88 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Hampton Court Palace. By the time the party reached the 

 Palace the afternoon was well advanced. This was rather dis- 

 appointing, as members would have preferred to have had more 

 time at their disposal to wander through the extensive and 

 beautiful grounds, and to examine more closely the old yew and 

 lime trees with their curious knotted branches, the result of 

 swellings brought about by the presence of mistletoe. The 

 short time, however, was delightfully spent in viewing the 

 beautiful gardens. The wealth of blossom in the flower beds, 

 combined with the rich velvety green of the old lawns proved 

 a rare treat. Much interest was evinced in the famous old 

 vine which grows in a vinery attached to the Palace. It is 

 said to be the largest as well as the oldest vine in the country. 

 It annually bears a heavy crop of fruit which is at the disposal 

 of the King, the fruit usually finding its way to the various 

 hospitals. A fine view was also obtained of the river Thames, 

 which forms the boundary on one side of the gardens and park 

 land. 



Lack of time prevented the party from inspecting those rooms 

 in the Palace which are open to the public, such as the State 

 Apartments, Banqueting Hall, and Private Chapel. Hampton 

 Court Palace was erected by Cardinal Wolsey in 15 15, who 

 presented it to King Henry VIII. in 1526. The Palace, as 

 originally built, is not wholly represented by the present-day 

 edifice, for it was restored by King William III. from plans by 

 Wren. The last reigning monarch to occupy the Palace was 

 King George II., and for many years much of the building has 

 been divided into suites of apartments occupied by individuals 

 chosen by the King. Small wonder that the ancient Palace 

 with its extensive gardens, parks and lakes is so popular with 

 Londoners. Compared with the noise and bustle of the city 

 this must be paradise indeed. 



The return journey was made under cooler and more pleasant 

 conditions, and Headquarters were reached shortly after 7 p.m. 



Cliveden and Dropmore. 



June 27, the sixth and concluding day of the tour, was spent 

 in a visit to Cliveden estate, the property of Lord Astor, and 

 to Dropmore estate, the property of J. B. Fortescue, Esq. 



Cliveden was reached about 11.30 a.m., the run from London 

 occupying two-and-a-half hours. The morning was clear and 



