REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. 283 



is laid out witli well-planned drives. Here no attempt has been 

 made at artificial treatment, but the native trees have been well 

 cared for, and the grounds kept clean, and with the exception of 

 a few evergreens that have been planted there, it is as near a 

 natural park as can well be. It is a pleasant spot of about 150" 

 acres, and is a fine example of what can be done with a natural 

 piece of Avoodland where a small amount is laid out to make it 

 accessible for pedestrians and carriage driving. We believe this is 

 open to the public, who enjoy it at their will. Leaving this place, 

 we approach the estate proper, which is reached by a driveway, 

 the borders of which are planted with groups and single speci- 

 mens of evergreens in well selected varieties. After crossing the 

 county road we enter that part of the estate occupied by the 

 mansion-house, gardens, farm barn, and stables. We find the 

 kitchen-garden well arranged, with a good variety of vegetables 

 and small fruits, all in the highest state of cultivation. There 

 is a small amount of glass structures and cold frames, which "are 

 invaluable on an estate of this size. After a highly satisfactory 

 inspection of this department, we retrace our steps to the long- 

 drive leading to the mansion-house. Between this drive and the 

 county road there is no fence, but ati irregular border of shrubs 

 and evergreen trees of many interesting varieties planted in 

 groups. On the left a large planting of shrubs, in variety, 

 divides the lawn from the meadow, two hundred or more feet from 

 the house, which stands on the highest elevation of the estate. 

 On the east side a large parterre is laid out between the mansion- 

 house and a stone wall not far from the highway, the border in 

 front of the wall being planted with low-growing evergreens. 

 The arrangement of the parterre gives a pleasing approach to the 

 house. On the opposite side of the house the grass grade slopes 

 gradually to the Sudbury Eiver. The stable, at a convenient dis- 

 tance from the house, is hidden by a belt of trees in a very 

 healthy condition. A continuation of the drive to the westerly 

 end of the estate takes us where the extended views are the 

 charm and admiration of all. They are certainly not excelled in 

 New England, and it is doubtful whether they are in old Eng- 

 land. In the distance Mount Wachusett is plainly visible, and 

 the beauty and variety of hill and dale with the fine water front 

 can hardly be excelled. We are again attracted by the excellent 

 specimens of evergreens in the border between the estate and the 



