258 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
September  12, 1895. 
monophylla),  very  distinct  in  colour,  and  a  Picea  nobilis  glauca,  30  feet 
high,  also  attracted  attention.  The  approach  to  a  fine  mausoleum  of 
the  Corinthian  and  Doric  style  of  architecture  is  very  beautiful,  formed 
of  a  Yew  hedge  20  feet  high,  and  a  well-kept  turf  walk  40  feet  broad, 
rendering  the  view  from  distance  an  admirable  one,  displaying  as  it 
does  a  fine  combination  of  architecture  and  arboriculture.  From  here 
we  entered  the  gardens,  and  obtained  a  fine  view  of  the  river  Teviot, 
which  encircles  the  estate  and  divides  it  from  that  of  the  Duke  of 
Roxburghe.  The  grounds  are  extensive,  the  flower  garden  being  of  the 
Italian  style,  oval  in  shape,  and  containing  the  usual  vases  and 
statuary.  The  flower  beds  were  generally  mixed,  but  had  a  brightening 
effect  on  the  surroundings,  consisting  of  Zinnias,  Begonias,  Dahlias, 
Gladioli,  and  “  Geraniums.”  A  fine  arbour  was  also  observed  completely 
covered  with  Hops  and  Ivy.  In  front  of  Mr.  Chaplain’s  house  is  an 
Aristolochia  Sipho,  commonly  known  as  the  Dutchman’s  Pipe,  as  a 
climber,  which  had  bloomed  this  year ;  also  a  fine  Witch  Elm,  30  yards 
spread  of  branch,  and  on  part  of  the  estate  called  Maxwellheugh  is  a 
fine  specimen  of  Italian  Poplar,  20  feet  6  inches  in  circumference 
4  feet  from  the  ground,  and  the  spread  of  branches  commences  at 
14.  It  was  computed  it  would  contain  from  800  to  900  cubic  feet  of 
timber.  On  Ridge  End  Park,  another  part  of  the  estate,  excellent  Ash 
trees  were  examined. 
After  a  hurried  drive  back  to  Kelso  a  visit  to  Stuart  &  Mein’s 
nurseries  took  place,  Mr.  Mein  personally  conducting  the  party. 
Over  forty  different  varieties  of  Sweet  Peas  were  examined.  The 
Dahlias  were  a  splendid  collection,  the  Coniferse  interesting,  and  many 
questions  were  asked  Mr.  Mein  about  the  renowned  and  large  collection 
of  English  Tulips  the  firm  possesses. 
Floors  Castle, 
The  ducal  home  of  the  Duke  of  Roxburghe,  was  next  visited.  Who  has 
not  in  the  arboricultural  or  horticultural  world  heard  of  Floors  Castle  ? 
The  visitors  had  been  wont  to  give  expression  of  admiration  all  the  morn¬ 
ing,  but  now  their  enthusiasm  knew  no  bounds.  The  party  was  received 
at  the  gates  by  Mr.  S.  Reid,  the  head  forester.  Interesting  specimens 
of  Cupressus  glauca  Lawsoniana  are  in  the  fine  avenue  to  the  Castle 
approach,  the  foliage  being  very  glaucous.  Fine  Beech  rides  branch  off  at 
right  angles  to  the  avenue,  reminding  the  writer  of  those  at  Gibside  Hall, 
Durham,  the  seat  of  the  Earl  of  Strathmore.  Some  of  these  Beeches 
averaged  from  35J  to  36^  and  37  inches  quarter  girth.  The  Spanish 
Chestnuts  are  truly  a  stately  group  of  trees,  some  of  them  14 J  inches 
quarter  girth  about  4  feet  2  inches  high.  Mr.  S.  Reid  has  been  eighteen 
years  forester  under  His  Grace,  has  charge  of  all  his  estates,  and  evidently 
is  proud  of  the  onerous  duties  he  has  to  perform.  After  a  view  of  the 
Castle,  which  it  was  stated  cost  £80,000  to  build,  the  gardens  next 
claimed  our  attention,  said  to  have  cost  £30,000.  At  the  entrance  we 
noticed  a  fine  Wellingtonia  gigantea,  54  feet  high,  and  20  feet  through, 
planted  by  Her  Majesty  as  a  memorial  of  her  visit  to  Floors  Castle  on 
the  2l8t  August,  1867,  There  is  also  a  copper-coloured  Beech  near  to 
here,  which  contrasted  most  agreeably  with  the  foliage  of  the  surround¬ 
ing  trees. 
The  party  was  here  received  by  Mr.  Chas.  Street,  the  head  gardener. 
The  flower  garden  was  an  example  of  good  English  style.  The  Begonia 
beds,  Pentstemons  (white  and  scarlet),  Dahlias,  and  the  various 
Coniferse  all  contributed  to  make  a  tout  ensemile  that  was  a  fitting 
attribute  to  what  is  known  as  the  glass  corridor,  and  the  seven  houses 
that  run  at  right  angles  to  it.  The  houses  are  devoted  to  growing 
Camellias,  Peaches,  Figs,  Palms,  and  greenhouse  plants,  but  the  vineries 
are  of  the  most  importance.  The  house  of  Muscats,  60  feet  by  20  feet, 
was  certainly  a  treat  to  see.  The  bunches  were  from  to  3^  lbs.  each, 
and  berries  as  even  in  size  as  a  crop  of  Cherries.  The  colour  of  the 
berries  was  of  the  choicest  amber,  and  the  finish  as  perfect  as  the  most 
enthusiastic  viticulturist  could  desire.  No  visitor  to  Kelso  or  the 
neighbourhood  should  miss  taking  advantage  of  seeing  this  magnificent 
Muscat  house.  Orchids  are  also  made  a  speciality.  A  large  Cattleya 
house,  contained  many  healthy  plants.  The  regret  was  that  the  party 
could  not  stay  longer.  Mr.  C.  Street  was  awarded  a  hearty  vote  of 
thanks  for  his  courtesy. 
Newton  Don  Estate, 
This  was  the  next  place  visited,  and  is  the  property  of  C.  B.  Balfour, 
Esq.,  who  was  present  with  his  gardener  and  forester,  Mr.  Wm.  Wood, 
to  show  the  party  all  that  was  interesting.  On  the  lawn  in  front  of  the 
house  is  a  fine  specimen  of  Quercus  rubra,  220  feet  high  and  8  feet 
3  inches  in  circumference.  In  the  Lawn  Park  there  are  also  several 
superb  Oaks,  14  feet  9  in  circumference,  9  feet  up  ;  another  one 
13  feet  3  ;  an  average  of  about  forty  to  forty-five  feet  bole  ;  and  another 
interesting  Oak  caused  a  great  deal  of  discussion  as  to  whether  it  was 
pedunculata  or  sessiliflora,  but  as  an  acorn  was  found  with  a  footstalk 
1;^  long  it  was  then  satisfactorily  agreed  to  be  pedunculata.  In  the 
same  park  are  Silver  Firs  14  feet  at  4  feet  girth.  Oaks  and  Wych  Elms 
15  feet  girth,  250  years  old.  On  the  south  side  of  the  house,  on  the 
terraces,  are  here  and  there  some  fine  specimens  of  Silver  Fir  80  feet 
high,  and  in  the  hough  below  the  house  are  some  fine  Limes  104  high. 
The  flower  garden  is  to  the  south-west  of  the  bouse,  and  contains 
sub-tropical  designs,  in  which  were  plants  of  Arundinaria  conspicua, 
Phormium  tenax,  and  Yucca  filamentosa.  A  fine  bed  of  Begonias  of  the 
Sedeni  type  in  full  bloom  was  very  effective.  A  fine  Magnolia  furcata 
caused  attraction,  as  Mr.  Balfour  stated  it  stood  5°  of  frost  below  zero. 
From  here  a  fine  view  of  Flodden  Field  was  seen  to  the  left.  The  best 
ConifeiEe  here  were  Picea  Nordmanniana,  16  feet,  Cupressus  nutkaiinsis 
compacta,  and  Abies  Alcoquiana,  grand.  Cedrus  atlantica  was  also 
worthy  of  notice.  The  party  was  here  about  three  hours,  and  the 
owner,  Mr.  Balfour,  remained  with  them  all  the  time. 
Stichell  House. 
Thifl  property  of  the  representatives  of  the  late  A.  Baird,  Esq.,  was 
the  next  place  visited.  There  is  here  a  magnificent  collection  of  timber. 
The  gardens  are  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Robt.  Stott ;  the  forests  under 
Mr.  J.  Naismith,  and  both  carry  out  their  duties  efficiently. 
Hendeesyde  Park, 
The  seat  of  Sir  Richard  Griffiths,  Bart.,  was  next  on  the  list.  Mr. 
Watson,  the  head  gardener,  was  in  attendance ;  and  the  gardens  were 
found  to  contain  some  fine  new  glass  structures.  The  estate  is  large,  and 
possesses  a  deal  of  good  timber ;  but  time  was  passing  quickly,  and 
it  was  a  necessity  to  make  a  hurried  inspection. 
This  brought  the  excursion  to  a  close,  and  before  the  party  broke  up 
a  vote  of  thanks  to  Messrs.  Mather  and  Mein,  Kelso,  was  heartily  accorded 
for  their  kind  attention  during  the  stay  of  the  party  ;  also  to  the 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Mr.  John  Davidson,  and  his  assistant,  for  the 
able  arrangements  made  for  the  comfort  of  all  concerned.  The  Presi¬ 
dent  received  an  ovation  for  remaining  amongst  them  all  the  time. — 
Bernard  Cowan,  F.R.H.S. 
THE  ASHFORD  VINERIES,  COBHAM,  SURREY. 
With  a  surplusage  of  Ashfords  in  the  country  it  is  rather  odd  that 
without  the  least  local  connection  with  the  name  there  should  exist  at 
least  two  Ashford  Vineries,  one  so  well  known,  and  where  that  able 
Grape  grower,  Mr.  Castle,  recently  resided,  at  Fordingbridge,  Hants,  the 
other  being  at  Cobham  in  Surrey.  Mr.  Bennett  is  the  owner  of  this 
latter  block,  and  Mr.  Smith,  who  is  well  known  to  market  Grape 
growers,  is  his  grower  and  manager.  These  vineries  so  called,  and  I 
refer  not  to  one  block  but  to  all,  seem  to  me  to  merit  the  appellation  of 
Grape  factories,  for  really  they  do  annually  produce  Grapes  in  immense 
quantities,  literally  by  tons,  all  too  produced  from  out  of  the  air  and  soil, 
the  latter  being  well  fed  with  elements  out  of  which  in  the  process  of 
natural  manufacture  Grapes  are  evolved.  Private  gardeners  who  grow 
Grapes  well,  as  a  rule,  would  be  often  staggered  could  they  but  see  the 
enormous  crops  of  bunches  which  market  growers  take  year  after  year 
from  their  Vines,  and  would  wonder  how  such  marvellous  productive¬ 
ness  could  be  long  sustained.  Especially  is  this  wonderful  cropping 
quality  found  in  Gros  Colman,  the  favourite  market  Grape,  and  here  it 
is  grown  in  several  huge  long  span  houses,  each  some  20  feet  wide,  and 
of  varying  and  great  lengths,  but  the  crop  of  bunches  is  so  dense  that 
the  ultimate  bulk  seems  almo.st  incalculable.  One  marvels  how  Vines 
can  go  on  manufacturing  such  great  weights  of  fruit  year  after  year  ; 
but  there  can  be  no  doubt  the  secret  is  found  in  feeding,  so  that  the 
roots  not  only  constitute  a  mass  near  the  surface,  but  even  here 
and  there  thrust  themselves  out  like  hungry  tongues  in  search  of 
food. 
The  soil  here  is  not  of  any  special  excellence.  Richly  made  borders, 
such  as  gardeners  generally  delight  in,  are  out  of  the  question.  The 
ground  was  originally  an  ordinary  arable  field.  When  the  houses  were 
erected  the  insides  were  all  trenched  and  had  animal  manure  and  bone- 
flour  added,  the  Vines  were  prepared,  so  far  as  could  be,  from  eyes  in  the 
spring,  turned  out  from  pots  when  3  feet  high  in  the  summer,  or  so  soon 
as  the  borders  were  ready,  encouraged  to  make  all  the  growth  they 
could  that  season,  cut  hard  back  the  following  winter,  and  in  response  sent 
up  fine,  hard,  sWt-jointed  rods  to  the  tops  of  the  houses  during  the 
season.  Cut  back  to  one-third  the  length  the  following  winter,  and  fruited 
that  much  in  the  summer,  another  third  of  rod  was  added  the  following 
year,  and  yet  another  third  later  on.  When  I  saw  these  houses  the 
other  day  nearly  all  were  full.  In  one  or  two  cases  new  plantings  had 
been  made,  for  the  process  of  renovation  must  be  always  going  on,  but 
the  order  of  procedure  as  mentioned  was  adopted. 
Generally  the  houses  seem  rather  low,  but  some,  notably  a  very 
long  broad  span,  has  an  unusully  high  sharp  roof,  and  here  Gros  Colman 
was  colouring  in  places,  the  Vines  varying,  as  black  as  bunches  of 
Gros  Maroc.  No  doubt  under  such  steep  roofs  greater  light  is  secured,, 
and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  the  greater  the  light  the  more  fully 
do  Grapes  colour.  Mr.  Smith  said  in  relation  to  the  general  enormous 
crop  of  Colmans,  "  Of  course  we  could  get  much  deeper  colour  if  we 
cropped  less  heavily,  but  then  at  the  most  our  enhanced  price  would  not 
exceed  6d.  per  lb.  Now  we  take  the  heaviest  crop  possible,  and  find 
that  it  pays  much  better  than  does  a  much  lighter  one  more  fully 
coloured.”  I  fotnd  on  inquiry  that,  apart  from  moderate  mulchings  of 
decayed  stable  manure,  the  favourite  chemical  is  Thomson’s.  There  is 
but  one  lean-to  house  on  the  place.  That  is  planted  also  with  Gros 
Colman  in  front,  and  has  Gros  Maroc  on  the  back  wall,  but  these  latter 
will  soon  come  out,  as  the  roof  is  fast  filling  up. 
It  was  specially  noticeable  as  showing  the  effects  of  greater  light 
in  producing  colour  that  the  Colmans  were  much  deeper  coloured  at  the 
ends  of  this  house  than  in  the  centre,  the  light  coming  in  from  the 
glass  ends  helping  greatly  to  promote  this  desideratum.  The  usual 
process  seems  to- be,  as  illustrated  here,  of  taking  about  20  lbs.  of  fruit 
the  first  season,  and  increasing  up  to  about  50  lbs.  per  rod,  which  means 
in  long  houses  a  tremendous  crop.  One  pair-rod  Vine  gave  last  year 
76  lbs.,  and  in  another  house  one  of  three  rods  has  eighty  bunches, 
and  at  the  least  112  lbs.  of  Grapes,  each  rod  being  about  10  feet  long. 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  is  very  largely  grown,  too,  colouring  well. 
In  one  house  Mrs.  Pearson  was  excellent.  Black  Hamburghs  have  all 
