361 
February 5, 1898. THE GARDENING WORLD 
thing. Unless the garden is very small, 4 ft. would 
be too narrow. Bastard trench the site in preference to 
trenching it, and work the manure well down into the 
subsoil instead of bringing the latter to the surface. 
You will thus give the plants something to root 
down into when they have got a start. This will be 
a matter of considerable importance if we get a spell 
of drought in the coming summer. 
- « 1 —. — 
THE WESTERN HEMLOCK. 
(Tsuga mertensiana). 
Under the name of Prince Albert’s Fir (Tsuga 
albertiana) this tree is most commonly to be found, 
but priority of nomenclature causes the present 
name to be now generally adopted. The tree was 
introduced in 1857 by the Oregon Association of 
Edinburgh through their collector Jeffrey, and named 
in honour of the patron of the association—the late 
Prince Consort. _ 
Probably no other species of Tsnga is better adap¬ 
ted for growth in this country, certainly none grows 
quicker or sooner forms a sturdy well-branched 
ornamental specimen than that under notice. The 
habit of growth is both erect and spreading, the 
flexible leading shcot keeping well ahead of the 
long, lithe, and thickly produced branches which 
are clothed throughout with distinctly pendulous 
and feathery branchlets. Some difference in the 
shade of foliage colouring is noticeable on different 
specimens, but usually this is of a dark green and 
nearly approaching that of the better known and 
more commonly cultivated Hemlock Spruce (L. 
canadensis). 
The foliage is two -ranked and horizontally 
arranged, each leaf about J inch long; while the 
cones are an inch in length and of a beautiful russety- 
brown when fully matured. For afforesting pur¬ 
poses Tsuga mertensiana is well worthy of a trial, 
and experiments in this way instituted a few years 
back have given general satisfaction. The produc¬ 
tion of timber is rapid, that of a specimen which I 
measured in North Wales averaging if feet per 
annum, or a total of 48J cubic feet for thirty-five 
years. 
Seldom, indeed, is it that we find a larger or 
more perfectly developed specimen than that just 
figured, and which is growing, with lots of other 
uncommon Conifers, at the Emmetts, Ida Hill, 
Sevenoaks, the recently acquired and delightfully 
situated property of F. Lubbock, Esq. The photo¬ 
graph was taken by the nephew of the Right Hon. 
Sir John Lubbock, Bart., M.P.— A:D. Webster. 
LEICESTER PUBLIC PARKS AND 
RECREATION GROUNDS. 
There is no city or town in the United Kingdom 
that is better provided with the above than the 
Borough of Leicester. The corporation seize every 
opportunity of securing suitable spots for the recrea¬ 
tion of the public, and which I am pleased to say is 
greatly appreciated. They have, in addition to those 
I am about to mention, purchased 180 acres, which 
are well timbered or wocded, beautifully situated, 
easy of access to the town, and about two miles from 
the Abbey Park. The laying out of this is entrusted 
to Mr. John Burn, the superintendent of parks and 
gardens, and in whose hands nothing will be wanting 
to convert this into a paradise for the people. He 
has already been entrusted with the laying out of all 
the parks and gardens, and his work has proclaimed 
for him a practical monument of his abilities. The 
corporation did well for themselves and the public, 
when they secured his services; for no grounds are 
better and more practically cared for than those of 
Leicester. 
The Abbey Park. 
Sixteen years ago this was an unused swamp; look at 
it to-day with its 70 acres of ground, almost in the 
centre of the town, and beautifully laid out. Its un¬ 
dulating grounds, its picturesque lake, its ornamental 
buildings, and its grand conservatory are all alike 
examples of horticultural skill. It is most aston¬ 
ishing how well the trees and shrubs do. 
Some large trees have been moved from time 
to time by Mr. Burn, with great success. Trees and 
shrubs, 30 ft. high, take some moving, and all, with 
more or less success, have done remarkably well. 
In the Abbey Park the public get a taste of all 
kinds of ornamental gardening; carpet bedding is 
well done; ribbon borders areperfection ; sub-tropi¬ 
cal work astonishes the public; and succulent garden¬ 
ing they look upon with amazement. For those who 
wish to study botany a useful officinal and medicinal 
garden in a secluded spot is everything that can be 
desired. The roads are perfection, and everything is 
neat and nattv, including the beautiful bowling 
green with its verdant sward like a carpet, which is 
a boon to the many players. It is in this park that 
the annual floral fetes are held, and which have done 
so much to stimulate a love for gardening, especially 
in the district. These grand exhibitions increase in 
popularity every year. Entries are more numerous, 
and what is better the public increase in numbers. 
This must be gratifying to the town council as well 
as the superintendent, Mr. Burn. The grand con¬ 
servatory here is always full of interest winter and 
summer, and is especially kept by one whose un¬ 
tiring energies on all occasions never seem to flag. 
I have heard from those in a position to speak, that 
is, from my brother judges, who like myself have had 
great experience in various parts of the United 
Kingdom, that a better place for an exhibition and a 
better managed one it has not been our lot to find. 
That is the verdict of all; loDg may the show con¬ 
tinue to prosper. 
The Old Racecourse. 
This was converted into a park by Mr. Burn about six 
years ago. It is 70 acres in extent, and 12 acres are 
devoted to a cricket ground, which is a model of 
perfection. 
Spinny Hill Park. 
This is about 32 acres in extent, and was converted 
into a park about twelve years ago. It claims for 
itself one of the best kept and prettiest parks in the 
Midlands. 
Fosse Road Recreation Grounds-or New 
Park. 
This park of some 12 acres to 13 acres is just com¬ 
pleted, and will be a great boon to the inhabitants of 
this district. It is splendidly laid out, and every 
advantage has been taken by the landscape artist to 
make the most of the situation, and that he has 
succeeded is quite evident by many of the artistic 
tit bits that one meets. 
Belgrave Road Recreation Ground. 
Here we have another fine open space of 12 acres, 
designed by Mr. Burn and planted about four years 
ago. It is a most popular resort for the thousands. 
The Welford Road Recreation Grounds 
consist of 15 acres beautifully surrounded by trees. 
The grass, roads, and walks are well suited for the 
position, and the great advantage of the beautiful 
open space is greatly appreciated by rich and poor. 
St. Margaret’s Pasture and Recreation 
Ground. 
This is close by the Abbey Park, being 10 acres 
in extent, and beautifully belted by fine trees, 
planted some twelve years ago. This is used for 
cricket, football, and other sports; and is what every 
city and town ought to have for these manly sports 
Thousands flock here to enjoy themselves. 
(Tsuga mertensiana). 
The Ayleetone Road Grounds 
are just about to be made, and Mr. J. Burn is pre¬ 
paring plants for the 14 acres of which the area 
consists, and in whose hands nothing will be wanted 
to secure everything that can be desired. 
Corporation Tree Planting, Roads, &c. 
A vast number of trees has been most successfully 
planted, and keeps many men employed. No one can 
grudge any expense, however, when one sees what 
lovely trees they are and the beautiful effect pro¬ 
duced. Every available spot is taken advantage of, 
and a finer lot of town or city trees cannot be found 
in the United Kingdom. Those recently planted are 
doing magnificently. The task of superintending 
such a number of grounds and parks is very great. 
No one but a thoroughly practical man could 
manage it; but to Mr. John Burn it seems to come 
naturally. We heartily congratulate him upon bis 
sound practical abilities in laying out and managing 
the numerous departments, which are such a boon 
The Western Hemlock 
