230 Report of the Meetings for 1893. 



ornamental grass, Digitaria sanguinalis^ on newly-trenched 

 ground — a plant which Babington (6th edition) excludes from 

 the Scottish flora — evidently derived its name from the Newton, 

 great or little, in the neighbourhood — evidence being afforded 

 by these traditional records of the survival of names when the 

 stone and lime fabrics have passed from the ken of man. 



Mr Balfour next conducted his followers to some of the fine 

 trees in the groimds. One oak at three feet from the ground 

 was found to measure in girth 16 feet 3 inches, with a noble 

 spread of branches Another oak measured at three feet from 

 the ground 14 feet, with an unusual height of trunk before the 

 branches strike off, its branch spread covering a diameter of 84 

 feet. There were reasons for believing that these trees would 

 be about 150 or 160 years old. A wych elm showed fine 

 proportions, and, though not measured, was set down at upwards 

 of 1 5 feet in girth. A silver fir was found to girth 1 2 feet 2 inches, 

 and was computed to reach a height of 93 feet. The next object 

 of interest was a lion rampant cut in red sandstone, and bearing 

 on a shield on its breast the arms of Sir Alexander Don, a former 

 ])roprietor of the estate, and his wife, a member of the Douglas 

 family. This figure, which was almost the sole relic of the Don 

 possessors of the estate, and which was thought to be 160 years 

 old, was found by Mr Balfour in a somewhat dilapidated 

 condition, and he had it restored and set up on a fine spot on 

 the lawn within view from the windows of the house, and crowned 

 with a sun-dial, surmised to date before 1665. The company 

 would gladly have lingered about the grounds here ; but time 

 pressed, and the word to " hurry up" was passed by those in 

 authority. Ascending to the terrace in front of the house, Mr 

 Balfour halted to point out the conspicuous features of the 

 extensive and striking tract of country that lay between them 

 and the rounded heights of the Cheviots. Hadden Rig, the scene 

 of ambassadorial negotiations between Scotland and England, 

 and many another spot which figures in history, came within 

 view. 



The company then entered the mansion, where Mr and Lady 

 Nina Balfour received all with cordial heartiness, and ministered 

 with creature comforts to all who cared to partake of their 

 hospitality. Here Mr Balfour gave a brief account of the 

 estate of Newton-Don and its owners, not omitting to refer to 

 the great natural talents of several members of the Don family, 



