The Scottish Naturalist. 



47 



Shortly after 5 p.m. the public meeting of the Institute was 

 opened in Stewart's Hall by Professor Trail taking the Chair. His 

 address dealt with the recent progress of botanical investigation in 

 Scotland ; with the influence of field-clubs on the advancement of 

 botanical researches ; and with the directions into which their 

 labours may be turned with the greatest probability of successful 

 results. 



The following papers were then read : — The Composition 

 of the Atmosphere in the early Geological Epochs, by 



Mr. Proctor, London ; Salmon Disease, by Dr. John O. Wilson, 



Huntly ; Notes on the Geology of the country between 

 Huntly and Kildrummy Castle, by Mr. Hinxman, of the 

 Geological Survey ; Historical Notes on the Parish of Leslie, 



by Rev. John Russell ; Saccharine, by Mr. Proctor ; and The 

 Study of Place-names, by Mr. Macdonald, Huntly. We under- 

 stand that the papers are to be printed in extenso in the Proceed- 

 ings of the Institute. 



In the evening a Conversazione took place, when numerous 

 objects of much interest were exhibited ; and the members supped 

 together at 9.30 p.m. 



On Saturday 14th July, the morning threatened rain, but the 

 weather improved during the forenoon ; and a most enjoyable ex- 

 cursion will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of taking 

 part in it. The programme was so well arranged as to permit of 

 several localities being visited, various in their associations, but all 

 worthy of attention. Starting early from Huntly the excursionists- 

 drove through Gartly, Rhynie, and Lumsden to Kildrummy Castle, 

 where a halt was made. After luncheon they returned by Clova, 

 Auchindoir, and Craig, reaxhing Gartly and Huntly railway stations 

 in time to permit members from a distance returning home the 

 same evening. On the way visits were made to very old 

 sculptured stones near the Kirk of Rhynie ; to an earth-house in 

 Kildrummy ; to Clova House, where Mr. Lumsden kindly showed 

 a very fine collection of ancient stone weapons and implements, 

 many of them from the neighbourhood ; to the curious old church 

 of Auchindoir ; and to the picturesque Den of Craig, and Craig 

 Castle, to which access was most freely granted by Mr. Gordon. 

 This old castle has been kept almost unchanged in its internal 

 arrangements ; and permits one to realise in some degree the ad- 

 vance in comfort that has resulted from the changes in household 



