344 MASSACHUSETTS nORTICDLTDRAL SOCIETY. 



is required for the Sikkiin varieties of the Rhododendron. In such 

 places many of the best collections of rhododendrons and 

 azaleas in this vicinity are kept. A good clean cellar does well ; 

 or if this be not at hand a pit or a cool greenhouse will answer 

 every purpose. 



There were also fine specimens of rhododendrons in pots and 

 tubs, which were very beautiful, both in foliage and flower. Other 

 specimen plants were placed in intermediate positions on the bal- 

 ustrade and around the piazza, the Agaves and Beaucarnea recur- 

 vata being particularly noticeable. In a quiet nook between the 

 piazza and a wing of the house was planted a bed of pansies with 

 a broad band of daisies, which gave us a pleasant surprise at a 

 moment when we were not looking for or expecting anything. 

 How many such little nooks, now neglected, could be made at- 

 tractive with trifling expense ! 



While we were on the piazza we enjoyed a delightful view of the 

 lawn with its beautiful undulating surface. It has often been said 

 that the charm of a place is a well kept lawn ; on this view of 

 things Mr. Sargent's most certainly possesses the charm. It is 

 pleasing to notice that the natural contours have been maintained, 

 and that the foolish rage for levelling every spot has not prevailed. 

 We also gladly call attention to the beautiful views in all directions, 

 the frequency of which is rather remarkable ; look which way you will, 

 at every glance some fine view in the distance will greet you, the 

 effect of which is charming. The openings giving these views 

 afford also the breadth of light and shade so desirable in a well 

 arranged place, and still so seldom attained. We are led to make 

 especial mention of the foregoing points, as all our party were 

 very much interested in these delightful views. 



It is needless to dilate upon the beauty of the trees and 

 shrubs on these grounds ; good results only are to be expected 

 where such skill has been given to the selection and care of fine 

 specimens of the rarest and choicest kinds. Amongst those 

 which adorn the estate are many fine specimens of single trees, 

 especially of evergreens. By being placed at a distance from the 

 groups of deciduous trees and shrubs, they are made to afford a 

 very pleasing contrast as regards form and color. 



A very beautiful feature in these grounds is the flowering shrubs ; 

 of which some writer has said that they are the choicest gifts of 

 Nature to the landscape gardener, and on this point I am sure 



