tICfje ^totiobeniJron ^ocietj) 
CASTLE KENNEDY, WIGTOWNSHIRE. 
Contributed by The Right Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart. 
This fine demesne, in which stands the modern mansion of Lochinch, the 
residence of the Earl of Stair (now a prisoner of war), embraces two large fresh¬ 
water lochs near the sea inlet of Loch Ryan. The grounds are very extensive ; 
previous to the war about seventy acres were kept under mowing machines. The 
isthmus between the two lochs, a ridge of light gravelly loam nowhere more than 
100 feet above sea level, has long been noted as an arboretum, chiefly of coniferous 
trees. It is here that the greater number of rhododendrons have been planted, 
although hundreds of fine specimens of Indian species, as well as some hybrids, 
are scattered along the shores of both lakes and through the surrounding woods. 
The soil and climate are most favourable to their growth, although much of the 
ground is too much exposed to wind to allow of their full luxuriance. The display 
of blossom in spring is remarkable, and promises to be exceptionally profuse 
in 1917. 
The collection was begun about sixty years ago, and is more noteworthy for 
the size and number of the plants than for the variety of species. Rh. arboreum 
in its various forms greatly preponderates. This species was propagated in great 
numbers by the late Mr. Fowler, for very many years in charge of the gardens 
and grounds, and occurs in hundreds in all conditions of light, shade and wind 
exposure. Rh. campanulatum and niveum seem to have been among the 
earliest planted, while the less frequent species, Rh. Thomsoni, barbatum, 
Batemanni and nobile were probably contributed by Sir Joseph Hooker, who 
took much interest in the arboretum in its early years. 
Unfortunately the plants have been set so near each other that, in many 
places, they have interfered with their proper development. They now present 
many distressing problems, calling for stern resolution to sacrifice splendid 
growths in the interest of others of equal or superior merit. Nor does the conflict 
lie only among rhododendrons. Conifers, Eucalyptus, Maples and other choice 
trees, Eucryphia, Pittosporum, Arbutus, Desfontainea, and many other charming 
shrubs, have been allowed to form a jungle, competing with rhododendrons, and 
with each other. A good deal has been done of late years, both by sacrificing 
fine plants of Indian rhododendrons, in order to give room to others, and also by 
sweeping away masses of Rh. ponticum, which here, as in so many other places, 
has overrun an undue amount of ground. But this work has been greatly 
retarded or suspended owing to shortage of labour, in consequence of 
the war. 
Considerable numbers of seedlings have been raised from the better species 
in the grounds, and thousands of these are growing vigorously in the nurseries in 
charge of Mr. Hoggartu, forester, and Mr. Cruden, gardener, affording a 
convenient and desirable reservoir for exchange. 
27 
