REPORTS ON EXCURSIONS. 123 
were some seedlings of the famous Fortingal Yew, which is reputed 
to be the veteran of European vegetation. Among the other 
noteworthy objects were numerous large trees, includiug an 
Amelanciier in the gardens, a very fine Beech in front of the 
mansion-house, and an Acer Pseudv-platanus measuring 13 ft. 9 
in. in circumference at 5 ft. 4 in, , 
ArpGowan, 21st April, 1894.—The party, numbering 30, were 
‘ met at the entrance-lodge by Mr. Lunt, head gardener, who 
accompanied them during the afternoon. A visit was first made 
to the gardens, vineries, and greenhouses, which are extensive and 
kept in fine order. In the Azalea-house were some beautitul 
specimens in abundant flower. By the roadside leading from the 
garden to the old castle, Valeriana pyrenaica, Linn., was observed 
in bloom. The following were among the trees measured :— 
(1) Great Maple below the old castle ; girth 15 ft. 5} in. 
(2) Great Maple in the field in front of mansion-house; girth 13 ft. 
44 in. at 4 ft, 4 in. 
(3) Ash on lawn near old castle; girth 13 ft. 2 in. at 2 ft. 4 in. 
on south. 
(4) Evergreen Oak on lawn ; girth 4 ft. 9 in. at 3 ft. 10 in. 
(5) Spanish chestnut in the field in front of mansion-house ; girth 
11 ft. 04 in. at 4 ft. 10 in. 
(6) Spanish chestnut in same field; girth 12} ft. 53 in, at 5 ft. 
4 in. 
Time did not permit a visit to the heronry, but some interesting 
information regarding it was communicated by the gamekeeper. 
At present the herons build only in the wood near the shore. 
Formerly they also nested on some trees near the home-farm, but 
most of these trees were blown down during the storm on 
28th December, 1879, which is memorable for its destruction of 
the Tay Bridge. This year the nests number nine or ten, and the 
young have already been hatched. 
On a roadside ditch, between Ardgowan and Gourock, the fresh- 
water alga Batrachospermum moniliforme was observed. 
