XXXll PKOCEEDINGS, 



of flowers and floral scenes in various parts of the world, including 

 the rich floral region of the tropics, heing much admired. 



Tea was then partaken of at the refreshment-rooms near the 

 Temperate House, the hot afternoon making the rest in a shady 

 spot very welcome. 



The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the open gardens, 

 which are very beautiful at this season of the year, the wealth of 

 blossoms which will appear later being compensated for by the young 

 green foliage now decking the trees and shrubs. By the side of 

 the main avenue were seen the beds of late tulips in various shades 

 of red, yellow, and white, including the curious paiTot-tulip, but the 

 earlier spring bulbous plants had ceased flowering, and the bulbs 

 were ripening in the beds preparatory to being removed to make 

 room for summer flowers. Rhododendrons of various species were 

 coming into flower, and magnolias were also in bloom, and amongst 

 the rhododendrons were seen the young lilies which of late have 

 attained to such perfection in these gardens. 



The meeting was under the direction of Mr. Daniel Hill, the 

 Librarian of the Society. 



Field Meeting, 13th May, 1896. 

 HATFIELD PARK. 



The announcement that the Marquis of Salisbury had kindly 

 granted permission for Hatfield House to be visited on this occasion 

 attracted a large number of members and their friends, the party, 

 which assembled at the principal entrance to Hatfield Park at 

 about three o'clock, under the direction of Mr. Hopkinson, num- 

 bering upwards of seventy. 



On lea-sdng Hatfield Station the Park was entered by the great 

 gates, erected not many years ago when this much more convenient 

 approach to the mansion than the old one through the town was 

 laid out, and the bridge over the main road which it necessitated 

 was built. Instead of a descent to this road and then a steep 

 ascent to the Church, up a narrow street, the mansion is now 

 approached by a broad carriage-road half a mile in length with but 

 a slight ascent, gracefully winding up towards the northern fagade. 



Hatfield House is one of the most perfect specimens yet re- 

 maining of a great Elizabethan mansion. Although erected after 

 the virgin Queen had ceased to reign, it is in the architectxu'al 

 style which attained its chief perfection dui'ing her lifetime, and 

 therefore goes by her name ; and amongst the stately homes of 

 England there are not many which equal, and there are very few 

 which excel in interest this historic dwelling of the illustrious 

 family of Cecil, now worthily represented by our present Prime 

 IMinister, who finds in the pursuit of Science a salutary relief from 

 the arduous and onerous duties of his office. 



The Bishop's Palace at Hatfield was a Royal residence in the 

 sixteenth century, but just at the close of this period James the 



