jfribilcc of Mr. Robert Fonlis. 521 



and had left his mark on the Fordell estate, which was noted throughout 

 Scotland, and he might say in Great Britain, for all kinds of hardy plants. 

 He had also taken a deep interest in geology, and had done much to com- 

 municate the knowledge he had acquired to younger men. He first 

 became acquainted with Mr. Foulis in 1835, and since that time he had 

 always had a kindly feeling towards him. He had great pleasure in making 

 the presentation to Mr. Foulis, and hoped that he might long be spared to 

 enjoy his retirement. The toastwas cordially received, and Mr. Foulis, upon 

 rising to return thanks, was loudly applauded. He said it was gratifying 

 to him to think that, after having lived amongst friends for fifty years, at 

 the end of that period he was esteemed and respected by them. He felt 

 that the merit attached to the position in which he was now placed was 

 principally due to Mr. Henderson, who had proved a most excellent, kind, 

 and indulgent employer, and one who had done a great deal to improve his 

 estate. Although he had been a long time at Fordell, he had not attained 

 to the length of service of his predecessor, who was gardener and forester 

 there for G3 years — making 113 years in all between them. The Croupier 

 proposed in an appropriate speech "The Health of Mrs. Foulis," which 

 was most heartily responded to, and to which Mr. Foulis replied in very 

 feeling terms. Mr. Thomas Gibson then gave " The Health of Mr. Foulis' 

 Family," and ]\Ir. Downie proposed " The former employ h under Mr. 

 Foulis, at Fordell." Mr. "Wallace, Luscar, returned thanks, and bore testimony 

 to the high character of Mr. Foulis, and the esteem in which he was held liy 

 those who had the pleasure to serve under him. Amongst the other 

 toasts proposed were — " Success to Horticulture," by Mr. France, and 

 responded to by Mr. M'Leod ; " Success to Arboriculture," by Mr. G-ordon, 

 and replied to by Mr. Crichton ; " Success to the Nursery Trade," by 

 Mr. Sadler, and responded to by Mr. Laird ; " The Secretary and 

 Treasurer," Mr. Hunter ; " The Chairman," " The Croupier," &c. The 

 watch was supplied by Mr. Bryson, and the brooch by Messrs. (1. & M 

 Crichton, Princes Street, Edinburgh, 



f^^m$^ 



