possible by masterpieces of ancient and
modern art."

The avenues were of white sand, with
grassy by-ways on either side bordered by
elms and iron railings six or seven feet
high. Beyond these were thickets and
niches where statues, sculptured urns and
benches of white carved stone were placed.
Occasional archways of green led down dim
arbors to new enchantments. Here and
there were round or star-shaped retreats
whose carpets of grass were sprayed by
murmuring fountains. In each recess were
marble pedestals, busts, a long bench that
invited repose.

Trees of mature growth were brought in
great numbers from distant parts of France
and Flanders. Despite difficulties of
transportation, twenty-five thousand trees were
carried on wagons from Artois alone. The
forests of Normandy were denuded of
yew-trees; from the mountains of _Dauphiné_ the
King's emissaries brought _epicea_ trees, and
India sent chestnut trees for the adornment
of Versailles.

Among these groves Louis delighted to
promenade in the evening, sometimes, in the