450 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Two pavilions are erected at the southern end, between which steep 

 terrace walls and a succession of stairways lead to the broad terrace or 

 flower garden. 



The formation of the beds is marked out in box edging, and many are 

 laid out with different coloured granite in place of flowers, giving a some- 

 what tawdry look to the whole. Nevertheless there are many beautiful 

 flowers ; roses simply luxuriate, and the whole island is fragrant with 

 their scent and that of many climbers and flowering shrubs. There are 

 many fine trees on the island, which add to the general beauty and afford 

 grateful shade, including cypresses, cedars, ilexes, magnolias, oleanders, 

 sago palms, breadfruits, and camellias, besides oranges, lemons, almonds, 

 pomegranates, and olives. 



One of the most interesting and extensive of the ancient villas in the 

 suburbs of Home is the Villa d'Este, built in 15 19 by Cardinal d'Este ; 

 an immense amount of labour and wealth must have been expended in 

 excavating, levelling, and raising the wonderful terraces to be found here. 

 An idea of the position can be obtained from the picture showing the 

 upper terrace, the position of which is most favourable, commanding views 

 of the lovely hilly woodlands surrounding (fig. 99), streams and waterfalls 

 below, and away beyond the rolling plains of Campagna. The picture 

 gives a good idea of the effect upon the landscape of the graceful Italian 

 cypress. 



Below this terrace is the Fountain of Dragons, which even in its 

 present decaying condition shows clearly its former elegance. Extending 



Fio. 99. — Cypresses at Villa d'Este. 



