144 ANNUAL EXOUBSION. 



with a startling record, now used to support a crane for tlie 

 neighbouring wharf. 



Landing at the Town Quay, the visitors inspected Fowey 

 Church (dedicated to St. Fimbar). The Vicar, Eev. H. N- 

 Purcell, explained the principal features of the edifice. Mr. 

 A. Q. Couch, a native of Bodmin, a well-known modern writer 

 ("Q"), resident at Fowey, also joined the party by invitation. 



Luncheon was held in the ancient hostelry " The Ship " 

 Hotel, formerly the mansion of the Eashleighs. Initials, and 

 portraits in relief, still adorn the old house. 



Place House, the ancient and beautiful residence of the 

 family of Treffry, was also reached, and the Porphyry Hall 

 inspected by permission, after which the carriages took the 

 members of the expedition to Menabilly. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan 

 Eashleigh there received all most cordially, and the former 

 accompanied his guests through the extensive grounds, indicat- 

 ing, to those interested, the rare shrubs, trees, etc., which were 

 flourishing, as if in a tropical climate. 



With Mr. Eashleigh all next proceeded to the famous 

 Menabilly Q-rotto, — just above Pridmouth beach, a very lovely 

 spot. The grotto was erected by the late Mr. Philip Eashleigh, 

 between 1750 and 1760. The minerals were brought from 

 various parts of the world, and are most skilfully arranged. 

 The late Duke of Devonshire, taking this grotto as his model, 

 erected one, similar in many respects but smaller, at Chatsworth. 

 The late Duke of Bedford also copied it, to some extent, in 

 a smaller one which he made at Endsleigh. In neither of these, 

 however, were they able to reproduce the beautiful asbestos 

 roof hung with stalactites which appears in that of Menabilly^ 

 Mr. and Mrs. Eashleigh having entertained the visitors at Tea 

 in a large tent at Pridmouth, the President (Mr. J. D. Enys) 

 expressed the thanks of all present, to Mr. and Mrs. Eashleigh 

 for their kind reception. Mr. Evelyn Eashleigh was also 

 thanked for having acted usefully as guide, at various points of 

 the route during the day. On the return journey, a passing 

 visit to Tregaminion Chapel was also paid, by those who had a 

 little time at their disposal, 



