186 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
in a large marquee. Mr Turner, Commissioner to the Duke 
of Portland, presided, and on behalf of his Grace, who was 
unable to be present, welcomed the party to this part of 
Ayrshire. Luncheon over, the healths of the Duke and Mr 
Turner were proposed by Sir Archibald Buchan Hepburn, who, 
on behalf of the company, asked Mr Turner to convey to his 
Grace the thanks of the Excursionists for his kind hospitality. 
Thereafter a visit was paid to the old Tower, in order to see a 
fine ceiling which, after being hidden by lath and plaster for a 
long period of years, had recently been exposed to view. It 
belongs to the seventeenth century, and the joists and under 
side of the flooring, which are quite exposed, are covered with 
quaint paintings, apparently in some kind of water-colour. 
The painting is in an excellent state of preservation, and 
means have been taken to support the joists by steel 
girders placed above them, and from which they are sus- 
pended. The drive was now resumed, and Lanfine was soon 
reached. 
At Lanfine arboriculture, rather than sylviculture, is the 
prevailing feature. The grounds are well stocked with trees 
and shrubs of all sorts, amongst which many of the newer 
Conifer bulk largely. There are also many fine deciduous 
trees, and the rhododendrons, which are in large numbers 
and in big masses, must be exceptionally fine when in flower. 
Mr Mackinnon, the proprietor of Lanfine, accompanied the 
party over the grounds, and before taking their departure they 
were kindly entertained by him to refreshments on the lawn. 
Three cheers were given for Mr Mackinnon, and the journey 
was resumed. At Loudon a halt was made in order to see 
the Castle, with its famous old yew-tree, under which the 
Treaty of Union was signed, the Earl of Loudon being one 
of the signatories. The stem of this venerable tree girths 14} 
feet at 34 feet from the ground, and the spread of its branches 
extends to 75 feet. On the way to Kilmarnock flying visits 
were paid to Ladyton and Templetonburn. At the latter 
place, the residence of Mr R. Johnston Paton, a fine new 
rosary was seen, and also some nice bits of “wall” gardening. 
The Excursionists were hospitably entertained to tea by Mr 
Paton, and leaving Kilmarnock at 8 o’clock, Glasgow was 
reached about 9. 
On Saturday, 8th July, the last day of the Excursion, 
