232 Report of the Meetings for 1898. 



switched on, and the mild radiance shed from the lamps was 

 greatly admired. 



Specimens of house-fronts from Cairo were shown in their 

 temporary accommodation in one of the coach-houses. These 

 showed elaborate wood-carving, evidently designed to allow the 

 female inmates to have a very limited view of what goes on in 

 the outside world, but to conceal from the gaze of passers by 

 the peering eyes behind them. There was next a hasty run 

 through the gardens, the carnation house coming in for a 

 considerable share of attention, and of admiration on the part of 

 experts. 



The botanical finds of the day will be more systematically 

 given afterwards ; but here it may be mentioned that Mr 

 Brotherston gives Newton Don as a station for Hosa arvensis. 



Then the way was taken to the Linn, all parties pleased with 

 what they had seen and heard, but conscious all the same that 

 they had missed scores of things worthy of attention in the 

 grounds, gardens, and house. At the linn which has a fall of 

 about 40 feet, attention was divided between the natural beauties 

 of the fine waterfall — its geological, arboricultural, and botanical 

 riches — and the works then nearing completion for the water 

 supply and the lighting by means of electricity of the mansion 

 house. The water power was put on and the dynamo set in 

 motion in order that the company might the better understand 

 the working of the machinery. On crossing the Eden Mr Balfour 

 referred to the partial detriment from a scenic point of view 

 caused by these operations ; but he mentioned that it was his 

 purpose to cover the blank wall and concrete with rock and 

 foliage, so that the amenities and attractions of the linn should 

 not ultimately suffer. After a tough climb (made easier, however, 

 by Mrs Baird's improvised roadway), which brought the lungs 

 into active operation, and after a three minutes' breathing space, 

 the company prepared to resume the journey; but before parting 

 from Mr Balfour, Mr J. R. Oarr-Ellison briefly expressed the 

 thanks of all to Mr Balfour for the great kindness he had shown 

 the Club — for the anxiety of himself and Lady Nina to show all 

 that could interest them had been most praiseworthy and gratify- 

 ing— and the members must carry away with them a very high 

 sense of the kindness they had received from Mr Balfour and 

 his good lady. Mr Balfour briefly replied, and expressed his 

 appreciation of the services which the Club by its labours 



