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reach of the Thames far below us in the foreground and set in a 
veritable frame of living green, were of the most enchanting 
character. At one of these commanding spots stands—nearly 
opposite to a village of the same name on the farther side of the 
Thames—the ‘“Cookham Oak,” an old residenter on the estate, 
which has a bole with a girth of 15 feet 9 inches at 5 feet up. 
From the grand terrace in front of the mansion-house splendid 
views were obtained over a wide extent of the beautifully wooded 
upper valley of the Thames, with the pretty town of Maidenhead 
nestling in its bosom, and many villages and church spires peeping 
out from amidst sylvan greenery. Right in front, about 10 miles 
off, lay Royal Ascot, with its famed racecourse, while the towers 
of Windsor Castle are seen in stately strength a little to the left, 
clearly outlined against a well-wooded background of the Surrey 
hills. The flower-garden — laid out in the Italian style — was 
ablaze with colour in the tastefully arranged parterres, and the 
whole environments were in harmony with one of England’s 
stateliest homes. Near to the mansion were several fine Cedars of 
Lebanon and well-grown sycamores, which lent a dignity to the 
scene; while the face of the terrace walls were wreathed with roses 
and other choice climbers, among which was specially observed a 
grand example of the handsome evergreen Magnolia grandiflora 
in full flower, its large, sweet-scented, snow-white blossoms being 
much admired. 
While enjoying their walk upon the terrace, the party were met 
by the Duke of Westminster, to whom several of the Members of 
the Council had the honour of being introduced. He warmly 
welcomed the party to Cliveden, and mentioned the principal 
features of the place which the visitors should see before leaving. 
On the motion of Mr Dunn, a cordial vote of thanks was given 
to his Grace for his kindness in opening his policies to them. 
The Duke in a word replied that he was very glad to see the 
Society, and hoped they would all enjoy their visit. 
The walk through the policies was continued, down a steep 
hill slanting towards the Thames, through a solemn-looking 
avenue of yews, the tops of which met overhead and shut out 
much of the light of day. Some of the yews at the lower end of 
the avenue were very fine trees, with heavy boles. The party 
emerged on the grassy slopes by the banks of the river, where, 
in the course of the walk along them for some distance, there 
were seen several giant elms, and three magnificent Lombardy 
