70 



and 6j feet in circumference ; unfortunately many of the 

 lower branches have decayed, owing to the dry position 

 in which it is planted ; the best view of it is obtained from the 

 upper walk. 



On the other side of the steps is a rare tree Cunning- 

 hamia sinensis. This was probably planted at the same time 

 as the Araucaria, but only measures 37 feet in height, and 3 

 feet in circumference. A little further to the east is 

 a tree of Taxodium distichum, the deciduous cypress of 

 Florida and other Southern States of America, where it 

 abounds in swampy places on the margins of the lakes ; in 

 the rainy season when the lakes are full it often stands in 

 three feet of water. The roots produce curious growths in the 

 shape of conical logs which rise at some distance from the 

 stem. The cause of these growths has not yet been definitely 

 ascertained they are very dangerous to boats. 



Near the cypress is a plant of Daphniphyllum glaucescens, 

 a native of China and Japan. Its leaves are similar in size 

 and shape to the hybrid Rhododendrons ; the flowers are small 

 and greenish yellow ; they are inconspicuous at a short distance. 

 Numerous flower beds surround these trees, and have a very 

 beautiful appearance in April and May when they are clothed 

 with spring flowers. 



* When daisies pied and violets blue 

 And ladysmocks all silver white, 

 And cuckoo buds of yellow hue 

 Do paint the meadows with delight." 



The flower beds are represented in plates XIV. and 

 XV. The bell shaped beds immediately opposite the steps 



