The Italian Formal Garden 



the whole composition. There is enoui^^h architecture — not too 

 much ; the contrasts are ne\er too violent ; sculptures and 

 decorations are distributed with a rare sense of propriety ; 

 the water works are pleasingly \aried and judiciously placed. 

 Above all, scale is treated with consummate skill. A small 

 garden is not designed like a great one, nor a monumental 

 composition frittered away with pettv details. 



LEVEL VILLA ALBANI 



III. 



The essential features of the Italian \illa gardens are easily 

 stated : first, the selection of a sloping site, cut into terraces 

 affording a varied prospect from their successive levels. Sec- 

 ondly, the distinctly architectural treatment of conspicuous 

 points and features of the design. Thirdly, the use of running 

 water in fountains and cascades upon each level of the design. 

 Fourthly, the formal arrangement of flower-beds, hedges and 



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