In overrider 15, 1890. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
421 
bankments for roads or other purposes ought to be even more than 
that. A base of three to one perpendicular is not unusual where 
the material is of a very loose kind, but a cutting may be steeper, 
and our railways afford examples of all gradients from 60° or more 
down to 15°, and some of the embankments also present a diversity 
of angles, all, doubtless, guided by the character of the material 
of which it is composed and of other matters bearing on the 
•case. 
We now come to what are called levels, but which in reality 
had better be inclines also, not, of course, to appear to be so, but 
by appearing to conform to the surrounding objects they look level. 
A panel we have here at the base of the flight of steps alluded to 
has a length and width of about 160 feet, and there being a farther 
fall in the ground beyond the distance alluded to a decline 
in that distance was necessary. Partly to give the effect 
alluded to, as well as to obviate the necessity of a needless 
amount of wheelbarrow work, the descent of the 160 feet was 
■quite 6 feet, and less would certainly not have looked so well. 
As viewed from the top it appears level, which it would not have 
done if really so, as in that case it would have looked as if it leaned 
inwards. This deception of the eye ought to be studied by those 
having such works in view, and a very good example may be met 
with in winter when a pond by the side of some hill is frozen over, 
and perhaps covered with snow. Perfectly level as we all know 
such an object must be, its appearance when looked at from 
above is anything but pleasing, and certainly the reverse of level, 
looking as if it pitched in towards the hill. It is to obviate this 
that I recommend the incline above spoken of or some near approach 
~io it. 
I may here add that the incline recommended for the steps and 
landing enables the water to run off, which it would not do if each 
portion were level, and the rain backed perhaps by a wind blowing 
in the direction to keep it there. This matter is well worth con¬ 
sideration, and each step ought to “ weather,” as masons have it, 
not less than the eighth of an inch, and the landings accordingly. 
I have not said anything on the propriety of keeping the best 
•soil to the top, as I conclude this will be sufficiently well under¬ 
stood if the works be in the hands of gardeners. On another 
occasion I may, nevertheless, add a little more on this head, on 
which not a little of the ultimate effect depends if the ground 
operated upon has to form a series of flower beds or to be other¬ 
wise planted.—J. 
DEATH OF MR. JAMES McINTOSH. 
By the death of this gentleman, which occurred on Wednesday 
■evening, the 5th inst., at his residence, Duneevan, Oatlands Park, Wey- 
bridge, horticulture loses one of its greatest patrons, and all who 
•enjoyed his friendship will mourn the loss of one of the kindest and best 
•of men. Mr. McIntosh, when in health, was one of the most regular 
attendants at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, had a 
seat on the Council, and was a most useful member of the Floral Com¬ 
mittee. He was a ready and good supporter of all that was intended to 
be beneficial in horticulture, and of charities connected therewith. A 
few years ago his health failed, and he was unable to take an active part 
in public matters, and could seldom leave his home. Subsequently he 
was better for a time, but about two months ago was stricken down with 
congestion of the lungs, and no skill or care could avert the fatal ter- 
•mination. 
Mr. McIntosh was born in London in 1814, and was consequently in 
•the seventy-seventh year of his age. In early life he was much interested 
in engineering and surveying, and was engaged with his uncle in the 
-construction of large Government works, including, we think, the Ply¬ 
mouth Breakwater and Portsmouth Docks, as well as large portions of 
the Midland, Great Western, and other railways. He, however, retired 
from business many years ago, and spent most of his time in the pursuit 
he loved—gardening. He was always fond of raising seedlings, pro¬ 
pagating, making experiments, and having trials of many varieties of 
•different kinds of plants, and he derived pleasure from such engage¬ 
ments to the last. Before he purchased Duneevan he used to grow 
Hyacinths in glasses extensively in London, and in his various trials for 
keeping the water pure discovered the plan now so generally adopted of 
placing charcoal in the glasses. 
He was a great admirer of all kinds of flowers, but especially Rhodo¬ 
dendron?, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Zonal Pelargoniums, Hyacinths, and 
Liliums. Of these he had large and choice collections, and few men 
knew the varieties better than he did. He was seldom at a loss to name 
them at a glance, and was quick to note their merits and peculiarities. 
Having acquired Duneevan he may be said to have spent the last quarter 
of a century in improving it, and during Lily and Rhododendron 
time not many gardens were more beautiful than his. He planted 
all the new Rhododendrons as they were obtainable, and Liliums among 
them. Rhododendrons that he planted when 15 to 20 inches high he 
lived to see attain heights of nearly as many feet. He was very proud, 
as he might be, of his Lilium auratum, 11 feet 2 inches high, and of his 
L. Krameri with nine flowers on a stem ; also among his Conifers, of a 
liandsome Abies Albertiana, and the finest specimen in existence of 
Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis. He enjoyed his picturesque and 
beautifully kept grounds greatly, and liked others to enjoy them too. 
A few ago years he bought additional land and made a new kitchen 
garden, in which he planted the best varieties of hardy fruits he could 
select, also erected excellent ranges of glass, planted several varieties 
of Grapes, and every year he had trials of all the more promising Melons. 
He was most observant and methodical ; and in Mr. T. Taylor, his head 
gardener, he had a man after his own heart—capable, trustworthy, and 
devoted to his duties and to his master. It sounded a little unusual to 
hear Mr. McIntosh speak, not of “ my gardener,” but of “ my friend 
Taylor,” for as such he regarded him. As may be imagined, Mr. Taylor 
is in great grief by the loss of his master, and says he can never hope to 
see his like again. 
The portrait of Mr. McIntosh is from a photograph taken about 
seven years ago when he attended the meetings in London, and spent 
most of his time at home in tending his flowers, and taming, by gentle¬ 
ness, patience, and kindness, the wild birds in his garden. We have 
seen thrushes run after him like chickens, and cluster round his feet for 
the biscuit that never failed them, a chaffinch that used to follow him 
from garden to garden, but most wonderful of all a robin that had no 
hesitation in flying up and resting in his beard to pick the crumbs from 
his mouth; but visitors had to stand aside to see the confidence the 
FIG. 55.—MR. JAMES MCINTOSH. 
birds had in the friend that they knew so well. A kind, thoughtful, 
good man, and great amateur gardener has been taken from the world 
by the death of Mr. McIntosh, who leaves a widow but no family. He 
was interred in the Woking Cemetery yesterday (Wednesday) deeply 
mourned by relatives and friends. 
By the death of my excellent and much-valued friend, Mr. James 
McIntosh of Duneevan, horticulture has lost one of its brightest orna¬ 
ments, most generous patrons, and the world one whom it could ill 
afford to lose. All who have ever had the privilege of knowing him, 
and seeing him in the home he so much loved, can bear witness to his 
worth and his love for everything connected with a garden, and how his 
refined taste, backed by ample means, enabled him to make Duneevan 
a classic spot for all who shared the affection he had for everything 
connected with a garden, and yet by one of those inscrutable dealings 
of God, which we are so unable to decipher, during the latter years of 
his life he was greatly, if not altogether, debarred from the enjoyment 
of the beauties wherewith he had surrounded himself. When anything 
connected with horticulture was to be encouraged his generous dis¬ 
position led him to aid it liberally and kindly. Himself a man of the 
simplest taste, plain and unostentatious in his mode of living, his 
happiness was to minister to others. No case of real distress ever 
came before him without drawing out his sympathy and ready help. 
One of the kindest, most single-minded, and tender-hearted of men, he 
seemed never to be so happy as when enabled to lighten the burden of 
others, but always did so quietly. He was one of those who _, 
“ Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.” 
Every society connectel with horticulture that ever sought his help 
found it cheerfully given, and he leaves a gap which it will be impossible 
to fill. For many years he has been missed owing to ill health from 
