REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 293 



only one of the most distinct conifers, but also one of the most 

 remarkable evergreen trees ever introduced. There is scarcely 

 any department of ornamental planting into which it may not be 

 introduced with excellent effect ; and whether planted singly as a 

 specimen, or in combination with other trees and shrubs, for con- 

 trast and variety, its symmetrical habit and peculiar foliage mark 

 it out as one of the most characteristic of decorative subjects. 



One other tree attracting especial attention was a specimen of 

 the true Abies Veitchii, sixteen feet high. This species was dis- 

 covered on Fusi-Yama, in Japan, in 1860, by the late Mr. J. G. 

 Veitch, after whom it was named by Dr. Lindley, who character- 

 ized it as "a most remarkable species." It is an alpine tree, of tall 

 and slender, but remarkably handsome habit, with a trunk fre- 

 quently attaining a height of one hundred feet, and thickly furnished 

 with whorls of slightly ascending branches. The foliage is thickly 

 set upon the branches, and is arranged upon them much in the same 

 way as that of A. Nordmnnnlana, but it is quite distinct from that 

 fine fir, the leaves being shorter, narrower, and lighter in colour. 



Many more evergreens and rare plants might be mentioned, but 

 attention has been called to a sufficient number to remind you of 

 the interest that a visit to this beautiful estate always carries 

 with it. 



The cultivation of Water Lilies has much increased of late, and 

 they constitute at the present time one of the principal attractions 

 in our gardens. Near the house a tank has been made twenty- 

 four feet long by sixteen wide, in which were growing : 



Nelumhhim speciosum ; Nymphoea Devoniensis ; 



NympJicea ccerulea; " rubra. 



" dentata; 



We have included these lists of varieties of Rhododendrons, 

 etc., in order to give some idea of the great variety and beauty of 

 color in the choice collection of trees, shrubs, and plants grown 

 on this place. We gratefully acknowledge the kindness of Mr. 

 James Comley, the skilful gardener, in assisting us to make up 

 this report. 



It is possible that some may say this is well enough for the 

 extensive places and ample means of the proprietors of the 

 grounds reported on this year and last, but is not suited to the 

 purse of the average cultivator. Let us therefore say that we 

 believe that no evergreen flowerinof shrub will cive more satisfac- 



