MAY. 137 



executed and planted, and the ground being of considerable extent, 

 forms altogether a very delightful spot, and, from its sheltered position, 

 particularly so in winter and early spring. A great number of valuable 

 plants and trees is met with here, too numerous to particularise. We 

 must however observe, that the designs of a superior eye for the 

 harmonising and contrasting of colour, in the planting of the various 

 shrubs, are very evident; and as the shrubs arrive at a size to display 

 the full effects of their varied tints, \\411, we predict, increase the 

 reno^vn of Mr. Gambler Parry, as an amateur artist. Juniperus excelsa 

 and recurva are liberally distributed; the former is striking, from its 

 delicate silver-coloured foliage ; and the latter is one of the most graceful 

 of plants — both were growing in the greatest luxuriance. Dwarf grow- 

 ing Junipers, Irish Yew, Golden Yew, Golden Holly, and Box ; Arau- 

 carias, Yuccas, Lavender, Cotton, Senecio maritima, Cerastium tomen- 

 tosum, and the useful variegated Vinca minor, are also abundant and 

 striking. Here is also a handsome plant of Cryptomeria japonica, with 

 elegant dense green foliage ; on each side the walk which leads from the 

 mansion to this garden are some beautifully trained specimens of the 

 upright Cypress, planted at regular intervals, and some 16 or 18 feet 

 in height. They have a striking effect, and define the hmits to which 

 the accompaniments of the straight line of walk is carried — as beyond 

 a more natural style prevails, to suit the adjacent scenery. We hope 

 to notice the many interesting plants, &c., near the house on a future 

 occasion, when the flower gardens are in perfection, and therefore pro- 

 ceed at once to the Pinetum, which consists of about 20 acres, and is 

 situated a mile from the mansion, occupying the summit and declivity of 

 a hill of considerable elevation overlooking the valley of the Severn. 

 This was formerly a shooting-box, and was surrounded by game cover, 

 which has been gradually cleared away as the planting of Coniferous 

 plants proceeded. The site, fi'om its elevated position, is fully exposed 

 to westerly gales. The soil is a stiff red marl so frequently found on 

 the new red sand-stone formation, of which most of the surrounding 

 neighbourhood consists. ]\Ir. Wells has, however, counteracted the bad 

 effects of this to Coniferae, by thoroughly draining not only the grounds, 

 but each individual specimen ; sand and burned earth from the marl 

 and clay have been liberally intermixed, adding a proportion of sand 

 with the marl, when preparing for planting, this has produced the 

 best results, as is seen by the health of the specimens. The selection 

 of this ground for a Pinetum was most judicious, as the site presents 

 great variety of surface, and the arrangements of the walks and planting 

 have been well adapted to the natural irregularities of the ground. 

 A very picturesque and interesting spot this is, and will be more so, 

 after the lapse of a few years, when the trees have assumed more of 

 their distinctive characters. 



The Pinuses, &c., are arranged in sections, the two, three, and five- 

 leaved species, being planted nearly together so as to be easily referable. 

 But as it will be impossible, for want of space, to notice even every 

 remarkable plant, to save ourselves time we may remind our readers 

 that every Conifer in the country may be met with here ; many of 

 the suspected tender kinds have temporary roofs of poles made over 



