April 1, 187C. ] 



JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURB AND OOXTAGB QABDENER. 



259 



one, and the mansion and SBtates to another. The phrase at- 

 tributed to Marshal Blnchcr in reference to London, " What a 

 place to sack!" might at that time be applicable to Harlax- 

 ton. It became a matter of contention as to what was legiti- 

 mately to be considered as furniture, and expensive litigation 

 was the result. In the end, however, its treasures were re- 

 moved, but the present owner, Mrs. Gregory, has laboured to 

 restore, refurnish, and redecorate ; and Harlaxton, if a kingly 

 mansion once, is a princely residence now. But the statuary 

 of the grounds cannot be replaced, and only a fine marble bust 

 of Mr. Gregory remains in the gardens. 



The conservatory adjoining the mansion is an elaborately 

 finished structure, the stone dressings being especially ornate, 

 and full of costly and superior workmanship. The edifice is 

 in five compartments, the interior dressings being of marble. 

 It is heated so that some portions are devoted to tropical plants 



planted out and some as cool oonservatories. It is filled with 

 good plants in an excellent state of health, and by Mr. Vindeu's 

 ' care is alike interesting and attractive. 



The mansion being erected on the side of a steep decUvity, 

 and well backed by woods, afforded a fine scope for landscape 

 treatment, and full justice has been done in making the grounds 

 ornamental. They are laid out in broad bold terraces and 

 massive Yew hedge boundaries rising, as it were, mountain-like 

 tier beyond tier, and are reached by broad walks and fine 

 flights of steps. Now we are on a level with rich flower beds 

 and looking down on highly-coloured panels spread out several 

 feet below. The several stone staircases, as they may be 

 called, and balustrades which abound in the grounds are a 

 study for the architect. They are extraordinarily massive, yet 

 exhibit a delicacy of treatment such as can only be seen in 

 miniature in fine art exhibitions. 



02.— HiELiJiTo:;, 



The Yew hedges mentioned are a fine feature of the place, 

 and so are the isolated pillars of this evergreen, which are 

 interspersed with vases in different parts of the grounds. As 

 a groundwork Berberis (Mahonia) is extensively used, out of 

 which columns of Irish Yews tower sombre and stately, yet 

 toned by the associated stonework. 



The flower beds are skilfully managed , and last year, although 

 in one of the driest spots of Britain, they were filled with the 

 best varieties of bedding plants, and (it i-ouUl only be by un- 

 remitting care and labour) presented a mass of beauty quite 

 worthy of this establishment. 



The view from the terraces is exceedingly fine, being an 

 almost unbroken panorama of trees, out of which the spires of 

 distant village churches emerge, and bounded by the sweeping 

 woods of Denton and Belvoir. 



The kitchen gardens are about half a mile from the mansion, 

 and are unlike any others to be found in Britain. The walls 

 alone cost £10,000, and are extraordinary examples of masonry. 

 They are built of brick with very substantial copings and 

 elaborate stone dressings, and have niches at intervals which 

 had been intended for statuary. The walks are paved with 

 bricks, and are flanked by flower borders bordered by marginal 

 lines of the beautiful blue Gentian. The main walks converge 

 to the point of entrance, and the visitor is almost startled by 

 the extreme noyelty of this garden, its walks and walls, when 



taking his first view. That the effect may be seen in the 

 drive-past on the main carriage way iron latticework openings 

 are made in the boundary wall, and none can pass without an 

 admiring glance. 



The walls are well clothed with fruit trees, especially Pears, 

 which are admirably managed. Worthy of especial note also 

 are two Morello Cherry trees, the finest trees and bearing the 

 finest fruit we ever saw. They are not pruned after the ordi- 

 nary manner of laying-in young wood, but are closely pinched 

 and spurred, and the crops and quality are quite extraordinary. 

 The glass structures are devoted to Grape, Peach, and Cucum- 

 ber culture, in which Mr. Vinden excels. He is also equally 

 at home as a grower of plants, of which many are required for 

 the mansion ; he is also successful as an exhibitor. 



We have only given an outline of this exceedingly fine and 

 well-managed place, but have a hope of being enabled to fill-in 

 the details on a future opportunity. 



PEARS-WINTER NBLIS. 



I WISH to draw attention to another old Pear, Winter Nelis. 

 which my experience leads me to place at the very top of the 

 list. 



It possesses every quality which the most fastidious Pear 

 critic could desire. It is a sure cropper, the fruit is fine, on 



