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Third General Meeting. 9 
works of art with which it is so richly stored. The Earl of Shelburne 
and the Rev. Mr. Guthrie, of Calne, chaplain to Lord Lansdowne, 
kindly attended to point out and explain the pictures; but the throng 
was so great that it was not easy to come within reach of them, 
nor indeed, had the whole day been given to this occupation alone, 
would it have been a moment too long for the purpose ; for few are 
the mansions of our nobility or gentry, that can vie with Bowood 
in the variety and number of works of art, all of the most tasteful 
selection, that have been gathered together under this roof by its 
present distinguished owner. But other occupation now awaited 
the archeologists; and the ringing of a bell summoned them to 
make acquaintance with the interior of an immense tent, erected 
upon the lawn. The noble Marquis, followed by the members of 
his family, and personal friends, led the way, and in a few moments 
the large company, not less than 300, found themselves seated at 
an exquisite entertainment. When it was over the noble host 
addressed the company in a few words. Taking advantage of the 
news just arrived of the fall of Sebastopol, he called upon them to 
drink the health of the Queen and the Emperor, and the united 
gallant armies and navies of England and France. One more toast 
was given, by Mr. G. P. Scrope, the health of the noble Marquis 
himself, who, in acknowledging it, expressed the real pleasure which 
he felt in seeing his visitors, and kindly requested them to amuse 
themselves in and about his house and pleasure grounds, so long as 
might be agreeable; and they would find tea and coffee ready for 
them in the course of the evening. Of this permission the company 
then availed themselves; and we can truly say that never was a 
holiday more admirably conducted by a host, or more thoroughly 
enjoyed by the guests. To name the company is impossible, for it 
included the whole neighbourhood. 
In the evening the Mayor and Corporation of Chippenham gave 
a Conversazione at the Town Hall. The large room, as well as a 
smaller one adjoining, was filled with various illustrations of 
Wiltshire antiquities, the examination of which supplied great 
amusement to a crowded assembly. The Rev. Mr. Bingham, of 
Redcliffe Church, read a portion of a paper on ecclesiastical sculp- 
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