The Potomac and Rappahannock 



place from its beginning, is apparent from the original name "Rose 

 Hill" which Mr. Bernard changed to "Gay Mont" in honor of 

 his bride, Miss Jane Gay Robertson, of Richmond, Virginia. 



The portico at Gay Mont is supported by six large pillars with 

 balustrades between, and is enclosed at each end by the wings. 

 Between the windows opening on the portico and at either end are 

 plaster busts of Washington, Franklin, Shakespeare, Milton, Scott, 

 Byron, Napoleon and LaFayette. 



In front of the portico is the driveway, and beyond are three 

 terraces, each three hundred feet in length. The last terrace, twice 

 the depth of the first two, broadens out at its base into a semi- 

 circle at either end, and has a border of roses its entire length. 

 Between the second and third terrace there is a small formal 

 garden, in the shape of a circle, consisting of four plots separated 

 by gravel walks, with a fountain in the center surrounded by conch 

 shells and ivy. This little garden was christened "The Beauty 

 Spot," by which name it is still known. The water supplying the 

 fountain was brought in lead pipes from a reservoir in the rear of 

 the house, and after the War Between the States, when ammunition 

 was scarce, the lead from the pipe was made into "slugs," and used 

 instead of shot by the huntsmen of the family. 



In connection with the fountain there is an amusing story told 

 of a small dog which had been trained to turn the wheel which 

 supplied the water. He would sit on the lower terrace overlooking 

 the avenue, intently watching for visitors, and on seeing them ap- 

 proach would dash to the wheel and work violently in order to have 

 the fountain spraying freely by the time the host greeted his guests 

 at the front door. 



At either end of the house there is a circular rose garden sur- 

 rounded by box-bushes. Formerly this box was kept neatly trimmed, 

 but it has long been allowed to grow at random and has now 

 assumed the form of great, round masses, higher than a man's head. 

 At the back of the house, separated from the lawn by trees and 

 shrubs, is the garden proper, consisting of a gravel walk, 



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