shape is oblong, the sides gently terraced by stone 

 steps (now greatly overgrown with grass), and at the 

 end are a fountain and a magnificent walk of old ilex- 

 trees. On the two long sides, behind the steps, are 

 rows of very fine stone-pines. In early summer this 

 is a favorite resort of the people, who come to sit on 

 these grassy steps and to walk about on the lawn. 

 Although there are no races, I have seen quite enough 

 of a gathering here to give an idea of its ancient look 

 on 'a gala-day. No more charming theatre for an out- 

 door entertainment, either equestrian or athletic, could 

 possibly be imagined. 



There are many architectural details of interest in 

 the Villa Borghese, some fine gates and fountains and 

 stone benches. These are most all seemingly de- 

 tached now, but once formed a part of the elaborate 

 plan of the villa. One of the most interesting features 

 is the wall enclosing the open space in front of the 

 casino. This is most skilfully designed for the gentle 

 slope of the land, stone benches alternating with balus- 

 trades. It is very suggestive as an admirable enclosure 

 for a terraced garden. There is much that is sug- 

 gestive in the detached garden architecture of the 

 Italian villas, their surroundings are so often in bad 

 taste and their original meaning quite lost sight of. 



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