368 Notes on Gardens and Nurseries. 



and, for evergreens, the Scotch fir, which Mr. Bates has 

 found easy to grow, compared with others. Many specimens 

 are scattered through the grounds which are now five feet 

 high, though only planted four years ago, directly in the 

 grass, and among the vacciniums, berberries, and wild roses, 

 which make part of the undergrowth. And this leads us to 

 notice the berberries, of which there are several fine large 

 bushes directly in front of the house, on the rocks, almost 

 overhanging the water. Many persons Avould have destroyed 

 them at once, as they would be too common; but cleared 

 annually of the dead spray, and pruned up neatly at the bottom, 

 they form circular clumps of foliage, whose branches are 

 filled with gay yellow flowers in spring, and whose stems 

 depend on the ground in autumn, when laden with their rich 

 coral fruit. As an ornamental shrub, it is worthy of intro- 

 duction into every plantation. All the trees planted seven 

 years ago, when the place was laid out, have grown very 

 rapidly, and completely shelter it from the east and north 

 winds. 



The exceedingly dry weather of the season had parched 

 up the lawn, checJced the growth of the trees, and destroyed 

 much of the beauty of the flower garden. The dahlias were 

 just beginning to bloom, and the verbenas, though in flower, 

 were not so showy as generally at this season. The fruit 

 trees were in full bearing, but suffering from the dry weather. 



As a seaside residence, to be enjoyed during the hot days 

 of summer, and kept in fine condition without much care or 

 expense, we think Mr. Bates's one of the most picturesque 

 and beautiful in our vicinity, and his efforts are well worthy 

 of imitation by all who have similar situations. 



Residence of Mr. S. Dovaner, Jr., Dorchester, — Mr. 

 Downer's place is situated on the lower road to Dorchester 

 Mills, about three miles from the city. It is about four acres 

 in extent ; but in this small space he has hill and dale, and 

 every variety of surface. The house, — the main part of 

 which was built more than one hundred years ago, — by the 

 additions and alterations made by Mr. Downer, is now a neat 

 and convenient cottage. It stands upon the edge of a cliff, 



