476 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



on eacli side by the Forth, The grounds of Dysart House have long 

 been widely known for the fine shrubs and Coniferae growing so luxu- 

 riantly at every turn of the numerous walks and lawns. Rhododen- 

 drons seem to have been a specialty here for many years : and right 

 well they thrive, almost within reach of the salt-water spray. The 

 collection contains most of the best kinds, and there are some large 

 specimens. There are some very handsome Araucarias, one of which 

 was a long time a notable specimen in Scotland, but younger plants, 

 growing in deeper and richer soil, have come upsides with it ; but for 

 a handsome drooping habit, we have seen none to surpass it. This 

 brings to my mind the effect this tree produced on Mr Bircham (late 

 of the Hendenham Rosary). When I was spending a day with him in 

 his extensive Rose-grounds, he related some amusing incidents which 

 happened when on a visit to Dysart House, one of which was, when he 

 saw the beautiful Araucaria, he lay down on the grass and gazed at it 

 for t-wo hours in silent admiration. The grounds at Dysart are worthy 

 of a visit when the Rhododendrons are in flower ; and the other fine 

 features of them are a source of interest at all times. 



After leaving Dysart, we drove towards Kirkcaldy (known to many 

 as the " Lang Toun "). Though our time ^vas limited, we made a call at 

 Messrs Sang's Nurseries. Having always profited by former visits to 

 this establishment, we were on this occasion again tempted to inspect 

 the nursery stock. Near the highroad stands a compact block of 

 span-roofed houses ; in two of them are a splendid lot of well-grown 

 Vines in pots. They are trained near to the glass, so that the wood 

 and foliage may have the full benefit of the light, which tells so won- 

 derfully in producing short-jointed wood and plump buds. Great 

 attention is paid to selecting the kinds true to name, and those which 

 are worthy of cultivation. In other structures long benches are 

 loaded with Pelargoniums representing the best kinds of their 

 various classes. Among large numbers of new kinds annually 

 bought in, few stand the test after being proved. There is a 

 trial-ground near the houses, where buyers can judge of the merits of 

 the bedding kinds. We had no time to make notes, but conspicuous 

 among others were Miss H. Haig, King of Scarlets, and Vesuvius. 

 Among specialties in these nurseries is a splendid collection of 

 British Ferns. The whole of the famous collection of Dr Lyall of 

 Newburgh is represented here. The plants were in robust health, and 

 great attention is given to correct naming. They are growing in long 

 lines of what might be termed miniature sheds, boarded on the south 

 side and open to the north. Large breadths of Leeks were to be seen 

 growing, to produce seed of the True Scotch. Sang's Select Beet is 

 grown extensively for seed : this is an excellent kind, and holds its 



