To perform them , we shall give them a common Measure , viz. of six foot called a Toise ; that the Artist's Measure may be distinguish'd from the Merchants . This Toise is distinguish'd into six equal Parts , which are called Feet , and these Feet are subdivided into twelve equal parts , called inches , and each inch into twelve Lines .

This Measure being well understood , it will be very easie to practice all our Designs on Earth , with their Proportions ; and , to render the thing more feazable to the less skilful in the Decoration of Gardens , we shall make a particular Article of each Design .

The First Design .

THe first Design is a General Draught , to be done on the back-side of some great Palace , or House of Pleasure , which is of about 310 Toises in length , and 220 in breadth , which is somewhat near the true Proportion requisite to all Gardens , that is about a third part longer then wide ; that so all the Partitions which are to be made in the said General Draught , may have a Parallelogramick Form , as may be seen in our hindmost Draught , except the Knots , which we have made square by reason of their crossing Alleys , which we have drawn Diagonally , to vary the ordinary custom . The said Knots are of 60 Toises square , in the Main-work , that is to say without the outward Walkes ; all the Alleys from 4 to 5 Toises in breadth : the which Knots we have set down in large , that they might be the easier comprehended and performed in the Working : They follow the two General Draughts , Fol. 3 , and 4 . The first is , the Knot in Embroidery : The second is , the Compartiment of Turff , in which the four half ovals are on the out-side , which we have done for variety , and as that which may serve to be put alone in some other place . The halfovals may be also plac't inwardly , to answer to the symmetrie or proportions of the Knot in Embroidery ; and that by taking away the four Fountains out of the four Triangles , and placing there Statues upon their Piedestals , according as they are marked in the said Draught .

After these Knots follow the Wildernesses , Plants of Trees , Ponds , and Grass-plots ; in the midst of which may be erected Arbors , and Summer Banquetting-Houses , for several divertisements : As concerning the Trees to be planted ; Lime-Trees should be used and not Elmes , by reason that the Lime-trees spread not their roots so wide in the Earth , as Elms do ; which I hold fit to be banished absolutely from Gardens , for the inconveniency that their great Roots bring to Gardens , to the damage of whatsoever is therein planted of curious , except it be in the outward Alleys , of which we have made heretofore mention .

But now let us come back to the deduction of all the parts of our first general Draught , to which , if it be possible , water should be brought through channels of 10 Toises breadth , whose Alleys on each side should be two or three foot lower then the others , and the Water almost even with the brim of the said Alleys , with steps at every meeting of the Capital or chief Alleys ; which there jutt out , and which ought to be planted with a double rank , with a Palissado of Beech in the last rank , not higher then two or three foot ; though for variety it may be suffer'd to grow higher in some convenient places , provided , that still the proportions be observed . In fine , the half Circle ought to be framed at the end , with its sprout of Water ; all according to the measure of our said General Draught .

The Second Design .

THis second Design is a general Draught , but lesser then the former , containing about 200 Toises in length , and 150 in breadth ; the House being environ'd with Water , as also the whole Plat-form of the said place , if it be possible , with a half-moon and large Alley in the front ; and on the back part may be made the Knot in Embrodery , Fol. 5. to whose sides may also be added the Wildernesses described in our first General Draught . Moreover , on the two wings of the House may be made the Knot in Embrodery , and Compartiments of Turf , Fol. 16. and 24. otherwise in lieu of these said Knots there may be put in one of those Wings ( which will be judg'd the fittest for that purpose ) Orange-trees , Myrtles , Jassemins , and other choice Trees : but on the other , the rarest of Extoic Plants , and ever green , dwarf-Trees , planted in order of Compartiment answerable to the designs of the Wildernesses , to observe the just proportion which is required in all such like Works , adding thereunto Fountains and Statues in their proper places . Then , at the end of the Grand Parterre , or Knott , there are to be 3 Alleys issuing forth from the same Center , and these should be planted with rows of Beech , which serve for high Palissado's ; and within the space of six Foot are marked the places where to plant Cyprus-Trees , which must be kept alwayes cropt neatly in a Pyramidal form , and not suffer'd to grow above six or seven foot at the most in height . In stead of Beach , the said Palissado's may be planted of Alaternus's , Holly , or Cherry-Laurels , which would produce yet a far more pleasing effect ; and in the Partitions which those Alleys make , may be planted dwarf-fruit-Trees , or a Kitchin-Garden , whose deformity may be hid by high Palissado's ; for we do not allow that the Garden of Pleasure should admit of common Herbs ; nor yet of Fruit-Trees , except they be planted as Wall-fruit , but rather that those Gardens or Orchards be by themselves . In fine , the circumference of our Draught is a large Alley double with its basket-handle , or half-oval , at the end whereof there is another great Alley or Walk Transvers , to answer to that before the House , all environ'd with Water , which is to be communicated from one part to the other , as it may be seen in the Draught .

It remains now to treat of the Parterres , Compartiments of Grass , Wildernesses and Labyrinths each of them in particular . And first of all let us come to the Ground-works in Embroidery , for the constructions of which we find nothing more convenient , as we have already said , then the Box , of which there are three sorts , viz. great Box or Wood-Box , which groweth high enough if it be let alone , but that may be as well kept very low ; for being cropt and clipt every year twice according to Art , it will not grow above three or four inches in ten years space ; and this is it which is required in our Embroidery Ground-works . The second sort of Box is called dwarf-Box , which never grows higher then one foot and a half , but it is much tenderer then the other , not capable to endure too neer a crop . It is convenient to set the Knots , whose clipping is differing from the Embroidery , viz. only square . The last kind of Box is between both the former , both in respect of its leaf and growth , but doth not afford so pleasing a Green ; therefore we shall lay it aside . I know that in this Country most part have an aversion to all kind of Box , by reason of its strong scent , and chiefly the biggest ; but that happens onely when it is suffer'd to grow high ; for being kept short and low , it scarce smells at all , especially the dwarf-Box . Therefore those curious persons may make use of either , but severally , and not together .

These Premises considered , we shall continue to treat of our Designs each in particular ; having first advertised the Reader , that the third and fourth Designs are specified in the first general Draught , and the fifth in the second general Draught .

The Sixth Design .

THe sixth is a Ground-work in Embrodery , containing 42 Toises square . The Lists of the outward Walks of the squares of six foot in breadth , are for low flowers : and , at each external Angle of the said Squares is described a quarter of a Circle , in whose Center , a Statue or Figure is to be set up , or in stead thereof there may be planted a Cyprus-Tree , which may be left to grow at discretion . The Fountain contains seven Toises in Diameter . This sort of Ground-works we made at Stockholme , before the Palace of the late Queen Mother of Sweden .

The Seventh Design .

THe seventh is also a Ground-work in Embroidery of about 47 Toises square in the in-work : Its fountain hath eight Toises in Diameter ; the cross-Alleys and the outward Walks are to be four Toises , and the Lists six foot ; in the midst of which are marked down from space to space the places where to lay square stones , fit to bear Flower-plots , or small boxes of choice green Trees , some clipt and cropt like Globes , and the others in a Piramidal form . We have not set down in this present Design the outward-walks , ( to prevent confusion ) no more then in many others , which however are to be alwayes set out , and proportion'd in all Groundworks and other Designs ; as may be noted in our general Draughts .

The Eighth Design .

THe eighth is a Ground-work in Embroidery of 40 Toises square in the in-work ; whose eight-square Fountain is to be 7 Toises in Diameter ; the Lists 6 foot , with the quarters of Circles in the middle Angles , in whose Centers Statues may be set up , or Cyprus Trees planted , and in the midst of the Lists of the out-walks of the squares , may be planted small choice green Trees , kept as the former , yet with this distinction , that they must be carefully covered in Winter during ill weather , by reason that they cannot be removed into the green-houses as the former : between those Trees may be set all sorts of low Flowers .

The Ninth Design .

IS a Ground-work in Embroidery of 36 Toises square in the in-work , with a half-moon at the end , partly in Embroidery , partly in Knots of Grass ; the Lists are to be of 6 Foot in breadth , with a space of Grass in the middle . The work of this Design is to be in large , to be seen from far off , in case the House should be remote from the Garden , but if it should be nearer the House , it would not be amiss to add more work to it .

The Tenth Design .

IS another Ground-work in Embroidery of 28 Toises square in the in-32work ; the Fountain of 4½ in Diameter ; its Lists between 4 or 5 foot in breadth , and a slip of grass in the great stroke of the Embroidery , as also the Statues and Cyprus-Trees situated in their due places , as is described in the Design .

The Eleventh Design .

IS a Ground-work in Embroidery , containing 30 Toises square taking in the outward walks ; the Lists are of 4 foot in breadth , adorned as in the seventh Design , and at the end is described a half-oval of grass , planted round with Cyprus-Trees in a convenient distance one from the other , and neatly clipped into a Pyramidal Form . It is to be noted , that to keep Cyprus-Trees very well , they should not be tyed , ( as many use to do , ) by reason that being without Air within-side , they wither , and become full of dead wood : Moreover , the binding of them causes them to grow too high , and without support ; in so much , that there would be a necessity to support them by a Pole fixt through the middle of the branches , which causes more and more their inward dryness and rottenness ; therefore they ought alwayes to be left at their natural liberty , onely cut and clipt both round about and at the top from time to time ; and that if it be necessary , twice a year , viz. towards the Month of May and September . Thus they will strengthen themselves towards the root , and be made fit to resist all the injuries of bad weather .

The Twelfth Design .

IS a Ground-work in Embroidery , of an Oblong Square , containing about 40 Toises in breadth in the in-work , and 43 in length from one Angle to the other : at the end of which is to be made a large proportion of a Circle , in whose center is also described a Fountain of 10 Toises in Diameter , and in the middle of the Ground-work an Eight-Square of grass somewhat raised , in the Center whereof is to be erected a Statue , or curious Sun-dyal , with a fillet of Grass in the middle of the Lists , as is described in our said Design .

The Thirteenth Design .

IS a Ground-work also in Embroidery , of an Oblong Square , but different from the former , by reason that it must be seen on the long side ; it contains 50 Toises in Front , and 40 Toises of depth ; its Fountain has 7½ Toises of Diameter ; the Lists 6 Foot , planted with all sorts of low-Flowers , and the great or Master-stroke of the Embroidery with a slip of grass in the middle .

The Fourteenth Design .

IS another Ground-work in Embrodery , of an Oblong-square , different from the former , by reason that it may seen on both sides ; it contains 45 Toises in length , and 33 in breadth in the in-work : in the middle of which may be made an Eight-square of grass , on which is to be set a Statue or Sundyal ; the lists and the Master-strokes of the Embrodery are 6 Foot in breadth .

The Fifteenth Design .

IS a Ground-work in Embroidery , of an Oblong-square , to be seen only upon its Basis ; it differs from the others by reason it has no cross Alleys , and is of 30 Toises in breadth , and 40 in length , with an half-oval at the end ; the lists are of 6 Foot in breadth , as also the chief stroke of Embroidery .

The Sixteenth Design .

IS finally another Ground-work in Embroidery , of an Oblong Square , ( without cross-Alleys ) containing 40 Toises in length , and 33 in breadth , with the outward Alleys ; in the middle of which may be plac't a Fountain , and in the 4 outward Angles , Statues upon their Piedestals , or else Cyprus-Trees Planted ; the List is of six foot in breadth , adorned with a slip of Grass in the middle : this Design may be contrived for its view which way one pleases , yet it will be more delightful to be seen breadth-wayes .

The Seventeenth Design .

IS a certain kind of Frize , which may be continued as long as one will ; it is of 12 Toises in breadth , partly Embroidery , and partly Knots of Grass and Flowers .

The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Designs .

ARe two small Ground-works in Embroidery , with their Lists turffed , the biggest is of 6 Toises in breadth , and about 9½ of length ; it is best to be seen length-wayes , the smallest contains about 10 Toises in front , and 4½ in depth , and is best to be view'd in the same manner .

This is in short and in general concerning our Designs and Groundworks in Embroidery of Box ; It remains to give some Direction to the less skilful in them , how to perform them well on the ground , which is done by the means of several lines strait drawn , both upon our said Designs , and on Earth , and proportionally inter-cutting each other thereby to frame Squares of six Foot every way in Designs of a moderate bigness , but of 9 Foot in the bigest , to prevent confusion ; and then observing the places where each Leaf cuts or crosses the said Lines , of which an exact measure must be taken with a Compass , which being placed upon the Scale , will shew us the precise measure , which is to be transferr'd upon the Ground by the means of our common Measure of six foot , and so proportion'd to the Design . Thus one may easily attain to the contrivance of all sorts of Designs , as it is described upon our two Designs in Embroidery of Grass , Fol. 26 and 27 , where the lines are traced upon one of the Squares .

After the Ground-works in Embroidery , follow the Compartiments of Turff-work , and of Flowers , which , being kept as they ought to be , will make a glorious shew ; they are more proper for this Country then any other Country of the World , by reason that the Gardeners are more expert and skilful in laying and keeping of Turff then any other Country Gardiners . Nevertheless , since it may be this Books fate to cross the Sea , we shall give some short directions to the Out landish Gardiners , how to chuse the fittest Turff for this use , as also how to keep and order it after the English manner .

In the first place , that Turff must be chosen on which Sheep commonly feed , which ought to be free from all other Herbs , except Camomile ; then you must have a slicer with along and crooked handle , to cut the said Turff in direct Lines , still remembring to slope your hand whilst you cut , that if the Turff chance to be raised , it may be neatly rejoyned and put together again , so that it may seem as if it was made long since . This cutting of the Turff must be made square one foot in breadth , and three in length , of the thickness of an inch at the most , that it being raised with the slice of Iron somewhat bended , and with a handle of a convenient length , it may be roll'd like a sheet of Paper , to be transported where 't is necessary , and plac't with Art according to the Traces of our Ground-works . The best season for this work is after Michaelmas ; for , if you stay till the Spring , there happen then sometimes Droughts , which do endamage extreamly the said Turff , so that one is sometimes forced to water it , and yet notwithstanding it hinders not the good grass from dying , and nothing remains on our Turffs but base Herbs and Weeds . But , let us come to the means to maintain and keep the said Turff , which is done by often Mowing and Rowling of it ; first with a Rouler of Wood , to take off the Worm-cast ; then afterwards with the stone Rouler , to render it the firmer and more tite : This rouling must be done every day , or at the least every other day ; and it must be Mowed at the least twice a week , that the grass may grow the thicker , and the Knots lie alwayes close cut and smooth : the sithe must be made accordingly , and so stockt , that it may be laid flat upon the grass , so as to cut it the more even .

There remains yet a word to say concerning the Garden-Alleys , which are the chiefest Ornaments of a Garden , and wherein England excelleth other Countreys , as well as by its art in Turffing ; wherefore we shall give some small instructions therein , which may be of use in Forreign Countreys : which is , that , to have fair Walks , in which one may walk in all weathers with ease , there must be chosen a firm gravelly Sand , without the least mixture of any earth , except Clay , in case the gravel be too stony ; and after it has been sifted somewhat grosly , let the biggest be laid in the bottom of the Walks , and that which is sifted on the top , very even , but only three or four inches higher in the middle then on the sides , just enough to drain the waters and no more ; for I do not approve so great slopings which some use to give to Alleys , which are troublesome to those that walk , by their overroundness . The Walks being thus gravelled , they must be neatly kept by Weeding and Rouling of them daily with a stone Rouler : Note by the by , that the said small gravel or course sand must be laid as thick as may be , that the Worms may not pierce through ; to that purpose it will not be amiss to lay all sorts of rubbish in the bottom of the said Alleys .

This is in brief what was to be said concerning the Turff-works , and the Alleys belonging to the Garden of Pleasure ; there may be added another bed or couch upon the surface of the said Alleys , viz. small shells , which are commonly found on the Sea-shore ; which shells must be beaten very small , and strewd lightly over the said surface , the more to prevent the Worms from piercing through , and add a greater Ornament to the Walks .

We shall now come to the distinguishing of Ground-works and Knots of Grass , each in their place and order ; the first is to contain 60 Toises square in in-work ; the cross-Alleys , from one Angle to the other , between four and five Toises , with the Fountain in the middle of 8 Toises in Diameter , and the four other Fountains at the four Angles ; All , as is described in our Design , set down at the beginning of the Ground-works in Embroidery , Fol. 4. as being intended to be drawn upon our great General Draught ; but before we go on with the particulars of these said grass-Knots , it will not be amiss to give a word of advice concerning our intention in the structure of the said Knots , which is , that the Master-stroke which forms the Design be planted of Box , and clipped square ; the space from one border to the other is the path-way , which is to be of nine foot in breadth in the great Designs , but of six foot in the lesser ; in the middle of which path ought to be made a List of grass , which will make a lovely shew from on high : Then , in the middle of the cut pieces should be made a List to set Flowers in , which must be raised some three or four inches higher then the level of the ground , exactly fallow , according to the order of the Knots ; then , in some places lay the cut pieces of Turff , in others plant Camomile and matted Pinks ; above all , still observing the exact Symmetry and true proportion ; In stead of setting Flowers in the List , it may be sanded or gravel'd with another colour'd Sand then that of the Paths , but of an even Level : As also those that will not make use of Box , may make use of Boards or Planks Pitch'd within side , and Painted without , that they may last the longer ; which Planks being aptly disposed according to our Designs , will give no small satisfaction to the curious . These things abovemention'd being well understood , it will be , I believe , easie enough to contrive all manner of Designs for the greater Perfection of the Garden of Pleasure .

Now we shall go on with the Particulars of our Grass Knots , the second of which in Fol. 19. contains 40 Toises square in in-work ; its Fountain is to be 7½ in Diameter , and the 24 Statues to be set up upon their Piedestals , or else half-Statues and half Cyprus-Trees , all in proportion with the grass List in the middle of the Paths , as they are described in the Design .

The third Fol. 20. is an Oblong square Knot , of 50 Toises in length , and 38 in breadth in in-work , the eight-square Fountain 6 in Diameter , and the Alleys 4½ in breadth , with Statues and Grass-Lists in the middle of the Paths , as may be seen upon the Design .

The Fourth , Fol. 21. is another Oblong square-Knot of 38 Toises in length , and 30 in breadth , in in-work ; its Fountain of 6 in Diameter , and the Alleys 4 in breadth , the Statues and Grass-Lists placed in their due places as aforesaid .

The fifth , Fol. 22. is also a grass-Knot , but without cross-Alleys , containing about 28 Toises square , with the outward Walks , which are of three Toises , or 20 Foot in breadth , the Fountain of 4 in in-work , the whole accompanied with Statues , and adorned with a Grass-List in the middle of the Paths , with a half-oval at the end , and a Terrasse or high Walk on the Front , as it may be noted on the Design .

The Sixth , Fol. 23. is an Oblong square Knot , without cross-Alleys , containing about 29 Toises in Front , and 22½ in depth , the whole in-work , adorned with Statues and Grass-Lists in the middle of the Paths . This Design differs from the others , by reason that there is neither strait lines nor compass-strokes in it ; We made it in one of the Castles belonging to the late Prince of Orange , called Honsclerdeck .

The seventh and last grass-Knot , Fol. 24. is also an Oblongsquare , without cross-Alleys , containing 40 Toises in length , and 26 in depth ; the Statues and Cyprus-Trees being disposed with due proportion , as also the Grass Lists in the middle of the Paths , as is described upon the Design .

This is in short what I thought fit to say concerning the Embroider'd Ground-works , which ought to be planted with Box , as also touching the Grass and Box-Knots : Now it remains that we Treat of the Embroider'd Turff-ground-works , as also of the Knots without Box ; and finally of Wildernesses and Labyrinths or Mazes : And we shall begin with the Royal-Garden , which we have contrived by His Majesties Order in His Park at St. James's .

This Royal Garden , Fol. 25. contains 200 Toises in length , and 50 in breadth ; and whereas there is no place near it from which it may be view'd from on high , we have therein omitted all Embroidered ground-works , and Knots of grass , and have contrived it into several Parallelograms , according to its length ; and in regard it falls out , that at one end there happens to be a wild Wood , we have contrived another of green Trees over against it , of which the great Tree which was found standing there in the middle makes the Head , both of the green Wood and the rest of the Garden ; which Tree we thought fit to leave as a remembrance of the Royal Oak . The Lists in the said Parallelograms are Planted with dwarf-fruit-Trees , Rose-Trees , and several sorts of Flowers ; the circumference is planted with Cyprus-Trees and other green Plants , to make Palissado's of about five foot high , with two perforated Gates to every square ; the said Lists are parted with Grass in the manner of Knots . Finally , the Alleys are of five Toises in breadth , with their Lists , in the middle of which are planted dwarf-fruit-Trees and Vines ; the great Walk on the Right-hand is raised Terrass-like , and Turff't ; having a Fountain of five Toises in Diameter , and a Round of Grass whereon to set up a Dial or Statue , as also in several places Cut-Angles , as may be seen upon the Design .

The first Ground-work in Embroidery of Grass , Fol. 26. contains fifty Toises square in in-work ; the Fountain eight in Diameter , and the Alleys four in breadth , the Lists of grass which environ the 4 Triangles , have 4 foot in breadth , and may be border'd with Boards in stead of Turffs , and set with low-Flowers ; likewise at each Angle there may be Cyprus-Trees neatly kept and cut . We made this and the following Design much like unto those in Fol. 3. and 16. that thereby all the foregoing Designs which are in Embroidery , may be the more easie to the less skilful in Designs , for to add or diminish according as it will be thought convenient , when they come to be put in Practice .

The second Ground-work , Fol. 27. is of Grass-Embroidery , of a Parallelogramick form , containing 36 Toises in front , and 29 in depth ; the outward List four Foot in breadth , with four Cut-Angles , wherein may be set up , either Statues , or Cyprus-Trees , beside what is placed in the center of the said Design .

The third Ground-work in Embroidery of grass , Fol. 23. contains about 35 Toises in breadth , and 40 in length , from one Angle to the other , with a half-oval , both upon the Basis , and at the end of the said ground-work : There may be set up in it four Statues , viz. one in the middle of the List of the half-oval upon its Basis , two upon the inward great strokes over against one another , and the Fourth in the Center of the double C. there remaining yet four places in which Cyprus-Trees may be Planted .

The Fourth Design , Fol. 29. is a Grass Ground-work , containing 50 Toises in in-work ; its eight-square Fountain seven in Diameter , and the Alleys four in breadth ; in each square there may be set up three Statues , and four Cyprus-Trees planted , or else but one single Statue in the Center of each square , as also at the four external Cut-Angles of the said Squares , and all the other places planted with Cyprus-Trees ; it is to be noted , that all those marked with small points , ought to be grass , and the rest gravel , which must be renew'd every year , by reason that the Worms casts take away its lovely colour , which is one of the chiefest ornaments of Grass Groundworks ; the same may be understood concerning the Designs in Embroidery in general .

The Fifth , Fol. 30. is also a grass Ground-work , containing 40 Toises in breadth , and fifty in length , from Angle to Angle , with a quarter of an oval at each side of the upper end , in whose Center is an eight-square of grass to set a Statue on ; as also at the four outward Angles , and likewise in the four Parallelograms of our Design , with the Cyprus-Trees planted in order , all according as it is described in the Design . It is to be noted , that one of the said Parallelograms of our Design , may be also contrived singly on ground , and that in making of it bigger or less as need requires ; as likewise , it may easily be turned into a Wilderness , giving a convenient breadth to the grass-Lists ; which must be changed into Alleys with Palissado's on each side , and the rest filled confusedly with Wood .

This is sufficient as for the Ground-works in Embroidery , and grass-Knots in general ; there remains now to treat concerning the Wildernesses , which are distinguished two-fold , viz. Wildernesses planted of wild Trees , and those that are planted with all sorts of ever-greens . This last kind is fittest in the Gardens of Pleasure , and the first are most convenient in Parks , and more remote places , as growing higher and thick , which would not sute well with the inclosure of the Garden of Pleasure .

The first Wilderness , Fol. 31. contains 44 Toises square , the Alleys three in breadth , and the Fountain six in Diameter ; the four inward Walks , as also the four large Arbors at the Angles of them may be made of Timber , vaulted at the top , so as to joyn neatly there to the Palissado's , that , during the violent heat of Summer , one may have the conveniency of cool shades , under which to sit shelter'd from the parching Rayes of the Sun , either for studious Retirement , or the enjoyment of Society with two or three Friends , a Bottle of Wine and a Collation : Nevertheless , I do not so much approve of this kind of Covering , for two Reasons ; The first , because it is unwholsome for want of Air ; The Second , by reason that the Green cannot well grow in the inside of them , and by consequence the Palissado's , though of Quick-set , and very green without , seem but like dead Wood within ; therefore if the Curious are desirous to have of them in their Gardens , it will be requisite they should have great Gaps , or Windowes made in the top at some convenient distance , through which the Air may come in , and by this means prevent such inconveniences .

The Second Wilderness , Fol. 32. contains 40 Toises square in in-work , the Alleys two in breadth , and the Fountain eight in Diameter ; what is fill'd with small points ought to be grass , and the rest Sand or gravel and Flowers , as may be seen in the Design . The great stroke which forms the Design is to set a Palissado in , which may be suffer'd to grow some five foot high at the most , which must be understood of all the other Designs of Wildernesses .

The third Wilderness , Fol. 33. is a Parallelogram , containing 36 Toises in length , and 26 in breadth ; the outward Walk three , and the other inward ones two ; the Fountain six in length and four in breadth , the List of flowers and grass in their proper places ; the whole according as it is described in the Design .

The Fourth and last Wilderness , Fol. 34. . is also a Parallelogram , containing 42 Toises in length , and 28 in breadth ; the Arbors joyning one to another , and the Statues and Trees set in their places in order , as may be seen in the Design .

We shall end our Designs with the Labyrinths or Mazes , whose Palissado's are to be planted in double ranks , that they may be thereby the stronger and thicker , to hinder the going through them . The first , Fol. 35. is of an eight-square form , containing 36 Toises square in in-work , the Alleys are to be 12 foot in breadth or more .

The second Labyrinth , Fol. 36. is an Oblong square , containing 36 Toises in breadth , and 44 in length in in-work ; this is wholly without all proportion , nevertheless it will make a pretty shew on Ground . It is to be noted , that the most of space that can be given to Labyrinths is the best ; therefore it will be necessary to chuse some convenient place out of the Garden to contrive them in , where one may have space enough , as 60 or 80 Toises in square .

I hope I have rendred my self sufficiently to be understood for the Designing of all General Draughts , Ground-works , Wildernesses , and other Designs which may make up a Garden of Pleasure ; the which I have done , that the less skilled in the adorning of Gardens , may reap thereof both use and pleasure in their Decorations ; the whole WORK being the Product of my many years Practice and Labour , and the Skill which I have acquired thereby ; Therefore I entreat all Lovers of the Art of Gardening , to take in good part this small WORK of mine , which I have Published for the Publick good .

FINIS .