190 BOTANICAL EXCURSIONS MADE BY 
Lunched at the summit and had a fine view, descended 
towards the shelter and Loch Avon amidst a pretty severe 
shower. 
Gathered Carex leporina on the sides of a stream going to the 
corrie of the Avon, not far from patches of snow, also Séellaria 
cerastoides and many alpine plants. Polypodium alpestre 
abounds on the ascent to Loch Etchachan and on the descent 
to Loch Avon, also on the ascent to Cairngorm from Loch 
Avon. It is avery abundant fern. Reached the Shelter Stone 
by a steep and rugged descent about 4 pm. Our men had 
brought up plaids and provisions. They returned with the 
horses. Proceeded to make a fire of juniper. Kettle boiled and 
tea prepared. Mr. Rathay, alarmed at the dampness of the cave, 
left us at 7 p.m., and walked to Castleton, which he reached at 2 
in the morning. 
We had a restless night in the cave. Some sat up all night and 
kept themselves warm by the fire outside. The stone is 40 feet 
long, on an average, 20 feet broad, and about 16 or 18 feet high. 
Wednesday, 16th August 1854. 
Mr. Esson returned this morning to Castleton ; the rest of the 
party after breakfast ascended to Cairngorm, gathering abun- 
dance of Polypodium alpestre, Luzula arcuata, and other alpine 
plants. Mist came on after the party reached the summit; the 
fine view was only seen for a few minutes. Descended from 
summit and visited cliffs looking to the Spey side. These cliffs 
seem worthy of examination. It is probable that the best way . 
of examining all the hill in this quarter is from the Spey side. 
Important to find accommodation on that side. Walked by back 
of Ben na Mac Dhu, picking numerous confervoid plants. 
Descended into the valley of the Dee; had beautiful view of the 
pass to Rothiemurchus. After reaching Glen Dee visited the 
Wells of Dee; near this there is abundance of Polypodium 
alpestre all the way, continuing till opposite Cairn Toul. On the 
descent from Ben na Mac Dhu, Asplenitum Filix-femina picked 
by Mr. G. Lawson, high up, above Polypodium alpestre. 
