International studio (16.1902)

Italy's Private Gardens.

besides the simple love of fresh air and the
tradition of Roman ease and grandeur. The con-
struction of these suburban houses and gardens
was the natural consequence of the spirit of in-
dependence which sprang into being spontaneously
as the material conditions of life among the
merchants and tradesmen allowed them to indulge
it. Too much importance therefore, need not be
attached to the instinct to preserve not only one’s
property but one’s health in an age when forays
and fighting were frequent.
The antique art of the Romans consisted alto-
gether in the contrast between the beauties of the
garden and the aspect of the surrounding country;
and the beauties of the garden were the result ot
the disposition and the symmetry of their several
parts. The many descriptions of Pliny the
Younger are useful, to enable one to avoid repe-
titions on the subject of the reconstituted Italian
country houses of the fifth
century. In the gardens
of Tuscany the mansion
stood on the highest
ground; in front of the
rose a terrace,
one descended
shady avenues
with box-trees
animal shapes

entrance
whence
through
adorned
cut into
and arranged on a sym-
metrical plan. Through
more hedges of ever-
greens one came to the
circular exercise-ground.
Behind the house was a
reserved shady space
with fountains and plane
trees; opening out of
here was the racing-track,
surrounded by statues
hung with festoons of
ivy, and enclosed by
masses of plants. Hence
more alleys ran to the
lawns, real carpets of
verdure, outlined with
rose bushes and balus-
trades. This, again, led
to a special avenue, wide
and straight, with path-
ways branching left and
right, designed to repre-
sent the names of the
owner and of the architect.

More fountain basins, more pensili, statues and
columns in profusion everywhere. There remains
to-day in our Italian gardens much that corre-
sponds with these classical descriptions. The
manner and the style are the same, with the
addition of fantastic grottoes with animals and
rural scenes; the most ingenious hydraulic effects
— all intended to surprise strangers — being
employed.
The houses themselves are lofty, somewhat plain,
and well grouped, in imitation of the town palaces.
The Roman mansions, on the other hand, were
for the most part low, besides being detached and
scattered.
Among all the princely families of Italy who
have lavished their wealth in beautifying their
gardens, the Medici unquestionably rank first.
I may specially note the villas of Pratolino and
Petraia, recommending all who desire to know

‘ villa d’este ”

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALINAR1