52 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ January 15, 18S5. 
and terminates in a Roundal of about three acres. These trees are grand 
specimens of the Beech in its prime, most of them being from 14 to 16 feet 
in girth, with massive trunks and fine spreading heads. The South 
Avenue, which leads towards Forteviot, is planted with Limes of consider¬ 
able age, and which have grown into trees such as are seldom seen, and 
those who are only acquainted with the stunted or crippled Limes seen in 
the neighbourhood of our large cities in the south could form any idea of 
its beauty when freely grown like they are here. The North Avenue 
leads in the direction of Perth and along this Oaks of majestic dimensions 
abound, while the pinetum which is passed on the left contains some 
hundreds of handsome trees in the fifteen acres which it comprises. It is sur¬ 
prising what a number of Conifers thrive in these gai’dens. Abies Douglassi 
and its variety glauca appear especially happy. Thujopsis borealis, Picea 
cephalonica, P. nobilis, P. Nordmanniana, P. Lowii, P. Pindrow, Thuia 
gigantea, and Cupressus Lawsoniana can only be named as a few of many 
examples which develope their respective characters to the best possible ad¬ 
vantage, and a large proportion have attained a size which can be equalled in 
few establishments in the north and surpassed in none In the East Avenue, 
which, like the one just mentioned, leads towards Perth, are some remark¬ 
ably fine Beeches with bare trunks rising to a great height and terminating 
in large heads. Beyond these Araucaria imbricata and Picea Nordman¬ 
niana are planted alternately, which have a capital effect. Between these 
and in front are clumps of Rhododendrons, and in front of these are 
standard scarlet Thorns, the south side being planted with scarlet Thorns 
and double-flowering Cherries. This portion ef the avenue, it can be 
readily imagined, is a charming sight in early spring; the white flowers 
of the Cherry, the brilliant and fragrant ones of the Thorn, and the varied 
Rhododendrons produce a floral display which few gardens can equal. 
In other portions of the estate are numberless superb trees, Spanish 
Chestnuts, Cedars, and Silver Firs, in addition to those already named, 
being grandly represented ; in fact, the garden is one great, beautiful, and 
diversified arboretum, in which most of the trees thrive and attain propor¬ 
tions which render them exceptionally noteworthy. Many an hour could, 
indeed, be spent amongst them; but a brief glance had to suffice, for 
there is another surprising department which required attention—namely, 
THE FRUIT AND PLANT HOUSES. 
In passing Dupplin either going to or returning from Perth, the number 
of glass houses which on the slope of a hill stand out prominently at 
once attract attention, and the first impression is that it is some large 
nursery. Upon inspecting them the same idea might be strengthened in 
observing the enormous number of plants grown, their excellent health 
and the careful management which evidently everywhere prevails. The 
illusion would, however, soon be dispelled by the courteous gardener, 
Mr. Browning, who would speedily prove that, great as his resources are, 
they are frequently heavily taxed to meet the demands for flowers, fruits, 
and vegetables. The garden devoted to the practical and productive 
portion of the establishment is situated at the lower portion of the hill, 
but still sufficiently elevated above the river to command a free southerly 
exposure to the sun. It has been formed on a considerable slope, and in 
consequence the ranges of houses have been erected on several different 
levels which, though in a measure disadvantageous at the time of the 
building, is beneficial in insuring each a fuller command of sun and air. 
At the highest portion are the bothies, the fruit room, Mushroom house, 
tool sheds, stabling, and similar necessary buildings all well constructed, 
then on the south side of a high and substantial wall the houses com¬ 
mence. The first range is over 550 feet long in twelve divisions, which 
are devoted respectively to Peaches, Roses, Vines, Plums, Nectarines, 
Figs, and greenhouse plants. This is an extraordinary range, and it 
would require a small volume to refer in detail to its contents; this cannot 
therefore be done, and it must suffice to state that in every department the 
most satisfactory cultural skill is manifest. In front of this range are 
four others connected near the centre by a verandah 100 feet long and 
11 feet wide, the roof of which is gracefully draped with climbing plants, 
and at the ends with “ intermediate ” houses, for miscellaneous collections 
of flowering and fine-foliage plants. Gardenias are extensively grown, a 
house 50 feet long being devoted to them, and some thousandsjof valuab'e 
flowers are every year produced from this structure. The plants are 
mostly six or seven years old, and are all in pots, but being liberally 
treated in regard to manurial supplies, moisture, and heat, they grow 
luxuriantly, are very clean, and flower profusely several times a year. 
Orchids have several houses appropriated to them, and, like the other 
plants, make wonderfully strong growths. Dendrobiums are especially 
successful, the proved favourites D. densiflorum and D. thyrsiflorum being 
represented by numerous large plants; D. Chrysotoxum with forty-eight 
pseudo-bulbs, is a notable plant; but D. Calceolus, with 100 pseudo-bulbs, 
4 to 5 feet high, is a very remarkable specimen. This was imported 
in 1876, and has made astonishing progress in the time. D. infundi- 
huliformis, D. Dalhousianum (with pseudo-bulbs 4 feet high), and 
D. speciosum (over 3 feet in diameter, with about forty growths) are also 
noteworthy, the latter being one of the finest examples of the species in 
cultivation, yet six years ago it was bought for 28s. Dendrochilum 
glumaceum in an 18-inch pot and about 3 feet in diameter is a similarly 
fine plant, while S ffiralia macrantha, Coelogyne cristata, Vanda suavis, 
and Cypripedium insigne are all vigorous giants. A good collection of 
cool house Orchids is grown in other houses, including the best Odonto- 
glossums, Masdevallias and others, which are useful for affording the much- 
needed choice flowers. The ordinary stove and greenhouse plants are 
grown in large numbers—soma for cutting, and others as table plants. 
Of the former Mr. Browning finds Asparagus plumosus nanus, A. 
tenuissimus, and the ordinary A. plumosus extremely useful 
while for the latter purpose the Rivinas are great favourites, particularly 
a seedling from R. laevis, which has been raised at Dupplin, and is now 
employed in preference to the other forms, as it is found to be of rather 
better habit and to retain its berries longer. These are borne in long 
racemes, and as the plants have them in various stages of ripening, white, 
purple, and scarlet at the same time, they have a most graceful and 
pleasing appearance. Four houses are devoted to Roses, one 50 feet 
long being occupied solely with Tea varieties. A careful selection of 
varieties has been made, the most floriferous and best for cutting being 
chosen, and the majority being planted out yield Roses by thousands, and 
it is not easy to obtain too many of these valuable flowers. Plants for 
the usual decorative purposes are grown in great numbers, such as Eupa- 
toriums, Coleuses, Begonias, Pelargoniums, Camellias, Abutilons, and 
scores of others. In some cases houses are devoted to them, and in others 
numberless frames are all well stocked. 
In the fruit houses the Vines at once command attention by the r 
clean healthy condition, all the most approved varieties being well grown, 
while of especial note were the Vines of Mrs. Pince, Golden Queen, and 
Madresfield Court at the time of my visit, which were bearing fine 
bunches; the two latter were remarkably gold, Golden Queen being 
rarely seen of such a clear golden hue, nor Madresfield Court so well 
coloured. Amongst the Peaches a tree of Red Magdalen had an extra¬ 
ordinary crop, the fruits of a rich red colour, very handsome. Cucumbers. 
Melons, and the other indoor fruits already mentioned are equally well 
grown. Outside the kitchen garden is carefully and thoroughly cropped. 
Fruit trees are satisfactory, especially the Apricots, which against the 
upper wall are very healthy and fruit regularly, Moorpark being the 
variety chiefly grown. One cause of their success, Mr. Browning thinks, 
is owing to the constant flow of moisture to the opposite side of the 
wall from the hill above keeping the roots cool, excessive moisture being 
effectually guarded against by the slope of the land from the wall on the 
other side, and due attention to drainage. The fact is, however, unques¬ 
tionable that the Apricots are there all that could be desired. 
Much more could be written about Dupplin Castle and its gardens, 
for it is not nearly so well known to horticulturists a3 its merits deserve, 
and all who can admire fine scenery and good cultivation will find a 
journey thither time well occupied, especially if they are fortunate enough 
to have Mr. Browning as their guide.— Lewis Castle. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
January 13th. 
A small but interesting meeting was held at South Kensington on 
Tuesday last, when Orchids and Apples formed respectively the two princi¬ 
pal features. Mr. Ingram’s Apples were greatly admired, and the Orchids 
included several rare and beautiful varieties. 
Fruit Committee. —Present : J. Lee, Esq., in the chair, and Messrs. G. 
Goldsmith, S. Lyon, C. Ross, J. Willard, R. D. Blackmore, J. Roberts, 
J. C. Mindell, J. Burnett, J. Ellam, W. Denning, G. Bunyard, Z. 
Stevens, and H. J. Veitch. Mr. W. Ingram, Belvoir Castle Gardens, 
sent thirty-six dishes of Apples “to illustrate the orchard produce 
of Leicestershire and the capabilities of its heavy soil in fruit-grow¬ 
ing, and as a commentary on the report of Messrs. Harrison in 
their remarks on Leicestershire Apples, page 80 Apple Congress report.” 
They were all remarkably fine ; very rarely indeed being such good 
examples seen in January. A dozen dessert varieties were entered, com¬ 
prising the following :—Besspool, Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, 
Pomme d’Api, Golden Russet, Hereford Pearmain, Court of Wick, Golden 
Winter Pearmain, King of the Pippins, Margil, Old Nonpareil, and one 
erroneously called Herefordshire Pearmain. Of other varieties the following 
were the best:—Lord Lennox, Lane’s Prince Albert, Peach Apple, Frogmore, 
Tower of Glamis, Frogmore Prolific, Peach Apple, Rosemary Russet, 
Hambledon Deux Ans, Mere de Menage very fine, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Lord 
Derby, Warner’s King, Bramley’s Seedling, Blenheim Pippin good, and 
Gloria Mundi. A bronze medal was deservedly awarded for this fine collection. 
Messrs. Elsdon & Co., The.Vineries, Milton, Cambridge, sent a seedling Apple 
raised from Blenheim Pippin. It is of very good flavour, and the Committee 
highly commended the variety, expressing a desire to see it again, when six 
fruits must be sent. Mr. W. Denning, The Gardens, Norbiton Lodge, sent 
specimens of Denning’s Early Cabbage, which the Committee wish to see in 
March. 
Floral Committee. —Present: G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair; and 
Messrs. E. Hill, J. O’Brien, H. Williams, G. Duffield, J. Hudson, J. Dominy, 
Shirley Hibberd, W. Kellock, J. James, J. Douglas, J. Child, J. Woodbridge, 
H. Herbst, W. Bealby, H. Bennett, Dr. Masters, Rev. G. Henslow, J. Laing, 
and H. Ballantyne. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, 
Dorking, was awarded a vote of thanks for a panful of a hybrid Cypri¬ 
pedium, the result of a cross between C.punctatissimum and C. Spicerianum. 
It is a very distinct plant, showing the influence of both parents, the 
dorsal sepal varying in size from the flat form of C. punctatissimum to 
the semi-funnel shape of C. Spicerianum, and like that the greater portion 
is white, green at the base, with a few brown and purple dots. The petals 
and lip are greenish brown. It is of strong habit and free in flowering. 
It may be remembered that a similar but much superior cross named 
C. Leeanum was shown last year. W. Yanner, Esq., Camden Wood, Chisle- 
hurst, sent several Orchids, Odontoglossum Jenningsianum superbum 
having very large flowers, white barred with brown. O. Rossi maj us was 
also fine, the flowers of great size. R. H. Measures, Esq., The Woodlands, 
Streatham, was awarded a vote of thanks for Odontoglossum Josephinas, a 
very pretty variety with narrow white sepals and petals freely dotted 
with rich brown. Baron Schroder, The Dell, Egham, sent flowers of Cattleya 
Percivalliana, representing one of the best varieties yet shown ; also of 
Masdevallia Chimaera Shieldsiana, with large purplish blooms with a white 
centre and purple dots. It is regarded by some as a natural hybrid. 
Mr. H. James Castle, Nursery, Lower Norwood, sent plants of several 
Orchids, votes of thanks being accorded for the following :—Odontoglossum 
