361* Gardens at Gibside. 



has long been celebrated for superior pines, the collection being 

 one of the largest in the north of England. 



The present intelligent gardener, Mr. Bell, succeeded Mr. 

 Richardson, the noted pine-grower, three years ago; and deserves 

 great credit for the superior skill evinced in every branch con- 

 nected with his business. His house is contiguous to the garden, 

 and is in unison with the magnitude of the establishment. 



Gibside, the Seat of — — Bowes, Esq. M.P.for South Durham, 

 was, from the death of the late Earl of Strathmore, until the pre- 

 sent proprietor became of age, almost totally neglected. Few 

 places, for good keeping, could equal Gibside during the life- 

 time of the late earl. About thirty men were employed, all the 

 summer season, in mowing the lawns in the pleasure-grounds 

 and the numerous green drives through the woods. It appears, 

 by the improvements made since the present proprietor has 

 attained his majority, that the place will probably, in a short 

 time, resume its former splendour. 



The garden, which is in the form of a square, comprises four 

 acres, divided and encircled by broad grass walks. A range of 

 old dilapidated hot-houses, that, at one time, occupied all the 

 north wall, are giving place, by piecemeal, to a range of metallic 

 houses on the curvilinear plan, to be heated by hot water : these, 

 when finished, will have a grand appearance. A pond at one 

 corner of the garden, full of aquatic plants, merits attention, as 

 this is rather a remarkable feature in a kitchen-garden. The 

 winding approach, along the brink of a wooded glen, passes the 

 banqueting-house, which has a geometrical pond in front. On 

 the opposite side, but nearer to the mansion, a magnificent Ionic 

 column, 120 ft. high, crowned with a statue of Liberty, suddenly 

 strikes the eye. The mansion stands upon a terrace. The 

 ground on the west side slopes gradually into an extensive 

 meadow, the river Derwent forming the boundary. A winding 

 terrace-walk leads to a large architectural green-house, and 

 thence to the much-admired chapel. The scenery is bold, grand, 

 and truly picturesque ; and, for varied and extensive prospects, 

 can seldom be equalled, more especially the distant views to the 

 west, over the Derwent. The park is four miles in circum- 

 ference; and is well clothed with fine old timber, interspersed 

 with a good collection of yews by the sides of the green drive, 

 which are pleasant to look at in winter, when all else appears 

 bleak. Gibside, taken as a whole, is a first-rate residence, being 

 replete with natural beauty, heightened by art. 



Staffordshire, Jan. 3. 1834. 



Our correspondent has just (July) obtained a place as head gardener in the 

 West of Scotland; whence, we trust, he will frequently let us hear from him. 

 We most ardently desire, that similar good fortune may speedily attend our 

 other young friend and correspondent, Scientiae ct Justitiae Amator. — Cond. 



