HOLYROOD PALACE 95 



fumes and smoke make horticultural efforts difficult, and 

 results rather disappointing. In spite of all drawbacks, how- 

 ever, a brave show is made, and splendid masses of flowers 

 with bright and exquisitely assorted colours are displayed 

 during the summer months. What the garden lacks most 

 of all is a definite and uniform design. It is much to be 

 regretted that it has never been restored to something like 

 the state it was in when Gordon of Rothiemay's plan was 

 drawn. Its appearance now is mainly one of bleak and 

 exposed lawns, in which some formal beds — adorned with 

 flowers, beautiful and exceedingly well cultivated in them- 

 selves — occur here and there to break the monotony of wide 

 expanses. But if the garden in parts were subdivided into 

 secluded and sheltered pleasances, similar flowers cultivated 

 with the same care and enthusiasm would give a very much 

 greater amount of pleasure. The garden then would not be 

 all seen at once. Mystery and the charm of surprise would 

 be added. Backgrounds and shelter for the plants would be 

 supplied by the hedges or walls separating its component 

 parts. 



Everything is ready for some such treatment in the north 

 garden. From here is a superb view of the bold escarpment 

 of Salisbury Crags, around the base and up to the summit of 

 which was the favourite walk of Sir Walter Scott when he 

 lived in Edinburgh. Nearer, a most interesting and unique 

 background to the garden is provided by the oldest part of 

 the palace — James IV.'s tower ; and a ready-made centre is 

 already there — one of the finest old sundials in Great Britain. 

 This was discovered in a ruinous and neglected condition by 

 Queen Victoria and Prince Consort. By their orders it was 

 carefully and thoroughly restored and erected in its present 

 position. Made by John Milne, a mason-genius of Charles I.'s 

 time, it is of what is known as the facet-headed type. It 

 presents no fewer than twenty surfaces, each having a dial ; 

 and originally had twenty-nine gnomons to indicate the flight 

 of time. The sundial is about ten feet high and stands on 

 a bold base of four steps of unequal height. Its head is sup- 



