GE 
brought no information except how to reach the Borghesi Gardens! 
3efore starting out another day we found that the entrance to the 
Orto Botanico is at via Milano 75. This garden, of 5 hectares in 
area, was given to the city of Rome about 47 years ago by Prince 
Corsini. It is the direct descendant of the first scientific garden 
established at Rome in 1566 by Michele Mercati, probably under 
the guidance of his teacher and friend Cesalpino, who, in turn, was 
a pupil of Ghini. 
A school for the training of gardeners was started here in 1927 
by the head gardener (capa technica), Oronato Traverso, who 
graciously acted as our guide. About 50 pupils are now enrolled, 
and the first class graduated this year. Tuition is gratis, and the 
director of the school is Prof. Bruno Braschi. The garden is laid 
out on the systematic plan, and contains an old 15th Century 
fountain, 
Villa d’Este 
In addition to the botanic garden, the Villa d’Este (now a public 
monument) was also visited. As is well known, this Renaissance 
Villa includes one of the most lovely gardens in the world, probably 
being unequalled in its elaborate and almost unbelievably beautiful 
development of fountains. These were made possible by con- 
structing a subterranean canal under the city of Tivoli, thus sup- 
plying the garden with an almost unlimited quantity of water from 
the river Aniene (Anio). This supply was supplemented by an 
aqueduct which ane additional water over the mountains. The 
planting is so arranged as to form a perfect setting for the foun- 
tains and statues. One can hardly believe his eyes as, spellbound, 
he beholds this richness of beauty and loveliness. The designer 
was G. Alberto Galvani. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden library 
has enlarged views of the Villa in Forbes’ Architectural Gardens 
of Italy, presented to the library last year by Miss Louise and Mr. 
Charles ae er, of Brooklyn. 
Naples 
The botanic garden of Naples, with an area of about 13 hectares 
is beautifully situated on a sloping site. The laboratory buildings 
were badly cracked by the earthquake which occurred only a few 
days before our visit. New buildings are expected in the near 
