CLASSIC PLEASURE GROUNDS 35 



a semicircle, and defined by a broad path running 

 around it like a race track. Here one could drive 

 along a broad avenue shaded by planes and laurels, 

 be carried in a litter on an alley firmly constructed 

 for that purpose, or walk on a gravel foot-path. The 

 central area was covered by turf intersected by 

 narrow paths and sometimes planted with rose-bushes 

 or geometrical flower-beds. Pliny the Younger gives 

 a detailed description of a hippodrome of this kind 

 at his Tusculan villa. It was enclosed by " plane 

 trees covered with ivy, so that while their heads 

 flourish with their own foliage, their bodies enjoy a 

 borrowed verdure ; and thus the ivy, twining round 

 the trunks and branches, spreads from tree to tree 

 and connects them together. Between each plane 

 tree are planted box trees, and behind these bay trees, 

 which blend their shade with that of the planes. 

 This plantation, forming a straight boundary on both T 



drone. 



sides of the hippodrome, bends at the farther end into 

 a semicircle, which, being set round and sheltered with 

 cypress trees, varies the prospect and casts a deeper 

 gloom; while the inward circular walks (for there 

 are several), enjoying an open exposure, are perfumed 

 with roses, and correct by a very pleasing contrast 

 the coolness of the shade with the warmth of the 

 sun. Having passed through these several winding 

 alleys, you enter a straight walk, which breaks out 



