June 23, 1888. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
677 
Glaucum flavum (the Horn Poppy), many fine species 
of Iris, Lupinus Nootkatensis, blue, and L. arboreus, 
yellow ; Dictamnus Fraxinella, Dodecatheon Jeffrey- 
anum, Silenes, Armeria cephalotes, Lilium giganteum, 
and other Lilies in bud ; and in flower the curious 
trailing Antirrhinum asarinum, with large whitish 
flowers, having all the characters of Linaria except the 
spur. The plant is still rare, although its introduction 
dates back to 1699. The main rockery, with undulating 
walks among it, is a very enjoyable spot, all the plants 
looking perfectly at home, thanks to the judgment 
'exercised in their planting. Among the numerous 
things in flower are many Rock Eoses, Columbines, 
Hypericums, “Veronicas, Sedums, Eosa rugosa, E. r. 
alba, E. pyrenaica, and other dwarf shrubs ; Saponaria 
ocymoides, Centranthus ruber, Ononis rotundifolia, 
Cheiranthus ochroleucus, Calycanthus floridus (Carolina 
Allspice), &c. and backing the whole, on an elevation, 
is what may be called a permanent sub-tropical arrange¬ 
ment of noble hardy plants, comprising Pampas 
Grasses, Ferula gigantea, Verbaseum olympicum, 
Scotch Thistles, -Polygonum cuspidatum, Hollyhocks, 
Foxgloves, &c. 
Marsh plants and bulbs are also suitably provided 
for, and a long shady walk, extending the whole 
length of the garden, is made still more enjoyable by 
the presence of those useful hardy flowers which reign 
in this pretty and cleverly-arranged garden, in which 
they yield flowers in profusion, beginning with the 
spring bulb garden of Crocuses, Snowdrops, Narcissi, 
Chionodoxa, Seilla, Tulips, Anemones, Eanunculi, &c., 
which were charming a while ago, and continuing 
without intermission, in a greater or less degree, as 
long as the winter will permit flowers to expand. In 
some instances permanent bedding is attempted with 
much success by mingling various plants—such as 
Anemones, Violas, and other subjects, flowering at 
different seasons—with dwarf bushes of Eosa polyantha 
and other species of Eose, a good succession of all sorts 
of things being kept up in the store and seed pans in 
frames, ready to supply any threatened defect in this or 
any other part of the garden. 
Nor is the culture of plants under glass neglected, 
for here we have a good Tea Rose house, some houses 
for growing Ferns, flowers and plants for indoor 
decoration, and a few good Orchids, having in bloom 
two varieties of Cattleya Mossise, Cypripedium barbatum 
grandiflorum and C. niveum, Saecolabium ampullaceum, 
Maxillaria tenuifolia, with a fine mass of Bougainvillea 
glabra on the back wall. Mr. Barber’s garden is one 
which would delight any lover of flowers, and in which 
the hardy plant gardener might get some happy hints 
in planting and general arrangement. 
--- 
HOLLYDALE AND ITS TREES. 
Pleasantly situated in a rather secluded spot 
opposite the grounds of Keston Lodge is Hollydale, 
one of the Kentish properties of Earl Derby. It is, in 
truth, a charming place, the well-planned lakes, shady 
woodland paths, and numerous rare trees and shrubs 
all combining to render it as pleasant a retreat as 
could well be desired, and certainly what one could 
hardly expect within a dozen miles of the metropolis. 
Some of the trees here to be seen, and thriving with 
the greatest luxuriance, are such as are rarely seen 
outside the walls of a botanic garden, and include 
such choice and desirable subjects as the Umbrella 
Tree (Magnolia U mbrella or M. tripetala), the Manna 
or Flowering Ash (Fraxinus Ornus), Catalpa bigno- 
noides, and the Mexican deciduous Cypress (Taxodium 
mexicanum). 
This Manna Ash is one of those trees that are far 
too seldom seen in our gardens and grounds, and for 
what reason it would be difficult to say, for it is quite 
hardy, easily grown, non-fastidious as to soil and 
situation, and withal one of the most ornamental of 
the family to which it belongs. Hailing from Southern 
Europe, the Manna Ash was brought to this country 
fully a century and a half ago (in 1730), so it is some¬ 
what remarkable that it should still be so rare in our 
woods and shrubberies ; but when better known, and 
its value in an ornamental aspect fully appreciated, 
there can be little doubt that it will be largely used in 
the decoration of our lawns and parks. The Hollydale 
specimen is about 35 ft. in height, with a stem girthing 
1 ft. 7 ins. and 3 ft. 11 ins. at 3 ft. and 5 ft. from 
the ground-level, and a spread of branches covering a 
diameter of fully 27 ft. It is well and regularly 
branched, with a nicely rounded head, and when laden 
with its conspicuous panicles of cream-white flowers i? 
as pretty as it is unusual. The soil in which it is 
growing is of a fair quality, being a dampish loam 
resting at no great depth on a bed of rough gravel. 
Hard by it is a well-furnished and fair-sized specimen 
of the Mulberry (Morus nigra), and which, when laden 
with its conspicuous fruit, is by no means an unorna¬ 
mental occupant of the position it so well fills. The 
height is 25 ft., and diameter of spread of branches 39 
ft., while the somewhat contorted and leaning stem 
girths 4 ft. 8 ins. at a yard up. 
Growing on the lawn, almost in front of Hollydale 
House, is a giant specimen of the Indian Bean (Catalpa 
bignonoides, or Syringrefolia), a specimen that I have 
only noted one equal to in the beautiful tree in the 
grounds at Baronhill, in the wind-swept Isle of Anglesey. 
What a pity it is that so distinct and ornamental a tree 
is not more frequently seen gracing the margins of our 
woods, or as a single specimen on the lawn, or con¬ 
tiguous to drives and walks ! The tree under notice is 
fully 40 ft. in height, girths 3 ft. 1 in. and 3 ft. at a 
yard and 5 ft. from the ground respectively, and has a 
spread of branches covering a ground space of 35 ft. in 
diameter. Unfortunately, this tree was planted in too 
close proximity to a far-spreading Beech and an unusu¬ 
ally fastigiate specimen of the deciduous Cypress, 
the result being that the branches have been slightly 
crippled, and pruning has, reluctantly enough, had to 
be resorted to. When in full flower, few trees have a 
more ornamental appearance than the Indian Bean, for 
what with the large, downy under-surfaced leaves and 
wealth of white flowers tinged with violet and speckled 
with purple and yellow in the throat, it is as unusual 
as it is desirable and interesting. 
The Mexican deciduous Cypress above alluded to is, 
perhaps, one of the largest trees of its kind to be seen 
in this country, for, unfortunately, everywhere in the 
British Isles does not suit the semi-tender constitution 
of this most distinct of Conifers. It is 35 ft. in height, 
with a straight and well-rounded trunk which girths 
3 ft. 3 ins. at a yard from the ground, and has a branch- 
spread of some 15 ft. in diameter. I know of no other 
Conifer that is so delicately beautiful as the one in 
question, none that in autumn changes to such a lovely 
golden red its light, fresh, pea-green foliage of the 
summer, and none that is better adapted for adorning a 
shady, well-chosen spot on the green sward of the lawn 
or park. The deciduous or Bald Cypress (T. distichum) is 
here likewise, represented by a fairly good and gracefully 
grown specimen, of fully 40 ft. in height. It is in a fairly 
good state of health, although the position it occupies is 
not sufficiently damp for its perfoct development. Where 
I have noticed the deciduous Cypress to succeed best is 
along the banks of lakes or streams, and where its roots 
can come in contact with water. In such a place too, 
the curious protuberances which rise from the roots are 
most frequently developed, and much less so where 
the tree is growing under ordinary conditions, as 
regards dampness of soil. In lawn specimens too—and 
this is the case with the Hollydale tree—the repeated 
use of the scythe and mowing machine has the effect of 
keeping these protuberances from appearing above 
ground. The deciduous Cypress is a tree of great 
beauty, the soft, feathery foliage, which during summer 
is of a bright pleasing green, slowly changing as autumn 
advances to a sombre red, rendering it of unusual 
beauty, and quite distinct from the majority of our 
woodland trees. 
Conspicuous on the lawn, and at no great distance 
from the latter tree, is a far-branched specimen of the 
Thorn or False Acacia (Eobinia Pseudacacia), and 
which when in full flower is a treat both rich and rare. 
This noble tree is 71 ft. in height, and with a well-rounded 
bole which girths 8 ft. at breast ghih, the branches 
covering a spread of fully 54 ft. The axillary racemes 
of pinky white flowers are borne in the richest pro¬ 
fusion, and impart to the tree during summer a wealth 
of glory for which we might in vain search for an equal. 
This fine tree is by no means the largest of its kind at 
Hollydale, for two others, although not so ornamental 
or evenly branched, have stems of huge proportions 
when compared with that above described. Both trees 
are growing on the roadside, within the park, almost 
opposite Keston Lodge, and are of the following 
dimensions :—No. 1, height 78 ft., girth of stem at 
a yard from the ground, 14 ft. 10 ins.; diameter of 
branch-spread, 54 ft. The other has a stem girthing 
at 3 ft. and 5 ft. up, 11 ft. 8 ins. and 11 ft. 7 ins. 
respectively, and contains 110 ft. of measurable timber. 
The bark on these trees is unusually rough, and the stems 
buttressed, and one has suffered from the effects of the 
wind or other accident. 
The Umbrella Tree (Magnolia Umbrella or M. 
tripetala) is rarely seen in good form in this country, 
yet a healthy-foliaged, sweetly-flowered plant occupie 3 
a rather prominent position outside the walls of the 
garden. For its unusually large leaves this distinct 
tree is, perhaps, most remarkable, some of these, 
of which I took measurements, being as much as 
15 ins. long by 7 ins. in width. Of the heart-leaved 
Magnolia (M. cordata) there are two fast-growing and 
large specimens, one of which is 52 ft. in height, 
girths 5 ft. 11 ins. at a yard up, and sends out its 
branches so as to cover a ground space of 45 ft. in 
diameter. Flowers are produced on both trees in the 
richest profusion, these being of a greenish white 
without, and deliciously fragrant. It is an interesting 
tree, and one that is well worthy of a far greater 
amount of attention than it has hitherto received. 
The Cluster Pine (Pinus Pinaster) stands boldly out 
in the park fronting the house, the contorted stem 
and branches, and which is half the beauty of the tree, 
imparting even to young specimens an old and hoary 
appearance. “Umbrella-headed” describes well the 
general appearance of the Cluster Pine, as seen growing 
in this country, and the tree in question is no exception 
to the rule, the stem being destitute of branches three- 
fourths its length, with simply a dense cluster of 
foliage at the top. At a yard from the ground the 
stem-girth is 6 ft. 6 ins., and the total height is 57 ft. 
Of that distinct and highly ornamental tree, the cut¬ 
leaved Alder (Alnus glutinosa laciniata), there are two 
stately and well-placed specimens, one being planted 
on the bank of either lake. In this form the leaves 
are finely divided, thus imparting to the whole tree an 
unusually light and airy appearance. The largest is 
45 ft. in heigUt, has a branch-spread of 45 ft. in 
diameter, and a bole girthing 6 ft. at a yard from the 
ground. 
The Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) shows 
off to perfection its usually neat habit and deep purple 
foliage, which contrasts so pleasingly with the sombre 
green of a fair-sized specimen of the common Yew 
growing in close proximity to it. It is planted on an 
island in one of the lakes, in company with as 
wretched and distorted a tree of the Weeping Ash 
as could well be imagined. A pretty but accidental 
combination and contrast is afforded here in spring by 
the presence of a huge specimen of the White Poplar 
(Populus alba) immediately to the rear of the Beech, 
the greyish foliage of the one showing off to perfection 
the coppery purple of the other. This White Poplar 
is, when suitably placed, a tree of great beauty, and 
one also that is of rapid growth, and which attains to 
giant proportions. The largest at Hollydale is 82 ft. 
in height, girths 8 ft. 10 ins. at 3 ft. from the ground, 
and contains 97 ft. of wood. 
The Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus Libani) thrives here, as 
it does all over the estate, to perfection, one specimen 
growing on the green sward near the margin of the 
lake, and which is visible from the lawn, having a 
branch-spread of 72 ft., and a stem girthing 11 ft. 2 ins. 
at a yard from the ground. It is in perfect health, as 
is clearly demonstrated by the abundance of rich green 
foliage, with which the far-spreading branches are so 
well clothed. Close to the little gate, and alongside 
the path leading from the yard to the lake, is a giant 
specimen of the Elm. At a yard up the stem measures 
12 ft. in girth, and contains of measurable timber 
213 ft. The total height is 89 ft., and the branch- 
spread 81 ft. at widest part. A Lime not far from this, 
but nearer the lake, girths 11 ft. 4 ins. at breast high, 
rises to fully £0 ft. in height, and the branches cover a 
space of 61 ft. in diameter. This is a noble specimen, 
with a well-shaped head, and great wealth of the 
richest foliage. 
Near to this—in fact, too close to allow of its perfect 
development—is a very graceful tree of the Weeping 
Hemlock Spruce (Abies canadensis pendulifolia ?), and 
which adds quite’a charm to the surroundings from its 
distinct habit and pretty foliage. This is by no means 
a common tree, and is not included in our latest standard 
works on the Conifer®. It is 35 ft. in height, with a 
stem 4 ft. 2 ins. in girth at a yard high, and a spread 
of branches covering a space upwards of 30 ft. in 
diameter. The branches droop regularly around the 
tree, and in a most decided manner, the long weeping 
spray hanging downwards for several feet, and im¬ 
parting an appearance that is as unusual as it is 
desirable. In spring the difference between the light, 
fresh, lively tints of the young foliage, and sombre, 
almost Yew-green of the Alder leaves, is both striking 
and pretty, and particularly so as displayed by the 
weeping branches. 
The Norway Spruce (Abies excelsa) is well repre¬ 
sented by a line of beautiful trees, which grow near 
the lake, almost opposite Keston Lodge. These are 
very uniform in size, the average height being 78 ft., 
and the stem girth at 3 ft. up 8 ft. 2 ins.— A. D. 
Webster. 
(To be continued.) 
