DECEMBER. 365 



M' Donald to the top of the keep, a portion of the old castle recently 

 rebuilt, the prospect from which over the surrounding country is grand 

 and extensive. To the west hes a portion of the Grampian hills, richly 

 wooded, constituting the red deer park ; while looking eastward is seen 

 the well-cultivated district of Strathearn, abounding in corn fields, lately 

 yellow with ripening grain, and interspersed with woodland scenery, 

 stretching away towards Perth. In the foreground the valley and lake 

 formerly described are the principal features. The whole panorama is 

 backed by the Grampian hills, which, at the time we saw them, had 

 their more salient points lit up by a briUiant sun, throwing them into 

 every variety of light and shade, and forming altogether one of the 

 grandest landscapes in this part of Scotland. 



We cannot leave Drummond Castle without expressing our best 

 thanks to Mr. M' Donald for his kindness. These magnificent gardens 

 reflect the highest credit on his talents and perseverance. 



A RETROSPECT OF THE DAHLIA SEASON OF 1854. 



In redemption of the conditional pledge given to the readers of the 

 Florist, in the number for July last, I return to the subject of the 

 Dahlia, which, although well- nigh threadbare, from constant wear, is 

 by no means " used up." Can it ever be so, indeed, while progressive 

 improvement in the growing and showing of the flower goes steadily 

 forward, as at present ? 



The season just past, as every grower can testify, has been especially 

 unfavourable to the Dahlia. Early planting was impossible, in conse- 

 quence of the cold weather having been even more protracted than 

 usual. I am not, however, disposed to consider this a great evil. 

 Indeed, it must be admitted — taking into account the condition of the 

 ground, and the remarkably fine weather which followed close upon the 

 period of planting — that during the first weeks of culture the prospect 

 of the Dahlia fancier was never more encouraging. The plants grew 

 most vigorously ; and well it was they did so, for never did they more 

 need an exuberance of strength, to enable them to bear up against the 

 adverse influences to which they soon became exposed. No part of the 

 kingdom I have heard of was exempt from the ravages of the black 

 aphis, than which nothing more effectually checks the growth and 

 debilitates the constitution of the plant. This was succeeded (in certain 

 districts) by a minute grub, deposited in the axils of the upper leaves, 

 which found its appropriate aliment in the bloom bud, almost as soon 

 as developed. From these two causes early flowers were unusually 

 bad. My own — instead of being the finest of the season, as is usually 

 the case — were meagre, ill-conditioned, and lustreless. But since 



The darkest day — 

 Live till to-morrow — will have passed away ; 



So here, as in every instance, Time brought with him his healing 

 influences, and the prospects of the Dahlia waxed brighter. But the 

 summer was unusually dry, and then came the earwig in battalions, 



