ITALIAN VILLAS 
with an elaborate architectural retaining-wall, containing 
a central fountain in stucco-work. Steps flanked by 
statues lead up to this fountain, and thence one passes 
by another flight of steps to the third, or upper, garden, 
which is level with the back of the villa. This third 
garden, the largest of the three, was once also laid out 
in formal parterres and bosquets set with statues, and 
though it has now been remodelled in the landscape 
style, its old plan may still be traced. Before it was 
destroyed the three terraces of the Villa Muti must have 
formed the most enchanting garden in Frascati, and 
their plan and architectural details are worthy of careful 
study, for they belong to the rare class of small Italian 
gardens where grandeur was less sought for than charm 
and sylvan seclusion, and where the Latin passion for 
the monumental was subordinated to a desire for mod- 
eration and simplicity. 
The Villa Falconieri, on the hillside below Mondra- 
gone, is remarkable for the wealth of its garden-archi- 
tecture. The grounds are entered by two splendid 
stone gateways, the upper one being on an axis with the 
villa. A grass avenue leads from this gate to an arch 
of triumph, a rusticated elevation with niches and 
statues, surmounted by the inscription “ Horatius Fal- 
conieris,” and giving access to the inner grounds. 
Hence a straight avenue runs between formal ilex- 
groves to the court before the house. On the right, 
above the bosco , is a lofty wall of rock, picturesquely 
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