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of first importance to them, and of which each member took 
his own notes. Representatives of all families of trees and shrubs 
that will grow in the British Isles were seen and examined with 
the greatest interest. The names of all were plainly written on 
labels that could be easily seen and read, and as the members 
walked about they had no difficuity in comparing the species and 
varieties of any class of trees, and forming an opinion of their 
beauties and merits. The collection of Conifers, new and old, 
were a particularly interesting feature, especially in regard to the 
number of species rarely seen in Scotland. Numerous fine 
varieties of the hardier kinds were also noted, although many 
of them were not by any means so healthy in appearance 
and vigorous in growth as they are commonly seen in Scottish 
woodlands. Still there were some very fine specimens noticed in 
the collection, particularly of those that delight in a warm climate, 
and can bear with impunity the London fog, which is so detri- 
mental generally to the coniferous family. The broad-leaved 
trees do not suffer nearly so much from the deleterious pro- 
perties of the fog, and they seem to thrive and grow with great 
luxuriance at Kew, fringing the lake, lawns, and glades with a rare 
wealth of sylvan beauty, in all its varying tints and shades. The 
vast collection of evergreen and deciduous shrubs were looked upon 
with equal admiration, and days might have been spent among 
them without exhausting their attractions or the interest in them 
flagging. Near the Rhododendron Dell was seen the site of an old 
gravel-pit which had been skilfully converted into a natural-looking 
hollow, in the shelter of which were planted a collection of 
bamboos of every description. The planting had only been com- 
pleted this season, but the bamboo “canes” presented quite a novel 
appearance, giving one a good idea of the luxuriant growth and 
gracefulness of tropical vegetation. It was greatly admired as an 
excellent method of transforming a very ordinary looking spot into 
~ one of rare beauty and great interest. 
- The several divisions of the party having made the circuit of the 
Arboretum and Gardens, gathered on the lawn near the Pagoda— 
an Oriental-looking building of ten stories, and about 165 feet 
high—and, at the Pavilion Tea Rooms, they were hospitably enter- 
tained to light refreshments, which were gratefully appreciated 
after the long and most interesting walk they had enjoyed in the 
Gardens on a very warm forenoon. Here Colonel Bailey, on behalf 
of the members, cordially thanked Mr Morris and the other officials 
