The Pinetum is reached by a gradual ascent from the kitchen-garden, and possibly a better situation could not have been selected. It is of considerable altitude, which varies the temperature, not, however, to any great extent, but sufficient in most cases to meet individual requirements.

Observers are aware that several of our most ornamental Coniferae refuse to grow on a flat surface, or in protected corners: they rather prefer the bleak hillside, or it may be the pinnacle of a mountain-top. Among these I would notice the king of Silver Firs, Picea bracteata. Magnificent as that Pine is, and easy of cultivation, it is rarely to be found in good health and of a full habit.

So far as I could observe, no geographical distribution of genera and species has been attempted, and I think wisely, as, from inequality of growth and other causes, the general effect would be greatly reduced. While the formation of a Pinetum is either under consideration or has reached a reality, geographical arrangement is almost certain to take possession of the mind; and it may appear to be the correct line to follow, but in practice will be found to terminate in a grievous mistake.

The enclosure contains 62 acres, the walks and planting so skilfully arranged that a stranger is impressed with an idea of greater extent. The number of species and varieties of Coniferae are too numerous to allow the insertion of a descriptive list: such would no doubt be both useful and interesting to many. Not being admissible, I shall only introduce the genera, the number of species and varieties, with an occasional comment.

Abies, six species and one variety. There is a magnificent tree of A. Douglasii taxifolia, 50 feet high, and 25 feet in diameter. Araucaria, three species; Arthro-taxus, two species. A. selaginoides, from its habit of growth, is anomalous; its forked branchlets give a curious and interesting appearance. Biota, three species and three varieties. There is a beautiful plant of B. orientalis compacta over 9 feet in height. Callitris, one species. Cedrus, three species and two varieties: a very handsome tree of C. deodara robusta above 23 feet high. Cephalotaxus, three species. C. adpressa very vigorous, over 16 feet high. Chaniaecyparis, one species Cryptomeria, two species and two varieties. Cunninghamea, one species. Cup-ressus, seven species and three varieties. The Lambert Cypress is considered by Mr Coleman to be a distinct species; the validity of his opinion I doubt very much. After many years' acquaintance I have not been able to place it higher than a mere variety of C. macrocarpa. But on this point we shall not dispute: one thing is certain, that either takes the lead among their congeners. There is here the finest specimen I have ever seen of a full habit, 36 feet high and above 6 feet in circumference round the stem. Dacrydium, one species. Dammara, one species.

Juniperus, fourteen species and nine varieties. None in this large collection, Mr Coleman tells me, surpasses J. Phoenicea, whether in habit or colour: it grows freely in almost any situation, and appears to be a great favourite with Earl Somers, as it has been planted in large quantities; J. recurva is also a very graceful Juniper, but unless planted on a cool and somewhat moist bottom, has generally a rusty appearance. J. fragrans is not generally met with, although the price places it within the reach of any one. It must have been in the Eastnor collection for several years, as the height is nearly 15 feet. J. tamariscifolia, trained to a single stem to the height of 4 feet, and then allowed to form a head, deserves imitation owing to its very graceful habit.

Larix-Kaempferi, although reported to reach to the height of a hundred feet in China, I very much fear, from what I have seen of its progress, will never become in this country a conspicuous object. This is the more to be regretted, as its golden hue gives an additional variety to our indigenous trees. Libo-cedrus, two species; Picea,nine species; P. bracteata, 8 feet high, among the finest in Britain; P. nobilis, 18 feet high; P. nordmanniana, 24 feet high; P. pinsapo, 23 feet high, the branches 17 feet in diameter; P. magnifica, 3 feet high; Pinus, twenty-five species; Don Pedri, 9 feet high, very handsome and quite hardy; P. insignis, 45 feet high; P. Lambertiana, 28 feet high; P. Montezumae, 19 feet high, branches 23 feet in diameter; P. nigricans, 21 feet high; Podocarpus, two species; Retinospora, five species; P. pisifera aurea is really beautiful, of a golden colour, slightly intermixed with green; Sequoia Sempervirens, 37 feet high; Taxus, five species and two varieties; Thujopsis, three species; Thuja, eight species. The general character of this genus is rapidity of growth, with the exception of T. Antarctica, which, as a lawn plant, has few equals, owing to its dwarf habit.

Torreya, one species; Wellingtonia gigantea, 22 feet high, the circumference of stem 49 inches; Waderingtonia, one species. In concluding my coniferous list, I would just notice a very fine plant of Quercus glabra, and presume so fine a plant is rarely to be met with; the diameter of the branches could certainly not be less than from 9 to 10 feet, so unlike an Oak that at first sight it might be taken for a large-leaved Magnolia. Here, as in many more places, Pinus insignis suffered severely during the winter of 1860 and 1861; no less than 150 were destroyed. The same years proved equally fatal to Cupressus macrocarpa; no less than 130 perished, varying in height from 8 to 40 feet. These happened to be planted in a low locality, while the same kinds growing on a higher elevation escaped uninjured.

The residence of Earl Somers is a castellated building, designed by Sir Thomas Smirke, built about 1809, at a cost of £500,000. It is certainly a majestic edifice; more, indeed, like a palatial residence than the seat of an English nobleman. The site is very commanding, on the brink of a hill, backed on the upper side by the pleasure-ground and Pinetum, supported underneath by a massive terrace wall, overlooking a lake of 22 acres. No matter from whatever point, the view is enchanting, more particularly as seen from the castle window, varied to a greater degree, and more extensive. The composition embraces knolls planted with Thorn and undergrowths of different kinds, hills covered with full-grown wood, intervening openings, which give free admission to the bold, swelling mountains many miles off; altogether a combination of beauty which not only delights the eye, but awakens in the mind a train of interesting reflections. It has been said by some one that the character of the scenery should influence the character of the mansion, an idea which I think has been fully carried out in selecting a castellated building. The middle, distance to some extent is occupied as a deer-park, which gives the finishing-stroke to the landscape.

The boundary-line on the opposite side of the lake has been very much improved within the last few years. Mr Coleman has, by judicious planting in the form of ornamental clumps, and the introduction of single trees, rounded off the angles, and blended in a very pleasing way the margin of the water and the accompaniments of the park. The composition of the clumps is principally Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), Furze, Rhododendrons, and a miscellaneous collection of flowering shrubs. I have long known that Abies Menziesii preferred a damp situation, but was taken by surprise to find it growing so freely close to the water's edge, where the soil must frequently approach a state of saturation. In this locality, upwards of two hundred Wellingtonias have been planted, and in many cases the central shoots in one year have exceeded 4 feet. This fact is somewhat surprising when we examine the character of the soil, so adhesive that it was necessary to drain and char it to give vent for the water, and to admit the air. There is no Conifer half so accommodating as the Wellingtonia; it is not particular either as to soil or situation.

We have a plant over 30 feet high, planted on the limestone, with an average depth of earth of not more than 18 inches, of a full vigorous habit; again, in a deep very sandy loam, where the progress is equally satisfactory, and on a marshy situation contiguous to a full-grown wood. In neither case have I been able to detect any difference; perhaps by straining a little we might be able to give a slight advance to the latter. The principal approach to the Castle, after breaking off from the Malvern road, betrays no limitation; it is fully two miles long, passing over for some considerable distance a rather sharp ridge of rock. The embellishments on either side comprise deciduous and evergreen Oaks, different kinds of Yew, a fine collection of Cratcegus and Arbutus, besides many others whose name I cannot now remember. In dealing with these materials, Mr Coleman has studiously avoided uniformity of outline, and has wisely brought out the rugged features of the surrounding country, in a way that only quick sense can imitate.

There was rather a sharp dispute some years ago as to whether the Mistletoe would grow on the Oak: that it will do so is a settled point, as Mr Coleman showed me an instance, which establishes the fact. "With a kindness that bespeaks a great amount of liberality, Earl Somers freely admits the public to these beautiful grounds several days in the week, a privilege that cannot be too highly valued by those who can appreciate a rare combination of nature and art.

In conclusion I may be permitted to say - and I never assert what I do not thoroughly believe - that Mr Coleman tolerates no hobbies, as every department receives the same attention, which is easily seen from the order that prevails in the most remote corner. To manage so extensive an establishment, and keep everything in such excellent order, requires both tact and ability. With feelings of gratitude for numerous acts of attention, I passed on to Ledbury, got comfortably seated on the top of what is now rarely to be seen, a four-horse coach, and arrived safely in Gloucester. Alexander Cramb.