30 Report of the Meetings for 1892. 



owner in 1889. Space does not permit even an outline of the 

 history of the Murray s or their lands, and members are referred 

 to the Sistory of Selkirhshire for details. The present house is 

 modern, having been commenced sometime after the destruction 

 of Hangingshaw (the laird's residence) in 1768, and greatly 

 added to from time to time. 



At the time of the Club's visit, the greater portion of Mr 

 Steel's collection of Burmese and other oriental silver (perhaps 

 the finest in Britain) was, at the Prince of Wales' request, 

 being exhibited in the new Imperial Institute in London ; but 

 enough remained to examine and admire. Among the oriental 

 curiosities, several large statues of Buddha, and the gorgeous 

 bed of King Theebaw. Outside, there were the grounds, the 

 Covenanters' Monument, and above all the greenhouses, very 

 extensive and filled with flowering plants in great profusion. 

 Of some of the rarer the following notes by Mr Peter Loney 

 are appended. 



Philiphaugh Gardens are quite new within the last three years. In 

 the forcing department there are three ranges of hothouses, well stocked 

 with clean, healthy plants, amongst which may be mentioned Alamanda 

 Wardleana, and Grandiflora, Oalanthes, Cypripediums, Crotons, Loelias, 

 Oaelogynes, Maxillarias, Odontoglossums, Begonias, Double Petunias, 

 Geraniums, Celosias, Liliums of Sorts, Carnations, Primula obconica, and 

 a general collection of greenhouse plants. Fruit was also well done. 

 Vines planted lately are growing vigorously. Peach trees are in fine 

 condition. Cucumbers, Melons, and Tomatoes were in abundance, all 

 bearing evidence of wealth and good management. The construction of 

 these hothouses, the heating and ventilating arrangements are simply 

 perfect. Several of the members of the Club visited the Bothy for the 

 young gardeners, but as far as the building and accommodation there 

 provided is concerned, the word Bothy may be obliterated from our 

 language. It is of no use to particularise ; let me say that the kitchen 

 with its close range, scullery, sitting room, and bedrooms, with other 

 essential accommodation, are not surpassed by many mansions, and few 

 farm hoftses are so well fitted up. A visit was made to the furnace room, 

 and to the fruit room, both of which were much admired, and deservedly 

 so. Some very fine melons and tomatoes were stored in the fruit room. 

 The vegetable garden was also well stocked, and a range of glass was not 

 inspected for want of time. Mention must also be made of the vast 

 number of Chrysanthemums growing in a border near the forcing houses, 

 all in the best of health, with foliage green to the top of the pots. 



A Flint was shown (on our way through the hothouses) which was 

 supposed to measure 4^ inches on one side, 3 inches on the other, about 2 

 inches on the cutting face, and about 1 inch at the head. This was a 

 clean, smooth specimen. 



