PROCEEDINGS-PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. CXXX1X 
and a large amount of most useful information was elicited. What 
was, perhaps, of still greater importance was the enthusiasm which 
was aroused, and the impetus which was given to this new and 
important branch of educational work. The Conference was under 
the direct patronage of the Educational Department, and amongst 
those who took part were the Duke of Devonshire, President of the 
Board of Education; Mr. Hanbury, President of the Board of Agri¬ 
culture ; Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Secretary for Scotland ; and Lord 
Avebury, as well as a number of H.M. Inspectors of Schools and 
teachers. The results of both of these Conferences will be published 
in due course in the form of official reports. In conclusion, I would 
venture to express the hope that it may be possible, some time in the 
near future, to hold a similar Conference in Scotland, in order to 
show the Scotch Educational Authorities what can be done in the 
way of extending this branch of education. 
THE SUMMER EXCURSIONS OF 1902. 
The excursions during the past summer were, on the whole, 
fairly well attended, and the weather, on most occasions, was good. 
Owing to the lateness of the season, flowering plants were not in full 
bloom until after some of the earlier excursions were over. For the 
same reason, not many insects of note were got. Cryptogamic 
botany, however, received a good deal of attention, as well as geology. 
At several of the excursions a number of photographs were taken, but 
the light during the past summer was not, as a rule, very favourable, 
especially for instantaneous work. 
The following are the reports of the excursions which have been 
prepared by the various leaders :— 
1. May 19, to the Roman Camp at Inchtuthill, near Delvine, 
conducted by Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie, Bart. A detailed 
account of the Roman remains, which were examined during this 
excursion, has already been published in the recently-issued Part of 
our Transactions in the form of a Field Lecture by Sir Alexander 
Muir Mackenzie. The following summary of the proceedings has 
been prepared by Mr. Barclay :— 
A numerous party of ladies and gentlemen proceeded on this day 
to Delvine. Some went by train to Murthly and thence walked, some 
drove all the way from Perth, and others went on bicycles, those of 
the latter who went by Stanley and Murthly finding it rather a stiff 
task to drive against the fierce wind that was blowing. At Delvine 
they were met by Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie, who had kindly 
come to act as guide to the party. Going first to the Camp, they 
inspected the excavations lately made, which had disclosed the 
remains of a Roman bath, the oven and flues for heating being 
plainly visible. Here Sir Alexander gave a short lecture on the 
whole subject, a summary of which will be found in the newly- 
published Part of the Society’s Transactions , along with several 
interesting plates illustrative of the ground.* It may be mentioned 
* See Trans., p. 190. 
