CVIll PROCEEDINGS-PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
was entered, and a search made for the Pine Weevil, Hylobivus 
abestis , Linn. Only one specimen was found, although about 
ninety per cent, of the young larch trees were destroyed by this 
insect. We then made for the Muir of Thorn, which lies about a 
mile east of Bankfoot. The Muir is very interesting botanically. 
Wild orchids were abundant, and several specimens were noted, 
amongst which were Habenaria conopsea , Benth., and Habenaria 
bifolia , R. Br. The Petty Whin, Genista anglica, Linn., was also 
abundant, and was in fruit. A few specimens of Lepidoptera were 
captured, including Argynnis silene, Chilonia plantaginis , Eulobia 
palumbai'ia, etc. The bog is thickly tenanted with Black-Headed 
Gulls, which, at the time of our visit, were rearing their young in large 
numbers, and made a fine sight. A few Mallards and Teal Ducks 
rose as we went along, and a well marked Adder was taken as we 
were leaving the marshy ground and approaching the public road. 
A short walk brought us to Bankfoot, and, after having tea there, we 
drove to Strathord, where we caught the 7 o’clock train for Perth. 
The weather was all that could be desired, and a very pleasant 
afternoon was spent. 
4. July 6, to Ben Laoigh, conducted by Mr. R. H. Meldrum. 
Ben Laoigh is a mountain situated in the extreme west of the county,, 
part of it indeed being in Argyllshire. Botanically speaking, it was 
discovered by Dr. Buchanan White and Colonel Drummond Hay a 
good many years ago, and since then it has frequently been visited 
by botanists. Hence its flora, which is rich, is pretty well known. 
About a dozen members took part in the excursion. No doubt 
more would have gone had the morning not looked somewhat 
threatening. By the time the train was left, however, the sun had 
come forth, and the weather remained perfect for the rest of the day. 
Ascending the Argyllshire Corrie, the party examined the lower 
series of cliffs, and, after crossing the watershed, confined their 
attention principally to the same series on the Perthshire side. 
Most of the characteristic plants of the hill were seen. Cystopteris 
montana , Bernh., was in considerable quantity, and a fair number of 
plants of Pyrola rotundifolia , Linn., occurred, though only one or 
two showed flowering spikes. Dry as octopetala , Linn., was parti¬ 
cularly fine, and was much admired. Saussurea alpina , D.C , 
Bartsia alpina , Linn., Hymenophyllum unilaterale , Bory, and many 
other interesting species were gathered, while, among mosses, the 
beautifully coloured Orthothecium rufesce?is , B. & S., was very abun¬ 
dant and in fruit, in which condition it is rare to find it. 
The Mountain Club was to have held a meeting at the summit,, 
but, as the most important functionary, the Quaich bearer, was 
absent, and as time was limited, it was agreed to postpone to next 
year the celebration of the mysterious and sanguinary rites of this 
festive club. This brought great relief to the proposed new members, 
whose nerves had been somewhat unstrung by a few casual remarks 
on the awesome nature of the initiation ceremony. 
After the tiresome walk over the moor between the mountain and 
Tyndrum, the party adjourned to the Hotel, where the rank and file 
