Second Day's Proceedings. 



135 



SECOND DAY, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th. 

 A thoroughly wet morning damped the ardour of some of the 

 a iv 1 urologists, and caused them to forego the pleasant excursion 

 which had been arranged. Others, more hardy or more enthusiastic, 

 carried out a portiou of the programme, though they too were com- 

 pelled by the elemeuts to abridge the intended route. First they 

 drove to Potterne, where the Ven. Archdeacon Buchanan received 

 them at the church, and conducted them over the building, pointing 

 out the many objects of interest in this grand old specimen of Early 

 Gothic architecture, calling especial attention to the very ancient 

 font, not long since exhumed, and by many supposed to be veritable 

 Saxon ; and here sundry details were discussed, and opinions were 

 elicited, which are some of the most valuable results of our archaeo- 

 logical excursions. Thence to the old Porch House, where Mr. 

 Richmond, R. A., welcomed them with a blazing fire in the old hall, 

 and courteously led them above and below stairs and let them 

 wander at will, and gaze to their content ; and a real treat it was to 

 see so fine and so old a building in course of being so admirably 

 restored. Thence to Eastwell House, which attracted due respect 

 from its antiquity, and where our archaeologists feasted not only their 

 eyes, for Mrs. Grubbe had hospitably provided refreshments, and 

 these too must be discussed. Thence, by a straight course to Keevil, 

 omitting the intermediate part of the programme ; and here the 

 famous old Manor House, inhabited by Colonel Wallington, was 

 visited and thoroughly inspected (thanks to the courtesy of its 

 inmates), from garret to basement. The old timber house was also 

 examined, and so, with a passing glance at Keevil Church, home to 

 Devizes. 



SECOND CONVERSAZIONE. 

 The President took the chair at 7.30, p.m., and again the company 

 were regaled with tea and coffee and other refreshments by the very 

 hospitable Mayor and Corporation of Devizes. Three papers were 

 read, on the following subjects : " On a plea for the Moles/'' by the 

 Rev. A. C. Smith ; " On some curiosities of Parochial Registers," 

 by the Rev. W. C. Plenderleath ; and " on the Old House at Spye 



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