XXIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



New Barnes, finding on their way specimens of the moss Funaria 

 hygrornetrica, which forms such an interesting object under the 

 microscope, from the twisting of the peristome-teeth on the appli- 

 tion of moisture. 



On arriving at New Barnes the party separated, some visiting 

 Mrs. "VVorley's gai-den, by her kind permission, and others collecting 

 microscopic objects in the adjacent ponds. 



In the garden the fine old cedar standing in front of the house 

 first attracted attention. It is a very old tree, but its precise age 

 is not known. It has been much broken by storms, and every 

 fresh winter leaves its mark upon it. Under the guidance of the 

 gardener, Mr. Logan, under whose superintendence the garden has 

 been brought to its present picturesque state, the conservatory, 

 replete with handsome foliage and flowering plants, was next 

 visited, and then the out-door ferneries, rich in rare species of 

 ferns, were inspected. After noticing a few old chestnut and 

 beech, trees, which, had attained to handsome dimensions, and 

 paying a hurried visit to the vineries and hothouses, the party left 

 the garden to join those who were collecting in the ponds. 



A path across the fields was then taken to St. Albans, and St. 

 Peter's Church was soon reached — the nearest route to Bernard's 

 Heath, which was next to be visited. On arrival here a few 

 interesting objects were collected in the various pools in and near 

 the brickfields, and then a narrow winding lane was followed to 

 the Redbourn Road. Crossing this road a further descent was 

 made to St. Michael's, and at Kingsbury"^ the party were enter- 

 tained at tea by Mr. and Mrs. Willshin. 



After tea, which was served partly in the house and partly in 

 the garden, the members of the Quekett Club at once left to return 

 to London by the Midland line, while the rest of the party stayed 

 for some time for a stroll round the garden, and then took the 

 picturesque " Water- walk " to the North- Western Station for 

 Watford. 



Tlie meeting was under the direction of Mr. Frank W. Silvester 

 and the Honorary Secretary. 



* According to Chauncy (' Hist. Antiq. Herts,' p. 463) " The Maniiour of 

 Kingsbery" was "so termed from the Saxon Kmgs, who were the ancient 

 Possessors hereof, and often resided and kept their Court there." The identity 

 of the present spot, beautifully situated as it is on the banks of the river Ver 

 at the extreme west of St. Albans, with the site of the ancient palace, seems 

 proved by Chauncy's words. "There was," he says, "a stately Pallace that 

 belonged to the Castle of Kingsberry, scituated at the West End of the Town of 

 St. Albans, where the Saxon Kings delighted much." He then says that King 

 Etheldred sold to the Abbot and Monks of St. Albans " all the royal Manner of 

 Kingsbery, with the Parks and Woods belonging to it, excepting one small 

 Fortress near the Monastery, which the King would not suifer to be demolisht, 

 that the Marks of his royal House might not be forgotten." Traces of the 

 foundations of some of these buildings are still to be seen at the back of the 

 present house. 



