Field Meetings. 61 



was obtained. lu one of the chimneys, and about 7 feet from 

 the top, six pale blue eggs in a starling's nest were seen. 



From the Tower the drive was continued to the mansion-house, 

 while the golden yellow of the bi'oom and the furze, which was 

 here very abundant, intermingled with the fragrant white of the 

 hawthorn, added a new charm to the scenery. In driving up 

 the avenue to the house the party were joined by Mr Maxwell, 

 the factor on the estate, and on arrival they were received by Mr 

 Robinson-Douglas and by Captain Ramsay — the latter gentleman 

 only recently invalided home from Burmah. Having arranged 

 one o'clock as the hour for luncheon, under the guidance of Mr 

 Robinson-Douglas and the other gentlemen, the party inspected 

 the grounds, conservatories, and flower gardens, where some 

 very beautiful rhododendrons and azelias were yet in bloom. 

 The holly trees were greatly admired for their size, and also for 

 the abundance of blossom with which they were this year clothed, 

 the older botanists of the party never remembering such a sliow 

 of flower as was then ob.served. 



At the appointed hour they returned to the mansion-house, 

 when Mr Robinson-Douglas exhibited his collections of birds and 

 beetles. Tlie former contained a good many of the rarer birds of 

 this country, and some from the South of Europe and Africa. 

 The entomological collection was very extensive, and gave great 

 pleasure to Mr Lennon and the otlier members interested in this 

 pursuit. 



The party having adjourned to the dining-room, a substantial 

 luncheon was partaken of ; and before rising from the table, tiie 

 usual short business meeting was held, Mr Robinson-Douglas 

 presiding. Dr Mackie and Mrs Mackie, Thornhill, and Mr 

 William Walls, Dumfries, were elected new members. Mr Sliaw, 

 of Tynron, moved the thanks of the Society to the sub-committee 

 who had prepared and published the Transactions for Sessions 

 1883-86, for the trouble they had taken, and for the creditable 

 manner in which they had performed that duty. This was 

 seconded by Mr Bruce, and unanimou.sly agreed to. On the 

 motion of Mr Laing, the Society's tlianks were awarded to Mr 

 Robinson-Douglas for inviting the Society to this neigh bourliood, 

 and for his kindness in conducting and entertaining the party. 



Retiring from the dining-room, the party proceeded to their 

 field of work for the day — the marshy ground, woods, and shores 

 of the bay ; for it was thought advisable not to ascend the 



