204 ENGLISH PLEASURE GARDENS 



between groves of trees, affording space for the canals, 

 and a vista stretching far away to the horizon. Near 

 the palace were the magnificent terraces ornamented 

 with parterres of flowers, fountains, and statues. Be- 

 yond were the plantations of trees pierced with 

 avenues, and divided into fourteen " bosquets," not to 

 mention several acres of untouched woodland. 

 The view From the palace the visitor passed out, then as now, on 



terrace. a broad terrace extending the whole length of the build- 

 ing, and flanked on each side by "parterres de 

 broderie." Directly in front was the superb vista, 

 stretching as far as the eye could reach through the 

 centre of the park, ornamented by the Grand Canal, 

 1560 metres long by 120 wide, forming at its extremity 

 a piece of water 195 metres square. Innumerable mar- 

 ble seats, groups of statuary and fountains, added to the 

 sumptuous appearance. 



The Below the left-hand " parterre " was the orangery, 



a building consisting of a central gallery 155 metres 

 long, by 1 290 wide, and two lateral galleries each 1 1 5 

 metres long. It was constructed by Mansart on the 

 site of a former building by Le Vau. The scale 

 and proportions are remarkably good, and the two 

 staircases leading to it have been considered the finest 

 pieces of architecture at Versailles. When Louis 

 brought the Siamese ambassadors to look at this build- 

 ing, they exclaimed that it was good enough to house a 



