A VISIT TO MONTOOMEBY PLACE. • 20] 



deed to feel very certain of our whereabouts, we emerge in the neigh- 

 borhood of the CoNSBRVATOIlT.* 



This is a large, isolated, glazed structure, designed by Mr. Cath- 

 erwood, to add to the scenic effect of the pleasure-grounds. On its 

 northern side are, in summer, aiTanged the more delicate green- 

 house plants ; and in front are groups ' of large oranges, lemons, 

 citrons. Cape jasmines, eugenias, etc., in tubs — ^plants rema,rl:able 

 for their, size »nd beauty. Passing under neat and tasteful archways 

 of wirework, covered with rare climbere, we enter what is properly 



THE FLOWER-GAEDEN. 



How different a scene from th,e deep sequestered shadows of the 

 Wilderness! Here all is gay and smiling. Bright parterres of 

 briUiant flowers bask in the full daylight, and rich masses of color 

 seem to revel in the sunshine. The walks are fancifully laid outj so 

 as to form a tasteful whole ; the beds are surrounded by low edgirlgs 

 of turf or box, and the whole looks like some rich oriental pattern or 

 carpet of embroidery. •■ In the centre of the garden stands a large 

 vase of the Warwick pattern ; others occupy the centres of parterres 

 in the midst of its two main divisions, and at either end is a fanciful 

 light summer-house, or pavilion, of Moresque character. The whole 

 garden is surrounded and shut out from the lawn, by a belt of 

 shrubbery, and above and behind this, rises, like a noble framework, 

 the background of trete of the lawn and the Wilderness. If there 

 is any prettier flower-garden scene than this ensemble in. the country, 

 we have not yet had the good fortune to behold it. 



It must be an industrious sightrseer who could accomplish more 

 than w.e have here indicated of the beauties of this residence, in a 

 day. Indeed there is enough of exercise for the body, and enjoy- 

 ment for the senses in it, for a week. But another morning may be 

 most agreeably passed in a portion of the • estate quite apart from 

 that which has met the eye from any point yet exapined. This is 



THE_ DRIVE. 



On the southern boundary is an oak" wood of about fifty acres. 

 * See Downing's " Landscape Gardening," p. ^53. 



