694 T^^^^ Journal of Foreshy. 



were then discussed in a similar maimer, at the conclusion of which 

 it was decided that the spring was the best time for pruning operations, 

 because immediately on the rise of the sap nature commenced the 

 healing of the wounds, and by autumn the same was so far advanced 

 as to be able to withstand the severity of the following winter, whereas 

 if pruned when nature is dormant the wound is exposed to all the 

 vicissitudes of the weather in a green and tender state, and in a severe 

 winter the skin is liable to open round the wound so made. We were 

 much edified by this interesting discussion, but had reluctantly to bid 

 adieu to the subject, and resume our journey with the object of be- 

 holding still further the beauties of nature. 



The next object of interest in our perambulations is the home 

 nursery, in which are growing two beautiful specimens of Araucaria 

 wibricata — male and female together. These are two splendid speci- 

 mens, but we regret to see them planted so close to each other, 

 the branches of the one almost touching the trunk of the other, 

 they being little over 10 feet apart. The circumference of the male 

 plant at 1 foot from the ground is 3 feet 6 inches ; height 25 feet, 

 with a spread of branches about 18 feet in diameter. The circumfer- 

 ence of bole of the female plant at 1 foot from the ground is 3 feet 11 

 inches, spread of branches 18 feet, with a height of 22 feet. This home 

 nursery is principally employed for the cultivation of trees, which by 

 frequent transplantings can be removed with success in a large state to 

 their permanent places in the policies or in the forest. 



Continuing our walk along the carriage drive, w^e cannot but observe 

 on the one hand a great extent of young plantations, which seem to 

 thrive very well, as some of the young trees have made from two to 

 three feet of growth during the past season. On the other hand we now 

 and again get a lovely glimpse of the winding river through and over 

 the trees. Nothing of special interest occurs for a considerable distance, 

 but the nvimerous varieties of trees and shrubs of all kinds, until we 

 reach the bridge of Alvah. Here a sight presents itself to our gaze 

 which we are not likely soon to forget, the view being peculiarly 

 wild and romantic. The river is considerably narrowed by the 

 lofty impending crags, over which a majestic arch is thrown. Amid 

 the graceful windings of the river, the rugged scenery on either side, 

 together with the overhanging woods, form indeed a magnificent land- 

 scape well worthy the pencil of a Claude Loraine. It is only in wild 

 and romantic Scotland that such scenery can be seen in its fullest 

 grandeur, and only those who have travelled in these deeply embowered 

 caverns and dark umbrageous dells can appreciate Nature in all her 

 majesty, for here we venture to say that sylvan nature reigns supreme. 

 We cannot help thinking that amid these beautiful retreats and 

 shady walks] many a lover has composed a charming sonnet to his 



