March l.), I 88. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
219 
A 2 ^in forms a series of waterfalls on its course through the grounds into 
the river in the plains below. 
The carriage drive crosses this stream by a picturesque moss and 
1 ern-covered bridge, ornamented by several sham arches, probably built 
e.arly in the eiiihteenth century. Near by date 1727 is carved in the 
rock with the initials “E. G.” and •'J. M. N.,” to which, however, we 
attach no superstitious meaning. Very near the entrance gate is 
situated the “ Oakeley Arms Hotel,” kept by Miss Rae, where the 
tourist is sure of ffood fare, but where we cannot linger but to mention 
a pair of Hollies, Gold and Silver, that annually confer upon the 
inventor of shears—well, not a blessing ; their girths respectively at 
base being 3 feet (! inches, and 4 feet 6 inches, and but for the misuse of 
the useful instrument referred to would have been noble specimens, 
probably in or near their second jubilee. 
An old lady beaming with smiles, and crowned with the historical 
■“ beaver hat,” trij)s it to open the gate for us, as we re-enter the drive, 
and to salute us with a hearty “Boren Da”—Good Morning. We are 
very soon in the heart of the pleasure grounds, and surrounded on all 
the hardier Palms ; Benthamia fragifera, in splendid condition : Myrtles, 
growing like Privet; rich Bay trees here, there, and everywhere, some 
of which are 100 feet in circumference ; Camellias in large quantities, 
annually bear loads of bloom, with no more trouble than Laurels or 
Rhododendrons ; immense specimens of Aucuba, 00 feet and upwards in 
circumference ; large wall spaces are covered with Magnolias, that 
flower most freely, and Wistaria blooming twice annually ; lind further, 
when we state that Liliums, Dahlias, and kindred subjects are wintered 
in the open ground, our readers will form some idea of the climate in 
this favoured spot, and imagine for themselves the wealth of vegetation 
here found. 
Wending our way onwards we come upon a lovely spot, sheltered on 
all sides except from the sun. where luxuriates a grand piece of the seldom 
seen Dimorphanthus mandshuricus, and not far off are several plants of 
Grevillea robusta, which I fear, however, Mr. Roberts will not succeed 
in keeping tong. A plant of Berberidopsis nepalensis, 48 feet in circum¬ 
ference, is a grand picture, as is also Berberis Fortunei, near to, and 
Andromeda axillaris. Gynerium argenteum, “ Pampas Grass,” crowded 
ITg. 27.—the PLAS, TANYBWLCTI, NORTH WALES. 
bands by magnificent Conifers, which thrive here uncommonly well. 
Cryptomeria japonica, upwards of 50 feet high ; Cedrus .atlantica, about 
the same height; Cupressus sempervirens stricta, nearly as tall, and 
numbers of very fine Irish Yews, and best Conifers in variety, all having 
the appearance of being perfectly at home. Some of the Silver Firs, 
which are represented by Abies lasiocarpa, grandis, Nordinanniana, &c., 
are perfect pictures, one huge specimen measuring, at 2 feet from the 
ground, 14 feet in girth. Abies Douglasii in various exposed positions 
Remonstrates its adaptability for such situations to satisfaction. This is 
a favourite with Mr. Roberts for mountain work. 
There are also scattered about many grand old 0,aks, reminding us 
that the glory is not all of to-day, for with these we are face to face xvith 
ages past and to come, one of these near to measured, at 4 feet from the 
ground, 17 feet, and gazing upon its gigantic grandeur we felt glad that 
ships are built now of other material than English or “Welsh” Oak. 
Very fine Lime trees skirt the grounds where, on all hands, we find, 
attaining great heights the Eucalyptus, some nearly 40 feet, and would 
be much higher but for the strong winds th.at frequently carry off their 
leaders. The majority of these have been planted eight years, and some 
more than that, a fact that speaks well for the climate here, and when 
we add that hedges of Fuchsias thrive with Chamaerops and others of 
with strong plumes, form a background to many of the herbaceous 
borders, which are a grand feature here, and upon which we might 
dwell at great length, but must for the present refrain, with but a 
reference to the splendhl effect of Sedum spectabile, extensively used in 
these borders, and as edgings to the large shrubbery and other borders. 
Neither can we dwell upon the collection of Rhododendrons that com¬ 
prises the very best hybrid varieties known, or the Azaleas, Ghent and 
Mollis varieties, equally fine, but following in our conductor’s train we 
ascend on to the terrace immediately fronting the mansion, the front of 
which we find covered with Clianthus puniceus, Aristolochia sipho. 
Myitle, Magnolia, &c., and at intervals on the terrace are stood Bays in 
tubs, and amongst them a pair of Kalmia latifolia, large and healthy 
looking. The view from here is exceedingly fine, and xve would fain rest 
and enjoy it. Lord Lyttleton very near the same spot said, “ With the 
woman one loves, one might pass an age in this vale and think it a day 
and in writing to a friend be said, “ If you want to live long anti renew 
your youth come and settle in thi,s neighlxiurhoot’. Not lung ago there 
died here an honest Welsh farmer who was 105 years of age. His 
youngest son was eighty-one years younger than his eldest, and eight 
hundred persons, his lineal descendants, attended his funeral.” 
We take a peep over the balustrade on to another terrace immediately 
