the paths all radiating, like the spokes of a wheel, from 

 a central basin. The beds are slightly elevated above 

 the walks, and their borders of box form the borders 

 of the paths ; the area covered is about half an acre, 

 but so admirable is the plan and so compact the 

 planting that it seems much larger, one sees no paths 

 except that upon which he is standing, seeming always 

 to be surrounded by a great profusion of flowers, with 

 just enough of formality to give them their value- 

 There is no architectural feature in this garden be- 

 yond the basin in its centre, which is sufficiently low 

 to receive the reflection of the growth about it. The 

 garden owes its charm which is very great to its 

 very simple design and the admirable planting. It is 

 enclosed on the east and west by high walls covered 

 with vines ; at their basis are several tiers of steps 

 with flower-pots. 



The Colonna, for its size, is by no means important 

 in comparison with others of the well-known gardens, 

 but it is most instructive in its simplicity and charm 

 when contrasted with such gardens as Albani and 

 Pamfili, where everything has been lost sight of but 

 the preservation of an elaborate " parterre." The 

 flower-garden of this villa is so distinctively itself an 

 interesting feature that it is unnecessary to dwell much 



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