Bottom Heat. 113 



All the magnolias are good plants. Several varieties of escal- 

 lonias, myrtles, daphnes, fine specimens of Andromeda flori- 

 bunda, and many other fine and rare plants. A very lofty tree 

 of Populus (alba var.) canescens : the trunk, at 4 ft. from the 

 ground, is 22ft. 6 in. in circumference; and it is 42 ft. to the first 

 branch, and then about 54 ft. above the first branch ; therefore, 

 the whole height is about 96 ft. The large beech tree in the 

 flower-garden you took great notice of, and wished for the dimen- 

 sions. The trunk, 4 ft. from the ground, is 12 ft. 6 in. in circum- 

 ference, clear trunk, 38 ft. to the first branch ; the tree altogether 

 is about 78 ft. high. There was another beech tree exactly 

 similar to the one I have described, which stood in the corre- 

 sponding situation in the flower-garden, but was blown down 

 about four years ago, and in its fall did much damage to the 

 Maltese vases, &c. 



Bicton Gardens, Oct, 22. 1842. 



Letter XI. The Trees in the Park. The Lake, and the Aquatic Birds. 



I WILL now give you the dimensions of a few of the noble trees 

 that are growing in Bicton Park. Taking them altogether, 

 I think I never saw so fine a lot of trees growing on the same 

 space of ground. Some of the brave old oaks measure, at 4 ft. from 

 the ground, 17 ft. to 18 ft. in circumference, and many of them 

 spread their branches round to an immense distance. Several 

 elms, about the same size in circumference, from SG^l to 100 ft. 

 high. Remarkably fine beeches from 84ft. to 96 ft. high; at 4ft. 

 from the ground, measuring from 13 ft. to 19 ft. in circum- 

 ference. A good specimen of a Lucombe oak, 68 ft. high, the 

 circumference of which is 8ft. 6 in. The largest ash I ever saw, 

 measuring 85ft. high, 12 ft. in circumference, and going up in a 

 straight line 30 ft. to the first branch. There are many fine 

 specimens of chestnuts, limes, &c. ; indeed, the trees of all kinds 

 thrive very well here. 



There is in the park a beautiful lake with islands, on which 

 is a fine collection of black and white swans, and all kinds of 

 aquatic birds and fowls ; and in the winter it is covered with wild 

 fowls of all sorts, which are never permitted to be shot. 



Bicton Gardens, Oct. 29. 1842. 



Art. IV. On Bottom Heat. By R. Errington. 



The subject of bottom heat has been much canvassed of late, liut still it is a 

 thing of indefinite character, and not, in my opinion, appreciated according to its 

 merits. Dr. Lindley, in his excellent work, The Theorij of HorticuUure, has, 



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