294 A most extraordinary Rhododendron. 



mediately beneath the surface of inert white 

 clay is a deep substratum of peat, which is 

 peculiarly suitable to their growth. Through- 

 out the plantations the laurel is interspersed ; 

 it thrives well under the forest trees, and make* 

 a most beautiful underwood. 



The pavilion, Mr. Foster's former residence, 

 is now occupied by Colonel Foster, who is 

 making very material additions to the place. 

 The peat, here lying very near the surface, 

 gives to all species of plants, that delight in a 

 boggy soil, a most astonishing luxuriance. I 

 measured round the spreading branches of a 

 rhododendron about ten feet high, and found 

 their circumference to be eighty feet. Surprised 

 as I was at the appearance of the plant, I took 

 the dimensions myself that I might speak with 

 confidence as to the fact. I think this shrub, 

 though less lofty, covered more ground than 

 the largest Portugal laurel I ever saw. 



Near the pavilion is also a winter garden, 

 containing a greater number of the different 

 species and varieties of shrubs, than, perhaps, 

 are to be found in any collection throughout 

 the empire. Specimens also of the indigenous 

 grasses of Ireland, amounting to the number of 

 eighty-four, have been here collected ; the 



