110 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 
Stepps, 6th June, 1893.— Unfortunately for the success of this 
evening excursion, the weather proved very unfavourable. The 
attendance was therefore very small, and little botanical work 
could be accomplished. Permission to visit the estate of Cardowan 
had been kindly granted by Mr. Jeffrey, the proprietor; and 
accompanied by the gardener, Mr. Reid, the party inspected the 
gardens and grounds. The only noteworthy plant discovered was 
the fungus Agaricus (Volvaria) speciosus, Fr., not previously 
recorded for the Clydesdale district. Owing to the continuous 
rainfall, an intended visit to Johnstone Loch had to be abandoned, 
and the party proceeded to Garnkirk Station, returning from 
thence by rail to the city. 
GARSCUBE, 13th June, 1893.—Thirteen members of the Society 
attended this evening excursion, and were favoured with beautiful 
weather. Mr. John Fleming, who acted as conductor, stated that 
a pair of otters had frequented the River Kelvin within the 
Garscube policies, and that kingfishers were also occasionally seen 
there. A visit was made to the gardens, which are of an antique 
description, and contain an old sun-dial of curiously complicated 
design. The wall is covered with numerous varieties of ivy, of 
which as many as 70 have been known to grow here. During 
the previous night, a fine specimen of Cereus grandiflorus, one of 
the nocturnal-flowering cacti, had come into bloom, and the party 
had therefore a favourable opportunity of examining its handsome 
yellow-white blossoms. Numerous beautifully-formed trees were 
observed in the policies, and measurements were taken of the 
following :— 
(1) Wych Elm (Ulmus montana) west of house ; girth 11 ft. 4} 
in. at 3 ft. 2 in. on west. 
(2) Wych Elm north of house; girth 12 ft. 9 in. at 5 ft. 4 in. on 
north. 
(3) Black’ Poplar (Populus nigra) on river-bank north-east of 
house ; girth 11 ft. 11 in. at 4 ft. 4 in. on side farthest from 
river. 
(4) Black Poplar. on river-bank, farther up than last-mentioned 
tree ; girth 10 ft. 10} in. at 4 ft. 5 in. on side farthest from 
river. 
