1869.] A GARDENER'S HOLIDAY. 35 



Garston. Peacli-trees were also in first-rate order. Two houses of 

 Queen Pines were magnificent examples of good culture j in one house 

 they were in part planted out ; all were sturdy, broad-leaved, thick- 

 necked fellows, bound to throw grand fruits next spring and sum- 

 mer. Six ranges of lean-to pits, substantially built and well heated, 

 are a feature here ; in one of them an immense crop of Tomatoes was 

 colouring, the plants trained to a trellis close to the glass. Others were 

 occupied with succession Pines, Pigs in pots, bedding-stuff, &c. Here 

 are also forced French Beans, Potatoes, and Strawberries. The Keens, 

 Dr Hogg, and Sir Harry, upwards of 1000, were very fine plants for forc- 

 ing. The position of Wortley is high and inland, the flower-garden was 

 therefore over before our arrival. The design is neat and tasteful, and 

 occupies a sunk position under the southern windows of the mansion. 

 Two large plant-houses built of iron — a stove and greenhouse, some 

 distance apart — are prominent features in this part of the grounds, 

 and are both well stocked with the leading flowering and foliage plants. 

 Mr Simpson has carried out many permanent improvements here since 

 taking the management — such as remaking vine-borders, asphalting 

 the walks, building new vineries and fig-house. A plentiful supply of 

 clean soft water has been laid on all over the garden during the past 

 summer, by which, with the help of hose and hydrants, every inch of 

 ground and every tree can be drenched at pleasure j this is a boon to 

 be envied, especially after the experience of the summer which has just 

 passed. We have not space to particularise the many excellencies of 

 this fine place, creditable to Mr Simpson's quiet ability, and gratifying 

 to him in the enjoyment of his employer's appreciative encouragement. 

 What is now termed Wharncliffe Chace we suppose once formed part 

 of the ancient Sherwood Forest, which also included the high ground 

 around the tributaries of the Don. From here to the Dukeries, which 

 also occupy part of the same famous ground, is a two hours' journey, 

 so that Piobin Hood must have had a pretty large hunting-field. Some 

 idea of its intricacy and loneliness may yet be obtained by a walk 

 through Clumber and Thoresby. We may suppose that Robin would 

 be sorely puzzled were he to appear in the flesh and see the stately 

 mansions which now preside over the scene, the scores of brick fun- 

 nels vomiting forth coal-smoke, and also the famous gardens which 

 have taken the place of the haunts of the wild-boar and fallow-deer. 



Thoresby is in a transition state, fast becoming transformed into one 

 of the points cVappui of gardening. Supposing lines drawn all over 

 the kingdom between the principal gardens, like the railways on 

 Bradshaw's map, Thoresby would be one of the places dignified 

 with capitals. Two years hence will be time enough to give a full 

 report on this fine place. The mansion is yet to finish and the flower- 



