Sunken garden between Liberal Arts and Mines and Metallurgy

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THE SUNKEN GARDEN.

Of the many choice examples of landscape gardening at the Exposition, none is more pleasing than the Sunken Garden, a richly planted parterre lying between the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy and the Palace of Liberal Arts. The accompanying view is toward the Southeast, with the main entrance of the Government Building as a background. There are really many gardens in one great level space, three feet below the surrounding walks. A graceful slope of fine turf forms the frame for the beautiful picture. Wonderful combinations of color and charming designs are spread out before the eye, and the scene is really kaleidoscopic when one walks about. Not the least charm of these gardens is their constant change, for all decorative plants and flowers are transient, and as the season advances new pictures are presented. At midsummer cannas and other gorgeous flowers are judiciously distributed, adding their glories to the scene. Tropical foliage shows forth, new dispositions are made of the bay trees, and a transformation is worked in the whole prospect by the army of gardeners who are always at work at the Fair. There are seats for hundreds of visitors around tire parterre, and the exhibit palaces afford shade in the heat of the day, so that the Sunken Garden is one of the most delightful resting places at the Exposition.

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CROWDS AT THE SUNKEN GARDEN

As a rule the Exposition crowds assemble in the vicinity of some special feature or exhibit. The band stands are sure to be the center of a throng of humanity, for military music appeals to almost every one, whether he be cultivated or not. The Pike and the Plaza of St. Louis are popular because a crowd draws a crowd, and because there is always something going on to attract the nucleus of the crowd. There is one spot in the Exposition that has neither music nor action to recommend it, and yet it is always filled with people. It is the area between the Palaces of Liberal Arts and Alines and Metallurgy, and at the foot of the hill that leads up to the Government Pavilion. This stretch is known as the Sunken Garden, because it is depressed three feet below the level of the surrounding ground. It is framed by sward and broad walks, and from the steps of the Government Pavilion it presents the appearance of a gorgeous piece of tapestry. It is the one bit of gardening that can be taken in as a whole. This is the chief advantage of a sunken garden. The broad walk is lined with benches that are occupied at all hours of the afternoon and evening by World's Fair visitors who are content to spend a little time in the contemplation of pure floral loveliness.

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Sunken gardens