38 MKXTONE. 



are falling in the valleys, time is short and a long 

 stretch of sto^^' path lies between ns and the railwa}" 

 station of Cabbe-Roquebrune. Here an unexpected 

 pleasure awaits us as a suitable ending to a dav which 

 has been such a feast of colour. The huge Judas trees 

 {Cercis Siliquastnnn) on the bank are in full blossom, 

 and droop their leafless but flower-laden branches down 

 over the brown wall. ^Fhe prett\', crowded flowers grow 

 out even from the old wood, so that the whole tree 

 looks like a pink garland. This tree was in ancient times 

 a favourite in the gardens of Jerusalem, and this max- 

 well have given rise to the saving that Judas had hanged 

 himself on one of them. 



CHAPTER V. 



The view of jNIentone from Pont St. Louis is enchant- 

 ingly beautiful (Fig. p. 265). It is one of the most impressive 

 on the whole Riviera and should be seen when Old Mentone 

 is lighted from the east b\ the morning .sun. The main 

 road which crosses the bridge of St. Louis, and connects 

 Mentone with \^entimiglia, begins to rise gradually -just 

 after Garavan, between villas and garden walls. When 

 there is not too much dust the walk along this road is 

 very enjoyable ; for the gardens which border on it abound 

 in luxuriant vegetation. With a profusion which defies 

 restraint, foliage and flowers break free and overhang 

 the walls. Bright red and flaming Pelargoniums, and 

 a Rose bush studded with innumerable blossoms, trail 

 over the stone work. Further on a wall is clothed from 

 top to bottom with an Ivy- leaved cranesbill — the Pelar- 



