[HE Villa Castello is about three miles from 

 Florence, and built in a gently undulating 

 country. The flower-garden is its inter- 

 esting feature, and it is one of the most beautiful 

 in Italy. It covers a large area several acres and 

 is placed at the back and north of the palace, on 

 rising ground. It is protected at the north by an 

 * architectural terrace, above which is a grove of ilex 

 and cypress trees. A large fountain marks the cen- 

 tre of the parterre, with circular seats and statuary 

 surrounding it. In the centre of the terrace, at the 

 north, is a grotto and fountain very remarkable and 

 dignified in character. An orangery forms a part 

 of the east wall. The arrangement of the flower- 

 beds is as simple as possible, and the effect of the 

 whole is very full in regard to the plantation, and 

 very remarkable as to bloom, for so large a garden. 

 One is conscious only of the principal paths, so well 

 concealed is the necessary net-work of small ones by 



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