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dams, powder mills and stores, and works for the protection of 
the neighbourhood, in the unfortunate event of an explosion, 
were objects of much attraction. 
Turning up a ravine to the left, and passing through an arch 
beneath the public highway, near to the Lion and Elephant 
Gate, the principal entrance to Arniston domain, the party found 
themselves within the extensive park, which stretches away for 
about 2 miles to the southwest. Gaining the main drive, from 
the Lion and Elephant Gate to the Mansion-house, at a spot 
overhanging the valley of the South Esk, a beautiful view was 
got of the richly-wooded glen, with the river, pure and limpid, 
rippling over the rocky bottom, deep in its verdant bosom. 
Standing a little back, on the left, from the drive, a fine thriving 
grove of Oaks was pointed out ; which, it was said, were raised 
from acorns obtained from the Duke of Portland’s estate in 
Sherwood Forest, and the plantation has been named the 
‘“‘Portland Grove.” Near the grove, but on the opposite side of 
the drive, are two mounds a little distance apart, known as 
‘“Dead Man’s Land,” which are supposed to be ancient burial 
places, but are now covered with sturdy oaks, apparently some 
centuries old, and possessing very little of the free growth and 
fine clean stems of the Portland oaks. Two veteran oaks were 
noticed on the right close to the drive, where they probably have 
stood for ages, and looked like enduring for generations to come. 
Nearing the vicinity of the Mansion-house, some of the oldest 
trees still extant on the estate were met with; and the dendro- 
meter and tape-measure were immediately requisitioned. The 
first to be measured was a grand old Ash tree, once a stately 
object, but now bearing marks of storm and decay. At 5 feet 
up the stem girthed 15 feet, and still carried a fair head of 
branches. This tree had formed one in an avenue. A little 
farther on were seen some more ashes of nearly equal girth, and 
numerous grand sycamores, which were much admired. One of 
the largest sycamores was girthed, and found to be 16 feet 3 inches, 
at 5 feet up, with a crown rising to a height of over 100 feet. 
About 60 yards off in the park, on the right, stood a venerable 
oak, which was said to be the oldest oak at Arniston, and once 
marked the boundary of the policies in that direction in olden 
time. It is still a very picturesque object, and like all others of 
the fine old trees about Arniston is tended with the greatest care. 
It girthed 10 feet in the stem, and still exhibits a fair amount 
