Viewed as a whole, the scenery around Eastnor Castle possesses a greater variety of aspect than is usually to be met with in places of a similar character. Nature has done much here, and art has stepped in to give the finishing stroke. The want of space does not permit me to individualise. I can only notice cursorily a few of the leading features, and these of the simplest kind. We have here a constant succession of hills of varying altitudes, in different directions, and several miles in extent; some in the distance appearing to overlap each other - while, again, some are standing out as distinct objects, as if thrown off during a subterranean convulsion.

So great an irregularity of surface produces a rapid succession of parts, and although the transition is quick, often violent, the contour is graceful, so that one may look and look again without fatiguing the eye or oppressing the mind. But after what has been said, we cannot evade the fact, that all that is grand in the composition is not due solely to the physical features of the ground; much ha8 been done by judiciously arranging the plantations, whose boundaries follow the lines designed by nature, and, never formal, is always easy.

Unfortunately the kitchen-garden, although situated 300 feet above the sea-level, is comparatively low, a circumstance which Mr Coleman exceedingly regrets, as he says, and with truth, that the spring frosts settle in such a position with more force, and are of longer duration, than on higher ground. Hence early vegetables and fruit-tree blossoms are destroyed, while in gardens of a greater altitude the effect is hardly felt. I observed that in most cases the garden walls are not high enough to give the trees sufficient extension. To economise in this direction is certainly a mistake, and should be studiously avoided, as under a cramping system the knife must be freely used to confine the branches within their allotted space, which rather increases than weakens vitality, and so year by year produces an endless and unnecessary supply of wood.

The collection of hardy fruit is extensive, containing a large number of the best varieties, and Mr Coleman takes a deep interest in pomological pursuits. However enthusiastic he may be in this direction, the situation possesses unconquerable drawbacks, over which the most active and intelligent mind has little or no control. Added to the objections I have slightly noticed, the garden soil is by no means well adapted either for fruit or vegetable culture. The surface, although friable and kindly looking, is by no means congenial, owing to a continued excess of water. The substratum is a stiff marl, or rather it may be called a clay bottom, which could be greatly improved by draining, but there is not a sufficient height to produce an active discharge. The glass erections are numerous, and for the most part well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended; and especial mention should be made of two peach-houses, each 82 feet long and about the usual width. Mr Coleman forms his tree-borders of calcareous loam, which, he says, is the real cultural secret, and to his opinion I give an unqualified assent.

Next I would notice a span-roofed vinery 72 feet long by 20 feet wide, exclusively occupied with a Black Hamburg Vine. This is not the place to discuss the merits or demerits of what are now known as the extended or restricted systems of Vine-culture. Were I to state my own convictions, I would decidedly advocate moderate restriction - that is, I would only permit two leading shoots - not that I believe such a method is of itself calculated to produce first-class Grapes, but, other things being equal, I feel satisfied that a greater weight of fruit, larger bunches and berries, can be produced, than by allowing a Vine to ramble unrestricted.

The Vine under consideration has been planted at least fifty years, and at this age does not show the least sign of decrepitude - is as vigorous, as many, and much more so than some a few years old. "There can be no doubt," observes Mr Coleman, "that the roots have passed beyond the limits of the garden, and are luxuriating in some agreeable place," as the surrounding soil is by no means qualified to support such vigorous growth.

The Vine was introduced at the end of the house, and conducted along the apex of the roof. From this principal and secondary shoots are trained downwards on each side. The bunches were of a medium size, the berries large, and the colour perfect. There are, as among other Grapes, such as the White Muscat, several varieties, and the Hamburg offers no exception. This is said to be a superior kind of the latter; but from what I could see of its character, I strongly suspect it to be the Frankenthal, by its rounded oblate berries.

I now pass on to notice as succinctly as possible what may be called a house of general accommodation, of large dimensions, which is used during summer as a vinery, where heavy crops of Grapes are annually produced of excellent quality, and as a repository during winter for plants for out-of-door decoration. Space does not admit of an individual notice, so I shall only mention a few of the most prominent objects. We have first to deal with a pair of magnificent Dicksonia Antarctica, straight stems over 12 feet high and 26 inches in circumference at the base, carrying a magnificent head of healthy fronds. Beautiful as this Fern is in all its stages of growth, it must be seen as a large plant to be thoroughly appreciated. It was purchased, Mr Coleman told me, from Messrs James Veitch & Sons; said to be the largest specimens that these gentlemen have ever introduced. There are also two splendid plants of Seaforthia elegans in the best possible condition, and both were grand objects.

The other inmates consisted chiefly of Araucaria excelsa and A. Brasiliana, Ceph-alotaxus drupacea, Thuja Doniana, Dammara Brownii, Dacrydium cupressi-num, Santolina chamae-cyparissus, Callitris quadrivalvis, Chamaerops excelsa, Clethra arborea, Alalia Sieboldi, very large specimens of variegated Aloe?, pyramidal Ivies and standard Fuchsias. I had almost forgotten to mention that this house is planted exclusively with the Black Hamburg Vine, and produces yearly 3 ewt. of superior Grapes.

Passing over very many houses possessing but little interest, as the fruit had been consumed, I reached the Pine-stoves, which contain a selected collection of the best varieties suitable for summer and winter use, such as the Smooth-leaved Cayenne, Black Jamaica, Charlotte Rothschild, different varieties of the Queen, and a few plants of Black Prince. Mr Coleman says the latter kind makes a fine appearance on the dinner or exhibition tables, owing to its large size, but he does not approve much of the quality.

No great stretch of memory is required to remember the time when Pine-cultivators set it down as an incontrovertible fact, that very large pots (often 18 inches), and a corresponding size of plants, were the only requisites necessary to produce large fruit. The maturation of the vegetable juices was but little thought of, or perhaps little understood. But happily such a system has now few advocates; a greater knowledge of essential requirements is now abroad. Our best cultivators have discovered that better fruit can be produced from pots not exceeding 12 inches in diameter. Whether Mr Coleman has followed the teaching of others, or has intuitively taught himself, I know not, but this much I can say conscientiously, that his plants were excellent specimens of cultivation.

Omitting much of interest, I now moved on to the Pinetum and pleasure-grounds, which are, after all, the grand features of the place, especially to those who are admirers of Couiferae and hardy trees and shrubs.

I had intended to compress within the limits of this paper the substance of my notes, but find that enough matter remains to form the subject of another communication. Tortworth Court. Alexander Cramb.