FIELD MEETINGS FOR 19x6 209 



beeches, to the main road. Tliis soon brought us to Bothal, 

 which came into view quite suddenly owing to its surroundings 

 forming a spot of great seclusion. A short time was spent in 

 visiting the Church, which stands amidst a great variety of 

 shrubs, many of which were in full bloom. The older masonry 

 of the church that had been spared on restoration appeared to 

 be of the Early English style. 



Afterwards a hurried visit was paid to the park grounds and 

 arboretum of Bothal Haugh, by kind permission of the Hon. 

 and Rev. J. W. Ellis. Here a veritable paradise was offered 

 to the naturalist. Intermixed with almost all kinds of British 

 trees were seen growing a very large assortment of foreign 

 trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen. The various 

 kinds of azaleas, some in full flower, were greatly admired, as 

 was the common barberry as well as several foreign relations 

 in full golden bloom, and weigelias in many varieties and 

 shades of blossom. Two or three shrubby varieties of 

 veronicas were in fine foliage. Vincas (periwinkles) of the 

 major, minor and variegated kinds seemed to flourish in a 

 great many situations. Brooms of exotic varieties had been 

 carefully planted in special spots. Several sorts of hawthorn 

 (some in bloom) were very fine and showy. In addition to the 

 common elm, the Scotch, golden and Cornish elms were seen 

 in fine foliage. Lilacs in great variety, and some of tree-like 

 proportions, all showed a healthy growth, and the various 

 kinds of rhododendrons received much attention. The hollies, 

 both plain, spiny and variegated, all showed vigorous growth. 

 Much admiration was expressed at the handsome white bloom 

 of the snow-drop tree {Halesia tetraptera). Various kinds of 

 pine trees appeared to be in flourishing condition; and there 

 were some fine lime trees of large growth. Some of the oaks 

 appeared to be of a great age. 



The ornithologists were interested in the discovery of the 

 nest of a mute swan ; the mother swan was sitting on a very 

 large nest, consisting of dried stems of aquatic plants, pro- 

 cured in the neighbourhood of the nest, which was built near 



