128 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



uniformity in avenues. The common elm (Ulmus campestris), the wych elm 

 (Ulmus montana), also the stately Huntingdon variet}^, are most at home when rooting in 

 a deep alluvial soil resting on gravel. The horse chestnut (iEsculus hippocastanuni) 

 succeeds best in a somewhat sheltered position, and an avenue, such as that in Bushey 

 Park, is a grand sight when the trees are in flower. Effective also is the Spanish or 

 sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), both when the trees are in flower or fruiting. They 

 are seen at their best in the neighbourhood of Ampthill and Woburn, where the soil 

 is light and sandy. The common beech (Fagus sylvatica) on a chalky soil or sandy 

 loam, develops into a noble tree and forms grand avenues, as at Compton Bassett, Wilts, 

 Bel voir Castle, and on various other estates. The common oak (Quercus robur) is 

 the slowest of all trees in forming large avenues, and is consequently the least planted, 

 though it lasts the longest after it is fully grown. Oaks make the best progress in 

 strong, yet gravelly soil. At Longlcat, Wilts, there is a grand avenae composed 

 principally of different species of elms, with a few limes, and young trees have been 

 planted to take the place of the giants when they fail. This is a wise precaution 

 worthy of general imitation, large old elms being liable to break up suddenly on a 

 bright summer's day. On this account the common elm is not a safe tree to plant in 

 places of public resort. At Marston House, Frome, an avenue has been formed of 

 spreading limes and erect elms alternately, and affords satisfaction, but most avenues 

 are formed of one kind of tree only, and such are usually the most satisfactory. 



There are also a dozen or more kinds of conifers suitable for avenues, especially in 

 pleasure grounds. Araucaria imbricata, planted in deep loam, in a high and dry sheltered 

 position, becomes distinctly effective, but when the trees lose their lower branches their 

 appearance is anything but attractive. Abies nobilis, jSTordmamiiana, Douglassi, 

 pinsapo and orientalis, when in the best condition make grand avenue trees, the example 

 at Madresfield Court being magnificent. Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) in the course 

 of time forms an imposing avenue, as may be seen at Powderham Castle, Devonshire. 

 This species should have well-drained, deep, rich sandy soil. The Mount Atlas cedar 

 (Cedrus atlantica), more erect in habit, is preferred for exposed sites and chalky soils, 

 while the Wellingtonia (Sequoia gigantea) succeeds admirably in most positions, 

 if the soil is good; a striking avenue of it is formed at Orton Longueville, near 

 Peterborough. The deodar (Cedrus Deodara) is a very handsome species, but must have 

 a sheltered place, and the tall, slender, bright green Thuia Lobbi (gigantea) should not 

 be overlooked where there is not unlimited space for lateral development. 



