Botany of the Craigmillar District. 141 



This little incident finding its way at the time 

 into the newspapers, requests came from all parts 

 of the world for seedlings from " Queen Mary's 

 tree." It was gratifying to all concerned that every 

 application could be granted, as an abundant supply 

 of young plants had grown from the seeds referred 

 to above. At the request of her Majesty, a num- 

 ber of seedlings were also forwarded to Windsor 

 and Balmoral, and not a few have since been 

 planted to adorn portions of the Craigmillar estate. 

 Among places of interest to which specimens were 

 sent may be mentioned one which was planted 

 beside the historic church of Ladykirk by the late 

 Lady Marjoribanks ; and another was placed within 

 the shadow of the ruined walls of Linlithgow Palace, 

 the birthplace of the unfortunate queen herself. 

 On the occasion of the freedom of the burgh of 

 Linlithgow being conferred upon the Right Hon. 

 the Earl of Rosebery, that distinguished noble- 

 man, in planting the seedling, spoke thus to a 

 large assemblage : " We do not plant this tree in 

 anything but a kindly spirit to that queen. If she 



