16 
reached a charming rock-garden, formed upon the site of an old 
limestone quarry. Its quietude and retirement made it a favourite 
spot with the late Prince Consort; and it still holds a high place 
in Her Majesty’s regard as a delightful summer retreat. On this 
broiling hot day the arbour did look so cool and inviting, as to 
tempt one to linger long inits pleasant shade. In our walk through 
this part of the Home Park, a few old oaks—dating from the days 
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S OAK. 
of the Normans, and of which the above illustration of Queen 
Elizabeth’s Oak is a good example—were met with, and more were 
seen in other parts of the domain. Their glory has departed, but 
they are still wisely preserved as links connecting the present 
with the past. Had they but tongues to speak, what might they 
not tell of the stirring and historic events which have in the course 
of fleeting centuries been enacted under the shadow of their 
boughs. One of the largest of these old oaks was measured 
and was found to girth 36 feet. By the side of the walk is a 
