EXCURSION TO WHITTINGEHAME. 75 



the first time that there was a seed-bearing tree of this species 

 in the country. 



Leaving the nursery members were conducted to where a 

 "Wade" 4-h.p. petrol saw was being operated. The machine 

 is fitted with a cross-cut and circular saw, and being easily 

 handled it can without difficulty be transferred from one 

 plantation to another. On an estate where thinnings take 

 place on a large scale, an appreciable economy can be effected 

 by the use of this machine. Sheep net stakes and fencing stobs 

 can be pointed on the spot, thus saving the expense of carting 

 the rough material to and from a permanent sawmill. 



On entering the policy grounds the attention of the members 

 was drawn to two plots consisting of Thuja giga?itea, beech, 

 and larch, which had been planted in 1909. Considering the 

 age of the trees, the growth, especially that of the larch, was 

 remarkable. 



It was explained that the object the proprietor had in view 

 was to establish a permanent crop of Thuja and beech. The 

 larch were used as nurses, and when their purpose has been 

 served will be gradually removed. A little further on a 

 specimen of Cascara sagrada grown under ordinary forest 

 conditions was passed. A portion of this plant had been tested 

 and found to contain the same medicinal properties as though 

 grown in its native habitat. 



Proceeding by way of Hope Glen the party was conducted 

 to the historical yew which grows near the site of the old castle. 

 Tradition has it that under the canopy of this ancient tree was 

 hatched the plot to murder the unfortunate Darnley. The 

 stem, a few feet above the ground, has a circumference of 

 10 ft. II ins., while the spread of its branches has a radius 

 of 112 yards. 



Clartyside plantation next claimed attention. It is 8 acres 

 in extent and was planted in the spring of 191 2. It also 

 consists of Thuja giga?ttea, beech, and larch. The land was 

 formerly arable ; and the crop is being treated on similar 

 lines to that formerly mentioned. While each of the three 

 species were growing exceedingly well, it was noted that the 

 larch were exceptionally good, some members being of the 

 opinion that from a financial point of view it would be better 

 to retain them as the final crop. 



The next place of interest to be visited was the flower garden, 



