2/4 ^^ Account of the Excursions (19 lo). [Sess. 



present was larger than at the joint excursion of the previous 

 week. The weather was charming, and the ramble through the 

 Poet's Glen was delightful. Owing to the previous dry weather, 

 the larger fungi were few, but the glen being extensive, and 

 the number of foragers many, a collection of fifty species was 

 made in about two hours, among which were Amanita virosa, 

 Nyctalis asterophora, Cantharellus ciharius, Hydnum reparidiim, 

 H. Tufescens, Tricholoma resplendens, Craterellus cornucopioides, 

 and once more the sweet-scented Glitocyhe fragrans. Among 

 the microscopic fungi gathered were PodospJicera myrtillina, 

 the first record of its being found south of the Tay, and 

 Synchitrium stellarice, not previously reported in the Forth 

 district. Mrs Borthwick afterwards entertained the party to 

 tea, Mr Brown, the proprietor of Currie Glen, being present, 

 in the hall of Borthwick Castle, — " a hall so large and high in 

 the roof that a man on horseback might turn a spear in it 

 with all the ease imaginable." The members were shown 

 over the castle, and the room where Queen Mary slept, which 

 is unique in its position, and, unlike the others, is of diminutive 

 size. After a vote of thanks to Mrs Borthwick and Mr Brown 

 the party left, having spent a most instructive and enjoyable 

 afternoon. 



The last excursion was to Murieston on 18th October, — 

 one which the leader, Mr Fraser, had postponed from July till 

 a larger growth of alien plants had taken place on the waste- 

 heaps laid down there by the Distress Committee of the city. 

 Mr Cairns showed the members over the farm, and gave them 

 opportunities of observing the extraordinary result of combin- 

 ing waste labour, waste products, and waste land. The process 

 of preparing the soil for cultivation was explained and shown 

 by Mr Cairns, and the party afterwards botanised the waste- 

 heaps. A good two hours' work was done, and a fairly large 

 collection of plants was gathered — viz. : 



Poa palustris. Secale cereale. 



It compressa. Helianthus annuus. 

 Polypogon monspeliensis. n tuberosus. 



Gastridium lendigerum. Lactuca sativa. 



Alopecurus agi^estis. Solanum nigrum. 



Phalaris canariensis. Lycopersicum esculentum. 



Agrostis spica-venti. Hyoscyamus niger. 



