燕(yan)園(yuan)又(you)名(ming)燕(yan)谷園(yuan),位(wei)于(yu)常(chang)熟(shu)古(gu)城區(qu)新峰巷,至今已(yi)有(you)220多年(nian)歷(li)史,是常(chang)熟(shu)古(gu)典(dian)園(yuan)林中存(cun)世(shi)時間長、格局保(bao)存(cun)為完(wan)整(zheng)的(de)私家園(yuan)林之(zhi)一,2013年(nian)入選第七批全國重(zhong)點(dian)文(wen)物保(bao)護單(dan)位(wei)名(ming)單(dan)。燕(yan)園(yuan)自1982年(nian)起陸續修(xiu)(xiu)復(fu)(fu),當年(nian)對園(yuan)中三(san)嬋(chan)娟室、佇秋簃(yi)等景(jing)點(dian)按原(yuan)有(you)布局進(jin)行了重(zhong)建,于(yu)1984年(nian)上半(ban)年(nian)竣(jun)工(gong)并對外(wai)開放。1998年(nian)6月,燕(yan)園(yuan)實施第二期修(xiu)(xiu)復(fu)(fu)工(gong)程,于(yu)2000年(nian)10月竣(jun)工(gong),歷(li)時3年(nian),共投資200萬(wan)元,對燕(yan)園(yuan)16景(jing)中的(de)五(wu)芝堂、賞詩閣、天際歸舟(zhou)等12景(jing)進(jin)行修(xiu)(xiu)復(fu)(fu),得以重(zhong)現(xian)。2007年(nian)3月起,又(you)將(jiang)燕(yan)園(yuan)十愿(yuan)樓(lou)、冬(dong)榮老屋、一希瓦閣、竹(zhu)里行櫥四景(jing)修(xiu)(xiu)復(fu)(fu),主(zhu)要恢復(fu)(fu)建筑面積(ji)376平方米。建筑風貌和(he)原(yuan)先保(bao)持一致(zhi),充分體現(xian)江南私家園(yuan)林的(de)雅致(zhi)和(he)精(jing)巧(qiao)。同時對園(yuan)林的(de)花(hua)木進(jin)行恢復(fu)(fu)種植(zhi),重(zhong)現(xian)昔(xi)日(ri)精(jing)巧(qiao)絕妙的(de)園(yuan)林藝術風采(cai)。
燕園占地(di)4畝多,地(di)形(xing)狹長(chang),劃分為(wei)三區。入(ru)門為(wei)一區,利用(yong)直(西側長(chang)廊(lang))橫兩廊(lang)以及其后的(de)(de)山(shan)石(shi),造成園景隱(yin)約幽深(shen)(shen),使人入(ru)園有(you)深(shen)(shen)邃不可測之感(gan)。東(dong)折小園一方,有(you)荷花池,“七十二石(shi)猴”假(jia)山(shan),山(shan)石(shi)嶙峋,別(bie)有(you)天地(di)。尤可取的(de)(de)是從綠轉廊(lang)經小橋導入(ru)山(shan)南的(de)(de)童初仙隔(ge),兩處遙望,則覺庭(ting)院深(shen)(shen)深(shen)(shen),空間莫測。假(jia)山(shan)之東(dong)有(you)高低錯落之磚梯與(yu)修竹構成“詩境”,由此北(bei)入(ru)賞詩閣,再進為(wei)臨水(shui)石(shi)船,名(ming)曰“天際歸舟(zhou)”。五(wu)芝堂(tang)后為(wei)第(di)三區,是園主人生(sheng)活居(ju)住之處,中亦用(yong)假(jia)山(shan)與(yu)五(wu)芝堂(tang)相(xiang)隔(ge)。
園內有“五芝堂”、“賞詩閣”、“三嬋娟室”、“天際歸舟(zhou)”、“童(tong)初仙館”、“詩境”、“燕谷”、“引勝巖”、“過云(yun)橋”、“綠(lv)轉(zhuan)廊”、“佇秋”、“冬榮老屋”、“竹里行廚”、“夢青蓮花庵”、“一希(xi)閣”、“十(shi)樓”,乃(nai)有“燕園”十(shi)六景(jing)之美譽
燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)花木景(jing)觀豐富,園(yuan)(yuan)中除有古廣玉(yu)蘭(lan)、梧桐、石榴和五針松、垂(chui)絲海(hai)棠、紫薇、羅漢松等外,還有牡(mu)丹種植(zhi)亦(yi)盛。燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)于晚清(qing)時即以牡(mu)丹種植(zhi),品類著(zhu)稱而(er)聞名(ming),可見名(ming)花珍木亦(yi)為此園(yuan)(yuan)之勝,與園(yuan)(yuan)中名(ming)山清(qing)池、亭臺樓閣、曲(qu)院深(shen)廊相映增輝,構成獨具特(te)色,意境無限(xian)的名(ming)園(yuan)(yuan)勝景(jing)。
燕園于(yu)1982年(nian)3月被(bei)列(lie)為省級(ji)文(wen)物(wu)保護單(dan)位。
燕園坐落在常熟(shu)城區(qu)辛(xin)峰巷內,東鄰炳靈公殿,南臨辛(xin)峰巷,西為民居區(qu),其北原(yuan)有五弦河(he)(已湮(yin)沒(mei))。
該園原為(wei)(wei)清乾隆東閣大學士蔣(jiang)溥之子、臺(tai)(tai)灣(wan)知府蔣(jiang)元(yuan)樞所建(jian),園西即為(wei)(wei)蔣(jiang)元(yuan)樞從父蔣(jiang)洄(hui)舊(jiu)(jiu)宅。乾隆四十五年(nian)(1780年(nian)),時任福建(jian)臺(tai)(tai)澎觀(guan)察使兼學政(zheng)的(de)蔣(jiang)元(yuan)樞,渡(du)海遇(yu)險,回常熟后(hou),即在蔣(jiang)府舊(jiu)(jiu)宅東側辟建(jian)園林,并供海神天妃于(yu)其中,名(ming)為(wei)(wei)蔣(jiang)園。
蔣元樞因其(qi)父(fu)親蔣溥與祖父(fu)蔣廷錫均任過內閣大(da)學士,家世(shi)豪富,筑園極(ji)其(qi)精良(liang),如窗欞、欄檻(jian)等都用名貴的紫檀、楠木雕刻而(er)成。
此園(yuan)后被其長子繼煃賭博輸卻。道光九年(1829年),為其族侄、泰安縣(xian)令蔣(jiang)因培(號伯生)出資購得,大加修葺增飾,并請(qing)戈(ge)裕良用本邑虞山黃石在園(yuan)中部疊成假山一(yi)座(zuo),取名“燕谷(gu)”。燕谷(gu)如(ru)真山幽谷(gu)一(yi)般,巧奪天工(gong)且(qie)洞壑中有清澈的池水,園(yuan)名于是大著,園(yuan)亦因此更名“燕園(yuan)”,又名“燕谷(gu)園(yuan)”。
道光二十(shi)七年(nian)(1847年(nian)),園(yuan)為邑人(ren)知(zhi)縣歸子(zi)瑾購得。光緒年(nian)間,燕園(yuan)重(zhong)歸蔣家,元樞玄(xuan)孫(sun)鴻(hong)逵重(zhong)得,其(qi)所著(zhu)《吾好廬(lu)詩抄》中(zhong)“園(yuan)林(lin)逢舊主”是為實(shi)指。
時(shi)至晚清(qing),燕園(yuan)于1908年為曾任光(guang)緒(xu)外(wai)務部郎中張(zhang)鴻(hong)購得,故又(you)稱張(zhang)園(yuan),張(zhang)鴻(hong)且(qie)自號“燕谷老人(ren)”。張(zhang)氏著(zhu)述(shu)多種,所撰反映晚清(qing)史實的文(wen)學名著(zhu)《續(xu)孽海花》即(ji)在此(ci)園(yuan)完成。
建(jian)國后(hou),燕園(yuan)先后(hou)為市(shi)(shi)(縣)公(gong)安局、文化館、皮(pi)革(ge)廠等單位使用。1982年(nian)(nian)公(gong)布為江蘇省文物(wu)保(bao)護單位。同年(nian)(nian)根據常熟城市(shi)(shi)總體規劃,市(shi)(shi)皮(pi)革(ge)廠開(kai)始動遷其在該園(yuan)所建(jian)的部(bu)分(fen)用房,并即(ji)由市(shi)(shi)基(ji)建(jian)局(1985年(nian)(nian)改為市(shi)(shi)建(jian)設委員會(hui))主持(chi)組織(zhi)園(yuan)林處(chu)陸續進行修復,目前,已(yi)大部(bu)完(wan)成。
燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)占地4畝多,地形狹(xia)長,劃分為(wei)三(san)區。入門為(wei)一區,利(li)用直(西側長廊(lang))橫兩(liang)廊(lang)以及(ji)其后(hou)的(de)山(shan)石,造(zao)成園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)景隱約(yue)幽深(shen),使(shi)人入園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)有(you)(you)(you)深(shen)邃不可測之感。東(dong)折小(xiao)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)一方,有(you)(you)(you)荷花(hua)池,“七(qi)十二石猴”假(jia)山(shan),山(shan)石嶙峋(xun),別有(you)(you)(you)天(tian)地。尤可取的(de)是(shi)從綠轉廊(lang)經(jing)小(xiao)橋(qiao)導入山(shan)南(nan)的(de)童初仙(xian)隔,兩(liang)處遙望,則(ze)覺(jue)庭院(yuan)深(shen)深(shen),空間莫測。假(jia)山(shan)之東(dong)有(you)(you)(you)高低錯落之磚梯與修竹構成“詩(shi)境”,由此北(bei)入賞詩(shi)閣,再進為(wei)臨水石船,名曰“天(tian)際(ji)歸(gui)舟(zhou)”。五(wu)芝(zhi)堂后(hou)為(wei)第(di)三(san)區,是(shi)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主(zhu)人生活(huo)居住之處,中亦用假(jia)山(shan)與五(wu)芝(zhi)堂相(xiang)隔。園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)內有(you)(you)(you)“五(wu)芝(zhi)堂”、“賞詩(shi)閣”、“三(san)嬋娟室”、“天(tian)際(ji)歸(gui)舟(zhou)”、“童初仙(xian)館”、“詩(shi)境”、“燕谷”、“引勝(sheng)巖(yan)”、“過(guo)云橋(qiao)”、“綠轉廊(lang)”、“佇秋”、“冬(dong)榮老屋”、“竹里行(xing)廚(chu)”、“夢青蓮(lian)花(hua)庵”、“一希閣”、“十樓”,乃有(you)(you)(you)“燕園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)”十六景之美譽。
常熟為倚山(shan)之(zhi)城(cheng)。燕(yan)園(yuan)地(di)處深(shen)(shen)僻小巷(xiang),臨近間(jian)有高墻,其借(jie)景虞山(shan)之(zhi)法,別具匠心(xin)。即在園(yuan)內建(jian)賞詩閣(ge)等(deng)高閣(ge),使其背東面西(xi),以西(xi)借(jie)虞山(shan),登高憑欄遠眺,收納虞山(shan)無限風光(guang),使有限的空(kong)間(jian)變成了(le)無限的空(kong)間(jian),俯身下瞰,則(ze)幽谷(gu)深(shen)(shen)澗,秀木(mu)繁蔭,池水(shui)曲折,清流蜿蜒(yan)與(yu)(yu)虞山(shan)相呼應。1982年3月公布為省文(wen)物保護單位(wei)。“燕(yan)谷(gu)”,其峻(jun)險清奇,與(yu)(yu)蘇州“環秀山(shan)莊”、揚州“小盤谷(gu)”、如(ru)皋“文(wen)園(yuan)”相頡(jie)頏,為園(yuan)藝家所贊賞。
燕園占地約(yue)四畝余(yu),平面呈狹長形,南(nan)北(bei)長而(er)東西較狹,布局獨運匠心,空間組合劃分靈活而(er)富有變化(hua),曲折得宜,別具一(yi)格。
全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)總體(ti)可劃分為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)三(san)區。入園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)門至(zhi)東(dong)(dong)(dong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)橫廊(lang)(lang)(lang)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)一(yi)(yi)區,利用園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)長廊(lang)(lang)(lang)和東(dong)(dong)(dong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)橫廊(lang)(lang)(lang)前(qian)庭院中叢叢翠竹,掩隱其后(hou)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)景(jing)色,使(shi)人(ren)產(chan)生(sheng)(sheng)空(kong)間(jian)幽(you)邃、深(shen)莫能測之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)感(gan)。該區之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)東(dong)(dong)(dong)又巧(qiao)辟小(xiao)(xiao)(xiao)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)一(yi)(yi)方(fang),北(bei)(bei)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)鴛鴦式(shi)四面廳“三(san)嬋(chan)娟(juan)室(shi)”,原有(you)蔣因(yin)培題匾。張豐玉《瓶花(hua)廬詩詞抄》中有(you)關(guan)此園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)圖(tu)題句云:“新竹幽(you)而(er)靜(jing),新柳嬌且妍,新月一(yi)(yi)笑來,成此三(san)嬋(chan)娟(juan),傲他(ta)林處士,獨抱梅花(hua)眠”。道(dao)出此室(shi)名之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)由(you)來。室(shi)前(qian)有(you)荷花(hua)池(chi),池(chi)水曲(qu)折(zhe)逶迤。池(chi)旁假山(shan)(shan)聳立,怪(guai)石嶙峋(xun),狀如群猴匯集,奔、跳、臥、立,姿態各(ge)異,形象(xiang)生(sheng)(sheng)動(dong),別具情趣,因(yin)名“七十二石猴”。山(shan)(shan)間(jian)植白皮(pi)松一(yi)(yi)株,高達(da)數丈(zhang),蒼勁挺拔,虬枝曲(qu)屈,氣勢雄(xiong)偉,是為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)珍品。由(you)庭院而(er)至(zhi)山(shan)(shan)林池(chi)水,極盡(jin)空(kong)間(jian)轉換變(bian)化之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)勝(sheng)。山(shan)(shan)南置“童初仙館”,館內(nei)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)書齋四間(jian),布局順應自然(ran)地形,由(you)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)東(dong)(dong)(dong)臨池(chi)短(duan)廊(lang)(lang)(lang)與小(xiao)(xiao)(xiao)橋導入,曲(qu)折(zhe)幽(you)靜(jing),饒有(you)趣味。“三(san)嬋(chan)娟(juan)室(shi)”東(dong)(dong)(dong)側(ce)(ce)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)兩層建筑(zhu)“夢(meng)青蓮花(hua)庵”,登小(xiao)(xiao)(xiao)樓可遠眺(tiao)虞(yu)山(shan)(shan)風光。由(you)東(dong)(dong)(dong)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)橫廊(lang)(lang)(lang)至(zhi)“五(wu)(wu)(wu)芝堂”為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)第二區,五(wu)(wu)(wu)芝堂為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)昔日(ri)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主人(ren)迎會親友之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)所(suo),在(zai)堂前(qian)置“燕谷(gu)”假山(shan)(shan)一(yi)(yi)座(zuo),咫尺山(shan)(shan)林,奇特,引人(ren)入勝(sheng),而(er)假山(shan)(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)東(dong)(dong)(dong)沿院墻又有(you)以高低錯落之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)廊(lang)(lang)(lang)道(dao)與修竹構成的(de)“詩境(jing)”,引人(ren)遐想,興味無窮。由(you)此順廊(lang)(lang)(lang)道(dao)可北(bei)(bei)入“賞詩閣”,出閣下(xia)山(shan)(shan),可至(zhi)名曰“天際歸舟”的(de)臨水旱舫,人(ren)移景(jing)換,組合巧(qiao)妙(miao),使(shi)該區以“燕谷(gu)”為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)主體(ti)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)景(jing),曲(qu)折(zhe)多變(bian),新意迭出,堪稱(cheng)佳絕。假山(shan)(shan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)長廊(lang)(lang)(lang)逶迤,沿園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)院墻貫通全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)南北(bei)(bei),直抵(di)五(wu)(wu)(wu)芝堂,廊(lang)(lang)(lang)中部置半亭名“亻寧秋(qiu)?”。人(ren)在(zai)廊(lang)(lang)(lang)中游,園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)景(jing)猶(you)如連續(xu)畫(hua)卷(juan),美不勝(sheng)收。五(wu)(wu)(wu)芝堂后(hou)至(zhi)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)后(hou)門則為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)第三(san)區,西(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)(xi)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)“冬榮老屋”,東(dong)(dong)(dong)側(ce)(ce)小(xiao)(xiao)(xiao)院,建有(you)“一(yi)(yi)希瓦閣”、“十愿樓”,該區為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主人(ren)日(ri)常生(sheng)(sheng)活(huo)起(qi)居之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)處。
清人錢泳(yong)《履園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)叢話》中(zhong)記(ji)(ji)有(you):“蔣園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan),臺(tai)灣知府蔣元樞構。后五十年,其族子(zi)蔣伯生得之(zhi),倩(qian)晉(jin)陵(ling)戈(ge)裕良疊(die)(die)石(shi)(shi)(shi)一(yi)堆(dui),稱(cheng)燕(yan)谷(gu)(gu),園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)名燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)”,“園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)甚小(xiao),而(er)(er)曲折得宜,結構有(you)法(fa),余(yu)每入城亦(yi)時(shi)寓(yu)也。”戈(ge)氏(shi)之(zhi)前,疊(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)置洞(dong)(dong)(dong),洞(dong)(dong)(dong)頂(ding)均(jun)用“石(shi)(shi)(shi)梁平頂(ding)法(fa)”構筑,即以(yi)條石(shi)(shi)(shi)架于兩(liang)側山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)石(shi)(shi)(shi)之(zhi)上(shang)(shang),以(yi)為洞(dong)(dong)(dong)頂(ding)承重維系,雖亦(yi)有(you)佳(jia)妙(miao)之(zhi)構,但終不(bu)免為陳套。至戈(ge)氏(shi)始創(chuang)“鉤(gou)帶法(fa)”,將(jiang)石(shi)(shi)(shi)拱橋(qiao)構筑橋(qiao)洞(dong)(dong)(dong)的原理(li),巧(qiao)妙(miao)運(yun)用于堆(dui)疊(die)(die)假(jia)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)(dong)壑上(shang)(shang),為一(yi)大突(tu)破,由此,將(jiang)疊(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)工藝提高(gao)到一(yi)個新(xin)(xin)的高(gao)度。錢泳(yong)在《履園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)叢話》中(zhong)記(ji)(ji)述其與戈(ge)氏(shi)論(lun)及堆(dui)疊(die)(die)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)(dong)不(bu)用條石(shi)(shi)(shi)易于傾頹時(shi),“戈(ge)曰:‘只將(jiang)大小(xiao)石(shi)(shi)(shi)鉤(gou)帶聯絡,如(ru)造環(huan)橋(qiao)法(fa),可以(yi)千年不(bu)壞。要如(ru)真山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)洞(dong)(dong)(dong)壑一(yi)般,然(ran)(ran)后方稱(cheng)能事’。余(yu)始服其言。”加之(zhi),戈(ge)裕良堆(dui)疊(die)(die)燕(yan)谷(gu)(gu)時(shi),以(yi)虞山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)為藍本,純用本山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)黃石(shi)(shi)(shi)為之(zhi),故極逼真,而(er)(er)又(you)運(yun)石(shi)(shi)(shi)如(ru)筆,變(bian)化萬端,山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)以(yi)大塊石(shi)(shi)(shi)為骨,小(xiao)石(shi)(shi)(shi)補綴,拼鋃對(dui)縫,不(bu)假(jia)外力,且(qie)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)石(shi)(shi)(shi)紋理(li)、色(se)彩,相接自然(ran)(ran)、和(he)諧,復又(you)于山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)南置澗水一(yi)泓(hong),蜿流(liu)入洞(dong)(dong)(dong),渾然(ran)(ran)一(yi)體(ti),實有(you)巧(qiao)奪天(tian)工之(zhi)妙(miao),堪稱(cheng)開我國造園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)史(shi)上(shang)(shang)一(yi)代新(xin)(xin)風。故錢泳(yong)評(ping)及“其堆(dui)法(fa)尤勝于諸家”,而(er)(er)為后世(shi)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)冶(ye)家高(gao)度贊賞。戈(ge)氏(shi)作(zuo)品除燕(yan)谷(gu)(gu)外,尚有(you)蘇州(zhou)環(huan)秀(xiu)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)莊(zhuang)、虎丘一(yi)榭園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)、揚州(zhou)意(yi)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan) 小(xiao)盤谷(gu)(gu)、如(ru)皋文園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)、儀征樸園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)、江寧五松(song)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)等,今(jin)唯燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)與環(huan)秀(xiu)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)莊(zhuang)兩(liang)處尚存,殊為珍(zhen)貴。
自(zi)北山(shan)(shan)磴(deng)道而(er)上,山(shan)(shan)巔植樹栽竹,宛(wan)若(ruo)天(tian)生,就中原有“五(wu)針松”一本,高(gao)不(bu)尋丈,而(er)虬枝(zhi)曲屈,倍添情(qing)趣。據張鴻(hong)《燕谷漫興(xing)》詩:“手植東來(lai)二尺松,十(shi)年已見(jian)萬針濃(nong)”句,可知此(ci)五(wu)針松為張鴻(hong)出使日本時(shi)攜回(hui)所(suo)植,惜(xi)已于1982年枯萎。今(jin)在原址重新補植。沿山(shan)(shan)向東攀(pan)行(xing)即達燕谷峰巒處——“引勝巖”,宛(wan)如(ru)置身虞山(shan)(shan)劍門,是為攬(lan)勝高(gao)潮。
燕園自蔣(jiang)元樞始建時,有“三嬋(chan)娟室(shi)”、“童初仙館”、“七十二石(shi)猴”等名(ming)構勝景。
蔣(jiang)因培(pei)增(zeng)修燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)后(hou),在(zai)其《烏目山房詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)集(ji)》中題(ti)有:“錢松(song)壺為余作燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)圖(tu)十(shi)六幀(zhen),書此奉酬”。從此,乃有“燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)十(shi)六景”之美譽。但該詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)集(ji)未具體談(tan)及園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)景內容,今據張豐玉(yu)《瓶花廬詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)詞抄(chao)》中“題(ti)伯生(sheng)丈燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)圖(tu)”提(ti)到(dao)十(shi)四(si)景,即(ji):1.五芝(zhi)堂;2.賞詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)閣(ge);3.三嬋娟室;4.天(tian)際(ji)歸舟;5.童初仙館(guan);6.詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)境;7.燕(yan)(yan)谷;8.引勝巖(yan);9.過云橋;10.夢(meng)青蓮花庵;11.綠轉廊;12.亻寧秋?;13.冬榮老屋(wu);14.竹里行廚。又據光緒《常昭合志稿》記載,燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)有一希瓦閣(ge)、十(shi)愿(yuan)樓(lou)、詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)境、梅屋(wu)諸名勝。此說和張豐玉(yu)所述(shu)對照除重復者外,加一希瓦閣(ge)、十(shi)愿(yuan)樓(lou)即(ji)為十(shi)六景。
燕(yan)園(yuan)歷史上為(wei)園(yuan)主(zhu)與文人雅集之地,“賞詩閣”中曾羅列朝野名(ming)流詩章,如清(qing)(qing)代名(ming)人阮元、郭鹿各(ge)、錢泳等吟賞唱和之作皆羅列其中,益使園(yuan)林增色。昔(xi)園(yuan)中有(you)清(qing)(qing)人(佚名(ming))集蔣(jiang)因培(pei)詩句所撰(zhuan)楹聯曰:“虬橋樹合樓對峙(zhi);燕(yan)谷天開澗半彎。”書(shu)齋(zhai)有(you)蔣(jiang)因培(pei)撰(zhuan)聯:“熟讀離騷,便可稱(cheng)名(ming)士(shi);涉獵傳記,不能(neng)為(wei)醇儒。”
燕(yan)園花(hua)(hua)木景觀豐富。園中除(chu)現有(you)白皮松、廣玉蘭外,昔有(you)桂樹、辛(xin)夷、紫藤(teng)、修竹、梧桐、柳樹等(deng),池中植(zhi)以荷花(hua)(hua)。晚清更有(you)牡(mu)(mu)丹(dan)(dan)種植(zhi)極盛,品類繁多。燕(yan)谷老人張(zhang)鴻在其《蠻巢詩(shi)詞稿》中,即有(you)《燕(yan)園種牡(mu)(mu)丹(dan)(dan)》、《燕(yan)園牡(mu)(mu)丹(dan)(dan)藤(teng)花(hua)(hua)盛開(kai)和(he)李敬輿韻》等(deng)詩(shi)記(ji)盛。本邑詩(shi)人楊無恙,曾有(you)《謝張(zhang)?隱(yin)丈摘(zhai)贈魏紫》詩(shi),著意描繪了燕(yan)園內種植(zhi)的“姚黃(huang)”、“魏紫”等(deng)牡(mu)(mu)丹(dan)(dan)珍(zhen)品(惜后(hou)為日寇(kou)摧殘以盡),可見名花(hua)(hua)珍(zhen)木亦為此園之勝。
燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)歷史地位與(yu)價(jia)值(zhi)的重要,國內著(zhu)名園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林專(zhuan)家來此考(kao)察研(yan)究后均予以高(gao)度(du)贊賞。早在(zai)本世紀三(san)十(shi)年(nian)代(dai)初(chu),著(zhu)名建筑師童寯先生即(ji)曾專(zhuan)門考(kao)察過燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan),記(ji)述和評價(jia)于(yu)《江南園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林志(zhi)》一(yi)書,并(bing)附有(you)(you)部分(fen)照(zhao)片及(ji)現場估測平面(mian)布(bu)(bu)局(ju)(ju)圖。1958年(nian)同濟大(da)學(xue)陳從周教授來常(chang)調研(yan)后所著(zhu)《常(chang)熟園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)林》一(yi)文中,又對(dui)燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)布(bu)(bu)局(ju)(ju)詳加分(fen)析研(yan)究,高(gao)度(du)評價(jia)其造園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)藝術特色與(yu)成(cheng)就,并(bing)附有(you)(you)詳細測量(liang)的燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)布(bu)(bu)局(ju)(ju)平面(mian)圖,可看出建國初(chu)燕(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)除賞詩閣(ge)、綠轉(zhuan)廊、天際歸舟(zhou)旱船僅余遺址外,其余均保(bao)存(cun)較好(hao)。此后至1982年(nian)交(jiao)由(you)市基建局(ju)(ju)開始整(zheng)修(xiu)前的二十(shi)多年(nian)中,園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)中童初(chu)仙館、夢青蓮(lian)花庵、三(san)嬋娟室、亻寧秋?、一(yi)瓻閣(ge)、十(shi)愿樓、冬榮老(lao)屋等(deng),有(you)(you)的因破(po)損(sun)較重已被使用單位拆除,有(you)(you)的被后來工廠改建作(zuo)他用,燕(yan)谷(gu)東部的部分(fen)假山亦被工廠拆去,余有(you)(you)門屋、西長廊、五芝堂(tang)尚(shang)存(cun),破(po)損(sun)較重。但該園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主體即(ji)燕(yan)谷(gu)與(yu)“七十(shi)二石猴”兩處假山保(bao)存(cun)尚(shang)好(hao),藝術價(jia)值(zhi)很高(gao)。全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)格局(ju)(ju)保(bao)存(cun)尚(shang)完(wan)整(zheng)。周圍古(gu)建筑亦存(cun)有(you)(you)平面(mian)圖與(yu)遺跡,也(ye)可修(xiu)復。
燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)此修(xiu)復(fu)(fu)工程(cheng)于1998年(nian)6月(yue)開始,依次按原樣落(luo)地(di)翻建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)五芝堂(tang)與(yu)門屋(已(yi)均(jun)屬結構危(wei)房);在(zai)原址重建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)童(tong)(tong)初仙館、夢青蓮花(hua)庵;翻建(jian)三嬋(chan)娟(juan)室前臨(lin)池廊橋(qiao)(qiao);整(zheng)修(xiu)“七十二石(shi)猴”湖(hu)石(shi)假(jia)山(shan)(shan)(shan)與(yu)山(shan)(shan)(shan)間(jian)小徑(jing),重建(jian)假(jia)山(shan)(shan)(shan)前環(huan)池疊石(shi),并整(zheng)修(xiu)恢(hui)復(fu)(fu)新發(fa)現(xian)的(de)(de)西側山(shan)(shan)(shan)洞;重建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu)過云橋(qiao)(qiao)東部假(jia)山(shan)(shan)(shan),并整(zheng)理了(le)(le)(le)西部假(jia)山(shan)(shan)(shan)北側山(shan)(shan)(shan)體;重建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)賞(shang)詩(shi)閣及與(yu)之相通的(de)(de)綠(lv)(lv)轉廊與(yu)詩(shi)境景點;重建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)天(tian)際歸(gui)舟(zhou)(zhou)旱船與(yu)船前水池;重建(jian)完成了(le)(le)(le)東園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)墻(qiang)、園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)內各類鋪(pu)地(di)與(yu)主次園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)路的(de)(de)鋪(pu)裝工作;落(luo)地(di)翻建(jian)了(le)(le)(le)南園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)墻(qiang)與(yu)大(da)門,并在(zai)大(da)門上方嵌置拓自燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu)老人張鴻手跡(ji)的(de)(de)“燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)”磚(zhuan)刻門額(e)。2000年(nian)7月(yue)竣工,燕(yan)(yan)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)有五芝堂(tang)、賞(shang)詩(shi)閣、三嬋(chan)娟(juan)室、天(tian)際歸(gui)舟(zhou)(zhou)、童(tong)(tong)初仙館、詩(shi)境、燕(yan)(yan)谷(gu)(gu)、引勝巖、過云橋(qiao)(qiao)、夢青蓮花(hua)庵、綠(lv)(lv)轉廊、佇秋等十二景修(xiu)復(fu)(fu)。尚(shang)有一瓻(chi)閣、十愿樓、冬榮老屋與(yu)竹里行(xing)廚景觀,需待(dai)后(hou)園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)已(yi)遷工廠的(de)(de)車間(jian)拆除后(hou)再行(xing)修(xiu)復(fu)(fu),全園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)主體已(yi)基本恢(hui)復(fu)(fu)歷史原貌,使昔日精巧絕(jue)妙的(de)(de)造園(yuan)(yuan)(yuan)藝術風采重現(xian)。