Field Meetings. 31 



habit of boldly advancing against anyone approaching its haunts. 

 It is greatly dreaded by the natives, who will not face it at all. 

 Round the front of the gallery is arranged a large number of 

 skulls of animals, amongst which we noticed fine skulls of the 

 Wapitu Deer, the Irish Elk (found in the bed of the Nith below 

 Dumfries), the ancient Caledonian Ox (Bos primigenius), Lions, 

 Tigers, Leopards, and a beautiful series of skulls of the various 

 breeds of sheep. The bearing of the latter on the theory of 

 natural selection was pointed out very clearly. At the east end 

 of the gallery are hung some very fine specimens of the singular 

 weapons of the Swoi-d-fish, Saw-fish, and other monsters of the 

 " briny deep." "We must not omit to mention the very large 

 " tooth " of a Rorqual also exhibited here. It resembles a flag- 

 stafi" in size and appearance, and we fancy would be very efiective 

 indeed even against the largest whales. After the party had 

 feasted their eyes on the many wonderful things around them, 

 they were called to the central table, where the Doctor unwrapped 

 from a nice clean towel what he stated was the most wonderful 

 " thing " he had ever possessed. We may call it a lamb, but a 

 further description must come from Dr Grierson himself. Such 

 description and deduction to be made from this physiological 

 curiosity we will doubtless have shortly. Adjourning to the 

 garden again, the party were served with cofiee and tea, and an 

 enjoyable hour was spent in scientific discussions. On again 

 entering the museum, Mr J. H. Maxwell of the Kirkcudbrightshire 

 Advertiser expressed the great delight which the Members had 

 felt in examining the many objects before them, and thanked the 

 worthy Doctor for his hospitality. Dr Grierson, in replying, said 

 that his object in maintaining the museum was purely an educa- 

 tional one, and that he felt amply rewarded when he saw that his 

 endeavours to spread a knowledge of the wondrous things of 

 creation were appreciated. He had never conducted a party over 

 his museum that showed more sympathy with Ms work, and he 

 hoped that not only those Members who had visited him that day, 

 but all those prevented from coming, would not miss an oppor- 

 tunity of waiting on him. Refreshments were again served ; and 

 after bidding the Doctor good-bye and taking another look round, 

 the party retired, having spent a pleasant and most instructive 

 afternoon. 



