gated
and floral cascade, immense quantities of the stalks of the asclepias,
whose leaves, large, umbellated, and in clusters of from fifteen to
twenty star-shaped flowers, grew so thickly, so evenly, that they might
have been mistaken for bouquets of pink enamel surrounded with leaves of
fine green porcelain. The borders of the cases containing the orange
sand camellias were filled with the choicest cape heaths, the tulips of
Thol, the narcissus of Constantinople, the hyacinth, irides, and
cyclamina of Persia; forming a sort of natural carpet, presenting one
harmonious blending of the loveliest tints.

Chinese lanterns of transparent silk, some pale blue, others pink,
partly concealed amid the foliage, threw a soft and gentle light over
this enchanting scene; nor could a more ingenious idea have been
resorted to than in the happy amalgamation of these two colours, by
which a charming and almost unearthly light was produced combining the
clear cerulean blue of a summer's night with the rose-coloured
coruscations emitted from sparkling rays of an aurora borealis.

The entrance to this immense hothouse was from a long gallery glittering
with gold, with mirrors, crystal vases filled with the choicest
perfumes, and brilliantly lighted, and also raised a few steps above the
fairy palace we have been endeavouring to describe. The dazzling
brightness of the approach served as a sort of penumbra, in which were
indistinctly traced out the gigantic exotics discernible through a
species of arch, partly concealed by two crimson velvet curtains looped
back with golden cords so as to give a dim and misty view of the
enchanted land that lay beyond. An imaginative mind might easily have
persuaded himself he stood near a huge window opening on some beautiful
Asiatic landscape during the tranquillity of a summer's twilight.

The sounds of the orchestra, weakened by distance, and broken by the
joyous hum proceeding from the gallery, died languidly away among the
motionless foliage of the huge trees. Insensibly each fresh visitant to
this enchanting spot lowered his voice until his words fell in whispers;
for the light genuine air, embalmed with a thousand rich odours,
appeared to cast a sort of somnolency over the senses; every breath
seemed to speak of the clustering plants whose balmy sweetness filled
the atmosphere. Certainly two lovers, seated in some corner of this
Eden, could conceive no greater happiness to be enjoyed on earth, t