OSBORNE 63 



30 feet, is the only known specimen of that variety in Eng- 

 land, though two are believed to exist in Ireland. It is 

 impossible to mention more than a very small number of 

 the beautiful and rare trees to be seen. But owing to the 

 gracious action of His late Majesty in giving the estate, 

 with but few reservations, to the nation in 1902, all tree- 

 lovers have an opportunity of seeing them on days when 

 the grounds are open to the public. 



Not far from the west side of the house, hidden among 

 numberless trees, and approached by paths through glades 

 of velvet turf shaded by far-reaching boughs of oak and 

 beech, are the old kitchen gardens. They are enclosed by 

 high brick walls ornamented with a beautiful stone coping. 

 On its outer side and in the centre of the south wall, the 

 porch of old Osborne House is built as an arbour. It was 

 preserved at the pulling down of 1845, and re-erected in its 

 present place. On each side of it the grey-red walls are 

 clothed with roses, and at the base of the walls are borders 

 filled with flowers of many varieties and exquisitely assorted 

 colours. Magnolias and myrtles nearly cover the old porch, 

 and in front of it a row of short iron pillars support chains 

 on which Crimson Rambler Roses are grown, and can be 

 seen to perfection. Between the flower-beds on one side 

 and the roses on the other, a path leaves this secluded little 

 pleasance under outspread branches of many noble trees. 

 The whole picture of old wall, beautiful trees, trained and 

 climbing roses, many coloured flowers and shrub-encircled 

 lawn, is very lovely, and forms a most charming bit of 

 thoroughly English gardening. 



Another and even more beautiful specimen of gardening on 

 typically English principles is to be found at Swiss Cottage. 

 The garden there is approached from Osborne by walk- 

 ing along a ridge on the south side of a valley which runs from 

 the mansion down to the sea. Views from this elevation all 

 the way are exceedingly beautiful and varied. The undulating 

 foreground, masses of splendid trees, the shimmering sea 

 with yachts and liners and men-of-war upon it ; and in the 



