BAGSHOT PARK 47 



centre is an old but vigorous Magnolia Tripetala (the " um- 

 brella tree"). Magnolia Glauca as standards; Araucaria 

 imbricata, a perfect specimen, 35 feet high ; and what is 

 said to be one of the finest in England of that Chinese pine 

 so seldom seen, Cunninghamia Sinensis, over 40 feet high. 

 Pyrus Sorbus ("true service tree"), too, is of large dimen- 

 sions. Purple Beech, Red Cedar, and Juniperus Virginiana 

 50 feet high, are among other notable trees to be seen near 

 by. Passing through an archway in the Rhododendrons, a 

 path leads to the Wild Azalea Garden. Here the beds are 

 large and very irregular, and are relieved from any appear- 

 ance of formality by being placed among large Oaks, Beeches 

 and Maples. 



To the south of the American Garden is a small formal 

 rockery, and not far away an old grotto almost buried among 

 tall Rhododendrons. Near here there is also a quaint little 

 circular Dutch or Lily garden with a pool and fountain jet 

 in the centre. Three approaching paths and a walk surround- 

 ing the pool are paved with red brick, and an outer circular 

 path has a carpet of thyme growing in chinks between the 

 bricks. On the sward between each of the three walks are 

 Lily pools filled with good kinds of Nymphsa Marliacea 

 types. Polyantha Roses, Iris, Montbretias, Violas and Saxi- 

 fragas are used with good eff^ect in this secluded garden. 



Passing under a Rose arch and by the side of many 

 Azaleas and Rhododendrons, a path leads to Her Royal 

 Highness the Duchess of Connaught's Blue Garden. A large 

 bed in simple design, enclosed with iron posts and chains on 

 which grow white and blue climbing plants, is entirely filled 

 with flowers in various shades of blue. There are also several 

 other smaller beds furnished with blue flowers, and outside the 

 ring are four large iron-wire baskets planted with Forget-me- 

 nots in spring, and Heliotrope in summer. On the lawn just 

 beyond is the Arboretum with its many fine Beeches, Oaks, 

 Red Cedars, Leriodcndron tulipifera. Silver Firs 120 feet high 

 but fast disappearing (the old and shaky ones having to be 

 taken down for safety's sake), Cedrus Deodara 70 feet, C. 



