the numerous piers carries a fountain-mask, in carving which the artist 

 has shown endless invention, and above each pier shallow moulded foun- 

 tain basins are provided. 



The centre-piece is a six-foot basin raised upon a foundation of rock- 

 work, which appears to be of much later date than its surroundings. It 

 throws a powerful jet of water twenty to twenty-five feet above the 

 basin, though during a storm the jet will occasionally rise to double this 

 height. 



The mouldings and other detail of the stone-work, as well as the 

 general proportions of this fountain, are eminently satisfactory, and from 

 a pictorial point of view its beauty is enhanced not' a little by the 

 charming growth of every sort of limestone-loving weed too numerous 

 to mention. 



Falda's engraving of the fountain shows it enclosed by a tall hedge of 

 clipped evergreen, above which the natural trees appear. He also shows 

 a much larger centre-piece than the present one, and this is supplemented 

 by four other jets rising from the surface of the water. All the lesser 

 fountains also are represented as spurting so vigorously that the 

 gentlemen who lean in negligent attitudes upon the balustrade in 

 close proximity would in a short time certainly be drenched. 

 Surrounding the broad step is shown a channel to carry off the water 

 that splashed .over ; a very necessary adjunct, for such tiny basins could 

 not be expected to catch more than a tithe of the falling water. A 

 similar arrangement was in use at the Villa Mondragone, where a gust 

 of wind frequently carried the water quite clear of the basin. 



The palazzo lies between two terraces, and is entered from either level, 

 in this point resembling many of the Frascati villas. It is an interesting, 

 picturesque, and rambling old house, with thick walls, grey-tiled roof, 

 and projecting eaves ; in all likelihood older than the gardens, and 

 certainly much older than the grand stairways, and its situation is one 

 which could not be improved. 



The elaborate series of stairways that lead to the principal terrace and 

 the boschetti is unique, and forms the striking feature of the villa. These 

 stairways, of which there are no fewer than four, which are set at various 

 angles, with a double pente douce in the middle, stretch from end to end 



69 



