REPORT. XxXVi 
Parks,” the old embanked inclosure of which (and of adjoining lands) is still 
apparent, and bounds a grass drive about four miles in circuit. At its north- 
eastern angle is a depression, called in an early map ‘‘ Prince Robert’s 
[Rupert’s] Gap.” 
In the north-western angle of the Gardens is a ‘‘ Westeria” more than 70 
yards in length. 
Two of the terraces in the Gardens give views over the ‘Great Pool.” It 
has existed from a very early period, and was brought into its now highly 
ornamental state about thirty years ago under the superintendence of Mr. F. 
F. Fox, the present agent of Lord Cowper. On the further side of it is a 
grove, with walks laid out by the liberality of the owners of Melbourne Hall 
for the enjoyment of the public. 
A considerable stream, formed by those which pass through the deer parks 
of the Earl Ferrers (Staunton Harold) and Sir John Harpur Crewe (Calke 
Abbey), passes through the Great Pool, and issues from it partly at the Mill, 
whence it supplies the pools and some of the fountains in the Gardens, and 
partly by a picturesque rocky channel bounding the south and east sides of the 
Gardens. 
The hall contains portraits of James I., Charles I. and Henrietta Maria, 
Charles II. and Catherine of Braganza, James II., Anne and Prince George of 
Denmark, George I., Anne Hyde, Duchess of York; George Villiers, 1st 
Duke of Buckingham and his Duchess; Archbishops Abbott and Usher ; 
John, 2nd Duke of Argyll (Field Marshal and K.T.); Philip, 2nd Earl of 
Chesterfield ; Sir John Coke (Principal Secretary of State), Mr. Vice- 
Chamberlain Coke and his two wives, Sir Capel Bedell (in a Cavalier 
uniform), and many others. 
May, 1880. 
The party then proceeded to the Hall, where both gardens and 
house were thrown open to inspection, and the visitors were most 
hospitably entertained at tea by Mr: Fane. 
The next expedition was made on July 3rd to Norbury and 
Ashburne. Breaks conveyed the party from Derby to Norbury 
Church, where Mr. J. Chas. Cox explained the various objects of 
interest, drawing special attention to the ancient glass in the 
windows, and to the monuments in the chancel. The old Manor- 
house, close to the Church, was also thrown open by its occupier, 
and its interesting specimens of oak carving and panelled rooms 
inspected by the party. Luncheon was taken at the “Green Man” 
at Ashburne, after which the Vicar of Ashburne, the Rev. F. 
