Remodeling an Old Italian Garden in the Eighteenth Century 
trees above the pool. When the hedges are 
grown, the only necessary things to complete 
everything will be the stockade, the animals, 
and their wooden 
house for the winter, 
and then this will 
also be a magnificent 
and charming part of 
the garden. Issuing 
from this walk, the 
chestnut grove that 
forms the view from 
the centre of the 
palace is reached and 
after that again, the 
French vineyard. 
The aviary, which 
will be ready for use 
in three years, is 
placed on the oppo¬ 
site side, and con- 
sequently Your 
Excellency will 
surely have a many- 
sided pavilion with A pentagonal 
several out-looks a Venetian 
built, where either 
while writing, reading, or drinking the 
milk from the adjacent dairy, (alone or 
in gracious company), the singing of the 
birds can be enjoyed and from time to 
time the pursuit of the game which will 
certainly be plentiful on account of the 
fitness of the situation.” 
Walking for pleasure was evidently un¬ 
known in Italy in the eighteenth century, 
and that the sight of some object of art 
or interest was the 
only reason for exer¬ 
tion, is brought out 
very strongly in 
this letter, also that 
true luxury is hav- 
J 
ing every sense 
pleased, and even 
the queer kind of 
sport enjoyed at 
that time all 
arranged for in 
advance. 
The nineteenth 
century fad, the 
wild garden, is 
foreshadowed in 
“ the sweet smelling 
herbs and flowers 
will always be culti¬ 
vated near the 
pavilion IN path.” It seems 
GARDEN a pity that Signor 
Molmenti did not 
see fit to give the entire letter. It would 
be interesting to know the fate of the other 
old statues from among which the Bacchus 
was selected to be restored, and any other 
details Ballerini thought of writing to the 
Ambassador. 
Eleanor G. Hewitt. 
270 
