21 
of vitality, and, if the elements spare it, it may remain a notable 
landmark for ages to come. 
The party next proceeded by the east avenue to inspect the 
** Wilderness,” a special feature of landscape decoration in vogue 
two centuries ago, of which the most eminent exponent was 
Le Notre, the distinguished French landscape gardener, who 
laid out Versailles for Louis XIV., about the middle of the 
seventeenth century. The Wilderness at Arniston dates from 
towards the end of that century, and is laid out immediately to 
the south of the mansion ; the avenues and straight lines of trees 
radiating in all directions from the centre of the house, and giving 
most charming views of the landscape and distant objects from 
the windows. Much of the original design has long ago dis- 
appeared, but the main lines are still in evidence—in spite of the 
interference of ‘‘Capability Brown,” and the ravages of time— 
and afford a splendid example of the excellent taste, and an 
indication of the carefully-planned details of the landscape 
gardener of two hundred years ago. Stately limes, beeches, and 
elms compose the main features of the Wilderness; and in less 
numbers are seen fine specimens of oak, ash, Spanish and Horse 
chestnuts, cedars of Lebanon, Scots fir, larch, and Silver fir; 
as well as trees of lowlier stature, like the holly, yew, and arbor- 
vite ; of which evergreens the hedges and dividing lines were 
usually formed. These latter have entirely disappeared, only 
their ancient lines being marked here and there by a grand old 
holly or yew. The effect, however, according to our modern 
ideas and tastes, is rather heightened than spoilt by the clearance 
of the undergrowth of trimly-clipped yew hedges and other minor 
details. 
The measuring of the girths of the numerous gigantic trees 
growing here was seen to be an almost endless job, and only a 
few of the more prominent could be noted. First, a stately old 
Silver fir, standing on the lawn, near the front of the mansion, 
was a feature of great interest, as it was supposed to be one of 
the earliest introduced to Scotland. It was still a fine tree, 
although the hand of time and stormy winds were telling upon 
it. Several splendid examples of Scots fir were noted, one of 
which girthed 10 feet 6 inches, at 5 feet up, and stood at least 
100 feet high. On the west of the lawn stood a stately beech, 
about 112 feet in height, with a smooth cylindrical bole which 
girthed 11 feet. A little to the westward, near the brow of the 
