VILLAS OF VENETIA 
fierce jets of spray darting up at him from the terrace 
steps, the cracks in the flagstones, and all manner of 
unexpected ambushes, may form some idea of the 
aquatic surprises which afforded his ancestors such 
inexhaustible amusement. 
There are few gardens in Italy comparable with 
Val San Zibio ; but in Padua there is one of another 
sort which has kept something of the same ancient 
savor. This is the famous Botanic Garden, founded in 
1545, and said to be the oldest in Italy. The accom- 
'Ei/TT* 5 */'**** e i . 
THE BOTANIC GARDEN OF PADUA 
239 
