152 PROC. COTTESWOLD CLUB vol. xiii. (3) 



view over the Forest enclosures, and the High Meadov^ 

 woods, with many of the Welsh mountains showing in 

 the distance. Unfortunately this curious old rocking 

 stone can no longer be rocked. Some 15 years ago a 

 party of men armed with crow-bars wantonly and malici- 

 ously upset the stone, and though it was re-erected in its 

 former position, it had to be fixed firmly, and it cannot 

 now be made to oscillate. 



From the Buckstone the members drove to St. Briavels 

 through the picturesque village of Newland, where time 

 could only be spared to see the far-famed Newland Oak, 

 one of the oldest and largest in the Kingdom. It is a 

 grand tree with plenty of life in it yet ; though it is perhaps 

 a thousand years old. 



An interesting visit was paid to St. Briavels Castle, 

 built by Milo Fitzwalter about the year 1 100. Many of 

 the ancient walls are still standing, and there is a fine old 

 kitchen where the original dog-wheel is still in situ, inside 

 which the dogs ran whose duty it was to turn the spit. 



The Castle of St. Briavels stands on a very picturesque 

 site. Its long list of Constables extends in unbroken 

 line from Fitzwalter, till in 1838 this ancient office de- 

 volved upon the Commissioners of Woods and Forests. 

 Many quaint old legal Courts were held here as well as at 

 the Speech House, dealing with the mining laws, the 

 customs of the Forest, the rights of Freeholders and 

 Freeminers, and the many privileges claimed by the 

 Monarch. 



After luncheon the drive was resumed, and by kind in- 

 vitation of its owner a visit was paid to Priors xMesne, 

 where Surgeon-General Cook has for many years devoted 

 his great knowledge of plants to the formation of a sub- 

 tropical garden. 



It was with the greatest reluctance that the members 

 left this charming and secluded spot, and partook of the 



