SEPTEMBER. 269 



CROM CASTLE, NEAR LISNASKEA, CO. FERMANAGH, 

 IRELAND. 

 This the residence of Lord Erne is situated five miles west of Lisnaskea. 

 The present building is of modern erection ; the castle and grounds 

 are partly surrounded by Lough Erne ; the pleasure grounds and parterre 

 lie north-west of the mansion. In front of the castle is a geometrical 

 flower-garden laid out on gravel edged with Box ; the centre is a raised 

 flower-bed bordered with a bold edging of stone, and planted with tall- 

 growing Geraniums ; the corresponding beds are planted to form a 

 contrast in height and colour, and looked very effective. On each side 

 of this garden is an arcade covered with Roses, and noble vases filled 

 with large Geraniums (scarlet), and light Fuchsias are freely inter- 

 spersed in suitable positions. From the bottom of the flower-garden 

 broad gravel walks lead to the old castle and lake respectively ; the 

 view from this part is extremely grand. Following a long avenue, each 

 side of which has a row of Hollyhocks, we reach the old castle, situate 

 on the margin of the lake, and a considerable distance from the modern 

 residence. This castle is a place of great historical interest, the wars 

 which Irish history relates having so frequently converted these chieftain 

 residences into besieged forts. The lake or Lough Erne is here of 

 great size and highly picturesque, and, as it partly surrounds the 

 grounds, the view of it, from all points in the neighbourhood, is grand 

 and striking. In the grounds adjoining is one of the finest Yew trees 

 perhaps in the three kingdoms, the age of which is unknown. The 

 most remarkable thing about this fine old tree is, that the branches 

 grow through and through each other, as if grafted so* The branches 

 measure in circumference 90 yards ; associated with this are some 

 grand specimens of Lime and other trees, of apparently great antiquity. 

 Returning to the pleasure grounds, we were next shown a fine specimen 

 of Lrugmansia sanguinea. Mr. Dowling, the intelligent gardener here, 

 gave us the following particulars relating to this tree : — In May, 1845, 

 it was planted in the conservatory, and was then three feet high; 

 notwithstanding the annual pruning it got, it grew too large in a few 

 years for its then situation. In May, 1851, it was planted out in the 

 open ground, having the previous autumn had its roots cut in to within 

 three feet from the stem. The tree now girths at the ground three feet 

 and a half, and is 20 feet high, covering an area of 170 square feet ; it 

 was planted out in a mixed soil, composed of loam, bog earth, a good 

 portion of charred matter, rotten dung and leaves, perfect drainage, &c. 

 Each year, in October, the tree is covered by sticking poles in the 

 ground, five inches apart, the places between being stuffed tight with 

 packing Moss. A span-roof is then put on, one side of which is 

 thatched, the other covered with sashes, which have an additional 

 covering in severe frosts. The protection is gradually taken away in 

 March and April, and altogether in May. It is surprising the immense 

 size this tree would have grown had it not been subjected to severe 



We shall be glad to know further particulars of this remarkable tree from our 

 correspondent or Mr. Dowling. 



