Oldal 373 [373]
HIisTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
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In early days, one of the first requisites considered in building
the beautiful homes of Virginia was a desirable location. ‘This
was not only from a practical, but from an aesthetic viewpoint.
At Prospect Hill, the many miles of swelling hills, smiling valleys,
whether dressed in spring verdure or autumn’s glorious tints, make
a landscape so pleasing that even the glint of silvery water is not
needed.
But there is more to Prospect Hill than the mere beauty of its
landscape. It has always held an unique agricultural value from the
excellent quality of the grain grown there and the special flavor
of its tobacco. Besides all these advantages, the place held a
stronger magnet for young Henry Fitzhugh, of Bedford, across
the Rappahannock. The rumble of his coach-and-four along the
drive at Prospect Hill was no infrequent sound, and on a fair day
in October, 1748, pretty Sarah Battaile became the bride of the
wealthy heir of Bedford. A few years later, Henry Fitzhugh was
appointed colonel of the Staftord County militia.
Go to Prospect Hill in the early spring season, when Nature’s
most pleasing plans have been perfected. Those splendid poplar,
locust, linden, and walnut trees have lately donned their spring
attire. [Those symmetrical hollies guarding the entrance have fresh¬
ened up their dress a bit. Those hedges, beyond the vine-clad
house, are brilliant now with the blossoms of early spring roses.
The robins, wrens, and bluebirds are caroling their song of satis¬
faction. Mating time is here, and homes, whether in the tall tree¬
tops, or in those picturesque bird-houses, scattered at intervals about |
the trees and shrubbery, are reasons enough for joyful warble.
That lately trimmed hedge of privet, on the east side of the house,
is groomed to perfection, and the breeze is heavy with aromatic
odors from the dwarf-box, which borders the brick-paved path on
the west.
And the bridal-wreath at Prospect Hill! Nowhere does this
beautiful shrub attain the same grace and luxuriance. In wreaths
and garlands and plumes it waves in the gentle wind on this Vir¬
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