be seen is a rather dreary field. Oddly enough, there
is a considerable hill on the west, though no trace of this hill is to
be found in Kensington Road; it is, however, the same fall that affects
Holland Park Avenue on the north. Besides the fine elms bordering the
avenue, there are a variety of other trees in the grounds, among them
many cedars, still flourishing, though beginning to show the effects of
the London smoke. Excepting for the Dutch Garden, with its prim, though
fantastically-designed flower-beds, there is little attempt at formal
gardening. Here stands the seat used by the poet Rogers, on which is the
inscription:

"Here Rogers sat, and here for ever dwell
With me those 'Pleasures' which he sang so well."

An ivy-covered arcade leads to the conservatory, and various buildings
form a picturesque group near; these belonged at one time to the
stables, now removed. Not far off is the bamboo garden, in a flourishing
condition, with large clumps of feathery bamboos bravely enduring our
rough climate; in another part is a succession of terraces, through
which a stream runs downhill through a number of basins linked by a
circling channel; the basins are covered with water-lilies, and the
whole is laid out in imitation of a Japanese garden. Alpine plants are
specially tended in another part, and masses of rhododendrons grow
freely in the grounds, giving warmth and shelter. There is nothing stiff
or conventional to be seen--Nature tended and cared for, but Nature
herself is allowed to reign, and the result is very satisfactory. There
are many fascinating peeps between the rows of shrubs or trees of the
worn red brick of the house, seen all the better for its contrast with
the deep evergreen of the cedars.

In a field close by Cromwell is said to have discussed his plans with
Ireton, whose deafness necessitated loud tones, so that the open air,
where possible listeners could be seen at a distance, was preferable to
the four walls of a room. In the fields behind Holland House was fought
a notable duel in 1804 between Lord Camelford, a notorious duellist, and
Captain Best, R.N. Lord Camelford fired first, but missed his opponent.
He afterwards fell at Best's shot, and was carried into Little Holland
House, where he died in three days. The exact spot where the duel was
fought is now enclosed in the grounds of Oak Lodge, and is marked by a
stone altar.

To the west of Holland House is Melbury Road, a neighb