132 ROYAL GARDENS 



small pool from another considerably larger. From the latter 

 the water flows over a picturesque and rocky cascade into the 

 upper lake. One bank of The Dell is clothed entirely with 

 Bamboos, and in this sheltered and moist spot they have 

 thriven exceedingly and now form a pleasing and distinctive 

 feature. Two graceful clumps of Arundinaria nitida are 

 beautiful objects close to the water's edge. The opposite 

 bank is surmounted by a group of Silver Birch and Copper 

 Beech, the branches of which are entwined with stems and 

 growths of Traveller's Joy, wild Grape Vine, and long trail- 

 ing runners of an old-fashioned, sweet-smelling white Rose. 

 These being allowed to ramble freely and intermingle, give 

 a very pleasing and natural touch to the scene. Rhododen- 

 drons, Azalea mollis, tall Lilacs and Weeping Willows are 

 effectively displayed, and the edges of the pools have Sweet 

 Briar, Ferns (notable among which are many fine plants of 

 Royal and Lady Fern), Nymphsa alba (which flowers freely 

 in the larger pool), and Typha latifolia and Cyperus longus 

 flourish in the shallow water at the sides. 



Rockwork and Grotto. — One of the finest specimens of 

 Pulham's early rockwork may be seen on the bank of the 

 upper lake nearest the house. The principal portion is a 

 Grotto, or Boathouse, skilfully formed with exceedingly large 

 boulders of local Car-stone. It is lofty and boldly conceived, 

 the entrance from either land or water being partially 

 screened by trailing Ivy and long pendulous growths of 

 Berberis stenophylla. Leading up to the Grotto on both 

 sides is more rockwork of a bold and massive character but 

 of more modern construction ; and on the opposite bank of 

 the lake a rockery has been made with a view to affbrding a 

 congenial home for a variety of Alpine plants. Here they 

 grow and display their charms within reach of close inspection, 

 for narrow pathways give easy access to every part. Aubretia 

 deltoidea with its hybrids Dr. Mules, grasca, Moerheimii 

 and Prichard's Ai all grow and flower in masses, as also do 

 many varieties of Alyssums, Saxifragas, Dianthus, Lithosper- 



