242 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



On referring to one of the larger maps it will be observed that 

 the coast line consists of a series of sandy bays, of which the most 

 important are Hunterston Bay between Fairiie and Portincross, 

 and Ardneil Bay between Portincross and Seamill. As the 

 prevailing rock is red sandstone, the shore is generally sandy; but 

 where, as is frequently the case, the sandstone is interrupted by 

 trap dykes forming points and promontories which have withstood 

 the action of the sea, the shore is turfy and abounds in salt marshes. 



At Fencebay, below Fairiie, a wide expanse of muddy sand is 

 left uncovered at low tide; and here, as observed by Dr. Walker 

 Arnott, Zostera nana grows in great abundance, "covering hundreds 

 of acres." At the mouth of the Glen Burn Petasites vulgaris grows 

 sparingly under the shade of some alder trees. Although too 

 abundant in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, and indeed common 

 in neighbouring parishes, this plant becomes less frequent towards 

 the sea-shore, as is also the case with Troll ius europaeus, Arenaria 

 trinervis, Potentilla Fragariastrum, and several others. A short 

 distance further along the shore Ranunculus sc< j leratns grows plen- 

 tifully on the wet sand ; and on drier spots above high-water mark 

 a few plants may be observed of Eryngium maritimum, which is 

 sparingly distributed over this part of the coast. The shore 

 between Hunterston and Portincross is particularly rich in maritime 

 plants, among which are OEnanthe Lachenalii, Salicornia herbacea, 

 Suaeda maritima, Salsola Kali, Scirpus maritimus, Blysmus ru/us, 

 and most of the common plants of the sea-shore. In the stagnant 

 pools among the turf towards Portincross Ranunculus sceleratus 

 again occurs in abundance and attains a considerable size. 



Portincross is a very attractive place on account of its picturesque 

 surroundings and old weather-beaten castle, while to the botanist 

 it is no less interesting as the richest spot in the whole parish. 

 Along the steep wooded bank at the foot of the cliffs will be found 

 Agrimonia Eupatoria, Cotyledon Umbilicus, Anagallis tenella, 

 Juniperus communis, Asplenium marinum, Aspndium angidare, 

 and many plants which are not common in other parts of the 

 district. Scolopendrium vidgare is here very luxuriant in the 

 genial shade, its fronds attaining a great length. One or two plants 

 of Osmunda regalis formerly grew on this bank but were discovered 

 and carried off by collectors. On the rocks at the iron gate, locally 

 known as "the Throughlet," the beautiful Geranium sanguineum 

 grows in abundance with Silene maritima } Ligusticum scoticum 1 



