4 Address of the President. 



of May, the thermometer stood 27° and 26°, and considerable 

 damage was done in the garden ; but the great harm and loss 

 occurred among the pines. The young shoots of the deciduous 

 trees were sufficiently advanced and strong to resist the cold ; 

 but the young shoots of the common spruce and silver firs 

 were all cut, and did not recover or spring again. A. 

 menzesii, 2^'i'nsapo, ccplialonica, and others, were entirely cut ; 

 but the A. douglasii, with a few exceptions where the trees 

 were early, either from shelter or variation, almost entirely 

 escaped ; and in this case that tree has proved itself more 

 capable of withstanding our climate than those species we 

 have so long grown. 



A beautiful drive and walk from Drumlanrig took the 

 party to Durisdeer, a secluded vUlage of a few houses, situate 

 at the head of a pastoral valley, and such as one scarcely 

 expected to meet with at the present time. The vicinity is 

 full of interest and the remembrances of ancient times. The 

 church of the village is, as in general, a modest structure, but 

 the aisle, shut off from it, and known as the " Queensberry 

 aisle," is the burying-place, and contains memorials of the 

 different members of the Queensberry family. The stained 

 glass, marble monuments, and rich carving and workmanship 

 contrasts strangely with the other primitiveness of the valley 

 and its buildings. If this aisle is not quite faiiltless, it is a 

 fine work, and is one of those historical records which will 

 repay examination, both on account of the records of the 

 times and the style of art then prevailing ; nevertheless, 

 after the beautiful drive and peculiar position of Durisdeer, 

 we felt the aisle almost as an intrusion, and marring the 

 harmony of the surrounding landscape. 



After a simple and enjoyable repast beside a clear and 

 cold stream, and having fixed the place for next meeting, the 

 members separated into small parties, each to explore on its 

 own account. 



Tlie interest of this day's excursion has been very great, 



