THE OLD GARDENS OF ITALY. 



447 



The natural beauty of the position chosen, the abundance of water, the 

 excellence of the climate, all lent themselves to the production of some of 

 the most glorious effects that could be produced by a combination of art 

 and Nature. (Fig. 94.) 



The style adopted was, of course, largely formal and geometrical 

 with terraces and parterres, fountains and cascades, temples and statuary, 

 avenues, and pergolas in endless variety. 



The climate also favoured the production of a wealth of trees, fruits, 

 and flowers, which afforded not only a feast to the eye and the palate, but 

 filled the air with delightful perfumes. The shady walks, avenues, and 

 grottos afforded cool retreats in the hottest weather, whilst the rippling of 

 the cascades, the splashing of the fountains, and the singing of the birds 

 completed the charm of these retreats. 



The Villa Doria was, in the days of its prime, a charming domain. 

 The requirements of modern Genoa on one side and the harbour on the other 

 side have, however, very much cramped the garden. The portion left, 

 though small, is of excellent design. A number of terraces lead from the 

 villa to the gardens below, and these are noted for their long tessellated 

 slopes, which are laid in beautiful mosaic instead of being formed into 

 steps. 



A portion of the broad terrace, with fine stone balustrades, facing the 

 harbour, still remains, as well as a very fine fountain, the central figure of 

 which is intended to represent Andrea Doria, one of the early owners, as 

 Neptune driving a team of sea-horses, from whose nostrils jets of water 

 are spouting, and he is poising in his hand a trident from the points of 

 which also water trickles. 



The suburbs of Florence abound in ancient villas and gardens. One 

 of the small but interesting spots is Villa Dante, situated on the old 

 road to Fiesole. It was the home of the poet Dante, and a great part of 

 the villa has been preserved since the fifteenth century, so that it 

 retains its original aspect. An open corridor extends round a central 

 courtyard, where is the old well-head, with medallions on either side, of 

 Beatrice and Dante. Bed-rooms open from the corridor, and one of these 

 is still called " Dante's Room," and is preserved intact. From the outer 

 balcony or Loggia lovely views are obtained of Florence. The garden is 

 well maintained by the present owner, Signor Bondi, well known as a 

 maker of terra-cotta vases and other art ware. 



Villa Palmieri is one of the prettiest and best preserved of the 

 Florentine gardens. There is a grand approach from Florence, rising by 

 winding ascents to the terrace in front of the villa. This is surrounded 

 by a fine balustrade set with urns and statues, whence glorious views of 

 Florence, with its domes and towers, and the surrounding hills away 

 beyond to the valley of the Arno, are obtained. 



A double flight of circular stairs leads to the gardens below, which are 

 laid out with a number of different enclosures with fountains, pools, and 

 beds and borders of flowers. One of the enclosures is flanked by a level 

 wall with open arches, through which you look across the fish-pond below 

 to the gardens opposite and to lovely views beyond. 



The Villas Petraji and Castello in the vicinity of Florence are 

 two Royal Palaces, the gardens of which ad oin one another. In the 



