SANDRINGHAM 133 



mum prostratum, Gentiana acaulis, G. verna, Primula rosea, 

 P. Cashmeriana, Ramondias, Phyteumas, Linarias and Arenaria 

 balearica, the last-named literally clothing many a rock with 

 its thick carpet-like growth of soft green. The swampy edge 

 of the lake below is a suitable home for Calthas — single and 

 double, — Iris siberica, I. K^mpferi, Spirsa Davidii, S. Queen 

 Alexandra, S. japonica. Primula japonica and other moisture- 

 loving subjects. To reach them one has to traverse some 

 stepping-stones placed in the shallow water at the lake's edge. 



Upper Lake. — The view from this rockery across the lake 

 towards the house and terrace is one of great beauty, especially 

 heightened when Birch and Pine trees are mirrored in the 

 placid water. Planted on the grass bank opposite are large 

 patches of Saxifraga peltata, Iris K^mpferi, I. Germanica, 

 tall Pampas grass, New Zealand Flax, Giant Butter-Bur and 

 Willow Herb. Beds of scarlet Dogwood and Golden Willows, 

 whose bright-coloured bark in the winter months shows to 

 advantage against the background of Bamboos. Planted in 

 various parts of the lake Nymphasas grow luxuriantly and 

 flower with great freedom ; notably the varieties N. Laydekeri 

 rosea, N. Marliacea albida, N. M. carnea, N. M. chromatella, 

 N. M. rosea and N. Robinsonia. An island with rocky 

 edges is planted with double Whins, Broom, Willows and 

 numerous Ferns. In spring, Primroses peep through withered 

 fronds ; and a low-spreading Hornbeam whose lower branches 

 afford a screen to hide many a nest of waterfowl — who find a 

 secure home here — dominates one side and dips its leaves into 

 the water. 



Old Norwich Gates and Deer Park. — A path round the 

 lake having the Rock Garden on its left soon leads to the old 

 Norwich gates bearing the date 1724. They were the prin- 

 cipal entrance gates when King Edward took possession of 

 Sandringham, but were removed to their present position when 

 the new ones were erected in 1863. From here an extensive 

 view of the Deer Park is obtained. Its many old and gnarled 



