Field Meetings. 39 



As the party came down the glen many birds peculiar to such 

 localities were met with. We have seldom seen the Wheatear so 

 numerous, and the family parties flitting about were very con- 

 spicuous, as the white tails turned up when flying. Large numbers 

 of Whinchats and Stonechats sat " chacking " at the party from 

 the tops of the stone dykes. We were surprised to find the 

 Common Sandpiper numerous here. Several of the Common 

 Bunting were noticed, although it is anything but a common bird 

 in Dumfriesshire. Several paii-s of the E,ing Ouzel, or Mountain 

 Blackbird, were also seen ; and one could not help noting how 

 well their wild musical calls harmonised with their surroundings. 

 When this party arrived at Durisdeer Mill they found to their 

 disgust that another detachment had been there before them and 

 cleared out all the "refreshments." Some of the Members had 

 by this time gone up to see the marble tombs at Durisdeer Kirk, 

 and it is to be regretted that so few of the members of the large 

 party that set out in the morning had an opportunity of seeing 

 such beautiful specimens of the sculptor's art. It is believed that 

 the figures are the work of Roubilliac, who was the most dis- 

 tinguished sculptor of the period (1711) when James, Duke of 

 Queensberry and Dover, died, and of whom and his Duchess these 

 splendid figures are a memorial. Another party of Members had 

 an opportunity of seeing the little round camp on the farm of 

 Drumcruil, and which was probably a rallying place of the ancient 

 Selgovse. This finished the special work of the day, and in twos 

 and threes the party again became united, and all reached their 

 destinations in a decidedly fagged condition. 



The Fourth Meeting should have been held on August 12th, 

 when it was intended to visit the shoreline from Cummertrees 

 to Clarencefield ; but only two or three Members put in an 

 appearance at the time appointed, and the meeting did not 

 take place. 



The last Field Meeting of the season took place on September 

 5th, and proved in every way a fitting termination to a successful 

 and enjoyable series. The Newabbey district was chosen for a 

 visit on this occasion, and the weather being as bright and hot as 

 could be desired, the largest party of the season turned out. 



