134 EXCURSIONS IN STIRLINGSHIRE. 



ferns were growing in one part of the gardens where a small 

 rockery is built about a rustic well. Noticeable among these 

 were some magnificent royal ferns (Osmunda regalis). The most 

 remarkable plant was, however, the famous Buchanan fern 

 (Asplenium Filix-fcemina, var. Victoria?). This peculiar fern has 

 a cruciate form with narrow pinnae, forming a number of square 

 openings. It was discovered in 1861, not far from the castle, by 

 Mr. J. Cosh. Mr. Crosbie says that since its discovery it has 

 been propagated by spores, and the varietal form has remained 

 true. From Balmaha, to which the party proceeded after leaving 

 the castle grounds, boat was taken to Inchcalliach. The ancient 

 burial-place was visited, and excavations were found to have been 

 begun, evidently for the purpose of laying bare the walls of the 

 old church or nunnery. 



On the 26th August, 1899, the Society visited Loch Lomondside 

 again, proceeding from Rowardennan towards Balmaha. The road 

 was soon abandoned for the superior attractions of the shore, where 

 the presence of the very rare lesser skull-cap (Scutellaria minor) 

 excited surprise by its extreme luxuriance. The common skull- 

 cap (S. galericulatd) was also present in profusion, but could not 

 be compared with its smaller congener whose pretty pink blossoms 

 made the stony corners, which are its habitat, " to blossom as the 

 rose." Here also the gipsy-wort (Lycopus europaus) and tutsan 

 (Hypericum Androscemutn) were seen. The great fault, forming 

 the boundary between the Highland Silurian schists which extend 

 northwards and the old red and calciferous sandstones which run 

 southwards, was crossed hereabouts. As time pressed the road 

 was again sought by cutting over Ross Point. To gain this was 

 a matter of some difficulty owing to the luxuriant growth of 

 heather and bracken and the wooded nature of the ground. 

 From the Dubh Loch, where the road was struck, a pleasant walk 

 brought the party to the Pass of Balmaha. Near this the hillock 

 of jasper — an inconspicuous green mound — might have remained 

 unnoticed, but for a heap of stones on the roadway which attracted 

 attention to its vicinity, and from which several good specimens 

 were got. The only notable bird seen was a capercailzie (Tetrao 

 urogallus), which flew out from the rocks at Ross Point. 



