40 Report of Meetinrjs for 1890. By Dr J. Hardy. 



to roam at will through his magnificent mansion, gardens, and 

 grounds, and to partake of his hospitality. Callaly Oastle is 

 proverbial for that good old English style of welcome, which 

 characterizes so many of the stately homes of England, and on 

 this occasion both Major and Mrs Browne did the utmost that 

 forethought and personal kindness and attention could do to 

 make their numerous visitors perfectly at home. The morning 

 broke somewhat showery, but soon the threatening clouds dis- 

 persed, and ere long the lovely hills and dales fairly revelled in 

 the glorious sunshine which supervened. Parties by road and 

 rail commenced to arrive soon after 8.30, and as they emerged 

 out of the famous beech avenue and the Hall came in view, they 

 were equally surprised and flattered at the extensive prepara- 

 tions which had been made for their reception. It was noticed 

 that some extensive alterations were going on, and on enquiry 

 it was learnt that the right wing of the Hall, formerly the 

 chapel, and latterly converted into a billiard room, was now to 

 be transformed into a spacious dining hall, and behind that 

 again is to be erected a museum to hold the valuable collection 

 which has lately come into the possession of Major Browne, and 

 which is at present at Pippbrook House, Dorking. As a private 

 collection it stands almost unrivalled; a large proportion of its 

 contents are unique, and money cannot represent their value. 

 A small but very valuable instalment from this magnificent 

 collection was shown to the visitors, and was a forestate of what 

 might be expected when the wjiole museum is transported and 

 arranged in its new abode. Northumberland will be greatly 

 eni-iched in the possession of this excellent private museum. On 

 the lawn beneath the shade of majestic trees were to be seen a 

 number of tents of various sizes, which were set apart as dining 

 tent, museum, lavatory, dressing rooms, &c. The visitors were 

 first invited into the Hall where they were welcomed by Mrs 

 Browne, and after breakfasting viewed the beautifully appointed 

 rooms, the pictures, and the many curiosities and valuable works 

 of art with which Callaly Castle abounds. They then entered 

 the museum tent, in which were spread the extensive collection 

 of Indian, Australian, and South Sea Island curiosities, collected 

 by Major Browne himself during his travels in those parts. Two 

 exploration parties were now formed, one under the guidance of 

 Major Browne and the other under the steward (Mr T. Huggan) 

 which made for the hills. Eabbit Hall camp and the track of 



