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HIsTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
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oil painting above the fireplace is a portrait of Robert Wilson, the
builder of the present home, and it is interesting to know that this
portrait was painted in the very room in which it hangs. The
antique porcelain jars on either end of the mantel complete the
picture.
The house is surrounded by extensive lawns and terraced
gardens, covering about three acres, which extend to the river.
The walks are bordered by wonderful old boxwood hedges which
were planted when the house was built. In the gardens are some
very rare old bulbs, put there when the gardens were originally
laid out, and which the Department of Agriculture at Washington
listed some time ago as practically extinct.
At the intersection of four walks stands an octagonal summer¬
house, with massive brick columns, in a perfect state of preservation,
having already withstood the storms of nearly a hundred years—
a delightful spot, overlooking the river, to sit and muse on the
romances of the crinoline days. Near the summer-house is the
old flower-house, known in former days as the greenhouse, where
rare and beautiful flowers bloomed the entire winter.
On the hills and fields surrounding the house is a beautiful
srowth known as Scotch broom, which in the late spring 1s covered
with a golden bloom. There is an interesting old legend about this
plant. It is said that the seed were brought to this country by the
English during the Revolutionary War in the feed for their horses,
and that wherever they camped, this Scotch broom sprung up after
they moved on.
On this estate is also a very fine mineral spring—the water
having been analyzed some years ago and found to contain medi¬
cinal qualities rivaling some of the springs of the most famous
health resorts.
All in all, Dan’s Hill is a charming home, combining the dignity
of Colonial days with every comfort of the most modern establish¬
ment, and where true Southern hospitality is graciously dispensed
by Robert Wilson James and his lovely wife.
[316] MRS. KORER JAMES.