EARLY DAYS OP THE SOCIETY. 



17 



interesting excursions which he had made in these early 'days of 

 the Society's history. One of these was on 17th August, 1850, 

 to Glenwhapple or Craigen Glen; the other was on the Queen's 

 Birthday, 22ud May, 1857, to explore the limestone workings of 

 Corrieburn, on the south-east face of the Campsie Hills, and 

 afterwards to cross them towards Lennoxtown. After a graphic 

 narrative of these excursions, the lecturer concluded by 

 saying :— ] 



I have notes of many other excursions in the neighbourhood 

 of Glasgow, but I nmst not tax your patience longer. I have 

 mentioned these as specimens of the field full of interest which 

 lies round about you here in Glasgow. I have dwelt chiefly on 

 the geological aspects, as these were more immediately in 

 my line; but other branches of natural history were equally 

 illustrated. For instance, here is one of my brothers notes — 

 " On breaking up a portion (in Corrie Glen), Mr. Frazer laid 

 open a chrysalis, which he gave me, which I kept, and hope it 

 may emerge perfect." Then, under date 10th July, forty-nine 

 days later — " On the 5th I omitted to note the appearance of a 

 moth from a chrysalis which J. P. Frazer had exhumed while 

 looking for fossils at Corrie, and which he gave me at the time. 

 It turns out to be Graphireptora remigura, a rare insect." 



The writing of these notes has recalled to me the memory of 

 many interesting scenes and many friendships, now, alas ! closed 

 by the cold hand of death. If I have interested you for these 

 minutes in the fragmentary story of an olden time, or evoked 

 a desire to further investigate the secrets of nature which lie 

 so richly around you, and whose revelations always amply repay 

 the students of their mysteries, I am well rewarded. To come 

 here and visit this scene of your labours has been a rare treat 

 to me. But I fear I have come far short of your expectations. 

 I can only say I have done my best, and beg you to accept the 

 will for the deed, and forgive me for any disappointment I 

 have caused you. 



My best wishes are for the continued success and growing 

 usefulness of your Society, and it is my pride to-day that I had 

 to do with the originating of an association which has such a 

 splendid record of useful work as is yours. 



