102 THE FLORIST. 



lawn ; and, from the number of fine stately evergreen trees, the 

 expression of the place is one of quiet seclusion and solemn grandeur. 

 In various parts of the grounds tliere ai'e very pretty rustic seats, 

 ingeniously put togetlier, and quiet and unobtrusive in character. 



The kitchen-garden is large, and well managed by I\Ir. Johnson. 

 Pines are grown extensively, and many Providences, weighing 91bs. 

 each, were cut in the autumn. He is a most successful Cucumber 

 grower. Vines, Figs, and Peaches are grown here ; the latter, in a 

 low pit, were in a beautiful state. There are some Pear-trees 15 feet 

 high, trained pyramidally, which are much admired. 



Mr. Johnson cultivates his soil deeply. Great advantage results 

 from this practice ; exposure to the atmosphere rendering soluble many 

 constituents of soils which are insoluble without the access of air, and 

 the mechanical arrangement of deeply moved and loose soils permits the 

 roots of plants to penetrate freely. 



From Strathfieldsaye it is but a short distance to Heckfield House, 

 the charming residence of the Right Hon. the Speaker of the House of 

 Commons ; a gentleman most highly and deservedly respected by all 

 who know him, and one of the most liberal patrons of the art of gardening 

 in this country. His gardener, Mr. Tillyard, is an enthusiast in his 

 profession ; and, with his perseverance and energy, and the encourage- 

 ment given to him by his kind employer, great results are achieved. 



In the park, in approaching the house, there are some fine Deodars 

 and Pines. 



The house is built of red brick, and charmingly situated. It struck 

 me as the beau ideal of the residence of " a fine old English gentle- 

 man." As seen from it, the grounds are prettily wooded and un- 

 dulated, sloping in one direction to a clear and mirror-like piece of 

 water. 



The mansion has a terrace-garden in front of it, which was unique 

 in arrangement of colour and high keeping — the variegated Alyssum 

 was extensively and most effectively used. Many improvements are 

 contemplated ; amongst others, a considerable addition will be made to 

 the dressed grounds. 



All the world has heard of the fine Pears, Grapes, and Strawberries 

 produced at Heckfield, and the London exhibitions have borne high 

 testimony to the superior quality of these fruits. The Pear walls at 

 Heckfield are admirable, and at the time of my visit were profusely 

 covered with the finest fruit. Strawberries are magnificently grown. 

 The vphole place abounded with the finest produce of fruits and vege- 

 tables. A wall of Peach-trees here vied in health and fine produce 

 with those in the more favoured climate of Arundel Castle. But these 

 had been protected I 



Heavy manuring, deep digging, and hard cropping are the order of 

 the day here, and the most minute detail of everytliing that is attempted 

 is well and thoroughly done, and "what is not worth doing well is not 

 worth doing at all." 



In a Vinery here there was one of the finest crops of Grapes which 

 I have ever seen. They were perfectly monstrous in the size of the 

 berries, and black as sloes. These were intended for late use, and the 



