S6 Field Meetings, 



the beautiful little lake were crowded with spectators, whose 

 surprise at its complete success can be easier imagined than 

 described. A feature of great interest at the loch is the 

 heronry, where several couples of these birds are pre- 

 served by the proprietor, Mr Leny, whose sedulous care in 

 the preservation of the various wild birds frequenting the 

 district is most commendable. On their return to the station 

 the party found that two hours would elapse before the 

 arrival of the next train, and split into two parties, one 

 waiting upon it, the other proceeding by road to Dumfries, 

 where all arrived about half-past eight. 



The Third Meeting took place on Saturday, the 6th 

 July, in the neighbourhood of Bridge of Dee. The morning 

 was showery, and fears of a wet day no doubt prevented 

 some members being present, but the day turned out one of 

 the most pleasant description, the hot sunshine being tem- 

 pered with intervals of shade and a cooling breeze. The 

 party proceeded by the 8.32 a.m. train to Bridge of Dee 

 Station, where they were met by Mr Grierson, of Keltonhill 

 School, under whose experienced guidance they explored a 

 large part of the district. The Botanical section of the 

 Society mustered in strong force, but of the other sections 

 the only representatives present were an entomologist and 

 an antiquary, and these gentlemen, to avoid " isolation," 

 wisely determined to co-operate with the botanists. The 

 first plant of interest met with was growing in the hedge- 

 side, not far from a dismantled cottage. Tt was a single 

 white Rose, of a species not indigenous to Britain, and quite 

 unknown to those present. Near the same place a hedge of 

 Privet— a true British Olive, as Dr Gilchrist stated — in full 

 bloom was scenting the air with its delicious fragrance. In 

 the sluggish waters of a shallow stream were found some 

 large patches oi Ranunculus aquatilis, studded with pretty 

 white flowers. Mr Shaw stated that the plant was scarcely 

 known as a native of the Tynron district, and that more of 

 it grew in this burn than he had seen all his life. Numer- 

 ous species of Grasses were gathered on the farm of Threave 



