138 Craigmillar and its Environs. 



Ivy [Lemna), is at some seasons very plentiful, form- 

 ing almost a green scum on the surface of the water. 

 There are said to be no fewer than four different 

 species of this diminutive plant found here, but only 

 experts can determine them. 



As somewhat connected with the botany of Craig- 

 millar, a short notice of what is known as the 

 "Craigmillar Sycamore" may not inappropriately 

 close this chapter. This venerable Sycamore {Acer 

 pseudo-platanus) stands at the foot of the hill near 

 the castle, beside the hamlet of Little France. It 

 is often called " Queen Mary's Tree," from the belief 

 that it was planted by the queen during her residence 

 at Craigmillar. There is no record, indeed, of her 

 having done so, but the statement has been handed 

 down by oral tradition, and as such the tree has been 

 visited for generations by tourists from all parts of 

 the world. A lady long resident in the district informs 

 us that, when a girl, she frequently visited the tree 

 under the care of a grand-aunt, who, if she were still 

 alive, would now be about a hundred and fifty years 

 of age. The belief at that time was, that Queen 

 Mary planted the tree in the presence of Rizzio. 



