kind one, it was found that the situation had been 
filled the day previously to Mr. Fleming's application. 
But the Duke of Sutherland, by this means becoming 
aware of Mr. Fleming's wish for a higher appointment, 
i sent for him to Stafford House, where, by the Duke and 
Duchess in person, he was offered the situation of head- 
gardener at Lilleshall, one of their Grace’s fiue estates in 
j Shropshire. This was in the year 1839, and, singularly 
enough, on the very day that he arrived at Lilleshall, 
thejnoble and kind friend of his early life, the Dowager 
Duchess-Countess of Sutherland, died. 
On arriving at Lilleshall, Mr. Fleming found the 
system of operation very deficient in practical utility, 
and the plan of the grounds but imperfectly carried out. 
He, therefore, immediately commenced his improve¬ 
ments, and by the following August had effected so 
