7o The Gardens of America. 



the views of the Hudson, stretching away in the distance, varied and 

 interesting, from the different points of observation ; the numerous 

 groups of trees, shrubs, etc., planted with a true artistic taste, — the 

 whole going to form a country seat of which Mr. Kelly may be justly 

 proud, and of which he shows his appreciation by making it his nearly 

 constant residence. 



In the lower part of the grounds is a large ornamental sheet of water, 

 some acres in extent, with miniature steamers, boats, etc., afloat on it, 

 ready for the pleasure of the proprietor and his friends. And over this 

 lake is thrown a fine bridge, in perfect keeping with the rest of the 

 grounds, with a broad drive, twenty-four feet in width, (think of that, 

 ye advocates of the narrow gauge system !) leading away through the 

 woods to an avenue some three hundred yards in length, with broad 

 grass verges and double rows of trees on each side. 



One thing I noticed is worth mentioning : the entrance gates were all 

 open ; and on inquiry I found that Mr. Kelly, with the truly liberal 

 spirit of the country gentleman, does not believe in laying out a fine 

 place, and then selfishly excluding all but a privileged few from enjoy- 

 ing the beauties of it, but throws wide his gates, and invites all well- 

 conducted persons to inspect the beauties of Ellerslie. And many an 

 enjoyable picnic is held here, upon application, by Sabbath Schools, 

 etc. ; and the young folks must surely go away, not only amused, but 

 instructed, with pleasing reminiscences of their excursion. 



Before leaving Rhinebcck, I would call the attention of horticulturists 

 to the, to me, novel application of the Burglar Alarm that I saw in one 

 of the greenhouses. By means of an ingenious contrivance, worked 

 in connection with the thermometer, the moment the temperature of the 

 house rises above, say, for illustration, ninety degi'ees, or falls below fifty 

 degrees, a connection is made with a copper wire attached to an alarm- 

 bell in the young men's sleeping rooms. And if at night, the young 

 gardeners must sally out, not to meet a burglar with dagger or revolver, 

 but to the more peaceful occupation of regulating the temperature of 

 the houses under their charge, which some sudden change of weather 

 may have disturbed. This valuable invention, if brought into general 

 use, might be the means of annually saving a great deal of valuable 



