In a gardening point of view the most interesting feature about Bicton is the arboretum, which extends from the house, along the boundary of the inner park, till it reaches the flower-garden, at the distance of 112 chains, or nearly a mile and a half. The average width is about 3 chains, which will give from 33 to 34 acres, as the whole extent of the ground covered by the trees and shrubs. The planting was commenced in the spring of the year 1839, and continued in the spring of 1840. It would have been better had the extent of ground been greater: but, as it is, it was admirably arranged and planted by Mr. Glendinning, while at Bicton; who has, both there, and in various articles which he has written in the Gardener's Magazine, proved himself to be possessed of an excellent taste in landscape-gardening, as well as an enthusiastic love of trees and shrubs. The plants in the arboretum are judiciously disposed according to the space allotted to them, but greater room to the trees would have been an advantage, if it could have been obtained. It was a great step, however, to have formed so new a feature as an arboretum at all; and the merit of having accomplished so desirable an object is, we believe, entirely due to Lady Rolle.
