14 
5 feet up in one that was measured, all being well-furnished 
and brightly coloured trees. A rapid run was made through 
the beautiful gardens, hothouses, and conservatories, which 
were all seen in perfect order. The gardens, grounds, and policies 
through which we had been led, gave evidence everywhere of a 
most enlightened and liberal management. 
In returning towards the mansion, the company were much 
interested in a small military tent erected on the ground, which 
had belonged to the grandfather of the present proprietor, who 
commanded the Scots Greys at Waterloo. Alongside of it was 
an officer’s tent of the present day, which illustrated the advance 
made in the comfortable housing of the officers of the British 
army on the “tented field” since the days of Waterloo. At the 
mansion the party had the privilege of inspecting the pictorial 
treasures which adorn the walls of the spacious public rooms ; 
and among them was a lovely full-length portrait of Mrs 
Edward Balfour, which was greatly admired. They also saw 
there the original charter of the lands of Balbirnie to the 
present family, dating from 1234 a.D.—over six centuries ago. 
A photograph was taken by Mr Philip Cockburn, the Society’s 
photographer, in front of the house, of the whole of the numer- 
ous company, which included Colonel and Mrs Balfour, Mr and 
Mrs E. Balfour, and other members of the Balbirnie family. 
Thanks were again accorded to Colonel and Mrs Balfour, and 
Mr E. Balfour, for their great kindness and courtesy ‘during 
the afternoon, and a hearty cheer for the family was raised 
as the carriages drove off. 
LESLIE. 
A very courteous invitation was given to the Society by Mr 
Waldegrave-Leslie to visit his estate, about two miles distant, 
when leaving Balbirnie, but for want of time this could not be 
accepted. The following notes, however, of Leslie will be read 
with interest. 
Marching with the parish of Markinch is that of Leslie, where 
is located the property of the ancient family of Rothes. The 
late countess (sixteenth in the succession) died rather more 
than six years ago, much lamented by all ranks of society. Her 
sweetness of character, generosity, and beneficence will not 
readily be forgotten by those who had the privilege of her 
acquaintance. The property is now in the hands of the Hon. 
George Waldegrave-Leslie, LL.D., as liferenter ; and under his 
management the estate bears quite a different aspect to what 
it did some thirty yearsago. Nearly every farm-house, cottage, 
and farm-steading has been put into thoroughly good condition, 
