THE PAPAL GARDENS OF THE BELVEDERE. 



the desert smile,"* in honor of the late Earl of Shrewsbury, under whose directions the 

 improvements were effected. Such elaborate conceits are apt to make the spectator smile ; 

 but they are not, as I have observed, without their precedent, for some of the finest of the 

 Italian villas are disfigured by similar effusions, and to a much greater extent — of which 

 several ridiculous and scarcely creditable examples might be cited. 



Of the most architectural terrace, with its full complement of statuary, vases, foun- 

 tains, &c., the villa Panfili Doria, may be cited as an example. Of this magnificent spe- 

 cimen, the engraving will contain a very good general idea. 



As displaying the true feeling of the palatial terraces of the school, these Italian villas 

 are the safest, as they are the original models. I find, in my Italian journal, the follow- 

 ing notes on these fine monuments of architectural and gardeuesque composition. 



The villas of the modern Romans merit the name of palaces, and form one of the most 

 characteristic features of Italian scenery. Of those in the immediate vicinity of Rome, that 

 of the Borgliesi family, which is the confiscated domain of the unfortunate Cenci, is the 

 most important; it is open to the public, and forms the Hyde Park of the Romans; but 

 neither Hyde Park, nor Kensington gardens, nor the Tuilleries, nor Versailles, can convey 

 any idea of the peculiar charms of a Roman villa. There is a freshness of vegetation 

 about the suburban delizie of Rome, that the neighborhood of large towns always tarnish- 

 es, except in Italy. But there, close under the walls of Rome, the Appenine Anemone, 

 of various tints, brightly colored Scillas, the deep crimson Cyclamen, and many beautiful 

 Orchids, put forth their fragrant blossoms in early spring, as in the woody dells of the 

 secluded country. The "sky-cleaving Cypress" shoots aloft its pointed or forked peak, 

 to a height equal to the Poplar of the North, and noble groves of Ilices, whose vast trunks 

 spread above with groined branchwork, into densely-matted foliage, form, 



am not certain whether the vegetable literature may not be confined to initial ciphers, and the motto i 

 on the column ; if so, the ciphers serve the purpose of illustration equally well. 



