Stranica 325 [325]
Gt sss ee
HIsTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
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while the vegetable garden, of similar form, lying to the west of
the box-walk, is surrounded with a thick hedge of climbing roses.
A break in the box-hedge bordering the center walk aftords an in¬
teresting vista, extending from the cherry trees on the east to an ivy¬
covered sun-dial at the far side of the vegetable garden on the west.
From the crest of the high hill, bordered by a wide walk, an
ivy and wistaria-covered tea-house and pergola overlook the broad
water of the Potomac winding its way to the sea. One can easily
imagine Washington’s eight-oared barge sweeping up to the dock,
landing the friend and neighbor coming in favorite fashion to pay
a visit to Colonel Mason.
We learn from an unfinished manuscript that originally the
entrance road, which curves through a native forest, then passes
through open fields, ‘‘was girded by a double row of cherry trees,
the common blackheart, raised from seed.” (Page 98, Rowland 5
Mason), but they have long since disappeared. An avenue of
magnolia grandiflora has now been planted, which will in time take
the place of the stately, short-lived Lombardy poplars, placed there
for immediate eftect.
George Mason (1725-1792) was the author of the Virginia
Bill of Rights and of the Constitution of Virginia. ‘The former,
the most remarkable paper of its epoch, was the foundation of the
great American assertion of right. Jefferson went to it for the
phrases and expressions of the Declaration, and it remains the
original chart by which free governments must steer their course. .. .
The equality of men politically; the enjoyment of life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness; the responsibility of magistrates; the right
of the people to abolish oppressive government; suffrage to all men
having a permanent interest in the community; the freedom of the
press; the subjection of the military to the civil government; the
free exercise of religion; and an adherence to justice, moderation
and virtue: these were to be the burning and shining lights to guide
the new generation in their march to the Canaan of the future.”
(Virginia, by John Esten Cooke, p. 411.)
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