510 Memoir of Ralph Carr-Ellison, Esq. 



each intersected by a trickling burn, within the private grounds, 

 many a garden outcast, as well as 



" Chosen plants and blossoms blown 



Among the mountains, flowers and weeds." 

 as adjuncts to the native growths ; and had embellished the 

 environs and open spaces with ornamental shrubs, and "fair 

 spreading trees," 



" Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching " elm ; 

 brought from distant lands, and the banks of famous streams, 

 where he had seen and admired them in their aboriginal habitats. 

 During the visits of his latter years, he delighted in his walks to 

 speak of his trees, dwelling— as the shifting scene suggested — 

 on the graceful or majestic features, decorative effect, ages, bulk 

 or stature of the several kinds ; their value as timber, as nurses 

 or sheltering screens ; their disposal, combination, or treatment. 

 Tor he was skilled in forestry, as is well exemplified in some of 

 the happiest of his literary sketches. No less obj ects of his pro- 

 tective care were the feathered tribes and wild quadrupeds, which 

 (though not all alike harmless, received merciful consideration 

 for such good qualities as appeared to be their predominant dis- 

 position) sought their summer home here, and took advantage of 

 the inducements and provisions — not always ejffective — that he 

 contrived for their nestling in comfort, and in beloved security. 

 The rich variety of bird music at Hedgeley in the summer morn- 

 ing — "the charm of earliest birds " — is not one of the least of 

 its attractions ; and must have been deeply gratifying to him who 

 was its chief promoter. 



" It is the spirit of paradise 



That prompts such work, a spirit strong 



That gives to all the self-same bent, 



Whose life is wise and innocent." 

 He was an earnest improver of his landed property by plant- 

 ing, draining, and fencing ; by levelling and reconstructing the 

 rough and ill- contrived country roads ; by aiding the erection of 

 bridges ; providing more convenient cottages and steadings ; and 

 subsidising schools in the remote hill districts within the sphere 

 of his ready benevolence. 



Mr Oarr-Ellison was one of the Council of the Natural History 

 Society of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 

 He qualified as J.P. for Northumberland in 1838, and was High 

 Sheriff for that county in 1846 ; and was J.P. of long standing 

 and a Deputy -Lieutenant for Co. Durham. 



