206 



THE PAEKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS. [Chap. XIV, 



fine -leaved plants here and there. It is tut one of many types 

 of garden-landscape which simple taste and a knowledge of hardy 

 trees and plants may produce. It well shows the unsatisfactory 

 character of the various far more costly gardens in the immediate 

 neighbourhood. 



Another interesting spot is the Bosquet des Bains d'ApoUon. 

 This is a large picturesque surface of rock, backed by trees and 

 having a pillared grotto or recess about its centre, containing a 



IValer-s/ml Gardening at Versailles. Fountains oj the Basin of Neptune. (^Hachette.) 



large group in marble. The rocky banks in front are wildly 

 clothed with trailing shrubs, the Polypody densely mantles the 

 rocks, and the vegetation around is well arranged to suit the 

 scene. It is not for its statuary we are interested in it, but for 

 the rich garlands of vegetation over its rocks. Sculpture has, 

 even in gardens, a very few noble uses, but not many will admire 

 these costly groups— at least, as part of any garden-scheme; 

 though the Ivy and Polypody, trailing shrubs, rock and hardy 

 flowers, that fringe the grottoes, cover many blemishes. 



