SEPTEMBER. 283 



large pyramidal scarlet Fuchsia, then a circle of yellow Calceolarias, 

 after that one of scarlet Geraniums, then Purple King Verbena, and an 

 edging of variegated Alyssum. Another bed formed of Agapanthus 

 umbellatus, interspersed with Mangles' Variegated Geranium, and 

 edged with Lobelia speciosa, was novel and effective. Backing this 

 garden are some noble specimens of Sophora japonica, Cedars of 

 Lebanon, Magnolias, Sequoia sempervirens, Taxodiums, and one of the 

 finest evergreen Oaks we have ever seen. Passing from this flower- 

 garden a terrace walk is reached, terminated by an open balustrade, 

 from which a magnificent view of the park is obtained. 



On the south front of the mansion is another flower-garden, which 

 has recently been much enlarged, and to which further additions are 

 contemplated. A border here was particularly striking and effective. 

 It is close to the mansion, against the walls of which various plants are 

 trained. The back row consisted of scarlet, white, and purple Dahlias, 

 of dwarf habit ; then came a row of white, scarlet, and rose Geraniums ; 

 after that a row of yellow Calceolarias, and the outer row Mangles' 

 Variegated Geranium : this border had a very rich effect. A pretty 

 bed was also formed of Flower of the Day Geranium, edged with 

 Lobelia speciosa. Asters were just being planted out in many of the 

 beds ; they are retarded till this time, as Mr. Clarke, who is gardener 

 here, finds that by keeping them back till now he ensures a fine display 

 of bloom late in the season, when flowers are scarce. 



In the kitchen garden is a Vinery 54 feet long, filled with a single 

 black Hamburgh Vine, which was loaded with fruit. In another' 

 house were fine bunches of Chasselas Musque. One or two bunches of 

 Black Hamburgh were attacked by mildew some little time since, and 

 Mr. Clarke found that dipping them into a solution of 2 oz. of Gishurst 

 Compound to a gallon of water effectually destroyed the disease without 

 injuring the fruit. Muscats were in fine condition, and beautifully set. 

 Pines were excellent ; among them were some splendid fruit. Of 

 Plums, Reine Claude de Bavay seems a most prolific sort, being loaded 

 with fruit ; Tay Bank is also a fine sort, producing immense fruit. 

 Strawberries are fruited here from February ; two-thirds of the stock 

 consists of Keens' Seedling, which is found to be the best variety for 

 early work. In the Pinetum are some nice specimens of Wellingtonia 

 gigantea, one of which has made a shoot this year of the astonishing 

 length of 2 feet 9 inches. 



Everything was exceedingly neat and clean, not an insect was per- 

 ceptible in any of the houses, and the whole keeping of the place 

 certainly reflects great credit upon Mr. Clarke. 



W. H. 



