2 Notes on Gardens and Country Seats : — 



mains of a large red cedar, to the height of about 25 ft., which 

 (particularly when the rose is in bloom) is much admired. On 

 walking through the grounds, Mr. Hutchinson pointed out a 

 small vista, through which, in the distance, is seen the statue of 

 George III., erected on the summit of the rising ground, opposite 

 the avenue in Windsor Park, and at a distance, in a straight 

 line from Ditton Park, of about five miles. This was recently- 

 discovered by one of the labourers, who happened to be at work 

 on a clump situate in the direct line of the vista through which 

 it is seen : in a fine clear day the statue is perfectly visible. 

 Upon the whole, I was much pleased with Ditton Park ; not 

 havino- seen, for many a long day, such a number of fine specimens 

 of forest trees of all the different kinds, apparently competing 

 with each other which should gain the preeminence in height 

 and bulk of timber. At one corner of the mansion stand a 

 horsechestnut and two other trees, which were severely scorched 

 when the former mansion was burnt down, some twenty or more 

 years ago ; and, from their appearance, it would seem that the fire 

 had actually laid hold of their leading branches. However, they 

 have withstood the shock ; and it is worthy of observation to see 

 how rapidly the fine healthy new bark and wood are extending 

 round the injured branches, and Vi^hich, in a few years, will hide 

 all defects ; a proof, this, of the superior quality of the soil. Mr. 

 Hutchinson very kindly received me with my friend, to whom 

 he was before known ; and the latter informed me that he saw 

 considerable improvement in the kitchen-garden since he last 

 visited Dilton Park. At the end of one of the houses, I ob- 

 served three fine and vigorous young plants of the Brugmans/a 

 suaveolens in full flower, nearly 3 ft. high, grown from early 

 cuttings, and planted out in May. 



Stoke Place ; Colonel Vyse. — On entering the kitchen-garden, 

 which stands on a fine loamy soil, I was immediately impressed 

 with the luxuriance of the crops. The garden being long, it is 

 divided into several compartments by cross walls, which, together 

 with those at the sides, afford sufficient room for trees of all the 

 kinds of fruits for which walls are necessary. The trees bore 

 ample testimony to Mr. Patrick's (the gardener) skill in their 

 treatment; the walls nearly all being literally covered from the 

 top to the bottom with fine wood. A few of the peach trees 

 had a slight attack of mildew this season; but, as it came on late, 

 they will not suffer materially. I could not help admiring a wall 

 of morello cherries, both as it respected the trees, and on ac- 

 count of the very full and fine crop of fruit which they bore. 

 On viewing this garden, I was led to consider whether or not I 

 had ever seen one equal to it ; and the only one I could bring to 

 mind that, in my opinion, approached near to it in excellence, 

 was at Wyke House, near Brentford ; which, some thirty years 



