JULY. 311 



the building, or nearly one third of a mile, and 512 feet wide, 

 the basins for the fountains on this terrace being, as just 

 stated, all multiples of eight. 



A large circular basin in the central walk is 196 feet in 

 diameter, and the cascades beyond are 450 feet long ; the two 

 largest basins for the fountains are 784 feet each in length, 

 having a diameter in the semicircular portion of 468 feet 

 each. Such are a few of the principal dimensions connected 

 with the Palace Gardens as they are seen on the surface. 

 But although the work that is above ground may be recog- 

 nized and calculated with little difficulty by the visitor, there 

 is beneath the surface an amount of labor and capital expend- 

 ed, of which he can scarcely form an accurate idea. Drain- 

 pipes spread under his feet like a network, which amount in 

 length to several miles ; he treads on thousands of bunches of 

 faggots which have formed his path ; he walks over ten miles 

 of iron piping which supply the fountains for his amusement. 



Upon quitting the building, I paused at the top of the broad 

 flight of steps leading to the first terrace, to survey the pros- 

 pect before me. At my feet were the upper and lower ter- 

 races, bordered by massive stone balustrades, the long lines 

 of which are broken by steps and projecting bastions, and or- 

 namented by statues and vases filled with flowers. The 

 broad central walk lay straight before me, and on either side 

 of it, on the second terrace, the ground was covered with 

 green turf relieved by superb single trees, groups of shrubs, 

 and beds filled with gay colored flowers, heightened in effect 

 by fountains throwing water high into the air. As a side 

 boundary to the foreground of this magnificent and enchant- 

 ing picture, the wings of the building stretch out their light 

 construction and blue coloring. Looking straight forwards 

 below the end of the second terrace is the large circular foun- 

 tain surrounded by architectural ornaments, and white marble 

 statues, which stand out sharp and clear against the dark 

 landscape beyond. On either side, and on a yet lower level, 

 are the temples of cascades, below ?aid beyond which are the 

 cascades themselves — running parallel with the central walk 

 — over which the foaming waters from the temples pass, and 



