Stranica 325 [325]
OCR
Gt sss ee HIsTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA = KE 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 interesting vista, extending from the cherry trees on the east to an ivycovered 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.) [ 200 |
