84 



the mode of flight of these animals ; the Noctule for instance flying very high, 

 and the Pipistrelle flitting about like a moth. 



The cry or voice of Bats is peculiarly shrill and acute ; so much so that 

 some people's ears are not able to take in the sound at all, and it somewhaf 

 resembles the scraping of two keys one on the other. 



The distribution of the genus Vespertilio is almost universal ; and it 

 is to be observed that Bats are found in insular positions where there are 

 no other native mammals, showing that their powers of locomotion, being 

 superior to most other small mammals, have enabled them to migrate to 

 greater distances and to more inaccessible positions than other mammals, 

 and thus giving strong confirmation to the theory of centres of creation and 

 subsequent migration therefrom by natural means (applause). 



The President then proposed a vote of thanks to A. R. Boughton Knight, 

 Esq., for so kindly throwing open his grounds for the club, which was most 

 cordially agreed to. 



It was now time to return to the carriages, which had been directed to be 

 in attendance near the Castle. The majority of the visitors took the north bank 

 of the river, and after a pleasant walk, now \ip a sharp and slippery ascent, and 

 now by a steep precipice, with ever varying views of the narrow valley below 

 and the beautiful slopes of Bringewood Chase beyond, the Castle itself came 

 in sight. 



The Castle was built by Richard Payne Knight (1774-8) after his own ideas. 



He describes it himself, five-and-twenty years afterwards, as 



" A house ornamented with what are called Gothic towers and erabattlements without, 

 and with Grecian ceilings, columns, and entablatures witliin : and though his example has 

 not been much followed, he has every reason to congratulate himself upon the success 

 of the experiment, he having at once the advantage of a picturesque and of an elegant and 

 convenient dwelling." — Analytical Inquiry inlo the Principles of Taste. 



In short, it is a Castle for ornament, but built to live in. It stands admirably, 



some 100 feet or more above the river, with a south front, and with an admirable 



prospect. 



The carriages were rejoined here, and quickly conveyed the visitors to the 

 station for the return train, some making for Bromfield to save time, and some, 

 loth to depart from such lovely sceneiy, stopping still longer at Downton, with 

 the late train in view. 



The hamper cart was again behind time in its perversity, and so it remained 

 for after trains to set matters right. No greater misadventures befel the visitors, 

 and the day has passed into history with a happy remembrance. 



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