426 On several Gardens in Ensland. 



to* 



Stourhead, the peculiarly rural seat of Sir R. C. Hoare, 

 replete with fascinating scenery. The gardens are confined 

 to a narrow compass, and chiefly excel in possessing a very 

 numerous and splendid collection of pelargoniums, Sir 

 Richard appropriating several houses solely to them. Among 

 them are many varieties of his own raising, and none are 

 admitted but the more rare and curious kinds. A drive 

 extends from the mansion, for upwards of two miles, along 

 the top of a ridge, forming one side of a valley ; it passes an 

 obelisk erected to the memory of some former possessor, and 

 terminates with a tower bearing the name of the patriotic 

 Alfred. Tradition represents this as the spot where he 

 planted his victorious standard on his final conquest of the 

 Danes. From the top of this tower an extended view of 

 country presents itself, comprising part of Dorsetshire, 

 Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, with the 

 Welsh hills in the distance. Nearly at the top of the valley 

 rises a spring, which forms the head of the river Stour. At 

 some distance below, the river is stopped by means of a dam, 

 and forms a goodly sheet of water ; both sides of the vale are 

 clothed thickly with timber and underwood. 



July 17. — On returning to Warminster, I called at tJie 

 residence of PJieljp, Esq. The flower-garden here is a per- 

 fect little paradise; seemingly combining every thing which 

 art, coupled with good taste, can unfold of the beauties of 

 nature. Flora has here an ardent admirer, and her pro- 

 ductions an assiduous cultivator. The arrangements of the 

 flower-beds appear far more judicious, and the plants more 

 appropriately assorted, than is frequently the case. Mr. 

 Phelp spares no reasonable expense in procuring whatever 

 is new and rare; thereby adding to the interest, while he 

 enhances the beauty, of his place. Nor is he the less atten- 

 tive to the interests of horticulture among his neighbours, 

 but generously contributes his support and influence to the 

 neighbouring horticultural societies. May I venture a hope 

 that such an example will not be lost? 



On the afternoon of the same day, I called on Mr. Wheeler, 

 Nurseryman, Warminster. This nursery comprises a good 

 collection of herbaceous plants. Several new varieties of 

 Calceolaria have been produced by Mr. Wheeler, and he has 

 now several that have not yet flowered, which, he thinks, 

 promise well. His general collection of exotic plants looks 

 remarkably healthy : in rearing camellias from cuttings and 

 otherwise, Mr. Wheeler merits great credit. A very neat and 

 cheap form of pit, for the protection of half-hardy plants, was 



