68 THE ART OF GARDEN DESIGN IN ITALY 



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similar garden upon the west side of the casino ; but this idea was never put into execution. 

 Plate 27 shows a general view of the villa towards the casino, taken from the parterre ; and on 

 Plate 28 is a view showing the great cascade, which is the central feature of the design. The 

 water is first conducted to a large pool at the top of the hill, where a huge jet of water issues 

 from the trumpet at the lips of a colossal figure of Fame, at whose feet recline two stucco figures 

 representing Florence and Lucca. The water passes down the channels on either side of the 

 cascade, issuing from the beaks of numerous strange grotesque birds, into a curious grotto upon 

 the terrace below, where maidenhair fern and cool mosses abound, and many secret fountains sur- 



prise the unwary visitor. 



At one end of the middle terrace the garden theatre still exists, a charming little retreat, 



with 'wings' of box topiary-work and figures representing Tragedy and Comedy. On either side of 

 the central cascade are thick ilex woods, with shady pathways leading to one of the most inviting 

 bath-houses imaginable, with marble baths and two little retiring rooms adjoining; the decoration 

 everywhere in white, blue, and gold, with frescoes of amorini bearing garlands. Some of the original 

 furniture still remains, and we can form a delightful impression of the days when court was held 

 by the Garzoni family, in their cool summer retreat amongst the mountains. 



From the top of the cascade a level path leads to a bridge crossing the ravine, and past 

 the labyrinth to the south front of the casino. The arrangement of ramps and stairways forming 

 the approach to this front of the casino is very curious ; there is no provision for carriages, and 

 on the little level plateau immediately in front of the house are two quaint sentry-boxes. A small 

 courtyard behind the casino, and also a small garden with aviary, are on the north side. The 

 ■ Villa Collodi belongs to a period when the ' barocco ' had gained considerable influence, and though 

 its detail shows some lack of refinement, yet, as in nearly all Italian gardens, its fine central idea 

 commands our admiration. There is great boldness in the planning of the central feature, and 

 the terraces, with their groups of cypresses and long rows of trees in terracotta pots, are very 

 picturesque. To the south are far-reaching views over the flat plain, stretching many miles into 

 •the blue distance. 



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