64 ROYAL GARDENS 



distance long stretches of Hampshire and Sussex coast-line 

 and the Downs beyond almost melting into the pearly tints 

 of a low-horizoned sky, afford a series of pictures whose 

 charm cannot be exaggerated. The walk is about three 

 quarters of a mile, and though fully exposed to fierce heat 

 from the sun, seems all too short by reason of the diversity 

 and beauty of the surrounding scenery. The last few yards 

 are beneath the shady trees around Swiss Cottage. 



The building which gives its name to the exquisite garden 

 here, was erected by Queen Victoria in 1853 ^ play-place 

 for the royal children. The gardens were planted and to a 

 large extent cultivated by them fifty or sixty years ago. 

 There are many signs and relics of the work they did. 

 Their gardening tools are still kept in a thatched shed opposite 

 the cottage, and each spade and hoe and wheelbarrow has 

 upon it the initials of its royal owner. There is, too, a 

 model fort, with ramparts, bastions, fosse and drawbridge, and 

 in its centre a little building of brick and stone is still in exist- 

 ence, over the door of which is inscribed, " Albert Barracks, 

 2nd October, i860." Perhaps it is not too much to imagine 

 that H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, then about ten years 

 old, had much to do with the construction of this fort, and 

 with many a defence and attack upon it. 



Almost overshadowing the fort is a grove of superb 

 cypresses, every one of which was planted by a son or 

 daughter of Queen Victoria. They are of the variety known 

 as Cupressus Lambertiana, and have grown into large and 

 noble trees since they were planted in 1862. Many other 

 notable trees are growing in the garden, among which there 

 is only space to mention some fine Stone-pines, and an 

 exceptionally large Weeping Holly (Ilex pendula). 



The whole garden is enclosed in a thick belt of trees to 

 shelter and protect it from strong and cutting winds. Inci- 

 dentally they also act as admirable backgrounds to its many 

 beauties. The garden lies across a continuation of the ridge 

 along which the approach to it runs. After the glare of 

 light on the exposed path, the quiet shades of this 



