124 TOMB OF NAPOLEON. 



is now called, Napoleon Vale ; a lovely spot, 

 luxuriantly vegetated, and bounded on every 

 side by hills, clad with a cheerful verdure. A 

 steep and winding path, branching from the road 

 at Huyt's gate, conducts to the immediate vici- 

 nity of the spot, where the mortal remains of 



" The last single captive to millions in war " 



occupy but a scanty space of soil. The tomb is 

 of square form ; raised, by masonry, a few inches 

 above the ground ; and covered by three stone 

 slabs, placed transversely, and destitute of any in- 

 scription or sculptural embellishment. A square 

 iron railing immediately protects the tomb, and 

 around this again, there is an extensive enclosure 

 of verdant sward, encircled bylowwooden palings. 

 Some flowers, planted by Madame Bertrand, 

 bloom at the head of the grave ; and close to the 

 iron rails, but without them, stand Napoleon's 

 favourite willows.* The latter have an ancient 

 appearance and are hastening to decay : of five, 

 the original number, only three now remain ; but 

 it is pleasing to observe, that on the opposite side 

 of the sepulchre, many young willows, scions of 

 the original stock, have been planted ; together 



* A cutting from this stock is now flourishing as a tree 

 in the Royal Gardens at Kew. In leaf and flower it is 

 distinct from every European species, and has been named 



Salic Napoleonensis. 



