Field Meetings. 159 
that were in waiting, they proceeded to Southwick mansion house, 
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 first visited the policies to see the silver 
firs (Picew pectinata), some of which were the finest in Scotland. 
Many of these noble 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 154 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 the guidance of Mr Stewart, visited 
the well-stocked gardens, and the home farm, on which Mr Stewart 
had 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 
the dining-room, at which Mr Stewart was elected a life member 
of the Society, and Mr A. K. Fotheringham an ordinary member. 
On the motion of Mr Wilson, Vice-President, it was agreed to 
have a special meeting to Raehills Glen in the third week in 
July, and on the 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:—Barbares vulgaris, Brassica 
campestris, Cardamine sylvatica, and Sisymbriwm Alliaria, near 
