REPORT OF THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 87 



the poorest possible soil without any definite preparation, as 

 they flowered most freely when growing under such conditions. 



Upwards of ninety species of Quercus (oak) are grown at 

 Kew, and a fine specimen of the rare Quercus detisifiora was 

 noted, also a sweet chestnut {Castanea sativa)^ 22 ft. i in. in 

 girth at 5 feet high. 



Richmond Park: and Hampton Court. 



After inspecting the gardens at Kew, the party lunched in the 

 open at Flora House, Kew Green, and afterwards started for a 

 walk through Richmond Park. This proved an interesting, 

 though to some members rather strenuous experience, as this 

 happened to be the warmest day of the tour. 



Richmond Park covers an area of 2253 acres, and is situated 

 in five different parishes. 



From the purely silvicultural point of view there was not 

 much to be learned from the tour, for although the park is well 

 wooded with isolated specimens and plantations, there is no 

 systematic system of forestry. The walk, however, was not 

 without interest. The parl^ contains several large houses, 

 including White Lodge, the birthplace of our present Queen, 

 and the residence of the Duke and Duchess of York. 



The trees are mostly oak, and judging from their appearance 

 must be a great age. Although some attention has recently 

 been paid to the removal of dead wood from some of the trees, 

 it was evident that nothing can now be done to restore their 

 vitality, as the bulk of them are in an advanced state of decay. 



The bulk of the old trees have short stout stems and widely- 

 spreading heads; the result, no doubt, of pollarding in early 

 life. It is reputed that at one time a flock of 3000 wild turkeys 

 was preserved in the park for sporting purposes, and that the 

 trees were pollarded in order to provide suitable roosting places 

 for the birds. 



Large numbers of red and yellow deer were seen, and it 

 was interesting to note how little notice they took of so laro-e 

 a company. They were comparatively tame and were not 

 the least excited or afraid. Many kinds of birds and animals 

 inhabit the park, and recently a bird sanctuary has been 

 established for the preservation of rare birds. 



The party left the park by Kingston Gate, and tea was served 

 at Penfold's Hotel, after which the journey was resumed to 



