50 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



should Partick ever become part of Glasgow the annual amount 

 payable would be the building site price. The sum payable is £355 

 per annum ! The original 45! acres has been twice added to, so 

 that now its area is fully 65 acres. It is equipped with a bandstand, 

 shelters, football ground, and swings for the children. The glory of 

 the place, however, is the world-famous " Fossil Grove," in which 

 the basal stumps of arboreal horsetails and other forms of vegetation 

 of the pre-glacial period are in situ. The further preservation of 

 this place, and the development of its surroundings, were under 

 consideration when the Great War put a stop to all schemes of new 

 work. 



Loch Lomond Park. 



The most notable addition to the city's parks within recent years 

 was the purchase of Balloch Castle estate, situated on the east side 

 of Loch Lomond, and twenty miles from Glasgow. The acquisition 

 of this estate of 812 acres, to furnish a park where the citizens could 

 spend a holiday by the side of the famous Loch, created keen interest 

 far beyond the city bounds. The Corporation had to obtain special 

 powers from Parliament before it could be purchased and main- 

 tained from the city rates. The estate comprises four farms and 

 the castle policies. It is the latter part, extending to not less than 

 200 acres, which has been set aside as a public park. The western 

 frontage extends along the shore of Loch Lomond for fully a mile. 



Though somewhat distant from the city, it is already a popular 

 resort during the summer months on Saturdays and Sundays, as well 

 as on public holidays, and will be more so when railway facilities 

 are again normal. During the past two years it has been extremely 

 popular with the Overseas troops, Australians and New Zealanders 

 predominating. Their interest in the country of Rob Roy was 

 intense, while their knowledge of the local history was fuller than 

 that of most of the natives. 



Apart from the requirements of the general holiday-maker and 

 the historical associations of the district, there are great possibilities 

 here from the horticultural and arboricultural aspect. Over fifty 

 years ago a considerable number of rare trees and shrubs had been 

 planted, and though the place had been somewhat neglected and 

 much damage done by storms during the past twenty-five years, 

 sufficient evidence remains of the potentialities of the situation. 

 Meanwhile, plans are being formed which, if carried out, will enhance 

 the interest and beauty of this unique park. 



Minor Open Spaces. 



Of the many minor spaces throughout the city, most of which 

 are administered by the Parks Department — the others being a 

 charge of the Sanitary Department — few call for special comment. 

 Mention may be made, however, of throe, varying in character and 



