81 
gardener, presented the Members, as a “memento” of the visit, 
with a specimen plant of Eucalyptus cordifolia, which was safely 
brought to Bath, and is now flourishing in the Botanical Garden 
in the Victoria Park, and it is to be hoped will survive the 
severer winters of the Bath climate. The Mansion of the Earl is 
small, being but a seaside box, and within a drive of Melbury 
Park, his Lordship’s usual country seat. The view is unique 
and exquisite from the terraced gardens in front of the house ; 
the whole of the Chesil Beach and the Island of Portland is 
viewed, with the two bays of the sea and the long narrow Fleet 
with the Swannery and Decoy at its near end, Weymouth in the 
distance and S. Aldhelm’s Head. In a small lawn at the side of 
the house, Mr. Bowden pointed out to the Members a fine 
natural crop of Ophrys apifera, the bee orchid, which is not often 
met with in England. 
Time not sufficing for exploring the Swannery, Decoy and 
Monastic remains of the neighbourhood, the brakes were again 
- mounted for the return journey, and the 7.23 p.m. train at. 
Dorchester was taken and restored the Members to their homes, 
after a delightful day of botanical research and healthful exercise. 
S. Catherine’s Court and Church, July 6, 1897.—Only six 
_ Members attended this excursion, the old Grange and Church being 
too well known to the majority, owing to the nearness of the place 
to Bath. This occasion, however, offered special opportunities. 
for viewing the whole of the Mansion and its chambers, as the 
fabric was undergoing extensive repairs and restoration, the 
present owner, the Hon. Mrs. John Paley, of Ampton Hall, Bury 
_ §. Edmunds, intending to let it for a term of years. 
Built by John Cantlow, Prior of Bath, 1489-99, in a beautiful 
valley two miles from Batheaston, as was also the Chancel of the 
Church hard by, the house retains much of its original character, 
the entrance hall being now divided into two chambers by 
_ Wainscoted walls, a font supplied from 8. Catherine’s well being 
4 fixed to the wall opposite the entrance. 
; F 







