62 EXCUBSION TO ETTBICK FOREST. [Nov., 



produced was in a clump of indigenous Scots Fir near the Yarrow, when 

 two were measured and found to reach a height of 87 ft. and 90 ft. 

 respectively, and to girth at five ft. from the ground, 7 ft. 11 in. and 

 10 ft. 8 ins. 



A. few of the members who did not care to face the steep climb to the 

 top of the hill took to the lower grounds, accompanied by Mr. Martin, and 

 proceeded to inspect the rich woodlands lying on the banks of the Ettrick, 

 between Bowhill and Shielshaugh. Here many large and fine Oaks were 

 observed, which, if not ' lineal descendants ' of the ancient Oaks of 

 Ettrick Forest, are at least worthy modern representatives ; along with 

 numerous gigantic and far-spreading Beeches, tall and shapely Larches 

 and Firs, and abundance of the more ornamental trees and shrubs, which 

 altogether give a charm and interest to the woodland walks and drives 

 that is peculiarly fascinating. Through openings in the trees many lovely 

 views of the sylvan slopes and rippling sweeps and reaches of the silvery 

 Ettrick are to be seen, and at such spots comfortable seats are placed 

 where the leisurely wanderer may sit and muse on the charming scenes so 

 delightfully spread out to view. In the spring and early summer these 

 woods must be exceedingly beautiful, with the abundance of wild flowers 

 and flowering trees and shrubs which are seen so plentifully scattered 

 about. One of the most notable features, from an arborist's point of 

 view, in this part of the grounds is, an avenue or line of grand old Planes 

 (Anglicb, Sycamores), growing at the foot of a high and steep 'brae,' 

 beautifully clothed with hanging woods. These Planes, from their hoary 

 appearance, seem to be the growth of at least a couple of centuries, and 

 are of great dimensions in stem and limb, calling forth the remark of 

 a wood merchant, ' They are worth a fortune ! ' At the end of the avenue, 

 close to Shielshaugh, lay the prostrate stem of a magnificent Scotch Elm 

 {Uhnus montana), which had been overwhelmed by one of the severe gales 

 of the past few years, and which worked sad havoc among the plantations 

 in this district. There was no means of passing the measuring tape round 

 the recumbent giant ; but, as it lay, it was estimated to be about 15 ft. 

 in girth, and one of the largest trees seen during the day. Its loss by the 

 fury of the storm is much to be deplored, especially here, where such 

 * monarchs ' are rare, and where every precaution is taken against the 

 decay and ruin of such noble objects. 



The other and mote numerous section of the party, under the guidance 

 of the intelligent garden-foreman, Mr. George Brown, bent their steps 

 towards the top of the hill, halting every now and again at the spots 

 from which the most charming views of Ettrick and Yarrow could be 

 obtained. 



Descending from the hill, and joining the party exploring the lower 

 grounds, an inspection was made of the curious ' Kuarled Beech Avenue,' 

 8aid to be over 30U years old, the stout stems and massive limbs, with 

 the long twisted branches and gnarled roots, having a very picturesque 

 effect in the deepening shades of the afternoon. A visit was then paid to 

 the neat and well-kept gardens, which have been for half-a-century under 



