THE LURE OF THE GARDEN 



by gently sloping ramps between green hedges, under 

 arches cut in the greenery and marked by obelisks of 

 stone or huge jars of terra-cotta. Or perhaps you fol- 

 low a curving flight of steps against a great stone wall 

 that partly surrounds a fountain full of broken reflec- 

 tions, up to a terrace crowded with roses, stepping into 

 a sudden glory of light and color from the cool shadow, 

 with the sound of falling water in your ears. 



The Villa Danti, with its magnificent view over the 

 hills of Vallambrosa, is approached through lofty iron 

 gates behind which are two carved stone flanges stand- 

 ing at either side of a long straight drive bordered by 

 splendid cypresses, black against the sky. After pass- 

 ing through their stern shadow and slim formality, the 

 garden, in its clipped and fantastic loveliness and the riot 

 of its color, bursts deliciously on the view. 



The Villa Palmieri has many gardens, each with its 

 studied entrance. The coping of the high outer wall is 

 finished in graceful curves, each rise topped with an urn. 

 A massive entrance under a heavy arch makes the main 

 gateway. Within are others manifold, some mere open- 

 ings in the hedges marked by stone pines or a few steps, 

 some proceeding through long pergolas floored with tiles 

 and adorned by old busts and statues. 



The Italians loved flights of steps that curved out of 

 sight, and walls of varying heights, usually built of stone 

 with niches for statues, and long seats. Fountains often 

 fall down these walls. They loved long green alleys 



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