206 Notes and Recollections of a Tour. 



specimens of trees, in various parts of the ground, were wor- 

 thy of more particular attention than the lateness of the 

 afternoon would allow us to give them, but we recorded a 

 handsome weeping birch, sixty feet high. This fine garden, 

 and the Kew gardens, are two places which we regret we did 

 not allow ourselves more time to examine ; somewhat similar 

 in character, and equally instructing, from the rare and beau- 

 tiful specimens of plants and the high keeping of the grounds, 

 a day or two might be agreeably passed in each. 



To the kindness of Mr. McNab we are deeply indebted, for 

 pointing out to us the most interesting objects, and we are 

 glad to renew our thanks for his politeness and attention. 



Dalkeith Park, the Duke of Biiccleugh, October 15th. — At 

 an early hour, we took the coach for Dalkeith, situated to the 

 south of Edinburgh, distant about six miles. On our arrival 

 here, we called on Mr. Mcintosh, the Duke's gardener, and 

 were most kindly received. Dalkeith is a place of great ex- 

 tent ; and the kitchen garden, which had recently been laid 

 out by Mr. Mcintosh, contains twelve acres, enclosed by a 

 brick Avail twelve feet high, and divided by other walls in 

 order to obtain space for training fruit trees, especially peaches, 

 nectarines, &c. 



The Duchess of Buccleugh is very fond of gardening, and 

 her wishes are most admirably carried out by Mr. Mcintosh, 

 one of the most intelligent gardeners in Scotland. He was 

 formerly gardener to the present King of Belgium, when he 

 resided at Claremont, near London ; and, on his removal to 

 Belgium, he laid out and carried on the extensive gardens at 

 Brussels. About four years since, he was employed by the 

 Duke of Buccleugh to lay out the gardens at Dalkeith, and 

 had now just completed one department. The flower garden, 

 which is to be several acres in extent, was not yet laid out ; 

 the place intended for it was yet covered with a dense wood ; 

 but the trees were to be felled the following winter, in order 

 to commence operations in the spring. 



Dalkeith is one of the noblest residences in Scotland ; the 

 park is of very great extent. The palace is large, but with- 

 out much architectural beauty, and stands immediately on 

 the steep bank of the beautiful stream called the North Esk. 

 The lawn is extensive, on a nearly level surface, and is finely 



