AN “EDUCATIONAL” GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 February 1931, Page 10

AN “EDUCATIONAL” GARDEN

Accor« 1 i ll jli (o Ifono's “Tallin Book,” \v}io*n IVI.or llio Great was having a garden ni. his snimnnr palace constructed, lie said to the Swede who was in charge of the operations: “T should wisli that I lie persons who walk in the garden might find sonic Ulceus of cultivating their minds. In what wa- can we construe I his:'"’ “Sire,” said the gardener, “1 know no other than to put hooks on the seats, protected from the rain, that those who walk in the garden may read when they sit down.” “This is not far from my meaning,” said the Czar, laughingly. “hut hooks in a public garden—that will never do. Another idea has struck me. I should like to erect statues here, representing the different subjects of Aesop’s failles.” The garden was planned accordingly. “IVlost of the animals.” we are lold, “were as largo as life, and of lead, gilt. They ejected water from their mouths, according to their various attitudes.. In this way the walks were ornamented with sixty fables, forming as many jots d’eau. At the entrance was a statute of Aesop, likewise of lead, and gilt.” This queer menagerie does not seem to have been popular will) Peter’s .subjects. He himself, apparently, was (he most frequent visitor. Then, one day, a tempest arose, plants and animals wore destroyed, and iho “garden of instruction” ceased to he. During his stay in England Peter hired Saves Court from Evelyn. While he was there his chief amusement was being wheeled through a magnificent holly hedge, of which its owner was very proud. There was not much left of the hedge when Evelyn resumed possession.