Excursions. 33 



EXCURSIONS. 



The first three days of the following- week were devoted to 

 excursions. On Monday a special train conveyed the mem- 

 bers from Euston Station to Ridgmont in Bedfordshire, 

 where carriages were waiting to convey the members to 

 the park. The Duke and Duchess of Bedford met the party, 

 and a first halt was made to view the Bisons, Giraffes, and 

 Ostriches, after which the drive was continued, several 

 other halts being made, to afford views of the numerous 

 species of Deer, Antelopes, and Water-fowl. Luncheon was 

 then served at the Abbey, after which the party divided, some 

 visiting the picture- and sculpture-galleries, while others, 

 accompanied by the Duke and Duchess, went for an extended 

 walk through the park. 



On Tuesday an excursion was made to Cambridge. Prof. 

 Newton, assisted by Dr. Gadow, received the Members at the 

 Museum, where many rare books, and specimens of birds and 

 eggs, were on exhibition. Luncheon was served at Magdalene 

 College and Dr. Sharpe, in a short speech, thanking the Master 

 and Fellows for having allowed the Congress to lunch in 

 their Hall, proposed the health of Prof. Newton, which 

 was warmly seconded in appropriate speeches by Drs. Oustalet, 

 Reichenow, and Fatio, and Mr. F. M. Chapman. Professor 

 Newton, in replying, reminded the members of the Congress 

 that their excursion might almost be considered a bird- 

 nesting expedition as they came to see the nest from which 

 had flown "The Ibis," now so widely known all over the 

 world. The nest was built and the young "Ibis " fledged in 

 the room immediately above that in which they had left 

 their coats and hats. After luncheon most of the members 

 drove to Fen Ditton, while some who had not been to 

 Cambridge before went round the Colleges. Mr. and Mrs. 

 Bonhote received the party at their residence, Ditton Hall, 

 showing them the aviaries containing a fine collection of 

 British birds, as well as the hybrid ducks used in Mr. 

 Bonhote 's experiments. After tea the party returned to 

 Cambridge in time to catch the special train for Bridlington. 



