40 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



one may look and look again without fatiguing the eye or oppressing the mind. 

 But after what has been said, we cannot evade tlie fact, that all that is graud in 

 the composition is not due solely to the physical features of the ground; much has 

 been done by judiciously arranging the plantations, whose boundaries follow the 

 lines designed by nature, and, never formal, is always easy. 



Unfortunately the kitchen-garden, although situated 300 feet above the sea- 

 level, is comparatively low, a circumstance which Mr Coleman exceedingly regrets, 

 as he says, and with truth, that the spring frosts settle in such a position with 

 more force, and are of longer duration, than on higher ground. Hence early 

 vegetables and fruit-tree blossoms are destroyed, while in gardens of a greater 

 altitude the effect is hardly felt. I observed that in most cases the garden walls 

 are not high enough to give the trees sufficient extension. To economise in this 

 direction is certainly a mistake, and should be studiously avoided, as under a 

 cramping system the knife must be freely used to confine the branches within 

 their allotted space, which rather increases than weakens vitality, and so year by 

 year produces an endless and unnecessary supply of wood. 



The collection of hardy fruit is extensive, containing a large number of the best 

 varieties, and Mr Coleman takes a deep interest in pomological pursuits. How- 

 ever enthusiastic he may be in this direction, the situation possesses unconquer- 

 able drawbacks, over which the most active and intelligent mind has little or no 

 control. Added to the objections I have slightly noticed, the garden soil is by 

 no means well adapted either for fruit or vegetable culture. The surface, although 

 friable and kindly looking, is by no means congenial, owing to a continued excess 

 of water. The substratum is a stiff marl, or rather it may be called a clay 

 bottom, which could be greatly improved by draining, but there is not a sufficient 

 height to produce an active discharge. The glass erections are numerous, and 

 for the most part well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended ; and 

 especial meution should be made of two peach-houses, each 82 feet long and 

 about the usual width. Mr Coleman forms his tree-borders of calcareous loam, 

 which, he says, is the real cultural secret, and to his opinion I give an unqualified 

 assent. Next I would notice a span-roofed vinery 72 feet long by 20 feet wide, 

 exclusively occupied with a Black Hamburg Vine. This is not the place to dis- 

 cuss the merits or demerits of what are now known as the extended or restricted 

 systems of Vine-culture. "Were I to state my own convictions, I would decidedly 

 advocate moderate restriction — that is, I would only permit two leading shoots — 

 not that I believe such a method is of itself calculated to produce first-class Grapes, 

 but, other things being equal, I feel satisfied that a greater weight of fruit, larger 

 bunches and berries, can be produced, than by allowing a Vine to ramble unre- 

 stricted. 



The Vine under consideration has been planted at least fifty years, and at this 

 age does not show the least sign of decrepitude — is as vigorous, as many, and 

 much more so than some a few years old. " There can be no doubt," observes 

 Mr Coleman, "that the roots have passed beyond the limits of the garden, 

 and are luxuriatiug in some agreeable place," as the surrounding soil is by no 

 means qualified to support such vigorous growth. 



The Vine was introduced at the end of the house, and conducted along the 

 apex of the roof. From this principal and secondary shoots are trained down- 

 wards on each side. The bunches were of a medium size, the berries large, and 

 the colour perfect. There are, as among other Grapes, such as the White Muscat, 

 several varieties, and the Hamburg offers no exception. This is said to be a 

 superior kind of the latter ; but from what I could see of its character, I strongly 

 suspect it to be the Frankenthal, by its rounded oblate berries. 



