the two lists of his purchases from Henley, Jefferson describes this book as being in a “patent binding”. It is entered in his undated manuscript catalogue with the price, 3/6.

Jefferson took this book with him on his visit to England in 1786, and made use of it in his tour of the English gardens. At a later date he wrote: Memorandums made on a tour to some of the gardens in England described by Whately in his book on gardening. while his descriptions in point of style are models of perfect elegance and classical correctness, they are as remarkeable for their exactness. I always walked over the gardens with his book in my hand, examined with attention the particular spots he described, found them so justly characterised by him as to be easily recognised, and saw with wonder, that his fine imagination had never been able to seduce him from the truth. My enquiries were directed chiefly to such practical things as might enable me to estimate the expence of making and maintaining a garden in that style. My journey was in the months of March and April 1786.

Jefferson recommended the use of this book to his friends. In a letter to Madame Broutin at Cernay, dated from Paris le 13 Juillet, 1789, he wrote: “ Madame Broutin s’occupant d’un jardin Anglois, Monsieur Jefferson a pensé qu’elle pourroit avoir plaisir à voir un livre traduit de l’Anglois ou ce sujet est superieurement traité. à des principes très fondés, l’Auteur (M. Whateley) ajoute des descriptions exactes et pittoresques des jardins les plus celebres de l’Angleterre. Monsieur Jefferson prie donc Madame Broutin de lui accorder la grace de l’accepter. si elle y trouve de quoi se servir dans l’embellissement de sa belle campagne, il sera enchante d’y avoir contribué quelque peu que ce soit. si par hazard Madame Broutin possede deja le livre, Monsieur Jefferson n’aura alors que la consolation d’avoir prouvé son empressement de lui faire quelque chose d’agreable. il la prie, en tout cas, d’agreer l’hommage de ses respects, et de son attachement très sincere. ”

To this, Madame Broutin replied on July 17: “J’ai recu Monsieur avec autant de surprise que de reconnoissance le present utile et agréable que vous aves la bonté de me faire. je suis tres flattee que l’heureux hazard qui m’a procuré le plaisir de vous voir vous ait interessé a Cernay. vous me rappellés votre sensible compatriote Sterne qui devine dans les yeux d’une femme le desir quelle avois quil preferât une voiture a deux places. aussi habile et aussi delicât vous aves saisi mon foible pour mon jardin et m’avés sans perdre de tems procuré les moyens de l’embellir. Si cette lecture me donne quelques idées je serois heureuse de vous en faire l’hommage serois-ce trop esperer que de penser que ces embellissemens vous attireront a Cernay j’aurois un tres grand regrêt si le plaisir de vous voir ne devoit pas se renouveller j’ai l’honneur d’etre Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante””

Thomas Whately, d. 1770, English politician and member of Parliament, first published this book, anonymously, in 1770, and the second edition appeared in the same year. Several editions appeared in England and the book was translated into French and other Continental languages.

Entered by Jefferson without price in his undated manuscript catalogue.

Jefferson visited Hagley and Leasowes in his tour of the