tain. Those trees were disposed in such a
manner that you could command the whole at one view. He had placed in the
middle of this hollow the plants of the lowest growth: behind grew the
shrubs; then trees of an ordinary height: above which rose majestically the
venerable lofty groves which border the circumference. Thus from its centre
this extensive enclosure appeared like a verdant amphitheatre spread with
fruits and flowers, containing a variety of vegetables, a chain of meadow
land, and fields of rice and corn. In blending those vegetable productions
to his own taste, he followed the designs of Nature. Guided by her
suggestions, he had thrown upon the rising grounds such seeds as the winds
might scatter over the heights, and near the borders of the springs such
grains as float upon the waters. Every plant grew in its proper soil, and
every spot seemed decorated by her hands. The waters, which rushed from the
summits of the rocks, formed in some parts of the valley limpid fountains,
and in other parts were spread into large clear mirrors, which reflected
the bright verdure, the trees in blossom, the bending rocks, and the azure
heavens.

"Notwithstanding the great irregularity of the ground, most of these
plantations were easy of access. We had, indeed, all given him our advice
and assistance, in order to accomplish this end. He had formed a path which
wound round the valley, and of which various ramifications led from the
circumference to the centre. He had drawn some advantage from the most
rugged spots; and had blended, in harmonious variety, smooth walks with the
asperities of the soil, and wild with domestic productions. With that
immense quantity of rolling stones which now block up those paths, and
which are scattered over most of the ground of this island, he formed here
and there pyramids; and at their base he laid earth, and planted the roots
of rose bushes, the Barbadoes flower fence, and other shrubs which love to
climb the rocks. In a short time those gloomy shapeless pyramids were
covered with verdure, or with the glowing tints of the most beautiful
flowers. The hollow recesses of aged trees, which bent over the borders of
the stream, formed vaulted caves impenetrable to the sun, and where you
might enjoy coolness during the heats of the day. That path led to a clump
of forest trees, in the centre of which grew a cultivated tree, loaded with
fruit. Here was a field ripe with corn, there an orchard. From