Historic Gardens of Virginia 



while the vegetable garden, of similar form, lying to the west of 

 the box-walk, is surrounded with a thick hedge of climbing roses. 

 A break in the box-hedge bordering the center walk affords an in- 

 teresting vista, extending from the cherry trees on the east to an ivy- 

 covered sun-dial at the far side of the vegetable garden on the west. 



From the crest of the high hill, bordered by a wide walk, an 

 ivy and wistaria-covered tea-house and pergola overlook the broad 

 water of the Potomac winding its way to the sea. One can easily 

 imagine Washington's eight-oared barge sweeping up to the dock, 

 landing the friend and neighbor coming in favorite fashion to pay 

 a visit to Colonel Mason. 



We learn from an unfinished manuscript that originally the 

 entrance road, which curves through a native forest, then passes 

 through open fields, "was girded by a double row of cherry trees, 

 the common blackheart, raised from seed." (Page 98, Rowland's 

 Mason), but they have long since disappeared. An avenue of 

 magnolia grandiflora has now been planted, which will in time take 

 the place of the stately, short-lived Lombardy poplars, placed there 

 for immediate effect. 



George Mason (1725-1792) was the author of the Virginia 

 Bill of Rights and of the Constiuition of Virginia. "The former, 

 the most remarkable paper of its epoch, was the foundation of the 

 great American assertion of right. Jefferson went to it for the 

 phrases and expressions of the Declaration, and it remains the 

 original chart by which free governments must steer their course. . . . 

 The equality of men politically; the enjoyment of life, liberty and 

 the pursuit of happiness; the responsibility of magistrates; the right 

 of the people to abolish oppressive government; suffrage to all men 

 having a permanent interest in the community; the freedom of the 

 press; the subjection of the military to the civil government; the 

 free exercise of religion; and an adherence to justice, moderation 

 and virtue; these were to be the burning and shining lights to guide 

 the new generation in their march to the Canaan of the future." 

 {Virginia, by John Esten Cooke, p. 411.) 



[200] 



