352 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 



and was bound together with strong chains to prevent it from 

 falling asunder. On our present visit the measurement at 

 6 feet gave 18 feet 11 inches, but, in addition to the gaps just 

 mentioned, there is a large number of small branches springing 

 out of the trunk, which renders it impossible to pass the tape 

 round in a straight line. These branches have increased in 

 number and size during the last three years, and the stem 

 which springs from the decayed trunk seems higher and more 

 vigorous. The veteran appears as if renewing its youth, and 

 as Mr. Turner, the factor to the Duke of Portland, is taking 

 care of it, we may trust that this relic may long be spared. 

 Dr. Landsborough (op. cit., p. 191) records a Great Maple at 

 Barr Castle, girthing 13 feet 2 inches at 5- feet, in spring of 

 1879. Mr. Wright informs us that this tree was taken down 

 about 1882. 



" Leaving the town, we make our way in the direction of 

 Cessnock Castle, along with many others — 



" For roads were clad, frae side to side, 

 Wi ; monie a wearie body, 



In droves that day." 



" (Is it necessary to explain that ' wearie ' does not mean ' tired,' 

 but ' different ' = with many a different person — farmers, cottars, 

 swankies, lassies 1) 



The simmer " sun owre Galston nmirs, 



Wi' glorious light was " shining : 

 But few were " thinkin' on their sins," 

 Though likely "some upo' their claes." 



" The occasion wasn't a Holy Fair, but a concert, with an 

 address upon Burns. 



" If the Glasgow Natural History Society made a poor show 

 at Galston, the credit of the City was kept up by one of the 

 Society's youngest honorary members, the Hon. the Lord Provost 

 (Dr. Samuel Chisholm), who delivered an eloquent address. 

 But we did not ' draw our tippence ' (sixpence), and ' go to 

 see the show.' Our way led round the outside of the policies 

 of Cessnock Castle, southwards and upward, on the cultivated 

 flank of Galston Muir. An oak plantation here was formed in 

 1839, Mr. Wright infonned us. We ' slowly mount the rising 



