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GIANTS AND PIGMIES. 



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f ' i'ilr 



from stem to stern. The name of our boat is the Beatrice. 

 A smaller launch accompanies to supply sufficient accommoda- 

 tion, and for other purposes, another JBeutrice — a big and a little. 



34. We sail up the TJiames lock by lock, stage by stage, 

 admiring the beautiful scenery on either side and before us. 

 "While we are in the locks, with the water rising to the level 

 above, our attention is directed by Dr. Day and jNIr. Kamsay 

 of New South Wales, to beautiful specimens of fresh water 

 sponges — spongillae — which they are collecting from the si(Tes 

 of the locks. We are interrupted in our admiration of the 

 scenery by the invitation to luncheon. However, if we should 

 miss any beautiful sight, we may make up for the loss on our 

 return. We pass Cliveden, a residence of the Duke of West- 

 minster, and at length reach Medmenham Abl>ey. Referring 

 to Dickens' Dictionary of the Thames, we find that we are 

 60^ miles from London by the river, or lOi miles from jSIaiden- 

 head. We are in Buckinghamshire. The monks of Medmen- 

 ham had for their motto, •' Fay ce qiie voud'as" as it appears 

 over a door way at the Abbey. A free translation of this is, 

 Do-as-you-like. The accessibility of the Abbey, the loveliness 

 of its surroundings, and its interesting historical associations, 

 make this a favourite resort of tourists, pleasure seekers, excur- 

 sionists and picnic parties. These appreciate the hospitable 

 look of the motto, and accept of the gracious invitation to 

 make themselves fi*ee and easy, probably mora so than the 

 ancient proprietors of the Abbey %\v aid have done. Our 

 excursion party was certainly no exception. Except an 

 ancient archway and a single pillar of the church there 

 is little of the ancient abbey to be found in the present 

 edifice. It stands in so beautiful position and commamls 

 such lovely views, that its present artificial appearance 

 will be readily forgiven. On entering the Fisheries Exhi-- 

 bition a picture — an oil painting of considerable interest 

 — attracts attention. The subject is the Monks of Med- 

 menham fishing on the Abbey point. There are fine roach 

 swims all the way up this reach. Returning Ave came to 

 Cliveden. As the Duke of Westminster had kindly given us 



