i8 



ROYAL GARDENS 



has seats at intervals upon it. They are sheltered from 

 winds by shrubs growing on the slope below. Between 

 delphinium border and raised platform, the main walk 

 follows the general curve of the terrace. This path, like 

 all others in this unique garden, is paved with brick. 

 Not only for comfort, convenience and cleanliness is this 

 practice commendable, but in appearance also it is admir- 

 able here, for paths made in no other way could possibly 

 have looked so suitable to their surroundings as do these. 

 From the top of retaining wall on one side, curving down 

 to parapet on the other, several " flying buttresses " of iron, 

 alternately bearing roses and clematis, frame, as it were, a 

 most charming scene. In the middle of the terrace a wall- 

 fountain (which gives it name) is most carefully and artis- 

 tically built. The materials used are mostly carved stones 

 of Norman period from the ruins of Reading Abbey. The 

 fountain itself is an antique lion's head splendidly modelled 

 in lead. It stands out from the wall under an arch of 

 Norman " dog-tooth " work, and the water drips from its 

 mouth into a half-octagonal basin of ancient coping-stones. 

 They were brought here and reverently re-erected to save 

 them from destruction, and to form a worthy centrepiece 

 for a garden which is set, like a priceless jewel, in the very 

 midst of a royal diadem. 



From both ends of Fountain Terrace paths and steps 

 lead steeply upwards to the top terrace, which is just below 

 the outer ramparts at the base of Round Tower. The 

 views from here in every direction, from south-east to north, 

 are beautiful in the extreme. Windsor Home Park and the 

 superb avenue. Long Walk, stretch away to the south, and 

 sight is bounded in this direction by Surrey's blue-grey hills. 

 Further round, the whole Lower Ward of the Castle, between 

 Henry III. Tower on the left and Winchester Tower on the 

 right, showing the magnificent chapels of St. George and 

 Albert Memorial in full length, comes into view. Still further 

 west, and far below, the winding shores of Thames can be seen 

 for miles upon miles in the wide and lovely valley. Up on the 



