On the southern slope
of the hill are enclosed terraces, on which there are several
flower-gardens, surrounded by extensive shrubberies. The
kitchen-gardens extend to eight acres. The park is of great extent,
and contains fine forest trees which form a woodland beneath the hill,
so extensive as to afford shelter for innumerable rooks. There are
likewise thriving plantations, containing some remarkably fine young
oaks.
Belvoir Castle has one of the most superb _interiors_ in the kingdom:
its furniture and decorations are of the most costly description.
It also contains one of the most valuable collections of paintings,
whether considered for the variety of schools, or the judicious choice
of the works of each master. Among those who have contributed to
this invaluable assemblage, are Poussin, Carlo Dolci, Guido, Claude
Lorraine, Salvator Rosa, Murillo, Reubens, Teniers, and Reynolds.
The collection was principally formed by John, the third duke, and
Charles, his successor, who were munificent patrons of the arts. All
the modern pictures, of which there are a considerable number, were
collected by the former duke.
The last general repairs of Belvoir Castle are stated to have cost the
noble owner upwards of 60,000L. The structure has been more than once
extensively injured by fire. A conflagration there in October, 1816,
consumed a large portion of the ancient part of the castle, and
several of the pictures.
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