Chap. XVI.] A FEW NOTES ON PRIVATE GARDENS. 259 



Dracaenas, the large-leaved Musa, New Zealand Flax, and many of 

 the very finest tropical and siib-tropical plants, arranged on high 

 sloping banks. , 



From among them rise the stems of the native and garden 

 trees which shade and shelter the tenderer plants beneath. 

 These are arranged so that nothing but the beauty of the plants 

 and foliage is observed, the pots, tubs, etc. necessary in the case 

 of such tender subjects being concealed. These plants are placed 

 out-of-doors in early summer, when all danger of frost is over, 

 and are taken in about the end of September. Many of them 

 make free growth in the open air, all are cleansed and refreshed 

 by the summer-rains, and are thus in a better state for passing 

 the winter than if they had made their growth in the hothouses 

 in summer. This system merits considerable attention, inasmuch 

 as plants cannot be so much enjoyed in the hothouses in summer 

 and autumn as in the open air arranged as described. As carried 

 out here, this grouping of the rich collection of plants, and the 

 effect generally obtained, are the most picturesque and satisfactory 

 I have ever seen afforded by tropical plants in a northern country. 

 Here, cut off from the picturesque or English part of the gardens, 

 is a " French garden " well formed, and perhaps the largest and 

 best of its kind. That style of garden means straight walks, 

 straight borders, and rigidity in general plan as well as in details. 

 It is effective but formal, and takes up much space which might 

 be disposed in a simpler and more artistic manner. Notable here 

 were huge plants or masses of New Zealand Flax in large vases. 

 This plant is invaluable for many purposes in ornamental gardening. 

 In the great court before the principal entrance is a little garden 

 in the centre, formed by gigantic Orange-trees in tubs, and other 

 evergreens. . This is a good idea, giving as it does a little privacy, 

 and forming a small oasis of verdure in what would otherwise be 

 a very bare and arid space. The most beautiful weeping-tree I 

 have ever seen is here, a large specimen of Gleditschia Bojoti, the 

 leaves divided like a delicate Fern, and the tree giving a shade as 

 light as the Cloud-grass. It does not weep formally and regularly 

 like some other trees, but in an irregular and picturesque manner, 

 while it is free in growth and large in stature. There is a 

 graceful way of training Climbing-roses over old stumps and old 

 trees, which here leads to some very pretty effects. 



