SEPTEMBER. 277 



In a low situation near the above lake we noticed remarkably fine 

 specimens of Abies Douglasi and A. Menziesi, the latter of which 

 undoubtedly enjoys a damp situation. The specimen in question is 

 remarkably vigorous, without the slightest tinge of brown, — so common 

 to it in high and drier places. 



In a small garden detached from the pleasure ground is a range of 

 Vineries, in two divisions, each about 38 feet in length. The Vines 

 have been planted by Mr. Phipps ; one planted in the summer of 1854 

 has this season produced a heavy crop of Grapes of excellent quality. 

 The other division was planted last summer — 1855 — and in this the 

 rods ai-e unusually strong. 



Thinking that the system of preparing the borders, &c., as practised 

 by Mr. Phipps, might be of interest to some of our readers, we 

 requested a few particulars, which were very obligingly supplied. In 

 the making of Vine borders jAIr. P. considers thorough drainage of 

 the greatest importance. To insure this, broken bricks and rough 

 stones are placed over the bottom of the intended border to the depth 

 of two feet, and over this some turfs to prevent the smaller particles 

 from choking the drainage. On this is placed a compost of the following 

 ingredients : — three loads of turfy loam, one of fresh horse droppings, 

 one of lime and brick rubble, and half a load of leaf-mould. In about 

 a week from the time the border is made it will be found that the mass 

 will have become moderately warm. The Vines are then planted and 

 kept in a moist and rather close atmosphere for about a month, by 

 which time they will have rooted into the border and be growing freely ; 

 they are then inured to more air, which in a short time is given in 

 great abundance. Mr. P. considers June the best month for the 

 planting of young Vines. The kitchen garden consists of about four 

 acres of land, in which is a quantity of wall and other fruit trees, all 

 of which are under the best management. There is also a French 

 flower garden, designed and laid out by Mr. Phipps ; the beds are 

 filled with a choice variety of Geraniums, Verbenas, &c., which have a 

 gay appearance. 



His lordship kindly allows the whole of the gardens and pleasure 

 grounds to be opened to the public twice a-week — Wednesdays and 

 Saturdays. 



LOOKER'S PATENT IMPERISHABLE GARDEN LABELS. 

 We have tried some of these labels, which are very neat, durable 

 looking things, and much better adapted for placing out of doors than 

 any form of painted label, which are soon acted upon by the atmosphere. 

 These have the letters coloured with some kind of vitrified black, which 

 brings out the letters effectively. They are cheap, and we can 

 recommend them to our readers tor labelling hardy plants, as the best 

 that have come under our notice. 



