VILLA GARDENS EAST OF FUNCHAL 51 



of the hydrangeas. Even the little fountain in 

 the centre of the garden carries out the scheme of 

 colour, as the water reflects the deep blue sky 

 above, and the fountain itself is made with blue and 

 white tiles, and makes one regret the good old days 

 when tiles, with their patterns in soft harmonious 

 colourings, were used architecturally and let into 

 walls in panels. There are still a few to be seen in 

 the grounds of the Santa Clara Convent, and on the 

 tower of the church, showing that in former days 

 Funchal had probably more architectural beauty 

 than it has to-day. 



In April and May the garden seems a feast of 

 flowers in whichever direction you turn your eyes, 

 though there are some good stretches of mown 

 grass to relieve the eye and give a sense of repose. 

 The corridors are clad with roses, among which at 

 this moment the large single white Rosa Icevigata, 

 with its shiny foliage, is one of the most beautiful. 

 It resembles the Macartney rose, and is often 

 mistaken for it. The plants are seldom entirely 

 without bloom all through the winter, but it is 

 early in April that it becomes a sheet of starry 

 blossoms. Being only half-hardy in England, the 

 climate of Madeira suits it admirably ; in fact, I 

 remarked that as a rule it is the roses which are 



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