WATFOED NATTJEAL HISTOET SOCIETY. Ixiii 



Thus ended a very charming day, — the beauty of the scenery, 

 the interesting and instructive geological illustrations, the lovely 

 wild-flowers, and, in an especial manner, the profuse hospitality of 

 the host and hostess of the day, will long be remembered by all 

 who constituted the party. 



The arrangements were under the direction of Mr. John E. 

 Littleboy, through whom Mr. Ransom's invitation had been re- 

 ceived.* 



Field Meeting, 30th June, 1877. 

 Cassiobury Park. 



The members, amongst whom was a large proportion of ladies, 

 assembled at about half-past three at the private entrance to 

 Cassiobury Park, nearly opposite Nascot House. They were here 

 joined by a few members of the Quekett Microscopical Club, and, 

 availing themselves of the kind permission of the Earl of Essex, 

 at once proceeded, along the charming wood-walks that lead by 

 the outskirts of the park, to the house and gardens. 



A group of magnificent silver firs soon arrested special attention. 

 They are noble trees of unusual gii'th and height, and are fortu- 

 nately sufiiciently isolated to allow of their full proportions being 

 observed. The gardens were next visited, and under the guidance 

 of Dr. Brett the fine conifers and other rare or remarkable trees 

 were successively examined. Dr. Brett stated, on the authority of 

 Lord Essex, that the splendid cedar, which is so conspicuous on 

 approaching the house, was planted in 1683, by Arthur, Earl of 

 Essex, and was one of the earliest cedars introduced into England. 

 It now measures at its base 22 feet in circumference. The ash- 

 leav>^d beech (a very rare variety), the Abies Bouglassi, planted in 

 1842, the Taxodium sempervirens, planted in 1854, and several 

 other ornamental trees, of which particulars of the date of planting 

 and rate of growth, etc., were contributed by Lord Essex, were 

 also observed with much interest. 



The party then visited Cassiobury House, and were conducted 

 through the splendid suite of reception rooms that constitute the 

 greater portion of the ground floor. The numerous family por- 

 traits, some of them painted by Vandyke, and several possessing 

 considerable historical interest, were carefully noticed ; three land- 

 scapes by Turner attracted a large share of attention; and the 

 curious in old china found a rich treat a-waiting them. It was 

 stated by Dr. Brett fhat Lord Essex had most kindly proposed 

 personally to conduct the party over the house and grounds, but, 

 greatly to the regret of all present, an attack of indisposition 

 rendered such a course impossible. 



The picturesque old mill on the Gade near Cassiobury Lock was 

 the next halting-place, and here, through the kindness of Dr. 



* For a considerable portion of this and the following report I am indebted to 

 Mr. Littleboy. — Ed. 



