PROFESSOR JOHN HuTTON BALFOUR. 349 
Ben Shean. 
Monday, 17th August 1863. 
Ascended Ben Shean (sounded Ben Shee-an) on opposite side 
of valley from Strathyre. 
After visiting the summit walked along the ridge towards the 
glen leading up to Balquhidder. Had a fine view of Loch 
Lubnaig, Loch Earn, and Loch Voil. The hill is not of sufficient 
height for good alpine plants. Saxrifraga aizoides and Alchemilla 
alpina were the chief sub-alpine species. 
Balquhidder, Loch Voil. 
Wednesday, 19th August 1863. 
After breakfast proceeded with Mr. Thomas Bayley, Andrew 
Balfour, and Colin Campbell by King’s House and Balquhidder to 
Loch Voil. In the churchyard at Balquhidder is the tombstone 
of Rob:Roy close to the entrance of the old church, which is in 
complete ruins. Drove along the side of Loch Voil opposite to 
Mr. David Carnegie’s house, and along the north side of Loch 
Doyne to the farm of James Stewart, who has 16,000 acres of 
sheep farm from the Earl of Moray. Had a fine view of the 
braes of Balquhidder. Reached the farm about 12. Mr. Bayley, 
Andrew Balfour, and Colin Campbell went to fish in the river 
and on Loch Doyne, while I ascended Ben An, the highest hill in 
the district, rising to 3400 or 3700 feet, according to Mr. Stewart. 
The hill is a promising one and would require very complete 
examination. I spent from 12 to6 p.m. on it examining the rocks, 
especially near the summit. The best rocks are those on the 
€ast side—some large massive rocks. There I saw a considerable 
quantity of Drada rupestris in fine fruit. 
Among the plants gathered were :— 
Thalictrum alpinum Sibbaldia procumbens 
Caltha minor Alchemilla alpina 
Cerastium alpinum Saxifraga oppositifolia 
* latifolium . stellaris 
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