37 



fUport of (Hmral gttmmxr (&xcm$ion% f 19X2. 



Cheddar Cliffs The first General Excursion of the Season was 

 and Caves. held on Wednesday, May 29th, when about 50 



members left Bournemouth West Station by the 

 9.40 a.m. train for Shepton Mallet, where brakes were in readiness 

 to convey the party over the Mendips to Cheddar, a halt 

 being made at Priddy for lunch. The Botanical Section 

 was conducted by Mr. R. V. Sherring, who pointed out 

 various plants of interest while crossing the Mendips. Near 

 the head of the Gorge it was met by Miss Ida M. Roper, 

 F.L.S., of Clifton, who, with Mr. Sherring, showed the various 

 rare plants of interest, which were in beautiful condition and per- 

 fection of flower, whilst walking down the Gorge to the Caves. 



The rest of the party went on to the Waterworks, where 

 Dr. Ord delivered an interesting address on the Geological forma- 

 tion of the stupendous cliffs, which are magnificent and grand. 



A visit was then paid to Gough's Cavern, with its stalactites 

 and stalagmites, the remarkable and beautiful shapes and colours 

 of which were greatly enhanced by electric lights. Time did not 

 permit of a visit to Cox's beautiful cave. 



The drive was then continued along the valley through West- 

 bury to Wells for tea. Some of the members paid a hurried visit 

 to the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. The journey was then 

 resumed through Croscombe to Shepton Mallet Station and 

 Bournemouth was reached at 8.27 p.m., after a day much enjoyed 

 by all. 



The New Forest An interesting excursion was made by 96 

 and Somerley. members to these places on June 5th. The 



party arrived at Ringwood about 11.40 a.m. 

 and then drove to the Black Bar, the largest Tumulus in the New 

 Forest. Owing to the approach over the moors being inaccessible, 

 due to the recent rains, a detour was made up the hillside, which 

 commanded a view of the Tumulus, where Mr. Brownen gave 

 a brief address on the Barrow, etc. The party then drove down 

 the Moyles Court Avenue to the Ellingham entrance to Somerley 

 Park, and availed themselves of the kind permission of the Right 

 Hon. the Earl of Normanton to visit his picture galleries and 

 gardens. At the house they were received by his Lordship and 

 conducted through the picture galleries, etc. The collection 

 contains over 30 authenticated paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, 

 including the painting of Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse, 

 paintings by Sir Thomas Lawrence, Gainsborough, Greuze, a little 

 gem of Mrs. Siddons by Opie, and some Murillos. 



The portrait of Napoleon by Le Fevre is said to be the best 

 likeness of him ever taken, and that of Nelson by Lucy with a 



