444 



down to the edge of Loch Muick, near a fine waterfall. After 

 scrambling along the side of the lake, dark threatening clouds gather- 

 ing around the mountain tops, and obliterating them from the view, 

 one by one, in rapid succession, gave us warning to ascend without 

 loss of time, and recalled to mind an unusual atmospheric appearance 

 in the horizon, that had claimed our notice from the top of Lochnagar. 



We were soon enveloped, and had to steer our way amid the cloud 

 along the mountain, almost exhausted by the violence of the wind 

 and cold. Less than two hours were left to reach the foot of Loch 

 Callater before nightfall, and our route was over mountains previously 

 untrodden by us. 



This point was gained just as daylight vanished, the glimmering 

 reflection of the water barely sufficing to point out the rough foot- 

 track leading to the gamekeeper's cottage at the foot of the lake. 

 After 14|- hours of almost incessant walking we arrived there in time 

 to learn that the conveyance appointed to meet us had left about 10 

 minutes, its driver considering the case hopeless. 



The storm had now increased in fury, and rain began to pour 

 down in torrents, making the idea of another turn out anything but 

 delectable. Knowing, however, that our companion who had gone 

 before us to Braemar would be anxious, we ventured forth after re- 

 galing on oat cake and milk, having more than 5 miles to go, besides 

 the necessity of wading through a rapid river in the dark. 



The storm continued unabated all the way, and when safely lodged 

 at Braemar we could still hear its raging, and feel thankful for our 

 shelter. More than 100 seamen were lost that night on the east coast 

 of Scotland. 



James Backhouse, Junr. 



THE DUNDEE NATURALISTS' ASSOCIATION. 



December 5, 1848. — The President in the chair. 



A paper was read from Mr. Geo. Lawson (Edinburgh), being an 

 account of a visit to Arniston Woods, near Edinburgh, in which 

 some interesting plants were noticed as having been gathered, such 

 as Hookeria lucens, Bryum ligulatum, B. punctatum, Dicranum bry- 

 oides, Peziza coccinea, &c. 



A note from Mr. Win. Anderson was I'ead, recording a new station 

 for Saponaria officinalis in Forfarshire ; viz., " North side of the 



