Entering through a door in a high brick wall, the flower-garden is before us: it is somewhat extensive, but smaller now to what it formerly was; and we think the reduction a great improvement, giving more relief - grass and shrubs being deficient in proportion to the breadth of cultivated ground. A few dwarf graceful shrubs (which have probably been planted ere this time) would appear to advantage on the beautiful green plots of grass lately laid down to curtail the "bedding".

The plants were very vigorous in growth, arranged with taste, and offering to flower abundantly. A lofty range of glass houses covered a wall at back of flower-garden. They are chiefly used for Grapes, Peaches, and plants. The Peaches at the time of our visit were turning in for use. The crops were heavy, fruit fine in quality, and the trees in robust health. A large plant-house was gay with flowering-plants. Conspicuous were Fuchsias, Statices, Zonal Geraniums, and some telling "foliage" plants. We thought it a pity that such a fine house should be used for plants which certainly do not show themselves to the greatest advantage on the almost perpendicular stage - an arrangement which only shows the under-sides of the plants, their flowers being exhibited to the roof. These old-fashioned stages are rapidly becoming things of the past. In a large square yard behind this range were a number of pits, frames, etc, which were well filled with Cucumbers, Melons, etc. A nice vinery lately erected was filled with strong rods of the later kinds of Vines, which would require a liberal use of fuel to mature the wood this cold damp season.

From Raith we drove northwards, leaving Kirkcaldy, with its numerous tall chimneys and beautiful villas (many of which are in the course of erection) in our rear. We were soon within the grounds of Dunnikier, the seat of J. T. Oswald, Esq. Entering from the west, we pass an orchard; and over the stone walls we glanced eagerly to see if the crops of Apples and Pears were anything like what they have been in former years. But we soon saw that the crop was light - too much like what we had seen elsewhere during the day. Entering the gardens, we met Mr Dewar. The day by this time was far spent; and some of our friends having to go by train after returning to our starting-point, our visit was short, but we saw enough to convince us that Mr Dewar was still up to the times, and his wonted energy was exhibited in all under his care. Passing through the framing-ground (in which were well-filled structures of useful material), we entered the range of fruit-houses. These have been (ever since they were erected) every season loaded with crops of fruit, chiefly Grapes and Peaches; and this season is no exception, the later kinds, however, being the best in way of Grapes. Peaches were in clusters, chiefly for late supplies.

The kitchen-garden is bond fide a vegetable garden, though the useful kinds of cut flowers are grown along a border in abundance. There is no ground taken up with "bedding," but every space is well filled with useful stuff for culinary purposes. Notable were very fine crops of Celery, and all the Brassica tribe was well represented, the soil showing what it can do when well "fed and laboured." Leaving this department, we passed along a finely-sheltered walk, well planted along its sides by thriving Rhododendrons. These plants are peculiarly at home in this place, and grow with great vigour everywhere through the grounds. We entered the flower-garden, which is in front of the mansion. This residence (though not elevated like Raith) is very pleasantly situated. The garden in front, nice shrubs and fine trees, with an opening out to the park, the Forth, Inch-keith, Arthur Seat, and other fine objects in the distance, give this place a cheerful character, such as is seldom surpassed. The flower-garden we thought well done: a good mixture of foliage plants gave the beds a tasteful appearance; and as flowers were not well out, their absence was in a great measure made up. Foliage also makes up for the loss of flowers when battered off by rain.

We were again turning our thoughts and faces homewards, and a quick drive of a few miles brought us within the broad lands of Balbirnie. The beautiful park, studded with its gigantic beeches, etc, the long drives and extensive grounds, show that this fine seat has for generations been in the possession of proprietors who have had a keen eye for the beautiful, and have done much for local improvement. The management of the place shows "footprints" of men whose skill was established before we were in existence. Here our Notes must end. To go further would be almost as absurd as the eulogium passed by a son of Erin on his native town. A friend and myself were questioning him (in Dublin) on the beautiful towns which he had visited in England and elsewhere.

He was loud in praise of them all, especially their ales and spirits, and he concluded with emphasis that, after all he had seen, no town was equal to his native city, "dare old Dooblin." It may be remarked that if the foregoing is a fair representation of the gardening of Fife, there is nothing "sensational" in it. Neither there is; and as for plant-growing, there is no such thing as fine specimens in the county. But there is abundance of what is desired by the employers; all means at command are turned to useful account, and the produce will compare favourably with many other counties. M. T.