THE MERCURY, BYGDO,CHRISTIANIA 



A statuette of Mercury stands in the midst 

 of flower-beds, as well as a sundial and two 

 angels carrying baskets of geraniums on their 

 heads. In shady places, white benches invite 

 one to rest. One of the favourite seats of 

 the Queen is near the lake, with a lovely view 

 of a little island on which big birch trees grow. 

 The white stems contrast well with the dark 

 green of the trees on the opposite hill, and their 

 reflection in the water can be seen between the 

 pure white water-lilies. Sometimes Prince Olav 

 is about in his little Rosdland boat, while 

 his smart grey miniature car waits to take him 

 back to the house. In the morning the King 

 and Queen on their thoroughbreds, and Prince 

 Olav on his little pony, can be seen riding 

 down the long straight avenue leading to the 

 woods beyond the park. And when the sun 

 leaves the flower garden, Queen Maud will 

 come out with her basket to pick some of her 

 favourite flowers, sweet-peas, which are left to 

 her special care. When the weather is fine, 

 dinner is served on the terrace, where the last 

 glow of the gorgeous sunsets can be admired. 



FREDERIKKE HAGERUP 



125 



