St SS 
ARGYLLSHIRE EXCURSIONS. 145 
The variety and fine quality of its timber forms the chief 
feature of the Castle Toward estate. The late Mr. Kirkman 
Finlay, who purchased this estate, planted five million trees, 
covering nine hundred acres, in Dunoon parish, besides thirty 
acres in the parish of Inverchaolin, into which the lands of 
Castle Toward extend. Fine examples of nearly all our deciduous 
trees were seen. Among shrubs the Japanese quince, in fruit, 
the spindle trees, mahonias, and barberries were conspicuous. 
After wandering about the grounds the party entered the garden 
and hot-houses, where a wealth of colouring and delightful 
perfume regaled the organs of sight and smell. They next visited 
the modern castle, which stands on a plateau, and is considered 
one of the finest examples of modern Gothic architecture. It 
was designed by David Hamilton, who planned the Royal 
Exchange of Glasgow. 
KYLES OF BUTE. 
On the 25th August, 1900, the Society visited Colintraive and 
Loch Ridden. From the pier at Colintraive a walk of about a 
mile and a half along a road planted on each side with oaks, birch 
and alders, brought the party to an elevation which commands an 
extensive view. Southwards, across the Kyles, lies the island of 
Bute. Right below are the real narrows where the water makes 
its way between dangerous, low-lying islets. Extending to the 
north, in all its grandeur, is Loch Ridden, a narrow gulf shut in 
by rugged and precipitous mountains. Near the entrance to the 
loch is a small inconspicuous island which recalls the part played 
by one of the Argylls in the rebellion of 1685. The day was 
spent working through the plantations and along the shores of 
Loch Ridden to near Springfield House. The following plants 
were observed :— 
DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA, L. ACHILLEA PTARMICA, L. 
LINUM CATHARTICUM, L. A. MILLEFOLIUM, L. 
Hypericum ANDROS@MUM, L. EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, L. 
H. QUADRANGULUM, L. MELAMPYRUM PRATENSE, L. 
H. Humirusvum, L. DIGITALIS PURPUREA, L. 
H. PuLcHRuMy, L. Lycopus EUROPUS, L. 
GERANIUM DISSECTUM, L. TEUCRIUM SCORODONIA, L. 
K 
