36 RECORDS OF EXCURSIONS IN AYRSHIRE. 



were shewn to the Geological Society of Glasgow by Mr. Robert 

 Dunlop, of Ardrie, a short time ago. This limestone was bedded 

 in thin layers, and appeared to contain nothing organic even in 

 microscopic sections. The Geological Surveyors have shewn that 

 before the deposition of the Permian strata in this part of Ayrshire, 

 there had been tilting up of the carboniferous formation and 

 extensive denudation of its uplifted beds, so that between the two 

 formations there had been a long time-hiatus; and when pits 

 come to be sunk through the Permian at different parts, each 

 will have a chance of reaching the coal-bearing beds at different 

 horizons of the latter. 



The only other part of Ayrshire where there is a patch of the 

 Permian red rocks, identical with those at Mauchline, is along 

 the Ballantrae north shore, where they extend almost to Bennane 

 Head. 



The excursion on the Autumn Holiday, 2nd October, 1890, 

 was to Loudoun and Lanfine, under the leadership of the late 

 Mr. Robert Turner. Arriving at Galston Station, the large party 

 of fifty-two was favoured with a view of Mr. Findlay's collection 

 of agates and Burn Anns jaspers. The former were in great part 

 obtained from the trap quarry of Cowgove, situated a short 

 distance to the south of the town, and the latter from the 

 "pebble holes" on the Burn Anne stream, where large quantities 

 of this very beautiful and unique variety of jasper have been 

 obtained. After having their eyes sufficiently dazzled with the 

 fine sections of the " precious stones " a visit was made to the 

 Boss Tree — the massive but much wasted remnant of an ancient 

 wych elm, out of the hollow interior of which all the new arrivals 

 of children in the village are said to come. This tree, of which 

 an illustration is given — Plate II. — is also known as the Warrior or 

 Wallace Elm, tradition relating that on one occasion Sir William 

 Wallace found refuge from his pursuers in its branches. Under 

 the guidance of Mr. Lyon, the ancient Tower of Barr, situated in 

 the town, and still kept in a good state of repair, was inspected. 

 The large area of the north wall is devoted to the game of 

 handball. 



Loudoun Kirk and "Queir" were next visited, after which the 

 party proceeded to Loudoun Castle, the latter being reached after 



