4 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloxmy 



Dr M'Nab explained and exhibited in the microscope a 

 series of Blind Beetles from caves. 



After these papers were read a discussion ensued on the 

 propriety of inviting the British Association to visit Dum- 

 fries. The proposal was generally approved of. Suggestions 

 were made as to the best methods of carrying out the objects 

 of the Society so as to secure the greatest amount of infor- 

 mation to the Members. 



The Society then adjourned. 



February 5th, 1867. 

 Mr STARKE, Troqueer Holm, in the Chair. 



The Society held the fourth meeting of the session in the 

 Assembly Street Club Rooms. 



Dr Grierson, Thornhill, read a paper descriptive of frag- 

 ments of an ancient Stone Cross found by him, and which 

 had been built into the wall of a house in Ayrshire. The 

 paper was accompanied by drawings and sketches, and Dr 

 Grierson entered at some length into the various character- 

 istics of the tracery and carving found on such relics. 



Mr Thomas Carlyle of Waterbeck read an elaborate 

 paper upon the " Debateable Land," its boundaries, and the 

 successive changes which had taken place in the families oc- 

 cupying it. Mr Carlyle was requested to prepare his paper 

 for publication, and to communicate to the Society his fur- 

 ther researches. 



Dr Grierson, Thornhill, read a paper entitled " Modern 

 Theories in Science." The paper called forth a number of 

 questions and objections from some of the members present, 

 but owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion was 

 postponed until a future meeting. 



The Society then adjourned. 



