THE GABDENS BY THE LAKE OF COMO. 



207 



and A. cultriformis, the latter not nearly so much cultivated, I think, 

 as it should be. A. lophantha had also grown into a fine specimen. 



The gardens around Como are noted for the remarkably fine specimens 

 of Magnolia grandiflora. There is in this garden an example hard to 

 surpass, still growing most vigorously. It is not less than 60 feet in 

 height, and well furnished. A large spreading Lauras Camphora was 

 also a prominent feature of interest. Indian Azaleas were grouped in 

 great masses, and must, when in flower in the spring, produce a fine 

 effect. Jasminum grandiflorum was, among many other climbers, most 

 noteworthy. In shaded positions, chiefly on sloping banks, Cyclamen 

 lied erae folium was just commencing to flower. 



The outstanding feature of this fine garden was its good keeping 

 with a minimum amount of lawn mowing, and dense carpeting, here and 

 there, where grass would not grow, of what I believe to be Smilacina 

 japonica which is of a grasslike growth with white flowers and charming 

 blue berries ; it is known in French gardens as L'Herbe aux Turquoises. 

 No symptoms of drought are to be seen in this beautiful garden, for water 

 from higher altitudes percolates through the soil sufficiently to prevent 

 this. The shaded walks in the grounds make it possible to take as much 

 exercise as one may desire, even in the hottest weather, and the pleasure 

 is enhanced by the fragrance of the pines. 



The garden of the Villa Carlotta at Cadenabbia, which we next visited, 

 is better known than that of the Villa Vigoni. As one journeyed thither 

 by boat the many plants of Oleander to be seen even in the smaller villas 

 en route formed a very striking feature. Frequently Lagerstroemia indica 

 kept it company. Well-shaded pergolas, covered some with vines, others 

 with Wistaria, and others with Fortune's yellow Eose, were passed on the 

 journey. Upon entering the garden, the Villa Carlotta is seen at the end 

 of a lovely vista, situated a considerable distance higher up and ap- 

 proached by terraces, every possible opportunity being taken of clothing 

 the walls either from below, or from above, with a diversity of climbing 

 plants. Other plants are employed upon the walls in vases or ornamental 

 pots. It is in fact a most beautiful vista either to look up, or to look 

 down when one has arrived at the topmost terrace. In a large circular 

 basin many of the hybrid Nymphaeas were thriving well and flowering 

 freely without that robust growth to which they attain in this country. 

 N. lucida, N. Marliacea chromatella, and N. odorata suavissima were 

 the most conspicuous, and all the twelve varieties were luxuriating in the 

 warmth and sunshine. Near this pond were four fine plants of Caladium 

 esculentum, well adapted to their positions, as were some fine plants 

 of Papyrus antiquorum. Here and there were dotted plants of Impatiens 

 Holtzii flowering freely. Several plants of pink Ivy-leaf Pelargoniums 

 of varied shades stood upon the terraces and drooped over the walls, so 

 that they were seen to the best advantage from below. Another 

 plant employed in a similar manner, but stood upon the parapets, was 

 Busselia juncea, and wreathed in its bright scarlet blossoms it 

 produced a most beautiful effect. These were always placed in the 

 warmest positions, and not necessarily near to the pink Geraniums. Of 

 other flowering plants Bignonia radicans, a very tall plant, was a most 

 lovely object, its blossoms being highly coloured. Well ripened wood 



