44 ROYAL GARDENS 



in pyramidal shape, whilst at the far corners the hedge curves 

 outwards, almost to a half-circle, and forms pretty recesses for 

 circular garden seats. The Yew curves are allowed to grow 

 higher than the hedge level. In the centre of the side" oppo- 

 site the terrace is a large semicircular recess of high Yews, 

 with a broad border of blue and white flowers in front of 

 it, also flanked by terra-cotta pots. In this bold recess and 

 centering with the terrace stands a very ancient statue in 

 porphyry of Athene, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. The 

 addition to the grounds of these spacious tennis courts was 

 carried out in the autumn of 1909, and was planned by 

 Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess 

 of Sweden. The design is modern and quite original, and 

 although overlooked from the terrace the new courts are 

 most skilfully contrived not to interfere with the view, nor 

 to obstruct that of the terrace and mansion from the Park. 



East and west of the tennis court are extensive lawns of 

 uneven surface broken at intervals by groups of Spanish Chest- 

 nuts, and, standing singly, some fine Oaks. Here, too, is to be 

 seen the finest specimen perhaps in the country of that by 

 no means common conifer, Abies Firma, a Japanese species of 

 remarkable beauty, of erect habit and with rigid leaves. It 

 is now 40 feet high and in perfect health, and was planted 

 in 1880 by the late Emperor Frederick when Crown Prince 

 of Germany. Another gem near by is Abies lasiocarpa con- 

 color, variety violacea, almost purple in colour. A path from 

 the paved tennis lawn walk winds down into the deep spiral 

 garden, the centre of which is marked by an old sundial. 

 The beds on the sloping sides are filled with Tea and Poly- 

 antha Roses, with Violas between. And away by the fence, 

 dividing park from pleasure grounds, pink China Roses are 

 massed in hundreds, with low shrubs as a background and to 

 screen them from rough winds. 



From the eastern terrace steps a broad gravel walk leads 

 to a cosy little diamond garden with gravel path around. 

 At the angles are three garden seats with overhanging clipped 

 Yew arbours shaped very much like a hood. Shelter from 



