The manner of raising, ordering, and improving forrest-trees also, how to plant, make and keep woods, walks, avenues, lawns, hedges, &c. : with several figures proper for avenues and walks to end in, and convenient figures for lawns : also rules by M. Cook.

CHAP. XXXVIII. (Book 38)

Of making Walks, Avenues, or Lawns. (Book 38)

AS for making of Walks in Gardens, I shall not speak of that in this place, because I have resolved to keep my walk without the walls: there are several Books of Gardening that have many Drafts and Knots in them, but they be all done by ghess, and none of them fitted to a scale, to inform what Ground they be most proper for; so that they be as fit for Butter-Prints as for Knots in a Garden.

Most Walks that are made abroad, they either terminate, or end, or lead to the Front of a House, or Door, or Garden-gate, or other Gate, High-way, or Wood, &c. Now if you would make a Walk from any one of these, and have resolved upon the Center or Middle Line of the Walk, as the Middle of a Door in the Front of a house, or the like, there pitch up a straight stake, and then from the square of the Front, &c. raise a Perpendicular from this Stake, and at a con∣venient distance in this perpendicular Line, set up another stake; let these two stakes be two little stakes at first, but that at the Centre al∣wayes the highest; these two stakes being thus fixed, and you fully concluding them to be in the Mid-line, then come to the Centre-stake, and having in readiness a Quantity of Stakes, according to the Length of your Walk, bid one of your assistance go as far as you can well see back-sight and fore-sight, and there by the motion of your hand or hat, and his own back-sight, let him fix upright one stake as exactly as may be in the Line, then take up the two little stakes, and at the Cen∣tre fix in a stake six foot high, straight and upright, with paper on the top, and exactly in the place where the little stake stood: Thus ha∣ving got two stakes placed (the Middle-stake and the Centre-stake,) you may if your Walk be level, and the ground clear, and the Walk not above one mile long, set up one stake at the End, in the Mid-line; looking over the head of that stake and the other, moving it till these three stakes be in a Right Line; so may you have the middle line of your walk by these three stakes exacter than by more: for the fewer stakes you use in your mid-line, the better; because that if you be but

once a little amiss, the more stakes are used, you will be so much the further out of the right way.

And note, it is better to take your sight over the head of your stakes, than to look by their sides; therefore you must have the Center stake highest, the next a little shorter, and so the next shorter than that, &c. but if your Ground be not level, then order your stakes accordingly, as thus:

And if your Ground be not level, or be of such a length, that you cannot well see from End to End, then you must place down more stakes, viz. between the Middle-stake and Centre-stake one, and be∣tween the Middle and End-stake one, if need require more. I have oft made use of a sight-stake, which I had only to find the place where my other stakes should stand; this stake was made with a slit in the head half a foot deep, which I looked through over the heads of the rest, till I found the place where to set my stake right in the Mid-line: It is of good use, and Fig. 13. may somewhat represent it; you may make it to slide up and down, the better to come to the Level of the head of the stakes.

(See Fig. 13.)

When you take sight, to set any stake true in a Line with others, stand at a little distance with your Eye from the head of the stake, so shall you set it Exacter in the Line than when your Eye touches the head of the stake; set your stake so that you may onely see three stakes in a Line: let your Walk be of what length it will.

Having thus staked out your Mid-line, strain a Line in this Mid-line, and lay a square to that Line, so set off the breadth of your Walk ex∣actly square to your Middle-line, then set up stakes (as you did) against every stake in the Middle of the Walk, and when you have got the Lines true, where your Trees must stand, then drive down Oak-stakes in the Line to the head, and then it is but putting down high stakes by these when you come to set your Trees.

Then having resolved on the distance to set your Trees at, and pro∣vided good store of small stakes, take your Chain (and not a Line, for that will retch and shrink) and with your help set little stakes down∣right in this Line, and square where you would have every Tree to stand, these stakes are to make your holes by, which I would have at least three foot wide, and two foot deep, and the holes made a Quar∣ter of a Year before you set your Trees; if it were a year 'twere the better, keeping the Mould turn'd over now and then, and mixing it with Earth or Dung, if need be; then when the time of Planting is come, begin betimes; however, on dry ground; set up Stakes by every

Oak-stake you left in the Row before, having pruned the Roots and Heads to an equal height, set them right one Tree against another square.

And if your Trees be not all of one Size, set the greatest first, right one against another, and so lesser and lesser by degrees, minding that both Rows go on square together; and be sure you mind to let your Trees be at equal distance from End to End; then if you have a point fixed at both Ends, you must run over that distance you resolve to plant your Trees at, before you set your Stakes, and if you find it is over or short of equal distances, then must you adde or substract this odde open to or from the rest, to make them all of equal distance. See Chap. 33.

Now having your Trees and all things in Readiness, set them by the Stakes standing in the Rows, minding to set every Tree to range with the Stakes by back-sight and fore-sight: Cover and part the Roots with fine Mould; and when they be all covered, lay on some Rotten Dung over that Mould, and then cover that Dung with a little Mould: this Dung will keep them from friezing in Winter, and from drying too much in Summer; and also well prepares the water for the Roots. Thus having set them, take care to fence them in at such places where need is, so will you as well as I reap a great satisfaction, if you let not the Dung touch the Roots.

Do not mask a fine Front, nor vail a pleasant Prospect (as too ma∣ny doe) by making the Walks too narrow. If you make any Walk that leads to any pleasant Front of a House, or other Object; if it be but half a mile long, let it be at least forty foot wide, but if longer, more, as 50 or 60 foot wide, or the breadth the length of your Front; But if you be for walks of shade, then make three Walks, the mid∣dle one 40, the two out-side walks each 20 foot, or 50 and 25 the out-side walks, or divide your Front into two parts, and let the middle be as broad as both the side-walks; so that if you make three walks toge∣ther, let the middle one be as much as both the other, so will the Trees range much the better, whether you set them square or triangular; but however keep to one of them, though I think the square to be the best, because then four Trees in the four Rows end all together, fit to end in either Semicircle, segment of a Circle, Oval, Triangle, or Circle; for all walks of any Length, especially in Parks, should end in some one of these Figures, or lead into some other walk; but where they doe fall into another walk, there should be a Circle to receive them, or else they seem much defective.

I shall now endeavour to shew you how to make a walk through a

wood, and then I will give you an Example of some of the Figures that Walks ought to end in.

Suppose you were to clear a Walk or Line through a Wood, for to run the Mid-line true about three yards wide; having the Centre given, doe as before, run your Mid-line as far as you can into the wood, and at one yard distance on each side the Mid-line, two other Lines; Run these Lines also as far as you can into the wood, keeping them just one yard distant, and setting up stakes (as you proceed into the wood) with large whites, all of a bigness, as half a sheet of white Pa∣per on every Stake spread abroad; when any of these three Lines come to a Tree, run on the other two till you are past the Tree, and then set him off again in its place, parallel to his fellowes, and so proceed till you be through the Wood, marking that wood which must goe down; then when your under-wood is stocked up, run out your Line again; still when you come to a Tree, set off Parallels; and when past, set off into your true Line again: This way I cut a straight Line through the Wood-walk at Cashiobury, from the North front, over one wall and several Hedges, neer a mile long, and when I came to stake it out true, there was at the very end not four foot difference, as the ingenious Hugh May Esq; can witness, and several others.

This way of staking out a walk by three Lines is worth your practi∣sing; in setting out of Walks that go through Hedges or Bushes, be sure to carry on the Mid-line of the walk, and the two Lines where the Trees must goe, together; now and then measuring to see if they keep their equal distances, and that which is amiss you will soon find, and may as soon rectifie it again.

There is another way of carrying a straight Line through a Wood, which Reason taught me, and by Experience I have found true: the place where the middle of the walk should poynt to, being given, there hang up a large Candle and Lanthorn, and having found the Mid-line some 20, 30, or 40 yards from that, there hang up another, they must both hang pretty high, but let that next the House or Center be the higher; having thus placed your two Lights, and in a clear calm night (but not too light) goe with your Man to the further side of the wood, till you make both these Lights in one Line, and then walk on, keep∣ing them so, marking the Trees on each side of you, quite through the Wood, order them to be cut down at leisure; so shall you have a straight Line cut through the Wood.

But if you are to make a walk from Gate to Gate, so that you are tied to such a Center at each End, if your walk be so that you can see from End to End, it is then but setting up two Stakes, one at each end,

by the sight of which cause a third to be set up in the middle: But if you cannot see to the far End, for Hill, Wood, or the like, then you must cause an high Pole, with a white on the top, to be set up at the End, by that and your Centre-stake cause your Assistants to set up as many as you think convenient in the Mid-line; but if that wood be so▪ high that you cannot see a high Pole at the End, then run it over as near as you can by ghess, take notice of the Length, and of your Error at End and ¼ and ½ and ¾ each; at a Quarter of the Length of your walk set off a quarter of your Error, &c. And thus bring your Line till it ranges exactly from one point to another, from Gate to Gate; then set off the two Lines where the Trees must goe (as is before shew∣ed) by the square, and if for three walks, then the four Rows of Trees; if there be three Walks, let the Middle-walk be just as broad as both the other, which is the best Form; or else all three of equal breadth, so may you set your Trees not onely square, but they will answer one another several wayes beside, as square from A. to B. and other wayes, as B. to C. and to D. so that every Tree must keep his Row, Range, Square, and equal Distance, &c.

(See Fig. 14.)

The pricked Lines shew how the sight will take the Trees as square from A. to B. and Angle-wayes from C. to B. or C. to D. &c.

Thus have I shewed you how to stake out the Mid-line, and the two side-lines of your walk: I wish Sir E. T. Sir W. B. and Sir R. B. had seen these Directions before they had planted their walks; I do judge they then would have done them better: For Errors in planting make too many worthy Persons forbear.

Now as for the Figures which walks ought to end in, I have named them before; and if you observe, most Plants (especially Trees) which make your Walks, the most of them end in a Circular figure; and therefore I will shew you some wayes how Walks ought to end in a Circle: For a walk ending bluntly without any Figure or entring in∣to another, may be compared to a Tree with the Head off, and what difference there is, let those which well observe the Objects of Nature judge. Let the Circle be three times the Breadth of your walk, if con∣veniently you can, or bigger if you have Room.

After you have found the Mid-line, and resolved upon the Centre, as at A. and of the Bigness of your Circle, next consider of the Di∣stance of your Trees round the Circle; run that distance over first, and if you find an odde Tree, let it stand in the Mid-line, and in the Cir∣cumference, as at B. but if no odde Tree, then let the Mid-line pass

tween two Trees, adding or substracting the odde Inches, till you find the equal distance your Trees must stand at, &c.

(See Fig. 15.)

Let the Trees in your Circle stand not much above half the distance that the Trees are in the Rowes, as in the last they were 16 foot ••ere, Trees in the walk 24 foot, but in the Oval thicker, that they may shew the Figure the better; A fine Tree in the Centre of all Circles doth well.

(See Fig. 16.)

Two Walks meeting in a Point, let that be the Centre of the Circle, as at A. and there a Tree.

Two Walks crossing one another, where the Mid line meets let that be the Centre of a Circle, as B.

Note: That if your Circle be divided into two parts, by Walks, as the Circle A. find a distance that the Trees in each part may stand as neer that distance as may be, there they be near 11 foot both, and the Circle B. neer 10 foot asunder.

Now the smaller parts the Circle is put into, the thicker set your Trees round it; as B. is put into four parts by the two Walks crossing it; set these parts the thicker that they may shew the Figure the better.

Of three Walks going up to a Circle, as they doe to the Bowling-Green at Cashiobury (which Green is 80 yards, or 240 foot diameter, with a border 16 foot wide, planted with three Rowes of Spruce-firs, set in the year 1672. being set Circular and Triangular,) see the Figure: there are 90 trees in the outer Row, and 90 Trees in the innermost Row, and 89 in the middle Row, which is 269 trees; I lost not one of these, except one that was stollen.

(See Fig. 17.)

To plant such a Border, first with a Line on the Centre B. mark out the Circle where the inner Row should goe, then set two Trees in the Circle, and in the Rows of the VValk, as at A. A. then having re∣solved of the distance to set them at, run that Distance over from A. A. and the odde Inches or parts adde or substract, according to the Num∣ber of the Opens, to or from the Measure you first resolved on, as is shewed before, &c.

1. Next I shall shew you some wayes how VValks may come into or end in a Semi-circle, or Segment of a Circle, &c. as A. being a Gate,

B. C. is a Hedge or Pale, A. is the Centre of the middle of the VValk and Circle.

(See Fig. 18.)

Or thus: The Centre at A. and then three Trees or more to go to the Pale parallel to the Walk, as 1, 2, 3.

2. How three Walks may come into a Semi-Circle:

(See Fig. 19.)

This may be continued on with three or more Trees parallel to the Mid-line, as in Fig. 19, &c.

3. How three Walks may break into a Semi-circle at three several places, and how to make the Semi-circle so great, as that you may have just so much Wood on all sides of the Walks, as the Walks are broad, or to order it to what proportion you please.

Suppose the three Walks to be each forty foot wide, which makes 120 foot, then there is to be 40 foot without one side-walk, and 40 foot without the other side-walk, and 40 foot between each of the side-walks, and the Middle-walk, which is four times 40 foot, that is, 160 foot; so that the 120 foot makes 280 foot for the Arch of this Se∣micircle, then find the Semi-diameter to the Arch of this Circle, and strike the Arch from the Centre.

Ex. The Semi-circumference being 280, the Circumference is then 560.

Then as 22 is to 7, or if you will be more Exact (as the Learned Oughtred in his Circles of Proportion, pag. 43. saith) as 3.1416 is to 1. so is the Circumference to the Diameter; but the other is a standing Rule, nigh enough for our purpose.

〈 math 〉〈 math 〉

As 22 to 7, so 560 to 178 4/22 (the Diameter;) if you turn this Fraction in∣to Inches, it will be two Inches, and near half of a Barley-Corn, so then the whole Diameter will be 178 foot 2 Inches, the half is 89 foot one Inch: With this 89 foot one Inch (being the Semi-diameter) draw the Arch of your Semi-circle, which Arch shall be 280 foot; and from the Centre by which you drew this Arch▪ may be the Mid-line of your three Walks; as is described in the Figure.

(See Fig. 20.)

Let the Centre A. be in a straight Line with the pricked Line B. B. and parallel to the Middle-walk C. the Line B. A. B. may be (if Con∣venience serve) 50 or 60 foot from the wall, pale, hedge, and that to goe parallel to that Line; and where the wall or pale ends, there may be a Row of Trees continued so far as you please or can, &c. At the Centre A. let be some fine Tree set, or some Figure, &c. I once saw a Semi-circle set out somewhat like this, where I saw a great deal of measuring before they could proportion it exactly to such a place as was intended: I took my Pen, and by these Rules I told them justly how far they should goe. More I could say, if I thought it not un∣seasonable now.

Here you see how to proportion a Semi-circle, which you may en∣large with three, four, or five Trees on each side, and parallel to the Middle-walk, as is in the second Figure of Semi-circles; but be mind∣full to make such a Figure for your Walks to end in, and of such a bigness as is most convenient to your Ground; the Arch of the Semi-circle may be one Row of Trees, (as in the Figure) or two, three, four, or more, as you please; but three Rows set triangular do very well.

4. How and where a Semi-circle is proper on the side of a Walk, &c.

Suppose you have a Walk a Mile in length or more, it is no wayes improper, but pleasant and satisfactory to have your Walks shew you every ¼ of a Mile, ½ of a Mile, and ¾, &c. to the End; or from each End, or from one End back to the other; as if you begin at the Centre-tree in the Semi-circle at A. then at ¼ of a Mile at the Figure 1. make a Semi-circle to break out on the Right hand, the Cen∣tre-tree to be exactly in the Row of the Walk, and just a quarter of a mile, as is shewed in the Figure as well as the Largeness of our Pa∣per would bear by the Semi-circle Figure 1; then at the half mile let two Trees stand in a Semi-circle, at Figure 2, one to stand in the Row that makes the walk, which two Trees is half a mile, and at three quarters three Trees; still minding that one be in the Row or Walk the Centre-tree of your Circle, and the exact distance: So one Tree the Centre of the Semi-circle, as at Figure 1. is a ¼ of a mile; two Trees as at Figure 2 is ½ a mile, three Trees as at Figure 3 is ¾ of a mile:

(See Fig. 21.)

Though the Figure doth not show well, because the smallness of the Paper will not allow Room to draw the distance of miles, as the Trees are according to Scale, (though my scale is here for the distance of the Trees 160 foot for one Inch) yet I presume, where this is really acted in Walks, it will do well: I here begin at the Centre-tree in the Se∣mi-circle, and in the Right-hand Row, shewing how the ¾ of the mile may be set out, and shewed by the Semi-circles on the sides; at the other End, I begin at the Centre of the Circle, and so shew the ¼, ½, and ¾, how they may be set out on the other side.

Or if you please, you may have a Tree in the Mid-line of your Walk, at every quarter of a mile, with a Circle to break round that Tree three times the breadth of the Walk, which Tree must be pruned up high, or else it will hinder the Prospect of your Walk, (I fansie the other way is best) as let a Tree stand at every ¼ of a mile, as you see in the Figure.

(See Fig. 22.)

Thus having shewed you how Walks may end in Circles, or Semi-circles, I shall now shew how Walks may end or come into an Oval, and how it sometimes happens that an Oval is the best Figure that Walks can End in.

If three Walks meet acutely at one place, then it will be necessary to have the Mid-line of the three Walks meet at a Tree in the side of an Oval; for if you make that poynt the Centre of a Circle, it will be too large, 'tis possible larger than your Ground will permit; as at Cashiobury, where the three Walks meet by Hemsted High-way; for if I had made the Circle from the aforesaid Centre, and made the Semi-di3ameter so large as to have in the Circumference the two Trees mark∣ed A. A. which rangeth for both Walks, then would this Circle have been too great, and beside could not be made within the Pale: Now I having Orders from my Lord, that the Mid-line of these three Walks should meet at a Tree, as in Fig. 23. they doe at B. and that I should make the Figure so large as that the Wood which is between the Middle-walk, and the two out-side Walks, should end at a Tree which should stand exactly in the Range of Trees, for the Middle-walk, and also for the in-side Rows of the two out-walks; by considering I found the Oval to suit best with this ground; so I having these two Trees, as at A. A. and the Poynt as at B. which I took for the Breadth of the Oval, accordingly I made it. See the Figure.

Length of the Oval is 205 foot, Breadth 124 foot, Middle-walk 50 foot, the side-walks each 40 foot wide, having wood between the VValks, and round the Oval.

(See Fig. 23.)

Now having the two Trees as at A A. and the Centre-tree of the three Walks B. from the Mid-line of the middle-walk, and in the middle of that Line between A A. and B. draw a perpendicular Line, which sheweth the Length of the Oval; at each End set a Tree, as C. C. then divide the distance between the Centre-tree at B. and the End-trees at C. C. which let be at such a distance as may best suit with the six Trees between D. and C. on each side; here the Trees between B. and C. are ten foot ten Inches distance, and the Trees between D. and C. are 10 foot 9 Inches distance; Let alwayes the Trees that make either Oval or Circle stand pretty nigh, they shew this or any other Figure the better: For this no certain distance can be given, but they must be set at such a distance as the Arch-line can be divided into, &c.

I shall shew you how to know the Length of an Arch-line, and how to make an Oval or other Figure hereafter.

This Oval and Walks are surrounded with Wood, and also between the Walks ending at a Tree, as at A A. you may make broader at your pleasure, or you may alter the Oval in shape or bigness, as your Ground and Fancy shall direct you. Your Oval may be surrounded with a double or treble Row of Trees if you fansie it, and indeed if it be in a place where it is not encompassed with wood, it is very proper: An Oval or a Circle, are very good Figures for Ponds, though they be not in use:

Now for making Walks to end in a Triangle, this may be several wayes, according to your Fancy or Ground: But I confess I never yet saw or heard of any Walk in England or elsewhere that ended in such a Figure; But why may not the best of Figures be neglected by the Ingenious Survey or both at home and abroad, as well as we see many Excellent things known to several ingenious men, which are practised by few.

Having made at the End of Walks, Semi-circles, Circles and Ovals of several sorts, and notwithstanding that I had at the end of the three VValks that goe from the Garden to the Bowling-green, that end next the Garden, a Figure given me by a worthy person (but how proper for that place I shall not now speak) I nevertheless neglected that, and made the Triangle as is shewed by Figure 24. The trees I set the closer, because this being a Front of the house intended to be hid at a distance all but the breadth of the VValks, therefore I chose this Figure as much proper for such a design.

(See Fig. 24.)

This Line according to Scale is the Length of the Garden-walk, the

Break in the middle against the great Walk, is a Grate which is in∣tended to front it.

This Figure might be much improved if it were made a little larger, so that the inner Row of the Triangles might range a little without the End of the Garden wall, and at that end a walk to take it, to goe by the Garden-side; so might you have a convenient by-way without the VValls, from the 20 foot VValk, along either VValk of the Triangles, to the walk by the Garden-side, &c.

There are several other sorts of Triangles proper for VValks to end in, but for Shade I preferre this or the next following; if you would have the Trees to shew the shape of their heads, then a single Row is best, as the out-Row of the Triangle-walk.

(See Fig. 25.)

For a Court you would have shaded with Trees, this Figure will do well.

In this last Figure you may let the little VValk end Parallel with the VVall, and have no VValks by the side-walls; or you may make onely one VValk on each side.

As for making of the Triangle at the End of your Walk, it may be Analogically according to your Ground; though these two be made obtuse, the perpendicular half the Length of the Base: there be seve∣ral sorts of Triangles or triangular Figures; but these we have here made are called Ambligone; that is, a Triangle which hath one obtuse and two acute Angles, &c.

Thus having shewed you most of the Regular Figures through which a Walk may pass, or in which a Walk may end, I shall now shew how a VValk may pass through a Square, and so proceed.

(See Fig. 26.)

You may make your VValks according to this Figure, or you may have the VValks break into the Square in the Middle, on every side, which Figure will do well with a Tree in the Centre, where the prick is, Thus:

(See Fig. 27.)

How a VValk may end in a Square, may well be perceived by this last Figure; besides, it is common in many places to be seen, yet in my Opinion is not so convenient for a VValk to end in as the aforsaid Fi∣gures; from these foregoing you may make several others, according to your Ground: for it is a good Rule to Cut your Coat according to your Cloath; and to proportion the Figure your VValk ends in, ac∣cording to the best convenience of your Ground.

Let not your hand alwayes for Copies stay, But let an active Fancy lead your way. Proportion still your Figure to your Ground, Whether it be Triangle, Square, or Round.

Some of these Figures are also the best to make your Lawns, that is, a spacious Plane joyning to your House; which let be in Largeness according as your Ground will permit, as 100 Acres or more.

This Lawn is most convenient to be on the South side, or East side of your House: For if it be on the VVest side, it giveth the more way for the west wind (which is most commonly the greatest) to harm your House, by its free passage thereto: Also if your best Rooms front your Lawn, as they alwayes should doe, the Afternoon being the most usual time in which great Persons do solace themselves in these principal Rooms, the Afternoon Sun will then be Offensive to such Rooms, and the Prospect will both be hindred and not so pleasant; for the Sun by shining against you and from the Object, doth by both hinder your Prospect; and most Prospects are most pleasant when the Sun shineth on them. These Inconveniences, which arise from your Lawns being on the west side of your House, being considered, I thence conclude, by the Rule of Contraries, that it is most convenient for your Lawn to be on the East side of your House; for there you have your Rooms shady in the Afternoon, the Objects which you view from your house much beautified by the Sun shining upon them in the Afternoon, &c.

For the aforesaid Reasons your Lawn may do very well on the South side of your House; for the Sun shining most part of the day on that side of your House, doth much adde to the beauty of that Front, which ought to be the best Front of your House; therefore a large Lawn on that side, doth much help the Prospect to the House, and also from it.

A Lawn on the North side is no wayes convenient, for that layes your House too open to the cold North winds, &c. VVherefore, let your North and VVest sides be planted with VVoods, Orchards, &c.

A Square is no ill Figure for a Lawn, thus: VVhere there may be three Avenues break out at the three Angles, or one at the Angle op∣posite to the House: And if your Lawn be Rising Ground to the House, some Trees set thin on the Lawn will be very pleasant. (See Fig. 28.)

Your Lawn may be bounded with VValks, if you please, which in this Figure will do well, or you may have a single Row of Line-trees to bound your Lawn with, set at a good distance one from another, they will shew the shape of their heads the better.

As the Pricks are on the Lawn, so may your Trees stand, but leave the Front clear, except the Lawn be much falling Ground from the House:

Let the Figure of the House be in the form of these two, (Fig. 28, 29.) or any other, yet let the Lawn be on both sides the Front alike, making an Angle at the middle of the Front, or at some Court gate right be∣fore it, and breaking off (as you see in the Fig.) at a convenient distance from the House: A single Row of Line-trees set at 4 Rod distance, as they be in the Fig. will be pleasant to bound your Lawn.

(See Fig. 29.)

From these two you may make several, but still mind to make such as will best fit your Ground.

A Circle is a good Figure for a Lawn, onely it must break off be∣fore it comes against the Front.

A Triangle is also a very proper Figure for a Lawn, but let it not be too Acute at the Angle which leads to the Front, but rather Ob∣tuse, or right angled at the Angle next the Front, as in the two last Figures. I have often observed some Fields lying in the form of a Tri∣angle, leading up between two Woods or large Hedges, and some∣times I have seen a House at the Angle; this hath been very pleasant to my fancy, especially when it hath ascended up hill, and hath had the South, South-east, or East Aspect: Now if Noble-men and Gentlemen that have Ground convenient, would but make some such Lawns be∣fore their Houses, it would be very pleasant, and a great Ornament to their Seats. They may make these Lawns, and clear the wood that is within the Figure of them, as it decayes, or as they have occasion; the Charge would not be great, but the Pleasure and Profit would cer∣tainly be great and lasting:

I do preferre your Lime-trees to bound in your Lawn, because it is a Tree that will grow well on any Soyl, having but care to plant it as it should be, beside the fine shape all the Trees will naturally grow in, for they will seem as though they were cut, provided they be not set too thick, for then one hinders the shape of another.

The Elm is a good Tree for this purpose, for it hath a fine green Leaf, and if the Ground be Natural for it, it will grow to a great Tree, and straight, if kept with Pruning as it ought to be: These Trees you may plant thick round your Lawn.

The Beech, in Ground where it likes, makes a stately Tree, so doth the Walnut, Chesnut; black Cherries where they like the Ground, are quick Growers, and very pleasant in the Spring when they be cloathed in their white Garments; and indeed any Tree that is not very dangerous to remove, as is the stately Oak and Pines, which were the very best,

were it not for this fault. The Firs and Ewes are not so difficult; they will do well where they like the Ground, &c.

Now where men have not the Convenience or the Quantity of Ground, if they make but 20 Acres in a Field in some good Figure leading to the House, it will be the more pleasant, and the Charge as little as to do it other wayes.