40S HORTICULTURAL TOUR. 



doors. The multiplicity of objects which incessantly solicited 

 our attention on every hand, rendered it impossible for us 

 to take notes on the spot, during so hurried a visit We 

 have the satisfaction to add, however, that the pocket " Ci- 

 cerone de Versailles" leaves nothing to be regretted on this 

 score ; the historical and descriptive details being both co- 

 pious and accurate. This little work may be had at the 

 shop of Mr Jacob in Versailles, — and we understand that 

 Mr Jacob is not only the printer and publisher, but also 

 the author of the book. 



We got access to one of the inclosures which is general- 

 ly shut, — that containing the Baths of Apollo, and the 

 rock-work and cavern, constructed from designs by the ce- 

 lebrated painter Robert. When the grands eaux are in 

 play, a waterfall dashes over this rock, and flows from the 

 cavern, — which must certainly form one of the finest artifi- 

 cial scenes any where to be seen. 



The central sloping lawn, commonly called the tapis 

 vert, is formal, but judiciously calculated to extend an 

 uninterrupted view from the esplanade of the chateau 

 to the long canal. The tapis vert is of very considerable 

 length, but only about sixty feet wide, and is bounded on 

 each side by a gravel-walk. Several persons were now 

 amusing themselves in making, essays to perform blindfold 

 the task of going from the bottom to the top of the lawn, 

 without deviating to the walk on either side ; but simple 

 as this task appeared, no one was able to accomplish it, 

 and the natural gestures of surprise exhibited by the un- 

 successful competitors, when they found themselves step- 

 ping from the grass to the gravel, were sometimes highly 

 amusing. 



Groups and single statues, busts, and vases of admirable 

 workmanship, ar< every when- frequent ornaments, and gene* 



