May  19,  1904. 
JOURNAL  OB'  HORTICULTURE  AXD  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
433 
Tynteslleld,  near  Bristol. 
OI{  many  yeans  tlie  residence  of  Antony  Ksq., 
Tyntestield,  lias  had  a  far-reaching  fame  horticnltuially 
speaking.  The  soil,  situation,  and  the  unstinting 
patronage  of  its  owner  aid  this  to  a  remarkable  degree. 
The  rich,  red  soil  has  a  tone  of  the  utmost  luxuiiance 
about  it,  and  this  is  exemplilied  in  the  health  and 
vigour  of  tree  and  crop  of  every  kind.  The  po.sition  of  the 
house  and  grounds  command  an  extensive  range  of  hiil  and 
v'alley,  stretching  towards  AVe,ston-super-jlare  and  Clevedon.  and 
the  home  park  being  so  beautifully  undulating  and  well-timbered 
enriches  the  landscape  with  the  wealth  of  varied  tree  life.  The 
lawns  and  grounds  extend  to  upwards  of  thirty  acres,  and  are 
full  from  end  to  end  of  interesting  trees  and  shrubs  in  perfect 
keeping.  What  lends  so  much  interest  is  the  fact  of  so  many 
of  the  shrubs  and  trees  being  named,  and  kinds,  so  many  of 
them  strictly  out  of  the  common. 
Tyntesfieid  House  cannot  claim  an  age  measuied  by  cen¬ 
turies,  and  this  being  so,  the  age  and  development  of  trees  are 
not  of  that  maturity  and  size  seen  in  some  other  gardens  ;  yet, 
wliile  this  is  true  in  fact,  there  are  notable  specimens  of  some 
trees,  whose  progress  has  been  fostered  by  the  splendid  soil 
and  perfect  shelter  abundantly  provided  bv  the  sloping  nature 
of  the  situation.  Cedars  are  numerous,  the  majority  of  them 
lieing  brought  home  by  ancestral  relatives  direct  from  the 
Lebanon  regions. 
Stately  Conifers. 
Some  of  these  date  back  less  than  .sixty  years,  yet  they  are 
fine  trees,  making  rapid  headway.  Wellingtonias,  too,  grow 
well,  one  tree  in  iiarticular  measuring  some  80ft  to  90ft  high. 
One  of  the  finest  Araucaria  imbricata  we  have  ever  seen  is  here, 
its  branches  sweeping  the  grass  in  perfect  .symmetry,  and  its 
girth  of  stem  remarkable.  Seed  cones  form  freely,  but  I  did  not 
learn  that  any  had  been  reproduced.  Some  Cryptomeria 
elegans  are  very  stately,  so  also  are  Picea  lasiocai’pa  and  Cu- 
pressus  macrocarpa.  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  pendula  is  striking 
in  its  graceful  bearing,  and  being  planted  in  a  tree-formed 
recess  on  grass,  its  drooping  character  is  made  the  more  con¬ 
spicuous.  The  variegated  Cupressus  L.  var.  alba  is  not  every¬ 
where  an  attractive  tree,  the  variegation  being  so  dull,  and  the 
growth  of  the  tree  poor.  This  cannot  be  said  of  the  Tyntesfieid 
specimens.  Abies  Parryana  glauca  and  A.  Alcoriuiana  will 
develop  into  handsome  proportions,  judging  by  their  present 
rate  of  progress. 
Rhododendrons  grow  into  immense  birshes  cpiite  12ft  high, 
and  at  the  time  of  mv  visit  in  April,  some  were  cpiite  gay  with 
crimson  blossom,  while  others  promised  a  rich  clisplay  later  in 
the  season.  These  are  planted  some  in  large  circular  group.s, 
others  as  single  specimens.  Peat  beds  seem  to  have  been  formed 
for  their  reception.  To  name  even  a  tithe  of  the  numbers  of 
flowering  shrubs  that  are  grouped  about  the  lawns  would  need 
much  space,  yet  annually  there  are  additions  made  both  in 
variety  and  number. 
The  Rose  garden  must  be  a  wonderful  sight  with  its  iron 
pei-golas  of  Crimson  Ramblers  and  other  climbing  kinds.  Large 
beds  are  filled  with  dwarf  H.P.’s  and  Teas  in  large  numbers. 
An  extensive  rockery  has  recentlj'  been  overhaulecl,  and  many 
aclditions  made,  Japanese  Maples  occupying  the  higher  eleva¬ 
tions  behind  will  give  of  their  delicate  tints  most  effectively. 
The  Fruit  Houses. 
The  glass  structures,  which  are  numerous  and  extensive,  are 
of  sub.stantial  construction,  and  modern  in  de.sign.  A  hand¬ 
some  range  of  patent  iron  dry-glazed  vineries  are  some  180ft 
in  length  in  three  divisions.  Mr.  Wilkinson  has  a  long-standing 
reputation  as  a  Grape  grower,  and  though  his  charge  at  Tyntes¬ 
fieid  extends  back  but  a  few  years,  there  has  been  a  marked 
change  in  the  liealth  and  product ivene.ss  of  the  Vine.s.  Those 
in  two  divisions  have  been  lifted,  the  borders  reconstructed 
with  new  turf,  and  the  success  of  the  undertaking  now  may  be 
seen  in  the  heavy  crops  and  luxuriant  leafage  at  the  present 
time.  The  central  division  has  been  entirely  replanted  with 
new  Vines,  mostly  Mu, scat  of  Alexandria,  and  these,  like  the 
older  ones,  demonstrate  clearly  that  their  soil  and  attendance 
are  of  the  best. 
Peaches,  like  Grapes,  are  extensively  grown  in  succession, 
the  earlie.st  being  accommodated  in  a  lean-to  range  continuing 
from  tlie  vineries  already  mentioned,  while  a  patent  gear-roofed 
structure,  which  opens  in  .sections  so  as  to  expose  the  trees  to 
oiieu  air,  pi-ovides  the  latest  fruits.  Among  these  A])ricots  and 
J‘'igs  are  planted,  and  all  appeared  to  thrive  remarkablv  wed. 
A  former  gardener  in  his  effort  to  introduce  originality  of  train¬ 
ing,  adopted  an  espalier  style,  but  the  fallacy  of  such  a  course 
is  now  plainly  visible  in  the  bare  stem  and  barren  spaces  con¬ 
tinuing  up  tiio  main  stems.  This  will  in  time  be  modified  by 
replanting  new  trees.  It  is  unfortunate  that  almost  the  whole 
.of  the  extensive  glas.s-grown  stock  of  trees  have  been  thus  spoilt. 
Slate  shelves  overhead  afford  excellent  accommodation  for 
Strawberries,  of  which  800  are  grown  in  pots.  Royal  Sovereign 
is  the  favourite  for  tnis  purpose,  and  the  crop  produced  in  oin 
and  Oin  pots  were  the  best  we  have  seen  this  year. 
Melons  and  Cucumbers  have  another  iron  bip-roofed  range, 
admirably  adapted  to  forcing  the.se  crops.  Fine  fruits  were 
developing  in  April  of  Royal  Jubilee,  Carter’s  Invicta,  Hath 
and  Weils — a  seedling  raised  at  the  Ifishop’s  Palace  gardens 
some  years  ago — Cotswold  Hero,  Jiittle  Heath,  and  Western 
Hero.  The  soil  of  Tyntesfieid  seems  emimmtly  suited  to 
Melons,  as  3Jr.  Wilkinson  finds  the  colour  and  size  of  the  fruits 
to  be  most  satisfactory,  as  well  as  flavour. 
The  Plant  Ranges. 
The  fruit  and  plant  ranges  are  separate.  A  band.some  and 
costly  architectural  building  forms  the  entrance  to  the  latter, 
and  this  is  devoted  to  Oranges  and  other  large  trees  in  tubs 
and  pots.  This  opens  into  a  large  fernery,  on  the  roof  of  which 
grows  Bougainvillea  glabra  in  luxuriant  festoons.  In  adjoining 
structures  are  grown  large  batches  of  decorative  plants  that 
find  uses  in  the  conservatory  and  house.  The  Bridal  Wreath 
(Francoa  ramosa)  and  Humea  elegans  were  in  fine  form,  the 
latter  in  particular  were  mo.st  vigorous  and  numerous.  Xerine 
Fothergilli  major  had  been  fine.  Gloxinias,  Begonias,  and 
Pelargoniums  are  other  subjects  in  large  demand. 
In  one  of  the  stoves  an  Aliamanda  seemed  most  luxuriant, 
and  in  summer  it  is  said  comiiletely  covers  the  roof  with  its 
golden  fountain-like  sprays.  Adiantum  Farleyense  and  Pan- 
cratiums  do  remarkably  well,  and  are  grown  in  large  (piantities. 
In  one  of  the  stoves  Crotons  made  a  bright  .show,  as  also  did 
Begonia  carminata  ro.sea.  Violets  in  frames  are  largely  and 
most  successfully  cultivated,  especially  the  long-stemmed 
Princess  of  AVales. 
The  conservatory  adjoins  the  house,  and  is  a  large  and 
costly  structure,  some  90ft  in  length,  oOft  broad,  with  a  central 
dome  of  probably  OOft,  altogether  an  imposing  erection  in  iron. 
Tree  ferns.  Palms,  and  other  large  plants  in  boxes  and  pots 
occupy  the  floor  space  with  overhead  and  pillar  climbers  which 
cover  a  deal  of  space  in  festoons.  Goniophiebiums  in  large 
baskets  are  very  handsome,  and  the  walls  have  a  cool-looking 
repo.se  in  fern  and  Begonia.  This  and  the  main  front  of  uie 
mansion  overlooks  the  terrace  garden,  which,  at  the  time  of 
my  visit,  was  extremely  gay  with  Tulips,  AVallflowers,  and  other 
spring  blossom  in  large,  handsome  beds.  The  low  terrace  walls 
afford  shelter  and  accommodation  for  choice  flowering  shrubs 
not  suflScientl.v  hardy  in  the  open  ground,  and  in  their  season 
lend  an  aspect  of  much  interest  and  variet.v. 
The  Kitchen  Garxex. 
The  kitchen  gardens  are  not  of  the  acreage  proportionate 
to  the  grounds,  but  their  high  state  of  fertility  and  productive¬ 
ness  give  crops  above  the  average.  The  walls  are  studded  with 
eyelets  diagonally  for  training  the  fruit  trees,  a  system  we  had 
not  seen  before  adapted  to  tree  growth,  and  we  are  not  sure 
that  it  will  supersede  strained  wires,  which  has  answered  the 
purpose  so  well  for  so  many  years.  Mr.  AViikinson  would 
have  preferred  the  older  style.  All  kinds  of  hardy  fruits  are 
grown,  and,  with  the  exception  of  Cherries,  have  done  well. 
Young,  vigorous  specimen  trained  and  bush  trees  are  replacing 
older,  worn  out  veterans,  while  there  is  a  supplementing  of  the 
stock  by  bringing  into  use  new  sites  and  stations.  There  were 
good  prospects  of  fruits  of  all  kinds,  and  Strawbei-ries  in  par¬ 
ticular  appeared  most  vigorous  and  productive,  w  e  noticed 
cpiantities  of  boxes  filled  with  vigorous  Onion  stocks  awaiting 
replanting  in  the  open,  a  course  favoured  aliove  that  of  sowing 
in  the  ordinary  way. 
liong  rows  of  Peas  did  not  reveal  the  presence  of '.so  .severe 
a  slug  plague  as  that  which  has  become  quite  familiar  in  many 
gardens  this  spring.  Special  beds  were  in  preparation  for 
Vegetable  Alarrows.  which,  with  frame  protection,  ensures  an 
early  summer  supply  much  in  advance  of  that  obtained  from 
ordinary  cultivation.  Gentle  bottom  heat  is  a  great  factor  in 
getting  early  Marrows. 
Fverywhere  there  was  the  repose  of  natural  dignity 
apparent.  and  one  could  not  fail  to  find  that  the  intere.st  of  the 
owner  was  manifested  in  the  smallest  item  of  detail,  and  the 
love  of  gardening  is  concentrated  on  no  one  particular  subject. 
In  its  eveiy  phase  there  appears  a  patronage  as  varied  as  an.v- 
one  could  desire.  The  whole  tenure  of  the  extensive  estate 
implied  the  best  of  relations  between  owner  and  .sei  vant  ;  half 
measures  are  outside  the  scope  of  Tynte.sfield,  whole-heailed 
thoroughne.ss  appears  a  much  greater  force,  and  wealth  of  sati.s- 
faction  to  all  concerned.  Perfect  Holly  hedges  form  the  road¬ 
side  boundary  through  wbich  one  passes  from  the  station  to  ttiis 
noble  mansion  - hedges  that  give  credit  to  those  res])cmsible  for 
their  maintenance,  as  well  as  their'  ajipreeiative  owner. — 
Visitor. 
Fi-om  “  The  Globe.”  —  “  1828.  — Green  Peas.— This  morning, 
in  Covent  Garden  Alarket,  Green  Peas  were  expo.sed  for  sale, 
for  which  the  price  of  three  guineas  per  ouart  was  asked!  There 
was  also  a  show  of  Cherries  and  StrawlKwries,  but  the  prices 
were  equally  high.” 
