70 Field Meetings. 



all my ewes and lambs, and my long-horned cow and my spotted 

 bull ; for if they had lived, and if I had kept the farm of Corfar- 

 dine, I had been a lost man to the world, and mankind should 

 never have known the half that was in me." The drive was con- 

 tinued for a short distance along the glen until Auchenhessnane, 

 the residence of Mr Brown, was reached, where the party were 

 received and most hospitably entertained by Mr Bi'own, sen., and 

 Mrs Brown. Here were inspected several cases containing botani- 

 cal specimens, and the eggs of all the birds in the district, collected 

 by Mr T. Brown. The garden and fernry, also inspected, contain 

 specimens of nearly all the British ferns. 



A new feature was now introduced into the excursions in the 

 form of a " Business Meeting," at which Sheriff Hope, vice presi- 

 dent, presided, and the Rev. G. Sturrock of Corsock Manse, and 

 Messrs G. Hamilton of Ardendee and J. Dunlop of Borgue 

 Academy, were proposed and duly elected members of the Society. 

 It was agreed that the next field meeting should be held at 

 Southwick and Colvend, going by way of Dalbeattie. 



Having awarded Mr and Mrs Brown a hearty vote of thanks 

 for their hospitality, the party resumed their seats in the machines. 

 A drive of seven miles through the well-wooded mountainous 

 country by way of Chanlockfoot brought them to Glenmannon 

 farm house, where they arrived about two o'clock. Near to the 

 farm house a large rocking-stone, roughly estimated to contain 

 90 cubic feet, and weighing fully 6 tons, was first visited. As 

 two hours were now at theii* disposal the party scattered, each 

 bent on his different pursuit. The Craig is a towering mass of 

 Silurian rock, rising to a height of more than 1000 feet, presenting 

 a bold and rugged outline. Far up its slopes were found two 

 nests — a raven's and a buzzard's — both being empty. At four 

 o'clock the party resumed their seats for the homeward journey, 

 returning by way of Merkland, Auchenbainzie Hill, and Drum- 

 lanrig. At Merkland Glen a halt was made to inspect a small 

 loch, the islands in which are the breeding grounds of the sea 

 gulls. The drive down the road towards Drumlanrig Castle, with 

 the well-wooded valley stretching out to the right and left, was 

 most enjoyable. It was intended to stop at Tibber's Castle — the 

 Castle of Tiberius Ca?sar — but as the time would not permit the 

 party proceeded on to Thornhill, where they arrived in time to 

 meet the train due in Dumfries at 8.40, having had a most enjoy- 

 able excursion. 



