THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 75 



and from measurements and calculations made beforehand the 

 following figures were obtained: — Age, 96 years; height, 70 feet; 

 number of stems per acre, 330; average cubic contents, 16 

 feet = 5 280 cubic feet per acre. 



Before leaving, the party was hospitably entertained by 

 Mr Hay. 



Driving by way of Kalemouth, the party entered the beautiful 

 policies of Sunlaws, belonging to Colonel Scott-Kerr, by the 

 west drive. A feature of the place is the wealth of rhododen- 

 drons, which, however, are more in evidence earlier in the 

 season. Some very fine oak and other trees, from 180 to 

 200 years old, and numerous clean-grown Scots pine of fine 

 dimensions were seen. The younger plantations of Scots pine, 

 spruce, Douglas and Japanese larch, were of a vigorous, healthy 

 growth, but the all too common tale of disease on the European 

 larch had to be repeated. The beautiful birches that line the 

 drive, and the specimen trees of the finer conifers, dotted over 

 the lawns, were much admired. Returning to Kelso, the party 

 was entertained to lunch by the Duke of Roxburghe. Messrs 

 Laing & Mather's Nurseries were visited after lunch, and the 

 fine collection of specimen and other trees, shrubs, herbaceous 

 plants, carnations, etc., was favourably commented on. 



Springwood Park was the next place of call. Sir George 

 Douglas receiving the party and conducting it through the 

 beautiful grounds adjoining the River Teviot. Nothing of 

 silvicultural interest was seen, but many rare and interesting 

 specimen trees were noted. Sir George kindly invited the 

 members to see his collection of paintings and also to partake 

 of his hospitality. 



The drive was continued to Floors Castle, and the Kelso 

 Bank plantation was first visited. This extends to some 40 

 acres, the greater part of which is stocked with broad-leaved 

 trees, and some very well-grown beeches and oaks were seen, 

 Individual stems of beech, 90 to 100 feet high, and up to 17 feet 

 in girth at 5 feet from ground, and oaks of the same height, 

 and up to 16 feet in girth, were noted. To the west of the 

 castle some very fine old Spanish chestnuts on the lawn, and 

 a Wellingtonia planted by Queen Victoria, were objects of 

 special interest. A hurried look at the fine old hardwoods 

 growing in Broomrig plantation, farther to the west, was all 

 that could be accomplished before visiting the gardens. 



