156 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ August 26, 1887. 
Strawberries planted again the weeds will soon reappear. This is 
injurious to a young plantation, and the ground should be thoroughly 
cleaned before any Strawberries are planted. In large gardens 
where there is plenty of ground the plants may be put in at a 
distance of 2i feet from row to row, and 18 inches or 2 feet from 
plant to plant, but in small gardens they may be kept considerably 
closer, as although the wide planted ones may produce the largest 
fruit, the others will also bear very profitable and highly acceptable 
crops. — J. Muir, Maryam. 
THE ENGLISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
A VISIT TO RABY CASTLE. 
The necessity of an increased attention being paid to forestry and 
arboriculture generally in this country induced a few practical men to 
endeavour to form in this country a Society on a similar basis to that 
which has done 6uch good work in Scotland during many years. The 
idea was favourably received, and four years since the English Arbori- 
cultural Society was organised to carry it into effect. With a number 
of patrons, a practical Committee, and an earnest Secretary, the Society 
has made good progress, its members have increased in numbers steadily, 
and it is still being strengthened by the addition of new friends. The 
Society has appointed local Secretaries in the principal northern districts 
who correspond with the Chief Secretary upon all matters of interest to 
the members, and they can summon meetings of the members in their 
respective localities to conduct any special business, or to be present at 
the reading of papers on various subjects connected with forestry. With 
a desire to encourage the latter mode of communication and to add 
something to the literature of the subject of practical value, a silver 
medal was offered last year for the best essay on “ Larch Disease,” an 
honour that was won by Mr. Clark of Carlisle. The essay was printed 
in the Transactions of the Society, which with several other papers, in¬ 
cluding one by Mr. B. Cowan of South Shields on “ Trees and Shrubs for 
the Seaside and where Alkali and Gases are Prevalent,” forms a substantial 
volume. Much more might be done in this direction, and frequent prizes 
or medals should be offered to the younger men engaged in arboriculture, 
as it is a method of advancing the scientific and practical knowledge of 
the art that is certain to produce satisfactory results. Great Britain is 
far behind several of the Continental countries in the education of 
foresters, and the result is that some of the best colonial or other ap¬ 
pointments out of this country are secured by young Germans who have 
been well schooled in the theoretical as well as the practical departments. 
Some official recognition has been recently accorded to this matter 
in the House of Commons, and it is probable that further steps will be 
taken in which both the English and Scottish Societies should be able to 
render good service. 
Another and very interesting portion of the Society’s work is the 
arrangement of annual excursions to the seats of gentlemen in the north 
of England. It forms a pleasant meeting for the members, and much 
information can be often gained by the inspection of well kept woods 
and plantations under the guidance of experienced foresters. For the 
present year's trip Raby Castle was selected, and by permission of the 
Duke of Cleveland a large party of members and friends visited that 
estate on Thursday, August 18th. Those present included the follow¬ 
ing :—Mr. John Davidson (Secretary), land agent, Heydon Bridge ; Mr. 
Isaac Baty, Hexham ; Mr. Jas. Watt (of Little and Ballantine, nursery¬ 
men, Carlisle); Mr. W. F. Taylor, Carlisle; Mr. William Fell (of 
Messrs. Fell & Co.), Hexham ; Mr. Wm. Milne (of Messrs. Fell & Co.), 
Hexham ; Mr. J. R. Brown, nursery manager of Fell A Co. ; Mr. John W. 
Robson, nurseryman, Hexham ; Mi. John Balden, agent, Dilston ; Mr. 
John Balden, jun., Dilston ; Mr. Peter Balden, Dilston ; Mr. R. R. Bal¬ 
den, forester, Castle Howard ; Mr, John Wilson, superintendent Leazes 
Park, Newcastle ; Mr. John Smith, forester, Langley Castle, Haydon 
Bridge ; Mr. J. W. Newbisging, nurseryman (of Thomas Kennedy and 
Co.), Dumfries; Mr. John Johnston, assistant forester, Wetherby, 
Carlisle ; Mr. M. Sutherland, nurseryman, Longtown ; Mr. Sutherland, 
jun., Longtown ; Mr. B. Cowan, superintendent, Westoe Cemetery, South 
Shields ; Mr. Gallie, forester, Ravensworth Castle ; Mr. Robinson, 
agent, Burnopfield; Mr. Havelock, forester, Raby Park ; Mr. Lewis 
Castle ( Journal of IFoi ticulture), &c. 
Most of the visitors assembled at the Central Station, Newcastle-on- 
Tyne, at 9 A.H., and proceeded thence at 9.30 to Gainford Station, on 
the Barnard Castle branch from Darlington, where vehicles were 
awaiting the visitors to convey them through the estate. The first por¬ 
tion visited was the Gainford Great Wood, and there some time was spent 
under the able guidance of the forester, Mr. Havelock, who gave some 
interesting particulars concerning the large plantation of Oaks, their 
value, the several cuttings of timber sold, and the young trees recently 
planted to fill the space cleared. It was said that the plantation was 
several hundred years of age, but that it was thought many of the trees 
now standing had sprung from the old stools, as well as those cut, which 
were 120 to 140 years old and realised about £300 per acre. Some of these 
Oaks were of remarkable size, some of the best examples being seen in 
the park, where also there are some grand Beeches, but at Gainford 
several unusually large and finely developed specimens of the common 
Ash were noted. Proceeding on the journey through a beautiful country 
commanding extensive views, the Staindrop lodge entrance was reached, 
and near there a young Turkey Oak was planted in commemoration of 
the Society’s visit in the Jubilee year. Mr. Robson of Hexham supplied 
the tree, and it was planted by Mr. J. Watt of Carlisle (Messrs. Little 
and Ballantyne), who made an appropriate speech, complimenting the 
Society upon their progress and work. Passing through the diversified 
and beautifully wooded park another plantation was visited, where some 
larger timber was seen, the dimensions of the more remarkable trees- 
being taken. A considerable time was spent there, but a portion of the 
party also visited the garden, where so much of interest was found that 
the time only admitted a hurried inspection. 
RABY CASTLE GARDEN. 
The garden is situated on a moderate slope to the south near the- 
Castle, and comprises ten acres chiefly enclosed by walls, and comprising 
a number of glass houses devoted to plant and fruit culture. The houses 
are somewhat scattered, as they have been mostly erected at different 
periods, and not according to any set plan, so that now there are no less- 
than sixteen boiler or flue fires to be attended. The garden is in perfect 
accordance with the Castle and its surroundings. No attempt is made to 
modernise the place, which would only spoil it, but in every department 
the able and courteous gardener, Mr. Westcott, stows us the best 
examples of cultural skill, while the flower garden also affords an 
admirable example of the charming effects produced by a tasteful 
arrangement of hardy plants. The latter department was so beautiful 
that it first attracted attention and merits a description. One pretty 
feature of the beds is that they are edged with neatly trimmed fresh 
green Box, and separated by narrow paths of fine gravel or shingle kept 
evenly raked. In front of one range is a series of beds bounded on two- 
sides by grand Yew hedges, 10 feet high and as much in diameter at the 
base, and in fine health. The age of these hedges is unknown, but it is 
thought they formed, with two magnificent old Walnut trees near 
them, a portion of an older garden occupying the same site many years 
ago. Very conspicuous are the beds of Raby Castle Carnation,a handsome- 
rose-coloured variety that cannot be surpassed for bedding or cutting pur¬ 
poses. The flowers are of good size without being too large, they are- of 
excellent form, full, the colour clear, and very fragrant ; the plants also 
are strong and free growing, of moderate height, very floriferous, and 
the stock is readily increased, as an abundance of “ grass” is produced. 
Masses of double white and purple Stocks, Godetia Lady Albemarle, 
white Pansies, and Zonal Pelargonium Henry Jacoby, to all of which 
beds are separately devoted, have a capital effect. Tuberous Begonias- 
are much appreciated for outdoors, and some large beds of Laing's- 
“ Royal ” varieties have a rich appearance now. A broad border de¬ 
voted to miscellaneous plants has bands of Pentstemons very bright and 
varied, Sedum spectabile, the dark reddish-leaved S. maximum, and 
Anemone japonica, which contrast well together, Zinnias and Poppies 
being freely employed in other beds. 
Just beyond is a handsome ribbon border, the background of which 
is formed by a remarkable hedge of Fuchsia Riccartoni, over 100 yards 
long, about 4 feet high, as much in diameter, and loaded with flowers. 
Owing to the dry season the plants are not quite so high as usual, but 
they are in excellent condition,’ so fresh and even that the effect is 
exceedingly beautiful, the appearance being still further improved by 
the hedge following the curve of the walk instead of being in a straight 
line. This Fuchsia dies down to the roots each winter, but these are 
never damaged by frost, and it has occupied its present position for 
twenty-one years, so that it has had an extensive trial. The border in 
front contains a broad band of Viola Blue Bell, margined with the 
variegated Alyssum and blue Lobelias, with a few pink and scarlet 
Pelargoniums in alternate circles, and edged with Box. On the other 
side of the path are circular and semicircular beds edged with Box, and 
containing some brightly coloured Violas, but the chief feature there is 
a new dwarf Tropasolum named Constantine, which is the finest scarlet 
bedding variety we have seen. It is very compact in habit, and the 
foliage is scarcely visible owing to the profusion of brilliant scarlet 
flowers produced, the glow of colour being dazzling on bright sunny 
days. 
This path leads from the enclosed garden to a beautiful walk outside 
the walls, but above the ha ha, extending in a series of graceful curves 
to the wonderful old Fig tree, which occupies a house at the extremity. 
On the left hand side is a low light iron fence covered with Clematis 
Jackmanni now flowering profusely, while on the wall side is a ribbon 
border formed of Golden Feather Pyrethrum, scarlet Pelargoniums, 
Blue Bell Violas, May Queen variegated Pelargonium, Calceolarias, and 
and background of Hollyhocks and Poppies. An excellent view of this 
border is obtained from the slopes leading up to the castle. Before 
quitting this department mention must be made of the fine plants of 
Mina lobata which are trained to the height of 10 feet against a wall 
with a southern aspect, and they are bearing a great number of spikes of 
tubular flowers, scarlet before they are fully expanded, and then 
becoming yellow or nearly white, so that the spikes show a transition 
between these extremes from the base to apex of the rather long one¬ 
sided spikes. Some attention has been drawn to this plant lately, but 
its beauty cannot be too highly estimated where it will succeed as it 
does at Raby, for the deeply divided leaves have also a good 
appearance. 
The principal range of glass contains the vineries ; this is ICO feet 
long in four divisions, including the celebrated house where the carrion 
border was formed some years ago, and concerning which so much has 
been written. In the end division are some vigorous twelve-year old 
Vines, Black Hamburghs being extremely fine, the bunches large and 
well coloured ; a rod of Madresfield Court worked on a Black Hamburgh 
stock, fifteen fine bunches, colouring well without a sign of cracking. The 
