148 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1907 



ilex) occupy the foreground, while an Acacia and a Tulip tree 

 of more than ordinary growth, though now in rather a failing 

 condition, adorn the pleasure grounds. Considerable interest 

 attaches to "The Catherine Oak," which has recently been 

 removed because of its interference with the growth of the 

 great Yew hedge. It is said to have been raised from an 

 acorn, taken from the crop of a pheasant in 1783, and 

 planted by Charles Grey in 1786 to celebrate the birth of 

 his daughter Catherine Maria, by his wife, Catherine Maria, 

 daughter of the Rev. John Skelly, vicar of Shilbottle, and 

 grand-daughter of Alexander, second Duke of Gordon. On 

 30th May 1821, this tree was reported as being in a thriving 

 condition, and among papers of the late Mr Middleton Dand 

 of Hauxley, the following poetical reference to it has been 

 found : — 



" From a small acorn see the oak arise, 

 Supremely tall, and tow'ring to the skies ; 

 Qaeen of the groves, her stately head she rears, 

 Her bulk increasing with increasing years ; 

 Now moves in pomp majestic o'er the deep, 

 While in her womb ten thousand thunders sleep : 

 Hence Britain boasts her far extended reign. 

 And by the expanded acorn rules the main." 



The said Mrs Grey, to whose daughter's honour this seedling 

 was reared, died at Morwick on 21st June 1786, and was buried 

 in a tomb at the end of an alley of Yew trees in the garden. 

 On one side of the walk is an ancient stone coffin on 

 whose cover is figured a cross, regarding which there remains 

 no authentic information ; and near it in a box, hung on one 

 of the many Limes which adorn the place, was shown a 

 brood of Blue Tits, which had been reared in spite of 

 frequent visits paid them by the junior members of the family 

 in residence. 



Resuming their seats in the carriages, the members drove 

 to Howlet-hall, a convenient point from which to cross the 

 Coquet and visit the exceptionally interesting Hermitage 

 situated on its North bank. The crossing was effected by 

 means of a boat in charge of the custodian of the Castle, 

 and access to the rock-hewn sanctuary was gained by a 



