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low hill, from the top of which a magnificent view was obtained 
of the ‘‘ Laigh of Moray,” with rich fields of grain yellowing for 
the harvest, the district being one of the earliest in Scotland. 
Near the top of the hill the Mulstone Quarry, famed for the 
nuniber of fine specimens of fossils it has produced, was viewed 
with much interest; as also was the ancient Danish camp, a 
small circular encampment on the crest of the hill, the defending 
ditch of which was in good preservation. At a little distance off 
in the wood was seen the “ bore-stone,” with the usual hole in it, 
in which, according to local tradition, the Danish flagstaff was 
inserted. 
Leaving the top of the hill, and its ancient and historic associa- 
tions, the company proceeded at a smart pace along a woodland 
path, leading through a fine thriving Scots pine and larch planta- 
tion, about fifteen years old. The larch, generally, were taking 
the lead, and showed no sign of “bug” or ‘‘ blister,” from both 
of which the larch plantations in the district seemed to be 
comparatively free. Passing through a more matured plantation 
of well-grown timber, and descending the steep western fuce of 
the hill, the party found themselves in the Forres road, and the 
carriages—which had to make a long detour round the hill to 
reach the spot—coming up in a few minutes, the Members took 
their seats, and drove off for Pluscarden, The route lay through 
stretches of well-grown woods, in which healthy Scots pine and 
larch predominated, and across a cultivated country for a few 
miles, till the direct road from Elgin to Pluscarden was struck at 
the foot of Miltonbrae. Turning sharp to the right, up the 
valley, along a smooth level road, the drive was most picturesque 
and attractive, in spite of the heavy downpour of rain that had 
now set in, and threatened to mar the programme fcr the rest of 
the day. However, with the aid of waterproofs and umbrellas, 
the most of the party were able to protect themselves against the 
watery elements, and all maintained their buoyancy of spirits 
with unflagging zest through some of the most beautiful scenery 
to be seen in the district of Moray. Rising abruptly on the right 
to an altitude of 767 feet, the Heldon Hill is richly clad from 
base to summit in umbrageous greenery. The rain prevented 
any attempt to explore the interior of the, woods which lay 
on both sides of the route, but they appeared to be nearing 
maturity, and on Heldon Hill the larch and Scots pine were seen 
to be of large dimensions and fine quality. 
