32 A Bryological Excursion to Ben Lawers. [Sess, 
a mile to the south-west we sighted Mhoirneas corrie, with the 
tips of some trees showing above the high ground. I went to 
reconnoitre, and having brought back a favourable account, we 
returned for our goods and chattels, and made our way deep 
down in the glen. With hazel and rowan-tree branches we 
made a roof over a sheltered nook among the rocks, kindled a 
good fire, and a few minutes past eleven we lay down on our 
bed of heather and bracken. But—horrible to relate !—we 
now discovered that we had made our bed within twenty yards 
of a thundering waterfall! Waterfalls are very pretty, and the 
noise of falling water pleasant to hear; but to sleep, or rather 
to attempt to sleep, at the foot of one, is a very unpleasant 
experience. We had lain for about an hour, taking turns at 
grumbling at our stupidity and the existence of the waterfall, 
when, to add to our troubles, the wind changed, and the smoke 
from the fire blew into our bedroom, making our eyes smart so 
badly that we had to get up and put out the fire. Again we . 
laid ourselves down to rest, if not to sleep. Then we got up 
about one o’clock, rekindled the fire, had a good wash in the 
burn, and breakfasted at 2 AM. We had finished when it be- 
gan to rain, but from the broken appearance of the clouds we 
thought it would only be a shower, so we had a look round, 
and picked up a few good things—such as Plagiolryum Zierii, 
Bryum albicans, Hypnum ochraceum, and H. calochroum. 
About half-past three we started to climb the mountain, but 
in half an hour a thick mist and heavy rain set in, enveloping 
us in a dense shroud. Instead of attempting the top of 
the mountain, it was therefore now decided to keep along the 
side until we should come to Allt an tuim Bhric, and if then 
fair to go up that burn. For two or three miles along the 
side of the mountain we tramped, the rain falling in torrents, 
and the mist so dense that from ten to twenty yards was the 
extent of our view; while our legs from the knee downwards 
were soaked, and the water squirting out at the lace-holes of 
our boots at every step. No mosses were to be seen: our 
spirits were at zero. When nearing the corrie, a small patch 
of Tetraplodon bryoides and of Funaria obtusa improved 
matters a little. On arriving at Allt an tuim Bhric, there was 
no improvement in the weather, and the ascent of the Ben 
seemed hopeless. We were wet and disappointed, and we 
disagreed as to the next step we should take. Mr Scott was 
