PROCEEDINGS—PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. CV 11 
THE SUMMER EXCURSIONS OF 1901. 
As I have already said, the past summer has been exceptionally 
bright and fine, and the Society has been fortunate in having good 
weather for all its excursions. The attendance at most of these was 
very fair. The following reports have been prepared by the various 
leaders:— 
1. May 23, to Loch Katrine, conducted by Mr. Wm. Ellison. A 
party of 17 ladies and gentlemen left by train via Dunblane for 
Callander, where a coach was waiting to convey them to their destina¬ 
tion. The morning being very fine, the drive past Loch Vennachar and 
Loch Achray and through the Trossachs was much enjoyed. It being 
an ideal photographic day, the photographers lost no time in wending 
their way along the north side of the loch, keen on taking pretty bits, 
well known to the guide, en route to the Silver Strand. The “ pretty 
bits ” had, however, mysteriously disappeared. On enquiry at some 
workmen it was found that the ancient landmarks had been removed, 
and a new road constructed at a greater altitude than the old one, 
while the level of the loch had also been raised so as to give a better 
supply of water to the Glasgow people. Much to the sorrow and 
disgust of the photographers, the charming Silver Strand was not to 
be seen, being covered with three or four feet of water. After lunch, 
however, their spirits revived a little, and, notwithstanding the loss of 
so many good subjects, some nice views were obtained. 
It was too early in the season for the botanists, and nothing of 
importance was met with. The party drove back to Callander, and 
to tea, which was much appreciated. Perth was reached in the 
evening, and all agreed that they had had a thoroughly enjoyable 
day’s outing. The only cause for regret was the fact that the 
President was unable to accompany the party. 
2. June 8, to the Banks of the Almond, from Dalcrue Bridge to 
Almondbank, conducted by Mr. James Menzies. The route of this 
excursion was somewhat altered from that originally proposed. The 
party took the 12.20 train to Methven, walking thence to Dalcrue 
Bridge. The fine example of a trap dyke at the Bridge was examined 
with much interest. The left bank of the Almond was then explored 
as far as Woodend. The ground, however, proved unproductive of 
rare plants, though beautified by a wealth of the commoner wild 
flowers, amongst which the purple blossoms of the wood cranesbill, 
Geranium sylvaticum, Linn., and the red flowers of Lychnis dioica , 
Linn., were very conspicuous. After tea at Almondbank, a few of 
the party continued the walk to Perth by the left bank of the Almond 
as far as the bridge of Almond. 
3. June 22, to the Muir of Thorn, conducted by Mr. R. Lawson. 
The excursionists, numbering five, left Perth by the 12 noon train 
for Murthly, where they were met by Mr. Lee and Mr. Murray, who 
had been very kindly sent by Mr. Fothringham of Murthly to assist 
the party. After leaving Murthly Station we kept by the public 
road till the Schoolhouse was reached. At this point a pine wood 
