State of Gardening in Ireland. 263 



as a source of relaxation, generally directs the affairs of the 

 garden ; and in the ornamental department he possesses an 

 original and correct taste. He was among the first to break 

 down the barriers which had so long hemmed the villa 

 gardener within the parallel beds of tulips and elliptical figures 

 of roses, and to lead the way in endeavouring, upon natural 

 principles, to blend the decorative with the useful. The con- 

 servatory is a large structure, and is heated by steam. The 

 forcing-houses are extensive, and the collection of hardy 

 shrubs is very interesting. 



It is pleasing to observe, that in this neighbourhood 

 Mr. Bourne's example has been in some degree followed ; as 

 in the improvements at Bushy Park, the charming residence 

 of Sir Robert Shaw, Bart., which possesses many natural 

 advantages. The forcing department, in particular, of this 

 garden, has been long judiciously managed by Mr. M'Cabe. 



While here, we hasten to correct a mistake which has in- 

 advertently crept into the Encyclopedia of Gardening. In 

 that work, Tollaght, the former country residence of the 

 Archbishops of Dublin, is, in the enumeration of Irish coun- 

 try seats, mentioned as a place of note. For many years past 

 this place has been wholly neglected, and, except two very 

 large picturesque walnut trees, is quite unworthy of notice. 

 Cypress Grove, a beautiful villa, laid out and planted by the 

 late Countess Clanbrasil, is in this line. Some of the best 

 grown ornamental trees and shrubs about the city are to be 

 seen here. Magnolia acuminata has attained to a great size, 

 and there are several very large bushes of the Crataegus punc- 

 tata in the lawn. Of the various American and European 

 thorns, which are admirably suited for the park, or dressed 

 grounds, with how few do we meet ! There is also a very fine 

 specimen of the cork-tree in the park, which we were sorry to 

 observe quite unprotected. In the garden, great care appears 

 to have been taken in the original formation of the borders, 

 and in the selection of the fruit trees, which, under all the 

 changes to which this place has been subjected, is still evinced : 

 there are few gardens of the size so productive ; and if a prac- 

 tical example of the good effects resulting from proper manage- 

 ment in the commencement of a place were wanting, that of 

 Cypress Grove might be adduced. 



It would far exceed our present limits to enter even into a 

 bare enumeration of all the gardens about Dublin. We are 

 aware that we have omitted several important matters ; but 

 to these we will return, being determined to insert nothing but 

 what has come under our actual observation. This explanation 

 will, it is hoped, satisfy those who may at present consider 

 themselves overlooked. 



