HEDSOR. 39 



The mansion stands on an elevated situation. From north-east 

 to south, the views extend over extensive undulations, and are 

 terminated in glades which recede amongst majestic woods. On 

 the north and north-west the ground is precijMtous, with the 

 Thames in the plain below; and a canal, fed by that river, is 

 brought almost close to the base of the steep, which is wooded, 

 hut has views through from the house. 



The Garden is in rather a low situation, and partly on chalk. 

 There were good crops of Peaches, Apricots, and Pears on walls ; 

 but Ml- Davis remarked, that Peai'-trees do not succeed when 

 their roots get to the chalk. Some of the borders ai-e therefore 

 concreted. The Pine-pits, from which so many large fruits have 

 been obtained, are not heated either by flues or pipes, but entirely 

 by leaves. The latter can be obtained of the best description for 

 the purpose, Oak and Beech, to any amount, from the extensive 

 woods. Beds and linings of these supply both bottom and top 

 heat for the Pine-apple plants. But great care is necessary with 

 regard to covering. The sashes are first covered with mats, and 

 these again with close wooden shutters. The mats are thus kept 

 always dry ; and wood being a slow conductor of heat, the latter 

 can be sufficiently maintained without the aid of fire. The success 

 which has attended this mode of cultivation is a proof that suffi- 

 cient heat, well economised, is better for plants than a much 

 greater amount reduced to sufficiency by dissipation. 



Leaves are also used for covering Vine-borders. This serves, 

 in the first instance, as a protection to the roots from cold ; and 

 as the leaves decompose, they afford manure. Hence the ease 

 and success with which early forcing, more especially, can be 

 carried on, compared with the difficulty of the process when no 

 such covering is at command. 



A curvilinear Vinery has been built for many years. Part of it 

 was constructed of malleable iron, and the other of cast-iron : the 

 latter has stood equally as well as the former, and it was just 

 one-half the expense. 



A number of Orange-trees was standing out in a flower-garden, 

 along the sheltered side of which they formed a row. They had 

 fine tops ; and their stems were thick, tall, and straight. These 

 now valuable trees were purchased about five yeai's ago, at an 

 oil-shop, for fifteen shillings a-piece. They were put in bottom 

 heat ; and by good management in other respects, they have 

 attained their present excellent condition. 



The small parish church is situated near the walk which winds 



