[2] Some years since there was at Reigate, in Surrey, a successful
attempt made in this style of laying out grounds, on the very
site where the illustrious Lord Shaftesbury wrote his
"Characteristics," and probably the very background of the
Gribelin frontispiece to the early edition of that invaluable
work. This spot came afterwards into the possession of a
gentleman who laid it out and planted it in so many forms, as
to comprise in miniature whatever can be supposed in the most
noble seats; for in it were a mount, river, parterre, wilderness,
and gardens, and a lawn containing four or five deer, terminated
by a small wood; yet the whole extent of ground did not exceed
four acres. This occasioned it to be called _all the world in
an acre_. Something of this kind was also projected by John
Evelyn, called _Elysium Britannicum_, the plan of which is to
be found in his works; but he did not complete his scheme.
Gardening is one of the most interesting amusements of retirement,
and without gardens, palaces are but "gross handyworks."
Philosophers and Heroes have always been fondly attached to
gardens, and their retreats must form an agreeable relief to
the cumbrous cares of Royalty itself.

* * * * *


ST. JAMES'S PARK.

_References to the Plan_.


1. Parade at the Horse Guards.