39 
continuance of these “Chronicles” of Methven. A small 
clump of Spanish chestnuts was pointed out, which, it was 
set forth in the chronicles by Mr Bishop, had been planted in 
1832 from seed which ripened on other trees upon the estate 
in 1826. This was a rare occurrence at Methven, and, so far 
as is known, has not happened again, though the same trees 
are yet in perfect health, and bear nuts annually. One of 
the 1832 chestnuts was measured in 1880, and was 6 feet 
2 inches in girth. Now it girths 6 feet 10 inches, so that in 
twelve years it has added 8 inches to its circumference. Pass- 
ing the north front of the castle, a number of tall and very 
large trees were seen in the grounds to the westward behind 
the gardens. One of a line of stately beeches girthed 12 feet 
7 inches. It had a fine clean bole, and was in a very healthy 
state. We next had a glance through the nicely kept gardens 
and hothouses, which are in perfect harmony with the fine 
old baronial castle. Beautiful shrubs, roses, and choice 
herbaceous, plants occupy the borders in the charming old- 
fashioned way, and give them a quaint interest which prim- 
kept modern borders are generally without. 
In the dell below the castle an ash tree growing by the side 
of the burn was pointed out, concerning which several very 
interesting particulars were recorded. When a sapling 3 feet 
9 inches high, it had been picked up on the roadside by the 
late Colonel Smythe, the present proprietor’s brother, and 
planted in 1799. It became a great favourite, and its girth 
was diligently recorded, sometimes every year, sometimes at 
longer intervals, between 1811 and 1850. In 1811 we learn 
that at 3 feet from the ground it was 1 foot 64 inches; and the 
subsequent measurements were recorded as follows :— 
Date. Girth. Date. Girth. 
ft. ins. ft. ins. 
18; . 5 1s 18455 . » 4 53 
1818, 2 3 1847, . . a) <4" 0 
1819, 2 4# 1849, . - - 4 8% 
1820, 2 216 1850, 4 93 
1821, Z+28 11863, . 5 STUDS 4G: 
1827, ole 3 Pe 1880, . 5 : Gur6 
1829, 3 44 1883, . 5 est 9 
1832, a dF 11891, . - : bod 
1834, 3. 10 1892, . ° im eget 
1841, 4 2 | 
Colonel Smythe, before his death in 1847, gave orders that 
his horse should be shot and buried underneath the shade of 
1At4 feet up, The other measurements presumably are‘ at 3 feet, follow- 
ing the course of thé first measurement. : i : 
