THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 9 1 



Quite close to these diseased trees fine healthy groups of trees 

 are to be found. 



" The lower part of the wood was thinned a few years ago, 

 and the remaining portions were gone over in 1908. In the 

 lower part there are now about 440 trees per acre, having an 

 average height of about 40 feet." 



This was a most interesting day, but it was impossible to 

 see everything in the time, as the distances are considerable. 

 In the morning the party visited Clunes Wood, Tor a Mhuilt, 

 and the natural oak wood, and inspected the new nursery 

 where some promising seed beds of Scots pine were much 

 admired. After an excellent lunch, kindly provided by Lochiel 

 at Achnacarry, the members divided into two groups, one 

 proceeding to examine the natural wood near the east end 

 of Loch Arkaig and the Gairlochy plantation, the other going 

 in Lochiel's yacht three miles up the loch to take a hurried 

 view of the larger natural pine forest. Some of the latter party 

 were so much absorbed in making measurements of these 

 splendid old trees, that they narrowly escaped being left behind, 

 and Mr Buchanan, who rightly insists on strict adherence to 

 the time-table, suffered torments of anxiety. 



In the evening the members dined together at the Banavie 

 Hotel, where Lochiel, Captain Ellice, and Mr Charles Mackenzie 

 were their guests. The usual toast list was dispensed with, and 

 in its place a debate was held after dinner, on the Survey 

 which the Society has undertaken to make. The discussion was 

 of great value in bringing to light points which must be kept in 

 view if the Survey is to be, as the Council intend, a complete 

 study of afforestation in Scotland, and the Council are grateful 

 to the members who took part in it. Next morning some 

 of the party went south by a morning train, while others spent 

 the day taking a run to Mallaig by the West Highland Railway. 



It was generally felt that the excursion had been a great 

 success, being both instructive and pleasant to the members 

 Their stay at the Banavie Hotel was most comfortable. Mr 

 Buchanan and his committee and Mr Galloway earned every 

 one's gratitude by their well planned arrangements. The 

 members were received wherever they went with the greatest 

 kindness, and were fortunate in spending each day under the 

 guidance of proprietors, factors and foresters, who have a 

 genuine love and knowledge of silviculture. 



