520 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



grower. In our youth, wlicii we could grow Lalsams 4 feet liigli, and 

 as much through, we considered it an acconiphshment of some merit ; 

 but the great demand for plants to decorate rooms, dinner-tables, &c,, 

 has put the Balsam almost into oblivion, and I confess that I am not 

 an admirer of them now. (This is l)y no means intended as an arrow 

 shot at IMr Hignett's excellent advice on the culture of the Balsam.) 

 In this conservatory were some gigantic Ericas, and other hard- 

 wooded plants. However, this class generally lose their interest 

 when they become old, and I have no doubt that Mr Murray (the 

 industrious gardener at St Brycedale) had in some sheltered part of 

 the grounds duplicates of his stock, or even triplets of the best kinds 

 in A^arious stages, coming on to take the places of those which should 

 be discarded when they lose their vigour. Greenhouse plants, though 

 ever so well flowered, or ever so handsome in shape, are not interesting 

 wdien growth is not vigorous and of a lively green. The fruit-houses, 

 plant-pits, vegetable garden, &c., are at the west side of the grounds, 

 carefully shut out from view by trees and shrubs. In two nice vineries, 

 crops of Grapes were heavy — indeed, partaking of that general fault 

 of the locality — cropping being generally too heavy to keep up sup- 

 plies of finely-coloured and highly-flavoured fruit for many years in 

 succession. 



One thing which specially took our attention in an unpretending 

 corner was a splendid border of dwarf Sweet "William, which outstript 

 in appearance the finest beds of Geraniums or Verbenas. This crimson 

 border had the appearance of a velvet cushion. Leaving this neat and 

 orderly place, we drove about half a mile westward, and entered the 

 grounds of Raith, a seat which ranks amongst the finest in the country. 

 The position is very fine, and the portion which fronts to the Forth 

 has a most imposing appearance. The mansion (which is by no means 

 in proj^ortion to the surroundings) stands several hundred feet above 

 the level of the sea ; and seen from a great distance, Raith is like too 

 many of the finest of Scotch seats, partaking more of the character of 

 a wood than a jxirk. Judicious thinning could do Avonders for this seat. 

 A fine feature, lying at the base of a slope running from the house, is a 

 beautiful lake ; it is artificial, but its bold outline and crooks are so 

 easy and pleasing to the eye, that no one could desire anything more 

 beautiful and natural. The fine belting of shrubs, chiefly Rhododen- 

 drons, is arranged with much taste, and showing, in a great measure, 

 the love which the late Colonel Monroe Eergusson had for this fine class 

 of plants, as well as Coniferoe, &c. Gardeners who have lived at Raith 

 for generations have left traces of skill and refinement behind them. 

 The gardens are not far from the highroad, well sheltered with trees 

 on all sides. Since the lamented death of the late Colonel, the garden 



