RENFREWSHIRE EXCURSIONS. 30 



Scottish filmy fern (Hymenophylhmi unilateral), and attached to 

 stones in the bed of the Calder the rare aquatic moss (Fontinalis 

 squamosa). 



Among birds the black-cock, grey wagtail, golden plover, and 

 common heron were the most notable residents, and attention at 

 this date (30th April) being naturally directed to new-comers the 

 swallow, wheatear, common sandpiper, and corncrake were noted. 



Kilmalcolm PARisn.-This parish affords many interesting 

 localities for naturalists, and it has on several occasions been the 

 scene of Society excursions. Twice the approach has been from 

 bridge of Weir, in the adjoining parish of Kilbarchan. Proceed- 

 ing towards Carruth from Bridge of Weir station, the heart-leaved 

 valerian (Valeriana pyrenaica) and Sedum villosum were found 

 and near the entrance to Carruth the small-leaved maple (Acer 

 camp***) occurs as a hedge plant, a common use for this species 

 m some parts of England, rarely seen here however. In the 

 glen at Carruth are many interesting plants, some of them 

 undoubted introductions, but their rare beauty lends a charm to 

 the bits in the ravine. Among the plants found there are the 

 globe-flower {Trollius europ<zus), Welsh poppy (Meconopsis cam- 

 brua) Saxtfraga umbrosa, S. Geum, Solomon's seal (Polygonatum 

 mulhflorum), and the oak and beech ferns. The rare barren-wort 

 {Epimedtum alpinum) has also been gathered here, but was not 

 found on the occasion of the Society's visit. Many interesting 

 trees were noted in the vicinity of Carruth House, but the collec 

 tion was more remarkable for variety than for the size of individual 

 specimens. 



Craigbet, in close proximity to Carruth, has been twice visited 

 On each occasion those present had the advantage of being 



rrMPh c T duc ^ d ab r the gardens by the ** i**^! 



J. M. M Phedran, Esq. The collection of herbaceous plants here 

 is almost unique in the West of Scotland in its interest and 

 variety and the bee observatory, bee fountain, and th" 

 brought from the far East which adorn the garden make visits to 

 the place memorable to most strangers. The approach is an 

 avenue f limes intersected opposite the house by another, forming 

 m the original design a cross, but some of the trees in one of the 

 avenues having been felled, the intention of the designer is not 



