either end, and a double stair ascends from this to the foot of the 

 cascade. 



From this point a grand avenue of cypresses leads upwards to a statue 

 of Hercules placed within a grotto. Whether at any time there was a 

 cascade here, in the ordinary sense of the word, is open to question, the 

 water-supply being but limited. At present it is represented by a grassy 

 slope, flanked by stone channels. These are raised upon low walls, 

 built in a long series of steps, to suit the slope of the ground, and down 

 these, in a succession of cascatelle, the water flows. Near the summit, 

 beneath the shadow of the tall trees, are placed certain stone couches, 

 reclining upon which an enchanting prospect is enjoyed of sparkling 

 cascade and cypress avenue, with a vista of shimmering lake and distant 

 mountains. 



Some few of the villas, scattered along the shores of the lake, display 

 good bits of architectural detail in their entrance-gates and water-stair- 

 ways. Perhaps the most notable among these is the well-known Villa 

 Carlotta, or, as it was formerly named, Sommariva. The narrow lane that 

 leads from Cadenabbia to Tremezzo passes in front of it, cutting it off 

 from the lake, and gives excuse for a well-designed balustrade with piers 

 and statues. These last are backed by a tall ilex hedge, and wreathed 

 with garlands of roses. Within the grille is a little circular garden, 

 flanked by groves of ilex, and in its centre is a charming fountain with 

 amorino and dolphin, and a jet of water that plays among the white 

 water-lilies. 



From this an elaborate staircase rises, in half a dozen flights, direct 

 to the casino, passing on the way three balustraded terraces, the broadest 

 of which is barely twenty-five feet wide, each being marked by some 

 fountain or grotto. Above and around the stairway, roses and other 

 flowering plants clamber, almost hiding the architectural features from 



view. 



The garden on either side of the casino is laid out with lawns and 

 shrubberies, palms, bamboos, and "fir-trees." They are not specially 

 interesting, though in spring, when the azaleas are in bloom, the garden 

 is, for a time, a blaze of colour. 



Among the innumerable villas that line the shores of the Lago 



