Page:Amusements in mathematics.djvu/143

Rh 12.—Italian Maze of Sixteenth Century.

forced (Fig. 11). As further illustrations of this class of maze, I give one taken from an Italian work on architecture by Serlio, published

13.—By the Designers of Hampton Court Maze.

in 1537 (Fig. 12), and one by London and Wise, the designers of the Hampton Court maze, from their book, The Retir'd Gard'ner, published in 1706 (Fig. 13). Also, I add a Dutch maze (Fig. 14).

So far our mazes have been of historical interest, but they have presented no difficulty in threading. After the Reformation period we find mazes converted into mediums for recreation, and they generally consisted of labyrinthine paths enclosed by thick and carefully trimmed hedges. These topiary hedges were known to the Romans, with whom the topiarius was the ornamental gardener. This type of maze has of late years degenerated into the seaside "Puzzle Gardens. Teas, sixpence, including admission to the Maze." The Hampton

14.—A Dutch Maze.

Court Maze, sometimes called the "Wilderness," at the royal palace, was designed, as I have said, by London and Wise for William III., who had a liking for such things (Fig. 15). I have before me some three or four versions of it, all slightly different from one another; but the plan I select is taken from an old guide-book to the palace, and therefore ought to be trustworthy. The meaning of the dotted lines, etc., will be explained later on.

The maze at Hatfield House (Fig. 16), the seat of the Marquis of Salisbury, like so many labyrinths, is not difficult on paper; but both

15.—Maze at Hampton Court Palace.