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of measurement were frequently brought into requisition, A 
Scots pine about a century old, and carrying one of the most 
beautifully-shaped heads of any pine in Scotland, measured 13 
feet in girth at 3 feet up, its spread of branches being 66 feet in 
diameter. Another Scots pine, with the habit of an oak, girthed 
20 feet round the base, 13 feet 8 inches at 4 feet up, 14 feet at 
5 feet up, and 14 feet 8 inches at 6 feet up, where it begins to 
fork into three gigantic stems, towering to a great height, and 
forming a remarkably handsome head. The site was stated to be 
about 800 feet above sea-level. Beside this monarch was seen 
a magnificent weeping Scots pine, which is one of two growing 
in Strathspey, the second beivg in the Forest of Duthil. Two 
other Scots pines were found to possess boles of 11 feet 1 inch 
and 11 feet 0} inch in circumference respectively. To the right 
of the road there was seen growing a fine plantation of young 
pines, measuring on the average from 4 to 5 feet in girth; 
and here also was pointed out the remains of the stump of the 
“King of the Forest,” which must have been a gigantic tree 
in its prime. 
Tne estate nurseries at The Dell were the next object to 
engage attention, at the entrance to which Mr Stephen had 
erected a handsome arch, from which flags were flying in honour 
of the occasion. The nurseries cover an area of about 13 acres, 
and contain a well-arranged and comprehensive stock of vigorous 
plants, for the growth of which the soil and situation seem to be 
remarkably well adapted. Near the entrance was seen a neatly 
designed summer-house, built by Mr Stephen in 1881, and in the 
centre of it stands a very interesting table, constructed of pieces 
of wood from all the various kinds of trees grown on the estate, 
which number about a hundred and ten varieties. After a walk 
round the nursery, to inspect the fine stock of young trees, all 
growing well and in capital order, each member of the company 
was invited to select from among a choice lot of young plants, that 
had been carefully potted and tended for the purpose, a young 
Scots pine as a memento of their visit to Strathspey Forests 
—the Scots pine being the badge of the Seafield family as well 
as of the Society. The Members were delighted to take advantage 
of the kind offer, and each Member chose his own tree, which 
was set aside to be handed to him at Grantown, on their departure 
for the south at the close of the Excursion. 
At the pretty rural village of Nethy-Bridge, fast becoming a 
