108 
5 feet. It was quite hollow in the centre up to 19d feet, and is 
well shown by the illustration on page 101, which represents this 
venerable oak. 
THE GARDENS. 
Under the guidance of the gardener, Mr George Norman, 
a visit was next paid to the beautiful Flower Gardens, laid out 
in the geometrical style of last century. - A notable feature which 
attracted much admiration in those on the east and south fronts of 
the mansion, beside the well-filled beds of the gayest flowers, were 
THE QUEEN’S OR PIAZZA GARDEN, 
some admirably-trained standard heliotropes, of a light and dark 
colour alternately, which were set out in the parterres with excellent 
effect. The Maze—a favourite feature in a pleasure garden in the 
olden time—formed of close-clipped yew hedges, lies to the east of _ 
the Flower Gardens. The Mulberry, or “ Queen’s Garden,” is on 
the west side of the house—a charming retreat, which is said to have 
been a great favourite with Queen Elizabeth. It is square in form, 
and has an arcade of lime trees running all round it—the trees being 
planted 54 yards apart, and so trained as to form a thick roof of 
