164 
VISITS TO REMARKABLE GARDENS—REDLEAF. 
\/V\AAAAAAA/W\AAAA/V\AA/WWWWW'/V»/\/W\> 
yWV'/WWVWv 
/</v/VWWV'/vA/V'/v/»/vVV 
with, that on the exposed alburnum of the stock, becomes gradually organized, a convergent system of 
horizontal processes passing simultaneously toward, if not into, the tender alburnum. The union thus 
effected, the bud in process of time sprouts, receiving according to its requirements, the current of 
raw sap that ascends through the stock, which sap is subsequently elaborated in the leaves, and 
returned in its appointed course, through the channels of the new bark, whence the convergent pro¬ 
cesses convey it, horizontally, towards the pith. 
We do not attempt to deny that portions of modified fluid are conveyed by appropriate cellular 
tissue in the bark, downwards; but from every fact actually observed, or applied analogically, we do 
conscientiously repudiate the idea as false and delusive, that the sap which has once ascended from the 
roots, ever does again descend by a gravitating power like that of water, or of the quicksilver in the 
tube of a barometer; or, again, that there exists in the vital fluids of a plant any motion which cor¬ 
responds with that of the blood in animals—of propulsion through the arteries, and of return through 
the veins. Other subjects of deep interest in physiology suggest themselves, connected with the 
progressive development of grafted and budded plants. 
VISITS TO REMARKABLE GARDENS 
REDLEAF.— W. WELLS, Esq. 
P ASSING from the station on the South Eastern Railway to the village of Penshurst, about midway 
between the two points, on the right hand side of the road, will be seen, embosomed in trees, a 
small unpretending brick built mansion, which a stranger would pass by almost without notice. Pass, 
however, a few yards south of the house, through the shrubbery belt, as we did in the early part of 
June last, step a few yards over the velvet turf, behold the Azaleas and Rhododendrons in their golden 
and bright empurpled glory; and, oh enchantment! say you have seen one of the brightest spots on 
the earth’s surface; a spot as rich in picturesque beauty as it is in the exhibition of the refined taste 
and artistic skill of its late proprietor. But we must enter with becoming humility, for we are at 
Redleaf, and hence we will pass to the gardener’s cottage. Here we found our indefatigable friend and 
contributor, Mr. Cox, who kindly conducted us over the garden, and who pointed out and detailed the 
history of many of its most attractive features. 
The late Mr. Wells, the founder of this admirable place, was long very favourably known as one of 
the leading patrons of horticulture in England; and Redleaf, through the late Mr. Loudon, has long- 
been known throughout the civilized part of the world as, par excellence , one of the best gardens in 
England. Situated upon the side of a hill, and commanding a most extensive view over one of the 
richest and best wooded parts of Kent, Redleaf, in a horticultural view, has many points of surpassing- 
interest. The estate, which is finely timbered, too much so in some parts, has a diversified and very 
undulating surface; and, in forming the garden, advantage has been taken of this, to enhance the natu¬ 
ral features, and to improve and blend the artificial parts with them. 
We entered first by the Dutch garden, a plan of which is given at p. 140. This, at one time, w T as a 
farm-yard, the greenhouse being the barn, and the garden the feeding-yard for stock. At the present 
time the greenhouse is thatched with reed, and that is perhaps the only feature by which the former 
use of the premises could be suspected. The bailiff’s house, one of those cold, cheerless places which 
characterise some country scenes, has been converted into a billiard-room, and to make it harmonize 
externally with the garden, &c., a raised rustic veranda, covered with climbing plants, and paved with 
blocks of wood, has been formed. This garden is surrounded by, and parted from the English garden, 
to be noticed presently, by belts of American plants, among which are some of the finest hybrid Rho¬ 
dodendrons and Azaleas in the country, and some fine specimens of Preonia Moutan. As an example of 
the possibility of converting premises apparently useless to good purpose this is a remarkable instance; 
but when we recollect that Mr. Wells was a gentleman of very remarkable and refined taste, our wonder 
at the farm-yard being thus converted ceases. It is, however, worth recording for others to profit by. 
Leaving this garden we pass, by a covered way, under a canopy of Wistaria and other climbing 
plants, to the English garden, passing the fernery partly shaded by the covered way, and showing a 
goodly collection of these admirable and elegant plants in rich luxuriance. A view of this fernery is 
given at p. 44, accompanied by some interesting details connected with the management of Ferns, by 
Mr. Cox. We have seldom seen cultivated ferns in such wild luxuriance, and this no doubt is attri¬ 
butable to the site chosen, and to the mound being sufficiently large to admit of each kind being 
properly placed, and so as to receive the necessary amount of light and shade, heat and moisture. 
The conservatories are situated in the kitchen-garden, and though not of remarkable construction, 
