36 RENFREWSHIRE EXCURSIONS. 



This measurement was on a line nearly parallel to flow of the 

 Gryfe there. Girth of trunk at narrowest part, 21 feet 2f- inches; 

 circumference of branches, 218 feet 6 inches, the area enclosed 

 by these being filled to the ground with a mass of foliage, indicat- 

 ing vigorous health and abundant nutrition, possibly attributable 

 to a sweet soil and proximity to the Gryfe Water. In spite of the 

 yew being a slow-growing tree, the great vigour of the present 

 example makes a considerable annual increment of wood in the 

 principal stem not at all improbable. 



Lochwinnoch Parish. — Through the kindness of Mr. J. W. 

 Shand-Harvey, the proprietor of Castle Semple, the fine policies 

 there have twice been the scene of excursions of the Society. On 

 both occasions the approach has been from Howwood. On the 

 Black Cart, which has its origin in Castle Semple Loch, many 

 yellow lilies (Nuphar hiteum) may be seen, and on the banks of 

 the same stream Mimulus luteus has established itself. The 

 sides of the loch, which are not much frequented, have become a 

 veritable preserve of wild flowers, many of them deserving of 

 notice. In early autumn particularly, the beautiful racemes of the 

 giant bell-flower (Campanula latifolia), the tall spires of the purple 

 loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria), with the golden-rod (Solidago 

 Virgaurea), monk's-hood (Aconitum Napellus), and great patches 

 of meadow-sweet, all in profusion, form a picture of the most 

 exquisite beauty. One of the archaeological features of interest 

 within the policies is the Collegiate Church of Lochwinnoch, which 

 has served for a long period as a burial place for the members of 

 the Semple family. This rather dilapidated ruin is overshadowed 

 by a number of tall hornbeams, and the walls both inside and 

 outside are festooned with the ivy-leaved toad-flax (Linaria 

 Cymbalaria). In and about some ponds adjacent to the Collegiate 

 Church some rare plants were noted, including the great reed-mace 

 (Typha latifolia), Clay Ionia alsinoides, and a large patch of the 

 great yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris). Other water plants 

 occurring were the white water-lily (Nymphaia alba), Ranunculus 

 heterophyllus and R. hederaceus. The maidenhair spleenwort 

 (Asplenium Trichomanes) was found on the walls of the grotto and 

 on the boundary wall near Lochwinnoch in fine condition. On 

 the occasion of the second visit to Castle Semple (28th June, 1890) 



