446 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ November 16, 1S9I.- 
Upon the highest portion of the park, or “ campagm," as it is 
term°d, stands the Pavilion de Pregny, a stately and substantial 
mansion; from this the ground slopes somewhat in an easterly 
direction towards the Lake of Geneva, and from the terrace a 
magnificent view is obtained of Mont Blanc. Probably so fine a 
prospect could not be secured anywhere else. The weather was 
exceptionally clear and favourable at the time of my visit, and 
never while memory endures shall I forget the first glimpse I had 
of those wonderful snowclid summits, glistening under a brilliant 
summer’s sud, the clear blue sky above, and the still richer blue lake 
in the foreground. It was a scene upon which poets might exhaust 
their powers, and still convey a poor idea of the reality. Certainly, 
therefore, it would be useless for me to attempt so fruitless a 
task. One aspect of the great mountain must, however, be noticed, 
and that is at evening when the sun is declining, for it presents a 
solemnity and grandeur that could scarcely be surpassed. The 
first change is shown in a beautiful rosy flush overspreading the 
snowy slopes, that so exactly resemble the profile of a gigantic face 
upturned to the sky ; then this slowly disappears, and is succeeded 
by a weird and awful tint, comparable only to the pallor of death, 
which fades into the grey dusk as the shadows creep up the sides 
until darkness hides all from view. 
The slopes of Pregny have been very carefully planted. No 
labour has been spired to produce a garden thoroughly English in 
its prevailing characters, and to provide what should be essential in 
a true garden, both variety and repose, with no jarring formalities 
to destroy the effect, and every care to conceal the art so requisite 
in forming an establishment of this kind. Many trees are 
developing into handsome specimens, and there are plenty of 
shaded, cool, refreshing retreats provided by trees and shrubberies, 
and one of these is represented in the woodcut (fig. 85, page 455). 
To the general design of the park the Baroness Rothschild has given 
close attention for several years, as it is her favourite summer 
residence, and her taste is manifest in every portion of the 
estate. Even in what seems a small matter like the following, it 
is astonishing how much is added to the pleasing effect of the 
garden generally :—The edges of the lawns, instead of being flat 
where they adjoin the walks, are slightly raised and rounded, so 
that at a distance when looking across the lawn the walk is not 
visible ; much care is also taken in managing the curves of 
the walks with the same object—namely, the avoidance of long 
stretches being exposed at any point. 
Mention has been made of the lawns, and these alone are 
marvellous, for out of England it is doubtful if such close, green, 
fresh, and beautiful expanses of turf could be seen. As they 
have been entirely formed from seed it can be imagined what 
care and trouble have been required to bring them to their present 
state of perfection in such a situation. Many good examples of 
successful lawn formation from seed have been recorded at various 
times, but this is the most remarkable that has ever come under 
my notice. 
Advantage has been taken of a steep and in places a 
nearly perpendicular deep slope to form a rockery of imposing 
extent, and thoroughly natural in design and planting. Huge 
boulders are covered with climbing, drooping, and creeping 
plants of many kinds, the lower portions are devoted to aquatics, 
and every stone is being covered with some appropriate occupant. 
Most noticeable in all parts was the graceful Desmodium penduli- 
florum, which succeeds capitally, and might be seen in England 
much more frequently. A spray is depicted in fig. 86, page 
459, showing the drooping character of the shoots, and a large 
specimen laden with its bright purplish crimson flowers has a 
charming effect. 
Many important features at Pregny remain to be described, 
including the large collection of Orchids and other plants, and 
the extensive fruit houses and the fruit garden at Saconnex, and 
the exquisite villa lakeside resort, the Port Gitana at Bellevue, 
but I have encroached so far upon the space at my disposal that 
reference to these departments must be deferred. It only remains*’ 
to add that the gardens are under the charge of Mr. Andrew 
Methven, who has afforded ample proof of his ability as a* 
practical Superintendent, such, indeed, as might have been ex¬ 
pected from the good work he had previously performed in the- 
north of England. I must also take advantage of this opportunity 
to record my thanks to M. Kirsch, the Agent of the estate, to* 
M. Ofterdinger, the Secretary, and to M. Duchosol, the Assistant? 
Secretary, for many courteous attentions and kind services rendered) 
during my visit to Geneva.— Lewis Castle. 
HARDY CLIMBING PLANTS FOR NORTHERN 
DISTRICTS. 
(Continued from page 425.) 
Virginian Creepers. 
From the showy Clematis let us pass to the useful foliage- 
plants, the Virginian Creepers or Ampelopsis. Of these splendid 
climbers two only are generally grown, Ampelopsis hederacea and 
A. Veitchi. Both are deciduous ; but before they finally cast 
their leaves for the winter a beautiful transformation of the foliage* 
is effected from rich dark green through intermediate shades to 
fiery crimson. The common A. hederacea is an universally usefuL 
European climber, and flourishes on any soil or aspect, not only iu 
any district in England or Scotland, but in Germany, France, and 
Russia, and even as far south as Italy it is said to be a popular- 
climber. In ordinary soil it will grow from 30 to 40 feet in height,, 
and in a richer soil, combined with a suitable aspect and support., 
it will reach a height of 60 feet. For a town garden there is no 
climber more suitable except Ivy, and it cught to be more; 
frequently planted. 
When in luxuriant condition, and at the time of the full 
development of its annual growth, the young shoots of. 
this variety have a remarkably graceful appearance as they hang, 
loose and free upon a dense background of green foliage. 
The upper shoots, when the plant is wanted to extend and cover 
more space, should, at this period I am speaking of (which i» 
during the month of August), be carefully fastened to the wall or 
trellis. 
The leaves begin to change colour in September, and during 
the early part of October the tints are very p’easing ; but on south 
and south-west aspects the colouring is richer than on less sunny 
positions. Sometimes the leaves change colour and fa'l very 
quickly, this happening with more frequency when the roots are- 
growing in dry or poor soil. There is no objection to seeing this 
Virginian Ci'eeper planted and trained on a wall of Ivy, which 
hides its bare stems in winter and forms a background for its 
glowing colours in autumn. It is also useful as a summer covering 
for rough banks, old walls, unsightly outbuildings, bare tree trunks,, 
and other objects. 
An even more valuable and pleasing Ampelopsis for a prominent 
wall than the preceding is the pretty little miniature Virginian 
Creeper, A. tricuspidata, perhaps better known as A. Veitchi. It 
is a smaller leaved variety, with slenderer growth, but equally as 
hardy and free growing. The colouring, too, of the foliage in 
autumn is altogether richer in the variety of tints, and the leaves, 
are retained on the plants much longer. The growths of this 
variety cling to a wall, preferably a smooth one, with more than 
the tenacity of Ivy, appearing to be pasted on the surface, so close 
and fast do they adhere. . There is no need for nailing or fastening 
of any kind, except when just first planted. It should always have 
a south aspect when possible, as its unique growth warrants a 
good position and the best attention. Rather lighter soil, well 
and fairly deeply prepared, should be provided for it when 
planting. 
There is a more robust variety of A. Veitchi now being sent 
out, which has all the good qualities of the type even more pro¬ 
nounced, and is known under the name of Ampelopsis Veitchi 
robusta. There is also an evergreen variety, namely A. semper- 
virens, having pretty dark green leaves, and is useful on account ot 
its evergreen character. 
Ivies. 
Passing now to another climbing plant of an evergreen character 
we find in the various sorts of Ivies a wide variety of useful plants, 
most of which are adapted for climbing. The common Irish Ivy 
(Hedera canariensis) is well known and popular for all purposes. 
H algeriensis, H. Rsegneriana, the Giant Ivy, and H. dentata, a 1 
la ge-leaved varieties, also including H. amurensis, said to be the 
