87 



this high position and allowed the beds to be raised 

 above the ground level, a much better effect was thus 

 obtained ; this would not have been possible in an open situ- 

 ation, the majority of the spring flowers being very impatient 

 of dry weather and keen March winds. It would also have 

 looked ugly in an exposed place. 



Shelter of this kind is not beneficial to the ordinary 

 summer bedding plants, such for instance as Geraniums, 

 Ageratum, Lobelia and others. These are liable to develop 

 leaves instead of flowers under such treatment. 



The figure of an animal, in stone, in this garden (see 

 'Plate XI) was brought from India and presented to a 

 former Duke of Rutland. 



The statue representing winter shown on "Plate XXII 

 belongs to the set which is seen below the bank in the 

 Statuary Garden (see Plate XXIII). They were carved by 

 Caius Gabriel Gibber in 1 680. The agreement made between 

 him and John, 8th Earl of Rutland is still preserved in the 

 Castle, and stipulates that the statues should be set up in the 

 garden for the sum of 35 each, the Earl to find the said 

 Gibber and his two workmen "diett and lodging at Bellvoyer 

 whilest he workes upon the said statues." The figures, com- 

 mencing nearest the Castle, represent Juno, Ceres, Flora, 

 Bacchus, Pomona and Diana. They formerly stood nearer to 

 the Castle, where the broad walk is now, and were removed 

 by Mr. Challis who was head gardener here for a 

 short time and laid out this garden in 1847. 



The group of Palms Trachycarpus excelsa in the 

 centre, but shown on the right in 'Plate XXIV was planted 



