— many of which, including the Auricaria irabricata, are now to be seen; but the idea was abandoned, and 

 it is now one of the most picturesque and lovely flower-gardens to be imagined. It is surrounded by 

 trees — the most choice specimens being a group of cedars of Lebanon. The Arbor vitas are remarkably fine, 

 some being upwards of thirty feet in height, and massive in proportion. They produce an imposing 

 effect. Scotch and silver fir, intermingling with other forest trees, make an excellent background to the 

 striking picture this garden presents. The centre is occupied by numerous irregularly-planned beds, 

 containing the usual gay flowering plants in great perfection, which contrast beautifully with the surrounding 

 variegated foliage. The pretty Kalmea latifolia, which in many places blooms with difficulty, is here 

 abundant. A serpentine piece of water, crossed by an ornamental iron bridge and headed by a 

 miniature lake, intersects a part of this garden. Gold and silver fish glitter in its clear waters; and a 

 small island of rock-work in the centre of the lake is planted with ferns, and its borders and surface 

 devoted to some specimens of White Lily and Iris. A tempting summer-house contributes to the 

 enjoyment of the scene. At the upper end of this garden, adjoining the Avenue, stand two very 

 handsome cedars of Lebanon; and near the gate double lines of Irish yew. There is much richness 

 and diversity of character in this garden at whatever point it may be viewed. 



The arched Avenue of elms, of which we give an illustration, is a very fine one, and in the course 

 of time will be more imposing than it is now. It is about seventy feet high and twenty feet wide, and would 

 appear to have been planted about the time of the erection- of the Hall. The view from it is striking, 

 embracing undulating hills richly wooded, fertile fields and meadows, and the picturesque outlines of 

 Cannock Chase. The trees are in a thriving state, and form a complete arch or rather vista. At the 

 lower end is a cedar of Lebanon, raised from seed obtained by Colonel the Honourable E. R. Littleton 

 — his Lordship's eldest son — from a tree at Lebanon, about ten years ago. It is now ten feet high, 

 and in a healthy state. 



At the head of the Avenue, the Long Walk leads towards the Hall. It is bordered by a line of 

 standard roses, with a deep fringe of evergreens, chiefly rhododendrons, which attain great perfection. 

 There are some excellent specimens of American thorns ; and one black American spruce is thirty-five 

 feet in height, and twenty feet through the base. The Douglas pine and Hemlock spruce are also fine. 

 Some pretty views distinguish this walk. The Terrace Walk joins this, and is similarly treated. It 

 contains in addition specimens of Taxodium sempervirens, Pinus virgineus, and red Cedar. A short 

 distance from it is a sheet of water, called the Wild-duck Pond, where great numbers of various sorts 

 of wild fowl are to be seen throughout the year. A most excellent view of Cannock and the intervening 

 country is a great attraction to this walk. 



The Terrace Garden in front of the Hall was designed by Mr Nesfield, and contains some effective 

 varieties of bedding, and other plants. The west front is laid down chiefly with turf, and studded with 

 a choice collection of standard roses. The prospect from this point is most extended and beautiful, the 

 Wrekin being distinctly visible ; and a short distance from the foot of the Terrace spreads a bright and 

 silvery lake, of about eight acres, ornamented by clusters of forest trees. 



The Kitchen Garden is surrounded by a brick wall, about fourteen feet high, and covered with some 

 excellent fruit trees, including apricots, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. The situation is good, and 

 the ground slopes gently due south, while it is further protected from unfavourable winds by a complete 

 fence of large trees. Within the walls, three acres are under cultivation; and round the exterior a narrow 

 slip increases it to four acres. It is very prolific, and in capital order. The principal house is a Vinery, 

 one hundred and fifty feet in length, containing some healthy, well-bearing plants, chiefly black Hamburghs. 

 There are also some choice specimens of green-house plants— but the collection is not large. 



