Field Mpfitiiigs. 159 



that were in waiting, they proceeded to Southwick mansion liouse, 

 by way of Newabbey and Kirkbean, which they reached at noon. 

 On their arrival they were met by Mark J. Stewart, Esq., who had 

 not only given permission to explore his grounds, but also had 

 invited the members to luncheon. Under Mr Stewart's guid- 

 ance the whole party lirst visited the policies to see the silver 

 tirs (Picea pectimita), some of which were the finest in Scotland. 

 Many of these nolile and handsome trees succumbed to the force 

 of the severe gales in December, and especially to that on 21st 

 January. One of them which escaped the fury of the blast 

 measured 15^ feet in circumference at the height of four feet 

 from the ground. After arranging to meet at the mansion house 

 at 2.30, the party divided, the majority going up the sides of the 

 Southwick burn, thence through the rough ground, and over an 

 adjoining hill to the plantation, in which is the private burying 

 ground of the Stewart family. From there they returned to the 

 house, passing through several plantations and fields, picking up 

 specimens as they went. 



The smaller portion, under tlie guidance of Mr Stewart, visited 

 the well-stocked gardens, and tlie home farm, on which Mr Stewart 

 liad been cultivating the natural grasses. Punctual to arrange- 

 ment, the members re-assembled, and were welcomed by Mrs 

 Stewart and Miss Stewart. 



Having partaken of luncheon, a business meeting was held in 

 tlie dining-room, at which Mr Stewart was elected a life member 

 of the Society, and Mr A. K. Fotheringliam an ordinary member. 

 On the motion of Mr Wilson, Vice-President, it was agreed to 

 liave a special meeting to Raehills Glen in the third week in 

 July, and on tlie motion of Sheriff Hope, Vice-President, a hearty 

 vote of thanks was awarded to Mr Stewart and to Mrs and Miss 

 Stewart for their kindness and trouble. 



At three o'clock the party took leave of their host and hostess, 

 and proceeded to Douglas Hall, several of them preferring 

 to walk along the road and the shore to collect specimens, 

 while the remainder came along in the machines. After spend- 

 ing some time on the sands and cliffs, they re-assembled at 

 seven o'clock for the homeward journey, by way of Dalbeattie, 

 and reached Dumfries about ten o'clock, having had a most 

 enjoyable day. 



The following plants were found : — Barbarea vulgaris, Brassica 

 campestris, Cardamine sylvntica, and Sisymbrium Alliaria, near 



