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under the restorer's hands), were constructed by Valentiny; and although the new wing, with its horizontal lines and low roofs, suffers in comparison with the old chateau, yet the combination produces an effect both picturesque and charming.

To Valentiny d'Usse owes one of her greatest glories-the terraces and gardens. Constructed as they were in a time when Italy was inspiring all the northern countries with her painting and sculpture, it was only natural that the influence of her architecture and gardening should also be felt. Undoubtedly the chateau gardens were suggested by southern work, yet such a scheme for carving out the hillside and stepping down to the river bank was a natural solution of the problem.

Sitting under the shadow of the tall trees at the extreme west end of the upper terrace, one sees before him and just below a stretch of pleasant lawn such as might be used for outdoor sports. A path leads to the Formal Garden laid out with flower-bordered walks. Access to this garden is gained by a stone stairway near the entrance to the court. This descends to a grass

grown sunken garden, and vaulted passages under the driveway lead directly from this to the the Formal Garden. An oval basin containing aquatic plants and watered by an insignificant fountain, marks the centre of the garden. Two immense oaks (one recently blown down) were planted in the plots at either side. We rarely see shade-trees so prominently placed, but however unusual this system of tree-planting may be, it is none the less a happy one. Beside taking away the bare look attributed to most gardens of a formal nature, these big trees offer a cool retreat among the flowers.

The well-planned vegetable garden, with its greenhouse and potting sheds, is on the next terrace, twenty feet below. The road is on a still lower grade, and runs along in close proximity to the poplar-bordered river banks. A fine old four-arched bridge near by spans the river to the waving wheat fields just beyond. And from this splendid point of vantage on the upper terrace a pleasant perspective of gardens, vine-covered walls and box-trees lead the eye on to the village, with its quaint-roofed houses, in the distance.