114 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL gOCIBTT. 



the Rhododendron beds and in the glens and borders of the wood, in- 

 cluding,' our pretty May Flower (Epigoea repens). The Skinnoria Ja- 

 ponica proves hardy in these beds and was in full bloom. 



Of trees, the most remarkable were those mentioned in a former 

 report; which had improved in size and appearance. The magnificent 

 Magnolia conspicua, grafted upon the M. acuminata, with its hundred 

 flowers, repeats the lesson that such a grafting is far better than the 

 orio-inal stock. The specimens of cut-leaved Beech and cut leaved 

 Weeping Birch, and other exotics scattered in the wood and lawn, were 

 fine. 



Of Evergreens, the Picea Nordmanniana, Piceanobilis, P. orientalis. 

 and P. viagnifca, and the Pinus cembra and Pinus resinosa, and the 

 American holly attracted much observation. A few gold fish in aquaria, 

 and some stone statues of the seasons, were almost the only artificial 

 ornaments in front of the house. Half a dozen species of the Pta Tree 

 (casagana) were seen as standards, and give good promise. 



The Fruit gardens are extensive, and contain many of the best kinds 

 of large and small fruits. The stables and farm buildings are neat and 

 not extravagant. What has been done has been well done and by 

 degrees. 



An avenue of nearly an eighth of a mile in length has been com- 

 pleted, and its borders planted with maples, hemlocks, cut-leaved birches, 

 magnolias, and other trees and shrubs. Ten acres of the old Fair 

 Grounds have been broken up and laid down to grass, and clumps of 

 trees have been planted; but, at present, from the want of plantings 

 which shall conceal or obscure the boundaries of the estate, and give 

 pleasant bays and recesses to catch the sight, the aspect is a little bald, a 

 fault which time will rectify ; and by opening also broader spaces in the for- 

 est and near the mansion, more l)readth and dignity will be produced, and 

 finer vi.' tas and a livelier play of sunbeams will appear. Nearly par- 

 allel to the avenue and a distance from it, a hedge of Pyrus Japonica 

 has been started, about five hundred feet in length, which in due time 

 must present an imposing appearance. It is greatly to be desired that 

 this hardy and beautiful early lilooming shrub should be more generally 

 adoi)t(!d for such purpose. It has no enemy, is always handsome in foli- 

 age, and Itears any amount of pruning. 



The mansion, without being presumptuous or extravagant, has every 

 needful requisite. It stand", just on the brow of the hill, and the views 

 from the library and parlor and piazza are extremely pleasing. The vis- 

 itor standing there can cast his eye across the broad waters, over wood- 

 lauds and lawns, and watch the shifting shadows «)f the valley far into 

 the distance until limited by the Newton Hills; while directly before 

 him and almost at his feet, the delicate ruffles and pure colors of count- 

 less rhododcndons, kalmias, azaleas and andromendas, gently nodding 



