74 COLONSAY 



tion; but exceptions are not infrequent in every case. 

 Parmelia perlata, Nyl., is the commonest of the lichens. 

 Usnea barbata, Fr., gives the trees a peculiarly hoary aspect. 

 It is sometimes seen growing on the south-west but not on 

 the north-west side of the trunks. Sticta pulmonaria, Ach. 

 (Tree Lungwort) is common on the Ash, Oak, Sycamore, etc. 

 Pannaria plumbea, Lightf., and species of Pertusaria, etc., 

 are less frequently seen. The following are among the 

 commonest of the mosses found growing on the stems and 

 branches : Eurhynchium myosuroides, Schpr. (on the Birch), 

 Ulota phyllantha, Brid. (Ash), Hypnum cupressiforme, var. 

 resupinatum, Schpr. (White Willow), Hypnum cupressiforme, 

 var. filiforme, Brid. (Larch), Metzgeria furcata, Eaddi, and 

 Brachythecium rutabulum, Bruch and Schpr. 



Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. The following list may not 

 be without interest as being among those plants that thrive 

 under the influence of the sea air. It should be remarked, 

 however, that all those noted are growing in sheltered situa- 

 tions in Colonsay House grounds near the centre of the island. 



Evergreens. Rhododendrons (R. ponticuni) thrive in 

 various kinds of soils and situations, and in early summer 

 make a pretty display with a profusion of their purple-violet 

 flowers. The first plants, which were introduced about sixty 

 years ago from Ardlussa in Jura, have developed into large 

 specimens 20 feet high and 40 feet through. Seedlings from 

 the woods were planted by their Majesties King Edward VII. 

 and Queen Alexandra in commemoration of their visit to the 

 island on 29th August 1902. The Holly, though growing 

 naturally in exposed situations, produces berries in any 

 quantity only in sheltered places about Kiloran woods. The 

 Common Laurel (Prunus lauro-cerasus) is one of the most 

 valuable evergreens, readily breaking into growth after it is 

 cut back. The Portugal Laurel (P. lusitanicus}, though 

 beautiful in the young state, has not lasted so well as the 



