CLASSIC PLEASURE GROUNDS 31 



There were various forms of unwalled constructions, 

 consisting of columns erected on platforms and sup- 

 porting vine-covered rafters, shading couches or seats, 

 and a table where meals could be served. Several 

 examples of these little banqueting pavilions remain 

 at Pompeii, and must have appeared when in perfect 

 condition much like the preceding illustration, which 

 shows a Renaissance reproduction of the same idea. 

 Another similar pavilion, but in the shape of an 

 alcove, is described by Pliny as terminating an acan- 

 thus walk. " At the upper end is an alcove of white 

 marble shaded by vines, supported by four small 

 Carystian pillars. From this bench the water, gush- 

 ing through several little pipes, as if it were pressed 

 out by the weight of the people who repose them- 

 selves upon it, falls into a stone cistern underneath, 

 from whence it is received into a fine-polished, marble 

 basin, so artfully contrived that it is always full with- 

 out ever overflowing. When I sup here this basin 

 serves for a table, the large sort of dishes being 

 placed round the margin, while the smaller ones swim 

 about in the form of little vessels and water-fowl. 

 Corresponding to this is a fountain which is inces- 

 santly emptying and filling; for the water, which it 

 throws up to a great height, falls back into it by 

 means of two openings, and is returned as fast as it 

 is received." 



