1 68 Firld Mpptinci!^. 



from that gentleman's Gidde Book to the Stcwmiry, giving the 

 traditionary account of Bruce's combat with Sir Walter Selby, 

 and of Bruce conferring these lands on the Sprottes of Urr. 



It was remarked that plants were in blossom about three 

 weeks earlier than last year, and the following among others 

 were found during the day : — Cardamine hirsuta, Draba verna, 

 Sisymbrium AUiaria, Viola sylvatica, var. Rivimana, Lychnus diurna. 

 Geranium lucidum (a new locality), Geum rivale, Bunium flexuosum, 

 Adoxa moschateUina (very fine specimen), and Asindium ncaleatwn, 

 var. lobatum. About 40 specimens of mosses were picked up, 

 including hi/pnum nhprniriim in fi'uit. 



Parton and Loch Ken. — (j!k June, 1885. 



The second excursion of the session was held under most 

 favourable auspices, for the weather for three or four days prior 

 was warm and summer-like, and the district to be visited had 

 every attraction that the members could wish. Accordingly, a 

 larger party than usual left by the early train for Parton Station, 

 and on reaching Castle-Douglas their number was increased by a 

 few members from Kirkcudbright. On arriving at Parton they 

 were met by Mr M'Andrew, of New-Galloway ; the Rev. Mr 

 Pattullo, Mr Pattullo, jr., and others. Mr Pattullo having 

 kindly invited the Society to luncheon, now offered to guide the 

 party to places of interest in the district. The first place visited 

 was the Slate Quarries, but as these had not been worked for 

 several years the loose debris only could be examined, although 

 the geologists had a good opportunity of inspecting the various 

 cuttings. A halt was made for about an hour here, when the 

 president, Dr Gilchrist, described the various details of splitting 

 the slate, and mentioned the various characteristics of this rock. 

 The botanists explored the adjoining woods and fields until 

 1 p.m., whei' it was arranged that the party should assemble at 

 the Old Church. The modern church was erected in 1824, but 

 in the churchyard adjoining are the remains of its predecessor, 

 which had been built in 1592. 



Mr Barbour, V.-P. (architect), described the old building, and 

 now supplies the following note : — 



The Church of Parton is situated on the banks of the Dee, and near it 

 within the chuicliyard are the remains of an older church, said to have 



