ITALIAN VILLA GARDENS 



243 



casting water from one to the other, from the top 

 to the bottome and above the sayd portico is a great 

 reserve of water for the Grotto." A celebrated 

 feature was this elaborate grotto, which was always 

 particularly admired by visitors to Wilton. 



At present nothing remains of the pleasure grounds The present 



pleasure 



designed by De Caux except a few scattered orna- grounds at 



Wilton. 



ments. A comparatively new garden near the house 

 has, however, been laid 

 out. It is about no feet 

 long by 50 feet wide. 

 Here the contrast of light 

 and shade produces a 

 charming effect. The 

 dense foliage of clipped 

 elm, yew, and ilex, form- 

 ing a high boundary wall 

 on the northwest side of 



the parterre, is a perfect foil for the gay colours of the 

 flowers glowing in their full exposure to the sunshine. 

 All the architectural features of the parterre are designed 

 with great refinement. The fountain, suggested per- 

 haps by that of G. de Bologna at Petraja, with the 

 balustrading surmounted by amorini, the leaden urns, 

 designed by Inigo Jones, the seats, and even the 

 stone copings of the flower-beds show excellent taste. 

 Above the garden is a triple-arched casino, called the 



HOLBEIN PAVILION : WILTON 



