XXVII 



PERGOLAS AND ARBORS 



THE USE AND ABUSE OF ADAPTING THE ITALIAN 

 PERGOLA TO AMERICAN IDEAS 



LONG double pergolas, extending parallel for a 

 hundred feet or more, with a sunny open space be- 

 tween the broad shaded walks, form a distinguishing 

 feature of " Lyndanwalt, " the Hering estate at 

 Abington, Pennsylvania. This is an unusual type, 

 peculiar to Italian terraces, and seldom seen in this 

 country ; where the single shaded walk is usually fol- 

 lowed in both pergola and arbor construction. 



The best proportion for any form of well-built 

 pergola, as followed by practical architects and gar- 

 den craftsmen, is a slat or beam-roofed structure 

 eight feet high, eight feet wide, and eight feet be- 

 tween the posts. This rule of proportion may be 

 followed to good advantage whether the shady walk 

 extends for a short distance from the house, to lead 

 to a garden picture of special charm, or whether it 

 extends far out into the garden to some secluded 

 retreat or serves as a screen, with its vine draperies, 

 dividing the service yard and kitchen garden from 

 the lawn and garden living room. The same propor- 

 tions will also hold good whether the pergola sup- 



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