VILLAS NEAR ROME 
tectural detail of the fountains and arches is sumptuous 
and beautiful, but the outline of the general plan is not 
easy to trace ; and one must pass out of this enclosure 
and climb through hanging oak-woods to a higher level 
to gain an idea of what the gardens once were. 
Beyond the woods a broad tapis vert leads to a level 
space with a circular fountain sunk in turf. Partly sur- 
rounding this is an architectural composition of rusti- 
cated arcades, between which a chateau d' eau descends 
the hillside from a grotto surmounted by two mighty 
river-gods, and forming the central motive of a majestic 
double stairway of rusticated stonework. This leads up 
to the highest terrace, which is crowned by Vignola’s 
exquisite casino, surely the most beautiful garden-house 
in Italy. The motive of the arcades and stairway, 
though fine in itself, may be criticized as too massive 
and important to be in keeping with the delicate little 
building above ; but once on the upper terrace, the lack 
of proportion is no longer seen and all the surroundings 
are harmonious. The composition is simple : around 
the casino, with its light arcades raised on a broad flight 
of steps, stretches a level box-garden with fountains, 
enclosed in a low wall surmounted by the famous Cane- 
phorae seen in every picture of Caprarola — huge sylvan 
figures half emerging from their stone sheaths, some 
fierce or solemn, some full of rustic laughter. The 
audacity of placing that row of fantastic terminal divini- 
ties against reaches of illimitable air girdled in mountains 
