132 EXCURSIONS IN STIRLINGSHIRE. 



be followed through the vale of Menteith, almost from its source 

 in the west to where it widened out into the majestic firth in the 

 east. Northwards lay the historic field of Sheriffmuir, where the 

 Highland clans fought on behalf of the ill-fated Stuarts. Beyond, 

 and stretching round to the west, were the peaks of the Grampians, 

 among whose summits Ben Lawers, Stuc-a-chroin, Ben Voirlich, 

 Ben Ledi, Ben More, Ben Venue, Ben Narnain, Ben Arthur and 

 Ben Lomond were recognised. The descent was made on the 

 Menstrie side, and near the foot of the hill, rest-harrow {Ononis 

 arvensis) and shepherd's-club ( Verbascum Thapsus) were observed. 

 On reaching Stirling time only permitted a hurried visit to the 

 Lady's Rock. 



On 6th August, 1890, a large party visited the estate of Keir. 

 Detraining at Bridge of Allan, the grounds were approached by 

 the Lime Tree Avenue, and the site of the ancient church of 

 Lecropt and the churchyard were first inspected. The late laird, 

 Sir William Stirling-Maxwell, Bart., took great interest in the 

 churchyard, but, since his time, it has been left to nature. The 

 yew trees here are particularly fine, some attaining a height of at 

 least twenty feet. With the exception of the quaint arrangement 

 of the path into the form of a Latin cross, however, the place was 

 in a considerable state of neglect. Keir House possesses many 

 attractions. Inside it bears all the marks of the taste of its late 

 proprietor. The rooms are filled with curios and artistic furniture 

 of great value. The library, beautifully decorated, contains a 

 valuable collection of books selected with the greatest care. 

 Among the treasures of the house are many fine paintings, with 

 several examples of the old masters. At the entrance to the 

 gardens, the party was taken in charge by the head gardener, Mr. 

 Thomas Lunt, who conducted them through the pinetum, gardens 

 and glass-houses. Attention was principally directed to the trees, 

 of which Mr. Lunt had an extensive and accurate knowledge, and 

 the following notes and measurements were made. To the west 

 of the house is a very fine Spanish chestnut {Castanea vulgaris) 

 of great age, but still vigorous, which girthed 20 feet 9 J inches at 

 3 feet from the ground. This side of the house has Cupressus 

 sempervirens planted against its walls up which the trees have grown 

 to the height of the third storey, giving the whole a very unusual 

 appearance. The large Araucaria imbricata, for which Keir has 



