A VISIT TO MONTGOMERY PLACE. 201 



deed to feel very certain of our whereabouts, we emerge in the neigh- 

 borhood of the CONSERVATORY.* 



This is a large, isolated, glazed structure, designed by Mr. Cath- 

 erwood, to add to the scenic effect of the pleasure-grounds. On its 

 northern side are, in summer, arranged the more delicate green- 

 house plants ; and in front are groups of large oranges, lemons, 

 citrons, Cape jasmines, eugenias, etc., in tubs plants remarkable 

 for their size and beauty. Passing under neat and tasteful archways 

 of wirework, covered with rare climbers, we enter what is properly 



*THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 



How different a scene from the deep sequestered shadows of the 

 Wilderness! Here all is gay and smiling. Bright parterres of 

 brilliant flowers bask in the full daylight, and rich masses of color 

 seem to revel in the sunshine. The walks are fancifully laid out, so 

 as to form a tasteful whole ; the beds are surrounded by low edgings 

 of turf or box, and the whole looks like some rich oriental pattern or 

 carpet of embroidery. In the centre of the garden stands a large 

 vase of the Warwick pattern ; others occupy the centres of parterres 

 in the midst of its two main divisions, and at either end is a fanciful 

 light summer-house, or pavilion, of Moresque character. The whole 

 garden is surrounded and shut out from the lawn, by a belt of 

 shrubbery, and above and behind this, rises, like a noble framework, 

 the background of trees of the lawn and the Wilderness. If there 

 is any prettier flower-garden scene than this ensemble in the country, 

 we have not yet had the good fortune to behold it. 



It must be an industrious sight-seer who could accomplish more 

 than we have here indicated of the beauties of this residence, in -a 

 day. Indeed there is enough of exercise for the body, and enjoy- 

 ment for the senses in it, for a week. But another morning may be 

 most agreeably passed in a portion of the estate quite apart from 

 that which has met the eye from any point yet examined. This is 



THE DRIVE. 



On the southern boundary is an oak wood of about fifty acres. 

 * See Downing's "Landscape Gardening," p. 463. 



