34 
interesting trees, which is now about 70 feet in height. The 
Grand Avenue, broad and stately, is a quarter of a mile in 
length. Leading direct to the castle, it consists of four rows 
of lime trees of rare beauty and uniformity, with yews between ; 
and between the central road and the trees are broad grassy 
lawns. At one end is a triumphal arch, and joining it from 
the east is a long avenue of Pinus Cembra and Wellingtonias, 
with oaks in the background. 
In the Lime Avenue, which was planted in 1711, there are 
many handsome trees. The best dozen of these run from 10 feet 
to 8 feet in girth, and their height is from 100 to 120 feet. On 
the day that we saw them the limes were in flower, scenting 
the air with their delightful fragrance. 
All these grand arboreal features, and many more of which 
time and space would fail to tell, were formed under the direct 
supervision of the late Sir William Steuart, who also added 
greatly to the grass drives which intersect every portion of this 
charming property. One of these followed by the party for 
some time brought Birnam Hill prominently into view; and in 
the course of the walk several trees were taped or their height 
specially noted. As we give a table of the large coniferous trees, 
these need not be individually referred to here. Mention, 
however, may be made of two Spanish chestnuts in one field, 
one 70 feet high, 18 feet 74 inches in girth at 5 feet up, and 
26 feet 5 inches at a foot from the ground, and the other 80 feet 
high, 17 feet 14 inch in girth, and with a spread of branches 
of 38 feet. A bird cherry had a girth of 11 feet 93 inches, and 
a beech was 14 feet 6 inches at 5 feet up, with a spread of 
branches of 65 feet. These trees were in the park, which the 
party entered by a strong and serviceable flight of steps made 
of Douglas fir. A cedar of Lebanon was 11 feet 8 inches in 
girth and 65 feet 10 inches in height. 
The present laird of Murthly is a gentleman who takes the 
keenest interest in arboriculture, and the greatest of pleasure 
and pride in the arboreal treasures which have fallen to his 
lot to possess. At the recent Conifer Conference at Chiswick, 
London, he was one of the largest exhibitors, and was awarded 
a Silver Medal for the number and excellence of the specimens 
of Conifers which he contributed. Although the policies do 
not now present any great scope for additional planting, it is 
certain that they will be maintained in their present high state 
of perfection, and their beauties added to, wherever that is 
possible. 
The following is a list of some of the finest specimens of 
Conifers at Murthly, as supplied by Mr Laurie, the gardener 
on the estate :— 
