iSyi.] NOTES ON GARDENS IN FIFE. 521 



establishment has been under temporary reduction, and tlie vegetable 

 plots, which are extensive, are not all under crop for culinary purposes. 

 We say " plots," as the word " garden " can scarcely be applied to the 

 ground, there being no garden proper, but a number of small fields 

 divided by low stone-walls. Notwithstanding their unshapely out- 

 lines, they have been long in the hands of men who knew how to make 

 the best of them : deep tilth evidently has been in practice for many 

 years, as exemplified by the fine crops in Mr Eintoul's (the present 

 gardener) time, and before he lived at Raith. Conspicuous were re- 

 markably fine Onions, well matured, handsome, and of great size; 

 Danver's Yellow, apparently, is one of the best. Grubs being so de- 

 structive, it has been found necessary to depend on autumn sowings 

 for the main crop, and the practice is most satisfactory. Peas were 

 extra fine and abundant. Entering through a door in a high brick 

 wall, the floAver-garden is before us : it is somewhat extensive, but 

 smaller now to what it formerly was ; and we think the reduction a 

 great improvement, giving more relief — grass and shrubs being defi- 

 cient in proportion to the breadth of cultivated ground. A few dwarf 

 graceful shrubs (which have probably been planted ere this time) 

 would appear to advantage on the beautiful green plots of grass lately 

 laid down to curtail the " bedding." 



The plants were very vigorous in growth, arranged with taste, and 

 offering to flower abundantly. A lofty range of glass houses covered 

 a wall at back of flower-garden. They are chiefly used for Grapes, 

 Peaches, and plants. The Peaches at the time of our visit were turn- 

 ing in for use. The crops were heavy, fruit fine in quality, and the 

 trees in robust health. A large plant-house was gay with flowering- 

 plants. Conspicuous were Fuchsias, Statices, Zonal Geraniums, and 

 some telling " foliage " plants. We thought it a pity that such a fine 

 house should be used for plants which certainly do not show them- 

 selves to the greatest advantage on the almost perpendicular stage — an 

 arrangement which only shows the under-sides of the plants, their 

 flowers being exhibited to the roof These old-fashioned stages are 

 rapidly becoming things of the past. In a large square yard behind 

 this range were a number of pits, frames, &c., which were well filled 

 with Cucumbers, Melons, &c. A nice vinery lately erected was filled 

 with strong rods of the later kinds of Vines, which would require a 

 liberal use of fuel to mature the wood this cold damp season. From 

 Paith we drove northwards, leaving Kirkcaldy, Avith its numerous 

 tall chimneys and beautiful villas (many of which are in the course of 

 erection) in our rear. We were soon Avithin the grounds of Dunnikier, 

 the seat of J. T. OsAvald, Esq. Entering from the west, we pass an 

 orchard ; and over the stone walls we glanced eagerly to see if the 



