-- Dr. Balfour's Botanical Excursion. 



by the washed clot, to deposit fibrin: in other cases again, I have 

 found, on applying the same test to the blister-liquid, that it contained 

 little or no fibrin ; and in such cases, I believe the coagulum which 

 forms in it, to result from the simple aggregation of the organized 

 corpuscles which it contains, as observation with the microscope first 

 suggested to me. 



VIII. — Account of a Botanical Excursion to the Mull of Canty re or Kin- 

 tyre and the Island of May, in August, 1844. By J. H. Balfour, 

 M.D., F.L.S., F.R.S.E., Regius Professor of Botany in the University 

 of Glasgow. 



In the present paper, I mean to introduce to the notice of the 

 members the botany of that part of Argyleshire which extends in the 

 form of a peninsula from Tarbet to the Mull of Cantyre, as well as 

 that of the island of Islay. 



A party, consisting of Mr. Babington, author of the Manual of 

 British Botany, Dr. Parnell, author of the work on British Grasses, 

 Mr. John Miller, jun., Mr. John Alexander, Mr. R. Holden, Mr. Risk, 

 Mr. Craig, and myself, left Glasgow by the St. Kiaran steamboat, at 

 11 a.m. on Saturday, 10th August, 1844. There was a large party on 

 board, returning from the Highland Society's Cattle Show. The day 

 was remarkably fine, and we had an excellent view of the beautiful 

 scenery on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. This in some measure 

 compensated for the slow progress of our boat, which did not reach 

 Campbelton till near 9 p.m. 



Campbelton is prettily situated on an inlet of the sea, the opening 

 of the bay being protected by an island, which, however, becomes a 

 peninsula at low water. The island is composed of a porphyritic rock, 

 wliich is sometimes used for making ornaments of various kinds. The 

 climate is mild, and many of the more delicate plants stand the 

 winter well. On visiting one of the gardens in the vicinity, under the 

 guidance of Mr. Stewart, chamberlain to his Grace the Duke of 

 Argyll, we found myrtles, hydrangeas, and other tender plants, thriving 

 in the open air, and we observed a fine Fuchsia hedge, which was in 

 full flower, and contributed in no small degree to ornament the garden. 



On the 12th of August we left Campbelton early, and proceeded by 

 the shore towards Kildalloig, and thence by the rocky and sandy 

 shores of the Mull as far as Ballishear. The cliffs are not so precipi- 

 tous as those on the Galloway coast, and did not produce many rare 

 plants. The most interesting plants were found on the shore. Some 

 of the party who went inland were by no means successful in their 

 botanizing, but this may probably be attributed in some measure to 

 their having spent a portion of their time with Mr. Stewart, enjoying 

 the pleasure of grouse-shooting. The result of their sport was found 

 to be by no means unacceptable at the end of the day's work. 



