Old Gardens of Italy 9 



running straight on and screened by trees from 

 below. The illusion is perfect. The second point 

 of interest is the use that has been made of the 

 gigantic cistern for supplying the fountains, into 

 which water can be pumped from the lake. This 

 forms the foundation of the series of terraces that 

 are so conspicuous at the end of the island opposite 

 to the house. 



The place still belongs to a member of the 

 Borromeo family. 



The motto " Humilitas," in ironwork held aloft 

 by a statue, seems hardly appropriate to this 

 sumptuous residence of a prince of the church. 



A plan of the house and grounds may be seen 

 in the rooms of the caretaker. 



VILLA CARLOTTA, CADENABBIA, LAKE 

 OF COMO. 



FORMERLY Villa Sommariva. Built in 1747 for 

 the Marchese Clerici. It afterwards passed to 

 Count Sommariva. It was purchased in 1842 by 

 Princess Albrecht, of Prussia, and its name was 

 then changed to that of her daughter, Charlotte (or 

 Carlotta). It now belongs to Prince George of 

 Saxe-Meiningen, who inherited it from Princess 

 Charlotte, his first wife. It is open daily to visitors. 

 Of the original formal plan but little remains 

 except the beautiful water entrance, the wrought- 

 iron gates, and balustrade with statues enclosing 

 the garden, and the forecourt with its fountain and 



