-4 Uit, Balfour's Botanical Excursion. 



tides flow with rapidity and turbulence, and it is by no means pleasant 

 for one who is unpractised in a sea voyage to beat round the headland 

 in a boat 



On the morning of the 13th we examined the peculiarly rugged and 

 precipitous rocks near the lighthouse, some of them rising to several 

 hundred feet above the level of the sea. Sedum Rhodiola was seen in 

 abundance, but no other plants deserving notice. After breakfast we 

 walked along the upper part of the cliffs towards Largybean, where 

 fine caves and stalactites occur. The rocks, composed principally of 

 micaceous slate, were comparatively unproductive, and it was chiefly 

 in those parts where limestone occurred that our researches were 

 rewarded by plants in any way rare. One of the most interesting 

 plants was Dryas octopetala,* associated with Saxifraga aizoides, 

 oppositifolia, and hypnoides, Spergula subulata, and a hairy variety 

 of Hieracium sylvaticum. The day was very wet and misty, and not 

 favourable for botanical pursuits. Neverthless, we examined the rocks 

 carefully, and reached Lossit, after being joined by the Southend party, 

 about 3 p.m., and were kindly received at Mr. M'Neill's. We visited 

 his garden, and saw a species of Passion-flower in full bloom, which 

 stands the winter well, also Hydrangeas, attaining an enormous size, 

 and covered with profusion of flowers, besides Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, 

 Salvia patens, &c. Passing through the fishing village near Lossit 

 House, we made the best of our way to our old quarters at Campbel- 

 ton, traversing a flat country in some parts furnishing coal, which is 

 conveyed by means of a canal to the eastern shore of Cantyre. On 

 either side of the flat strath, which extends from Machrihanish bav to 

 Campbelton, there is a hilly moorish district which has not yet been 

 brought into cultivation. 



August \Aih. — Having procured a cart for our baggage, the most 

 bulky portion of which consisted of paper and boards, we crossed the 

 peninsula of Kintyre or Cantyre, towards Machrihanish bay, passing 

 the old church of Kilchinzie. The shores at the bay are composed 

 of immense hills of sand raised by the waves of the ocean which roll 

 on the beach at times with enormous fury, causing their roar to be 

 heard for many miles. The sands are kept together and prevented 

 from being blown inland by Ammophila arenaria, Carex arenaria, 

 Triticum junceum, and other plants commonly known as bent or 

 marram, the stems and roots of which extending in all directions, and 

 interlacing together form a sort of basket work, and thus give a certain 

 degree of firmness to the loose soil.f Plants thus contribute in some 

 measure to the solidity of the land, and prevent the inroads of the 



* This plant is often found on limestone rocks, not far from the sea level, as at Assynt 

 in Sutherlandshire. 



+ Besides the plants mentioned, Elymus arenarius, Triticum repens, Festuca rubra 

 and arenaria, Galium verum and Trifolium repens are commonly found assisting in fixing 

 the sand. 



