OCTOBER. 469 



the stables, were the largest and finest of this showy species 

 that we have ever seen. One of them measures fifty feet in 

 circumference, and, at the time of our visit, was covered with 

 hundreds of its spikes of bloom. 



The farm has latterly occupied much attention, and Mr. 

 Murray has devoted all his energies to its improvement. 

 The quantity of hay cut is very large, filling an ample barn 

 one hundred and ten feet long. Large quantities of carrots, 

 ruta baga, &c., are raised to feed out to the stock. Early 

 potatoes for market are also extensively planted, and this year 

 were a fine crop. Everything was in the best condition, 

 showing the deep interest taken by Mr. Murray in this de- 

 partment. Numerous rows of potatoes, corn, &c., were 

 shown to the committee, planted with various manures, to 

 show the real value of each. We have no space to go into a 

 detail of them, only remarking that the guanoed rows, at the 

 rate of 300 lbs. to the acre, were the most vigorous, and 

 retained a deep green verdure. 



An agreeable day was thus passed in inspecting the entire 

 grounds, much to the satisfaction of all present, who do not 

 often have the opportunity afforded them of visiting a place 

 having so many pleasing features, the most prominent being 

 its majestic growth of ornamental trees, which a life time 

 will not allow us to possess. We congratulate Mr. Walker, 

 upon his fortunate possession of such a fine old residence. 



Oakley Place, Mrs. Wm. Pratt. — On the route to Wal- 

 tham, through Cambridge, the committee had made their 

 arrangements to visit the beautiful grounds of Mrs. Pratt, in 

 Watertown, opposite Mr. Cushing's, which we have so often 

 noticed. 



The lawn and pleasure grounds, the latter of which have 

 been extended recently, were in the finest order ; the gar- 

 den, now under the care of Mr. Halley, clean and in the 

 highest keeping, with a fine display of roses and other flow- 

 ers. 



Since we were here last, a new greenhouse has been 

 erected in the rear of the others, running diagonally from 

 about the centre of the others, sixty feet long, with a span 



