98 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



trees were measured. After tea, which was kindly provided by 

 the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the members were shown 

 round the gardens, which were greatly admired. 



The Annual Excursion Dinner was held in the Grand Hotel. 

 The President, Sir Kenneth Mackenzie, was chairman, and Mr 

 Fothringham, vice-president, was croupier. The guests of the 

 evening included Bailies Davie, Wilson and Gordon, Mr Hugh 

 Stuart, Town Clerk, and Mr J. Grant Smith, factor, Elgin. 



THIRD DAY.— Ballindalloch. 



The party at Ballindalloch Station were received by Mr John 

 Macpherson Grant, Younger, of Ballindalloch. Sir George 

 Macpherson Grant, Bart, received his guests at the end of the 

 bridge over the river Avon, and gave them a most hearty 

 welcome. The members then passed along the avenue, which 

 is lined on both sides with magnificent larch and other trees. A 

 splendid specimen of Abies riobilis attracted great attention. At 

 5 feet from the ground it girthed 9 feet 11^ inches, and its 

 height was estimated at 94 or 95 feet. This specimen was con- 

 sidered by the company to be the largest in girth in the kingdom, 

 the only one approaching it being found at Murthly, — this girths 

 only 7 feet 11 inches, but it is said to be a little over 100 feet in 

 height. Sir George informed the company that this tree was 

 planted in 1859 or i860. A Douglas fir, with great outspreading 

 branches, a number of which trailed on the ground, girthed 12 

 feet 8 inches, and was about 90 feet high. Sir George stated 

 that it was planted in 1846. There were a number of excellent 

 hardwoods — ash, limes, beeches and chestnuts — which were 

 considered to be the finest the members had seen since they 

 came north. The company were hospitably entertained to 

 luncheon by Sir George. 



Aberlour. 



An enjoyable drive along the banks of the Spey brought the 

 Excursionists to Aberlour House, where they were entertained by 

 Mr and Mrs J. R. Findlay. A brief visit was made to the 

 policies and beautifully laid out gardens, many notable trees 

 being inspected in the policies. The home farm was also visited. 

 The members then returned to Elgin. 



