ARGYLLSHIRE EXCURSIONS. 139 
The last occasion on which this beautiful region was visited was 
on the Trades’ Holiday, 25th August, 1906. The morning looked 
very unsettled, but during the journey towards Kilmun the 
appearance overhead improved, and hopes were entertained that 
the day might be a brilliant one. On reaching the Holy Loch, 
however, the view ahead kept continually changing, gleams of 
sunshine, mist, and showers of rain chasing each other down the 
glens, lending an ever-varying charm to the landscape, and 
indicating the variety of weather which might be expected when 
once the head of the loch was reached. Landing at Kilmun the 
party proceeded by the shore and the left bank of the Echaig. 
From the roadside overlooking the long sandy stretches which 
form the head of the loch a fine view of the myriad gulls haunting 
this part was got. Black-headed gulls seemed to predominate, 
though herring gulls were plentiful. Lesser black-backs were fewer, 
and, still less in number, seemingly scarce indeed, were common 
gulls. From the bridge crossing the Echaig a walk of an hour’s 
duration along a road, every step of which was of interest, brought 
the party to the river Masson. Rain, which had been threatening 
for some time, now began to fall heavily. Notwithstanding this 
the beautiful road margining the Masson was followed as far as 
the falls. The weather was certainly favourable for seeing these 
to advantage, and some time was spent before the party left this 
charming spot and hurried on through a drenching rain to 
Benmore policies. Here the pinetum and shrubberies were 
visited. The climatic conditions of the glens appear to favour the 
growth of pines, which are met with in great variety and luxuriance. 
Perhaps the most striking feature is the avenue from the mansion- 
house to the Loch Eck road, which is formed mainly of 
magnificent rows of seguota. Branching off from this is an 
extensive avenue of fine deodars. ‘The walnut and tulip trees, 
found on so many estates, were not wanting here, the green fruit 
of the former showing among the branches. The shrubbery in 
front of the glass-houses, where a few minutes were spent, contain 
many specimens of fine shrubs. The party were particularly 
struck with three species which were in full flower, namely, 
Olearia Haasittt, Hook.; Desfontanea spinosa, Ruiz. and Pav. ; 
and Hypericum mosertanum. 
The rain had now ceased, and the remainder of the journey 
