'• May 2, 1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
389 
are known to thrive with the sole object of improving their stock, not 
so much numerically as in point of quality. This was first done as an 
experiment, and it turned out most successful. The plan followed is to 
plant the bulbs first at Ditton and then to remove them to Lincolnshire, 
a system that has been found to improve them in every respect. Of 
eourse, this system entails much additional labour and expense, but it 
will doubtless prove remunerative in the long run. We can hope so, at 
any rate. 
As it is no joke for the interested visitor to have to wander over 
some fifteen acres of ground to see his favourites, and then stand a 
chance of missing some of the best, provision has been made to obviate 
all this. What may be called sample beds have been made up, eom- 
prising examples of all the varieties grown in the nursery, and these are 
situated immediately on entering. This is indeed a boon, especially 
when a visitor is very much pushed for time, and it is important that a 
certain train be caught. Of some varieties there are several rows, 
whereas of others there will be found only one. This system may be 
termed unique, inasmuch as it provides very great advantages to the 
examiner without a single disadvantage. Of course after the visitor 
has gone closely over these samples he can then walk round the beds 
and take general glances at the whole collection. Though only so few 
bulbs are planted in many cases in these beds, the effect is a very 
pleasing one. 
To name all the sorts that are grown would be a very big task, and 
it would not serve any useful purpose, as so many of them have been 
widely grown for a number of years, but perhaps a short selection may 
prove acceptable to those readers of the Journal who have not been, and 
will not be, able to see for themselves. The various sections, it is 
perhaps needless to add, are all largely represented, and it will not be 
attempted here to classify them to any particular extent, as such details 
may be readily procured from the very comprehensive catalogue issued 
by the firm. 
First on the list must come the superb Weardale Perfection, which 
was figured in the Journal of Horticulture for April 19th, 1894. It 
is certainly one of the most massive of the large trumpet section, 
though it is closely followed by Glory of Leyden, which with the first 
named should on no account be omitted from a collection, at any rate 
not from one that has aspirations to perfection. Belonging co this 
group is Madame de Graaff, a bloom of which is represented in fig. 65. 
This variety is of a white or very pale sulphur colour. Such varieties 
as Emperor, Empress, Horsefieldi, and Her Majesty are so well known 
and BO highly appreciated that they need no words here. P. R. Barr, 
a seedling from Emperor, is very beautiful, and is securing numerous 
admirers. 
Belonging to another section, and different in every way, is Leedsi 
Beatrice, one of the most chastely beautiful varieties in commerce. 
The flower (see woodcut, fig. 66) is almost pure white in colour, and it 
should receive more attention than is the case at present. Two other 
Leedsis of merit are Ceres and Gem, each of which might well be grown. 
Of the Barris probably conspicuus is the best, but another charming 
form is albus Sensation. 
Of the incomparabilis group Sir Watkin is usually accorded the place 
of honour, but another equally worthy of mention is Gloria Mundi, 
which is not quite so large and has a much flatter cup. Other grand 
sorts are sulphureus Hogarth, Jas. Bateman, and Duchess of West¬ 
minster. Besides these there are the ever popular Poet’s Narcissi and 
the charming double forms, but sufficient have now been mentioned to 
give an idea of how diversified is the collection. 
Tulips and Hyacinths have also made a glorious display at these 
nurseries, but they are now fast getting past, such being, in fact, the 
case with the Narcissi, all having been so severely injured by the 
tremendously heavy rains to which they have been subjected.—H. 
FLOORS CASTLE GARDENS. 
Through the kindness of Her Grace the Duchess of Roxburghe I 
have twice had the privilege of visiting the famous gardens and grounds 
of Floors Castle, in Roxburghshire, one of the noblest and most 
impressive of the many grand mansion houses of which Scotland can 
boast. It was erected from designs of Sir John Vanbrugh, the celebrated 
PIG. 66.—NARCISSUS LEEUSI BEATRICE. 
architect, in 1718, receiving, however, at a comparatively modern date 
those elaljorate and extensive additions, designed by Playfair of Edin¬ 
burgh, which have made it the palatial edifice it is now. Floors Castle, 
as its original name of Fleurs implies, wears all its weight of majesty 
lightly, like a flower. 
One of the finest views of this charming residence of the Duke of 
Roxburghe is obtained from Kelso Bridge, where the silvery Teviot 
unites its waters with those of the classical Tweed. The prospect from 
that point is exceedingly imposing, and lingers enduringly in the 
regions of memory. The marvellous combination there presented of 
rivers, woodlands, and distant mountains is one more easily re¬ 
membered than described. Right in front is the town of Kelso, 
assuredly one of the most beautiful in Scotland, deriving much grace 
from its proximity to the ducal domain, with the noble fragment of 
its ancient Abbey, founded contemporaneously with those of Jedburgh 
and Melrose, towering above the houses to a height of 70 feet. The 
architecture of the Abbey is Saxon or early Norman, with the excep¬ 
tion of the central arches, which are of Gothic design. To me it was 
more inspiring than even Melrose, so greatly glorified by the genius of 
Sir Walter Scott. I did not, however, contemplate the latter in the 
“ dim moonlight,” but in the glaring blaze of day. 
When first I had the gratification of visiting Floors Castle and its 
romantic surroundings I was conducted through the gardens by the 
Minister of Kelso—a college friend of mine—whom I was visiting at 
that time. On the second occasion I had the congenial companionship 
of Mr. Nicolas Barnes, now head gardener to His Grace the Duke of 
Westminster, who has promised to show me at some future, and I hope 
not far distant period, the floral glories of Eaton Hall. 
The “ artificial ” system of garden decoration has often been con¬ 
demned, but there can be no question that when the finest “ Geraniums,” 
Begonias, Lobelias, and Calceolarias are so splendidly combined and 
artistically contrasted as I saw them at Floors they constitute a 
uniquely superb effect. But, for such a combination of dazzling colours 
(amply relieved by surrounding foliage) the most faultless artistic 
intuition is necessitated, and thatj as most of us know from observation, 
is seldom found. 
What impressed me chiefly, however, during my visit to Floors 
Castle was the wealth of tropical flowers, several of which had con¬ 
servatories to themselves. Some of the Orchids were especially 
attractive, among the finest of these being the Coelogynes, Cypripediums, 
Cattleyas, and Laslias, including my own supreme favourite purpurata, 
Aerides, Calanthes, Odontoglossums, and exquisite Oncidiums. I did 
not notice that unique Orchid Anguloa Clowesi, of which I saw some 
very striking specimens last May at Mr. William Bull’s establishment at 
Chelsea. For my first introduction to this singularly interesting variety 
I am indebted to another great orchidlst, Mr. Chamberlain. For any 
