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HIisTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA — —— 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 freshened 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 satisfaction. Mating time is here, and homes, whether in the tall treetops, 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[232]
