CHAP. XXV. [ 10]
Of PARKS and WAR∣RENS.
PARKS and WARRENS may not im∣properly be termed the Nurseries and Store∣houses of Game, as being always furnished with Deer, Hares, and Coneys, and generally with Pheasants, and other winged Fowl. The first Ro∣man [ 20] that we read of that enclosed wild Beasts, was Fulvius Herpinus; and Varro had the first Hare-Warren.
As concerning the Scituation of a Park, I shall let you know wherein the beauty and ad∣vantages do consist; not that every place can afford such a ground; however he that can't have all the conveniences and benefits, should get as many of them as the place will afford, not losing any, and not to follow the Foot-steps of some, [ 30] who for want of due circumspection and mature consultation, have altered the frame of a Building two or three times before they have finished it, to their great loss and discredit.
A Park should have three sorts of Land in it, viz. Mountainous and Barren, Hilly and yet Fer∣tile, Plains and Fruitful: The Mountainous part should be well covered with high Woods, at least a third part thereof; the Downs and Hilly part, should have one third part Coppices and low [ 40] Woods; and the Plains, at least one third part Meadows, with some Arable for Corn. A Park should not want a River to run through some part of it; also it ought to have a small Brook or Springs; but if Nature denies these Conveniences, Art must supply it by Ponds, made to receive and preserve Rain which falls; and such Ponds will be very profitable for Fish and Fowl, in some of which may be made a Decoy.
You should have your Park well stored with [ 50] M••st-Trees, as Oaks, Beech, and Chesnut, which are not difficult to be had, and are quick of growth, especially the two last, and they exceed the former also in sweetness and goodness; neither should Apple, Pear, and Plumb Trees be want∣ing, all affording good food for them. You should also have your Park well inclosed, if pos∣sible, with a Brick or Stone-Wall; or for want with a Pale of sound Oak, so high and close joyned, that neither Badger or Cat can creep [ 60] through, nor Fox nor Wolf leap over; and for a further defence it were not amiss to have a good Quick-set Hedge, vvhich should be always kept in a good Husbandlike order. Some part of the Mountain and High-Wood may afford a Hernery, and some part of the Midling-ground may be for a Coney or Hare-Warren. In the whole, you may breed young Colts and Horses, nor is it amiss that in some part of the lower Ground you have a Cow-Walk during the Summer Season. There should be at least five or six Inclosures in your Park, that you may shut out and let in your Deer, as you see occasion; sometimes altogether into your High-Woods, where in cold Frosts and Snows they may be sheltered and fed by the Keepers vvith Hay and Provender. You may also in Summer let such a proportion as you in∣tend to use, be fed in better Ground than the o∣thers which are for Store. You should also make artificial Holes and Caverns for the Deer to retire into, as well in the hot as cold Seasons.