GHENT. 73 



as we learned, more or less injured every winter.' We re- 

 marked, that some of the more tender speeies of Laurus, 

 partieularly L. Indica and L. borboniea, had been worked 

 on the more hardy sassafras (L. sassafras), and had attain- 

 ed the size of considerable trees. Nyssa integrifolia, or 

 the mountain tupelo, seemed to grow freely here ; some 

 specimens having risen to the height of 9 or 10 feet, which 

 is three times larger than it commonly grows in Scotland. 

 Clethra alnifolia was flourishing vigorously, the numerous 

 stems being from G to 8 feet high, and covered with spikes 

 of lively white flowers. Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina 

 allspice, had acquired nearly equal size, and was likewise 

 clothed with flowers, which now diffused their aromatic 

 scent all around. There were two varieties ; one having 

 the flowers of a dark dirty purple, the other of a pale dus- 

 ky purple. Calycanthus praecox, or Japan allspice, of 

 more humble growth, appeared in the borders ; but it had 

 been in flower early in the spring, being one of those plants 

 which, like the mezereon, put forth their blossoms before 

 the leaves. 



From the description already given, it will be perceived, 

 that the grounds are laid out in a natural and simple way, 

 and with some degree of neatness. Plain walks wind in 

 different directions through the grass lawns ; they sometimes 

 also traverse the dug or cultivated compartments, and cross 

 the canals by bridges of various construction. The walks 

 are not laid with gravel, or with any substitute for it : this 

 circumstance must render them extremely incommodious 

 in wet weather. We were now forcibly reminded of the 

 value of the excellent and abundant materials for garden- 

 walks which the gravel-pits of Blackheath had presented to 

 us in the beginning of our journey. Where edgings 

 arc necessarv, they are formed chiefly of Erica herbacca 



