5+8 Observations on several 



in the immediate neighbourhood, this description of wall will 

 form an excellent substitute. 



Longford Castle, the family residence of' the Earl of Radyior. 

 — July 1. A richly wooded park, presenting little variation 

 of surface, and chiefly lying very flat. The castle and gar- 

 dens are situated on the banks of the river Avon, and part of 

 the castle was begun to be rebuilt during the latter part of 

 the late earl's time, but the completion of it is for the present 

 suspended. The kitchen-garden contains nearly four acres, 

 with excellent walls, and is in high keeping. On being 

 ushered into it, an almost unparalleled scene presents itself. 

 Nothing can exceed the superior arrangement, and the neat- 

 ness and order observed in the forcing departments; the 

 borders are covered with the gayest flowers, while on the 

 walks there is not a single patch of weeds, or a bit of 

 straw, to be seen. All is so well arranged, that little or no 

 extra-care is requisite for keeping it in this state. The linings 

 which surround the pits are covered with oak boards, lying 

 on a gentle slope, supported by brickwork, which are of 

 such lengths as to admit of two men placing them on the 

 walk immediately around the pit, when the linings require 

 renovation ; and over these boards the dung is wheeled, so 

 that the walk receives no injury. Drains conduct the water 

 collected from the roofs of the pits and houses to a tank, from 

 which water is taken for the use of the garden. The pits are 

 built with double walls, the outer one pigeon-holed as high as 

 the covers of the lining. In the interior wall iire a number 

 of holes for the admission of steam at pleasure, by with- 

 drawing the plugs; and the vacuity between the walls is about 

 2\ in. In these pits, pines, melons, and cucumbers were 

 growing luxuriantly. The arrangement of the whole garden 

 was so superior, that it induced me to take a plan of it (which, 

 through the kindness of Mr. Christie, I was enabled to do), 

 thinking that such a model might be worthy the attention of 

 gentlemen about to lay out or renovate their gardens. (See 

 fig. 102. and its references.) The wall trees had suflercd 

 severely these last two seasons by bhght. 



The jileasurc-grounds are intersected with romantic walks 

 along the banks of the river, here and there having a delight- 

 ful peep of the water and its opposite shore, until you are led 

 to a small flower-garden, laid out some sixty or seventy 

 years ago, which occupies the point between the Avon and 

 a rivulet where they meet, as shown in the plan,y4'^. 103. 

 This spot is dehghtluily retired, being shut in by wood on 

 each side, and seems as if reservetl as a last retreat from the 

 busy scenes of life. Here is quietness only interrupted by the 



