XU 
INTRODUCTION. 
signated by tlie peasantry “ Castle Folly.” From this tower 
most extensive and interesting prospects of the surrounding 
scenery are to be obtained, and the museologist will find on 
the ascent to it from the east Diphyscium foliosum. The 
wdiole range of the Sidlaw Hills is rich in eryptogamic 
plants, and the little glens and dells through which streams 
descend into Strathmore, have each their floral treasures. 
Strathmore is a magnificent valley, and, in an agricultural 
point of view, is the pride of Scotland. That part of it within 
the county, called the Hoiv (or hollow) of Angus, is about 
33 miles in length, by from 4 to 6 miles in breadth ; and is 
watered by the Esk, Isla, and Dean, with their numerous 
tributaries. In the fields, meadows, and woods of this vast 
vale the botanist will of course find an exuberance of plants 
common to such situations ; but on the banks of the streams 
that descend into it from the Sidlaws on the south, and the 
Grampians on the north, he will reap the richest harvest. 
That portion of the Grampian range of mountains bound- 
ing Strathmore, and extending to the northern confines of 
the county, was formerly known as the Benchinnin Hills, and 
more recently as the Clova and Glen Isla mountains. Their 
average height is about 3000 feet, and they are intersected 
by several valleys, as Glen Clova, Glen Prosen, Glen Isla, 
&c. 
These mountains have been rendered almost classic ground 
by the researches of Mr G. Don, and the numerous eminent 
botanists who have subsequently explored them. Mr Don, 
we are informed, was a very athletic man, and possessed 
of such a constitution that neither fatigue nor privation 
could easily break it down ; and these qualities, combined 
with perseverance, and an ardent enthusiasm for his favour- 
ite study, rendered him peculiarly adapted for a good field- 
naturalist ; aud such by the result of his researches he proved 
himself to be. 
In Forfar he served an apprenticeship to a watchmaker, 
and after that was out, in order probably to acquire more 
knowledge of his trade, removed to Glasgow. While in this 
