248 SOME FAMOUS GARDENS 



trunks and branches, and by passing from one 

 plane-tree to another unites the neighbours to- 

 gether. Between these plane-trees, box-trees are 

 interposed, and the laurel stationed behind the 

 box, adds its shade to that of the planes. This 

 plantation forming the straight boundary on each 

 side of the hippodrome, or great garden walk, 

 ends in a semicircle, is varied in form ; this part is 

 surrounded and sheltered with cypress trees which 

 cast round a dark and solemn shade ; while the day 

 breaks in upon the interior circular walks, which 

 are numerous. 



You are regaled at this spot with the fragrance 

 of roses, while you find the coldness of the shade 

 agreeably tempered and corrected by the warmth 

 of the sun. Having passed through these winding 

 walks, you re-enter the walk with its straight en- 

 closure, but not to this only, for many ways branch 

 out from it, divided by box-hedges. Here you have 

 a little meadow, and here the box is cut into a 

 thousand different forms; sometimes into letters 

 expressing the name of the owner, sometimes that 

 of the artificer. In some places are little pillars, 

 intermingled alternately with fruit-trees ; when on 

 a sudden while you are gazing on these objects of 

 elegant workmanship, your view is opened on an 

 imitation of natural scenery, in the middle of which 

 is a group of dwarf plane-trees. 



Beyond these there commences a walk, abound- 

 ing in the smooth and flexible acanthus, and trees 

 cut into a variety of figures and names ; at the 

 upper end of which is a seat of white marble, over- 



