512 Notes of a Gardening Tour in 1833. 



appears to terminate the water, and gives the idea of a cul de 

 sac. Some trees hanging over the margin, and some stones and 

 gravel deposited along the water line, would remove this evil to 

 a certain extent. The bed of the river is shallow, and, notwith- 

 standing the clearness and rapidity of the stream, is covered 

 with weeds, which, forming a nidus for insects, supply abundance 

 of food for fish. In general the grounds may be stated to 

 be too much covered with trees ; so that the idea conveyed, in 

 which ever direction we look, is that of a place of limited ex- 

 tent. There is a very good kitchen-garden ; the walls and hot- 

 houses of which are exceedingly well managed by Mr. Witt, 

 who grows most excellent pine apples, peaches and grapes. It is 

 impossible not to regret that such a man is not furnished with 

 the means of keeping his place in the order in which it ought to 

 be. In the pineries, he has introduced on the front flues, shallow 

 troughs throughout their whole length ; formed by edgings of 

 Roman cement. These are kept filled with water in warm 

 weather, and diffuse a , genial moisture throughout the whole 

 house. By using stable urine, ammoniacal and carbonic acid 

 gas would be diffused along with the moisture, which would 

 have a tendency to destroy insects, and yet promote vegetation. 

 Mr. Witt has hitherto had the greatest difficulties to sur- 

 mount in growing his pines; but he has lately erected two good 

 houses, which will diminish his labours, and no doubt increase 

 his success. 



Formerly the inhabitants of Wilton had the right of walking 

 along the banks of the river in the park, but they are now en- 

 tirely excluded, and can only by a very especial favour procure 

 a sight of the house or grounds. The inhabitants are quite 

 aware of the injustice which has been done them in excluding 

 them from their ancient rights of walking by the side of the river 

 in the park ; but so powerful is a wealthy family in a small coun- 

 try place, that neither the corporation of Wilton united, nor 

 any individual among them, would incur the risk of reclaiming 

 the public right. 



There is a steward's house here, and near it a group of 

 labourers' cottages, which afford a fine example of what may be 

 called the better, and best, in Gothic architecture. The first is 

 very good, but it is tame, without boldness and freedom, and 

 without having the characteristics of the Tudor style fully de- 

 veloped. The labourers' cottages are singularly bold, pictur- 

 esque, and free in their general effect, and all their details, such 

 as chimney shafts, mouldings, mullions, doors, &c,, developed 

 to perfection. The gardens round these cottages are beautifully 

 kept ; those in front are full of flowers, and flowering shrubs, 

 and those behind are large and well stocked with vegetables. 

 The occupiers are men employed in the grounds at Wilton. 



