38 
fine baronial castle dates from 1680, with many modern additions 
and conveniences. The castle stands on a site overlooking 
the beautiful and well-kept grounds, as well as a wide stretch 
of the open country. A large number of trees of great size 
stud the grounds and policies, and many fine specimens of the 
newer Conifer are interspersed among them. The famed 
“ Pepperwell Oak” stands in the park in front of the castle, 
and is probably the most notable tree of great age in the 
parish. Many historical events took place in the troublous 
times of the Middle Ages in the ancient Wood of Methven, which 
was then of much greater extent than what at present exists 
on the Methven estate. It is now comprised in about two 
hundred acres of ancient woodlands lying along the banks 
of the river Almond, and containing many fine old trees and 
picturesque scenes. The party had the privilege of walking 
through it on the way from Methven Castle to Lynedoch, 
as will be duly narrated, and the members viewed with much 
interest the ancient remains of this celebrated wood. 
We entered the Methven Castle policies at the East Lodge, 
near to the village of Almondbank. The drive of about a mile 
and a half from the lodge to the castle, passes first through 
a fine stretch of woodland in which oak predominates, skirts 
the north side of the Loch of Methven, with its rustie boat- 
‘ house and numerous waterfowl, and pursues its way along 
high ground, from which splendid views are obtained, through 
part of the old forest of Methven, with oak and birch and 
hazel growing in a state of nature. Alongside of the drive 
a number of the newer conifers have been planted among the 
hardwoods, and are thriving admirably; as also some fine tall 
larches, which were in vigorous health and perfect foliage. 
About half a mile from the castle the party were met and 
cordially welcomed by Colonel Smythe,! the eldest son of the 
proprietor of the estate, who was accompanied by his brother, 
Mr F. H. Smythe, and Mr Whitton, the gardener, who acted 
as leaders over the estate. A commencement was at once 
made with an inspection of the arboreal treasures of this 
interesting demesne. Colonel Smythe had brought with him 
a book containing most interesting details concerning a 
number of the notable trees of the place, which had been 
carefully kept for many years by Mr Bishop, who occupied 
the position of landsteward on the property from 1794 to 
1850, when he died. After that time the record, unfortunately, 
was not kept up so continuously; but Colonel Smythe, who is 
a member of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, has 
taken the matter in hand again, and has arranged for the 
1 Now the Laird of Methven, 
