The Gardens of the Villa Lante 
the paths running parallel to the central axis 
into three parts. The two long side divisions 
show a very wise disposition. They are 
filled with box; and form, in spite of their 
rather elaborate designs, restful gardens of 
green, which make a splendid foil for the 
long beds of flowers that frame them. 
Across the two ends of the central division 
are parterres of flowers, while the center of 
this division and the formal garden contains 
a fountain with fine architectural features 
giving a center to what might otherwise be a 
PLAN OF THE VILLA LANTE GARDENS 
A WATER COURSE OF THE UPPER TERRACE 
devote a little more attention to it. It is a 
big square, in extent something less than an 
acre and a half, every part of which is open 
to the full light of the sun. Bounding its 
east and north sides runs a box hedge, some 
twelve to fourteen feet high. This hedge 
continues along the west side, but here it is 
low, giving an outlook over the plains. The 
south side is bounded by the buildings and 
terraces. All about the garden runs a broad 
path. Within this, the garden is divided by 
spotty design—a fault of so many gardens. 
It is this central pool, in fact, which is the 
distinguishing feature of the Lante garden. 
From midway of its sides it is crossed by 
four bridges, bordered by balustrades that 
meet in a circular path about the large foun¬ 
tain in the center. An arrangement of con¬ 
centric basins, terminates in an octagonal 
pedestal supporting a central feature of a 
fountain that crowns every view across the 
garden. It is a splendid group of four fine 
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