8 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway 



driven north by stress of weather, as was most probable in 

 the present instance also. 



The next paper, Geological Notes of the Summer Excur- 

 sions, was read by Dr. Gilchrist. Among other details, Dr. 

 Gilchrist alluded to the eruption of trap through the sand- 

 stones to the east of Wardlaw Hill, and it was suggested by 

 Mr. Dudgeon that the trap dyke at the Sawmill at Mabie 

 might be a continuation of this. 



Dr. Grierson, Thornhill, then reported on some further 

 researches he had been making into the history of the 

 Arvicola or Vole, on which he read a paper at the previous 

 meeting. It appeared that the two species (one of which 

 he had supposed to be rare in the district), were alike com- 

 mon ; but he thought he had detected a third species, which 

 he would make the subject of a separate paper on some 

 futui'e occasion. Dr. Grierson also exhibited a monstrosity 

 — the skeleton of a pig's foot which had five instead of the 

 usual number of four bones. 



Mr. Dudgeon made a brief communication regarding 

 certain markings in Sandstone formed by the decomposition 

 of Iron Pyrites, and exhibited specimens which tended to 

 prove that these markings must have been formed at the 

 time of the deposition of the sand. Mr. Clarke remarked that 

 at King's Quarry sandstone containing these markings was 

 found in situ in abundance. 



Dr. Gilchrist exhibited some beautiful collections of 

 Mosses, Lichens, and Algae, and presented the Society with 

 a small herbarium of lichens, all of which were gathered 

 within the walls of the Crichton Institution. 



This concluded the business of the evening, and the 

 meeting then adjourned. 



March 7th, 1865. 



The Fifth Meeting of the Session was held in the As- 

 sembly Street Club-house, 



