There is a drive through a pine wood to a prospect tower, (the latter the best piece of architecture at Bicton,) which deserves notice for its extent and the quantity of evergreens, such as rhododendrons, mahonias, and Ruscus aculeatus, which have been planted as undergrowths. A great many rare pines, firs, cypresses, and junipers have also been introduced along this drive, so that, by adding more, it will in a short time be interesting as a pinetum. The tower is in the Gothic style, so high as to command a panoramic view of the surrounding country and the sea. It contains several rooms; in one of which, appropriately fitted up, a rich collection of china is tastefully displayed. This tower is understood to have been built by Lady Rolle, entirely unknown to Lord Rolle, and undiscovered by him, as an agreeable surprise for his birth-day, October 16. 1839, when he completed his 88th year; and, the following birth-day, Lady Rolle surprised Lord Rolle with the china room. Connected with the arboretum, so as to form a part of the tour of the place, is a menagerie containing a rich collection of birds, monkeys, kangaroos, and various other foreign animals. Thus, with the arboretum, the drive to the tower, and the flower-garden, as means of recreation in the open air; the menagerie and the collection of china, for amusement under cover; and the library and pictures in the house, there is at Bicton every source of enjoyment that can be desired. Nothing is wanting but a collection of shells and minerals, for the sake of those who are fond of these departments of science, and this is about to be formed; a great quantity of shells, and some minerals, having been procured for the purpose, though they are not yet arranged.
