WATER GARDENS 



in 



Here is a walk wide enough for groups of people to 

 circulate, and at the back of it are three high steps having 

 the appearance of a raised formal dais. Behind this 

 again, with delightful corners and angles, is a high 

 treillage fence, which surrounds the whole garden, and 

 gives a feeling of seclusion and privacy (Fig. 80). 



It must have been in some such garden as this that 

 banquets were 

 held as we see 

 them in old 

 French prints, 

 quite close to the 

 water's edge. So 

 near to the foun- 

 tain - basin were 

 tables placed that 

 flowers and silver 

 were reflected in 

 the water. At 

 either end of the 



tables stood woodwork " loggias," where guests were 

 seated, and these and all the treillage fences that 

 surrounded the garden were brilliantly illuminated. This 

 kind of fete champetre could hardly take place with safety 

 in our grey climate. Yet it is pleasant to dream of what 

 was possible long ago in other lands. We read accounts 

 of Hadrian's Villa, where was an out-of-door Triclinium 

 or banqueting-hall. This was upon an island, and walks 

 led in different directions, crossing the stream of water, 

 to other parts of the garden, which was confined by a 

 high wall. 



Another delightfully formal island garden is given on 

 p. 112. Its landing steps lead up to a path which surrounds 

 the square ground and forms a sort of narrow terrace 

 overhanging the water. Then comes a high yew-hedge, 



FIG. 80. 



