38 Field Meetings. 



had to surrender their prisoners at discretion, and were glad to 

 escape with their own lives. We can well believe that dragoons 

 would be rather hampered in their movements in such a place. 

 The rain had ceased when the party reached the summit, and a 

 halt was made and luncheon disposed of. The view from this 

 exalted station is enchanting in the extreme, and lovers of fine 

 scenery may hei'e feast their- eyes to their hearts' content. The 

 clouds, coming down in great masses right on the heads of the 

 party, warned them not to dally, and the "vigorous brigade" 

 determined on going further still, and off the half of the party 

 went for the lead mining works at Leadhills. Here they were 

 kindly received, and through the courtesy of the manager (Mr 

 Newbigging) they were shown the " crushing " and " washing " 

 process. Some fine specimens of ores were presented to them, 

 which excited the envy of the Members that lagged behind. 

 Meanwhile the party left at the head of the pass had turned 

 down the glen again and made for Dinabid Linn, at the head 

 waters of the Carron. This is one of the most charming spots in 

 this beautiful district, and the array of wild flowers along the side 

 of the Linn was very tempting ; but time was pressing, and the 

 party hastened on into Dalveen Pass near the farm of Upper Dal- 

 veen. The rain here had been excessive, and all the little burns 

 had become torrents of turbid water, which came rolling down the 

 glens in all directions. The treeless character and bright green 

 sward of these majestic mountains give them a very peculiar 

 appearance, and the burns can be seen up to their fountain-heads. 

 The foaming torrents that were falling over some of the linns 

 were extremely beautiful. Getting on to the turnpike road which 

 runs along the Dalveen Glen, the party were able to walk in 

 comparative comfort, as so many swollen burns had to be jumped 

 or waded as to become very laborious. Burns was connected 

 intimately with this district, and Dalveen Pass has been immor- 

 talised in his song : — 



" Last May a braw wooer cam' doon the lang glen, 

 And sair wi' his love he did deave me." 



And in a subsequent verse he takes notice of the farm of 



Gateslack : — 



" But what wad ye think ? in a fortnight or less, 

 The deil tak' his taste to gae near her ! 

 He up the Gateslack to my black cousin Bess ; 



Guess ye how, the jad ! I could bear her, could bear her ; 

 Guess ye how, the jad ! I could bear her. 



