Iviii. TARRANT VALLEY 1 . 



described by Cumberland in 17/56 as "magnificent, massy, and stretching to 

 a great extent in front, with an enormous portico of Doric columns." Yet 

 the greater part of the structure, despite its massiness and magnificence, was 

 pulled down within a few years, leaving only the wing which now forms Mr. 

 Farquharson's residence. Most of the party climbed the staircase to the tower- 

 top to take a glimpse of the extensive view, which can only be enjoyed properly 

 on a fine day. The rooms were also inspected, some of them of much interest 

 for example, the haunted chamber ; the small room adjoining, beautifully 

 panelled from floor to ceiling in oak ; the apartment called the Greenroom, next 

 to the drawing room, elegantly adorned by Josiah Wedgwood himself, who was 

 for a time the owner of Eastbury. Among the pictures the visitors noticed 

 particularly the fine equestrian portrait of Mr. James John Farquharsoii and his 

 famous huntsman, Jim Treadwell. This portrait, by Francis Grant, was 

 presented to Mr. Farquharson by the friends of his hunt in 1857 as a proof of 

 their regard and esteem, and in recognition of the kind and liberal manner in 

 which he hunted the county of Dorset at his sole expense for half a century. 



After the PRESIDENT had expressed the hearty thanks of the 

 Club to Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson the party proceeded to the 

 Manor House. This house, set in beautifully-kept grounds and 

 gardens, contains a variety of things of beauty and interest. 

 Time is inexorable, and, though the visitors would fain have 

 stayed longer, they had soon to remount their carriages and 

 return to Blandford to catch their trains. On driving away from 

 the Manor House, after bidding Mr. and Mrs. Hughes-Gibb and 

 their family adieu, they had a good view of Tarrant Gunville 

 Church, which was entirely re-built in 1845, and the rector of 

 which (the Rev. J. L. Rhye) joined the party at Eastbury. The 

 drive to Blandford through " the fine champaign country " would 

 have been much enjoyed but for the incessant rain. Thus ended 

 the " Torrent " Valley meeting of vivid memory ! 



