VOL. XVIII. (3) EXCURSION— BEVERSTON, TETBURY, &c. 211 



Mr Richardson first mentioned that the sand-deposits in the Forest- 

 Marble series to which he had already referred had rendered possible the 

 successful growing of rhododendrons at Westonbirt. Rhododendrons dis- 

 like lime. It was the occurrence of this sand at Westonbirt which had been 

 responsible for their visit to that part of the county that day. Sir George 

 Holford had told Earl Ducie of its occurrence. Earl Ducie knew that the 

 Geological Survey map represented the rock there as Forest Marble, and that 

 that series generally comprised limestone and clay, and had therefore enquired 

 of him as to the age of the sand. He (Mr Richardson) was not cognisant 

 at the time of an abundance of sand in the Forest-Marble series, and therefore 

 had visited Westonbirt, and had been shown very carefully over the ground 

 by Sir George. 



Members would gladly have remained longer among the rhododendrons, 

 pines, spruces, thujas, maples, and other fine trees, for Mr C. O. Hanson, 

 from the Dean Forest School of Forestry, was present, and he and the Rev. 

 Walter Butt supplemented the efforts of the Forester, and most of those present 

 were in the mood for acquiring information. The maples, no less than the 

 Douglas pine and rhododendrons, dislike lime. 



Westonbirt House was next visited. It is one of the finest and largest 

 residences in the county. It is, according to Kelly's Directory, " a structure 

 in the Jacobean style, erected from the designs of the late Mr Vulliamy, 

 architect, of London, at a cost of about £200,000, and completed in 1878 ; 

 it consists of a centre and two wings, the former being surmounted by a lofty 

 tower, terminating in a cupola ; the entire building has a frontage of about 

 360 feet, the general height being about 70 feet. ..,.." 



The house contains many priceless treasures, including tapestry, pictures 

 and vases, and these were much admired. 



If the Arboretum had been found enjoyable, the gardens under the 

 direction of Mr Chapman were positively enchanting. Here art has achieved 

 the acme of success in tree-grouping, the idea being to secure perfection of 

 colouring at all seasons of the year. It is pleasing to reflect that Sir George 

 Holford willingly permits the public to visit his grounds, and it is to be hoped 

 that nothing will occur to interfere with the privilege so long enjoyed and so 

 highly prized. 



, The visit was not well timed for seeing the orchid houses at their best, 

 but Mr Alexander was able to interest and instruct. There are half a million 

 of orchids at Westonbirt, and, as is well-known, there is no other exhibitor 

 to compare with Sir George Holford at the great shows. He has to fight 

 for his laurels, but he wins them. As a closing tit-bit to a memorable visit 

 some of the party were taken by Mr Chapman to his store beds for bulbs, 

 shrubs, etc. Then, with farewells made, the excursionists started on the 

 homeward journey, the alternative route of Avening and Longfords being 

 selected. 



Those present were :— The Rev. Walter Butt and Mr W. R. Carles, 

 C.M.G. (vice-presidents), Mr L. Richardson (Hon. Secretary), Dr. F. C. Carter, 

 Dr. R. Cunningham Affleck, Surgeon-Major I. Newton, Messrs. Walter 

 Butt, J. M. Collett, A. J. Cullis, O. H. Fowler, J. C. Frith, C. O. Hanson, E. 

 Lawrence, E. P. Little, W. Margetson, E. C. Sewell, J. W. Skinner, W. Nash 

 Skillicorne, F. W. Smith, A. W. Stanton, A. J. Stephens, W. Thompson, etc. 



