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REPORTS ON EXCURSIONS. 115 
Heterophyllia, Cyathophylium, Alveolites, &e. This quarry also 
contains a very fine grained shale, in which are embedded an 
immense number of Foraminifera and other microscopic organisms 
in a beautiful state of preservation. Towards the south-west side 
of the quarry a line of fissure occurs, in which has been deposited 
a quantity of Barite, both in a massive banded state and 
occasionally in the form of crystals. Some Carbonate of Copper 
was also seen along with the Barite in this fissure. On the south- 
west side of the quarry the limestone is suddenly cut off by a 
hitch. 
Caerwinning Hill, situated close to this quarry, was afterwards 
ascended for the purpose of inspecting the fortification of pre- 
historic date which here covers two acres on the hill-top. The 
ramparts, which on the west side are in three rings, have been 
much destroyed by the materials being taken for use in building 
fences, On its east side it is defended by the steep face of the 
hill, while over the north-east brow a line of rampart is seen to 
run. The only tradition known to exist is that the Scottish army 
encamped on the spot prior to the battle of Largs. The hill 
occupies a commanding situation, with a view of nearly the whole 
of the Garnock valley, including the towns of Beith, Kilbirnie, 
Dalry, and Kilwinning. There is a copper mine here which was 
worked about fifty years ago. 
From the old fort, the party enjoyed a pleasant walk, between 
fertile and fragrant fields, to Dalry, where a patch of Glyceria 
aquatica was examined in what is perhaps its only Ayrshire 
station. 
Pottox, 4th July, 1893.—On arriving at Pollokshaws railway 
station, the party were met by Mr. John Boyd, forester to Sir 
John Maxwell, Bart., and conducted towards the mansion-house 
_ by way of Knowehead lodge and the new approach on the right 
bank of the River Cart. After examining several large wych-elm 
and other trees, they were conducted through the gardens, which 
contain an interesting yew (Zaxus baccata) grown from a cutting 
taken from Queen Mary’s famous tree at Crookston. Some 
specimens of green hellebore (Helleborus viridis) were observed 
behind the gardens, and an odd-looking beech (Fagus sylvatica), 
with remarkably contorted branches, which grew so near the ground 
