Oldal 378 [378]
ae = SS ee 91 ZET —_ SE ee
THE POTOMAC AND RAPPAHANNOCK
place from its beginning, is apparent from the original name “Rose
Hill” which Mr. Bernard changed to "Gay Mont" in honor of
his bride, Miss Jane Gay Robertson, of Richmond, Virginia.
The portico at Gay Mont is supported by six large pillars with
balustrades between, and is enclosed at each end by the wings.
Between the windows opening on the portico and at either end are
plaster busts of Washington, Franklin, Shakespeare, Milton, Scott,
Byron, Napoleon and LaFayette.
In front of the portico is the driveway, and beyond are three
terraces, each three hundred feet in length. he last terrace, twice
the depth of the first two, broadens out at its base into a semi¬
circle at either end, and has a border of roses its entire length.
Between the second and third terrace there is a small formal
garden, in the shape of a circle, consisting of four plots separated
by gravel walks, with a fountain in the center surrounded by conch
shells and ivy. ‘This little garden was christened “The Beauty
Spot,” by which name it is still known. The water supplying the
fountain was brought in lead pipes from a reservoir in the rear of
the house, and after the War Between the States, when ammunition
was scarce, the lead from the pipe was made into “‘slugs,’’ and used
instead of shot by the huntsmen of the family.
In connection with the fountain there is an amusing story told
of a small dog which had been trained to turn the wheel which
supplied the water. He would sit on the lower terrace overlooking
the avenue, intently watching for visitors, and on seeing them ap¬
proach would dash to the wheel and work violently in order to have
the fountain spraying freely by the time the host greeted his guests
at the front door.
At either end of the house there is a circular rose garden sur¬
rounded by box-bushes. Formerly this box was kept neatly trimmed,
but it has long been allowed to grow at random and has now
assumed the form of great, round masses, higher than a man’s head.
At the back of the house, separated from the lawn by trees and
shrubs, is the garden proper, consisting of a gravel walk,
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