i9i4 _I 9 I 5-] Geological History of Blackford Hill. 1 6 1 



printed seed lists I notice the kidney vetch (Anthyllis 

 vulneraria), the use of which seems to be on the increase. 

 Experience shows that, with leguminous plants, pulpy seed 

 grows best, while seed that is dried up does not germinate 

 well. 



Plants of other natural orders might receive more attention 

 towards increasing the food supply of animals. In the spring 

 I have noted the value of one of the Borage family, tuberous 

 comfrey (Symphytum tuberosum), as an addition to the early 

 grass ; while in autumn I have seen cattle feeding readily 

 on one of the Labiate order, peppermint (Mentha piperita), 

 which grows along the margins of streams and ditches, and 

 is still succulent when ordinary herbage has become dry. 



At the same meeting lantern illustrations were used in 

 connection with " The Zoological Park," by Mr George 

 Cleland ; " Some of the Common Fungi," by Mr A. B. Steele ; 

 and also with Mr James Buncle's communication on " Plants 

 and Marine Life," which he gave at the meeting on January 

 27, 1915. 



X.— NOTES ON THE GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF 

 BLACKFORD HILL AND ITS AGATES. 



By Mr J. J. McBEATH. 



(Read February 24, 1915.) 



To the children of Edinburgh, Blackford Hill will stand out 

 in recollection for its memories of summer days, animal 

 spirits, and home-compelling hunger. To those of us who 

 made its acquaintance later, it will recall visions as varied 

 as experience, reflecting dominant prepossessions, artistic, 

 historical, scientific. From the crag overlooking the Braid 

 Burn, whence the Hermitage swings away westwards, 

 luxuriant in spring foliage, an ornithologist of wayward fancy 



