1912-1913-] An Account of 'the Excursions (1913). 55 



moss south of Leadburn was white with cotton-grass, a sedge 

 which brightens the bleakness of moors for many weeks in 

 early summer. Among other sedges found were Eleocharis 

 palustris, Scirpus ccespitosus, and Carex muricata. Grasses 

 were in great variety ; and among the higher plants collected 

 were Montia fontanel, Geum rivale, and Senecio aquations. A 

 vote of thanks to Mr Denson was proposed ; and on behalf of 

 the Peebles Club, Mr James Watson thanked the Field 

 Naturalists for their kindly guidance and for the genial and 

 sociable way in which they had treated the Peebles con- 

 tingent. 



On June 25 Mr John Eussell met a large number of 

 members at the Castle Hill joining the Esplanade, and 

 conducted them down the Eoyal Mile as far as the Nether- 

 gate. He referred to some Esplanade memories, and pointed 

 out en route the mansions associated with historical events, 

 such as the Cannon-ball, Gordon, Sempill, MacMorran, Lady 

 Stair, Gladstone, Bothwell, and other houses. He drew 

 attention to the places and buildings on the route associated 

 with times of plague, pilgrimage, and persecution. He 

 described some of the interesting architectural features of the 

 old town, such as street arcading, timber fronts, traders' 

 marks, &c. St Giles' Cathedral, the Tolbooth, and city wells 

 were also described by Mr Eussell, and the walk finished 

 with a visit to the houses of John Knox and Mowbray. 

 Time did not permit of doing more, and Mr Eussell kindly 

 promised to conduct the members over the remaining half of 

 the Eoyal Mile next session. 



On Saturday, June 28, the members went to Lanark to 

 visit Lee grounds and policies, by permission of Sir Simon 

 Macdonald Lockhart, Bart. Mr John Dunlop acted as leader, 

 and passing through Lanark he pointed out some of its 

 ancient residences, — those of Wallace, the Duke of Hamilton, 

 and the Earl of Hyndford being on the route. On the way 

 to the East Lodge one saw the river Clyde with its orchards 

 and strawberry fields on both banks. A fine view was 

 obtained of the old Eoman bridge over the river Mouse, 

 Cartland bridge spanning the Cartland Crags, and Wallace's 

 Cave. The policies of Lee Castle were then entered. Along 

 an open valley with high well- wooded sides, an avenue two 



