燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)又名(ming)燕(yan)(yan)谷園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan),位(wei)(wei)于(yu)常(chang)熟古城區(qu)新峰巷(xiang),至今已(yi)有(you)220多(duo)年(nian)(nian)歷史,是常(chang)熟古典園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林(lin)(lin)中(zhong)存世時間長、格(ge)局保存為完整(zheng)的(de)私(si)家園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林(lin)(lin)之一,2013年(nian)(nian)入選第七批全國重(zhong)點(dian)文物(wu)保護單位(wei)(wei)名(ming)單。燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)自1982年(nian)(nian)起陸續修(xiu)(xiu)復,當年(nian)(nian)對園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)中(zhong)三(san)嬋娟室、佇秋簃(yi)等(deng)景點(dian)按原有(you)布局進(jin)行了重(zhong)建,于(yu)1984年(nian)(nian)上半年(nian)(nian)竣工并對外開(kai)放。1998年(nian)(nian)6月,燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)實施(shi)第二期修(xiu)(xiu)復工程,于(yu)2000年(nian)(nian)10月竣工,歷時3年(nian)(nian),共投(tou)資200萬元(yuan),對燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)16景中(zhong)的(de)五芝堂、賞詩閣、天際歸舟(zhou)等(deng)12景進(jin)行修(xiu)(xiu)復,得以(yi)重(zhong)現(xian)。2007年(nian)(nian)3月起,又將(jiang)燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)十愿樓(lou)、冬榮老(lao)屋、一希瓦閣、竹里行櫥(chu)四景修(xiu)(xiu)復,主要恢復建筑面積(ji)376平方米(mi)。建筑風貌和(he)原先保持一致,充分(fen)體現(xian)江(jiang)南私(si)家園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林(lin)(lin)的(de)雅致和(he)精巧。同時對園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林(lin)(lin)的(de)花木進(jin)行恢復種植(zhi),重(zhong)現(xian)昔日(ri)精巧絕妙的(de)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林(lin)(lin)藝術(shu)風采(cai)。
燕(yan)園(yuan)占地(di)(di)4畝多,地(di)(di)形狹長(chang),劃(hua)分為三區。入(ru)門為一(yi)(yi)區,利用直(zhi)(西側長(chang)廊(lang))橫(heng)兩(liang)廊(lang)以及(ji)其后的(de)(de)山(shan)石(shi),造(zao)成(cheng)園(yuan)景隱約幽(you)深(shen),使人(ren)(ren)入(ru)園(yuan)有(you)深(shen)邃不(bu)可測(ce)之(zhi)感(gan)。東(dong)折小(xiao)園(yuan)一(yi)(yi)方,有(you)荷花(hua)池,“七(qi)十二石(shi)猴”假山(shan),山(shan)石(shi)嶙峋(xun),別有(you)天(tian)(tian)地(di)(di)。尤可取的(de)(de)是從綠轉廊(lang)經(jing)小(xiao)橋(qiao)導入(ru)山(shan)南的(de)(de)童(tong)初仙隔(ge),兩(liang)處遙望(wang),則覺庭院深(shen)深(shen),空(kong)間莫測(ce)。假山(shan)之(zhi)東(dong)有(you)高低錯(cuo)落之(zhi)磚梯與修竹構成(cheng)“詩(shi)境”,由此北入(ru)賞詩(shi)閣,再(zai)進(jin)為臨水(shui)石(shi)船(chuan),名曰(yue)“天(tian)(tian)際歸舟”。五(wu)芝(zhi)堂(tang)后為第三區,是園(yuan)主人(ren)(ren)生活居住之(zhi)處,中(zhong)亦用假山(shan)與五(wu)芝(zhi)堂(tang)相隔(ge)。
園內(nei)有(you)“五芝堂”、“賞詩閣(ge)”、“三(san)嬋(chan)娟室(shi)”、“天際歸舟”、“童初仙(xian)館”、“詩境”、“燕(yan)谷(gu)”、“引勝巖”、“過(guo)云橋”、“綠轉(zhuan)廊(lang)”、“佇(zhu)秋”、“冬(dong)榮老(lao)屋”、“竹里(li)行廚(chu)”、“夢青(qing)蓮花庵(an)”、“一希閣(ge)”、“十樓(lou)”,乃有(you)“燕(yan)園”十六景之美譽
燕園(yuan)花木(mu)景(jing)觀(guan)豐富,園(yuan)中(zhong)除有古廣玉(yu)蘭、梧桐(tong)、石榴和五針松(song)、垂絲(si)海(hai)棠、紫薇、羅漢松(song)等外,還有牡丹種(zhong)(zhong)植亦(yi)盛。燕園(yuan)于晚(wan)清時即以牡丹種(zhong)(zhong)植,品類著稱而聞(wen)名(ming)(ming),可見名(ming)(ming)花珍(zhen)木(mu)亦(yi)為此園(yuan)之勝,與(yu)園(yuan)中(zhong)名(ming)(ming)山清池(chi)、亭臺(tai)樓閣、曲院深廊相映增(zeng)輝,構成獨具特色,意境無限的名(ming)(ming)園(yuan)勝景(jing)。
燕園(yuan)于1982年3月被列為省級文物保護單位(wei)。
燕園坐落(luo)在常熟城(cheng)區辛(xin)峰巷(xiang)內(nei),東(dong)鄰炳(bing)靈(ling)公殿,南臨辛(xin)峰巷(xiang),西為民居區,其北(bei)原有五弦河(已湮沒)。
該園原為(wei)清乾(qian)隆東閣大學士(shi)蔣(jiang)溥之子、臺灣知府(fu)蔣(jiang)元樞所建(jian),園西即為(wei)蔣(jiang)元樞從父蔣(jiang)洄(hui)舊(jiu)宅。乾(qian)隆四十五年(nian)(1780年(nian)),時任福建(jian)臺澎觀(guan)察使兼(jian)學政(zheng)的(de)蔣(jiang)元樞,渡海(hai)遇(yu)險,回常熟后,即在蔣(jiang)府(fu)舊(jiu)宅東側辟建(jian)園林,并供(gong)海(hai)神天妃于(yu)其中,名為(wei)蔣(jiang)園。
蔣元(yuan)樞因其(qi)父親(qin)蔣溥與祖父蔣廷錫均任過內閣(ge)大學士,家世豪富,筑園(yuan)極(ji)其(qi)精良(liang),如窗欞、欄檻(jian)等都用(yong)名貴的紫檀、楠木雕刻而成(cheng)。
此園后被其長子繼煃賭博輸卻(que)。道光(guang)九年(nian)(1829年(nian)),為其族侄、泰安縣令蔣因(yin)培(號伯(bo)生(sheng))出資購(gou)得,大(da)加修葺(qi)增(zeng)飾,并請戈裕(yu)良用(yong)本邑(yi)虞山黃(huang)石在園中(zhong)部疊成假(jia)山一(yi)座(zuo),取名(ming)“燕谷(gu)(gu)”。燕谷(gu)(gu)如真山幽谷(gu)(gu)一(yi)般(ban),巧奪(duo)天工且洞壑中(zhong)有清(qing)澈的池水,園名(ming)于是(shi)大(da)著,園亦(yi)因(yin)此更名(ming)“燕園”,又名(ming)“燕谷(gu)(gu)園”。
道光(guang)二十(shi)七年(1847年),園(yuan)為邑人(ren)知縣(xian)歸子瑾購得。光(guang)緒(xu)年間,燕(yan)園(yuan)重歸蔣家,元樞玄孫鴻逵重得,其所著《吾好廬詩抄(chao)》中“園(yuan)林逢舊主(zhu)”是為實指。
時至晚(wan)清,燕(yan)園(yuan)于(yu)1908年(nian)為曾(ceng)任光緒外(wai)務部(bu)郎中張鴻購得,故又(you)稱(cheng)張園(yuan),張鴻且自號“燕(yan)谷老人(ren)”。張氏(shi)著(zhu)述多種,所撰反映晚(wan)清史實的文學名著(zhu)《續孽海(hai)花(hua)》即在此園(yuan)完成。
建(jian)國(guo)后,燕園先后為市(shi)(縣(xian))公(gong)安局、文(wen)化館(guan)、皮(pi)革廠等單位使用。1982年(nian)公(gong)布為江蘇(su)省文(wen)物保護單位。同年(nian)根據常熟城(cheng)市(shi)總體(ti)規劃,市(shi)皮(pi)革廠開始動遷(qian)其在(zai)該園所建(jian)的(de)部分用房,并即由市(shi)基建(jian)局(1985年(nian)改為市(shi)建(jian)設(she)委員(yuan)會)主(zhu)持(chi)組織園林處陸(lu)續進行修復,目前,已大部完成(cheng)。
燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)占地(di)4畝多,地(di)形(xing)狹長,劃分為(wei)三區(qu)。入(ru)門為(wei)一(yi)區(qu),利(li)用(yong)直(西側長廊)橫兩廊以及其后(hou)(hou)的(de)山(shan)石(shi),造(zao)成園(yuan)景(jing)隱約幽深,使人(ren)入(ru)園(yuan)有(you)(you)(you)深邃不(bu)可測(ce)之感。東(dong)折小(xiao)園(yuan)一(yi)方,有(you)(you)(you)荷花池(chi),“七(qi)十(shi)二石(shi)猴”假(jia)山(shan),山(shan)石(shi)嶙峋,別有(you)(you)(you)天地(di)。尤可取的(de)是(shi)從(cong)綠(lv)(lv)轉廊經小(xiao)橋(qiao)導入(ru)山(shan)南的(de)童(tong)初仙隔,兩處(chu)遙(yao)望(wang),則覺庭院(yuan)深深,空間莫測(ce)。假(jia)山(shan)之東(dong)有(you)(you)(you)高(gao)低(di)錯落之磚梯與修竹構成“詩(shi)境(jing)”,由此北(bei)入(ru)賞詩(shi)閣(ge)(ge)(ge),再進為(wei)臨水石(shi)船,名曰“天際(ji)歸(gui)(gui)舟”。五芝堂后(hou)(hou)為(wei)第三區(qu),是(shi)園(yuan)主人(ren)生活居住之處(chu),中亦用(yong)假(jia)山(shan)與五芝堂相(xiang)隔。園(yuan)內有(you)(you)(you)“五芝堂”、“賞詩(shi)閣(ge)(ge)(ge)”、“三嬋娟室”、“天際(ji)歸(gui)(gui)舟”、“童(tong)初仙館”、“詩(shi)境(jing)”、“燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)”、“引勝(sheng)巖”、“過云(yun)橋(qiao)”、“綠(lv)(lv)轉廊”、“佇(zhu)秋”、“冬榮老屋”、“竹里(li)行廚”、“夢青蓮花庵”、“一(yi)希閣(ge)(ge)(ge)”、“十(shi)樓”,乃有(you)(you)(you)“燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)”十(shi)六(liu)景(jing)之美譽(yu)。
常熟(shu)為(wei)(wei)倚山(shan)(shan)之城。燕園(yuan)(yuan)地處(chu)深僻小(xiao)巷,臨近間有高(gao)墻,其借(jie)景(jing)虞(yu)山(shan)(shan)之法,別具匠心。即在(zai)園(yuan)(yuan)內建(jian)賞(shang)詩閣(ge)(ge)等高(gao)閣(ge)(ge),使其背東面西(xi),以(yi)西(xi)借(jie)虞(yu)山(shan)(shan),登高(gao)憑(ping)欄遠眺,收納虞(yu)山(shan)(shan)無限風光,使有限的(de)空間變成了無限的(de)空間,俯身下瞰,則幽谷深澗,秀木繁蔭,池水曲折,清流蜿蜒與虞(yu)山(shan)(shan)相(xiang)呼應。1982年3月公布為(wei)(wei)省文(wen)物保護單位。“燕谷”,其峻(jun)險清奇,與蘇(su)州(zhou)“環(huan)秀山(shan)(shan)莊”、揚州(zhou)“小(xiao)盤谷”、如皋(gao)“文(wen)園(yuan)(yuan)”相(xiang)頡頏,為(wei)(wei)園(yuan)(yuan)藝家所贊賞(shang)。
燕園占地約四畝余,平面呈狹長形,南北長而(er)東西較狹,布局獨運(yun)匠心,空間組合劃分靈活(huo)而(er)富有(you)變化,曲折得宜,別具(ju)一格。
全(quan)園(yuan)(yuan)總體(ti)可(ke)劃分(fen)為(wei)三(san)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。入(ru)園(yuan)(yuan)門至(zhi)(zhi)東(dong)西(xi)橫(heng)廊(lang)為(wei)一(yi)區(qu)(qu)(qu),利用園(yuan)(yuan)西(xi)長廊(lang)和(he)東(dong)西(xi)橫(heng)廊(lang)前庭院(yuan)中叢叢翠竹(zhu),掩隱其后(hou)園(yuan)(yuan)景(jing)(jing)色,使人(ren)產生(sheng)空間(jian)幽(you)(you)邃、深(shen)莫能測之(zhi)(zhi)感。該區(qu)(qu)(qu)之(zhi)(zhi)東(dong)又(you)巧辟小(xiao)園(yuan)(yuan)一(yi)方,北(bei)(bei)為(wei)鴛鴦式四面廳“三(san)嬋娟(juan)室(shi)”,原有(you)(you)蔣因培題匾(bian)。張豐(feng)玉《瓶(ping)花(hua)廬詩(shi)(shi)詞抄》中有(you)(you)關(guan)此(ci)(ci)園(yuan)(yuan)圖題句云:“新(xin)(xin)竹(zhu)幽(you)(you)而(er)靜,新(xin)(xin)柳嬌且(qie)妍,新(xin)(xin)月一(yi)笑來,成此(ci)(ci)三(san)嬋娟(juan),傲他林處士,獨抱(bao)梅花(hua)眠”。道出此(ci)(ci)室(shi)名之(zhi)(zhi)由來。室(shi)前有(you)(you)荷(he)花(hua)池(chi),池(chi)水(shui)曲折逶迤。池(chi)旁(pang)假(jia)山(shan)(shan)聳立(li)(li),怪石嶙峋,狀(zhuang)如群猴(hou)匯集,奔、跳、臥(wo)、立(li)(li),姿態(tai)各(ge)異(yi),形象生(sheng)動,別(bie)具(ju)情趣,因名“七(qi)十二(er)石猴(hou)”。山(shan)(shan)間(jian)植白皮(pi)松一(yi)株,高達數丈,蒼(cang)勁挺拔,虬枝曲屈,氣勢雄偉(wei),是為(wei)珍品。由庭院(yuan)而(er)至(zhi)(zhi)山(shan)(shan)林池(chi)水(shui),極(ji)盡(jin)空間(jian)轉換(huan)變化之(zhi)(zhi)勝。山(shan)(shan)南(nan)置“童初仙(xian)館(guan)”,館(guan)內為(wei)書齋四間(jian),布局順應自(zi)然(ran)地形,由園(yuan)(yuan)東(dong)臨(lin)池(chi)短廊(lang)與小(xiao)橋導(dao)入(ru),曲折幽(you)(you)靜,饒有(you)(you)趣味。“三(san)嬋娟(juan)室(shi)”東(dong)側為(wei)兩層建筑“夢青蓮花(hua)庵”,登小(xiao)樓(lou)可(ke)遠眺(tiao)虞(yu)山(shan)(shan)風光。由東(dong)西(xi)橫(heng)廊(lang)至(zhi)(zhi)“五芝堂(tang)(tang)”為(wei)第二(er)區(qu)(qu)(qu),五芝堂(tang)(tang)為(wei)昔日(ri)園(yuan)(yuan)主(zhu)人(ren)迎會親友(you)之(zhi)(zhi)所,在堂(tang)(tang)前置“燕谷(gu)”假(jia)山(shan)(shan)一(yi)座,咫尺山(shan)(shan)林,奇特(te),引(yin)人(ren)入(ru)勝,而(er)假(jia)山(shan)(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)東(dong)沿(yan)院(yuan)墻又(you)有(you)(you)以(yi)高低錯(cuo)落之(zhi)(zhi)廊(lang)道與修(xiu)竹(zhu)構成的“詩(shi)(shi)境”,引(yin)人(ren)遐想,興味無窮。由此(ci)(ci)順廊(lang)道可(ke)北(bei)(bei)入(ru)“賞詩(shi)(shi)閣”,出閣下山(shan)(shan),可(ke)至(zhi)(zhi)名曰“天際(ji)歸舟”的臨(lin)水(shui)旱舫,人(ren)移(yi)景(jing)(jing)換(huan),組合巧妙,使該區(qu)(qu)(qu)以(yi)“燕谷(gu)”為(wei)主(zhu)體(ti)之(zhi)(zhi)園(yuan)(yuan)景(jing)(jing),曲折多變,新(xin)(xin)意(yi)迭出,堪稱佳絕。假(jia)山(shan)(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)西(xi)長廊(lang)逶迤,沿(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)西(xi)院(yuan)墻貫通全(quan)園(yuan)(yuan)南(nan)北(bei)(bei),直抵五芝堂(tang)(tang),廊(lang)中部置半(ban)亭(ting)名“亻寧(ning)秋?”。人(ren)在廊(lang)中游,園(yuan)(yuan)景(jing)(jing)猶如連續畫卷,美(mei)不勝收。五芝堂(tang)(tang)后(hou)至(zhi)(zhi)園(yuan)(yuan)后(hou)門則為(wei)第三(san)區(qu)(qu)(qu),西(xi)為(wei)“冬榮老(lao)屋”,東(dong)側小(xiao)院(yuan),建有(you)(you)“一(yi)希瓦閣”、“十愿樓(lou)”,該區(qu)(qu)(qu)為(wei)園(yuan)(yuan)主(zhu)人(ren)日(ri)常(chang)生(sheng)活起居之(zhi)(zhi)處。
清人錢(qian)(qian)泳(yong)《履(lv)園叢話》中(zhong)記(ji)有(you)(you):“蔣園,臺(tai)灣知府蔣元樞構(gou)。后五十(shi)年,其族(zu)子蔣伯生得之(zhi)(zhi),倩(qian)晉陵(ling)戈(ge)(ge)(ge)裕良(liang)疊(die)(die)(die)石(shi)(shi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)堆,稱燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu),園名燕(yan)(yan)園”,“園甚小(xiao),而曲折(zhe)得宜,結構(gou)有(you)(you)法(fa)(fa),余每入(ru)城亦(yi)時(shi)寓也。”戈(ge)(ge)(ge)氏之(zhi)(zhi)前,疊(die)(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)置洞(dong)(dong),洞(dong)(dong)頂均用(yong)(yong)“石(shi)(shi)梁(liang)平頂法(fa)(fa)”構(gou)筑,即以(yi)條石(shi)(shi)架于(yu)兩(liang)側山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)石(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)上,以(yi)為(wei)(wei)洞(dong)(dong)頂承重維系(xi),雖亦(yi)有(you)(you)佳妙(miao)之(zhi)(zhi)構(gou),但(dan)終不(bu)(bu)免為(wei)(wei)陳套。至戈(ge)(ge)(ge)氏始創“鉤帶(dai)法(fa)(fa)”,將石(shi)(shi)拱橋(qiao)(qiao)構(gou)筑橋(qiao)(qiao)洞(dong)(dong)的原(yuan)理(li),巧妙(miao)運用(yong)(yong)于(yu)堆疊(die)(die)(die)假山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)壑(he)上,為(wei)(wei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)大(da)(da)(da)突破,由(you)此,將疊(die)(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)工藝提高(gao)到一(yi)(yi)(yi)個新的高(gao)度。錢(qian)(qian)泳(yong)在《履(lv)園叢話》中(zhong)記(ji)述(shu)其與戈(ge)(ge)(ge)氏論及堆疊(die)(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)不(bu)(bu)用(yong)(yong)條石(shi)(shi)易于(yu)傾頹時(shi),“戈(ge)(ge)(ge)曰:‘只將大(da)(da)(da)小(xiao)石(shi)(shi)鉤帶(dai)聯絡,如(ru)(ru)造環(huan)橋(qiao)(qiao)法(fa)(fa),可以(yi)千年不(bu)(bu)壞。要(yao)如(ru)(ru)真(zhen)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)壑(he)一(yi)(yi)(yi)般,然(ran)后方稱能事’。余始服其言。”加之(zhi)(zhi),戈(ge)(ge)(ge)裕良(liang)堆疊(die)(die)(die)燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu)時(shi),以(yi)虞山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)為(wei)(wei)藍本(ben),純用(yong)(yong)本(ben)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)黃石(shi)(shi)為(wei)(wei)之(zhi)(zhi),故極逼(bi)真(zhen),而又(you)運石(shi)(shi)如(ru)(ru)筆,變化萬(wan)端,山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)以(yi)大(da)(da)(da)塊石(shi)(shi)為(wei)(wei)骨,小(xiao)石(shi)(shi)補(bu)綴,拼鋃對縫,不(bu)(bu)假外(wai)力,且(qie)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)石(shi)(shi)紋理(li)、色彩,相接自然(ran)、和諧,復(fu)又(you)于(yu)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)南置澗水一(yi)(yi)(yi)泓,蜿流入(ru)洞(dong)(dong),渾然(ran)一(yi)(yi)(yi)體,實有(you)(you)巧奪天工之(zhi)(zhi)妙(miao),堪稱開(kai)我國造園史上一(yi)(yi)(yi)代(dai)新風。故錢(qian)(qian)泳(yong)評及“其堆法(fa)(fa)尤勝于(yu)諸家(jia)”,而為(wei)(wei)后世(shi)園冶家(jia)高(gao)度贊賞。戈(ge)(ge)(ge)氏作(zuo)品除燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu)外(wai),尚有(you)(you)蘇州(zhou)環(huan)秀山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)莊、虎丘(qiu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)榭園、揚(yang)州(zhou)意園 小(xiao)盤谷(gu)(gu)、如(ru)(ru)皋文(wen)園、儀征樸園、江寧五松園等,今唯(wei)燕(yan)(yan)園與環(huan)秀山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)莊兩(liang)處尚存,殊(shu)為(wei)(wei)珍貴。
自北山(shan)磴道而上(shang),山(shan)巔植(zhi)(zhi)樹(shu)栽竹,宛若天生,就中原有“五針松(song)”一本(ben),高不尋丈,而虬枝曲屈,倍(bei)添情趣。據張鴻《燕(yan)谷(gu)漫興》詩:“手植(zhi)(zhi)東來二尺松(song),十年已(yi)見萬(wan)針濃”句,可知此五針松(song)為(wei)張鴻出使(shi)日本(ben)時攜(xie)回所植(zhi)(zhi),惜已(yi)于1982年枯萎。今在原址(zhi)重新(xin)補植(zhi)(zhi)。沿(yan)山(shan)向東攀行即達燕(yan)谷(gu)峰巒處——“引勝巖”,宛如置身虞(yu)山(shan)劍門(men),是為(wei)攬勝高潮。
燕園自蔣元樞(shu)始建時,有(you)“三嬋娟室”、“童(tong)初仙館”、“七十(shi)二石猴”等(deng)名(ming)構勝景。
蔣因培增修燕(yan)園(yuan)后(hou),在其《烏目(mu)山房詩集》中題有:“錢松壺為余(yu)作燕(yan)園(yuan)圖(tu)十(shi)(shi)(shi)六(liu)幀,書此奉酬(chou)”。從此,乃有“燕(yan)園(yuan)十(shi)(shi)(shi)六(liu)景”之美譽。但(dan)該詩集未具體談及園(yuan)景內容,今據(ju)張豐玉《瓶(ping)花廬詩詞(ci)抄》中“題伯生丈燕(yan)園(yuan)圖(tu)”提到十(shi)(shi)(shi)四景,即(ji):1.五芝堂;2.賞詩閣(ge);3.三嬋娟室;4.天際歸舟;5.童初仙(xian)館;6.詩境(jing);7.燕(yan)谷(gu);8.引勝巖(yan);9.過(guo)云橋;10.夢青蓮花庵;11.綠轉廊;12.亻(ren)寧(ning)秋?;13.冬(dong)榮老屋(wu);14.竹里行廚。又據(ju)光緒《常昭合志稿》記載(zai),燕(yan)園(yuan)有一希瓦(wa)閣(ge)、十(shi)(shi)(shi)愿(yuan)樓、詩境(jing)、梅屋(wu)諸名勝。此說和張豐玉所述對照(zhao)除重復(fu)者(zhe)外(wai),加一希瓦(wa)閣(ge)、十(shi)(shi)(shi)愿(yuan)樓即(ji)為十(shi)(shi)(shi)六(liu)景。
燕園(yuan)歷史上為園(yuan)主(zhu)與文人雅(ya)集之地,“賞詩(shi)閣”中曾羅列(lie)朝野名(ming)(ming)流詩(shi)章,如清(qing)代名(ming)(ming)人阮元、郭鹿各、錢泳等吟(yin)賞唱(chang)和(he)之作皆羅列(lie)其中,益使園(yuan)林增色。昔園(yuan)中有清(qing)人(佚名(ming)(ming))集蔣因(yin)培詩(shi)句所撰楹聯曰:“虬(qiu)橋樹合樓對峙;燕谷天開(kai)澗半彎(wan)。”書(shu)齋有蔣因(yin)培撰聯:“熟讀離騷,便可稱名(ming)(ming)士(shi);涉(she)獵傳記,不能為醇儒(ru)。”
燕(yan)園(yuan)花(hua)木(mu)(mu)景(jing)觀豐富。園(yuan)中除現有(you)(you)白皮松、廣玉(yu)蘭外,昔有(you)(you)桂(gui)樹、辛夷、紫(zi)藤、修竹、梧桐、柳樹等(deng)(deng),池中植(zhi)以(yi)荷(he)花(hua)。晚清更有(you)(you)牡(mu)丹種(zhong)植(zhi)極盛(sheng),品(pin)類繁多。燕(yan)谷老人張鴻在其(qi)《蠻(man)巢詩(shi)詞稿》中,即(ji)有(you)(you)《燕(yan)園(yuan)種(zhong)牡(mu)丹》、《燕(yan)園(yuan)牡(mu)丹藤花(hua)盛(sheng)開和李敬輿韻》等(deng)(deng)詩(shi)記(ji)盛(sheng)。本邑(yi)詩(shi)人楊無恙,曾有(you)(you)《謝張?隱丈(zhang)摘贈魏紫(zi)》詩(shi),著(zhu)意描繪了(le)燕(yan)園(yuan)內種(zhong)植(zhi)的“姚黃”、“魏紫(zi)”等(deng)(deng)牡(mu)丹珍品(pin)(惜后(hou)為日寇摧(cui)殘以(yi)盡),可見名(ming)花(hua)珍木(mu)(mu)亦為此園(yuan)之勝(sheng)。
燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)歷史地位與(yu)(yu)價(jia)值的(de)重要,國內著(zhu)(zhu)名(ming)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林專(zhuan)(zhuan)家來(lai)此(ci)考察研究(jiu)后均(jun)予以高度(du)贊賞(shang)。早在(zai)本(ben)世紀三(san)十年代初,著(zhu)(zhu)名(ming)建(jian)筑師童(tong)寯先生(sheng)即曾專(zhuan)(zhuan)門(men)考察過燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan),記(ji)述和評(ping)價(jia)于《江南園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林志(zhi)》一書,并(bing)附有(you)(you)(you)部分照片及現場估測平(ping)面(mian)布局(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)圖。1958年同(tong)濟大學陳從周(zhou)教授來(lai)常(chang)調(diao)研后所著(zhu)(zhu)《常(chang)熟園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林》一文(wen)中,又(you)對燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)布局(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)詳加分析(xi)研究(jiu),高度(du)評(ping)價(jia)其(qi)造園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)藝術特色與(yu)(yu)成(cheng)就,并(bing)附有(you)(you)(you)詳細測量(liang)的(de)燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)布局(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)平(ping)面(mian)圖,可(ke)看(kan)出(chu)建(jian)國初燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)除賞(shang)詩(shi)閣(ge)、綠(lv)轉廊、天(tian)際歸(gui)舟(zhou)旱(han)船僅余遺址外,其(qi)余均(jun)保(bao)(bao)存(cun)(cun)較好。此(ci)后至1982年交由市基建(jian)局(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)開始(shi)整(zheng)修前的(de)二十多(duo)年中,園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)中童(tong)初仙(xian)館、夢(meng)青蓮(lian)花庵、三(san)嬋(chan)娟室(shi)、亻寧秋?、一瓻閣(ge)、十愿(yuan)樓、冬榮老屋等,有(you)(you)(you)的(de)因破(po)損(sun)較重已被(bei)使(shi)用單位拆除,有(you)(you)(you)的(de)被(bei)后來(lai)工(gong)廠改建(jian)作他(ta)用,燕谷(gu)東部的(de)部分假山亦被(bei)工(gong)廠拆去,余有(you)(you)(you)門(men)屋、西長廊、五芝(zhi)堂尚(shang)存(cun)(cun),破(po)損(sun)較重。但該園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主體即燕谷(gu)與(yu)(yu)“七十二石猴”兩處假山保(bao)(bao)存(cun)(cun)尚(shang)好,藝術價(jia)值很高。全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)格局(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)保(bao)(bao)存(cun)(cun)尚(shang)完(wan)整(zheng)。周(zhou)圍古(gu)建(jian)筑亦存(cun)(cun)有(you)(you)(you)平(ping)面(mian)圖與(yu)(yu)遺跡,也可(ke)修復。
燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)此(ci)修(xiu)復(fu)(fu)工程于1998年6月(yue)開始(shi),依次(ci)按原樣落地翻(fan)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)五芝堂與(yu)門(men)屋(已均屬結(jie)構危房);在(zai)原址重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)童初(chu)(chu)仙館、夢青蓮花(hua)庵(an);翻(fan)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)三嬋(chan)娟室前(qian)臨池(chi)(chi)廊橋(qiao);整(zheng)修(xiu)“七十(shi)二石猴”湖石假山(shan)(shan)與(yu)山(shan)(shan)間小徑,重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)假山(shan)(shan)前(qian)環(huan)池(chi)(chi)疊石,并(bing)整(zheng)修(xiu)恢復(fu)(fu)新發現的(de)(de)西側山(shan)(shan)洞(dong);重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)過(guo)(guo)云橋(qiao)東(dong)部(bu)假山(shan)(shan),并(bing)整(zheng)理了(le)(le)西部(bu)假山(shan)(shan)北側山(shan)(shan)體;重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)賞詩(shi)閣(ge)及與(yu)之相通(tong)的(de)(de)綠(lv)轉(zhuan)廊與(yu)詩(shi)境景(jing)點;重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)天際(ji)歸舟旱船與(yu)船前(qian)水(shui)池(chi)(chi);重(zhong)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)完成了(le)(le)東(dong)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)墻、園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)內各類(lei)鋪地與(yu)主(zhu)次(ci)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)路的(de)(de)鋪裝工作(zuo);落地翻(fan)建(jian)(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)南園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)墻與(yu)大門(men),并(bing)在(zai)大門(men)上方(fang)嵌置(zhi)拓自燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)老人張鴻手跡(ji)的(de)(de)“燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)”磚刻門(men)額。2000年7月(yue)竣工,燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)有(you)五芝堂、賞詩(shi)閣(ge)、三嬋(chan)娟室、天際(ji)歸舟、童初(chu)(chu)仙館、詩(shi)境、燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)、引勝巖、過(guo)(guo)云橋(qiao)、夢青蓮花(hua)庵(an)、綠(lv)轉(zhuan)廊、佇秋等十(shi)二景(jing)修(xiu)復(fu)(fu)。尚有(you)一瓻(chi)閣(ge)、十(shi)愿樓、冬(dong)榮老屋與(yu)竹里(li)行(xing)(xing)廚景(jing)觀(guan),需待后園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)已遷工廠的(de)(de)車間拆除(chu)后再行(xing)(xing)修(xiu)復(fu)(fu),全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主(zhu)體已基(ji)本(ben)恢復(fu)(fu)歷史(shi)原貌,使昔日精巧(qiao)絕(jue)妙(miao)的(de)(de)造(zao)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)藝術風采(cai)重(zhong)現。