PROCEEDINGS OF THE PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
113 
and perhaps Scots fir, and under their shade grows a pro¬ 
fusion of wild flowers. Of the latter the most conspicuous 
on the present occasion were the bugles, whose bright blue 
blossoms were in great profusion. A reddish purple 
variety was also found. Among other plants noticed were 
several kinds of orchids, including the curious bird’s-nest 
orchid, the twayblade, butterfly orchid, marsh orchid, and 
broad-leaved helleborine. Some others are reported to 
grow in this wood, but were not seen on this occasion. In 
addition to these, the herb Paris, the Veronica montana, 
and other somewhat local plants, were noticed. A plant 
of some antiquarian as well as botanical interest is the 
Lily of the Yalley ( Convallaria majalis), which is indigen¬ 
ous in this wood, and is mentioned as occurring here in 
Sibbald’s “ Scotia Illustrata,” a work which was published 
more than 200 years ago. Another plant is interesting 
from growing in an unusual locality, namely, the Club 
Moss, Lycopodium clavatum, which is usually an inhabi¬ 
tant of heathery moors, but which here grows under the 
shade of the trees. After spending a considerable time in 
the wood, a visit was paid to Methven Loch, whose 
margins were brilliant with the golden flowers of the Iris 
or Water-flag, while part of its surface was studded with 
the smaller blossoms of the rare Nuphar pumila, one of 
the yellow water-lilies. At the Loch the excursion ter¬ 
minated, and the members of the Society took their way 
homewards, much pleased with the day’s ramble. 
August 4th. 
4. To Loch Ordie. 
In glancing over the map of Perthshire with a view to 
selecting places for excursions, the Council of the Society 
had more than once taken into consideration the desira¬ 
bility of organizing an excursion to Loch Ordie, but up 
till the present season it remained in the list of places “ to 
be explored.” Deep in the bosom of the hills to the north 
of Dunkeld, Loch Ordie is surrounded on all sides by the 
immense larch woods with which the enterprise of several 
successive Dukes of Athole has clothed the barren moor¬ 
lands. Long famous for its trout, it was thought possible 
that the loch might also possess something of interest for 
the zoologist or botanist, and that whether or no it came 
up to the expectations of the explorers, yet, on the prin¬ 
ciple of “ omne ignotum pro magnifico,” it was highly de¬ 
sirable that it should be investigated. On application to 
the Duchess-Dowager of Athole for permission to visit the 
loch, Her Grace not only at once gave permission, but very 
kindly provided the party with carriages and boats. The 
excursion was conducted by Mr John M‘Gregor, the 
Duke’s head-forester, and a member of the Society, and to 
him, as well as to Mr Macintosh, the headkeeper, and Mr 
Maclaren, the land-steward, the party was much indebted 
for the manner in which Her Grace’s instructions 
were carried out, and for otherwise promoting the 
success of the investigation. Saturday last was the 
selected day, when those members who were able 
to join the excursion preceded to Dunkeld, whence 
they drove by the private road to the loch. The 
drive, as all who have had the good fortune to take it 
know, is very enjoyable ; but as the chief object was the 
exploration of Loch Ordie itself, we will in the meantime 
passover the details of what was observed on the road, 
reserving these for the return journey. On arriving at the 
loch the party divided into three sets—two electing to 
explore the loch, while the third ascended a neighbouring 
hill. In this way a good idea of the productions of the 
locality was gained. Those in the boats proceeded to row 
slowly round the margins of the loch, using the various 
curious implements which experience has shown to be 
necessary for an exploration of this nature. The results of 
this part of the investigation may be briefly recorded as 
follows:— 
Loch Ordie lies in a rock basin excavated out of the 
Gneissose Silurian rocks during the glacial period. The 
shores are mostly rocky, occasionally forming low preci¬ 
pices, and at these points the depth of the loch is very 
great even close to the shore. At other points it is less 
deep near the shore, and in such places most of the 
“finds” were made. The bottom is generally stony and 
rough, and consequently possesses but little vegetation 
In a few places it is muddy, and here plants are more 
abundant. The chief water-plants noticed included the 
quill-wort (Isoetes lacustris), very abundant and fine, and 
the pill-wort (Pilularia globulifera), much scarcer and 
rather poor. Both these plants are allied to the ferns, 
and possess a very curious structure. Of the pond weeds 
or Potamogetons (of which the lower-lying lochs between 
Dunkeld and Blairgowrie possess so many species) three 
only were found, viz., P. perfoliatus, P. natans, and P, 
rufescens. The other vegetation included the water- 
lobelia (L. Dortmanni), with pale blue flowers; Litorella 
