REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 345 



we shall not differ from him. We found them here displa3-ed to 

 good advantage — not planted so thickl}' as they are often seen, 

 so as to become entangled with each other, and make the position 

 of each single plant difficult to be found ; but each plant and 

 shrub, whether siugl}' or in a group, formed a specimen by itself. 

 Each had been so planted that the grouping has not been lost ; and 

 yet they are not so close to each other that the idea of specimens 

 is not maintained. Indeed, all are so well arranged that the}' give 

 a finished appearance to the whole scene. 



Among the trees and shrubs we noticed fine specimens of Abies 

 alba^ A. excelsa, Picea pxingens^ and many other fine evergreens ; 

 also Syringa Japonica, Viburnum opulus, Deutzia j^cirvijlora, 

 Viburnum plicatum^ Acer polymorphum atropurp^ireum dissectum, 

 Japan Weeping Cherry, Paul's Thorns, and unusually good 

 specimens of Aquilegia coerulea. 



In garden scenery, water, in whatever shape, has an enlivening 

 effect ; here is found a large pond of sufficient dimensions to add 

 greatly to the delightfuluess of the place ; a part of the margin of 

 which is left in a natural state, while another part displays a wide 

 border of rhododendrons containing manv hundred plants — all in 

 the healthiest condition and blooming finely. The importance of 

 giving these valuable plants a conspicuous place is fully recog- 

 nized in the arrangement here referred to ; and their great value 

 as decorative plants can hardly be overestimated, as the fine array 

 of distinct varieties gave ample proof. Perha})S the reflection of this 

 delightful bed of rhododendrons in the water — a picture more 

 easily enjoyed than described — was quite as pleasing to many of the 

 visitors as the direct view. We also noticed very many varieties 

 of Lilies planted in the rhododendron bed, many of them throwing 

 up enormous spikes of flowers. A fine collection of named 

 herbaceous plants added to the interest of the place. 



The greenhouses contained many specimens of plants both rare 

 and well known, all in the best possible condition — indeed, the 

 whole place was in excellent order. To qualify one to give, in 

 detail, an idea of the many choice trees, shrubs, and plants which 

 we witnessed on every hand, would take more time than our brief 

 visit allowed for the purpose. Much has doubtless gone unmen- 

 tioned which we should desire to take note of in order to afford 

 that more adequate description of Mr. Sargent's place which we 

 feel is due to him. We may here record, however, the great satis- 



