XC11 
PROCEEDINGS-PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
Behold the workings of His wondrous hand 
As in the open marvels of the land. 
Each year we meet a glance to take 
At labours past and done, 
To laugh at each last-year’s mistake, 
To count the triumphs won, 
Or to gain courage from each comrade true 
’Fore facing of the year untried and new. 
We gather round our chieftain here 
Upon the hill’s rough brow, 
The winds sweep round us far and near, 
We know not where nor how, 
And hour by hour clearer we see to read 
In nature’s book God’s wisdom and our need. 
Through life we climb a mountain steep, 
Nor hope to win the height 
Till dark the evening shadows sweep, 
Wrapping all things from sight, 
Yet through death’s dimness we can see a glow 
As of great light we saw not here below. 
And as we climb, lo ! here and there 
Some comrade’s tomb we find, 
Who fell asleep ’mid noontide’s glare, 
But left his works behind. 
We pause a moment there to weep and pray, 
Then press again upon our upward way. 
We may not reach the top at all— 
Earth’s twilight is not yet— 
Others shall pass on where we fall, 
And will us scarce regret ; 
But we the flag of Truth can upward bear, 
If but one step, and plant it firmly there ! 
So here upon this hill to-day, 
Endued with hope, we stand, 
Looking ahead where winds our way, 
Hand firmly clasped in hand, 
A little band of comrades old and new, 
With eager wills and hearts both stout and true. 
And once again the echoes ring, 
We raise our watchword high, 
“ Salix herbacea”—thus we sing— 
“ Floreat ! ’’ We shall die 
As we have lived, toiling for what we deem 
A brave man’s work, a poet’s fitting theme. 
M. B. W. 
The exploration of the north face of the hill was then proceeded 
with. Here the usual plants of the Breadalbane hills were noticed, 
