i88i.] STORRS HALL. 39 



to perfection. We should be glad to hear if a specimen of this Cat- 

 tleya has ever been known to produce so many flowers. A more beauti- 

 ful Orchid than this, with its 22 flowers, could scarcely be conceived ; 

 and it is one of the many fine specimens Mr Turnbull has grown with 

 the most ordinary accommodation — at one time a shelf over a flue which 

 heated a fruiting Pine-stove. Probably the finest Miltonia spectabilis 

 ever produced was grown over this flue thirty-six years ago. If we 

 remember correctly it had over 130 blooms open at once. D. T. 



STORRS HALL. 



Stores, the charming Westmoreland seat of the Rev. Thomas Staniforth, is 

 situated about two miles south-west of Bowness, on the margin of the beauti- 

 ful Lake Windermere, and is by far the most princely residence in the whole of 

 the Lake district, standing, as it does, in a sylvan vale, surrounded on all 

 sides by its own property to a considerable distance, save on the side it is 

 bounded by the crystal and placid water of the "Queen of English lakes." 

 The mansion is a commodious and well-finished pile of architecture, and is 

 enclosed from the lake on the north-west side by a miscellaneous plantation 

 of Conifers, Evergreens, and a good collection of Rhododendrons. From the 

 south front there is a capital view of the lower part of the lake and the 

 adjacent hills — a scene most beautiful, not in many places to be surpassed : 

 the greensward, the rippling waters, and the heather- clad hills, in glowing 

 harmony together, are sights that poets never tire to describe nor painters to 

 depict ; and these are scenes familiar to all who may visit this tranquil and 

 picturesque habitation in this delightful vale of '*'bonnie Westmoreland," 



The gardens at this place call for more than a passing notice. Their 

 arrangement and tidiness reflect great credit on Mr Evans, Mr Staniforth's 

 able gardener, and fully vindicate his abilities as a thorough master of his 

 profession. Their situation, in many cases, adds much to their lustre ; but in 

 no way are all their beauties to be attributed s.olely to nature, for the ingenious 

 work of art has aided nature in making Storrs a varied scene of charms that 

 other places of higher pretensions may justly envy. The grounds are very 

 interesting, and in complete unison with the surrounding country : gentle 

 undulations and pleasing retreats, venerable old rocks arrayed in vivid 

 garments of green Moss, stately trees, and secluded walks, are met with here. 



Along the side of the lake runs an enjoyable walk, winding frequently to 

 the water's edge, and in a few places hid from the lake by an irregular planta- 

 tion of trees and shrubs intermixed with large stones, so characteristic of 

 this district, before which the giants of old must inevitably have succumbed : 

 amongst those may be found, flourishing in true luxuriance, Osmunda regalis 

 and Lily of the Valley. 



The flower-garden is neatly laid out and tastefully planted. Here is a 

 long herbaceous border containing a good collection of Phloxes, and in their 

 season are a sight that lovers of this grand old favourite would go a long way 

 to see. Amongst them are to be found the newest varieties, and older sorts 

 of popular merit, and about the middle or end of August are a perfect mass of 

 flowers. Here also is a unique specimen of the Fern-leaved Beech (Fagus 

 asplenifolia), its trunk measuring in circumference (3 feet from the ground) 9 

 feet, while that of the area covered by its branches is 60 yards, and for sym- 

 metry and form o£ growth is a perfect model. 



