1912-1913-] An Account of the Excursions (1913). 57 



Dunfermline Naturalists' Society, and under the leadership of 

 the Treasurer, to Otterstone Loch, Aberdour, by permission 

 of Major Moubray. The ground at the upper portion of the 

 loch is difficult to explore on account of the marsh, and the 

 dense undergrowth along the shore where the woods are left 

 untouched by the forester. At this part a large amount of 

 fallen timber adds to the hazards which the explorer must be 

 prepared to encounter. A very good object-lesson is given of 

 what Nature can accomplish when a region is resigned to her 

 sway ; and readers of Jefferies' ' After London ' will recognise 

 how faithfully that writer has described the probable appear- 

 ance of Britain's woods and lakes if man's dominion were 

 withdrawn. Owing to the conditions indicated, it is needless 

 to say that the loch and its surroundings are exceptionally 

 well adapted for the study of aquatic plants and animals, both 

 of which flourish in great abundance. It is worthy of note 

 that Otterstone has been in the possession of the Moubray 

 family since the days of Eobert the Bruce. Among the 

 many interesting plants found were Myrioyhyllum spicatum, 

 Ceratophyllum clemersum, and Cicuta virosa. 



On the following Saturday, July 19, the excursion was to 

 Yester policies, by permission of the Marquis of Tweeddale, 

 and under the leadership of the Secretary. Among the rarer 

 plants found were Luzula albicla, Myosotis sylvatica, Veronica 

 montana, Poa Chaixii, and Festuca heterophylla. Earlier in 

 the day Mr Templeman found Neottia A'idus-avis, Silaus 

 pratensis (a plant not hitherto recorded from this locality), 

 Pyrola media, P. minor, Listera ovata, L. cor data, Epilobium 

 angustifolium, and Linaria Cymbalaria. 



On July 26 an excursion was made to Binning Woods. 

 Under the leadership of Mr George M. Brotherston a large 

 party walked through the woods, which are eighty acres in 

 extent. " This wood is one of the earliest examples of 

 systematic arboriculture carried out in this country, and 

 the place is famous for its wealth of sylvan scenery and 

 for its radiating avenues of splendid specimens of forestal 

 growth." 



On Saturday, September 27, the first of the cryptogamic 

 excursions was made, along with the Tweeddale Club, Peebles, 

 to Dolphinton. Under the leadership of Mr Bupert Smith 



