Our field is 15 acres and flat, looking into flat-bottomed valleys on both sides, but no view from the drawing-room, which faces due south, except on our flat field and bits of rather ugly distant horizon.

Close in front there are some old (very productive) cherry trees, walnut trees, yew, Spanish chestnut, pear, old larch, Scotch fir and silver fir and old mulberry trees, [which] make rather a pretty group.

They give the ground an old look, but from not flourishing much they also give it rather a desolate look.

There are quinces and medlars and plums with plenty of fruit, and Morello cherries; but few apples.

The purple magnolia flowers against the house.