300 



them. At 18 inches from the ground the circumference of this root-mass is 

 26ft. 9in. It is, therefore, not only most curioua in growth, but its trunk 

 is also of very remarkable size ior Larch. There is one in this county to bo 

 mentioned shcrtly, at Brampton Bryan, of a larger size, and at Foxley, the 

 Bev. Sir George H. Cornewall found one measuring lift, lin., but they are seldom 

 so large. 



There is also, at The "Whittern, a very close-grown, picturesque cluster 

 of Scotch Firs, two well-growing Cedars, and many interesting Conifers. Young 

 and old in that picturesque spot, tell the same tale of care bestowed upon them 

 and grow their best to reward their owner. 



SHOBDON COURT. 



Many very fine trees are to be found about Shobdon Court. This ancient 

 seat is surrounded by a great deal of pasture land, most picturesquely varied and 

 uneven, and dotted with noble groups of trees, especially Oaks and Chestnuts. 

 Besides these, there are belts and plantations of all ages, and comprising a great 

 varietyof trees. Through the Park and across the fields behind it, extends a sort 

 of avenue of parallel groups of Scotch Firs, which is continued through the woods 

 and up the steep ascent to the very summit of Shobdon Hill, overhanging the 

 narrow valley of the Lug. Many very old Yews are scattered about the 

 eastern side of the Park and the adjoining part of the grounds, near those quaintly 

 carved arches said to be Saxon, which are the sole remains of the ancient church. 

 These Yew trees extend at intervals down the slope to the village, which lies at 

 some distance below. Some of them are very large, and most of them much 

 injured by time and waather. One of the most vigorous of them — a tree with 

 a sound, straight bole — measures 13ft. in girth. 



Down below the House, between it and the pools, where it is said the 

 pleasure grounds extended in former days, the Lime, the Evergreen Oak, and 

 the Cedar flourish in great luxuriance. They are extremely tall, as is usual with 

 trees so situate!, at the bottom of the steep declivity. One Cedar there is a very 

 magnificent tree, with a crowd of huge branches all tending upwards, and then 

 spreading out horizontally in a very picturesque way. It is one of the very 

 finest Cedars in Great Britain, since it has the circumference of 20ft. 4in., which is 

 considerably larger than that of any other tree recorded in Loudon, Strutt, or the 

 other leading authorities on tree growth. 



Not far from this Cedar, and close to a little covert, there is a very old Oak, 

 much shattered, but m°asuring 23ft. Sin. A very picturesque path leads from 

 this spot to the little village of Easthampton, crossing the grounds at some little 

 distance from the east front of the house. On the knoll near this path stands 

 a portico, a rustio temple in the taste of the last century, surrounded by noble 



