^rai-cli ?, 1893. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
179 
of rock. Water looks at its best, of course, when it is lying placid 
beneath a fierce summer sun, and it is easy to conceive how delightful 
the lake must be in the hot weather. Almost at right angles is another 
sheet of water, immediately ixnder the windows of the residence now 
being prepared for the Duke of York. This encircles an island which 
is being laid out and planted. Through the noble old Oaks on the left 
of the dwelling stretches the extensive park with its thousands of deer, 
presenting a splendid view from the banks of the stream. A ramble 
through the grounds from this point to the kennels and the keeper’s 
house at the top, and thence back towards the mansion, is full of 
pleasure, new beauties unfolding at every step. No tree-lover could fail 
to observe with pleasure the thousands of graceful Conifers, with which 
the grounds are full. Amongst them are some magnificent Wellingtonias, 
fine Picea nobilis and stately Cedars. They are much too numerous for 
individual notice, and form, without doubt, one of the finest features 
of the place. It is not a question of a few isolated giants, for the soil 
said in reference to the grounds at Sandringham, but considerations of 
space demand that attention should be given to other features of the 
estate. I should like to pause for a few moments, however, to express a 
more than superficial admiration for the houses in the occupation of the 
head officials with which the grounds are dotted. On few of the great 
estates in the United Kingdom is such provision made for the workers 
on them as exists at Sandringham. The residence of the head-keeper 
is a most beautiful one, and equally so is that of Mr. MacKellar. It wall 
not be without interest to reproduce a photograph of the latter dwell¬ 
ing in order to show, so far as is possible with an engraving (fig. 3.5) the 
consideration in one important respect which is shown to those who are 
fortunate enough to be chosen for tilling responsible posts by the Heir to 
the Throne of Great Britain. With its r- 'acting eaves and covering of 
Wistaria and Pvoses the house presents an aspect which can hardly fail 
to charm, while within it is roomy, cheerful, and comfortable, new wings 
having been added to increase the convenience of its occupants. Within 
Fia. 3,-..—THE GARDENER’S COTTAGE AT SANDRINGHAM. 
hardly has substance enough to produce many specimens of the largest 
size, but of a vast and varied collection of medium-sized handsome trees. 
Nothing adds more distinction to a garden than well-managed Conifers, 
and at Sandringham they play a most important part. 
Not far from York Cottage is the beautiful wild garden, full of 
Rhododendrons -and other shrubs now fast swelling their buds. The 
slopes and recesses suggest delightful pictures in the springtime, when 
the larger plants are in full but tender leaf and the thousands of 
Primroses and other flowers are at their best. Already patches of 
Snowdrops are whitening the grass, and later on Daffodils will lend the 
help of their graeeful flowers and quiet harmonies of colour. Much 
has been done and much more is being accomplished to add beauty and 
interest to this and other parts of the grounds. Even now they are far 
from being unworthy of the place, and there can be no doubt that the 
steps which are being taken in the development of many special 
features and in the planting of shrubs and flowers will greatly enhance 
their attractiveness. A winter tennis court with rustic houses connected 
is discovered hidden away among the trees, and must form a most 
pleasant resort when the turf is rendered unsuitable for play by the 
weather. 
Much could be written in addition to the few words which have been 
and without there is that air of beauty, comfort, and happine.ss which 
tends to sweeten life so greatly. A few hours within its W’alls convince 
the visitor that Mr. and Mrs. MacKellar are as anxious to prove them¬ 
selves worthy of the many kindnesses bestowed upon them as they are 
deeply sensible of the good fortune which has befallen them in having 
the privilege of .serving where service is at once a pride and a 
distinction. 
In speaking, as I hope to do in a future issue, of other features of the 
gardens at Sandringham, I shall refer to the splendid provision that is 
made for the under gardeners, but I should like, while referring to the 
dwellings on the estate, to say a word about those provided for the 
labourers. At one end of the grounds is what might be termed the 
model village of West Newton, a cluster of sound, well-built, comfortable 
cottages, with large gardens attached, which the occupants are 
encouraged to keep cheerful and productive. There is, too, a club and 
library, where the men can assemble after their work is over, and, 
without payment, read the newspapers and books provided for them. In 
another part a school is maintained by the Princess of Wales. Full 
employment is always found for the men at a higher rate of pay than is 
given elsewhere. Moreover, the utmost consideration is extended in 
respect to the hours of labour. From the Ist of November to the 1st of 
