166 REPOET OF THE MEETINGS FOE 1897 



the ferns, which, are ever-green. Aspidium marinum grows 

 in the eaves under Fastcastle, to a size rarely seen. These 

 caves cannot be examined except in calm weather. A. ruta 

 muraria grows on a large boulder at the Fastcastle side of 

 Dowlaw Dean ; and Botrychium lunaria on the moor at the 

 head of the dean. Polystichum aculeatum lobatum and P. Angulare 

 are in abundance. Lastrea oreopteris grows on the edge of the 

 moors. The Lady fern is in great beauty by the stream in 

 the dean, as also the male fern, in crested forms. 



