THE CONFERENCE AND DINNER. 203 



sycamore and the alder there ? Both are first-rate trees, and both 

 will grow well in the Western Isles." 



Lord Lovat : — "I believe they will grow in the Western 

 Isles. I planted a section there myself, but the wind-swept 

 outer islands will never grow trees." 



Mr H. Rutherford said: — "You have been extremely indul- 

 gent and fair in giving every opportunity to speak on this 

 occasion, but some of us feel there is a need for a little fresh air, 

 and we have dinner in one and a half hours' time. Our foreign 

 visitors would be distressed if we had not an appetite by then, so 

 I think the Conference might close." 



The Chairman:— "I have little doubt the remarks we have 

 listened to have been much enjoyed by all present. I will now 

 put the Resolution as follows : — 



' That it is the finding- of this meeting that affores- 

 tation can be undertaken on a large scale, and 

 the meeting is of opinion that it should receive 

 that active support of the State which is 

 necessary to bring it about.' 



I take it the motion is unanimously carried. This completes 

 our business." 



A vote of thanks was accorded to Captain Stirling for pre- 

 siding, and the proceedings terminated. 



THE DINNER. 



The Diamond Jubilee celebrations were brought to a con- 

 clusion in the evening by a dinner in the North British Station 

 Hotel. About one hundred gentlemen were present, and the 

 chair was occupied by Captain Stirling of Keir. 



The Chairman said : — " In proposing the health of His 

 Majesty the King, I cannot do better than read a message 

 which was despatched to His Majesty by the Society, and 

 the answer received from His Majesty. The following telegram 

 was sent this morning : — 



'The Members of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society 

 present their humble duty to your Majesty as their patron 

 on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the 

 formation of the Society, and desire to assure your 

 Majesty of their loyalty and affection. The representa- 

 tives of your Majesty's Indian Empire and of the 



