xiii 



baskets began to fill with treasxires so many that our excursion, had it been confined to 

 this locality, could not be looked upon as less than very successful. We had scarcely left 

 the wood behind us ere hea^-y rain came on, and the nearer we approached to the beau- 

 tiful groiuids of Whitfield the more violently blew the storm. Nowise daunted we battled 

 bravely with its fxuy, the ladies setting us a noble example of patient and cheerful resig- 

 nation to the adverse decree of Jupiter Pluvitis, but, as may well be imagined, as we bent 

 our way along the charming walks of the beautiful park, the noble trees and varied vistas 

 were not enjoyed, or seen to advantage, as they would have under more favourable 

 auspices. 



Arriving at the noble mansion of the Rev. Archer Clive, we found our lost wan- 

 derers sheltering from the pouring rain in the stable yard. Mr. Worthir.gton Smith was 

 one of these, and, as he saw nothing whatever of our brave efforts in the cause of science 

 against the whirlwind and the storm, he, doubtless in a somewhat jealous mood, drew 

 deeply upon his imagination for the materials of the fancy sketch he afterwards gave to 

 the readers of the "Gardener's Chronicle." All caricature notttithstanding, your Presi- 

 dent will ever feel proud of the honour that fell with pleasure to his share on this mem- 

 orable foray, when escorting gentlewomen who charmed him with their wit and learning 

 no less than with their kindliness and grace. 



The Rev. Archer Clive, hearing of our arrival, most bindly came forth through the 

 drenching rain to give us welcome to his hospitable mansion, where a sumptuous 

 luncheon was prepared, and of which we partook to recruit our forces somewhat 

 exhausted by unwonted exertions. Thanking Mr. Clive for his courteous reception, we 

 turned our faces towards Hereford, the ladies most graciously making room for yo\ir 

 President in the close carriage reserved for their accommodation, and arrived at the 

 Green Dragon in good time for dinner. Having repaired the damages sustained in the 

 foraging expedition, Mrs. Lloyd Wynne and Mrs. Cooper Key condescended to honour us 

 with their presence, and a goodly company, comprising no fewer than forty-two guests, 

 sat down to an excellent and much needed repast, whereat several kinds of edible fungi 

 were much approved of as a bonne bouche. After dinner, reference was made to the 

 exhibition m the room, which was acknowledged by connoisseurs to be one of the most 

 perfect they had ever seen. 



Dr. Bull announced that the Rev. Wm. Poole, one of our members, offered to present 

 to us a photograph of "St. Catherine's Oak" which grows on his property, near the 

 Homend, Ledbury, above "St. Catherine's Spring," a fountain that issued forth 

 to refresh "the blessed Catherine, of Ledbury," when, one day, exhausted by 

 her travels she rested at the spot. This is the same good lady whose mare and 

 colt were stolen by a girl in pattens, of which the tracks, in answer to the 

 Saint's prayers, were left in the rocks they passed over. The kind offer of 

 Mr. Poole was acknowledged, and gratefully accepted on behalf of the Club. 

 Then Dr. Bull sent round a choice selection of drawings, admirably executed by his 

 pencil, of rare and interesting species, exciting the unanimous desire that such life 

 portraits of remarkable funguses might be permitted to adorn future volumes of our 

 transactions. Mr. James Renny gave an excellent account of his more recent investiga- 

 tions of mucedinous fungi, more particularly describing two new species illustrated by 

 exquisite water colour drawings and respectively named by him after Mr. Cam and Dr. 

 Bull. As I hope to obtain from Mr. Renny*s kindness a paper on these microscopic 

 fungi and on others no less interesting, I shall not dwell further on Mr. Renny's labours 

 than to say that we thankfully acknowledge to have derived most valuable information 

 and assistance from him, and that, remembering the many agreeable associations con- 



