construct a delightful fountain on somewhat similar lines to the one 

 below the cascade. The conduit ends with a shallow tazza overhanging 

 an oval basin ; this in turn is raised above a circular pool, thereby giving 

 a succession of falls, very refreshing to the eye. Enclosing this is a 

 wide semicircular hedge with grey stone benches, and the overhanging 

 trees of the bosco create a delicious twilight even at midday ; an 

 ideal retreat for a summer's afternoon. From this higher ground, a 

 broad flight of stairs descends to the belvedere^ pausing on the way 

 at many resting-places. One of these is enclosed by balustrades, and 

 provided with seats and charming fountains, while through a gap 

 cut in the chestnut woods glimpses are caught of lake and distant 

 mountain. 



As was the case with so many other villas, the hill-side had to be 

 excavated to provide standing room for the casino. Here the excavation 

 was extended sideways, so as to create a little level space for the beautiful 

 sunk garden with its fountains and grotto. The casino, built about three 

 sides of a c6rtile, the fourth side being open to the garden, is of two 

 stories, and the ground floor has an open-vaulted arcade of singularly 

 graceful proportions. Above the arches, the walls still retain much of 

 their original fresco decorations, thanks largely to the protection 

 afforded by the deep overhanging eaves. These are unusually pleasing 

 both in conception and colour, perhaps the most delightful portion 

 being the broad frieze, above the arcade, which is painted with various 

 coats of arms and charming amorini who play among them. 



Nearly one-third of the adjacent garden is taken up with two 

 balustraded peschiere, each about thirty feet in length by twenty in 

 breadth. The centrepiece of one of these is a group oi amorini wrestling 

 with some strange lizard or water-beast, who spouts water high in air ; 

 in the other a curly tailed dragon disports himself. The remainder of 

 the space is divided into two box-bordered plots gay with flowers, and 

 placed in the midst of each are pedestal fountains, of singular beauty, 

 decorated with masks and garlands. The surrounding walls, where not 

 screened by tall evergreen hedges, are adorned with statues of gods and 

 goddesses or busts of Roman Emperors in niches. 



In line with the peschiere is a grotto or salle fraiche, at present used 



