iv. Gardening, as an Art of Design and Taste, in Saxony
337. Saxony, though one of the most beautiful countries in Germany, is very deficient in magnificent gardens. The cause is to be found in the general absence of landed monopolists, and in the personal character of the electors and kings. Granville calls Dresden the German Florence, and describes its magnificent promenade, the Bruhl. This consists of a terrace, ascended by a grand flight of forty steps, fifty feet wide, and follows the winding bank of the Elbe to a certain extent. On the other side, it surrounds a palace and garden, which formerly belonged to the Count de Bruhl, but which are now converted to different purposes, among which may be mentioned the annual exhibition of pictures, &c, and the Academy of Arts. In one part of this succession of walks, gardens, and plantations, a Belvedere has been erected, which would be considered as a fine specimen of Doric architecture, had it not been spoiled by the subsequent addition of wooden sheds, for the purpose of affording accommodation in a restaurateur. (Travels, &c. p. 597.) The park, or Grosser Garten, at Pilnitz, has been considerably improved under the direction of a general officer, who has introduced the English style of gardening, and parklike plantations. (Ibid., p. 646.)
