REPORT OF THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 91 



Their growth is marvellous, and they seem to reproduce them- 

 selves like weeds, the very path being carpeted in places with 

 seedlings. Rhododendrons were equally fine, as were also 

 Andromedas, Kalmias, Pernettyas, and Gaultherias : the soil 

 and climate seeming to be exactly suited to their growth. 

 Leaving the wooded portion of the grounds, members were 

 conducted through the beautiful pleasure-grounds, gardens, 

 and conservatories. In the flower garden in front of the 

 mansion, the beds and borders were glowing with the rich 

 colours of many brilliant varieties of flowers; while south- 

 ward lay a well-wooded park, over which the view extended 

 to beyond Windsor in the distance. 



The time at the disposal of members was much too short 

 to see the whole of the arboreal treasures on this most 

 interesting estate ; and it was with a feeling of reluctance that 

 we had again to board the charabancs which conveyed us 

 to Burnham Beeches, where tea was served at the Old Beech 

 Tea Gardens. After a hearty vote of thanks had been recorded 

 to Mr Fortescue for the rare treat we enjoyed in viewing his 

 magnificent collection of conifers, and to Mr Reid for the 

 courteous manner in which he received us, and for the informa- 

 tion he dispensed to all who sought his aid, a start was made 

 for headquarters which were reached abcut 7 p.m. With this 

 the Excursion came to an end, and on all hands it was voted 

 an unqualified success, carried out as it was under perfect 

 weather conditions. 



As usual, the arrangements for the Excursion were all that 

 could be desired, and for these the thanks of the members are 

 due to Mr Buchanan, Convener of the Excursion Committee, 

 Mr Galloway, the Secretary, and to Mr Angus Galloway, who 

 proved an able and willing assistant. 



R. F.: R. A. G.: G. U. M. 



