268 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 
Reports on Excursions. 
CastLe Wemyss, 5th May, 1894.—By invitation of Sir John 
Burns, Bart., a life member, the Society visited the policies of 
Castle Wemyss. On arrival, the party, numbering 32, was 
received by Sir John, and proceeded on a round of inspection, 
under the guidanee of Mr. Henderson, head gardener. Much 
interest was excited by a splendid example of one of the New 
Zealand Tree-ferns, Cyathea dealbata, Swartz, brought to this 
country twenty years ago. It had grown so rapidly and 
luxuriantly that soon a house had to be built for its reception. 
It is now one of the finest in the country, and continues healthy 
and vigorous. 
In the grounds were numerous hybrid Rhododendrons in bloom, 
and some fine bushes of Berberis Darwinti, Hook., entirely 
covered with blossom. This latter shrub might, with advantage, — 
be cultivated more frequently, as its orange-coloured flowers make 
a fine appearance at this season. 
Before leaving, Sir John Burns entertained the party to tea, 
after which Professor King, in a few words, thanked the host for 
inviting the Society, and for his kind reception. Sir John 
expressed the pleasure it had given him to meet with the mem- 
bers, and only regretted that the weather had interfered some- 
what with the afternoon’s enjoyment. 
Ross Hatt, OCrooxston, 15th May, 1894.—This evening 
several members of the Society visited Ross Hall, permission 
having been kindly granted by Mr. James Cowan, the proprietor. 
The chief attraction here was the fine rock-garden, devised so as 
to imitate a little rocky glen. Many alpine plants have quite 
established themselves, and seem at home on the ledges and in 
the crevices of the rocks. It would make too long a list to name 
all the plants observed, but a few in bloom may be mentioned. 
