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its orchestra, on the brink of the water ; and near the margin is an 

 island of trees, which served as the proscenium. This theatre was at 

 all times open to the public ; and in addition to the ordinary exhibitions, 

 ships and naval engagements were occasionally exhibited. The gaiety 

 which prevailed here, during the first years of the reign of Stanislaus, 

 the singular effect of the illuminations, the ships, and the resounding of 

 music in the woods, are still recollected by some of the oldest inhabit- 

 ants of Warsaw, and spoken of with feelings of regret. 



" The grounds were not extensive, nor, excepting near the Palace, 

 much ornamented. They consisted of a number of broad green alleys, 

 crossing each other at right angles ; and of smaller covered paths lead- 

 ing to open circles of turf, for dances and music, and for tents and 

 booths, on extraordinary occasions. In several places, coffee-rooms and 

 ice-cellars were established, and still remain. And there are two pa- 

 vilions for the king's mistresses ; and another, wliich served as a serag- 

 lio for strangers, or visitors of the king ; the three being connected with 

 the palace by arbour-like paths, or arcades of trellis-work, covered with 

 creepers. 



" One thing deserves to be remarked as to these gardens, which is 

 perhaps not to be found in any others in Europe. Pedestals, as for 

 placing statues, were ranged in different parts of the grounds, particu- 

 larly along the broad walk, leading from the palace to the amphitheatre. 

 On these pedestals, on extraordinary occasions, selected living figures, 

 male and female, dressed in character, were placed, and taught to main- 

 tain certain attitudes, after the manner of the representations called 

 tableaux ; and which are sometimes, though rarely, produced in private 

 circles, at Paris and Vienna, on days when theatrical amusements are 

 forbidden. In 1813, this seat was nearly in the state, in which it was 

 left by Stanislaus; but we understand, that it has since undergone 

 several changes." — Encyclopedia of Gardening, p. 54. 



