FIELD MEETINGs. 197 
4th July, 1908. 
AT si. MARY'S ISLE. 
(From the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser.) 
On Saturday, about thirty ladies and gentlemen, members 
of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Anti- 
quarian Society, held a field day at St. Mary’s Isle, by the kind 
permission of Captain Hope, R.N. The party were met at 
Kirkcudbright by Mr John M‘Kie, R.N., ex-Provost M‘Ewen, 
and Mr Robison, hon. secretary to the local Museum Associa- 
tion, and conducted to some of the interesting places in the 
town. A start was made with the Old Church School, con- 
taining the M‘Lellan tomb, on the latter of which Mr Barbour, 
architect, offered some observations. Part of the tomb, in his 
opinion, dated back to the 12th century, the remainder being 
clearly of other dates. A work was at present in progress in 
regard to the greyfriars of Scotland, including those of Kirk- 
cudbright, and perhaps some information might be gleaned re- 
garding the church, which stood on the site of the school. 
Other places pointed out were the old Tolbooth and Mercat 
Cross, the site of the Meikle Yett and the Museum, with which 
the visitors were much interested. Later on, the party were 
conducted over the Isle grounds by Mr Jeffrey, head gardener, 
who was a most courteous guide. Entering by the north lodge, 
they traversed the main avenue for some distance, admiring on 
the way the many fine trees in the policies, and, turning to the 
right, followed the paths by the shore, where Professor Scott- 
. Elliot observed several uncommon native plants. The heronry 
was also inspected, but, unfortunately, the nesting season was 
over, and only one or two herons were seen. Continuing the 
walk, Paul Jones’s point was reached; before passing to the 
garden through the old and picturesque orchard, near which a 
singular specimen of Robinia pseudacacia of great age, which 
had been blown down and had rooted at various points, was 
seen. There are many noble trees of various kinds throughout 
the policies, and Professor Scott-Elliot remarked upon these. 
Great interest was manifested in an ancient font at the mansion 
house. 
A considerable time was enjoyably spent in viewing the 
