St t On ■planting the Evergreen Oak near the Coast. 



About half a century ago, the pinaster was introduced on 

 St. Michael's Mount, where they grew rapidly for some 

 years, and formed a prominent feature, when viewed at a dis- 

 tance, on that beautifully romantic spot ; but in about thirty 

 years they began to decline ; and, at forty years from the 

 time they were planted, there was scarcely a vestige of 

 them left. About three years ago, the ilex was introduced 

 there in several groups, disposed in such a way as was thought 

 advantageous for embellishment ; and on my visit, late in the 

 autumn of last year, I was much pleased to find them in a 

 thriving state, and in every way answering to my wishes as 

 well as expectations. 



St. Michael's Mount, the property of Sir John St. Au- 

 byn, Bart., is situate about thirteen miles from the Land's 

 End, in Mount's Bay, and is surrounded by the sea six or 

 seven hours out of twelve. When the tide is out, it may be 

 approached from the small town of Marazion, over a cause- 

 way of about a quarter of a mile in length, which is raised 

 above the level of the common bed of sand, and composed of 

 pebbles and shingle. It is about a mile in circumference at 

 the base, and about 250 ft. in height from the sand which 

 lies around it to the summit of the tower which crowns its 

 tip. The rock is chiefly composed of granite, and is of a 

 conical figure, which gradually diminishes from its broad 

 craggy base to its summit, on which stands what is called 

 " the castle," consisting of the remains of the ancient mo- 

 nastic buildings, which were considerably altered by the late 

 proprietor, and have been greatly embellished by the present 

 possessor. The whole forms a pyramidal appearance, such 

 as to excite in the mind, the instant it is beheld, sensations of 

 the greatest veneration and astonishment, {Jig. 122.) There 

 are many rocks of gigantic dimensions, which are totally, while 

 others appear but partially, separated from the tremendous 

 mass on which the buildings rest. When viewed from different 

 directions, the whole presents a diversity of aspects : in some 

 places nearly perpendicular ; in others, of gentle acclivity ; 

 and where there are no rocks, it is covered with verdure, 

 which increases on the northern and eastern sides down to 

 its base, so as, in one part, to nearly form a plain. The 

 part over which the visiter has to walk, until he approaches 

 the rock, is of gentle ascent. When he begins to ascend 

 more rapidly, it is by a rocky winding path on the north 

 side, having huge pendent rocks on his left, and precipices 

 on his right. Farther on, there are two gun batteries on the 

 right ; on leaving which, he winds to the left, and ascends a 

 rough flight of broken steps, some natural and others arti- 



