178 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 24, 1893 
sparrows that requisitioned passing railway trains and utilized them as 
private nutcrackers being told oif aa “ little slavies ” to do drudgery. No, 
no, the situation was taken in at a glance, and never was British honour 
entrusted in safer hands. “ Miss Jonathan,” no matter how gaudy may 
be her feathers, must again lay her airs to one side and recommence her 
own “grubbery,” as, imported sparrows, be they English, Irish, or canny 
Scotch, are British subjects all ; by nature were never intended, and 
never will be slaves. Some day, experience gained by also importing 
rabbits to where Nature saw no need for them, may prevail upon man to 
cease to tamper with arrangements that in ages long past were 
pronounced both perfect and good. 
Charge No. 1.—Here, I must be a learner, as I have never been out 
of the United Kingdom ; but, if referring to at least an arm of our 
pugnacious British family I am rather inclined to think that the charge 
wili be true. 
Next charge No. 2. “ The sparrow as an enemy to gardeners and 
fruit growers.” We read American scraps when in search of the mighty 
“ tall.” My over sixty years of British experience perceives that this 
structure has been drawn out at the expense of its stability; it is so 
overcharged with pure unadulterated “ bosh ” that it entirely misses the 
object aimed at. 
No. 3, “ The sparrow as an enemy to Grape culture.” I have seen 
hens, ducks, blackbirds, and grey birds all enjoying the gobbling of 
Grapes, but in England to lay such a charge to a sparrow is as unfair 
as it is untrue; it is preposterous. 
No. 4, “ The sparrow as an enemy to grain growers.” The mighty 
army of sparrows engaged in the scavenging work of large cities results 
in a heavy tithe been taken from those who foolishly grow in such 
situations; but of the open country this charge, too, is seriously over¬ 
drawn, and I must demand that it be amended by being based on the 
country average.” 
No. 5, “ Failure of the sparrow as an insect destroyer.” With all 
respect to Miss Ormerod and Mr. Gurney, jun., T must beg to repeat 
that my experience as a born gardener entirely differs from theirs, and 
I also claim that the faith that possesses me has for its foundation most 
careful and deeply interested observation. 
Mr. Smith’s reference to the march of civilisation reminds that it is 
such march that has destroyed that natural balance that he also 
refers to. 
To “ W. J. B.” jast a word of counsel. Stand to your guns, and 
warned by Carlyle’s reminder, never turn faint-hearted when the hands 
held up leave truth in a minority.— Joseph Witherspoon. 
P.S.—May I append the following letter, which has been sent to me 
by Mr. W. J. Watson, Newcastle-on-Tyne :—“ No one interested in fruit 
growing in the north can fail to be impressed with the extraordinary 
crop of Apples your trees are bearing this year. The quantity and 
quality of the fruit on your Lord Suffields, and one or two other varieties, 
emphasises, in my mind, the wisdom of limiting the number of varieties 
planted, and you would be doing a real service to the public if you 
would, from your practical experience, state, say the half-dozen varieties 
you have found succeed best with you.”—J. W. 
ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
It is nearly forty years since the above Society was established, and 
the annual excursions of the members have always been a prominent 
part in the programme, productive of much technical information in the 
science of forestry. This year the Society was successful in obtaining 
permission to visit Windsor Castle, by favour of Her Most Gracious 
Majesty. Every arrangement possible was done by the Council to make 
the trip a great success. A special train with seven saloon carriages was 
engaged for the party from Edinburgh, which numbered about 
150 persons. Perhaps on no previous occasion has an equal number of 
horticulturists or arboriculturists been so luxuriously provided for, and 
the officials of the Society deserve to be congratulated upon the activity 
and zeal. 
The trip, which occupied ten days, left Edinburgh on August 7th 
and travelled, as mentioned, to Windsor on that day. The royal mews 
were first inspected under the guidance of Mr. John Manning, the 
superintendent of Her Majesty’s horses and carriages, and were much 
admired. The royal stables occupy four and halt acres of ground and 
nearly 100 grooms are employed. The party then entered the Castle, 
visiting the Vandyke and other rooms, and much enjoyed an inspection 
of the magnificent historical paintings, statuary, and rare works of art from 
many lands. Grinling Gibbons’s wood carvings were especially admired. 
In the grand vestibule are the addresses which Her Majesty has received 
in every form of casket from her subjects ; all are carefully preserved. Here 
also are many of the Jubilee trophies. The throne room with the ivory 
chair was inspected, also the grand reception room with its splendid 
tapestries, as well as the Waterloo Chamber and St. George’s Hall; two 
oak chairs appeared to be of special interest, one from oak grown on the 
field of Waterloo, the other one from Alloway Kirk in Scotland. The 
presence chamber was last inspected, the tapestry here being splendid. 
Several objects were pointed out by the guides, especially that of 
raising the tower to its present height, and it was stated that 
George IV. spent million of money in making the Castle what it 
now is, 
The party was next met by Mr, Owen Thomas, Her Majesty’s head 
gardener, and conducted to the east terrace, where the flower 
garden was inspected. It is' a fine combination of the Italian and 
French styles made in the time of George IV. Thujas and Cupressus 
are trained pyramid in shape, and these formed an effective combination 
with flowers, which the most fastidious could not but admire. The 
terrace battlements of the Castle overlook the flower garden, and bring 
the whole under the vision. Near to the flower garden is a Cedrua 
Deodara planted by Prince Albert, and a fine tree of Paulownia 
imperialis, Chestnut-like in flower, and somewhat similar in perfume. 
The Castle slopes were next visited where Her Majesty takes her drives 
in her favourite pony carriage. These are principally planted with 
Beeches, Holly, Elms, and Spanish Chestnuts, and were re-arranged 
under the guidance of the Prince Consort. A wild rock garden is 
picfuresque, being made out of an old quarry. Near to here is a fine 
specimen of a stunted Oak of the Norman period. It girthed 36 feet 
in circumference. A curious Beech tree of interest to arboriculturists was 
next seen. This was raised from the Martin Luther tree, and brought 
from Germany in 1825 by King George IV., when he was the Duke of 
Ciarence. An Oak planted by Queen Victoria on September 12th, 1863, 
as marking the spot where stood Herne’s Oak, which was blown down 
the same year. On the home farm are some very old Oaks decaying, 
but all are specially taken care of. 
The private grounds of Frogmore are seldom open to visitors, but 
the Eoyal Scottish Arboricultural Society were fortunate in having 
no obstacle to bar their visit. The first object of interest here was a 
grand kiosk from the Kaiserberg, Lucknow, sent by Earl Canning, the 
first Viceroy of India. A fine specimen of Taxodium distichum, 8 feet 
in girth, was inspected here; also were several trees planted by Royalty. 
The extent of the glass for forcing fruit and vegetables is 4^ acres. 
There are 31 acres for vegetables inside the walls and 20 acres outside. 
There are 150 men employed. 
The Show farm was next inspected, the farm breeds and cows and 
draught horses all receiving attention. Windsor Park and Forest were 
next visited. The great Vine at Cumberland Lodge was also inspected. 
The vinery is 138 by 18 feet, and this year there are about 1770 bunches 
on the Vine, the age of which is 110 years. The bunches on the young 
wood will average from 2 to 3 lbs. weight each. A quick drive then 
brought the party to the Virginia Water, a fine sheet of water, the 
largest artificial one in England, covering over 130 acres. It was 
formed in 1790. Belvedere Fort wms next visited, where a tea had been 
provided by the thoughtfulness of Her Majesty, which was much 
appreciated. Afterwards, to commemorate the visit, a tree of Abies 
Albertiana was presented by Mr. Alex. Milne of Messrs. Dickson and 
Sons, Hanover Square, Edinburgh, which was planted, several members 
rendering assistance. A beautiful drive to Windsor brought the party 
back, passing en route the Cumberland Obelisk, Rhododendron Drive, 
and the Long Walk. 
Afterwards the annual dinner was held in the White Hart Hotel, Mr. 
J; Methven, sen., Vice-President, in the chair, in the absence of Professor 
Balfour. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given. The Chair¬ 
man, Mr. F. Simmonds, gave “ The Health of the Royal Scotch Arbori¬ 
cultural Society,” which was responded to by the Chairman. Mr. 
Malcolm Dunn gave “The English Arboricultural Society” in a kind 
and feeling way, which was responded to by Mr. Bernard Cowan and 
Mr. Jas. Watts, J.P. Mr. Miller, agent to the Marquis of Salisbury, 
made some interesting remarks as to the future of the land question. 
He advocated all land, where remote from railway stations, to be 
planted with trees, and he mentioned the better the land the better the 
results would be. 
The next day everyone was astir in good time, as there were several 
objects of interest to be still seen in Windsor—St. George’s Chapel, 
&c., in front of which the party was photographed. Carriages were 
then entered, and a quiet drive took us to Cliveden. On the fine 
terrace is a magnificent Magnolia. Tulip Trees and Lombardy Poplars 
here reeeived attention, some were 105 feet high. A Yew vista, very 
effective and pretty, next drew attention. The glass houses are 
numerous, and under the able management of Mr. R. Nesbit are, of 
course, in good order. Dropmore, the seat of Lady Fortescue, was then 
visited, and this is noted for its fine collection of Coniferm, which have 
often been mentioned in these pages. 
The celebrated Burnham Beeches was then visited, Mr. H. J. 
Veitch, who joined the party at Cliveden, and proved a most instructive 
guide. The party was also joined here by Mr. Penney, late head gardener 
to the Prince of Wales. The Beeches w'ere much admired, and the 
drive very pleasant through the woods. After a short drive the grounds 
of Mr. Harry Veitch were inspected. A halt was made at Stoke Pogis 
to visit the grave of Gray, who wrote his well-known elegy in a country 
churchyard. A drive to Windsor, and portmanteaus all quickly 
packed, we are soon into our special train, and arrived at Southampton 
the same day, to be ready the next day for the New Forest. 
We were all up in time the following day to catch the 8.30 boat to 
Hythe, half hour drive brings to Beaulieu. There is the remains of a 
fine old monastery, the ruins of which was covered with Clematis Vitalba, 
and also Myrtus communis was in bloom here. From Beaulieu we had 
one and a half hour’s drive to Lyndhurst, where the party was received 
by the Hon. Gerald Lascelles, the Deputy Surveyor in charge. A visit 
was also made to Marwood, the seat of Sir William Harcourt, M.P. 
Returning to London Kew Gardens and the Exhibition at Earl’s 
Court were visited on Saturday. The party then dispersed, about fifty 
going home from Euston, the rest visiting Hatfield on Monday.— 
Bernard Cowan F.R.H.S. 
