304 



an end to these observations, for time was up and there was nothing for it but 

 to "make tracks" as speedily as possible. 



By the way, there is a Beech tree below the steep hill on the north side of 

 the Park which deserves notice. It is a fine graceful tree, very lofty, and carries 

 its stem well up in the branches. Its circumference is not easy to be got, for it 

 stands a few yards outside the boundary ; and Park palings, 5 or 6 feet high, 'on 

 the top of a bank, well fortified with angles and corners, and long sharp splinters, 

 and moreover of doubtful strength, are obstacles not very easy to be surmounted. 

 Your Commissioner however was equal to the occasion, and has the honour to in- 

 form you, that the girth of the tree was 16ft. 8in. at 5ft. from the ground, and 

 much more at the ground level. 



In front of Brampton Hill in the village are three very fine Lime trees, 

 measuring respectively 15ft. 9in. ; 17ft. ; and 16ft. TVse trees were probably 

 planted at the end of the 17th century, shortly after the Hall was built, (1661-5,) 

 by Sir Edward Har'ey, and are therefore probably more than 200 years old. Avery 

 curious Larch tree is also growing in the Hall grounds. When in full vigour and 

 growth this tree lost somehow or other its head at 10ft. from the ground, and since 

 that time has thrown all its growth into its lateral branches, whilst the stem has 

 swollen to the very extraordinary circumference of 14ft. It is a very interesting, 

 picturesque tree. Oh you owners of formal young Larch trees from 20ft. to 30ft. 

 high, growing freely in situations where they are meant to remain as ornamental 

 trees, cut off five or six feet from their tops next November. It will make them 

 throw their growth into side shoots in the most graceful form, and by cutting 

 obliquely from the bough you wish to grow, you may partly regulate the direc- 

 tion they will take. Off with their tops, and your successors of cultivated taste 

 will, by their admiration of the trees, pay an unconscious tribute to your memory. 



It was a little disappointment to find that the old Castle with all ita 

 interesting associations was situated in the village, and not in the Park. One or 

 two of the old walls were just caught sight of on the road to Coxwell Knoll. 

 Castles of old generally seem to have been situated near a village or town and not 

 in the Park. It still is so in many memorable instances. Windsor Castle closely 

 adjoins the town ; the Great Park begins at a distance of at least half a mile ; and 

 the Home Park at some little distance. Berkeley Castle is at a considerable dis- 

 tance from its very ancient Park. And even in this county Moccas Park is distant 

 from the House, and H-mrpton Court Park begins nearly half a mile from the 

 Court; just as its better known namesake closely adjoins the town of Hampton, 

 and is completely detached both in name and situation from Bushy Park. The 

 ambition to live apari in solitary state, approached through long avenues, and 

 disturbed by no intruders, seems to be of comparatively modsrn date ; as perhaps 

 may also b& said with regard to the safety of doing so. 



