158 REPORTS OF MEETINGS FOR 1910 



summons to arms disturbed its peace that bright September 

 day, for on their arrival at Weens, which nestles 

 Weens. amid fine woodland on the left bank of the 



river, the members were cordially greeted by 

 Mr George Tancred, a veteran of their number and proprietor 

 of the lands, and genially escorted by him through the garden 

 and pleasure grounds, to whose management he still devotes much 

 time and attention. The lands were formerly known as Weyndis, 

 and in the 16th century were a possession of the Crown; but 

 thereafter for generations they remained in the hands of the 

 powerful family of Turnbull, who laid claim to the entire valley 

 as their hunting ground. Mr Tancred, who succeeded to them 

 on the death of a relative, is the well-known author of Annals 

 of a Border Club, and Rulewater and its people, in both of 

 which he has traced the history of many Jedforest celebrities, and 

 revived the memory of notable deeds of arms. For the fuller 

 entertainment of the members he had laid out for inspection 

 a collection of Indian curiosities, scarce books, and ancient 

 armour, besides ministering to their creature comfort by supplying 

 light refreshments. In the course of a stroll through the grounds, 

 in which was observed a "sanctuary" for game, members could 

 not fail to notice the splendid timber that adorned the policies. 

 Conspicuous among forest trees were the following : — On the lawn 

 near the mansion a Weeping Oak, standing 12 feet and covering 

 a space of 23 feet in diameter ; a few ancient Geans (Prunus 

 avium) outside the garden ; two Larches ( Larix Europcea) on 

 the original march between Bonchester and Weens, and probably 

 the oldest specimens (1760) on the Water of Rule ; the " Sheriff's 

 Tree " (Larix Europcea) planted by the late Sheriff Rutherford 

 of Edgerston, and girthing 9 feet 2 inches at 4| feet ; one of 

 a group of Limes (Tilia vulgaris) attaining 98 feet in height ; 

 an Elm (Ulmus montana) near the garden, girthing 14 feet 

 4 inches at 4| feet ; and a Silver Fir (Abies pectinata) upon 

 the river bank, dividing at 12 feet and girthing 8 feet 10 inches 

 at i\ feet. While assembled at the door of the house Mr Ruther- 

 furd expressed the sentiments of the party, when he offered Mr 

 Tancred their grateful thanks for his genial courtesy and wished 

 him continued health, a motion which was duly acknowledged 

 by their host, who spoke with warmth of the pleasant excursions 



