Chambers, William: A Dissertation On Oriental Gardening (London: Griffin [u.a.], 1773)

PREFACE. ix
But though it might be impertinent as well as ufeless
to start a new system of one’s own, it cannot be improper,
nor totally unserviceable, to publifli that os others:
especially of a people whose {kill in Gardening has often
been the subjed of praise; and whose manner has been
set up amongst us as the standard of imitation, without
ever having been properly defined. It is a common
saying, That from the worst things some good may be
extraded; and even if what I have to relate should be
inferior to what is already known, yet surely some useful
hints may be colleded from it.
I may theresore, without danger to myself, and it is
hoped without ossence to others, osser the following
account of the Chinese manner of Gardening ; which is
collected from my own observations in China, from
conversations with their Artists, and remarks transmitted
to me at disserent times by travellers. A sketch of what
I have now attempted to finifli, was publiflied some
years ago; and the favourable reception granted to
that little performance, induced me to colled materials
for this.