FieLp MEETINGS. 205 
example of iron grilling in the latter raising discussion as to 
the method of its manufacture. The type is peculiar to Scot- 
land. Finally the party noted the fine avenue from the church 
to the gate, and learning that each tree was planted by an 
elder, after whom it was named, the comment was made that 
if each town councillor in Dumfries would undertake a similar 
duty it would not be long ere the Whitesands and_ St. 
Michael’s Street,.and even the Annan Road, were beautified 
with permanent memorials to themselves. 
A rapid drive back through drifting rain concluded the 
day, and the members separated well content with their 
outing. 
26th August, 1922. 
Mossdale and Loch Ken. 
In response to the invitation of Mr and Mrs G. F. Scott- 
Elliot, about thirty people took part in this joint excursion 
with the Dumfries Branch of the Geographical Association. 
Leaving Dumfries at 1 p.m. by motor char-a-banc, the party 
visited the forts at Gerranton and Croft’s Moat, Parton Old 
and New Churches, and Parton Moat, all of which are de- 
scribed in the Report of the Ancient Monuments Commission. 
Continuing up the east side of Loch Ken to the bridge near 
Balmaclellan, the party viewed Dalarran Holm. Here the 
ken sweeps right across the flat floor of its steep-sided valley 
from west to east. Since it touches both steep sides one 
must cross the river here to move northward—that was in 
olden days when dense thickets clothed the hillsides. Here 
Mr G. F. Scott-Elliot asked his audience to picture the Sea 
Kings in their shallow Hat-bottomed craft arriving from the 
sea. Finding the water too shallow they must leave their 
craft here. This the Galwegians know and so form up on 
the firm bank of the river with the marshy holm behind them 
and the river in front. The ship-men, nothing daunted, leave 
their boats and attack—only to meet with disaster and to 
leave their leader dead upon the holm. Here lie his bones 
