192 THE GARDENER. [April 



in quantity. The perfect specimens, both in regard to health and shape, are very- 

 striking ; many of them I believe about 30 years old, and have been often lifted 

 to suit removal without injur5^ Many nice specimens of Cupressus Lawsonia 

 erecta were in fine condition, and this variety is a great favourite at Knai) 

 Hill. 



Mr Waterer called our attention to one brake of Hollies of sorts shaped 

 as pyramids, and standards with globular heads, some feathered to the 

 ground, others like massive domes, all perfect specimens. Some of the 

 "cream "of the stock were here, over 1000, all averaging from 6 to 10 feet 

 high and as much in diameter. Close to this were 6 acres of specimens a size 

 less but equally handsome, probably averaging 6 to 10 guineas in price, but 

 cheap to the buyer. We passed through a large open quarter in which were 

 planted 50,000 Lilium auratum. Standard Yews, golden and plain, are grown 

 in equal proportion to the Hollies, &c. : all sizes and shapes are to be seen, many 

 of the stems furnished as green pillars with golden heads. 



The grand avenue, about a mile in length, is amazingly fine, being belted with 

 specimens planted for effect, not too stiflF and formal, but relieved with Cupres- 

 sus, Cedrus Deodara, Wellingtonias, &c., standing out in bold relief. At each 

 crossing fine Hollies were placed as golden pillars ; and one feature worthy of 

 notice was a Fir of considerable size loaded with a Wistaria all entwined 

 through its branches, which must be a grand sight when in full flower. A. long 

 border by the side of a hedge was clothed with double yellow primroses bloom- 

 ing profusely, splendid objects for hardy flower-gardening : they were offered 

 to us at the come-at-able price of 7os. per 100. We retraced our steps, sorry that 

 our time was so short in this splendid nursery, but feeling we were amply paid 

 for a journey of over 100 miles. We took the train to London, thence to Barnet, 

 visiting Mr Cutbush's nurseries, which have so long been favourably known for 

 the fine collections of specimen greenhouse plants cultivated there. There is 

 about an acre of glass filled with excellent stufl", clean, healthy, and kept in fine 

 shape. Aphelexis, Heaths, Camellias, Epacris, Barosmas, Chorozemas, and a 

 number of the free-growing winter- flowering plants, seem to have a large share 

 of attention from the increasing demand. 



Pot- Vines are among Mr Cutbush's specialties. His stock is always fine; and 

 one of the secrets of getting such finely-ripened canes, Mr Fancourt (the able 

 manager) told us, was by very slow forcing in their young stage, and when they 

 had made jjlenty of roots they are driven along at rapid pace in the long days, 

 completing their growth early, and allowing a long period for ripening and for 

 rest. Stove - plants were very clean and healthy, growing in a very low 

 temperature. 



The nursery-grounds were well stocked with shrubs and general stock, but we 

 had time to inspect very little of it. The great breadths of Hollies surely indicate 

 that the demand for these plants is greatly on the increase. This nursery produces 

 splendid Roses, the soil being strong and deep. Among the specialties are fruit- 

 trees and Mushroom spawn. The latter is sent in great quantities to all parts of the 

 British Isles ; and like his brother at Highgate, Mr Cutbush is favourably known for 

 his large trade in bulbs. Leaving Mr Cutbush and his kind hospitality, we made 

 a hurried visit to an old friend whose value to lovers of plants is well known, but 

 not so widely as the splendid contributions he sent home from Brazil and else- 

 where, while collecting for the Horticultural Society of London. We refer to 

 Mr John Weir, who lost his health and almost his life while sailing down a South 

 American river. He now lives at Hadley, near Barnet, deprived of almost all 

 physical power, but with an intellect as bright as ever, and a heart as warm as 



