THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY

NATURAL HISTORY

AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

SESSION 1866-67.

RIES:
PRINTED BY W. R. MDIARMID AND CO,
tt 1869.

faa

=

THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY

NATURAL HISTORY

AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

DUMFRIES:
PRINTED BY W. R. MDIARMID AND CO.
1869.

m ’ , ty sche am
; awl Sage
wh Ry he Sih

‘ as nee Pie 7
A i oe a a ea
. s!

CONTENTS.

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS 5 F . “ : 3
ABSTRACT OF TREASURER’S ACCOUNTS . 5 5 5 A : 5
ADDRESS OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT s 5 ,

Norick oF tHE Discovery of AN ANCIENT GRavE, &C., ON THE FARM
oF Broomuint, LocoMaBeNn. By Mr Cornriz, P.-F. : 3

Notice or St. QueRDow’s WELL. By James Starke, F.8.A. Scot, .
Frastine at Funerats. By Mr M‘Drarmip 8 é -
Notes oN THE ScortisH Lanauace. By James Starks, F.S.A. Scor.

RetLics oF COVENANTING TIMES IN THE Parish OF IRONGRAY. By
Tur Rey. Toomas UNDERWOOD, [RONGRAY 4 : - 5

44
46

60

2 ans ig.

y fet , ui te wo}

tha
‘

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and

Antiquarian Society.

November 6th, 1866.

THE Society held the first meeting of the Session,—being
the Annual Meeting,—in their apartment in the Dumfries
and Galloway Club Rooms,

Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart., in the Chair.

The Secretary read the Annual Report of the Progress
of the Society.

The Report of the Committee of Management, prepara-
tory to the Annual Meeting, was read.

It was intimated that Mr Clark of Speddoch had con-
sented to accept the office of Vice-President, and to give the
address in room of Mr M‘Diarmid, who retires in order, of
rotation. The appointment was unanimously agreed upon,
Mr M‘Diarmid agreed to associate himself with Dr Gilchrist
in the management of the Summer Excursions. Dr Starke,
Troqueer Holm, was appointed Curator of the Museum
in room of Mr Gibson. Mr W. T. Gibson, Mr T. Jackson,
Nith Place, Dr Grierson, Thornhill, were elected Members of
Committee in room of those who retire by rotation.

2 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

On the motion of Mr Corrie, P.F., a Committee, consist-
ing of the Secretary, Mr Corrie, and Mr Mitchell, Courier
Office, was appointed for the purpose of revising and correct-
ing the List of Members on the Roll of the Society.

The Treasurer submitted an Abstract of the Income and
Expenditure of the Society for the last year, which was
audited and found correct ; it is to be prepared for publica-
tion and to be on the table at next meeting.

The President suggested that in future the places of
meeting for the whole Summer Excursions should be fixed
at the close of the winter session, which was unanimously
agreed upon.

Some discussion took place upon certain indications of
Tron Ore in the district of Dryfe, in Annandale ; and Mr
M‘Diarmid referred to borings for Minerals which were at
present being carried on in the neighbourhood of Ruthwell.
Mr Hastings, taxidermist, exhibited a small collection of
rare Birds which had been procured in the neighbourhood.

December 4th, 1866.

The Society held the second meeting of the Session in
the Assembly Street Club Rooms,

Mr STARKE, Troqueer Holm, in the Chair.

The following Members were then enrolled :—Ordinary
Members—Mr John Morin, Leadhills ; the Rev. George Mur-
ray, Balmaclellan Manse, New-Galloway ; the Rev. Mr
Mackie, St. Mary’s, Dumfries’; Dr M‘Nab, Crichton Institu-
tion ; Dr Carlo Muland, Crichton Institution ; Mrs Henry
Gordon, Moat Brae.

On the motion of Mr Starke, a vote of thanks was given
to the gentlemen of the Assembly Street Club for the privi-
lege they kindly gave to the Society of meeting in their pre-
sent room.

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 3

Mr Starke read a report of the state of the Society’s
Museum, which gave rise to a conversation relative to the
aims of the Society in that direction. After which Mr Starke
moved “That the attention of the members of the Society
be directed to the propriety of the extension of the Library
and Local Museum.” This was seconded by Mr Corrie, P.F.,
and agreed to.

Mr M‘Diarmid delivered the Annual Address, after which
a vote of thanks was proposed and cordially received.

Dr Gilchrist read a paper communicated by Mr J. N.
Scott, Rector of Tain Academy, describing an.Albertite Vein
on the eastern slope of Ben Nevis, with the evidence which
its contents afford of the organic origin of that mineral.
He also read an account of the discovery of a supposed Fossil
Reptile. Both papers gave occasion for considerable dis-
cussion.

The Society then adjourned.

January 8th, 1867.

The Society held the third meeting of the session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms,

Mr M‘DIARMID in the Chair.

The meeting had been postponed for one week in conse-
quence of the first Tuesday of the month being New-Year's-
Day.

The following Member was enrolled :—Ordinary Member
—The Rev. John Caldow, Palmerston.

Mr M‘Diarmid read extracts from the records of an old
criminal trial which took place in the Court-House of Dum-
fries in the year 1727.

Dr Gilchrist read notes on the Druid Circles on Goldielea
Hill. He also presented to the Museum of the Society some
specimens of Minerals and Fossils, all local.

4 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Dr M‘Nab explained and exhibited in the microscope a
series of Blind Beetles from caves.

After these papers were read a discussion ensued on the
propriety of inviting the British Association to visit Dum-
fries. The proposal was generally approved of. Suggestions
were made as to the best methods of carrying out the objects
of the Society so as to secure the greatest amount of infor-
mation to the Members.

The Society then adjourned.

February 5th, 1867.

Mr STARKE, Troqueer Holm, in the Chair.

The Society held the fourth meeting of the session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill, read a paper descriptive of frag-
ments of an ancient Stone Cross found by him, and which
had been built into the wall of a house in Ayrshire. The
paper was accompanied by drawings and sketches, and Dr
Grierson entered at some length into the various character-
istics of the tracery and carving found on such relies.

Mr Thomas Carlyle of Waterbeck read an elaborate
paper upon the “ Debateable Land,” its boundaries, and the
successive changes which had taken place in the families oc-
cupying it. Mr Carlyle was requested to prepare his paper
for publication, and to communicate to the Society his fur-
ther researches.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill, read a paper entitled “ Modern
Theories in Science.” The paper called forth a number of
questions and objections from some of the members present,
but owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion was
postponed until a future meeting.

The Society then adjourned.

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 5
March 5th, 1867.

The Society held the fifth meeting of the session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms.

The following Member was enrolled :—Ordinary Mem-
ber—Dr Robert Trotter of Dalry, Galloway.

Mr Starke, Troqueer Holm, read a paper entitled “The
Sands of Dumfries in 1508, or the Raid of Lammas Eve,”
giving an account of a feud between the Maxwells and the
Sheriff of the County and his deputies, in which the latter
were discomfited.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill, exhibited a specimen of the White
Hare, found last winter on Queensberry Hill, and entered at
some length upon the question of the modification or varia-
tion of species, and the length of time required to produce
changes which might be regarded as specific. While leaning
to the belief that the specimens exhibited were varieties of
the L. tumidus, modified by the extreme cold of the season,
he indicated his opinion that structural changes of greater
importance were apparent which rendered the question doubt-
ful, and which certainly approximated the specimens found on
Queensberry Hill to the L. variabilis or Alpine Hare.

The Society then adjourned.

April 2d, 1867.
Mr STARKE, Troqueer Holm, in the Chair.

The Society held the sixth meeting of the Session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Mr Niven, Leadhills, read a paper upon the Mines and
Mining Operations at Leadhills, to be followed by a second
paper at the next meeting—Mr James Shaw, Tynron, read
a paper on some popular errors regarding the habits of
animals.—The Rey. David Landborough read a paper founded

6 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

on an interesting series of personal observations on the influ-
ence of situation upon climate, regarded from a botanical and
zoological point of view.—Dr Gilchrist gave a report on the
present excavations at the Gasworks, Dumfries, illustrated
by diagrams of the successive changes which must have taken
place in land and sea at the place indicated.

Specimens of Pines cultivated in Dumfriesshire were ex-
hibited ; and a fine specimen of Antimony from the recently
discovered mine at Glendining, near Langholm, sent to the
Museum, was exhibited.

The Meeting then adjourned.

May 6th, 1867.
Mr M‘DIARMID in the Chair.

The Society held the seventh meeting of the Session in
the Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Mr Niven, Leadhills, read a continuation of his paper »
upon “The Mines and Mining Operations of Leadhills,” and
exhibited and presented to the Society a series of specimens
illustrative of the process of the extraction of the pure lead
and of the various minerals associated with the lead ore.—Mr
Carlyle, Waterbeck, read a paper on the Border History
entitled, “ The‘Armstrongs and their Contemporaries.”—A
brief description of an ancient battle-axe, found in the old
castle of Morton, was read.

The Society then adjourned.

At a meeting of Committee, held in Assembly Street
Club Rooms on April 17, the following places of meeting for
the summer excursions of the Society were proposed and

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. it

agreed upon, and it was suggested that a card should be is-
sued at the commencement of the summer session intimating
the places of meeting :—-

Langholm, May 16th.

New-Galloway, June 6th.
Newton-Stewart, July 4th.
Kirkeudbright, August Ist.
Kirkconnell and Newabbey, Sept. 5th.
Caerlaverock and Wardlaw, Oct. 3d.

ooooo 8 0 8S re

of
lar)

spuvy Sloinsvoly, Ul Yyseo oy,
I ° ,Suorovsuviy,,, Suruid ‘eoyQ r9N09 OF,
: : JoyULLY “ouojsuyor “yy Oy,

“om ‘syoog ydrooayy 1of Uog puv Uosiepuy oy,

SUv[NIL) Sureatpop yoorke gq ‘q OY,
BessnO) g AOTUNORE pure A1vqo1089 Of,

0
g
&
Q
I ae : SPURTE JO} se[Snog ‘f oy,
0
6
7 : * sivolty JT OT,

‘F © POAOULeL IO UMVAPYJIM STAqTIOSqNG FT OJ, “1-999T

ue Ses

ors suoryousuvsy, Jo setdog soug Ag
96° «A 998T AOF suoTydrosqng oT Aq

aes ‘ : poreaooer srvorry Ag

+¥° * seok qsv] Woy puvy ut courpeg Ag */-998T

0 LT

“L-9991 UVAR

SINNOOOV SUAMNSVAUL FO LOVALSEV

ADDRESS ‘OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT,
JAMES STARKE, FS.A. Scorn.’

3d December, 1867.

~

By the death of Mr Maxwell of Breoch, this Society has lost
an honoured member,—and it is always with deep regret
that such a loss occurs. Other deaths amongst us there
have been during the past year which may call for commemo-
ration ; but the presert I name here, as we were naturally
disposed to look forward to the anniversary address which he
would give, and was so well able to give, out of his ample
stores of local knowledge.

On the present occasion, and in pursuance of the task
which has devolved upon me, what I purpose to do is to con-
fine myself to one branch of the Society’s operations ; and
throw together in a connected form the notices I have met
with of objects of antiquarian interest discovered in the dis-
trict, prefacing the notices with some remarks on the study
itself.

The subject and title of this address will therefore be

ARCH AOLOGY,
OR THE STUDY OF ANTIQUITIES ;

—its place in the operations of the Society.

In the prosecution of this subject I will ask your attention
to three points :-—
B

10 Address of the Vice-President.

1. The relationship or connection between Archzology
and the other objects of the Society.

2. What is comprehended in Archeology, or the study
of Antiquities ; and

3. What are the principal articles of Antiquarian interest
in the Society’s district.

This Society professes to have in view two objects—
Natural History and Antiquities. But for practical working,
it.seems more convenient, and also more agreeable to the
constitution of the Society, to distribute its objects into three
branches or departments—namely, Geology, Zoology, and
Archeology.

Geology, with Mineralogy and Paleontology, has in view
the material earth, with all its ingredients and conditions ;
Zoology—taking that term in a large sense,—is the depart-
ment of life, whether of plants or animals ; and Archeology
regards physical objects as they bear the marks of human
skill and intelligence.

This extended use of the term Zoology is not altogether
unauthorised. For, besides its etymological derivation, and
our own word Zoophyte, meaning an animated plant, to de-
scribe a class of beings which partake both of the plant and
the animal, we find the poet Theocritus describing ivy, in
what we call its fresh and green state, as wing ivy.

In these three departments so understood, the first is the
department of stzll natwre—the great theatre of action,
where life, in all its wondrous variety, displays itself ; the
second department is that of animated nature, where life is
to be seen in all its forms, from its first rudiments to its
highest developments ; and the third is the department of
antiquities, where we are to examine all that bears the
marks and impress of human skill and intelligence—the skill
and intelligence of the highest order of the animal creation.

By this threefold distribution of the objects of the Society,
a department may be assigned, with, perhaps, great beneficial
effect, to each of the three Vice-Presidents—one of them

Address of the Vice-President. 11

taking the department of geology, another the department
of plants and animals, and the third the department of
antiquities.

The department of antiquities, or Archeology, has regard,
as I have said, to all that bears the marks and impress of
human skill and intelligence. This is a wide and large field,
and, as often happens in such case, the small and the port-
able, which can be readily moved about and examined at
leisure, are the most frequent objects of attention.

In this way, the small becomes great and important. It
acquires prominence, and the study of antiquities has thus
been assumed to be the study of trifles »—antiquarian trash.
This is a narrow view of the subject; as there is enough
within its range to occupy minds of every power. The sub-
ject is calculated to gratify a wide spread curiosity,—a curi-
osity which is common and general, and therefore also, it is
probable, a natural and reasonable curiosity, respecting the
past. It is a useful if not an indispensable help and aid to
historical enquiry, and a knowledge of the past. And it is
calculated to advance our knowledge and improve our taste
by a comparison of the past with the present. Moreover,
the study of antiquities combines book learning with out-
door exercise ; while, in common with the study of Natural
History, it engenders a habit of attention and careful obser-
vation. It is thus, in an especial manner, the occupation of
learned leisure,—the occupation of educated leisure.

And though still dealing with matter and material things,
we find ese fashioned and animated by human thought
and skill. The forest and the quarry have sent out their
monuments of sculpture and architecture, and the rough
mineral has become a gem—a precious stone.

When we proceed to examine into any object of anti-
quarian interest, several courses, or methods of enquiry,
present themselves. For, we may enquire, in the first. place,
at what tume, actual or probable, it was executed. This is
the chronological method of enquiry, and it divides itself
into ancient, modern, and mediceval.

12 Address of the Vice-President.

Or 2, We may enquire by whom, or by what people, it
was executed. This is the ethnographical arrangement,
And under it, the whole course of our history is opened up :
—the ancient and earliest inhabitants, Celtic and Romanized.
the Anglo and Scoto Saxons, the Anglo Normans, and the
English,—with the different eras, families, and individuals,
distinguishing between the Scottish and the Anglican people,
and again discriminating from all, the people of the South,
and South-west of Scotland.

Or 3, We may enquire the scientific arrangement. But
here, no doubt, we encounter a difficulty from the great
diversity of the objects to be arranged, and also sometimes
the condition in which oftentimes they are at first discovered.
But, for our present purpose, it will suffice to adopt a simple
and obvious arrangement,—distributing the objects into 3
classes :—

1. Fixed Structures,

2. Portable Articles, and

3. Philological and Psychical Matters.

Under the head of Fixed Structures, would be included
Buildings of all kinds, lay and ecclesiastical, public and _ pri-
vate. Temples, Churches, and Abbeys, Roman Stations and
Encampments, Castles, Towers, and Dwellings, Roads,
Bridges, and Dykes, Barrows, Cairns, and Tumuli, with
Sepulchral cists, Monumental Effigies, Crosses, and Obelisks.

Under the head of Portable Articles, would fall—Imple-
ments and Utensils of all kinds, civil and military ; Articles
of Furniture, Dress, and Ornament; Money, Coins, and
Medals ; Boats and Canoes.

And under the head of Philological and Psychical Matters,
would fall—Local Dialects and Names, Local Customs and
Usages, Legendary Tales, Libraries, Books, and MSS.

Some arrangement and classification is at once indispens-
able and advantageous,—and that which we have adopted is
simple, and yet comprehensive enough, for all ordinary pur-
poses, and will conduce to a clear understanding of the
objects of our study.

Address of the Vice-President. 13

We have now gone over in a rapid way two of the
three points to which I requested attention—namely,

1. The relationship or connexion between Archeology
and the other objects of the Society, and

2. What is comprehended under Archeology or the study
of antiquities.

We,are now to advance to the remaining—which is also
the most interesting branch of the subject ; and that is, the
area or district of the Society’s operations, and the different
objects of interest discovered within its bounds.

The area or district of the Society is expressed in the
name or title of the Society—Dumfries and Galloway. This
district is well defined,—having on the N. and E. ranges of
hills, and on the S. and W. the Solway and the Irish Sea.

It is computed to extend to about 130 miles from E. to
W.

This space is intersected by rivers, which divide it into
dales,—the Esk, the Annan, the Nith, the Dee, and the
Cree. And it has numerous lochs, morasses, and mosses,
which must have made the district in former times very dif-
ferent from what it is now.

The earliest inhabitants of the district of whom we
obtain definite and detailed information were Celte or
Gauls—two tribes of whom inhabited the district, the
Novantes in Wigtownshire and the Selgove in Kirkcudbright
and Dumfriesshire. These we accordingly reckon the earli-
est inhabitants, and all early remains in the district, of which
no farther account can be had, we denominate Celtic remains.
We use this general language because our information is
vague and general.

Our historical records begin, in a manner, with the Roman
writers, and at the time of the Roman invasion the popula-
tion was mainly Celtic, and of the same people that inhab-
ited Gaul. Both had the same customs, the same language,
and the same names of places and persons. It has accord-

14 Address of the Vice-President.

ingly been held by many that the Celts in the two divisions
of the Cymry and the Gael were the earliest inhabitants.
Yet a more extended examination into the names of hills,
rivers, and other permanent objects of nature may shew a
pre-Celtic people to have been here.

One of these early remains, and probably the most exten-
sive in the district, 1s

THE DeEvIL’s DYKE.

This appellation, Fosbrooke says, is indicative of fortifica-
tion lines ; for the term Devil’s Wall is applied to one of
the Romans, on the left bank of the Danube. Yet here,
perhaps, the name may be taken to express our ignorance of
the present structure, its builders, and its purpose.

The course of the Dyke appears to have been first traced
by Mr Train, the antiquarian correspondent of Sir Walter
Scott,—and a detailed account of it, furnished by Mr Train,
is given in Nicolson’s History of Galloway.*

Generally the Dyke appears built of stone, but where a
supply of stones could not be had it was composed of stone
and turf. Like other ramparts of a like kind, it had a fosse
on one side, and probably a path to facilitate communication
on the other. The remains of this ancient work have been
traced from Loch Ryan to the N.E. border of the Stewartry
—the whole length of its devious course through Galloway
being upwards of 50 miles. After leaving the Stewartry it
enters Dumfriesshire, and passing through a part of that
county joins the Briton Wall in the parish of Annan. It
afterwards runs into the Solway nearly opposite to Bowness,
in Cumberland,

The original height of the wall cannot now be ascertained.
At its base its breadth is 8 feet, and on the N. or inland side
is the fosse, which takes sometimes a circuitous direction,
apparently to inelude fertile or cultivated lands. From this

* Vol. 1, p. 99 and 141, and the Appendix, Note B.

Address of the Vice-President. 15

situation and character of the fosse, the rampart has been
supposed the work of a people inhabiting the south side, and
built in some way to arrest the inroads of some northern foe.

In the account referred to, the several lands and farms
through which the dyke passes are stated in detail.

At a later period a portion of the Dyke was examined by
Mr Vere Irving. He started from the farm of Gateslack, in
the parish of Durrisdeer, and on ascending the hill above it
he soon came up to the Dyke clearly and distinctly marked,
running along the face of the slope.

An account of this examination, with remarks and his-
torical conjectures respecting the structure, is inserted in the
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries.*

Mr Vere Irving’s idea appears to be that the Dyke was
erected not so much to prevent the wmroad of enemies and
freebooters as to prevent their escape and return with the
cattle they had seized. The Dyke would thus be in the
nature of a great cattle trap.

Another extensive work in the district is

THE GREAT RoMAN ROAD

through Dumfriesshire from the south.

Scattered notices of this Road occur in the Statistical Ac-
count, according as vestiges of it appear in the different
parishes. As also notices of the Roman Stations and En-
campments, tumuli, and relics found in its course.

In the Account of the parish of Eskdalemuir there is a
description of the Camp there. And in the Transactions of
the Society of Antiquariest there is an account of the great
Camp at Burnswark, in the parish of Middlebie. And in
the Proceedings of the same Societyt are notices and figures

.of Roman Altars and other relics found near the Camp at
Birrens, and presented to the Society by Sir George Clerk of
Pennycuick.

* Vol. 5, p. 189. t 4to, Vol. 1, p. 124.
f£ Vol. 3, p. 141.

16 Address of the Vice-President.

One of these relics is a full length figure (supposed the
goddess Brigantia), wearing a mural crown, with a spear in
one hand and a globe in the other, and on the base below
the figure is an inscription. Another of the relics is an altar
to Mercury, with emblems and an inscription. Another relic
is the sculptured head of a female statue. And another is a
pedestal or altar—which when first discovered was a portion
of a statue apparently to Mercury.

At a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries, 9 April,
1866, four Roman altars from Birrens were exhibited by the
Senatus of the University of Edinburgh.

About a mile above the church of Durrisdeer vestiges are
observed of a Roman Camp, a summer station in connection
with the great one at Tibbers.

These two structures—the Devil’s Dyke and the Roman
Road—are the two great ancient structures of the district.
But the Society has not yet had any special excursion for
their inspection and examination.

We come now to other ancient structures, but of a much
more limited extent.
The first of these are the Stone Circles.

MEGALITHIC CIRCLES, OR “ DRUIDICAL CIRCLES.”

These are also of an early date. The stones stand up-
right in a vertical position, and appear to vary in number,
size, and appearance. The circles they enclose also vary in
extent or compass, and sometimes there are two or three
concentric circles with an intermediate space between each—
a stone, supposed for an altar, being also often found in the
middle of the interior circle.

In a few instances also lines of stones occur in the nature
of alleys or avenues leading to the circles.

The most marked instance of this arrangement in Eng-
land was that which formerly existed at Abury.

At Callernish, in Lewes, is an example of a Scotch Me-

Address of the Vice-President. 17

yalithic Circle with its avenue still standing. See Proceed-
ings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 6, Appendix p. 20.

The Holywood circle is a good example within easy reach
of the Society, and the name, the neighbourhood, and tradi-
tion all concur in assigning to the place, in ancient times, an
extensive grove—which was a favourite locality for Druidic
rites.

Eleven massive stones still remain, and the circle formed
is about 80 feet in diameter.

In a very elaborate paper by Professor Simpson on an-
cient sculpturing on stones, the author says—At one side of
the circle and somewhat within the circuit of it, 3 or 4
stones appear to me the prostrated remains of a cromlech and
its supports. The cap stone has running across its back 4
oblique rows of cup-like excavations, some of them round
and others irregularly elongated in form. One of the fallen
props is similarly marked. It would be important to note
accurately if the various strings of cups correspond in any
degree with natural lines in the stones. See Proceedings of
the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 6, Appendix p. 24.

By far the most magnificent megalthe circle in the North
of England, says Professor Simpson, is that of Salkeld in
Cumberland. It is formed of 67 stones, some of them of
very great size.

In excavating in the interior of a stone circle in the
island of Arran, a flat stone was found measuring 4 feet 2
inches by 3 feet 9 inches ; and on removing the stone a cist
was disclosed containing four flint arrow heads, and an urn,
in which was a handful of black earth, apparently the only
remains of the personage there deposited. In the interior of
another circle in the same locality, another stone cist was
found ; and at a distance of about 3 feet off from this was
another stone cist, containing a human skull and some long
bones, with two flint arrow heads.

It thus appears that the stone cirles were used, among
other purposes, as places of sepulture. See Proceedings of
the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 4, page 506 sey.

18 Address of the Vice-President.

In our Transactions we are favoured with two papers on
the stone circles: one by Dr Dickson respecting the mark-
ings on the Holywood circle ; and this paper is followed by
one from Dr Gilchrist on the Druid circles visited by him
near Inverness.

In some supposed connexion with the stone circles, are
the “ Rocking Stones,” which are boulders or blocks of stone
so niccly poised that a slight pressure with the hand will move
the stone, although the united strength of many men would
be required to displace it, or convey it to a distance. These
Rocking Stones are said to have been effected by the Druid
priests to deepen the awe of the people in their power—
thus taking advantage of their sacred character and of the
easy credulity of an ignorant age.

In a late excursion our Society had an opportunity of
inspecting the Rocking Stones on the Kells range. But on
examining them they do not appear to be the work of man,
but formed by the operation of natural causes only. If this
be so, and if other examples in the district be of the same
description, our Rocking Stones are not antiquities, but
natural curiosities ; and, in point of interest, they are infe-
rior to the slabs with foot prints at Corncockle. These bear
traces of animal life; but neither of them fall within the
range of the Antiquary.

Among the ecclesiastical structures of a Christian character
THE ABBEYS

founded by the princes of Galloway must have formed a
noble series—not on account of any sculptured devices or
architectural decorations, but as magnificent piles. The
earliest. was the Abbey of Drundennan, founded in 1142 by
Fergus, Lord of Galloway. It was erected for the White
Monks of St. Bernard, and they were brought, like the
Monks. of Melrose, from the Abbey of Rieval in England.
Fhe foundation charter of Melrose was dated in June,

Address of the Vice-President. 19

1136, and the confirmatory charter by Prince Henry was in
1148. In the interval Dundrennan was founded, and it
would not be strange if both Abbeys had the same architect.
On the west wall of the south transept of Melrose Abbey is
an Inscription Tablet to the following effect, and to which
reference is made in Nicolson’s Galloway as indicating “the
Architect who designed and superintended the building of
this Abbey.” Vol. 1, p. 170.

“John Morrow sum tym callit was I, and born in Parys
certainly, and had in kepying al masoun work of santan
droys, ye hye kyrk of Glasgow, Melros, and Pasley, of Nyd-
dysdail and of Gallway.”

Dundrennan Abbey, in the form of the structure, is built
in the form and shape of a cross, lying E. and W., yet not
due E.and W. For as yet the mariner’s compass and the
polarity of the magnet were not discovered. The position
of the sun at mid-day was the standard then adopted.

On the 8. of the church is the cemetery ground surround-
ed by the chapter house, cells, and stores ; and it contains
some interesting monuments, though they are now in a
broken and dilapidated condition.

An interesting account of Dundrennan Abbey was print-
ed for private circulation by the Rev..Mr Hutcheson,—a re-
view of which, with extracts, appeared in the Dumfries
Courier of 29th June, 1858.

The other Abbeys founded by Fergus, Lord of Galloway,
were—

THE ABBEY OF SOULS SEAT,
THE ABBEY OF WHITHORN, and
THE ABBEY OF TONGLAND,

all of which were erected for monks of the Premonstratersian
order. And

St. Mary’s Isue,

20 Address of the Vice-President.

as a cell or priory of the Abbey of Holyroodhouse—in which
Abbey of Holyroodhouse Fergus died. He had risen in
rebellion against the King, and being defeated and subdued
he was compelled to become a shorn monk there, where he
succumbed and died in 1160.

In the old churchyard of Galtway, near Kirkcudbright,
there is an enclosed burying ground of the former proprie- .
tors of St. Mary’s Isle priory ; and on a late occasion we had
an opportunity of inspecting here a portion of the tombstone
of one of the commendators, which still remains,—but the
only parts of the inscription decipherable were the commenc-
ing words “ Hve jacet,” and the letters “ M.V.,” or 1500.

Uchtred, the son of Fergus, Lord of Galloway, founded

LINCLUDEN

for Benedictine Nuns. But this was changed into a provost-
ry with Bedesmen, in the reign of K. Rob. 3.

These collegiate churches were in nowise connected with
educational purposes. They were erected for divine worship
and saying masses for the souls of the founders and others,

Roland, son of Uchtred, founded

GLENLUCE IN 1190

for Cistertians, like Dundrennan.
And Dervorgille, the daughter of Alan Lord of Galloway,
who was the son of Roland, founded the monasteries of

DUMFRIES AND DUNDEE

for Franciscans or Greyfriars.

With respect to the monastery of Dumfries—now extinct,
—it would be interesting to have a plan or diagram of the
structure shewing the disposition of the grounds and apart-
ments, and it would be a favour to be furnished from any
member of the Society with a paper on the subject.

Dervorgille also founded

Address of the Vice-President. 21
WIGTOWN ABBEY IN 1267,

for Dominicans or Blackfriars, and
SWEETHEART OR NEW ABBEY,

for Cistertians, like Dundrennan.

This Abbey perhaps received its name of New Abbey in
contradistinction from her old Abbey of Dumfries in its
neighbourhood.

Thus ended the long line of munificent foundations in
Scotland by this princely family. And to them is to be add-
ed—Baliol College in Oxford, which, in its benefits at least,
subsists to the present day.

Perhaps some member of our Society will show the ad-
vantages of these Abbeys on the social condition of the
country while they existed.

Of the Parish Churches of old times, we have few re-
mains. But what is now the burying place of the Terregles
family, constituted formerly the choir or chancel of the pre-
vious church of Terregles. And among other relics which it
contains is a carved chair of oak, which belonged to the
Provost of Lincluden College, See statistical account of
Lincluden, par. of Terregles.

In the month of June, 1865, the minister of the parish of
Parton presented to the Society of Antiquaries the oak pulpit
which had been in the old church of Parton, from which it
was removed on the erection of the new church in 18384.
The pulpit consists of longitudinal panels carved with an
interlaced ribbon ; and on the centre of the panels is carved
in relief the words Few the Lord and honour his hous.

Half the old church remains also in this case. But here,
_ too, it is now used as a burying place of two of the heritors
of the parish. See Statistical Account, par. of Parton.

The late church of Kirkcudbright, built in 1780, stood on
the spot previously occupied by the church of the Gray

22 Address of the Vice-President.

Friars. And a portion of this, which is called the old aisle,
still remains.

And the walls of the old church at Pwitle still remain,
covered with ivy, and forming, in its ruin, an object of pic-
turesque beauty.

In the ancient churchyard of Dunrod, near Kirkcud-
bright, are portions of a large stone Cross and a stone Font,
conjectured to have been used in pre-Reformation times.
One of the arms of the Cross is set up as the head stone of a
grave. We shall afterwards notice some other crosses found
in the ruins of old churches.

The structures to which we have been adverting—name-
ly, the ancient stone circles, the Abbeys, and the pre-Refor-
mation Churches—we class together as of an ecclesiastical
character.

We come now to those of a civil or lay origin—the an-
cient Forts and Castles.

In one of our late excuisions we visited the site and re-
mains of the old British Fort, Caerbantorigum, on the farm
of Drummore, near Kirkcudbright. This fort is the most
important, for size and strength, of the numerous British
strongholds with which this part of Galloway is studded. It
is supposed to have formed the last refuge of the Selgove,
and there are not wanting traces that it was subsequently
occupied by the Romans, who would appear to have altered
the shape of its defences, from the round to the square.

The Rey. Mr Fosbroke, in treating of the forms of Camps,
says, “I venture to conclude that camps of three or more
valla, or of capricious form, and only one or more oblique
entrances, are, or originally were, of Celto British construc-
tion. If four or two entrances are made straight through
the vallum either lengthways or across, and opposite to each
other, and alterations and attempts have been made to
square the outline, such camps may be presumed to have
been of subsequent Roman occupation.”

The site of the fort of Caerbantorigum is in extent about
60 paces E. and W., and 37 N. andS. The fort was sur-

Address of the Vice-President. 23,

rounded by walls or ramparts of earth and stone, and hy:a
double fosse. The hill on which the fort stood commands an
extensive prospect.

The banks of the Dee, which formed the boundary be-
tween the two British tribes of the Selgove and Novantes,
afford numerous marks of the ancient British Forts.

The Castles in the district were numerous, various, and
many of them important. But if we except the castle of
Dumfries, all of them seem to have been private property,
the strongholds of particular families, and not public or
national property.

Dumfries itself may not form an exception. But we read
that on the memorable day of Comyn’s death it was occupied
by the Justiciars of Galloway holding their circuit court there.
Yet in its origin the castle of Dumfries appears to have been
a stronghold of the Lords of Galloway, like the castle of
Loch Fergus and the castle of Buitle ; and the site on
which the black Douglas erected his castle of Thrieve on the
Dee, was another of their strongholds.

The Society had an opportunity of visiting in one of its
late excursions, the site of the castle of Loch Fergus. There
is the Palace and the Stable isle,—both of which were form-
erly surrounded with water. But the loch is now no longer
in existence, and we approach the islands through cultivated
fields.

The statutes of Lady Dervorgille for the regulation of
Baliol College, are dated from Botel or Buwitle, and are dated
the octave of the Assumption, 1282.

An interesting account of the castle of Thrieve is to be
found in Nicolson’s Galloway, Appendix, Note M, prepared
for the work by Mr Train,—who may also have furnished to
Sir Walter Scott the yougs which hang at Abbotsford, and
were formerly at Thrieve. Eight stone balls,4 of them 33 Ibs.
each, found in the castle of Thrieve in the summer of 1843,
were in Mr Train’s possession ; and a stone ball about 19
inches in diameter found there the previous summer was
presented to the Maxwelltown Observatory.

24 Address of the Vice-President.

The castle of the Bruce at Lochmaben was the stronghold
of the Lords of Annandale ; and, on the borders, Caerlaverock
Castle was the stronghold of the Lords Maxwell.

The walls of all these castles were of enormous thickness,
and by their natural situation they were defended by rivers,
lochs, and morasses, and generally also by artificial trenches
and ditches. The state of the district in old times favoured
such castellated mansions,—so many mountain rivers, so
many lochs, so many bogs and quaggs,—all coinciding with
the notions and habits which then prevailed.

Caerlaverock Castle was a type and specimen of the
castellated mansion in its form, in its front, in its gateways,
in its machicollated towers at the angles, and in its fosses
and ditches ; with the Solway on one side, and the swamps
of the Lochar on the other.

These great castles which I have named were, no doubt,
the great strongholds of the district. But great also, though
subordinate, were the Castles of

Morton,

originally the seat of the great Anglo Norman family De
Morville, a name which has been unknown and lost in Scot-
land for 500 years and more,

LocHwoon’s lofty towers,
TORTHORWALD,
SANQUHAR,

DURRISDEER,
DALSWINTON,

TIBBERS.

With the smaller castles of

CLOSEBURN,
AMISFIELD,
CoMLONGAN,

And the ORCHARDTON TOWER.

Address of the Vice-President. 25

The common feature of them all was the tower,—which
standing alone, and by itself, was a stronghold.

The tower was sometimes of a round form, sometimes it
was square: when on a large scale it was commonly the
latter.

The lower apartments were for stores or cattle, or for
prisoners or a guard. The family lived in the higher portion
of the structure, which was reached by means of a narrow
winding interior stair. The rooms were small, and the win-
dows—which were often only for the higher apartments—
were narrow apertures in the walls. The whole was sur-
mounted by a flat roof, with battlements and machicollations.

When there were two or more towers they were connected
together with curtains or connecting walls, and the whole
was surrounded by fosses and ditches or natural defences.

As in the case of the great castellated mansions, so also
THE CRANOGES,

or lake dwellings, had recourse to the same natural defences
of situation.

Cranoges are of great antiquity, and found in almost all
parts of Europe. They appear to have been employed for
the purposes of retreat and safety, rather than as ordinary
abodes.

They are to be found in all the three counties of the So-
ciety’s district. In one of our summer excursions we visited
the cranoge in the Black Loch of Sanquhar, and in the
President’s Address of 8th December, 1865, we have been
favoured with an interesting account of the examination,—
as in the same address we have an account of the lochs and
cranoges at Colvend. {In May, 1867, the Society visited
Loch Kindar, “on one of the islands of which stand the re-
mains of one of the few pre-Reformation churches, while the
other may have been an ancient lake dwelling.”* Two islands

* «© Dumfries Courier,” 21st May, 1867.

26 Address of the Vice-President.

in Carlinwark Loch are described as having been formed by
strong piles of wood, driven into the moss or marl, on which
were placed large frames of black oak covered with soil.*

And in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries,
vol. 6, p. 114, we have a detailed account of the examination
of Cranoges in the loch of Dowalton, and also the White
Lake of Mertoun in Wigtownshire.

On Dunhill, which is a rising ground towards the S.E. of
Dowalton loch, there was a circular Rath, or large circular
enclosure, surrounded by a deep ditch. The Rath, in extent,
was about 36 yards in diameter. Similar elevations occur
on the N. and §.W. sides of the loch, where Raths may have
been placed ; but if so they have been effaced by cultivation,

No implement of stone has yet been found here; but
bronze utensils, one like the vessels found in a moss near
Friars’ Carse in 1790, iron hammers, and a ring of bronze,
with other relics.

The next objects of interest in the district are
THE Moats, oR More HILLs.

These are mounds of earth, generally, in the main, of a
natural formation, and supposed to have been used as courts
of justice.

They are of frequent occurrence ; but their history and
uses are little known.

The name is understood to be derived from a word sig-
nifying a meeting,—and the great Council of England in
Saxon times was the Wittena gemot, or meeting of Wise
Men.

The statutes of King Malcolm 2 commence in this way :

“ King Malcolm gave and distributed amongst his men,
all his lands of the realm of Scotland, and reserved nathing
in property to himself but the royal dignity and the Mute
hill in the town of Scone.”

* See Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 6, p. 126.

bo
Cf

Address of the Vice-President.

The Moat of Urr is reckoned the largest in Scotland.

Our Society had an opportunity of examining two good
examples—the Moat of Balmaclellan and the Moat of Dalry.

The Moat of Balmaclellan is 18 feet 4 inches in height,
and the circumference at its base measures 2614 feet,

Both it and the Moat of Dalry appear to have been sur-
rounded, at least partially, with a ditch.

At the Moat of Urr and in its neighbourhood have been
found at different times, spears, vessels or utensils, and coins.*

THE TUMULI AND SEPULCHRAL CISTS

of early times have proved the great storehouses of ancient
relics ; and, like geological strata, supply us with interesting
and valuable materials for the history of early and pre-
historic times. As it was the practice to bury the dead in
. costume, their graves furnish us with articles illustrative of
the dress and ornaments of the early inhabitants, and even
of their weapons and utensils.

The terms Barrow, Twmulus, and Cairn are said to be
all of similar import, synonymes of one another and of our
word mound, all indicating interment, it being customary to
pile up over the graves of the dead heaps of stones—the size
of the heap indicating the honour or esteem in which the
deceased was held.

In one of the Society’s excursions Cairnholy was visited,
the supposed burial place of the valiant King Galdus,—the
first of the Scottish kings, according to Buchanan, who ven-
tured to cope with the Roman power ; and it is also said that
the route to and from Whithorn, where the pilgrims rested
on then way to the shrine of St. Ninian, was marked by
cairns from the Nith, the Doon, and the Irish Sea. But in
both these cases the traditionary accounts require to be col-
lected and compared with each other and with the facts and
circumstances,

* See Statistical Account of Urr,

Address of the Vice-President.

to
eZ)

MoNUMENTAL EFFIGIES.

These abound in England, and there they form a rich
treasure, illustrative of the history of art and of social life,
as well as commemorative of relationship, worth, or station.
Here it is otherwise, there being few of any kind, and of an
early date perhaps none, that are unmutilated.

* How is this ?

On the one hand undoubtedly, the necessities of life (as
we may call it) have had a large influence ; for howses have
been aided out of the old abbeys, and country dykes from
cairn heaps. But otber causes have also been in operation.
The figure of Alan Lord of Galloway at Dundrennan, the
great lord whom Buchanan calls Scotorwm lounge potentissi-
mus, is an object. And at Lincluden Abbey one looks with
indignation at the rifled and demolished tomb of the Countess
of Douglas,

Regis Scotiz Filia,

so finely represented in Pennant’s work. It might also be .
thought, not unreasonably, that the Abbot Stone and Nun
Slab at Dundrennan Abbey were originally brasses, but
brasses no longer. :

Considerations such as these invite enquiry—less to re-
deem the past than to prevent the recurrence for the future

if possible.
CROSSES AND OBELISKS.

These form the last of the fied structures of the district
to which we here invite attention.

The Society had an opportunity in one of its excursions
of visiting and examining the Ruthwell Cross.

This Cross has been termed by Professor Sir J. Y. Simp-
sor“ the finest Teutonic Cross in Scotland.”*

* See Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 4, p. 44.

Address of the Vice-President. 29

The inscription or sculpturing on this Cross is supposed
to be Runic. or in Runes—terms employed to designate
alphabetic characters in use in early times by some nations
of Northern Europe. The Runes are of three classes—
Scandinavian, German, and Anglo Saxon.

The inscription on the Ruthwell Cross was considered
Anglo Saxon, and supposed to be part of a poem entitled
“Dream of the Holy Rood.” But other views were also
taken, and Mr Carr, a late investigator, considers the inscrip-
tion merely illuminated or decorated Saxon.

A portion of another Cross was discovered in taking down
the walls of the old church of Hoddam. This was presented
to the Society of Antiquaries by Mr James Gibson Craig.

And another portion, apparently one of the arms of the
same cross, was acquired by that Society.

This Cross has sculptured on it various figures of a Chris-
tian character ; and a sculptured Stone with an inscription
in Runic supposed to be of an age co-eval with the Cross.*

So also in the old church-yard of Dunrod the Society
found, in one of its excursions, an ancient Font, and portions
of an ancient Stone Cross.

In the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 4,
page 112, there is a paper on the Market Crosses of Scot-
land. :

This excellent paper is interesting to us in so far as it
takes notice of Crosses in this district. These are Lochma-
ben and Thornhill—which are contrasted with one another,
—the Cross of Lochmaben having, like many others, been
raised on steps, whereas the Cross of Thornhill, like others
there mentioned, consisted of a solid basement with the Cross
or pillar springing from the centre.

‘No mention is made of the Market Cross of Dumfries,
which is to be regretted. Perhaps some member of this
Society will favour us with a paper on the subject, describing
the old Cross of the town, with its local and historical as-
sociations.

* See Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 1, p, 11.

30 Address of the Vice-President.

With the Crosses and Obelisks may be ranked the simple
Monoliths, or single upright stones occasionally met with.

But where there is no inscription or sculpture on them, as
in the case of the great monolith on Dalarran Holm, which
the Society had lately, in one of its excursions, an oppor-
tunity of inspecting, little remains for its elucidation save its
position and situation, and any existing traditions respecting
it.

These are the observations I had to make on the Fixed
Structures of the district.

PORTABLE ARTICLES
are the next in order. These comprise

Articles of Furniture and of Dress.
Domestic Utensils.

Implements of Trade.

Military Weapons and Instruments.

When the tomb of King Robert Bruce was opened at
Dunfermline in 1818 and 1819 the body was found lying
enclosed in two layers of lead, which had been wrapped round
the body in the nature of a sear cloth, with fragments of an
embroidered linen cloth in a greatly damaged condition.
This cloth had apparently been thrown loosely over the lead,
asashroud. It was of fine linen interwoven with threads
of gold.*

“abe portion, or rather bit or morsel, of this royal tissue was
presented to the Society of Antiquaries by Sir Henry Jardine,
then King’s Remembrancer.

The preservation or existence of this cloth after so long
a period of years was not to be expected, and, generally, in
our antiquarian researches we cannot look for articles so
perishable, which decay and come to dust.

We must ordinarily content ourselves with finding articles

*See Trans. Soc. Antiq., 4to vol. 2, p. 435,

Address of the Vice-President. 31

in bone and flint, in stone, brass and iron, in the precious
metals, in minerals, in glass, in the harder and more durable
woods, and generally things of a lasting and enduring nature.

When the foundation of the New Church in Dumfries
was being formed, a bronze figure of the Saviour was found
in the rubbish. It had doubtless been affixed to a crucifix,
as appeared from the back, and provision for fastening the
feet ; and the arms were broken off. A cast was made for
this Society. The bronze head of a crosier was found near
Hoddam Church, and is now in the Museum of the Society
of Antiquaries. The parish of Holywood has an old com-
munion cup, with the date 1619. It is in the possession of
the Minister.

In the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries we find the
steel matrix of the Common Seal of the Burgh of Dumfries ;
and there also is the key of the old Parish Church of Loch-
maben, taken down in 1818. And the keys of the old Jail
of Dumfries, which had come into the possession of the late
Mr Wright, were, on his death, given over, through a member
of this Society, to the Maxwelltown Observatory.

Tn 1826 a Bronze Armlet was found in a turbary or peat
moss in the parish of Borgue. See proceedings of the Society
of Antiquaries, vol. 3, p..236. And in 1849 three Silver
Brooches were found near the old Church of Middlebie—one
of them with this inscription—

TaEsvs.. NASARENVs:
REX. IVDE.

See vol. 1, p. 25. Another Silver Brooch with a like inscrip-
tion, with fragments of other Silver Brooches, were found in
the parish of Canonbie. See vol. 5, p. 216. And one of the
members of our Society (Mr Gibson) is in possession of another
Silver Brooch with a like inscription, found at Drumcoltran.
The inscription on these brooches was a frequent formula on
early amulets.

In trenching a moss in the parish of Balmaclellan, a hand

32 Address of the Vice-President.

Mirror of bronze was found, the measurement of which, with
the handle, was 18 inches. See Proceedings of the Society
of Antiquaries, vol. 4, p. 293. A massive Ring of gold, 14
inch in diameter, was found when making a furnace pit for
heating the Parish Church of Kirkpatrick-Durham. See
Proceedings, vol. 5, p. 214. And, along with the brooch
above mentioned in Mr Gibson’s possession, there was also
found a Ring at the same time.

Two Oak Bedposts from Amisfield, and a Carved Oak
Door, bearing the date 1600, came into the possession of the
Society of Antiquaries. See Proceedings, vol. 4, p. 380.
Both these articles are referred to in Grose’s Antiquities ;
and in the Society’s Report it is added that the ceiling of the
King’s Room was curiously ornamented in plaster. Our
Society had an opportunity of inspecting this room in one of
our excursions.

In exploring the cranoge in Dowalton Loch, various arti-
cles were found and sent to the Antiquarian Museum in Edin-
burgh, namely—Bronze Vessels and Implements, Bronze
Rings, Iron Axe Heads and Hammer, Beads of glass, paste,
and amber. See Proceedings, vol. 6, p. 109.

In an old paper in the Transactions of the Society of Ar-
tiquaries, 4to vol. 2, p. 199, by the Rev. John Dow of Meth-
van, an early attempt was made to distinguish and arrange
the brass and stone celts or axe heads, which are from time
to time discovered,—a subject which has been largely and
tastefully handled in Mr Gibson’s paper of 6th January,
1863, “On the antiquities in the stone, bronze, and iron
periods of Dumfriesshire and Galloway.” This paper on this
class of articles in the district is of great interest.

Under the head we are now considering, we may here re-
fer to three

FLAGS

of an interesting character.
One of these was the ensign of K. David I. at the battle

Address of the Vice-President. 33

of the Standard, 1138, which was presented to the Society
of Antiquaries by Mr George Chalmers. See Transactions of
the Society of Antiquaries, 4to vol. 2, p. appendix p. 2.

The other flags are Covenanting Flags. One of these was.
exhibited to our Society in one of the ordinary meetings. It
is a Covenanter’s Flag from the parish of Irongray, and was
purchased by the Society of Antiquaries. And in the Dwm-
fries Standard of 6th Nov., 1867, reference is made to
another Covenanters’ Flag in the possession of Mr James
Smith, parish of Shawhead, Irongray.

With respect to the National Standard of Scotland, there
is reason to think that it is of Galloway original, and that it
was assumed by the King of Scots, from the armorial bear-
ings of Fergus, lord of Galloway.

At the battle of the Standard the vexillum regale had a
dragon pourtrayed on it, but in the time of William the
Lyon, after the defeat of Fergus, lord of Galloway, the hon
rampant was displayed.

ComMoN SEALS.

The Abbeys and Monasteries had usually, like the Towns
and Burghs, a sigillwm or common seal for the corporate
body.

It would be well if members would bear this in mind, and
furnish the Society with impressions of such seals as come
into their hands.

. Coins AND MEDALS

form another of the class of objects we are now upon, and of
these also Mr Gibson has a large collection. He might be
induced to give to the Society a paper on the Numismatic
History of the district, with illustrations.

Such a paper is much wanted, and would be Baik interest-
ing and instructive.

34 Address of the Vice-President.

Boats AND CANOES

form the, last of the branch of articles we are now upon.
They are found in different places, but commonly in connec-
tion with the cranoges or lake dwellings.

The Society had an opportunity of seeing at Sanquhar
the Canoe found at the Black Loch. It is cut out of a single
tree of oak, and measures 15 feet in length and 3 in width.
Canoes have also been found in the Lochar Moss, in Carlin-
wark Loch, and other places. The Canoe found in connection
with the cranoge in the lake of Dowalton, in Wigtownshire,
measured 21 feet in length, and was cut out of a single tree
of oak.

Jn 1859 a Canoe of oak was found in the Castle Loch of
Closeburn, measuring 12 feet in length and 2 feet broad. It
was presented to the Society of Antiquaries by Mrs Baird of
Closeburn, 11th June, 1866.

We have now reached the third and last branch of our
subject, namely—

PHILOLOGICAL AND PsycHICAL MATTERS.
Under this head would be included—

The vernacular language and dialects of the district ;
Names of places ;

Local customs ;

Legendary tales ;

Letters, books, and manuscripts.

This is a large field and promises to be interesting. But
as yet we have had few papers on the subject.

Mr Shaw has given to the Society a list of some words
supposed to be peculiar to the district. This is an acceptable
instalment on the vernacular language of the district ; and
it would be interesting and valuable to proceed, with a view
to ascertain the reason and source of the difference, and con-
nect these with the early inhabitants.

Address of the Vice-President. 35

A very interesting question has arisen as to the first in-
habitants. They have been reckoned Celts, but an examina-
tion of the names of hills and rivers and other permanent
objects of nature may afford good means for determining who
the first inhabitants were, and, from their language, the
nation to which they belonged.

The examination of such names is therefore of great
interest and importance, and a prosecution of Mr Shaw’s
pursuits may lead to valuable results.

With regard to the language of Scotland, it is an interest-
ing question, and one which we very much wish to see
investigated, namely—how, or at what tume, its present form
and character were determined.

When we peruse Chaucer and other early writers of both
countries, we see plainly a language common to both.

But immediately we perceive also that the English has
started off in a career of improvement in which the Scotch
does not participate, but, on the contrary, that the Scotch
remains stationary, in so much that it is composed in great
part of the old English.

The question therefore is—What made the difference ?
And it would, accordingly, be interesting to hear a paper on
the subject from some member of our Society.

The subject is especially interesting, because it would
seem to have been at this time also the Scotch proverbs and
the Scottish music had their origin.

The Rev. Mr Hogg has given a paper on clerical customs
in the olden times.

This is very amusing and interesting ; and were the paper
limited to the Society’s district, it would be highly charac-
teristic.

We have also been favoured with extracts from the records
of the Town Council on matters of interest and importance.

This is a valuable source of supply. And perhaps, also,
the Trades’ Records might be examined with advantage.
The Kirk Session and Presbytery Records would also afford
information of great interest, as well as extracts from legal

36 Address of the Vice-President.

documents and the Protocol Books. In short, public and
authentic records of all kinds should be searched by those
who have access to any such.

The journals and day books of medical men have also
afforded valuable information—showing the course of practice
in old times as respects medical fees and charges, and also
the practice of the profession.

In the statistical account of the parish of Crossmichael
there is a statement by Mr Train to the effect that, even in
the memory of persons yet alive, perforated stones were used
in Galloway to avert the effects of witchcraft, particularly in
horses and black cattle. These stones were, he says, round
flat stones, of about 5 or 6 inches in diameter ; and he adds
that he had one in his own possession as black and glossy as
polished ebony. It was found in the ruins of an old byre,
where it had evidently been placed for the protection of the
cattle.

There.is one subject on which it is desirable to have some
information, and that is the Market Towns connected with
Dumtries, as the principal market town of its district.

It would appear that in early times the market days of a
district were adjusted with reference not only to each other,
but also to the market day assigned to the principal market
town of the district. And certainly something of that kind
may be traced.

For as Wednesday was the market day of Dumfries, as
of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other principal towns, so Monday
was the market day of Castle-Douglas, Tuesday that of
Peebles, Thursday the market day of Lockerbie, Friday that
of Kirkcudbright, and Saturday the market day of Gatehouse
and Wigton.

But a minute examination of the subject, in a paper de-
voted to the purpose, would be desirable:

There is a peculiarity in the form and pronunciation of
our common names to which I wish here also to advert, in
the hope that some member of our Society will be induced
to prosecute the enquiry.

Address of the Vice-President. 37

The peculiarity to which I advert is what may be called
the Trochaic characters of our common names. They are
commonly of two syllables, with the accent on the first.

with

Bobby,
Davy,
Jockey,
Jamie,
Tammy,
Watty,
Willy,

Babby,
Chirsty,
Jeany,
Nanny.

The corruptions take the same form.

with

Neddy,
Paddy,
Sandy,

Betty,

Maggy,
Peggy.

But where the name is already of this form, it remains

without alteration.

Helen,
Mary,

Susan.

The English, on the other hand, seem rather to prefer

single syllables.

Queen Bess,

Bluff King Hal,

Peg Nicolson,

Nell Gwynne,

Nan Rawlins of Hogarth.

38 Address of the Vice-President.

The only remaining topic on this, the last branch of our
subject, is the matter of song.

For the heart to break forth into song, says Chambers
(in his introductory sketch to the “Songs before Burns”),
whether to express love, merriment, or national and political
sentiment, is so natural that we may safely contemplate song
as one of the earliest forms of literary composition in all
countries. As far as Scotland is concerned, he says, we find
that the death of Alexander 3 (1286, A.D.) was bewailed in
a popular song ; that the Scots had satirical songs on Edward
I. and admiring ditties regarding Sir William Wallace, and
that the triumph over the English at Bannockburn was
hailed in an outburst of rude, but joyful verse. We find, he
adds, various allusions to popular songs in the histories of the
14th and 15th centuries, and in such poems of those ages as
have survived,—a whole catalogue of such ditties being given
in the comic piece called Cockelby’s Sow, which appears to
have been composed in the middle of the 15th century.

The vernacular literature of Scotland in early times was
comprised in the poems of Sir David Lindsay, the histories
of Sir William Wallace and the Bruce, and the ballad of
Graysteel. These at least formed a prominent part of the
old vanacular literature of the Scottish people. The twne of
Graysteel, says Mr Chambers (in his Book of Days, vol. 1, p.
533), is for certain as old as 1627, and presumed to be tradi-
tional from at least 1497, which was in the reign of K.
James 4.

In regard to Scottish Song, several of our songs are con-
nected with the district, by their having their author or
their subject belonging to the district. In at least two of
our admired songs the heroines are from Dumfries. There
is Fair Helen of Kirkconnel. She is the heroine of a song
at once tender, pathetic, and beautiful. And the daughter
of a minister of Lochmaben is celebrated in the fine song,
“T gaed a waefw gate yestreen.” See Stenhouse’s Ilustra-
tions of Scottish Poetry and Music, p. 142, and p. 323.

Besides the immortal Burns, the district has had various

Address of the Vice-President. 39

song writers of repute. Mayne, the author of the “Siller
Gun,” was the writer of Logan Water :

“ By Logan’s streams that rin sae deep.”
See Stenhouse, p. 42. And

“ Jenny's heart was frank and free.”

Miss Jeany Graham, daughter of William Graham of
Shaw, in the parish of Corrie, was the author of the Way-
ward Wife :

“Alas! my son ye little know,
The sorrows that from wedlock flow.”

See Stenhouse, p. 101 and 141.
“ There's nae luck about the house,”

is ascribed to Willm. John Meikle, translator of the Lusiad,
a native of Langholm. See Stenhouse, p. 45 and 117.

Then, as respects Galloway, we have the unfortunate
John Lowe, son of a gardener to the Gordons of Kenmure.
He is the author of Mary’s Dream :

“ The lovely moon had climbed the hill.”

See Stenhouse, p. 37.

Bess the Gawkie

was the production of the Rev. Dr Muirhead of Logan,
Minister of Urr in Galloway. Burns describes this song as
beautiful, and in the genuine Scots taste. See Stenhouse,
p-3andp. 116. And a recent No. of Fraser's Magazine
says, it is true to life as one of Tenter’s paintings.

40 Address of the Vice-President.

The words of the song
“O whistle and I'll come to ye my lad,”

are by Burns, but the tune was by John Bruce, a fiddle player
of Dumfries. See Stenhouse, p. 109.

From this survey of the district, rapid and general as it
is, it will be manifest that the area of the Society’s opera-
tions is rich in objects and associations of antiquarian inter-
est. And having regard to the large number forming the
Society, and at the same time the few comparatively who put
their shoulders to the wheel, what we desire is not to weary
you with details on the different objects of interest, but
rather, in a few remarks, to light up the feelings of members
and stimulate them to improve the condition of the Society
and further its objects.

It is true that in many cases, as for instance, at the
Abbey of Holywood, we may, as it were, see a sepulchral
tablet. Here lies an extinct fabric! And there is too fre-
quent reason to deplore the condition of our ancient struc-
tures. But yet we have also tangible remains—and ruins
which are sometimes magnificent, sometimes picturesque—
and these have to the antiquary their responsive echoes.
With them the antiquary may hold communion with the past.

And our whole subject is calculated to occupy leisure
time usefully and agreeably,—to gratify an ardent and
reasonable curiosity respecting the past—to supply trust-
worthy aids to history, and generally to advance our know-
ledge, to improve our taste, and to further the progress of
civilization.

I have now only to add a word on the means at the dis-
posal of the Society, to carry out its purposes—particularly
its Library and Museum. And I do this on the present oc-
casion the more readily, as I was instrumental in organizing
the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, and was
elected its first President.

Address of the Vice-President. 4:1

In the Ayr Advertiser of 15th December, 1864, some
observations were made which are still of use :—There is a
desideratum in this Society, and that is a scientific Library.
A library has been begun, but as yet it is little advanced,
and no one could do better with any spare volumes they may
possess, than make a donation of them to the Society. This
is urged, because it is only by donations the Library is to be
formed. Let Scientitic works, works on Natural History, rare
Historical works, and works on Antiquities, be addressed,
&c., &e.

Greater diversity has unfortunately prevailed as to a
Museum, and this diversity of opinion has operated most
injuriously. It has retarded the collection,—and in this, and
other such cases, delay is damage. For by delay articles
which would have found their proper place with us, have
passed away irrecoverably into other collections,—sometimes
into collections which have no ground of preference to our
own.

In the course of this address I have had occasion to notice
instances of this with regret,—and in the case of members of
our Society with more than regret. For where, it may be
asked, would a person look but to this Society for informa-
tion respecting the district, and for specimens illustrative of
its natural history and antiquities. And, indeed, a collec-
tion of such specimens would be of use to the members
themselves, by enabling them to distinguish the characteris-
tic peculiarities of the district, and assisting them in form-
ing collections of their own, and promoting the objects of the
Society.

It has been deemed a good reason against a local Muse-
um, that local Societies die, are broken up, and their collec-
tions are dispersed.

Alas! the same thing may be said of ourselves. Death
and dissvlution are the common lot of sublunary things,—
and in the outset of this address I have referred to some who
have already paid the debt of nature. Yet each in his day
may be of use in helping forward the cause of progress and -

42 Address of the Vice-President.

improvement. And when at length the day of dissolution
comes, and a Museum is dispersed, the scattered articles may
become the elements of new collections—the seeds of new
organizations,

‘¢ And bodies that corrupted fell,
Shall incorrupted rise ;
And mortal forms shall spring to life
Immortal in the skies,”

TRANSACTIONS.

Notice OF THE DISCOVERY OF AN ANCIENT GRAVE, &C.,
ON THF FARM OF BROOMHILL, LOcCHMABEN. By Mr
CorriE, P.-F.

IN laying before the Society a short account of this grave, with
its contents, so far as I was able to recover them, I regret to
have to state that in this, as in almost every similar case,
the discovery was made by men who had no knowledge of its
antiquarian interest, or of the necessity of great care in ex-
amining and removing the contents of the Grave. The
consequence was that an urn which it contained was broken
in pieces; but these pieces, with the bones found at same time,
I recovered through the assistance of the Chief Constable of
the County, and they are now before the meeting for inspec-
tion, and are at the service of the Society if thought fit for
a place in their Museum.

As graves, such as that now under notice, are very com-
mon, and have been often described, I shall confine myself
to a plain statement of the discovery, of the locality where
found, and of the appearance and dimensions of the grave
itself.

The Grave was found on 26th August, 1867, in a field on
the farm of Broomhill, in the parish of Lochmaben, in this
county, lying to the south-east of the farm steading, and
between it and the river Annan, which runs southwards at
a short distance to the eastward. The farm steading itself
stands about a quarter of a mile north of the Broomhill or
Halleaths Loch. Mr Rebert Graham, tenant of the farm,
had set his servants to dig sand in the field, and in proceed-

44 Transactions.

ing with their work, their tools, at a depth of 19 inches from
the surface, struck upon the cover of the grave in the shape
of flags or flat stones. On removing these the grave was
laid open, and was found to be 3 ft. 6 in. long, by 1 ft. 10in.
wide, and about 18 in. deep ; and was enclosed on the sides
and ends, and bottomed, as it had been covered, with a kind
of gray coloured slaty stone. It contained what has evident-
ly been one of the ancient hand-made Cinerary urns, and a
quantity of human bones and six teeth. The urn, as I have
already said, was broken by the workmen, and part of the
bones crumbled into dust when touched. The teeth, it will
be seen, are in wonderful preservation.

On learning of the finding of the grave, I caused im-
mediate inquiry to be made, and myself saw Mr Graham as
to whether or not any celt or other instrument had been
found, but none such had been noticed.

NoTIcE oF ST. QUERDON’Ss WELL. By Jas. STARKE,
F.S.A. Scot.

Tuis Well is on the farm of Barbush of Cargen, near to the
footpath which leads through the fields from Cargen Bridge
at Islesteps, and about half a mile from the Islesteps bridge.
It was a saint’s well, one of the holy wells of old times, and
was of great repute for the cure of disease, particularly the
diseases of children ; and some years ago, when the well was
dredged by the tenant of the farm, coins were found in it,
which were no doubt the offerings of invalids.

At present the Well is an open spring or fount of clear
water, and is thus greatly exposed. But it is said to have
been at one time enclosed within a bower, which had the
convenience of a seat in it, for invalids and visitors.

The Well is known by various names.

In a poem on the Well by Mr White, late teacher of

Transactions. 45

mathematics in the Academy of Dumfries, it is called St.
Guerdun’s Well, and the saint is a female, the daughter of
Barold. But the author of the poem professes no antiquarian
knowledge on the subject, and the poem gives us no legen-
dary or traditional information respecting the Well. The
poem was written in the year 1789, and was printed anony-
mously by Mr Robert Jackson of Dumfries in 1795.

In the Statistical Account of the parish of Troqueer, in
which parish the Well is situated, reference is made to Mr
White’s poem ; yet here the Well is called not St. Guerdun’s,
but St. Querdon’s Well. And in the Ordnance Map the
name given is St. Jardan’s Well. The Well is further known
by the name of St. Jergon’s Well.

These various names are probably versions or corruptions
of the true name, and none of them occur in any of the Lists
of Saints that I have seen. But in Keith’s Calendar of Scot-
tish Saints there is the name of St. Queran, and he may be
the true saint—the names of Querdon, Guerdun, Jardan, and
others being corruptions. .

The first St. Queran is an Irish saint, St. Kieran or
Queran, whom the Irish style the first born of their saints.
He was somewhat older than St. Patrick, but is thought to
be one of the twelve whom St. Patrick consecrated Bishops
in Ireland to assist him in his labours. In his old age he
passed over to Cornwall, where he ended his days in prepara-
tion for eternity, and the spot on which he died is called
from him St. Peran in the Sands.

The next saint of the name is St. Kieran or St. Queran
the younger. He also was of the island of Saints, and was
an abbot in Ireland. He founded numerous monasteries, and
his monastic rule, or the Law of Kieran, was very austere.
This saint died in the year 549.

Butler adds a note to his account of this saint, in which
he says :— The Scots honor on this day (9th Sept.) another
St. Kieran or St. Queran, Abbot of the Monastery of Feale,
in the county of Ayr, in which province stood the celebrated
Abbey of Paisley.” Butler continues thus :—‘“ Some Scotch

46 Transactions.

writers place this St. Queran in the 9th age, but it is proba-
ble that they have confounded him with our Irish Saint, who
was in that age honoured at Paisley with particular devotion.
The festival of the Scotch St. Queran is 9th September,
and the date assigned to him is A.D. 876. This date carries
us back three centuries anterior to the founding of Dun-
drennan Abbey, which is considered one of the earliest of the
Romish monasteries in this quarter. But at that time the
Abbey of Holywood, in some of its earlier forms, would be
in existence. The early ecclesiastical history of this district
is, however, little known.

I here submit to the Society a phial of the water taken
from St. Querdon or St. Queran’s Well.

FEASTING AT FUNERALS. By Mr M‘DIARMID.

AMONG some papers which recently came into my hands was
an account, dated 1733-4, for some expenses incurred at the
funeral of Sir Robert Grierson of Lag, Baronet. My im-
pression was that this referred to the funeral of the cele-
brated or notorious Sir Robert Grierson, the persecutor of
the Covenanters, regarding which there is a mass of local
tradition. It is said that the horses yoked to the hearse in
which the remains of the deceased were placed refused for
long to draw, that at last they started off at the gallop which
was unchecked until the Church-yard of Dalgarnock was
reached, whereupon the animals fell down dead. On refer-
ring to Mr J. C. Gracie, our local genealogist, ] have been
assured that the Sir Robert died in his town house at Dum-
fries, a house next and north of the present Commercial
Hotel, on the 20th of April, 1723. Mr Gracie says he has
this from the family records, but that he has seen many
dates given as the demise of Sir Robert, all widely wrong.

Transactions. 47

It is true that Sir Robert left four sons, one of whom bore
his Christian name, but it is rather remarkable that a Sir
Robert Grierson of Lag should have died in 1723 and a
second in 1733.

The account referred to amounts to £23, 4s. 5d., of which
£14, 5s. 5d. was for wine, £6, 10s. for an entertainment, 6s.
6d. for bread, 5s. 6d. for iron work on the hearse, indicating
that it had been damaged, and the balance for feeding
horses, among which are mentioned those of Lord Stormond
and Sir Thomas Kirkpatrick.

The items of the entertainment are given in a separate
memorandum, and they show a wonderful resemblance be-
twixt the entertainments of the present day and those given
135 years ago. They consist of a bacon ham, a piece of
roast beef, a roast pig, goose, turkey, a calf’s head stewed in
wine and oysters, neats’ tongues, capons and fowls, a pasty,
2 dozen of tarts, 2 dozen of mince pies, roast mutton, roast
veal, a barrel of oysters, oil, pepper and mustard, and vine-
gar. The account seems to be in English money. The pig
cost 2s. 6d. ; the goose, 3s.; the turkey, 4s. ; the quarter of
mutton, 3s. 6d.; the barrel of oysters, with 6 lemons and
other pickles, 4s. The conjunction of lemons with oysters
is notable ; here now-a-days when oysters are served, which
is rare owing to their scarcity and high price, it is with vine-
gar ; in the south of Italy, as in Nithsdale in 1733, lemon or
citron takes the place of vinegar with oysters and ‘indeed all
other fish.

The wines supplied consist chiefly of claret, small and
strong : the small is charged Is. 6d. per bottle, the strong 2s.,
and the consumption of the latter was much the greater of
the two ; sherry also figures in the list, costing rather less
than 2s. per bottle, and a wine or liquor called grantmak at
that figure. The price of brandy was Is. 6d. per bottle.
The supply of wines began on the 29th of Dec., and was
continued for upwards of a fortnight, ending on the 14th
January. -The 8th of January seems to have been the fun-
eral day ; four dozen of strong claret were sent to the lodg-

48 Transactions.

ing in the morning of that day, half a dozen of grantmak,
and half a dozen of sherry ; then a dozen of strong claret was
sent out to the burying-place ; and the last item for the day
is 12 bottles more strong claret at night to the lodging. The
entries on the 9th are suggestive, viz., 4 dozen empty bottles
returned and 26 wine glasses ; on the 11th consumption was
renewed, and we have 8 bottles of claret, strong, 16s.

A similar account for the funeral of Mr John Grierson, of
date 1730, throws some light upon the preceding one and the
customs of the time. It extends from the 23d of February
to the 3d of March. The first item is two bottles of claret
and a bottle of brandy to those as sat up all night with the
corpse. Qn the 24th February there is a bottle of claret
when the soar cloth was put on and another when the grave
cloaths was put on. On the same day at the incoffining where
the ladies was 1 bottle claret, 2 bottles white wine, and 1
bottle canary ; to the room where the gentlemen were before
the corps was transported, 2 bottles white wine, 1 bottle can-
ary at Is. 8d., and 6 bottles of claret at 1s. 6d. each. On the
same day when the company returned 10 bottles of claret, 1
of white wine, and 2 bottles of brandy for the gentlemen’s
servants. On the 5th of March there were 22 bottles of
claret supplied to the two rooms when at meat, and 4 bottles
of brandy for the tenants’ and gentlemen’s servants; and at
night when the gentlemen returned 25 bottles claret, while 2
bottles of brandy went to Rockhall. During all the time,
besides wine and brandy, there was a steady consumption of
ale going on, which is slumped at the last date, March 6th,
ale, from the 23d of February till this day, £1, 19s. 6d. The
funeral feast for Mr John was not so extensive as that pre-
pared for Sir Robert’s obsequies, and it only cost £1, 10s. 3d.
The first item in the account for what was laid out for meat
at the funeral was 2s. for a salmond weighing 8 lls., and thus
costing 3d. per lb., and killed in what would now be close
time ; 3 perch follow at 1s. 1ld.; then veal and ‘beef ; three
eariices at 4d. each; and 3s, for butter, for sauce and
rosting.

Transactions. 49

Along with these accounts there is a note or order which
shews the manner in which they were incurred. The order
is addressed for Bryce Blair and signed Ka. Douglas.

“ We like your wine so well that the Laird has ordered
me to desire you to send with the bearer half a dozen bottles.
Dispatch our man quickly. Being in haste, I am your very
real friend.”

NoTEs ON THE ScorTisH LANGUAGE. By JAS. STARKE,
F.S.A. Scot.

An enquiry into the formation or development of the
Scottish language is beset with difficulties ; and any attempt
at its elucidation may be acceptable.

In this view I have been induced to throw together some
notes on the subject; and, assuming that the Scottish
language is affiliated with the English, my object in the pre-
sent paper will he, in the first place, to point out some ten-
dencies of pronunciation in the one which appear to be
largely developed in the other.

What I more particularly refer to is the suppression of
some letters in utterance or pronunciation. And the first to
be here noticed is the suppression of the letter /.

Mr Walker, the lexicographer and orthoepist, in his re-
marks on the different letters of the Alphabet, gives, under the
letter 7, a short list of the words in which that letter is mute,
and then says the same letter is mute also between a and k in
the same syllable, and between a and m in the same syllable ;
but in this letter case he has qualifications and directions.
He then goes »n to say that the letter / is always suppressed
in the auxiliary verbs could, would, and should. But that
to suppress it in the word fault is, he says, vulgar; and to
call a soldier a soger, is far from being the most correct pro-
nunciation.

G

50 Transactions.

Thus far Walker. But the Scotch, in their pronunciation,
not only adopt these elisions without hesitation, but many
more. For besides saying fawt for fault, the Scots say maut
for malt and saut for salt.

We may also recognise in the Scottish awmry the word
alnvirah, meaning a press, cupboard, or wardrobe ; and for a
a mask or vizard the Scotch use the phrase a false face, or,
as they pronounce it, a fause face.

The halse, meaning the neck, is the hause.

‘¢ For ruddy ruddy grew her hause,
As she supped the bluid red wine.”

And the hauses or holes through which a ship’s cable
passes bears indications of the same old manner of pronoun-

cing the word.
To hold or hald is with the Scotch to haud.

‘“¢ Haud awa, bide awa,
Haud awa frae me, Donald.”

When J suppressed comes after the vowel 0, the vowel
acquires a diphthongal sound—ow.

Thus—gold is gowd; golden is gowden; the game of
golf is gowf, and the players are gowfers.

The participle of the verb to steal, which is stolen, is
stown, as when the Scots speak of “steekin the door when
the steed’s stown.”

In the Pillow Dance, the pillow or bolster used is a bow-
ster, and the dance goes by the name of “ Babbety Bowster.”

The poll, or head, is the pow.

‘* There’s little wit in the pow
That hauds the candle to the lowe.”

To roll is to row ; and a knoll, or hillock, is a know.

This may explain the golden knolls, that is to say
broom hills, or gowden knowes, of the song “The Cowden
Knowes.”

Transactions. 51

The verb to pluck is to pouk; and a plucked goose and
hen would be poukit birds.

When J is the final letter of a word, it is commonly sup-
pressed by the Scotch.

The English suppress it in their phrases sha’nt and won't,
for shall not and will or wol not.

But in the Scotch the suppression of the letter is so
general as to form a very marked peculiarity in the language.

The Aberdeen story of the “A ae woo” will occur to
every one.

In this connection I may notice the Scottish phrase to
spae fortunes, the operating female being a spae wife.

I will not be positive, but I conjecture that the word is
to spell, the final letters being suppressed. The phrase is
sometimes varied by the phrase to rad fortunes. But whe-
ther the term to spell or spae is to be taken in its literal
sense of reading a fortune, or in the more recondite and
technical sense of a spell, charm, or incantation, may be left
an open question.

The next letter to be noticed here is the letter v, which
is suppressed by the English sometimes and by the Scotch
often.

The English suppress it in their phrase ha’nt for have
mot ; and the Scotch in their phrase hae ye no, for have you
not.

‘¢T hae been east, I hae been west,
I hae been far ayont the sun.”

The English also suppress the v in o’er for over and e’en
for even or evening ; and the Scots suppress it in brave and
bravely, which they pronounce braw and brawly.

Dean Trench, in commenting on these words, says—“1
do not very clearly trace by what steps it obtained the mean-
ing of showy, gaudy, rich, which once it so frequently had, in
addition to that meaning which it still retains.”

But if we may judge from the Scotch use of the words,
rich, showy, gaudy were the original meaning : it is the ex-
elusive meaning with us.

52 Transactions.

In like manner a person who is well or al favowred, as
the English express it, in the sense of favour or countenance,
the Scotch call weil or ill fawred, suppressing the v.

‘¢ But kenn’d my minny I were wi’ you,
Ill fawredly wad she crook her mou,
Nor see a puir man wad she, I trow,
After the gaberlunzie man.”

The word severe becomes, by the suppression of the v,
the Scottish savr—

‘¢ And Russel sair misca’d her.”

This is the word severe, though not grammatically correct.

Then we have the word sar as a synonyme of sore—in a
physical sense.

And to these we add the verb to serve, which is commonly
written sair, but erroneously, as here it is only the suppres-
sion of v.

‘ Gie me a spark of Nature’s fire,
That’s the learning I desire,
What sers their grammar ?’

The Scotch also say shool for shovel ; and the name of
the evil spirit follows a similar analogy (deil)—suppressing
the v in both cases.

So also for the verb to give, the Scots say to gie ; and for
livelong they say lee lang. .

** The lee lang night, wi’ crabbit leuks,
They’ll deal the devil’s picture beuks.”

In the Scotch word aboen we may also recognise the
above of the English, as it appears in Chaucer’s time aboven.
The English dropt the final n, and the Scotch, following a
prevailing tendency, dropt the v. The one made the word
above, and the other aboen.

Transactions. oo

The suppression of v in the words dove and love, especially
when combined with the power of forming diminutives so
peculiar to Scotland, has given to the sentimental language
of the Scotch much of its well known character for pathos
and tenderness.

Hence, also, for a dove cot they say a doocot.

Passing on now to the suppression of v after a consonant,
silver is stiller, and we have “ the siller gun” of Dumfries,

And harvest is hairst.

After the fatal field of Flodden

“* In havrst at the shearin’
Nae younkers are jeering,
The bandsters are lyart, wrinkled, and grey.”

This' form of the word harvest or hairst may perhaps
furnish an explanation of a family name respected in the
community, for it may be that a son of the house came into
the family at harvest in the evening ; and his descendants
may have adopted the name as their designation—harvest
evens or hairst eens—HAIRSTENS.

In a limited number of words both J and v are suppressed.

Walker says that in the word twelvemonth the English
sometimes suppress the v, and say atwel month. But in this
word the Scots suppress both J and v, and say a towmond.

‘‘ Surrounded wi’ bent and wi’ heather,
Where muircocks and plovers were rife,
For many a lang towmond thegither
There lived an auld man and his wife.”

And for the word overly they say orry, o’er’y, or orra.

So much, then, for the suppression of the single letters 1
and v, and the suppression of them both in the same word.

Let us now proceed to notice some combinations of letters
which are suppressed by the Scotch.

Th is suppressed. This is the case with mouth, which is
the moo ; quoth is quo, as quo he, quo she ; froth is fro ; and
broth is broe, only the Scots have the broe of broth. Un-

54 Transactions.

couth is wnco, and the preposition with is wi’. The impre-
catory phrase faith not is faint—as faint a bit! and the
verb to smother is to smoor.

Faint—

‘¢ His locket lettered braw brass collar
Showed him the gentleman and scholar ;
But though he was o’ high degree
The feint a pride, nae pride had he.”
—Burns’s Twa Dogs.

On the other hand the Scotch retain the guttural gh.
They do this,

1. When the English suppress it as in high for high, and
the verbs brought, sought, thought ; so also daughter.

2. When it is softened by the English ; as in cough, laugh,
rough. And

3. When the English make the sound hard, or change it
into k, as hough for hock.

It would thus appear that in the Scotch the gh retains at
all times its guttural sound.

Ch also, which is softened Ly the English, is retained
hard by the Scotch with great uniformity. As for chaff they
say cauf; chalk, cauk; chest, kist; churn, kirn; breeches
are brecks ; and the such and such like of the English are
with the Scotch sik and sik like. The stitch is a steek, as,
“A steek in time saves nine.” To stretch is to streek. To
thatch is to theik. And as for the ditch it might be thought
that the ditcher and the dyker had different occupations.
But the old proverb,

‘* February fills the dyke,
Be it black or be it white ;”

And the old song,
‘¢ My father's a delver o dykes,”
would teach us otherwise. By the same analogy, itchy is iky,

or, as the Scots pronounce it, yetiky. The kirk has become
a church. The carl has become a churl; but the English

Transactions. 55

have no carline or female carl. Breeches are breeks, and to
screech is to screek, except apparently in the phrase “ the
screegh o’ day,” where most anomalously the ch takes a
guttural sound. .

The pbrase “ the screegh o' day” seems to be peculiar to
the Scotch ; yet its meaning must be familiar to all who have
been in the country at the break of day, at which time the
woods resound with the vociferous melody of the feathered
tribes.

So much, then, for the combined letters th, gh, and ch.

But undoubtedly what gives to the Scottish language a
very marked peculiarity is the large amount of words in
which the Scots retain their old Saxon form. Ane for one,
ance for once, bane for bone, hame for home, lang for long,
auld for old, cauld for cold.

Many such words occur in Chaucer and other early writers,
who retain them in the old form. But this is now obsolete
in England, though still retained in Scotland.

To this class of words may be added words which retain
in the Scotch what may be called their old English meaning,
now obsolete in England.

Body is still used here in the sense of a person :

‘¢ Gin a body meet a body.”

Brave and bravely, or in the Scotch form braw and
brawly, we have already referred to as retaining their old
meaning of rich, showy, gaudy.

Chest or kist is still in use for a coffin, and the meeting
for placing the dead body is still to be heard as “ the kisting.”
Dean Trench shows vs that this was its old meaning in Eng-
land ; and it is not obsolete with us.

Child, if our Scottish word chield is the same, is still re-
tained in Scotland in the sense of a young mam in general.

Gate is still used in its old sense of a road, street, or way.
And it may be recognised in some of the old names of streets
in London. The main street of most of our towns was the

56 Transactions.

High Gate, now High Street, and what is now English Street
in Dumfries was formerly Lochmaben Gate ; as the way to the
“auld kirk” of St. Michael’s was and still is the Kirk Gate.

Burns, in one of his many tender pieces, used the term
gate in its old sense :—

‘¢T gaed a waefu gate yestreen,
A gate I fear I'll dearly rue,
I gat my dead frae twa sweet een,
Twa lovely een o’ bonny blue.”

Where there was a line of houses without any formed
street, it was a row or raw. Sucha line opposite the Friars’
Vennel was the Mid Raw, and what is now Loreburn Street
was the East Barns Raw.

To grudge is used in its old sense of murmuring or re-
pining :—

‘¢ Our bonny bairnie’s there, Jean,
She was baith guid and fair, Jean,
And we grudged her right sair
To the land o’ the leal.”

Silly is constantly used in the old sense of weak in mind
or body, and thence, by extension, simple, foolishly doatung
foolish.

‘‘The pawky auld carle came o’er the lea,

Wi mony gude days and eens to me;

And saying gudewife, for your courtesy
Will ye lodge a silly puir man.”

Wife is used in the sense of woman in general. Thus
an Herb woman or dealer in herbs and vegetables is, with
the Scotch, a Green wife ; anda fortune teller is a Spae wife.

Chaucers’ Wife of Bath may perhaps be taken as an ex-
ample of the English use of the word in its old sense. The
last term we shall notice is Womb, or in its Saxon and
Scotch form Wambe. This term was formerly used not in

Transactions. 57

its present restricted sense, but in a general sense as the
Scotch now use their term.

Dean Trench quotes a passage from Wycliff’s Bible, in
illustration :—“ And he covetede to fill his wombe of the
coddis that the hoges eaten, and no man gaf him.” And
Chaucer in his Parson’s Tale, quoting the portion of Scripture
in reference to gluttons, says—“ Their wombe is their God.”
It is in this general sense, which was the old English mean-
ing, the term continues, in the Scotch form, to be used in
Scotland.

To those words which have meanings which are now ob-
solete in England, we may here subjoin words which are
there themselves obsolete, but are nevertheless still common
in Scotch. For convenience, we distribute them into two
classes—namely, 1, such words as may still be traced and
recognised in England, and 2, such as are now wholly obso-
lete and out of use there, but still retained in Scotch.

To the first class belong such words as to fare, meaning
to go, to pass, to journey—which we still recognise in boat
and cab fares, or passage money.

In the poem of Peebles to the Play we read “ There fure
a man to the holt.” ure is the past tense of the verb to
fare, and the line is equivalent to saying—There went a
man to the holt or wood.

The Gab is the mouth, and thence by extension to talk,
which we recognise in gabble, to talk idly.

The Lug is the ear, which we recognise in the phrase to
lug one along, meaning to haul or pull along as by the ears.

To reck is still part of the language in the word reckless,
meaning inconsiderate, careless, regardless.

We have the past tense of the verb in the old ballad of
Sir Tryamore :

“‘ There was many a seemly maa,
Mo than I tell you can,
And of them all he na raght.””

And in Burns’s language—

58 Transactions.

‘¢ And may ye better reck the rede
Than ever did th’ adviser.”

To kep, meaning to catch, to intercept, in which latter
word intercept we may still recognise the verb.
The word occurs in Chaucer :

*€ These sely clerkes rennen up and down,
With kepe, kepe ; stand, stand,
Ga whistle them, and I shall kepe them here.”
—The Reves Tale, p. 122.

The Scotch word wauf or waff appears to be the English
waif or stray.

To the second class belong such words as—

To ettle, meaning to aim at, to purpose. To host, to cough.
To skael, to disperse, to scatter. To steek, to close, to shut
up. To skelp, to give one a stroke. To speir, to ask after,
to enquire for.

Such words as these are wholly obsolete in England, and
out of use in English, and they seem to carry us back to a
remote and early period in the history of the language.

The only topic which remains to be noticed here is the
conjugation of verbs. Generally speaking the Scotch pre-
serve the verbs regular. They also preserve the present
tense of the verb to clead, whereas the English have adopted
the verb to clothe. Clothe, clad, clad. And in the past -
tense of the verb to go the English have incorporated what
appears the verb to wend, go, went, gone, whereas the Scotch
say gae, gaed, gane.

Clead—

‘*O wou! quo he, were ye as black
As ere the crown o’ my daddy’s hat,
Tis I wad lift thee on my back,
And awa with thee I wad gang.
** And oh! quo she, were I as white,
As ere the snaw upon the dyke, |
I'd cleed sae braw and lady like,
And aff wi’ thee I wad gang.”

Transactions. 59

This is from a piece ascribed to K. James V. of Scotland,
and it is referred to here in order to illustrate the applica-
tion of the present tense of the verb to clead.

Lough is used by Chaucer as the past tense of the verb
to laugh :

“Our host lough and swore.”
—The Willer’s Prologue, line 6.

This is the leugh of the Scotch.

I have thus run over in a curt and rapid way some of
the more striking peculiarities of the Scottish language,—
and if the view here suggested is correct we may trace how
it was that the language became separate and a peculiar
dialect ;—especially when we consider that the Scottish lan-
guage never entered on the noble course of improvement and
cultivation with which the English was favoured, but on the
contrary remained stationary and uncultivated, never having
been subjected to the rules of grammar or orthography, and
many times disfigured by being made the vehicle of words at
variance with the proprieties and decencies of life,

But when we pass on from the external form of the language
to the sentiments and feelings it expresses we are no less sur-
prised to find here a character so different from that of Eng-
land. This character displays itself in various ways. It is
seen in the power of the Scotch to form diminutives, little
known to the English, and superior to the French, which im-
part so much pathos and tenderness to the language ;—in the
Scottish proverbs which are full of the thought and humour of
the common people ;—and in the Scottish music which is
everywhere appreciated. But into these we cannot at pre-
sent enter.

60 Transactions.

RELICcC8 OF COVENANTING TIMES IN THE PARISH OF
IroneRAY. By the Rev. THomAs UNDERWOOD, Irongray.

WueEn I consider the more special work and aim of this
Society it is with some degree of hesitation that I venture to
read in your presence the paper which I have prepared upon
the above-named subject. The relics to which I shall short-
ly refer belong to a dark and gloomy period in the history of
Scotland—particularly in the history of Scotland’s Church.
In the belief that the memorials of covenanting times still
existing in the Parish of Trongray possess some interest for
us as an Antiquarian Society, I beg to treat them merely
as objects of Archeological value.

I may refer for a moment to the name of the Parish—
Kirkpatrick-Irongray—I have not been able to find any ex-
planation of the name Irongray—Kirkpatrick is of course
easily accounted for. I have discovered in old documents,
viz., Presbytery and Kirk-Session records, that there have
been various ways of spelling this name. In 1653 it is spelt
Imegray, and in 1694 the Presbytery records have it Airn-
gray, while the Kirk-Session records of same date have it
Trongray, the present form. In an inscription upon the
Communion Cups, of date 1694, it is Irengray.

It is well known that this Parish occupies a prominent
place in the history of Covenanting times in the South of
Scotland, and that some very interesting and characteristic
memorials of those times still exist within its bounds. Re-
membering that we have excluded from our notice the
religious aspect of the times, we may nevertheless deal with
the question as antiquarians. How came this Parish to be
thus distinguished What is the history of the relics which
remain, and what reliable information can be produced re-
garding them ?

I. In answer to these questions I remark firstly, that the
situation of the Parish, its natural or topographical features,
are such as must have been well suited to the circumstances
of the Covenanters. It formed a convenient meeting place

Transactions. 61

for those large conventicles of which we read. The north-
west portion of the Parish consists of a considerable hill—if
we may not dignify it by the term mountain—called the
Bishop's Forest, and in a secluded glen or gorge near to the
top of this hill the Covenanters frequently met, and they
have left on the spot significant memorials of the object for
which they there assembled. I refer to the “ Covenanter’s
Tables,” or as they are commonly designated “The Com-
munion Stonés,” and so far as I know they are the only relics
of the kind that have been preserved to our day. These
tables consist of four rows of large stones, each row contain-
ing about 30 seats, and at one end there is a circular heap or
pile of stones a few feet high, on which the Communion ele-
ments were placed, and beside which the officiating minister
must have stood in dispensing the holy ordinance. Consid-
ering the circumstances of the Covenanters, no place could
have been selected more suitable for their purpose. In that
moorland solitude the congregation would be completely con-
cealed from the view of any one, but a short distance remov-
ed, and it is exceedingly probable that at the time the lower
part of the valley was covered with natural wood, so that
even in the act of assembling the people might have availed
themselves of its screen. Besides, two or three sentinels
stationed within sight and hearing of the assembly would
have a commanding view of the surrounding country, and
could easily have given the alarm, in the event of the ap-
pearance of the dragoons.

II. The Minister of Irongray, at the period of the Cove-
nant, as it is called, became a zealous Covenanter. He was
one of nearly 400 ministers who were ejected from their
Parishes in 1662 when the Presbyterian form of Church
Government was overturned and the Episcopal form establish-
ed, As this man was connected with a somewhat distin-
guished family I may perhaps be allowed to mention one
or two things regarding him. His name was John Welsh,
and he was a great-grandson of the famous John Knox ; his
great-grandmother being the daughter of Lord Ochiltree,

62 Transactions.

Knox’s second wife. Welsh’s grandfather was John Welsh,
minister of Ayr, who towards the beginning of the 17th cen-
tury was banished to France, where he lived for sixteen years
in the capacity of a Protestant minister. John Welsh of
Irongray became a great Conventicle preacher, and he seems
to have stirred up a strong Covenanting spirit among the
Parishioners.

Wodrow, in his “ History of the sufferings of the Church
of Scotland,” says, “The first open opposition to the settle-
ment of the curates I have heard of was at Irongray, where
Mr John Welsh was minister.” (See Hist., Book I., chap.
IV., page 177, fol. edition.)

I find that Welsh was licensed as a preacher by the Pres-
bytery of Glasgow, and ordained minister of Irongray in the
year 1653. He left the parish in 1662, and was ever after-
wards one of the staunchest covenanters. He took part in
the Pentland rising, and had a narrow escape in that un-
fortunate encounter. Large sums of money were offered for
his capture, but he never was taken.

T have heard that he died in Jamaica, but whether his
death occurred before or after the Revolution settlement I
have not been able to ascertain. His name is not in the list
of ejected ministers mentioned by Wodrow as alive in 1688.

There was a very large conventicle held at the Com-
munion Stones some time about 1678, when Welsh and
Blackadder, and other ejected ministers, officiated. It was
computed that over three thousand persons partook of the
communion on that occasion.

There is a tradition still extant in the parish to the effect
that the communion cups which originally belonged to the
church were used on the occasion of the great conventicle at
Communion Stones on Skeoch Hill, and that they were con-
cealed somewhere in the neighbourhood and lost. In connec-
tion with this tradition I may mention a reference to the said
cups which I find in the Kirk Session Records, dated July
4th, 1697 :—‘“ The cups, table cloths, and other utensils be-
longing to the church being amissing, and there being need

n

Transactions. 63

of them because of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, which
shortly is tobe administrat, it is laid upon every elder to lay
out themselves as much as they can in making enquiry after
them to see if they can be found.” The next meeting of Ses-
sion is dated July 11th, 1697, and the elders then give in
their report concerning the matter of the cups, and it is to
the following effect :—“The several members of this judica-
tory, having made search after the utensils of this church,
can hear nothing anent them, only that they were carried
away with Mr John Welsh, his plenishing.”

The communion cups now in use in the Parish Church
bear the following inscription :—* Thir cups were gifted for
the use of the Paroch of Trengray, by Mr James Guthrie,
who was ordained Sept. 13th, 1694. Mnry.”

It is rather a remarkable circumstance that the sacra-
ment of the Lord’s Supper was not dispensed in the parish
till 1697,—9 years after the Revolution, and 6 years after a
minister had been settled. In the Session Records, which
are still preserved, commencing June 11th, 1691, there is no
mention of a communion till 11th J uly, 1697, when the
enquiry about the communion cups is mentioned, and most
minute instructions given about the sacrament, which was to
take place on the following Sabbath.

III. I shall now refer shortly to the well-known martyrs’
graves near Irongray Church. On the 2d March, 1685, six
covenanters were captured in the Bog of Lochinkitt, within
the Parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham, and close upon the con-
fines of Irongray. Four of them were shot where they were
taken, and the remaining two were brought through Trongray
and hanged on the following day ina clump of oak trees near
the Church, and there buried, A rude stone has for genera-
tions marked the spot, bearing the following inscription ;—
“Here lyes Edward Gordon and Alex. M‘Cubbine, martyrs,
hanged without law, by Lag and Captain Bruce, for adhering
to the Word of God, Christ’s kingly government in his house,
and the covenanted work of Reformation against tyranny,
perjury, and prelacy, March 3d, 1685.

64 Transactions.

** ¢ As Lag and bloody Bruce command,
We were hung up by hellish hand ;
And thus their furious rage to stay,
We died near Kirk of Irongray.

Here now in peace sweet rest we take,
Once murdered for religion’s sake.’ ”

Some years ago the old stone which lies flat on the ground
over the graves of the two martyrs was enclosed with a railing,
and a monument was erected, which bears an inscription to
the effect that a sermon was preached in Irongray Church-
yard by the Cameronian minister of Dumfries of that time
(the Rev. Mr M‘Dermid) ; and with the proceeds of the col-
lection made on that occasion the surrounding railing and
monument were erected, to testify the sympathy which the
present generation felt for the principles of the Covenanters.
Now, certainly, I have nothing to say against the feeling
which prompted the erections referred to, but I question very
much the taste which has been displayed : in fact, as-an an-
tiquarian, | think the effect which the old stone itself was
fitted to produce has been greatly marred. It is fortunate,
I think, that no such attempt at embellishment or moderniz-
ing has been made at the Communion Stones. There is a
meaning in the very bareness, rudeness, and simplicity of
these memorials which the hand of the renovator tends to
weaken rather than intensify.

I shall conclude this paper by a short account of the two
interesting relics which I now exhibit to the Society. They
are a Covenanter’s Banner and the Sword of the Standard
Bearer. Their story is soon told, and I am sorry that my
information respecting them is not more complete. As it is,
I believe it to be quite authentic. These relics belong to a
family residing in the parish, and have been handed down
from one generation to another, and carefully preserved.
Their history, however, has dwindled down to the merest
tradition. The person who now owns them knows only that
one of his ancestors, of the name of Clerk, carried them at
Drumclog and Bothwell. The banner is of home-made linen,

Transactions. 65

and bears the motto, “ Covenant for religion according to the
Word of God, Crown, and Kingdoms.” The Thistle is rudely
imprinted on each of the four corners: the size of the Banner
is about 5 feet by 4. The Sword which accompanies the
Banner is not in good preservation. It is two-edged, and
made of excellent steel.

That the above relics are genuine there can be no doubt.
On comparing the Flag with some in the Antiquarian
Museum at Edinburgh, I found a marked correspondence
between its motto and the mottos of the Covenenters’ Ban-
ners in possession of the Edinburgh Antiquarian Society.

I may be permitted to quote a single line from a well
known Christian poet expressive of the contrast between
our own happy and peaceful times and the times of the
Covenant—

‘*O blessful days !
When all men worship God as conscience wills.”

m2
We

Joi tee ae
linge: sabe

THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

||. | DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY

NATURAL HISTORY

AND

| ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.
1]
||
|
\|
Session 1867-68.

t is

| sie

pe ris ee

ia DUMFRIES:

a: _ PRINTED BY W. R. M‘DIARMID AND CO.
i 1871.

THE TRANSACTIONS

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY

NATURAL HISTORY

AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

SESSION cai

Sh 4° d
DUM rR Te 8:
PRINTED BY W. R. MDIARMID AND CO.
ES vl.

en ie ‘ pated
ait loess Ve qi

CONTENTS.

PaGE.
JOUBNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS. : : : : : : F il
AzstRact oF TREASURER’s ACCOUNTS ee eee © a LG
SrcretaBy’s Report ror Session 1868-9 ... pater Seu ep
Sr. Ninran, THE APOSTLE or GatLoway. By Jas. Starke, F.S.A.
Scor. j 3 3 : ; : : : : z 17
On tHE Mzanina oF THE Names oF Puiacks IN THE NEIGHBOUR-
HOOD WHICH ABE oF CELTIC ORIGIN. By M. Moriarty : 24
Notice or THE Scottish Service Book or 1637. By Jas. STARKE,
F.S.A. Scor. 2 ; : : : : : . : ; 29
' History or a Cricuton Bourprr. By J. Gincurist, M.D., Medical —
Superintendent, Crichton Royal Institution . : ; : 34
MINERALS LATELY FOUND {N DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY, NOT
HITHERTO NOTICED AS OCCURRING IN THE Locatitips. By Mr
Dvupcron - 3 Fi ; : : 5 : ; 4 38
Norte or Rage Binds THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN DUMFRIESSHIRE AND
GALLOWAY DURING THE PAST YEAR. By THE PRESIDENT 3 39

Norrs on BrRpDS AND THEIR HaBITs, AS OBSERVED AT ASHBANK,
Maxwetitown. By T. Corr : : ; : ; : 39

Nores on Lepmorrera. By Wu. LENNON : é ; 47

rh ~~ ae | at cata toa Pak Tih Ve
tan | 4 of oo Rabi | a
m vy Re iy ¢ fs iy m ee tr AA ca as
7 eg ee V+ a by
‘ + r i ‘.
4 a 43 b] re
, * 4 ty y i
} e “> oh Ls
ive ~ 7
: wy =!
int
7“ 4 #
ees
i ae
: ;
Tea es | z
as =
‘ o
q .
* ’
: Pa | ‘ Need \, : gy
VAr } j
cy ald 4 « aa am § ‘ a

ae uh ri: ‘ ova ‘ Fh, Ty
a t party) 3 ete ast &, 1) Sec TA NRE
f ; Lt ie

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and
Antiquarian Society.

October 30th, 1867.

AT a Meeting of Committee held in their apartment in the
Dumfries and Galloway Club Rooms,

Sir W. JARDINE, Bart., in the Chair,

Dr Dickson having intimated his resignation of the Sec-
retaryship of the Society, having accepted a situation in the
Island of Mauritius, it was proposed by him and seconded
that Mr M‘Diarmid should be requested to accept of this
office.

Dr Gilchrist, Crichton Institution, was requested to take
the office of vice-president, in room of Mr Maxwell of Breoch,
which he accepted.

It was proposed and agreed to that Mr Dudgeon of
Cargen should be requested to accept the office of vice-
president, in the place of Mr Starke, Troqueer Holm, who
retires in the order of rotation. The election of new mem-
bers of committee was considered, when the following were
nominated in room of the gentlemen retiring from that office
in order of rotation:—Sir William Broun, Bart. ; Major
Bowden ; Mr Crombie, Architect.

2 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Sir W. Jardine presented to the Society a pamphlet en-
titled “Sculptured Stones of Eastern Scotland.”

November 5th, 1867.

The Society held the First Mecting—being the Annual
Meeting—in their apartment in the Dumfries and Galloway
Club Rooms.

Dr GILCHRIST in the Chair.

The Minute of the Meeting held on 30th November was
read and approved of.

The Secretary's Annual Report, as prepared by Dr Dick-
son, was read and approved of. A unanimous expression of -
regret was directed to be recorded of the loss the Society had
sustained through the removal of Dr Dickson, who had held
the office of Secretary to the Society since its formation.

Sir W. Jardine, Bart., was unanimously re-elected Presi-
dent of the Society, and Mr J. G. Clark, Dr Gilchrist, and
Mr Dudgeon were elected as Vice-Presidents. Mr Murray
was unanimously appointed to be Secretary, and Mr Corrie
as Joint-Secretary with him. Mr Corrie was also appointed
Treasurer, and Mr Starke was re-appointed Curator of the
Museum and Library.

The meeting appointed as a committee to examine and
arrange the papers, &c., belonging to the Society, left by Dr
Dickson, late Secretary, and also to catalogue the books, &c.,
in possession of the Society, and the articles in the Museum
—Mr Starke, Dr Gilchrist, and the Secretary.

The Secretary was directed to collect the papers for the
next Journal of the Society and submit them to the Presi-
dent with a view to their publication.

Mr Corrie gave notice that he would propose at next
meeting as ordinary members, George Hamilton, Esq., and
Dr John Shand, of Kirkcudbright, and Mr James Blacklock,
merchant, Dumfries. Dr Kerr gave notice that he would

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 3

propose, as a corresponding member, Mr John Hunter
Broadswood, Carluke, Vice-President of the Geological
Society of Edinburgh. Dr Gilchrist gave notice that he
would propose Dr Rose, Wigtown, Dr White, Whithorn,
and Dr Sharpe, of Thornhill.

December 3d, 1867.

The Society held the second meeting of the session in
the Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Mr STARKE in the Chair.

The minutes of first meeting were read and approved of.

The Secretary reported that he had put the M.SS. and
papers read during last session into the hands of the Presi-
dent. The Treasurer submitted his accounts, which were
examined and audited. The roll of members of those who
had died,—had removed,—or who had declined to continue
to pay their subscriptions was read; and it was recom-
mended that a list of members as adjusted should be printed
with next Transactions. It was remitted to the ordinary
committee to take into consideration the question of supply-
ing corrresponding members and other societies with copies
of the Transactions, and to report to the next meeting.

The following members were enrolled :—Ordinary Mem-
bers—James Blacklock, merchant, Dumfries ; George Ham-
ilton, Steward-clerk, Kirkcudbright ; John Shand, M.D.
Kirkcudbright ; Dr Rose, Wigtown ; Dr White, Whithorn ;
Dr David Sharpe, Thornhill. Corresponding Members—Mr
John Hunter, Broadwood, Carluke ; Miss Beecher, Manchester.

Mr Starke, the retiring President, read the Annual
Address, and, on the motion of Mr James Frazer, a cordial
vote of thanks was awarded to him for his valuable Paper.

Dr Sharp, M.B., read a paper by himself on “ Additions
to the Catalogue of British Coleoptera,” and exhibited an in-
teresting collection of rare species.

4 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

A paper by Mr Gibson on Ancient Pipes was read by the
Secretary, which advanced the opinion that the pipes were
not of older dates than the first introduction of Tobacco. Dr
Gilchrist mentioned an instance of one of those ancient pipes
being found surrounded with Roman pottery, and of the dis-
covery of one by himself in a peat bog in Cornwall.

Mr Corrie read a notice of the discovery in the house
occupied by the late Mr Young, P.F., of a copperplate en-
graving of the Old Bridge, Dumfries, and of an old print of
Daniel in the Lions’ Den, of date 1790. Impressions were
exhibited.

Dr Gilchrist mentioned the discovery by himself during
the summer of two Camps, one on the road from Greenmill
to Old Quay and one still more obvious near the east end
of the Viaduct of Goldielea, which he recommended to the
investigation of the Members. He also exhibited an inter-
esting series of minerals from the Waldensian Valleys and
the Gothard Pass.

January Tth, 1868.

The Society held the third meeting of the session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms,

Dr GILCHRIST in the Chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read and approved of.

The following Gentlemen were enrolled :-— Ordinary
Members—John Carlyle Aitken, Dumfries ; A. J. Harkness,
Solicitor, Dumfries ; and J. R. Wilson, Solicitor, Sanquhar.

Mr Hogg presented a number of dried specimens of
plants prepared by him for the Society’s collection during
the previous Session.

Mr James Shaw, Tynron, read a paper on “ Right Hand
Superiority.” This paper called forth an animated and in-
structive discussion. The Secretary, in the absence of Mr

~

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 5

Starke, read a notice of some ancient relics found in the
parish of Dalry communicated in letters from Dr Robert
Trotter to Mr Starke. The relics were—1, A large spear head,
74 inches in length, found in a moss when casting peats. 2,
A large and heavy stone hammer, 13 inches long by 5 broad
at the aperture for the shank, found iy a large Cairn. 3,
An arrow or dart head of red coloured flint found near the
Cairn when making a drain. 4, Three large round water-
worn stones, one of them hard millstone grit, part of a large
pavement of similar stones turned up by the plough in the
parish near the ruins of a building at a place called Chapel
Leys, sometimes Chapelyard, similar to a pavement found in
the Cheviots, described in the Border Sketches by Mr Hardy
as the floor of an ancient house of the Britons.

Dr Gilchrist presented the Society a copy of the Meteoro-
logical Report kept at the Crichton Royal Institution for the
year 1867.

February 11th, 1868.

The Society held the Third Meeting of the Session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms,

Mr M‘DIARMID in the Chair.

The minutes of last Meeting were read and approved of.

Mr Corrie presented to the Society a Stone Hammer re-
cently found on the lands of the Moat of Troqueer, with a
notice of the circumstances of its discovery and the locality.

Mr M‘Diarmid exhibited part of a stone celt sent to him
by Mr Hamilton, Steward-Clerk, Kirkeudbright, and which
had been found in the neighbourhood of Kirkcudbright, on the
rising ground overlooking the eastern side of the River
Dee.

Dr Gilchrist read a paper on the physical geography of
the Southern Alps, as illustrative of modern geographical

6 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

theories. The Secretary read several extracts from letters
by Jas. Barbour, Esq., Bogue, to Dr Trotter, Dalry, relating
to the supposed ancient pavement and other antiquities at
Chapel-leys, parish of Borgue, which mentioned various cir-
cumstances requiring further investigation.

James Starke, Esq. read a paper on “The Scottish
Language,” * directing attention to a number of marked
peculiarities in the Scottish vernacular, as compared with the
English. The paper excited an interesting and animated
discussion.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill, read a very interesting paper on
« The Growth of the Mistletoe,” from observations conducted
upon a plant in his own garden.

A highly valuable paper was read by W. H. M‘Nab,
M.D., Edinburgh, “On the Metamorphosis of some of the
Lower Animals,” which was illustrated by a series of draw-
ings of the principal species described in their singular
changes of form and structure. The animals described by
Dr M‘Nab belonged to several families of zoophytes and
other elementary forms of life ; the history of which, so far
as yet known to naturalists, has opened up so wide a field for
scientific investigation and speculation ; some of the general-
izations made by Dr M‘Nab were of a very interesting and
important kind.

March 3d, 1868.

The Society held the Fith Meeting of the Session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Dr GILCHRIST in the Chair.

The minutes of last meeting were read and approved of.
The following gentlemen were enrolled :—Ordinary
Members—James Barbovr Esq., Bogue, Dalry ; W. O. Mac-
queen Esq. banker, Sanquhar; James Halliday Esq.,

* Note.—In last year’s Transactions, p. 49.

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 7

architect’s assistant, Dumfries; David Boyle Hope Esq.,
sheriff-substitute, Dumfries.

Mr Murray presented a copy of the proceedings of the
Philosophical Society of Glasgow, sent to him by the Rev.
H. W. Crossley, of Anderson’s University, for exchange with
the Society ; and the Secretary was intrusted to return a
copy of the last year’s Transactions and of that now being
printed.

Mr Starke moved, seconded by Mr Aitken, that a small
committee be appointed to make enquiries as to the desir-
ability of procuring another room for the Society’s meetings,
and particularly a room which Mr Aitken learned was likely
to be available. Mr Maxwell, seconded by Mr Corrie, moved
that the matter be delayed in the meantime. On being put
to the meeting, Mr Maxwell’s motion was carried by a
majority.

Dr Gilchrist exhibited a very complete and interesting
collection of land and fresh water shells. Dr M‘Nab exhib-
ited several cases of rare and beautiful coleoptera.

David Sharp, Esq., M.B., Thornhill, read a paper “On
Variations in Insect Life, with especial regard to the theor-
ies of Lamarck and Darwin.” Dr Sharp epitomized the
remarks of French naturalists on these investigations, and
concluded by recommending the members who were inter-
ested in these questions of natural history to conduct
experiments of the same kind for themselves. The paper
excited a lively conversation on the question how far scien-
tific discoveries had supported or discredited the Darwinian
theory of the origin of species. Dr Sharp remarked that
such was the situation of the controversy that it depended
entirely on how a person selected his facts, whether they date
on the one side or the other.

Mr Corrie read a short paper on the discovery of an
ancient grave on the farm of Broomhill, parish of Loch-
maben, on the 21st August last, * and exhibited fragments

* See last year’s Transactions, p. 43.

8 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

of bone and several teeth which were found in the cist ;
also, pieces of a cinerary urn of unbaked pottery, which was
unfortunately broken in its removal from the grave.

April 7th, 1868.

The Society held the Sixth Meeting of the Session in the
Assembly Street Club Rooms.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved
of.

James A. H. Murray, Esq., London, was enrolled a
corresponding member.

The Secretary reported the suggestions of the committee
with regard to the summer excursions.

A short paper was read by Mr Corrie, from Mr William
Gibson, descriptive of the finding of an ancient celt and
urn handle in a Roman camp at Carzeild, Kirkmahoe, which
were exhibited.

Mr W. R. M‘Diarmid read a paper on “Feasting at
Funerals,” * founded on some ancient documents containing
the accounts rendered for liquors and provisions supplied at
the funeral of Sir Robert Grierson of Lag, in 1733, which
threw some interesting light on the manners of the period.

A paper was read by Dr Grierson of Thornhill on “The
Extinction of Species.” Dr Grierson exhibited a tibial bone
of the Dinornis or great Moa Bird of New Zealand, and a
set of the bones of the Dodo from Mauritius, explaining what
was known of the remains of these singular extinct birds.
A lively and interesting discussion ensued on the subject of
this paper.

April 29th, 1868.
A meeting of the Committee was held to arrange the

summer excursions.
.* See last year’s Transactions, p. 46.

watural History and Antiquarian Society. 9
Sir W. JARDINE, Bart., in the Chair.

Present—Sir Wm. Broun, Dr Gilchrist, Mr Carlisle, M:
Robert Murray, Major Bowden, Mr Corrie, Mr A. D. Murray.
It was agreed that the first field meeting should be held at
Auldgirth on the 9th May ; that the June Excursion should
be to Moffat ; that for July to Parton and Dalry ; August,
to Lochmaben ; September, Awchencairn and Dalbeattie ;
and October, to Carlaverock or Torthorwald.

May 5th, 1868.

The Society held the Seventh Meeting of the Session in
the Assembly Street Club Rooms.

Dr GILCHRIST in the Chair.

The minutes of the last meeting wereread and approved of.

Dr Menzies, Wanlockhead, wasenrolledordinarymember.

In the absence of Mr Jas. Starke, F.S.A. Scot., the
Secretary read a paper by him on “St. Querdon’s Well,” *
on the farm of Barbush of Cargen, which contained some in-
teresting speculations on the origin of the name.

Mr James Shaw, Tynron, read a paper on “ The Influence
of the Human Period on the Sagacity of Animals,” in which
he cited numerous illustrations in support of the theory that
association with man or warfare against him had gradually
educated certain species of animals to a higher degree of in-
telligence and brain power, the quality being transmitted
hereditarily through successive generations.

Dr Gilchrist read a paper on “ The History of a Crichton
Boulder,” which, taken as a test or typical boulder dug up in
the grounds of the Crichton Royal Institution, described the
various agencies which had }:een at work in its formation.

A beautiful stuffed fox was presented to the Society by
Mr Heron of Duncow.

* See Paper in last Transactions, p. 44.

*

T 0 6eF ke

se ae tea ; ‘spuvy SAommseoly, Ul YBeD OL

0 LL ZL ,suorprsuvty,, Sururid ‘soyjQ 4a2WNn0g Of,

ee A Mee ‘gIB[NOMO SuUIyUIg ‘oO P)VaH OL

Nes 5 ‘Qouvpuojye LOF svpSnog *f OF,

Gel oe” : : ‘geno Suoalpod OF,

0 FL & ‘sKv]nO stomsvory, pure Areyo100g OT, OusSoes <8 LOST tof SuorydiIOsqng 16 ba

(makoms: «~s ERS ‘gjqetaaooot «=O OL, 0 Sas : ‘poroaooer sreoiry Ag

09 BF : ; - Go yonsys sIvomY OF, ‘S-L9ST| I OL OF ‘reo yseT WoT puvy ur couvle” kg ‘8-L98t
“4 “ug

‘g-LogI UVAA

‘SLNQOOOV SURUNOSVAAL FO LOVALSAV

TRANSACTIONS.

—————

SECRETARY’S REPORT

FOR SESSION 1868-9.

THE Secretary has to express his regret that at the com-
mencement of last Session no Presidential address was deliv-
ered, and that generally there has not been evinced among
the Members so warm an interest in the success of the
Society as is desirable, if it is to go on and prosper. Speci-
ally is this remark applicable to the Field Meetings, which,
with the exception of the Joint Meeting with the Berwick-
shire Club, were carried out almost invariably by some
half-dozen Members. It is hoped, however, that this state
of matters will not longer continue, and that greater interest
will be manifested in the Society’s proceedings.

The Secretary has further to report that owing to a con-
siderable number of removals from the district, some deaths,
and a few withdrawals, the number of ordinary Members for
the ensuing Session, as they stand at present, is decreased by
11—leaving 89 on the roll. As, however, there are many
gentlemen connected with the district who ought to be
Members of such a Society, but who are not, efforts should
be made to get them enrolled, so as to ensure a successful
Session.

The Treasurer's accounts having been examined are now
before the meeting, showing a balance due him of 7s. 11d. as
at this date, while there are arrears, the most of which will
yet be recovered, amounting to £6, 15s, and no debts.

12 Addvess of the Secretary.

In regard to the proper business of the Society the Secre-
tary has to report that in the proceedings printed every in-
formation will be found.

The Field Meetings for the Session were fixed as follows,
viz. :—

CatlamerOGk, 2.045 raters nee odesestesaeesnbeaee May.
Wadi Aik nen eotencsharamiencscawer efoto June.
Castleton to meet Berwickshire Club,....26th June.
Barjarg, &C.,..ccscessseseseeeseeeneeeeees Rae. July.
Tynron, &C.,....0scecsesereceee se eeeoeee veer August.
Rockhall, the.s.aapa-p.<e-cs tchmee othe stg. = September.

The day fixed for the May Meeting proved so wet and
cold that the gentlemen who had made arrangements to be
present were obliged to adjourn till the following month,
when, instead of going to Parton, a select party of six visited
Caerlaverock and the district, inspected with interest the
Geological formations exhibited in two quarries, one near
Chapelhill, and the other on the shore of the Nith below
Glencaple. They also visited a British Camp, now planted,
on the farm of Chapelhill, and the larger and very striking
similar Camp on Wardlaw hill, overlooking Caerlaverock
Castle. This camp, also planted, was at the time literally
blue with wild Hyacinths, anda number of a pure white
variety, not uncommon in the district, were found. Caerlav-
erock Castle, so well known, was next visited, and then the
site of the older Castle in the wood behind, the foundations
of which were exposed a few years ago through the exertions
of the late Mr Maxwell of Breoch. In proceeding through
the wood many beautiful plants were seen and noted.

The Meeting at Barjarg, &c., on Ist July was a most
enjoyable and instructive one, and the party was a little more
numerous.

By the kindness of Mr Hunter Arundell the party had
free access to his splendid collection of valuable books,
missals, medals, &c., and were highly gratified thereby. They
also carefully inspected the Old Tower of Barjarg, forming

Address of the Secretary. 13

part of the Mansion House, and some large trees growing in
the Policies. The Barjarg Lime Works, in the immediate
vicinity, which are wrought as a mine, with a horizontal
entrance, were also inspected. As indicating how plentful and
familiar roe-deer are now in the County, it may be noted
that some were seen close to Barjarg House lying within a
few yards of the avenue and not stirring as the carriage
drove past.

Proceeding from Barjarg the party passed on to the
Glenmidge Valley, in which Lag Tower is situated, and which
they visited. It is now little better than a heap of stones,
and interesting only for its name. A Barn Owl was scared
from its roosting place in the ruin by the party’s visit. Ina
field near by among a heap of stones, wild Fennel was found
in abundance. The party proceeded down the valley to
Auldgirth, and thence home.

The valley (Glenmidge), apart from the fact of “ Lag
Tower” being in it, is specially interesting, owing to the
tradition that at one period the valley of the Cairn, above
Dunscore, was a great lake, the overflow from which passed
through Glenmidge and so down into the Nith below Auld-
girth. Tradition farther says that by the orders and exertions
of the “Monks of old,” the rocky barrier at Dalgonar Mill
below Dunscore village was cut through, and the lake drained
and much land recovered. Looking at the configuration of
the country, and the valley of Glenmidge, which is a peat
moss in great measure, the truth of the tradition seems not
only possible but probable. In confirmation of this, it may
be noted that in Camden’s Britannia he speaks of “ Glencairn
on the Lake.”

The Castleton meeting was numerously attended, and
the various objects of interest in the neighbourhood, includ-
ing Hermitage Castle, were visited.

The morning of the 26th June was that on which it had
been arranged that a meeting with the Berwickshire Na-

14. Address of the Secretary.

turalist Club should take place at Newcastleton ; and the
morning proving fine, a considerable party started early, and
reached Newcastleton shortly after 10 o'clock, where they
met Sir Walter Elliot, President of the Berwickshire Club,
and various members. Several visitors had also joined.

Upwards of thirty sat down to breakfast, and it was after-
wards arranged that one party was to drive to Hermitage
Castle and afterwards to walk to Riccarton Station, while
those of the Dumfries party would return to Newcastleton,
and depart without remaining to dinner, owing to its being
impossible otherwise to catch trains which would enable them
to reach home that night. This was not foreseen when fixing
the plan of meeting, and sadly interfered with the party.
Another party was to proceed on foot down the Liddell,
under the intelligent guidance of Messrs John Elliot and
Adam Noble of Newcastleton.

The party to Hermitage explored the Castle, and returned
as already mentioned, but we saw no record of what was done,
and would refer to the history by Sir Walter Elliot,
given in his excellent address to the Berwickshire Club, to
which we refer our members.

The pedestrians were first directed to a fine old cross a
little down the road, said to mark the spot where the body of
a former Armstrong of Mangerton who was horribly murdered
by the Lord of Hermitage, was set down on its way to the
Churchyard of Ettleton, higher up the hill.

About 300 or 400 yards up the hill is the Churchyard of
Ettleton, the burial place of the Armstrongs, some of whose
tombstones, with armorial bearings and long inscriptions,
were examined. A portion of the party crossed the Liddell
and inspected the ruined Tower of Mangerton, the stronghold
of the chief of the Armstrongs. All that now remains is the
ruined lower storey, in the west wall of which is a sculptured
stone bearing the Armstrong effigy,—not as stated by Nisbet,
but the common one of an arm and two-handed sword, with
the date 1580. This party afterwards joined that which had

Address of the Secretary. 15

preceded them on the Tweeden Burn, the rocky banks of
which, clothed with natural wood, were much admired. The
lower part of the glen, where it joins the Liddell, presents
some good geological sections of the mountain limestone, in
which the Rynchonella pleurodon, Productus giganteus, and
Terebratula succulus were very abundant; and Fenestella
plebeia, Ceripora rhombifera, Glauconome pluma, a Poly-
pera, and some others covered the surface of the slabs. The
water penetrating through the limestone is impregnated with
calcareous matter in solution, which is deposited extensively
on the twigs, grass, and foliage in the bed of the stream.
Large quantities of this deposit are carried off for ormamental
gardening, several tons having been carted during this year.

No new plants were found. Typha latifolia filled some
small ponds beside the stream ; polypodium phegopteris and
dryopteris were observed, and many mosses were picked by
Mr Jerdan. , Oenanthe crocata, which was growing at several
places, attracted attention, and Noble, one of the guides,
stated that it was eaten by the sheep. Goats eat the plant
with impunity, and the same animal browses freely on
Eorphorbia in eastern countries and in the island of Malta, so
much so as to affect the milk, which is poisonous when drunk
by human beings, though the plant is innocuous to the goat.
Pyrola rotundifolia was found in a glen below the village.

For the Tynron meeting in August only 4 Members left
Dumfries, and on arriving at Thornhill they were met by Dr
Grierson, who showed them his very extensive collection of
rarities, both dead and living, and as the season was very
hot and the grass on the “ Doon” burnt up, he succeeded in
persuading them not to attempt the ascent, but to visit
instead the shady groves of Crichope Glen. It appeared,
however, that some few members in the district had actually
dared the ascent of Tynroon Doon, and inspected what are
supposed to be the remains of an old Fort of some kind on
the top of it.

The last Field Meeting was at Rockhall, &., on 16th
September.

16 Address of the Secretary.

The party (again of six) proceeded to Racks by train,
and thence walked to Rockhall House, near which they in-
spected the remains of a Stone Cairn. Passing to Rockhall-
head they examined the site of what is said to have been an
ancient chapel, but of which there is now no trace. They
discovered what was not previously known to any of their
number, that the farm-steading itself stands on the site of
an ancient camp, of which the fosse or ditch is still very dis-
tinct on one side. Within a short distance overlooking the
valley of the Nith, and commanding a most extensive and
splendid view, is “ Rockhall Moat,” a striking conical mound
of the usual description with a fosse round it, but hid and
disfigured like so many more by being planted with trees.

Leaving the Nithsdale side of the hill, the party proceed-
ing to the east of it towards Lochmaben, passing through a
small but interesting glen known as Thorniewhat Glen. In
this glen about two years ago Mr Robert Minto, Lochmaben,
discovered growing near a small waterfall a very handsome
plant of the Pteris adiantoides, an exotic but nearly hardy
fern, but though anxious search was made no second one
could be found. The puzzling matter is how an exotic fern
came to grow on such an out of the way place. Instances,
however, of a similar nature have occurred elsewhere. The
party then visited a ridge on Thorniewhat farm popularly
‘supposed to form acontinuation of the ancient rampart or
‘dyke known as the “ Deil’s Dyke,” but on examination it
was clear that the ridge in question was natural and not
artificial, and was the result of the action of water or of a
moraine.

TRANSACTIONS.

An

St. NINIAN, THE AposTLE or GALLOWAY. By Jas.
STARKE, F.S.A. Scot.

I had lately an opportunity of being in the town of
Whithorn, where remains exist of an ancient Cathedral and
Priory connected with the name of St, Ninian, the Apostle
of Galloway.

And being there, I proceeded on some two miles or so to
the Isle of Whithorn, where stand the bare and ruined walls
of a chapel called St. Ninian’s Chapel.

These remains are of great interest, and well worthy of
a visit by the Society.

The Chapel at the Isle of Whithorn, it is reported, says
Andrew Symson, who was Episcopal minister of Kirkinnex
in 1684, was the first that wag built for the service of Al-
mighty God in this part of the kingdom—yea, as some say,
in the whole kingdom.

The building is of small size, about 12 paces by 6, and is
composed principally from the blocks of stone in the imme-
diate neighbourhood.

In the town of Whithorn the ruins of the Cathedral are
thickly covered with creeping plants, and the accumulated
mound of debris is so great that entrance into the building
is now by the eastern window of the edifice.

To the east of the Cathedral are traces of vaults whieb
probably belonged to the Priory. In Andrew Symson’s time
several large and capacious vaults were firm and entire,

The earliest account of St. Ninian appears to be that of
the venerable Bede, who died in 735, which was nearly 300

years after Ninian’s death. And his next biographer is
c

18 Transactions.

Ailred, also an English monk, who wrote in the time of
Fergus, Lord of Galloway, which was 400 years after Bede.

These two authorities are the main sources of our know-
ledge of St. Ninian.

The venerable Bede’s account, which is the earliest, is
this—that at a time long anterior to St. Columba, who was
the apostle or great Christian missionary among the Picts of
the north of Scotland, Bishop Ninian, it was believed,
preached the gospel to the Picts inhabiting the southern
parts of the country; after he had Leen instructed in the
faith of Rome and in the mysteries of the Christian faith.
At his episcopal seat, he continues, the famous Church of St.
Martin of Tours was erected of stone, which was an unusual
thing among the Britons, and designated candida casa, or
the White House. And here his body and the bodies of
many saints rest in peace.

The venerable Bede describes Ninian as by birth a Briton.
Ailred adds he was of a family not ignoble, hawd agnobilt
familia, and that his father was a king, and in religion a
Christian.

Ailred and later biographers indulge themselves largely.
And Dr Murray, in his Literary History of Galloway, says
Ninian was descended of royal parentage ; and born, it is
supposed, near Leucophibia (of Ptolemy), the present Whit-
horn, in the year 360.

At this early period of our history the district would be
inhabited by Romanized Britons, that is to say British
tribes living under the sway of the Romans.

These tribes were numerous throughout the island ; and
each of them, like our Highland clans, had its own chief or
king.

In this district of the island the British tribes were the
Selgove of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, and the Novantes
of Wigtownshire.

The common dwelling-house was of thatch and wattle or
feal and divot with wicker work ; and such is known in the

Transactions. 19

Highlands of Scotland as a tigh dubh, or black house, in
contradistinction from the house of stone and lime, or white
house, the tigh geal, or candida casa.

And for some time spires to the churches, as well as
choirs and chancels, were unknown.

Ailred gives a detailed account of Ninian’s personal
character. But this account is probably imaginary, or
largely traditional and legendary.

He determined on going to Rome, the seat, as he believed,
of the successors of the Apostle Peter.

And to Rome he went.

This was a great undertaking in those days ; and may
fairly be held as indicating the possession of good pecuniary
resources, as well as a knowledge of the Christian religion,
which had indeed already penetrated among the Cumbrian
Britons.

Ninian remained at Rome many days, and, like the busy
bee in a clover field, frequented all the meetings of the
learned during his stay.

And then he went to see Martin of Tours, who is called
his uncle.

This visit to St. Martin of Tours forms an era in the life
of Ninian. And by it we are enabled, in a measure, to de-
termine the time chronologically. For St. Martin of Tours
died in the year 397.

Ninian would thus be at this time from 30 to 35 years of
age.

- Martin himself had also visited Rome. He went out on
foot, and had not proceeded far when he met the Evil One,
who, in the course of a conversation together, upbraided
Martin, taunting him with making such a journey on foot.

Martin’s indignation was roused, and he seized him by
the neck, whereupon the Devil at once succumbed, and be-
came an animal of the asinine order. So, mounting on him,
he jogged on pleasantly the rest of his way, making on his
back the sign of the cross when he would have applied a
spur, if he had had one, to increase his speed.

20 Transactions.

When they arrived at the Holy City, the Devil said—

Signa, te signa temere me tangis et angis,
Roma tibi subito notibus ibit amor.

The visit of Ninian to St. Martin appears to have made
a wonderful impression on Ninian, and, in point of fact, de-
termined his character and subsequent life. St. Martin was
his patron and exemplar. And being thoroughly indoctrin-
ated in Martin’s views, he, on his return to Galloway, set
about erecting a cathedral and monastery at Whithorn, which
was the capital or chief town of the Novantes.

A priory of Premonstratensen monks was afterwards
founded at Whithorn by Fergus, Lord of Galloway, in the
time of King David I. And the buildings which that Prince
erected may constitute the ruins we now see at the place.
But, from an anecdote which Ailred tells, and which he terms
a miracle among the leeks, it is plain there existed in
Ninian’s time a fraternity of monks who were, no doubt,
selected by Ninian himself when away abroad, and accom-
panied him in his journey home to Scotland. It was through
their assistance also the first cathedral was erected.

It happened one day, says Ailred, that the blessed Ninian
went in to the refectory to take a meal with the brethren,
and not finding any vegetables on the table, he called the
friar who had charge of the garden to know the reason why.
Truly, father, said the gardener, whatever of leeks or such
like remained I put m the ground to-day, and the garden has
not as yet anything fit to eat. Go, said Ninian, and what-
ever you find take up with your hand, and bring it to me.
The gardener went, and, wonderful to relate, says Ailred,—.
credible only to those who believe that to faith nothing is
impossible,—he saw leeks and other kinds of vegetables
crowing and running to seed !

This is narrated by Ailred as a miracle, like many other
things of Ninian, in his biography.

But the story is perhaps susceptible of an easy explana-

tion. What Father Ninian said was perhaps to the follow-

:

Transactions. 21

ing effect :—You were too hasty, John, in saying there were
no vegetables to be had. Examine again and you may find
some you had overlooked. And the gardener goes according-
ly and finds them. As to their running to seed, this only
shows the friar an inattentive gardener.

Many noblemen and others, says Ailred, sent their sons to
Ninian to be instructed in the holy scriptures and to be
educated. And on one occasion when Ninian was preparing
to castigate a youth the boy made off and endeavoured to
get into one of the wicker boats of the time, when the boat,
upset and the boy was precipitated into the water. This was
looked upon as an interposition of Providence, and the boy,
pale and dripping, returned to his master.

This anecdote has probably reference to an early period
of Ninian’s career, when he was still at the Isle of Whithorn,
where the sea is close at hand.

Ailred has some other anecdotes of Ninian.

Tudvallas, a chieftain of one of the British tribes, being
taken with severe headache and blindness, sent for Ninian.
The holy man came at his request, and, after prayer to God,
he touched his head, making the sign of the cross, he was
cured, and derived a new life both in body and soul.

On one occasion when visiting the huts of the people and
looking at their flocks and herds, it occurred to him to be-
stow upon them his episcopal benediction. So, collecting all
together in one place, he commended them to the divine care.
He then blessed the house of every honest woman, and com-
mended them for the night to God. And moved with
pity for the men, with many prayers and tears he besought
God for them, saying, You joke and jest and speak trifling
things ; think of the soul and of a future state.

To St. Ninian, whose religious teachings and instructions
were from Rome, the Roman usages were the rule and
standard of christianity, and whatever differed from them was
wrong or heretical.

22 Transactions.

In this way the celtic usages and the forms and practices
sanctioned by St. Columba would have been obnoxious.
But St. Ninian did not probably live to witness them.

Like other monastic worthies Ninian had his cave. And
in the lands of Physgill, under a cliff by the sea side, An-
drew Symson says here is a cave called St. Nenian’s Cave,
to which he was in use to retire for his more secret and
private devotions.

The time at last approached that Ninian must die, and
he passed happily out of this world, and, accompanied by
angelic spirits, says Ailred, he ascended to Heaven, there
to enjoy everlasting rewards.

His body was buried in his Cathedral at Whithorn, being
placed in a stone sarcophagus, near the altar, in presence of
both clergy and people.

And here the virtue which shone in him when alive was
manifest also in his remains. The faith of believers was
strengthened, the profane were terrified, and many diseased
both in body and soul obtained cure and health.

Pilgrims from all parts of Scotland, from Ireland, and
from the north of England repaired tothe spot to pay their
devotions and to be cured of their diseases. And the many
cairns in the adjoining parishes in the line of journey testify
to the sad casualties which overtook the invalid pilgrims on
their way.

Such pilgrimages continued apparently up to the Refor-.
mation. King James IV. went many times. And on the
22d of June, 1506, a safe conduct was granted to Sir Wm.
Tyrwhit and 16 Englishmen with him to come in pilgrimage
to St. Ninian’s.

Ailred speaks of the cures effected centuries previous.
But, in his anxiety to exalt his “blessed Ninian,” he narrates
a circumstance which must be regarded as a pious fraud.

What Ailred says is to this effect—

The invalid suppliant, being brought into the church,

Transactions. 23

prostrates himself before the holy relics until the hour of
vespers, when he is thrown upon the tomb of the blessed
Ninian, saying, O holy Ninian, look upon this diseased frame,
it is pitiable to see, but see it in thy compassion. We are
wearied, we are sad, and can do nomore. Here he lies, he
lives or dies, he perishes or is cured, when lo! in the silence
of the night an object appears in heavenly light, clothed in
episcopal vestments. He approaches and touches the miser-
able suppliant, he bids him arise cured and to depart, giving
glory to God his saviour.

If in such circumstances a cure was effected, and the
influence of the mind on the body is wonderful, the cure
must be due not to the relics. Ailred, however, does not
advert to this, but concludes his narrative by supposing that
the invalid devotes his restored health, and, becoming a ‘shorn
monk, dies in the community.

The diocese of Ninian is stated to have been the province
of Valentia, which contained several British tribes.

But Ninian’s fame spread throughout all Scotland. And
churches and places were named after him or dedicated to
him. And in the old church of St. Congan, at Turriff, in
Aberdeenshire, a painting im fresco was discovered, repre-
senting an episcopal figure, full length, entitled in Gothic
characters, S. Nrnranus. Here the Bishop appears in epis-
copal vestments with a mitre and pastoral staff, while his
right hand is raised as in the act of Papen a bene-
diction. *

In the Calendar of Scottish Saints the festival of St.
Ninian is 16th September ; and the date assigned to him is
A.D. 437. This date would make his age at his death up-
wards of 75.

At this time the Romans were still in possession of the
country, they not having retired from Britain till446. After
their departure the Picts and Scots combined to harass the
Britons, and it is not unlikely that it was in these circum-

* See Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 6, p. 427.

24 Transactions.

stances the Britons erected the Devil’s Dyke for their pro-
tection, sending up at the same time to the Romans the
unavailing groans of the Britons.

Palludius was sent by Pope Celestine as apostle to the
Scots of Ireland, and several years afterwards St. Columba
came from Ireland and settled at Iona, in the Western
Hebrides, and Kentigern or Saint Mungo, which last from
Wales, in the 6th century re-founded the church of the
Strathclyde Britons—the people of this district having, it
would seem, relapsed after the death of Ninian—the Cathe-
dral of Glasgow becoming its chief seat. The chief seats of
the Columban Church being the monasteries of Iona and
Lindisferne.

And after all these came St. Augustine, sent by Pope
Gregory the Great, who became the great apostle of the Eng-
lish. This was not less perhaps than a century and a half
after the death of Ninian, the apostle of Galloway.

On THE MEANING OF THE NAMES OF PLACES IN THE
NEIGHBOURHOOD WHICH ARE OF CELTIC ORIGIN. By
M. Moriarty.

I have been requested by some of our friends to explain
the meaning of the names of places in the neighbourhood
which are of Celtic origin, and I proceed to do so now with
great pleasure ; but I may observe at the outset, that the
present spelling is not always a sure guide to the meaning
of the words, although as a general rule it does very well to
preserve the sound, and thereby lead to the sense and mean-
ing of them; and when we consider the disuse of the language
in the district for centuries back, I think we may be thankful
that the spelling has helped to preserve the sound and sense
of the words so well as it does.

Let us take Traqueer for example. We know by the
sound, &c., that Traqueer is Celtic, but among other queer
things we find the letter q in the spelling, and we know that
there is no letter g in the Gaelic language; the letter q was

Transactions. 25

therefore introduced by some one who did as well as he could
to preserve the sound of the word as he heard it, and it is a
remarkable fact that no other letter could have preserved it
so well to an English speaking people, who, I suppose, did
not understand the proper sounds of the Celtic or Gaelic
letters. Traqueer, then, as far as its sound implies, and hav-
ing regard to its situation, means a burying place on the
coast, on the shore, or on the bank of a river,—I say “ having
regard to its situation”’—because T'raqueer consists of two
words, each one of which has several different meanings, and
if we were not thoroughly acquainted with the local situation
or geographical position of Traqueer, we would be very apt
to give it any one of the various other meanings which it
admits of, and this shows that with regard to the names of
places, &e., it would be necessary for the person who
explains those names to see those places, because the same
word may mean, and often does mean, different things, and
in order to make sure of the right thing he should see the
places, as already mentioned.

Loch A bar is easily explained. We know that loch means
lake, and Abar means a marsh, or a boggy piece of land, and
this answers exactly to our Loch Abar, but Abbar means also
the mouth of a river, and we know from local knowledge that
our Loch Abar is not at the mouth of a river, it is therefore
on a marsh or boggy piece of land ; but, Glen Cu, near St.
Mary’s Loch, is not so easily distinguished, for Cu is a grey-
hound, but Cu is also a warrior, hero ; and whether the glen
got its name from the hound or from the hero, we cannot
determine just now.

I find by the map that there are numerous places named
after wild and domestic animals.

As :—Garrioch, a hare.

, Polmuck, the hog’s hole.
Polgown, the calf’s hole.
Drumshinnoch, the fox’s hill, or ridge.
Benbrack, the badger’s hill.

26 Transactions.

Glencapel, the horse’s glen.
Glenmuckloch, the glen of the herd of swine.

Some places were named from different appearances of
shade or color, as if by way of contrast with each other.

As :—Glenbuie, yellow glen.
Glendorch, dark glen.
Glenglas, green glen.
Glenleith, gray glen.

Places named from certain peculiarities of shape, or form,

or position, &e.

As :—Glendyne, the deep glen.
Polmeur, the large hole.
Duneen (hill), little hill.*
Carnine, little heap.’
Knockangalie, the hag’s hill.

; a nook, or corner, or ang r
pelwden! : orner, gle, at a pool, o
gulf, or deep water.

Dalry means the King’s district, or division, or territory.
We have a great many of those Dal’s, such as Dalswinton,
Dalmellington, &c., and dal properly signifies posterity, or
descent by blood, but in an enlarged and figurative sense it
signifies a district, 7.¢., the division or part allotted to such
posterity, and thus General Vallancey and other antiquarian
scholars define it ; but it means also an assembly, a plain, a
field, &c., but all these other meanings are coincident with
the general meaning, as they all imply ownership, or clan-
ship of some sort or other.

Carn Sallach is a complete misnomer, it means a heap of
dirt or a dirty heap, but it is not that, and never was ; how-
ever we have frequently heard it called Garan Salach by the
country people, and that is its proper name. It is derived
from garan, a thicket or underwood ; or from garran, a grove
or wood ; and from saileach (pronounced Salach), common
willow, mountain osier, salix caprea.

* It is not the Aill that is little, but the Dun or fort that is placed on it—
“een” is a mark of diminution.

Transactions. oF

The river Nith which runs by our doors may not be
omitted, the word Nith means noble. I happened to say so
one day to a gentleman (a member of this Society) whom I
met on the banks of the river, the tide was in, and the river
looked beautiful. “This,” said I, “isa fine river, it well de-
serves its name just now, for With means nol:le.” “QO! no,”
said he, “it was called the Nid formerly, Chalmers says that
it got the name of nid from a Scandinavian word which
means crooked, and that, in fact, there are several rivers in
Denmark that are called Néd, and they are all crooked, and
this river is crooked, and the name is suitable.”

This, of course, would be overwhelming only for the trif-
ling fact that there is no river in the whole world that is not
crooked, and another trifling fact is this, that this language,
whether it be Nid or Nith, is, or was, my mother tongue, and
that Chalmers knew nothing at all about it—he, like many
other eminent men, had to depend in such cases upon what
had been told him by literate or illiterate natives, and we
shall see presently, as in the case of our own Lochmaben,
(and other places which I could name,) how much “ natives”
are to be depended on in these matters.

Nith, then, means noble, it isa noble river now, as com-
pared with other rivers in the neighbourhood, and no doubt
it was a far nobler river then, when it was not confined to its
present channel by artificial means as it is now, but, the
term “ crooked” would not be applied to it, nor to any other
river whatever, by those ancient people, for the term “ crook-
ed” could be predicated of any river, and of every river, and
those people took care always to have both sense and mean-
ing in the names which they gave to things,—at all events,
Nith means noble, and Nid is merely the genitive of Neid,
a nest.

Lochmaben may be taken as another instance of those
curious guesses with which we are favoured some times in
the endeavour to explain the original meaning of the names
of places, &e.

You are aware that an excellent history of Lochmaben

28 Trransactions.

has been written by a gentleman who had the advantage of
combining a thorough knowledge of the locality with those
scholarly abilities which enabled him to produce a useful and
edifying local history, and when we visited Lochmaben some
two or three years ago, we had the good fortune of being con-
ducted by the gentleman to whom I allude, and to whose
intelligence and kindness we are greatly indebted for the
very pleasant, and, I hope, profitable day which we spent
among the old historic objects of that fine old country—I
mean the Rev. Wm. Graham. I asked him about the deriv-
ation of “ Lochmaben,” and he told me at once that when he
was writing his history, and not knowing the Gaelic language,
he went off to Edinburgh, to consult with a gentleman who
was reputed to be the best Gaelic scholar in Edinburgh,
and that gentleman told him that ban was white.

Now, in the first place, bam is not white, but ban is a
woman, and ban, (pronounced bawn,) is white ; for instance,
if you say ban, ban, it means woman, woman ; but if you say
ban, ban, it means white woman, &c., &c. ; but, even, if ban
was white, what has that to do with Lochmaben? Well, it
seems it has this to do with it, viz., that a white mist or fog
hangs over the Loch sometimes, and hence the conclusion
that Lochmaben means a Loch with a white mist or fog
hanging over it !

Of course, after that, it is hardly worth while asking what
becomes of the word ma in the centre of “ Loch-ma-ben ?”
There is not in the whole language perhaps a word more
expressive or more full of meaning than that little word ma,
and yet, here it is lost in the white fog of Lochmaben. So
that we need not go to Scandinavia for “derivations” when
we can get them so near home.

I find that there are several places dedicated by those
original inhabitants to their gods and goddesses, and to their
warriors, and that there were a great many places consecrat-
ed to their religious ceremonies, and sacrificial rites, and so
on, but, for me to enter into an explanation of these things

Transactions. 29

now, would be to draw me into historical matters which I
think it unnecessary to trouble you with, although the sub-
ject is very tempting, for, in fact, the whole of this interest-
ing district is one vast repository or storehouse of those pre-
cious monuments of antiquity, which are like so many price-
less jewels to the true Antiquarian, while they are of inestim-
able value to the student of ancient history.

The meaning of the term “ Lochmaben” is this :—A Loch
or Lake of clean pure good water at the foot of a ridge or at
the base of a hill.

Those people always named things by contrast or com-
parison with other things of a cognate kind, or by some
striking peculiarity in the shape or form, such as “ coomb
craig” (crooked rock), to distinguish it by its “ crooked” shape
from all other rocks or craigs in the same locality.

I have now explained, as faithfully as I can, several of the
terms or names of places and things in the neighbourhood,
and I hope I have not detained you too long.

Notice or Tae ScorrisH Service Book or 1637. By
JAS. STARKE, F.S.A. Scot.

At a late meeting of the Society, some old books of value
were kindly exhibited by the Rev. Thos. Underwood, Minis-
ter of Irongray, and the Rev. Mr Weir of Greyfriars.

The business of the evening prevented their being exam-
ined on that occasion ; but I took them with me, and I find
that among them are two books of Common Prayer of great
interest—one for the Church of England 1549, and the other
for the use of the Church of Scotland 1637.

This last is what was termed Laud’s Liturgy, and is of
especial interest.

The title of the volume is “ The Booke of Common Prayer
and Administration of the Sacraments and other parts of
Divine Service for the use of the Church of Scotland.”

30 Transactions.

It bears to be imprinted at Edinburgh by the King’s
printer of date MDcxxxvul. This is the date on the first
title page. But the Royal Proclamation by King Charles I.
for the general use of the Prayer Book throughout Scotland is
dated 20 Dec., 1636, and the “ Psalter” which is by the
King’s printer at Edinburgh, and the “ Psalmes of King
David” which is printed at London by Thomas Harper, are
of the same year, 1636.

It thus appears probable that the work was sometime in
preparation ; and the same fact is also apparent from the
Royal Proclamation, in which the King states that he had
“divers times recommended to the archbishops and bishops
here the publishing of a publicke forme of service in the wor-
ship of God, and the same was now condescended upon.”

King James 6 had already set up Episcopacy, thinking the
Monarchy could not stand without Episcopacy. His son King
Charles went farther and considered Episcopacy an essential
in church government.

And, now, in order to put the church in proper harness,
he became fanatic for a Liturgy.

At an early period of his reign the subject of a Liturgy
for Scotland was agitated ; and the adoption of the English
Prayer Book, which appears to have been in use here, natur-
ally suggested itself. But the Scottish prelates were averse
to this.

Conceiving that the use of the English Prayer Book
would operate as an acknowledgment of some superiority on
the part of the hierarchy. And also, it may be, desiring an
opportunity to express views respecting the presence of the
Saviour at the Communion which are commonly regarded as
relishing of popery.

So, out at last came the famous Service Book in the
great Church of St. Giles at Edinburgh, on Sunday, 23d
July, 1637.

How long the people of Scotland had been without a
Liturgy in public worship seems very uncertain. Knox’s

Transactions. 31

Liturgy has been referred to. But from the preface to the
Service Book, and also from the preface to the Scottish
Directory for public worship, we are led to believe that the
only Prayer Book in use in Scotland was the English Prayer
Book. In the preface to the Service Book it is said—

“Our first Reformers were of the same mind with us, as
appeareth by the ordinance they made that in all the par-
ishes of this realme, the Common Prayer should be read
weekly, on Sundaies and other festivall dayes, with the Les-
sons of the Old and New Testament, conforme to the order
of the Book of Common Prayer (meaning that of England ;
for it is known that divers yeares after we had no other order
for common prayer.)”

The same view is presented, but in a verbose and accum-
ulative manner, in the preface to the Scotch Directory for
public worship.

“ Howbeit, long and sad experience hath made it mani-
fest, that the Liturgy used in the Church of England (not-
withstanding all the pains and religious intentions of the
compilers of it) hath proved an offence, not only to many of
the godly at home, but also to the reformed churches
abroad,” and so forth.

“Upon these, and many the like weighty considerations in
reference to the whole book in general, and because of divers
particulars contained in it, not from any love to novelty or
intention to disparage our first Reformers,” and so forth.
“We have, after earnest and frequent calling upon the name
of God,” and so forth, “resolved to lay aside the former
Liturgy with the many rites and ceremonies formerly used in
the worship of God, and have agreed upon the following
Directory for all the parts of publick worship at ordinary and
extraordinary times.”

But, perhaps, Free prayer had latterly come into use.

So, when this, which was termed Laud’s Liturgy, came to
be read it was at once identified with Romanism—various
reports of its tendency that way being circulated—and the
cry raised was, Will ye say mass in my lug ?

32 Transactions.

Confusion and disorder ensued, and when after the lapse
of some months it became evident that the King was obdur-
ate and persistent, a National Covenant was adopted with
great popular enthusiasm, binding all that signed it to spare
nothing to save their religion. Obduracy induced obduracy,
till at length after a weary struggle of 50 years duration, in
which the Covenanters suffered most grievously in privations,
imprisonment, and death, their principles were at last ac-
knowledged in the Revolution Settlement of 1688—when
the royal supremacy was withdrawn, and this being so,
Christ’s Kingly Crown and Government, for which the Cove-
nanters contended, were in a manner set up.

And the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is
convened and dissolved in the name of Jesus Christ, the
King and Head of the Church.

This is done by the Moderator, who is appointed by the
Assembly itself, and after him the Lord High Commissioner,
representative of the Sovereign, does the like in the name of
the Sovereign, both in this way harmoniously agreeing
together as to the time of meeting, and thus also discriminat-
ing the Church of Scotland in its relation to the Civil Mag-
istrate, from the Anglican Church and from the Free Church
of Scotland and the Church of Rome.

The genius of Presbytery was too severe and stern to ask
the aid of martial music to lead her companies, and her
occupations were too urgent to dally with musical ditties.
Her mind was that of the prophet Nehemiah to Sanballd
and the rest of them—J am doing a great work, so that I
cannot come down.

Yet there is a legendary piece, under the name of
General Leslie's March to Marston Moor, which, whether
genuine or not, describes well the feelings of the covenanting
armies at that period.

With respect to the merits of the Service Book, any
minute examination of it would be out of place here, as
savouring more of the theologian than the antiquary. Buta
few general remarks may be allowed.

Transactions. v3

Chambers, in his Domestic Annals of Scotland, describes
it as “ prepared by Laud on the basis of that commonly used
in England, but with a few innovations relishing of popery
and Arminianism.”

The popish tendency here referred to will be at once per-

ceived in the passages introduced into the consecration
prayer at the communion.

There is also a general exaltation of the clergy, as in the
ptayer for clergy and people which is entitled a “ Prayer for
the holy clergie.”

On the other hand, the Scottish people had, no doubt, to
be conciliated. So the priest is writ large, and becomes
“ Presbyter,” and it is the “ Presbyter” who reads the com-
mandments and pronounces the Absolution.

And the altar always appears simply as the Holy Table
and such like; though it be covered with a carpet, and
fair white linen cloth, with other decent furniture, “fit for
the high mysteries there to be celebrated.”

The Book is of great interest and value in a theological
as well as historical and antiquarian point of view.

It is in black letter, beautifully printed, and generally it
is in good order. But the binding is sadly gone by neglect,
and the volume is eminently worthy of being put in good
condition and preserved with care: such as to shew how
worthy they are of the gift bestowed.

Before concluding, I would here offer on behalf of the
Society our acknowledgments and thanks to Mr Underwood
and other members of Presbytery for their so kindly giving
us this opportunity of handling and examining this interest-
ing volume.

34 Transactions.

HISTORY OF A CRICHTON BouLpDeEr. By J. Gitcurist, M.D.,
Medical Superintendent, Crichton Royal Institution.

The brief notes of this paper refer to a Jarge stone which
is now lying to the N.E. of the female airing court, Southern
Counties Asylum, and which is denominated in geological
language a Boulder. A Boulder is a fragment of rock,
smaller or larger, as the case may be, from the size of the
head to that of a house. It exhibits at least two, not unfre-
quently three characteristics :

1. It is rounded.
2. It is polished.
8. It is often striated.

These characteristics serve to distinguish a Boulder from
other varieties of rock.

The first characteristic indicates that since the fragment
was detached from its parent mass it had been subjected to
the action of some influence which had modified its appear-
ance, rubbed off its angles and rounded its form. Its polished
condition indicates a greatly prolonged action either of the
same or some other power. The third—the strize—indicate
the action of a peculiar agent very different from that which
produced the first or second characteristics. The agent en-
gaged in the production of these results is obviously enough
Water—as the waves of the sea, the currents of a river, &c.—
either in its ordinary form as water or in its extraordinary
form as ice.

The striz on a true boulder are always in straight lines,
indicating necessarily the action of a solid body in a given
direction. Such action, therefore, obviously can never be
attributed to water or to water and ice, for the action of
these agents, single or combined, is to obliterate, not to pro-
duce such lines. In short, the only agents in nature known
to be capable of producing such results are

A Glacier or an Iceberg.

Transactions. 35

The former, as every traveller or even reader knows, is a
river of ice solid yet plastic—constantly in motion grinding
down and polishing the rocks in its banks and channel, and
in certain circumstances producing the strize referred to.
The Iceberg is adequate to the production of the same
results with its million horse power grinding and grooving the
rocks at the bottom of the ocean. In possession of this pre-.
liminary information, let us now examine the “Crichton
Boulder” and hear what it has to say for itself.

This Boulder was recently disinterred from its resting
place of boulder-clay near to the 8. C. Asylum. It lay about
six feet below the original surface and had probably not been
disturbed since its interment, a very long time ago. Itisa
mass of rock, which may be described as a rounded cuboid in
form with a diameter of about three feet. If we examine it
we find that it is rounded in its outline, its argles and corners
having been rubbed away, and so it has the first characteristic
of a Boulder.

If we examine it yet more closely we find that it is not
only rounded but smoothed, planed, polished over its entire
surface, and so it possesses the second characteristic of a
Boulder.

In like manner we shall find that, especially on one of
its surfaces, it presents a parallel series of narrow shallow
grooves or striz, as they are technically termed, and so it
presents the third characteristic of a Boulder.

If we use our eyes aright, however, we shall, I apprehend,
detect other important and significant indications. One of
the indications referred to is presented by a hollow or de-
pression on the surface of one of its sides. When we nar-
rowly examine this depression we find it polished equally with
the more prominent parts of the surface. This leads us to
an important warrantable inference. A joiner’s plane, for
example, does not reach a depression in the surface it is
applied to—other means have to be used—so in nature, for

the law is equally applicable to a mountain as to a mole.
This might be accomplished by sand, for example, with the

36 Transactions.

aid of water ; but it is more likely to be the result of glacier
action.

The glacier is not only a solid but a plastic body, and
when, in its slow but continuous and resistless motion, it
passes over an opposing obstacle it not only wears away its
prominent parts but applies itself equally to the depressions
which it presents. Again if we consider the relation which
subsists between the striz referred to and the polished sur-
face in which they occur we are furnished with another
important item of information, viz, that the former were
produced subsequently to the latter. If the strize had been
produced before the polishing action began, or even during
its progress, it is manifest that during that process they would
have been obliterated. It is noteworthy that the striz are
confined to one side, just what might have been anticipated
if produced by an iceberg. To allow of its submitting stead-
ily to the application of so great a force as is implied in the
formation of these strize it must obviously have been firmly
imbedded in the underlying substratum. It is at least wn-
likely that it should have been subsequently raised from its
bed and submitted to a second similar process. Indeed it is
obvious that these strize were inflicted by the tooth of old
Father Time in the last stage of the Boulder’s existence, just
before it was interred in the grave, whence we have so recently
dug it. We have not yet, however, exhausted the sources of
our information. We have as yet only examined the exter-
nal features of our friend’s character.

Let us see if we may not learn something of the inner
life. On examining the internal structure of the rock we
ascertain without much difficulty that it is silwrian in char-
acter. This, however, supplies us at once with an important
item of knowledge, for we know that the nearest silurian—
rock is to be found in the Tinwald Hills on the one hand,
or in the Galloway hills on the other, and the enquiry is
immediately forced upon us—How came it here? If we
examine its contemporaries perhaps we shall be able to elicit
some items of knowledge. These we find to consist of silt,

Transactions. 37

sand, shingle, and similar materials. These we know to be
the products of water in some or all of its modifications
referred to at the outset of the paper. As a boulder, equally
with a man, may be known by the company it keeps, we can
have no difficulty in deciding that its condition and position
are due to the same causes, viz., the action of water. We
have now completed what may be called the introduction,
and are prepared to enter upon the consideration of the sub-
ject itself, viz, the History of a Crichton Boulder.

This, however, would require a minute and searching
enquiry into the birth, life, death, and burial of the subject
of our enquiry—its history in short from the moment at which
it was detached from its parent rock, in the distant moun-
tains, till it was deposited far from its original home in its
present resting place. I need hardly say that neither your
time nor mine allows of this ; at present at least.

Let me in a few words indicate what I believe to be its
real history, hoping to be able on some other occasion to
bring it before you at greater length. This boulder was, dur-
ing the glacier epoch, when this part of the country was in
the same condition as Greenland now is, detached from its
parent rock far up in the mountains to the north by the ac-
tion of frost ; thence it was precipitated to the glacier below,
which slowly carried it to the distant ocean, then some hun-
dreds of feet higher than it now is. There for ages it was
subjected to the action of the waves, which rounded and
polished it. Thus fitted for the building of the Great Archi-
tect—for he has a purpose in everything—it was firmly im-
bedded in the shore ice during winter. Then released from
its bonds by the summer sun, it was carried off from the shore
and deposited in its present position on the side of the
valley then submerged. Subsequently an iceberg, detached
from the ever-moving ice-river, swept along in its southern
course, and, with a mass of harder rock fixed in its body,
ground its surface as it passed over it, leaving those striz to
tell future ages of its previous conditions. It has now fulfilled
its destiny, and kind nature covers it up in a grave of mud

88 Transactions.

and sand, whence we have just disinterred it, and glanced
curiously at its strange features, and given only a few pass-
ing hints at its stranger history.

A PracticaL HINT.

To obtain an adequate knowledge of that interesting and
remote though still obscure epoch of our earth’s history—the
glacier epoch—it is not necessary to visit Greenland or Ice-
land or even the Alpine glaciers. If a man has his eyes in
his head—the characteristic of a wise man according to Solo-
mon—he may see proofs of glacier action on the sides and
bottom of almost every valley in Scotland, and if these
should fail to convince him of the positive existence of such
ancient agents, he has only to visit the “Crichton Boulder.”

MINERALS LATELY FOUND IN DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLO-
WAY, NOT HITHERTO NOTICED AS OCCURRING IN THE
LOCALITIES.

DUMFRIESSHIRE.
At the junction of the Esk and Liddle, in Red Sand Stone.
Fibrous Gypsum—
Glendinning, Eskdalemuir, at an Antimony Mine
recently re-opened — Cervantite, Valentinite,
(psedumorph) Cervantite after Valentinite.

STEWARTRY OF KIRKCUDBRIGHT.
Creetown—Granite Quarry—Epidote.
Pibble Mine—Malachite, green and blue, Towa-
nite, Pitchy Copper Ore, Chrysocolla, Galena,
Anglesite, Cerussite, Pyromorphite, Wulfenite,
Blende, Smithsonite, blue.

Oreetown—Cassencary—Kupfer Nickel, Nickel ochre, E'm-
erald Nickel (2) Cobalt bloom, Native Arsenic,
Galena, Towanite, Blende.

Transactions. 39

Gatehouse—Lackentyre Mine—Malachite, Towanite, Pitchy
Copper Ore, Chrysocolla, Galena, Avnglesite,
Cerussite,Pyromorphite, Wulfenite, Vanadinite,
(2) Blende.

Auehencairn—Baleary Mine—Sulphate of Barytes, Towa-
nite, Malachite, fibrous, Tetrahedrite.

Note oF RARE BIRDS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN DUMFRIES-
SHIRE AND GALLOWAY DURING THE PAST YEAR.

Two specimens of Capercailzie were shot, the one at
Auchencairn, the other near Newton-Stewart—they were
both females and most probably had strayed from Ayrshire.

Hoopoe (wpupa epops). A specimen was shot near
Hitae, in the parish of Lochmaben ; another specimen was
shot by Mr M‘Quae, gamekeeper at Munches, near that place.

Turtle Dove (Turtur auritus) was shot at Lochrutton
gate, Dumfriesshire, in June 1870. This bird comes very
rarely into Scotland. A specimen was shot in the garden at
Jardine-hall in 1814 or 1815, and it has occurred as far north
as Aberdeenshire.

The black or white spotted Woodpecker (picus) has been
shot several times, both at Munches Kirkcudbrightshire,
and at Kinmeunt Dumfriesshire, within the last two years.

Notes oN BIRDS AND THEIR HABITS, AS OBSERVED AT
ASHBANK, MAXWELLTOWN. By T. CoRRIE.

As was said by Mr Aird in the introduction to his pleas-
ant paper recorded in our Transactions published in 1866,
“T am not a naturalist in the usual sense of the term,” but,
like him, I take a warm interest in the living things by

40 Transactions.

which we are surrounded, and in the hope that they may
not only be interesting but useful to the Society, I have
strung together a few facts relating to “Birds and their
Habits,” the result of my observation, within the narrow
limits of my own garden, and the immediate neighbourhood.
The garden, though only about half an acre in extent, is
fairly provided with trees, shrubs, hedgerows, and banks,
is surrounded by grounds with equally favourable accom-
modation for our feathered friends, and has the Nith
close upon its Eastern boundary. Besides these attractions,
I possess what is I believe the greatest of all to the birds in
the shape of a small fountain, in whose waters many of them
bathe themselves almost daily throughout the year.

These circumstances may account for the considerable
variety of birds (upwards of 40) in the subjoined list, in which
I have followed the classification of Bewick, all of which I
have observed at Ashbank or close by :—

1. Sparrowhawk. 22. Spotted Fly Catcher.
2. Kestrel. 23. Redbreast.
3. Merlin. 24, Hedge Sparrow.
4, Rook. 25. Whitethroat.
5. Jackdaw. 26. Willow Wren.
6. Starling. 27. Least Do.
7. Blackbird. 28. Common Wren.
8. Missel Thrush. 29/32. Greater, Blue, Cole,
9. Song Thrush. and Longtailed Tits.
10. Cuckoo. 33/36. Common Swallow, Sand
11. Tree Creeper. Martin, Martin and
12. Greenfinch. Swift.
13. Common Bunting. 37. Partridge.
14. Yellow Bunting or ‘ Yoit.’| 38. Water Ouzel.
15. House Sparrow. 39. Heron.
16. Chaffinch. 40. Common Sandpiper.
17. Redpole or Red Linnet. |41. Water Hen.
18. Skylark. 42/44. Common Gull, Black-
19. Tree Lark. headed Gull, and Les-
20. Pied Wagtail. ser Blackbacked Gull.

21.Grey Do.

Transactions. +1

Of these birds, Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, have all, once or oftener, had
nests within the boundaries of my garden, while Nos. 20 and
21 breed in the immediate neighbourhood. Many of them
are but chance visitors, giving little opportunity for observa-
tion, and I shall, therefore, in the following remarks, as the
title of my paper bears, confine myself to recording what I
have actually seen.

The Kestrel is a frequent visitor, evidently for the pur-
pose of preying on the Common Sparrows, which congregate
on a large thorn near the front of the house. On one occa-
sion a fine female bird, when “trying it on” for a sparrow,
missed her mark, and dashed against the plate glass of the
window, which, being luckily the stronger of the two, stunned
the intruder, who was lifted in the hand, carried into the
house, and on recovery was restored to liberty. This did not
appear to have frightened the hawk, for not long after I saw
what I believed to be the same bird strike a sparrow, and
coolly sit down upon the grass at the foot of the thorn to tear
it in pieces. The only visit of the Sparrow Hawk I know
of occurred exactly a fortnight ago, when a fine male bird
“came to grief” against the windows, precisely as the kestrel
did, recovered, and was also liberated. When about to set

‘him free, and while holding him firm with one hand, I could
not help admiring his bold and defiant bearing even when a
captive, and the cleverness with which he struck with his
talons at my other hand whenever I put it near enough for
him to hit me. The Merlin I can scarcely say I have ob-
served. I have only seen it—my attention being drawn to
it when high in air, pursued by some small birds, where it
appeared like an extra large Swift ; and on one or two other
occasions, when flying low, he passed me like a thought.

The Jackdaw I have noticed, when building his nest in
spring, is knowing enough to prey upon the brittle branches
of the ash, and he seems to exercise a considerable nicety in
his choice of sticks, for I have often seen him break off and

F

42 Transactions.

drop several before getting one to his mind. The result of
this is that at times the green beneath two large and rather
old ash trees in my garden is strewn with sticks. I notice
that the most of my branches are carried to the chimneys of
the building where we are at present sitting.

The Starling breeds freely in boxes fixed pretty high
upon my trees. He is a very active fellow, but as, unless
when building his nest or bringing up his young, he is little
seen, I do not look upon him as a great attraction. He is
very suspicious and watchful, ever on the alert, and thus not
easily seen near in his natural manner. I have thought
these birds appeared in their best when I have watched
perhaps 6 or 8 of them, from my bedroom window, running
about the green feeding in the early morning, the sun
shining upon their changing colours and bringing out all
their beauties.

The Blackbird, Song Thrush, and Missel Thrush breed
regularly with us. The habits of these birds are well known,
but I may just mention what I believe is somewhat rare,
that I know of one instance where a Blackbird having been
“harried,” the old nest was re-lined, eggs again laid, and a
brood hatched. Last year a poor “ Blackie,” having built
among some pea sticks, was harried by a cat ; the pair then
tried some black currant bushes, grown Espalier fashion, but
cruel fate still followed them, for “when the wind blew, the
cradle it rocked,” and down came the small “clay biggin”
with the callow young inside of it. Not to be beat, however,
another attempt was made, and on this occasion, I am glad to
say, it was successful, for they chose the fork of a tree some
fifteen feet from the ground—rather an unusual locality—and
there brought up their brood in safety. I have noticed in
some seasons a much larger number of blackbirds than usual,
and on one oecasion I counted no fewer than 24 running
about the green in front. The Song Thrush is not numerous,
but we have always at least one cock bird to sing delightfully
from the topmost branches of the highest tree ; and it may

Transactions. -> = ||
be mentioned, as showing the openness of the season, that we
have had the song of the thrush almost every day since before
Christmas, and just now (2d February, 1869) he may be
heard in full song every morning. The Missel Thrush
scarcely ever leaves us, and this winter has not done so ; but
has frequented the garden daily, feeding on “haws,” of which
there was a plentiful crop last year. In hard weather, when
the supply of haws got exhausted, I have noticed that the
Missel fed freely upon the berries of the “Cottoneaster ”
shrub growing against the wall of my house—a food also,
indeed, freely partaken of by most of our common birds, even
“ Robins.” When so feeding, the Missel becomes very bold,
and will sit on a small railing within a few feet of the win-
dow, with two or three persons watching him, and admiring
his beautifully speckled breast. He is too, in such circum-
stances, selfishly tyrannical, and drives off every other hungry
bird who wishes to partake of the dainties before him. In
building his nest—it is usually in the same cleft of a parti-
cular tree—he, in 1867, took the liberty of “appropriating
to his own uses and purposes” a piece of lace which had
been laid out to bleach, and had it all neatly woven into the
fabric of his house except one end, which he evidently had
left loose to flaunt in the breeze and spite the owner. When
attending to his young he is very wary, and will sit long
enough if he thinks he is watched before dropping to the
nest. If the nest is approached he makes noise enough to
frighten away almost any intruder but man.

The House Sparrow, so well known, I look upon with
interest as a very clever, bold, and possibly impudent little
fellow. It is instructive and amusing to watch the care and
solicitude he expends upon his young. One old cock, in one
season, who had a family of no less than five, became very
tame, and having them all in a row, perhaps five or six feet
from me, he would approach within a foot to pick up crumbs
thrown to him, and then distribute the food in the most regu-
lar, systema‘ic, and paternal manner to his chirping and

44 Transactions.

wing-shaking progeny. Wishing to prevent too great an in-
crease of them I on one occasion, seeing a pair busy building
in a hole of a wall, stopped the opening with a loose stone.
About a week after I noticed the cock fly to that hole repeat-
edly as if seeking an entrance, but on closely watching him
I discovered to my horror that I had imprisoned the hen bird,
and that he was feeding her through a narrow opening,
having evidently done so all the time of her imprisonment.
It is needless to say that I at once gave the poor bird her
freedom, and saw her join her faithful mate apparently none
the worse of her solitary confinement for so long a period.

Of the Chaffinch I have little to say, except that it breeds
yearly with us, there being generally two nests within the
limits of the garden. Some three years ago I noticed that a
pair who had been prevented from bringing up their young
by the accidental destruction of their nest on two occasions,
at length fixed it on the top of a stout stake, forming part
of the Espalier on which the black currants before mentioned
are grown, and each year since the nest has been similarly
placed. The choice of locality is certamly an uncommon one
with the Chaffinch, and may lead to the inference that the
bird is possessed of a considerable degree of reasoning power.
Both male and female become pretty familiar, but I have
never been able to make one so pet as was Mr Aird’s
“ Jenny.”

The Pied and Grey Wagtails frequent the fountain prin-
cipally in the autumn, and by four or five at a time. They
—“the smallest bird that walks”—are most imteresting and
graceful. The Pied Wagtail two years ago bred in one of the
gargoyles or spouts of the Old Bridge, and more than once
I had to scare away a ragged urchin making vigorous but
happily unsuccessful efforts to reach the young birds, while
the parents sat literally trembling for their safety upon the
Telegraphic wire near by. The Grey Wagtail breeds in
holes of the wall bounding the tail race of the Dumfries Mills.
Jn connection with these birds’ familiar name of Water Wag-

Transactions. 45

tails, it is curious to note that the first Wagtail’s nest I ever
knew was several hundred yards from any water, in a dyke
on a public road side.

The Spotted Flycatcher breeds yearly in a small hole in
an Ash tree. It arrives about the 25th of May, and departs
in September. It is most interesting to watch it at,the occu-
pation its name imparts, choosing generally two stations, and
flying backwards and forwards with a sort of downwards
semi-circular sweep, catching its insect prey and then perch-
ing again. l1ts three or four young may be frequently seen
sitting ina row and being fed in rotation by the parent
birds. The larger kind of midge-flies seem to be its favourite
food.

Robin Redbreast we have literally “ all the year round,”
shy and wild and cunning in the breeding season, but cheer-
ing us in autumn and winter with his clear beautiful song, and
interesting us by his bold defiant manner. In hard winters
we have usually one bird for the front door and another for
the kitchen ; both equally familiar, but both insisting most
determinedly on exclusive possession of their respective
premises. The winter season of 1868-9 has not been favour-
able to a display of Bob’s pugnacity, there not yet at
least having been any scarcity of food.

The Greater and Blue Tits live constantly with us, and
are tolerably familiar, especially since I have hung up a
piece of fat or a common tallow candle, of which they are
very fond. This enables them, while holding on by their
feet and perching, to throw themselves into the most graceful
attitudes. I notice that it isin the early morning and at
dusk they come to feed on the tallow. The Cole Tit I have
never seen except by a single pair at a time, flitting in and
out of a hedge very much after the manner of the Common
Wren. The Longtailed Tit I have frequently seen in con-
siderable flocks—as many as 30—passing rapidly along from
tree to tree.

The Water Ouzel. This bird, frequently a pair of them,

46 Transactions.

frequents the Nith between the Cauld and the head of the
Dock, and I have there frequently heard its low but rather
sweet song while seated on a stone in the river. It is
absent during the summer, apparently while rearing its
young, but in autumn and all through winter and spring
when the river is in its normal state it is seldom to be
missed. During this winter when the river has been in a
chronic state of flood I have rarely seen them. I believe
this is caused by their inability to reach their food in the
deep water. There are two points in regard to this bird that
have often been disputed, viz.,the nature of its food, and its
ability to seek it under water. It has been blamed for de-
stroying salmon spawn, and so, among the fish and game
preserving community, has been classed as “ Vermin.” In
regard to the first point I am inclined to believe that
it is not a systematic eater of salmon spawn, and for this
reason, that the spawn is usually deposited where there is at
least enough of water to more than cover the fish, while I
have never yet, and I have often carefully watched the birds,
seen them seeking their food in water deeper than would
cover their own backs. Their favourite feeding place seems
to me to be on the slope of the Cauld and in the tail-race of
the mill, in both of which places a weed grows which shelters
underneath it, in great numbers, an insect known as the
Fresh Water Shrimp. This insect, from what I have observ-
ed, in my opinion forms a great part of the food of the
Water Ouzel. On the second point—its ability to walk under
water—I am of opinion that in this, as in most other matters,
the middle course is the true one. It does, and yet it does
not, for while I have never seen it under water so deep as
entirely to cover it from view, I have very often seen it seek-
ing its food with its head under water, but that water not so
deep as completely to cover its body. Nothing is more com-
mon than to see the bird pass from one spot to another with
its quick jerking flight, alight in the shallow water of the
river side, and instantly commence its search for food, parti-
ally covered as I have described.

Transactions. 47

I have mentioned the fact of a cock Sparrow feeding his
young all in a row, and this recals to me that I have received
the impression from what I have scen of all the birds breed-
ing around us, that though the hen bird has the principal
share in bringing them to life, the cock appears to take the
principal charge afterwards. - I have noticed this beyond
doubt in the case of semi-domesticated pigeons—such as Fan-
tails.

T have also mentioned the Fountain as a great attraction
to birds. It undoubtedly is so, for almost all who Visit or
Stay with us avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded
them, and bathe frequently, and evidently with the greatest
delight, and this more in winter than in summer. I cannot
say, however, that I ever saw Wagtails do so. The Robin,
in particular, is scarcely ever seen to bathe in summer, while
in winter it is his regular habit—no matter how hard the
weather nor how wet—to take his bath just at dusk when he
ean scarcely be noticed, and then preen his feathers before
seeking his place of rest.

In connection with, and as a tail-piece to the foregoing
notes, I lay upon the table for inspection a copy of “ Bewick’s
British Birds,” and of Mrs Hugh Blackburn’s “ Birds drawn
from Nature.”

Norr.—In addition to the Birds above enumerated, the Goldfinch and
Golden-crested Wren were seen and noted soon after this paper was read,

Notes on LEpPmoprera.
By Wm. Lennon.

THE general term Insect has been given to the whole
tribe of creatures embracing moths, bees, beetles, house
flies, dragon-flies, and many others, in consequence of the

48 Transactions.

leading peculiarity which characterises all the orders, namely,
the deep insection which occurs between the fore part of the
body, or thorax, and the hinder part, or abdomen. Perhaps
one of the most conspicuous examples may be found in the
common wasp, where the @section is so conspicuously pro-
minent ; more so, perhaps, than in any other order of insects.
The fine distinct order of insects containing the moths and
the butterflies are known everywhere as the order Lepi-
doptera. This very descriptive title has been conferred on
the whole tribe of the Lepidoptera im consequence of the
minute scales with which their wings are all covered. It is
to these scales they are indebted for all their beautiful
colours and markings. When the scales are off the mem-
brane of the wings is perfectly smooth and transparent.
The Lepidoptera was divided by Linnzus into three great
sections : first, the Diwrna, being all those which fly by day,
which comprises all the butterflies ; secondly, the Nocturna,
or those which fly by night, which includes a large portion
of the moths; thirdly, the Crepuscularia, which was in-
tended to comprise such as generally fly by evening, twilight,
or early dawn of morning. But this third division of Cre-
puscularia was soon found to be unworkable, and the time of
- flight, as a general rule, was not a good basis of classification.
The more modern system of entomological classification is
much more correct, which comprises only two grand divi-
sions, founded on the only true basis of classification, namely,
anatomical distinctions. The first division embraces all
those having a small club-like enlargement at the ends of
the antennw, which comprises all the butterflies. In the
moths the antenne are sometimes smooth, sometimes
feathered, sometimes robust, sometimes long and slender.
The antennce of the males very frequently differ from those
of the females, but they are never clubbed liked the butter-
flies—the great family of the Geometride, which is composed
of a group of insects that are in many respects very distinct
from the great family of the Noctwide. Nearly all the

Transactions. 49

species have the bodies comparatively slender, and small in
proportion to the wings, which are much larger than those
of the Noctwide, though not so strong in texture or so
robustly veined. Another peculiarity which distinguishes
them from the Noctwide is that, when in repose (with the
exception of a very few that hold their wings erect), like all
the butterflies, the wings are horizontally extended, which
shows the upper surface of both pairs, while in the Noctuide
the fore wings are wrapped over the hinder pair, which they
entirely conceal. It is more in the larva state that this
order presents the most striking peculiarities. The cater-
pillars have only one pair of ventral pro-legs, and that pair
the hindermost. This peculiar formation necessitates a
curious action in their mode of progression, which is effected
by first fixing their six pectoral feet firmly to the substance
on which they are standing, and then drawing close up to
them the two posterior pairs of feet. When in this position,
the intermediate or central segments of the body being
raised into a kind of loop, from which they are commonly
known by the name of loopers, the hind feet are then held
firmly fixed while the body is again fully extended, when the
hind feet are again brought up close to them as before, rais-
ing the intermediate segments into the loop form as before
described. The repetition of this movement gives these
singular-looking caterpillars the appearance as if they were
carefully measuring the earth, or any other substance over
which they may be travelling. It is from this strange mode of
walking that they are named Geometrw. They have no legs
under the middle part of the body, which necessitates this
peculiar mode of progression. Some few of the species have
additional pairs of ventral legs, but in almost every case they
are very minute ; indeed, I may say, altogether rudimental.
Ihave very frequently been astonished at the great muscular
power of some of the Geometre larva. They can rest
entirely on their two pair of hind legs for hours together,
with the whole length of the body extended forward in a
slanting position. When they are thus resting, some of the
G

50 Transactions.

species so closely resemble a dead branch or twig of tree om
which they may be resting that none but a practical entomo-
logist could observe them, so closely do they resemble a dry
branch. Again, the pupa or chrysalides of the Geometre are
rarely subterranean, while the greatest number of the
Noctuine go into the earth before assuming the pupa state-
The pupa of the Geometre are more frequently found among
dead leaves, sometimes in a loose cocoon, and sometimes
suspended by the tail like the butterflies. The British
Geometree number about two hundred and sixty species,
while the Noctuine will number about three hundred
species. The most remarkable order among all the Lepi-
doptera are unquestionably the Sphinginw. None attract
more attention. Their large size, rapid movement, and the
splendour of all the species very properly constitute them to
represent the first order among the moths. They belong to
the first subdivision of the great section Hetcerocera. They
are all easily distinguished by the short stout body of the per-
fect insect. The family of the Sphingide contains several
genera, the first genus being Smerinthus. All the cater-
pillars of this genus are green, and invariably covered with
small tubercles closely arranged in regular rows. The sides ©
are marked with a series of streaks of a paler green than the
rest of the body. The most remarkable species of this fine
division is no doubt the well-known death’s-head moth,
Acherontia atropos: the robust body and the wings straight
at the external margin, the short antenne and the shorter
proboscis, scarcely longer than the head, are quite sufficient
to mark this species as very distinct from the other hawk
moths. The caterpillar is also very distinct in form from all
the other species. The dorsal horn or tail is decumbent in-
stead of being raised, and the body is jagged with small
excrescences instead of being smooth, and is entirely with-
out the minute tubercles which so much distinguish the
eaterpillars of the genus Smervnthus. Some seasons the
death’s-head moth is unusually common in the caterpillar
state. Many attempts are made to obtain the perfect insect

Transactions. 51

on these occasions by keeping the caterpillar, but they
generally all perish from the want of proper knowledge how
to keep them. One of the finest and most typical of all the
hawk moths is that highly characteristic species the Sphinx
convolvuli. It is a very handsome species, and is much
more rare than the death’s-head. The fore wings are ashy
grey, and most beautifully clouded with brown ; the abdomen
is also beautifully barred with black, white, and deep pink.
When on the wing the convolvulis is the swiftest of all the
roth tribe. The rapidity of its movements is so marvellous
and so rapid that it is a very difficult matter to give a good
description of it. However, Mr Douglas, in the World of
Insects, has given such a-good description of this species on
the wing that I will give it im full, as it is so much better
than anything that I could give. Douglas says—“ Did you
ever see a Sphinx fly? There is nothing to compare its mo-
tion to except a flash of lightning. While you are looking
at a flower in the twilight, between you and it glides a
motion, a moving hazinéss, which is before you, and yet con-
veys to your eye no definite image. Before you have half
, thought what it can be, you see the flower again distinctly,
and rub your eyes, thinking that there must have been an
illusion, or possibly an unsteadiness of vision caused by the
irritation of the gnat that was buzzing about your head,
when lo! the flower just beyond seems to shiver ; you move
to see what is there, but there is a move before you, and a
dim shadow flits away like a thought. Can it be anything
real? Stand still awhile ; and now, in the increasing gloom,
as you bend over the petunias holding your breath, you see
a darkness visible drop down before, but its presence is
better made known by the humming sound caused by the
rapid vibration of the wings. Stir not, or this aerial body
will float away. Now you see it deigns not to alight or
touch the margin of the chalice, but, poising itself in air,
stretches out its long tubular tongue and quaffs the nectar
at the bottom. Now or never, if you wish to catch it.
Strike with your ring rapidly below the flower, raising your

52 Transactions.

hand and turning your wrist at the same moment. All col-
lectors will know what I mean. There you have it, Sphinw
convolvult. Look, what a living glory ; its eyes like stars
brought down for us to look into, and behold, we see nothing
but light.”

This very descriptive picture by Mr Douglas is not by
any means overdrawn, as everyone will admit who has ever
seen the perfect insect alive. I recollect the first specimen
of the convolvuli that I had ever seen was one that was
found at rest in the Castledykes garden by a little boy some
years ago. I kept it alive till the evening, for the purpose
of seeing its eyes by night, which I had heard so much about.
Stainton says that hawk moths are the comets of the insect
collector, which is no doubt true ; and probably many an old
entomologist looks back to the time when he took his first
Sphinx convolvuli, the ‘death’s-head, Acherontia atropos,
the Humming Bird-moth, Macroglossa stellatarum, or the
Elephant Hawk-moth, Chaerocampa elpenor, as an event in
their time worth remembering, Such an event as the cap-
ture of all these does not often fall to the lot of one collector.
That large class of insects which the butterflies and the
moths belong to are perhaps more commonly known than
any other order of insects. This may be partly accounted
for by the dazzling beauty of many of the species, more
especially the diurnal order of Lepidoptera, which are more
or less familiar to all, It is quite impossible for any one to
take a walk on a fine summer day without seeing several
species of butterflies gambolling about from flower to flower
—light-winged and graceful in every movement, arrayed in
matchless beauty. Even the very commonest of our com-
mon butterflies have each a special beauty of its own
which no other order of insect possesses. The combination
and harmony of colours are exceedingly fine. Many species
of the Coleopterous insects are clothed in much brighter
colours, but they want the soft depth and the fine har-
monious tone which the butterflies so eminently possess,
To begin to particularise the beauty of the butterflies, one

Transactions. 53

would require to begin at the beginning, for they are all
beautiful of their class. To give a true and correct descrip-
tion of the fair Cynthia cardui, or painted lady, would
require some one better gifted in entomological language
than I have any pretension to; and as it is always better
not to give a description at all than attempt to give one un-
worthy of the subject, the fair Cynthia is a highly elegant
species. She is well named the Painted Lady ; in France
she is styled the “ Belle dame,” or fine lady.

That fine genus of butterflies commonly known as the
Fritillaries are all distinguished by the adornment of fine
silvery spots and streaks, with which the under side of the
wings is adorned, while the upper surface is chequered
with black upon a ground of rich golden brown. Of all the
British Fritillaries Argynnis paphia is, perhaps, the most
lovely, from the exquisite softness and harmony of the fine
silvery pencillings with which the under surface of the wings
is adorned, and which gives them the appearance as if they
were carefully indented with silver or pearl on the rich
greenish ground of the under wings, although some of the
other species are brighter, gayer, and more sparkling. In
my own estimation there is no British butterfly equal to the
red admiral, Vanessa atalanta, in grand vividness of colour.
V. atalanta will stand in comparison with any other insect,
He is certainly a most brilliant species ; and he appears also
to be quite aware of his own beauty, as it comes sailing along:
through the sunny lanes, gracefully inclining from side to
side as if he meant to show off his colours to the best ad-
vantage, He is also a very bold insect, He will sometimes
light within two yards of you, When he sits on a flower
beside you, opening and shuting his wings, just make a dash
at him with your net, and miss him, Catch him again, if
you can, I have often done this when I did not want him,
just to see the very independent way he would say good bye
to you. The wings of this insect are so intensely black, with
brilliant scarlet bands and borders, relieved by the cool white
spots at the outer and upper corners ; also by choice bits of

54 Transactions.

blue at the inner and lower angles, and near the margins.
The painting of the under surface of the wings is quite
beyond my power to describe them. There is, in addition to
the scarlet bands, a series of fine blue spots on the upper
wings. The lower are all covered with a most intricate em-
troidery of indescribable tints; all kinds of browns, and
greys, and blacks, with metallic tints, are blended together
with magic effect.

The species comes out early in August, and may be met
with till late in October. It is found in all parts of Britain, as
well as over Europe, and on the districts bordering the Medi-
terranean ; it is also found in the United States of America.
Parties well skilled in mythology will remember that ata-
lanta was a young lady so swift of foot that she could run
over the sea without splashing her ankles, or on the corn
fields without bending an .ear of corn under her weight.
Some poetical entomologists have named it the swift-footed
atalanta. The genus Thecla contains a group of very
elegant butterflies. Five species are alloted to this genus, but
only two are found in Scotland—Thecla quercus and Thecla
yubi. Quercus is found at Comlongan and Dalscairth ; rubi
is found at Tinwald Downs, Dalscairth, and Jardine Hall.
This group is very easily distinguished from the other butter-
flies by the tail-like projection on the lower edge of the hind
wing. 7. rwbi has this so very slightly developed that you can
scarcely observe it. They are all best distinguished by the
characters on the under surface of the wings ; they all bear
a more or less distinct hair-like streak, which gives them the
common name Hair-streak. Thecla quercus is the hand-
somest of the genus. The male has all the wings in certain
lights of a dark brown colour, but by a change of position
they become illuminated with a deep rich purple tint, nearly
extending over the whole surface, ‘except a very narrow
border, which then appears black. The female has the
purple much more vivid, but more confined to a small
patch, extending only from the root to the centre of the
front wings. The wings beneath are shaded with greyish

Transactions. 55

tints, and crossed by a white line on each wing. There are
two orange spots on the inner corner of the hind wings. I
once bred this species from larvae which I found in Goldielea
Park, by beating the large oaks with a long pole. The
caterpillar feeds on the oak. It is reddish brown, and
slightly barred with black. The butterfly comes out in
July and August. It is no easy matter to take it on the
wing, as it invariably keeps gambolling about on the very
tops of the oak trees. The only way I could take them was
by throwing a handful of small stones as high as I could
throw them, and in their descent they not only dislodge
them, but the butterflies will actually follow the stones down,
and in this way I picked them up with my net. Had I not
thought of this plan I could not so easily have taken Thecla
quercus. T. rubi is the next species of the genus, and is a
very pretty little insect. It is easily distinguished from the
other species by the rich green colour that overspreads the
under surface ; the wings above are a deep warm brown.
The caterpillar is green, spotted and striped with white. It
feeds on the bramble and broom. The butterfly comes out
in May and June, and again in August, being double
brooded. The genus Lycwna contains a group of very
elegant butterflies. Ten species are alloted to this genus,
which embraces all the blues. Only three species of the
genus can be claimed as natives of Scotland, although some
ambitious collectors claim four, JI never met with more
than three, namely, alsus, alexis, and agestis. L. alsus is
the smallest of all the British butterflies. The only locality
that I know for it is the sloping sides of the glen at Glen
Mills. Agestis is distinet from artaxerxes. The butterfly
is out in May, June, and August. L. artaxerxes is a very
local insect indeed. I once found a pair at the Glen Mill,
but only once,—Jardine Hall, Munches Hill. The best locali-
ty that I know for it is along the high range of hills west
and south-west of Dalscairth House ; it has also been taken at
Jardine Hall. The butterfly may be found there in July
and August. I may mention that the greatest rarity of the

56 Transactions.

season was a fine specimen of Colias edusa, which I found
on Carlaverock shore last autumn, near the place which is
known by the name of the Fishers’ Thorn. Colias edusa is
a richly coloured insect, and is, perhaps, one of the most
nimble-winged of all the butterflies. None make up a finer
show in cabinet, and none but an experienced hunter need
ever attempt to take edusa on the wing. Should you miss
your first chance, pursuit is useless; away goes Colias edusa
like an aerial spirit, up hill or down hill, all the same to her;
the pursuer is soon left far behind. The Rev. Joseph Green,
in his Insect Hunter’s Companion, gives such a good descrip-
tion of the chase, that I will give it in full :—‘I see a strange,
and at first sight an unaccountable, spectacle : it is that of a
young man rushing frantically through a field of clover
under a burning sun. In his right hand is held aloft, and
brandished like a banner, a bag net. His hat is gone; his
coat-tails are streaming behind him, and from the aforesaid
coat-tails proceed a strange and mysterious rattling as of
pill-boxes. About two yards in front of him is a bright
orange-coloured butterfly. His eyes are fixed with un-
deviating steadiness on that butterfly: it nears a lofty
hedge: one mighty effort—a vigorous sweep of the net:
Colias edusa sails calmly over the hedge, and the young col-
lector falls flat on his face.” These little catastrophes will
happen, and not unfrequently ; nor is the slight, perhaps,
but inevitable, ruffling of temper produced by them much
calmed down by the encouraging remark from a cool and
unsympathizing bystander, of “go in and win,” just when you
have lost. Several species of butterflies are so common with
us all the summer that they may be found in every lane and
in every garden, especially those two very domestic species,
Pieris brassie and Pieris rape. Mr Colman says that the
former species sometimes penetrates into the heart of smoky
London ; and that it is no unusual sight to see the young
street birds about St. Giles’, whose eyes were never gladdened
by the sight of green fields, get up a butterfly hunt, with cap
* (or rag) in hand, feel all the enthusiasm of the chase in pur-

Transactions. 57

suit of the white-winged wanderer, who, no doubt, looks
sadly out of place in the great flowerless brick-and-mortar
wilderness. This and the preceding species are the only
British butterflies that can be charged with committing any
damage to human food. In the imago or winged state they
are utterly harmless; but not so the hungry caterpillar
progeny, as every gardener knows when he looks at the long
rows of cabbage, brocoli, or cauliflower gnawed into skeletons.
Some seasons the larve of these two butterflies are so nu-
merous that few vegetable gardens escape their frightful
ravages. The larve of Pieris rape are much more destruc-
tive to the cabbages than his big brother Pieris brassicae,
who appears perfectly content to be allowed to feed on the
outside leaves ; while rape bores into the very heart of the
cabbage, and feeds with luxurious delight on the most tender
parts. There is a common saying that impertinence meets
with his reward, which, I am afraid, is often the case with
poor rape, who frequently gets boiled with the cabbage,
beat up with butter and pepper, eaten at table by both rich
and poor. Caterpillars, like other creatures, have their
troubles and their trials ; they have their molting and their
repeated skin shiftings ; they have the birds and the Ichneu-
mon flies as the most deadly enemies to the whole larva
race. The Ichneumon flies are the worst of all; they are
ever on the wing in search of defenceless caterpillars, and
when she has selected her victim, she pierces the body of the
caterpillar with a sharp cutting instrument, which the female
only is provided with, and in the wound deposits an egg.
The caterpillar twists about a good deal while this sort of
treatment is going on, and to all appearance seems none the
worse for it ; meanwhile the enemy repeats her thrusts until
some twenty or thirty eggs are thus deposited in the body
of the caterpillar, and then his doom is certain beyond hope.
The eggs quickly hatch into grubs, and then begin to feed on
the fat of the caterpillar, till they reduce him to a living
mummy ; but, strange to say, by some profound instinct
they keep clear of all the vital orgars, as if they knew that
H

58 Transactions.

the creatures must keep on feeding, or their own supply
would speedily fail. Colman says they are just like usurers;
while draining a client, they keep up his credit with the
world as long as they can. ‘The caterpillar grows weaker
and weaker as the gnawing grubs within grow stronger and
nearer their maturity. Having finished all the internal
remains of the caterpillar, they eat their way out, and fre-
‘quently spin their cocoon by the side of their dead victim,
ard in a short time come out a swarm of dirty black impish-
looking flies. Shortly after the young caterpillar emerges
from the egg he leaves off eating, and begins to prepare for
his first moulting, which he must do four or five times
during the course of its larvw existence. He begins by
fixing itself to the food plant, or whatever is near it at the
time, by the means of a few silk threads, and in this position
the creature is prepared for a complete change of garments.
The moulting process is very curious.. The first thing you
may observe is a small rent down the head and thorax.
When the rent is sufficiently large for the creature to poke
out his head, he begins a series of wrigglings and twisting,
till such time as he manages to tear his old coat down the
back. Another wriggle or two more, and he shuffles off the
old rag. He is now dressed in a splendid new vesture, some~-
what similar to the old one, but never exactly. The most
spendid is generally reserved for the last. Not only does the
outer husk come off at these times, but, what is more won-
derful, the lining membrane of all the digestive passages, and
the large breathing tubes are cast off and removed at the
same time. I have often watched the larva of the Bomby-
cine order going through this curious process ; still, | am not
qualified to describe all the minute particulars of this very
curious process ; probably, if it were well examined in all its
parts by a competent party, it might be found that we had
much yet to learn in this simple-looking matter which few
ever think anything about. After the creature has rested a
little from the fatigues of moulting, he begins to look about
for something, to eat: in many instances he begins by

Transactions. Pay 59

making a meal of his old coat. Mostly all caterpil-
lars are very voracious eaters. When placed in localities
where they have plenty of food, they will consume in
twenty-four hours more than twice their own weight of
food. Some naturalists say that a caterpillar, one month
after leaving the egg, will increase nearly thirty thous-
and times their original weight. Should this statement
be correct, it is little wonder that they grow so quickly
out of their skin. There are two other species of cater-
pillars that would deserve special notice, but from my
very imperfect knowledge of their habits, I can do little more
than just allude to them—I mean the Leafrollers and the
Leafminers. The Leafrollers are very numerous. They are
named Leafrollers from their curious mode of rolling up the
leaf which they feed on. They roll up the leaf in the form
of a tube, and fix it by the means of silk threads to the
position which their habits dictate. Every species has a
different plan of rolling the leaf. Some use one leaf, some
take three leaves, to make one habitation. On all occasions
the leaf is curled in the form of a tube, and open at both
ends. The caterpillar lives and feeds in the interior of the
tube dwelling ; and when he has eaten himself out of house
and home, he just sets about making another dwelling, and
so on till he is full fed up. These snug dwellings afford the
creatures a great means of protection, not only from the
Ichneumon fly, but also from the birds. All the leaf-rolling
larva are very active in their habits; and their houses being
open at both ends, they can back out at one end just as fast
as they can run out at the other; so that, should a bird poke
his bill in at one end, they just tumble out at the other, and
drop about three feet, and there he hangs by the means of
a few silk threads, which they are always provided with ;
and when the danger is past, they wind themselves up by
coiling the silk round their pro-legs, and in this way they
soon regain their old home. Any one may observe the same
thing for themselves during the summer months, by striking
the branches of the oak trees a good rap with a stick, when

60 Transactions.

in all probability you may see a number of these little fellows
suddenly drop from their tube dwellings and swaying about
in the breeze till the danger is past, when a general scramble
takes place among them, as if they were trying who was to
be first home. The same sort of thing may be seen by
taking a walk on the sheltered side of a thorn hedge on a
windy day, when you may see a number of little green cater-
pillars, belonging to the Tortricine and Tineine, tossed
about by the wind till the storm is past, when they regain
their former place in the same way. If the thorn hedge is
nearly in a line with your head, you will feel the silk threads
tickling your face as you go along, the product of these small
caterpillars blown out by the wind. The Leafminers belong
to the Micro-Lepidoptera, the smallest and minutest of all
known examples of the moth tribe. They are a part of the
great family of the Tineine, a class of insects so minute and
so numerous that the study of their habits has now become
quite a new branch of insect lore. The Leafmining larve,
however, do not all belong to the Micro-Lepidoptera ; some
are the larva of small flies, while others are the larva of very
minute beetles. The mining course which some of them
pursue is very curious. Some of the species mine a broad
track mostly near the centre of the leaf. Sometimes you
will find two caterpillars in one leaf, and when this is the
case you will invariably find that each larva keeps side or
part of the leaf; although I have sometimes seen the mine
very tortuous and confused by the paths running into each
other, and sometimes even crossing each. Some other
species, again, seem to prefer the very edge of the leaf; and
when this is the case, it is truly wonderful to see with what
exactness they can skirt them, as if they were working or
tracing out some plan. Some idea of the size of the
creature may be easily imagined: when full grown they can
mine a path round and round the centre of a thin leaf, with-
out ever once breaking the upper or lower surface of the
leaf. Here is a process of engineering the most perfect of
its kind, performed by a creature scarcely larger than the

Transactions. 61

point of a fine needle. The perfect insect of some of these
little larve are perfect gems. The long fibry fringe that
edges their wings is so gorgeously beautiful that the finest
burnished gold would appear dingy if put in comparison with
one of these little tiny moths, To the naked eye some of them
appear rather bronzy-looking ; but place them under a mag-
nifying power, when a combination of the finest and softest
of rainbow tints appears to dance and quiver, and scatter light
in all directions. The transformation then appears so perfect
and so splendid, that the fertile brain of man would be
puzzled to design a robe so ineffably gorgeous as the ones
that cover some of these little tiny moths. Perhaps no
man living has done so much as Mr Stainton has to advance
the study and the knowledge of the Tineima, assisted, of
course, by others. He has published eleven volumes describ-
ing the natural history of the Zimeine of southern Europe,
and is still going on. The subject, even in his hands, seems
inexhaustible. All caterpillars of the Lepidoptera order have
hard, horny jaws, and a body consisting of segments, to the
number of twelve, exclusive of the head. They are also pro-
vided with legs of two kinds. Of these, the first three pairs
are attached to the first three segments of the body, and
these are the true or persistent, being only the rudiments of
the legs of the perfect insect. The other legs are termed the
pro-legs, or temporary legs. The caterpillar of the common
cabbage butterfly has five pairs of legs. The fect of the
eaterpillar are also very curious. They are all provided with
a set of minute, slender horny hooks, alternately and shorter.
By the means of these hooks the creatures are enabled to lay
a firm hold of the leaves of plants or other objects, and which
also enables him to move along with great dispatch. The
head of the caterpillar is quite a study of itself, as it differs
so much from the other parts of the body. It is always a
very difficult matter to give a good description of anything ;
consequently, I will not attempt to do so, but merely allude
to the way which nature has so beautifully formed the mouth
to suit the kind of work it has to perform. The creature is

62 Transactions.

furnished with a pair of jaws, horny and strong. The mouth
is shaped exceedingly like a pair of pincers, because it
opens and shuts from side to side, instead of up and down
like all vertebrate animals. This curious arrangement of the
mouth affords the creature great convenience when feeding,
for on all occasions they feed on the thin edge of the leaf.
Their mode of feeding is very interesting: they adhere so
firmly to whatever they are feeding on with their close-
clinging pro-legs. He then guides the edge of the leaf to
his mouth by his fore legs, and stretches out his head as far
as he can, when he commences a series of rapid bites, at each
nibble bringing the head nearer the legs till they almost
meet ; then stretching out again in the same way, and so on
repeating the process till a large semi-circular indentation is
formed. Then shifting his position to another part of the
leaf, he recommences another sweep; then another, and so
on till the leaf is left a mere skeleton.

Another very important organ possessed by all lepidopter-
ous Jarve, is the Spinneret for the production of silk, by which
means some species merely suspend themselves during the
pupa state, while other species again enclose themselves in
a silk shroud, where they lie till the time of their transfor-
mation. Many of the cocoons made by the Bombycine
are very beautiful and very varied both in form and tex-
ture. The moths of all the various Silk-worms belong to
the Bombycine. Some species of the Tineine are remark-
able for their patriarchal habits of living in tents of the
most beautiful net-work. I once saw a colony of the small
ermine Yponomeuta evonymella in Kirkconnel avenue ;
the top of the hedge was covered with their silk for eight or
nine yards: if the colony is a large one they just keep on
adding to the tent as they require more food. The tissue of
their work resembles a species of pale crape ; the troop will
sometimes number several hundreds, so that in a short time
the hedges to a great extent are soon rendered leafless. I
I once saw the same thing at the Ruttonbridge, the larva of
Melitea artemis, the marsh Fritillary being gregarious, they

Transactions. 63

also feed under the protection of a tent ; they hang their silk
on the leaves of the Plantain and other low plants, and keep
together till they are nearly full fed, when they leave their
tents and each goes his own way. The Spinneret already
alluded to is seated beneath the horny lower lip or labium
and the two first legs, and appears in the form of a conical
protuberance, from which two long tortuous tubes extend down
the body of the larva. These tubes have a very important
function to perform ; they separate the silk from the juices of
the body in the form of a gummy fluid, and while it is drawn
through the aparture hardens into threads. Such is the silk
of the Silkworm. The duration of the Pupa or Chrysalis
stage varies in different species according to temperature
and often in the same species, which is a very wise provision,
as it respects the safety of the matured insect. Butterflies
have at all times been special favourites with Painters and
Poets. From the Butterfly the poet draws many a fine simili-
tude, and the moralist many a solomn lesson, and the artist,
who should be both poet and moralist, might draw from the
study of the butterfly wing many a pleasant theme for pencil
and brush. It is a well known fact that many great names
both in science and art have been enthusiastic collectors of
butterflies. I might cite many examples. I will give one
well known case, that of Stothard the painter. Once when he
was beginning to paint the figure of a reclining Sylph, a
difficulty arose in his mind how best to represent such a
being of fancy. A friend, who was present, said, give the
Sylph a Butterfly wing and then you have it. That I will,
exclaimed Stothard, and to be correct I will paint the wing
from the butterfly itself. He sallied forth, extended his walk
to the fields, some miles distant, and caught one of those
beautiful insects called the Peacock. Our artist brought it
very carefully home, and commenced sketching it, but not
in the painting room, and leaving it on the table a servant
Swept it away before its portrait was finished. On learning
his loss, away went Stothard once more to the fields to seek
another Butterfly : this time one of the tortoise-shell tribe

64 joe FO” Transactions.

crossed his path, and was secured. He was astonished at the
combination of colour that presented itself to him in this
small but exquisite work of the Creator ; and from that mo-
ment Stothard determined to enter on a new and difficult
field—the study of the insect department of Natural History.
He became a hunter of butterflies. The more he caught the
greater beauty did he trace in their infinite variety. He was
often heard to say that no one knew what he owed to these
insects—they had taught him the finest combinations in that
difficult branch of art—colouring. I might cite another ex-
ample which is told by Edward Newman of the impression
produced on his mind by the first butterfly he ever saw. He
says, when I was a very little boy indeed, I liked butterflics
better than books. And I recollect, as well as it had
been yesterday, the first butterfly I ever saw. It was a very
very long time ago, and the butterfly was the Tortoise-shell :
it was sitting on a leaf, and I called out, Oh, look what a beau-
tiful flower, and I tried to pick it up, but away it flew. I
recollect that I criéd out the beautiful flower has flown away.
How lasting are early impressions! I have never forgotten
that butterfly, and to this hour I cannot disconnect the idea
of a butterfly and a flying flower. If I were inclined to ran-
sack the Poets, I might fill a volume of quotations in praise
of the butterfly. From the time of the early Greek poets,
who so beautifully symbolized and recognised this great truth,
when they gave the same name Psyche to the soul, or spirit
of life; and down to our own day poets of all nations have
sung in sublime verse in praise of the butterfly. I have read
somewhere, but I don’t remember where, that the ancient
Greeks were accustomed, even with their imperfect know-
ledge of Natural History, to have the figure of a butterfly
sculptured on their tombs, in the position of flying upwards,
as emblematical of the souls of their relatives flying upwards
toa better world. I believe that the heart of the deep-
minded can be soothed by the study or contemplation of the
butterfly andozy. First, there is the grovelling caterpillar
state, so emblematical of our present imperfection. The

Transactions. 65

caterpillar state represents a state of preparation for some-
thing better, something purer, brighter, and more joyous.
When we look at the sluggish-looking, leaf-eating caterpillar,
and compare it with what it will be, after it has completed
the great change of transformation, we feel an involuntary
emotion of wonder, so striking is the contrast. And lastly,
when the creatures feel themselves ready for the great change,
they break the skin of the chrysalis, which covers the head
and thorax, and emerge feeble and languid, with the wings
all crumpled up in small bundles. Soon, however, the
creature acquires strength, fluids circulate through the nerves
of the wings, which gradually unfold ; the creature shakes
and quivers them, as it feels its growing strength. Atlength,
in the perfection of beauty, it leaves the pupa case behind,
soars aloft, seeks out the flowers of the field, and begins a
more glorious existence.

ii act a 3 foi pina
cae ‘AsOVOR godt ys t
[7 éy atlicprakag Sihia aol get oF fais ae BAe s
peer ter hot oleings) nase: ol ae | fiz 3B jack Attar 48 93
bs iu CiIstiMOMNb AM BP Sk noifaisle aed igi
—— Wrenn Bib Ai Mass vy ne oui Mia
d ’ Sgadis vasry se teil yi at DVIba HaaP foot aoicth 2
ate Bead ody BOV09. Maid alka ae iY it 1h iti oct
vr ea. %: “é dtm Bu uh ral Sita afl a Frans. bie
a “Won? 3 7WOLE oer aia nd si Gias: ni We fs if
Be oar OV aut, fen: [Ptah PAS of het Ut Lien Breas er i
rea pedada® Searing: oft: hhotiie cit peace aaeaen Rb:
oe : ae ry ssgital A?” . ne fits MtioT Oe ik
| Baidaeaion a a apes }
ne a iene ae ny Bo parsteult ra eae

, 8 ity a “ed cane
: dilate’. Tony pidiont

-. . Rent 1:

- ql hie isis ain hr

THE TRANSACTIONS

| JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE ,

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY

ee eibe Wer Wis 2
Ss

| SCIENTIFIC, ANTIQUARIAN,

AND

A
{5
iy
oo
oo) ge

| = _ NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

Sessions 1876-77 and 1877-78.

AS
Se. 2
a a

aD AT THE OFFICE OF THE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COURIER.
Bie oi be 1879.

THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY

SCIENTIFIC, ANTIQUARIAN,

AND

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

Sessions 1876-77 and 1877-78.

PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COURIER.
UW ie

OFFICE-BEARERS AND COMMITTEE.

SESSION 1878-79-

President—
J. GIBSON STARKE, Esq., F.S.A. Scot., F.R.C.L, Troqueer Holm.

Vice-President—
Wii. M‘Iuwraita, Esq., Dumfries Courier.
q.,

Secretary—
ROBERT SERVICE, Corberry Hill.

Assistant Secretary—
JAMES LENNOX, Eden Bank.

Treasurer— :
D. B. Hart, Friars’ Vennel.

Members of Committee—

Dr GILcHRIST, Crichton Royal Institution.
GEORGE Ross, Rhynie House.

WiLuiAM LENNON, Brooke Street.

JAMES THOMSON, High Street.

JAMES HuTTon, Charter House.

JOHN MAXWELL, Maxwelltown.

J. GLOVER ANDERSON, Corberry Place.
PETER STOBBIE, Nith Street.

UGN Th NTS:

PAGE.
JOURNAL OF THE PROCE=DINGS Ys oe ee = 5
FretD MEETINGS oF 1877 21
FretpD Mgetinss oF 1878... oe re oe aes 32
Tar ORIGIN OF THE PERMIAN BASIN or THORNHILL. By JoserH TuoMson,
Gatelawbridge re ve he Bx: ae =. 43
THE OccURRENCE OF MELIT® Dipyma NeaR Dumrries. By Wm. Lennon 51
A TRIBUTE TO THE Memory or “Racky.” By Dr Grierson 52
Cotas Epusa In 1877. By Rosert SERVICE Aer “a ~<a De
Nores on LINCLUDEN AND CoLLEGIaTE CuuRcH. By J. G. ANDERSON 60
Nores on A GuaciaL DEposIT NEAR THORNHILL. By JosepH TuomMsoN 70
Tur Rarer COLEOPTERA OF THE Dumrries District. By Wm. Lexnon 74
SpEcraL REPORT ON THE GEOLOGICAL FeaTURES OF THE DisTRIcTs VISITED
BY THE MEMBERS OF THE DuMrries Naturat History Society
DURING THEIR SUMMER Excursions In 1878. By Dr Gitcurist ... 80

¥ t . -*
ee ; a
it nt
’ . ie Cet ag
,
: 48 Hin
aa ae Seek)’
Ca) <
, Pie
% ee eta
- > 7 ’
+h $M A
: * f
. ne yt t
Lica
u - f
’ Ps fa? Pm :
2 bi. *
2

GREER A Ett 4)

ee Fey
ze! ds ae SECS aa, rl dae
ae J i vite fa
« * 7 ’ ‘eof a Pp; 4
ae Pry . a La .
Ne AC a, hes PRU pert 22,
op RE) rlindri ee a vt Oe 46%
4 ee wt gs “t fant or lib ated Le
; j ae aoe 7 ir yes us PRY ye ts "hl
a, 4) dora A Ee ia cy ebb

) aes h tae weet earns =

ae inti ie

ae ae

in aa ee ive

yi Phe 5: vc ial ane id ce a axe | * " aa a ‘$4 “plea aes

ay ea oO 5 a mais ya ‘We tice
ee Sy ROE AL Berea yet 4th
tae wet Suite wit iaidh, ae a> AIAN Abe

aie! fF ny siti ‘gies * sina dreswe danke wks “ty Ra rudd
ere) th Vokes Rai oy ait Sig ie Me eal

‘-
, “*@ }
pens ee iB sak iy ie
ee San ;

can + ek te fy Pea

on +,6t~

‘ . wy 45 iis
pre NE: ch
all pone ive

= Paty! a Veh
ore anagem

a sae UNG ;

a

S 1 a

, =

we :

JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL
HISTORY, AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY,

FOR SESSIONS 1876-77 AND 1877-78.

oe

THE Society was instituted on November 3d, 1876, ata
meeting held at No. 1, Union Street, Dumfries, by those
interested in Natural History and Antiquarian pursuits. At
that meeting there was a large attendance, and Dr Gilchrist
was called to the chair. After a large number of specimens
of Natural History and Antiquities had been examined, the
Chairman stated the object of the meeting, and it was at
once agreed that the Society be organised. The following

gentlemen then gave in their

John Adair, watchmaker, High Street.

Wiiliam Adamson, 46, High Street.

James Aitken, The Hill.

William Allan, chemist.

J. Glover Anderson, 138, High Street.

Jas. Bell, commission agent, Bank St.

Ww. Biggar, jr., Lauricknowe.

Thomas Costin, jr., Roseland.

Dr Coupland, Dumfries.

Dr Cranstoun, The Academy.

Dr Jobn Cunningham, Castle Street.

James Davidson, jr. of Summerville.

lt. A. Dickson, Bank Street.

W. A. Dinwiddie, Greenbrae House.

Rey. W. N. Dodds, chaplain, Crichton
Royal Institution.

Robert French, Bank Street.

W. G. Gibson, clerk, Crichton Royal
Institution.

Dr Gilchrist, medical superintendent,
Crichton Royal Institution.

J.J. Glover, Castle Street.

F. W. Grierson, Chapelmount.

J. D. Grierson, Wallacehall,Closeburn.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill,

D, Baird Hart, Friars’ Vennel,

Wm. Hastings, English Street.

W. 5S. Hogg, Victoria Terrace,

Alex. Hogg, ditto,

James Jardine, Courier Office,

Dr Kerr, Buccleuch Street,

- Adam Lambert, Dumfries,

names as members :—

William Lennon, C.R. Institution.

John Lennox, Edenbank,

James Lennox, do.

Alex. Loudon, High Street.

Dr Macdonald, Castle Street.

R. W. Macfadzean, Buccleuch Street.

John M‘Lean, jeweller, High Street.

Louis M‘Naught, chemist, High St.

Capt. Moriarty, Terregles Street.

Alex. Maxwell, Saughtree.

John Maxwell, King Street.

James Moodie, Geddes Place.

Dr Murray, Buccleuch Street.

James Murdoch, Rosemount Terrace.

T. K. Newbigging, Kirkbank.

J. H. Nicholson, Church Crescent.

William Pool, chemist.

Dr Russell, Crichton Royal Institution.

J. Rutherford of Jardineton.

J. Reid, Greystone Cottage.

R. Service, Galloway Street.

J. G. Scott, chemist.

Dr Sharpe, Eccles House, Thornhill.

James Shaw, Tynron Schoolhouse,
Thornhill.

Peter Stobbie, 46, High Street,

Joseph Thomson, Gatelaw Bridge,
Thornhill

Jas. Thomson, watchmaker, High St,

D, Welsh, Octavio House,

R, Wilson, 127, High Street,

, John Zieg.er, Dumfries,

6 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

From that number the following were chosen as office-
bearers and committee of management, and were instructed
to meet on November 10th to draw up a constitution and
rules, choose a name for the Society, &., and report to a
subsequent meeting :—

President— Members of Committee—
Dr Gilchrist, Crichton Royal Institu-| J, Glover Anderson, 138, High St.,
tion. Dumfries.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill,
W. G. Gibson, C.R. Institution.
J. Reid, [rish Street, Dumfries.

Vice-President —
J. Rutherford, Esq. of Jardineton.

Secretary— RK. W. Macfadzean, Buccleuch Street,
R. Service, Maxwelltown. Dumfries.
up Uareli(ee F. W. Grierson, Chaplemount, Max-
Treasurer— welitown,
J. Moodie, Geddes Place, Maxwell-| D. B. Hart, merchant, Dumfries,
town. J. G. Scott, chemist, Dumfries.

November 17th, 1876.
Dr GILCHRIST in the Chair.

At this meeting, held in the Town Hall, the Chairman
submitted the following Rules, prepared by the Committee,
and Revised by a Sub-Committee, which were unanimously
approved of.

Ist. The Society shall be called the DUMFRIESSHIRE
AND GALLOWAY SCIENTIFIC, ANTIQUARIAN, AND NATURAL
History SoctrkEry.

2d. The aims of the Society shall be to secure a more
frequent interchange of thought and opinion among those
who devote themselves to Scientific, Archeological, and
Natural History studies; to elicit and diffuse a taste for
such studies where it is yet unformed ; and to afford increased
facilities for its extension where it already exists.

3d. The Society shall consist of Ordinary, Honorary, and
Corresponding Members. The Ordinary Members shall be
persons resident in Dumfriesshire and Galloway, present and
admiited at a Public Meeting called for the purpose on 3rd
November, 1876, and those who shall afterwards be pro-
posed by two Members ‘to one of whom the candidate shall
be personally known) and admitted at an Ordinary Meeting
of the Society by a vote of the majority presen’, The
Honorary and Corresponding Members shall consist of per~
sons distinguished for attainments connected with the objects
of the Society, who cannot attend as Ordinary Members, and
who shall be proposed and admitted at an Ordinary Meeting
in the same way as Ordinary Members,

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 7

4th. The Ordinary Members shall contribute annually the
sum of Two Shillings, in advance, to the funds of the Society,
or such other sums as shall be fixed at each Annual Meeting.

5th. The Office-bearers of the Society, who shall be Ordi-
nary Members, shall consist of a President, Vice-President,
Secretary, and Treasurer, and a Committee consisting of
eight Members, three to form a quorum, holding office for oue
year only, but being eligible for re-election at the Annual
Meeting of the Society.

6th. The Ordinary Meetings of the Society shall be held
on the first Friday of each month, and shall continue durirg
winter, beginning in October and ending with April, and at
which the ordinary business of the Society will be trans-
acted, papers read and discussed, and objects of interest
examined.

7th. Field Meetings shall be held during the summer,
beginning with May aod ending with September, to visit
and examine places and objects of interest, to give field
demonstrations, to collect specimens, and otherwise carry out
the aims of the Society, arrangements for which shall be
made at the last meeting of each Winter Session.

Sth. The Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held
on the first Friday of October, being the first meeting of the
Winter Session, at which office-bearers and members of the
committee shall be elected for the ensuing year, reports,
general and financial, for the past year will be received, and
proposals for the extension and improvement of the Society
will be heard and discussed.

9th. Each Member may introduce a friend to any
Ordinary or Field Meeting of the Society—such friend
not to be admitted more than twice during the same year.

10th. The Secretary shall keep a minute book of the
proceedings of the Society, and a_register of the members,
ordinary, honorary, and corresponding, and shall give in a
report of the Society’s proceedings at the Annual Meeting.

11th. The Treasurer shall collect and take charge of
the «anual subscriptions and funds of the Society, and make
payments therefrom, under the direction of the Committee,
to whom he shall aunually submit an account of his intro-
missions, to be audited and prepared for submission to the
Society at its Annual Meeting,

12th, Alterations and Repeals of the foregoing Rules
and new or additional ones, shal) only be made by threce

8 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

fourths of the Ordinary Members present at any meeting of
the Society, of which notice shall have been given at the
previous monthly meeting.

13th. The Secretary shall at any time call a meeting of
the Society, on receiving the instructions of the Committee,
or the requisition in writing of any six Ordinary Members.

14th. All papers read before the Society shall become
its property.

December 1st, 1876.

Being now daly constituted, the first regular meeting
was held in the Town Hall—Dr Giucurist in the chair.

Mr Dudgeon of Cargen; Mr M‘Ilwraith, Editor of
Courier; Mr Fairley, Maxwelltown ; Mr Robertson, Herald
Office; M+: Thomas Jackson, Nith Place; Dr Thompson,
Castle Street ; and Major Bowden, Lochfield, were elected
Ordinary Members. Mr Dunsmore, Castlehead, Paisley,
was elected a Corresponding Member.

Me Gibson exhibited a fine specimen of the Rusty Hoof
Fungus, Polyporus ignarius, a species which grows on
decaying willow trees, and in this locality has been found
only at Dalscone and Nethertown of Troqueer. Also seeds
of the lvory Nut Palm, Phytelephias macrocarpa, a native
of the low valleys of the Peruvian Andes, of which large
quantities are imported to be used as a substitute for ivory
in the manufacture of various small articles. Mr Gibson
also showed some Samian Ware, recently dug up at Carlisle
from a depth of twelve feet.

Mr Lennon exhibited a remarkable collection of British
Water Beetles, containing 120 of the total number of 135
species recorded as occurring in Britain. Some of them are
very rare, notably Haliplus striatus, Hydroporus obsoletus,
aud H. incognitus, only discovered in Britain within the
last few years; and Hyphydrus ovutus, found in Auchen-
erieff Loch, and not known to inhabit any other part of
Scotland.

The Chairman delivered a most interesting lecture on
“ My First Lesson in Geology and its Results,” in which,
after detailing the circumstances which had led him to take

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 9

up the study of Geology, he proceeded to give a general

* view of the different strata forming the earth’s crust.
Other Geological phenomena, such as the Upheaval and
Subsidence of the Land, Volcanic Action, Disintegration
of Rocks from Rain and other causes, and Formation of
Deltas were explained, and illustrated by reference tu a
number of Maps and Diagrams. A large collection of
specimens of Rocks and Fossils, most of them procured in
the district, was also shown in illustration of the subject.
Special attention was directed to several Stonés bearing the
peculiar striated marks of the Ice Age, and also to others,
which had been rounded and worn by the action of water,
the points of difference being particularly pointed out.

Mr Davidson read a paper on “ Two of the Platanoid
Metals,” Palladium and Rhodium, giving an account of
their properties and uses. Several specimens of these metals
were exhibited, prepared by Mr Davidsoa, and stated to be
perfectly pure.

January 5th, 1877.

The second meeting of the Session was held in the
Town Hall—Dr GILcuRisT in the Chair.

Mr Gilchrist Clark of Speddoch ; Dr W. A. F. Browne
Crindau House; Mr Simpson, Crichton Institution; Mr
Greig, Terreglestown ; Mr Beattie, Buccleuch Street; Mr
Ludwig, “Scottish Borderers”; and Mr Halliday, Stakeford,
were elected Ordinary Members. Dr Battershell Gill,
Regent’s Park, London, was elected a Corresponding
Member.

There was exhibited, on behalf of Dr W. A. F. Browne, a
magnificent series of Micro-Photographs of the Brain, and
much regret was expressed that owing to the unfavourabie
weather Dr Browne was unable to be preseut to explain
them.

~ The Chairman exhibited specimens of the old Red Sand-
stone, with beautifully marked worm tracks from Cumber-
land and Orkney.

10 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway .

Mr Rutherford gave an interesting lecture on the
“Electric Battery and Induction Coil,” illustrated by a
number of beautiful experiments.

February 2nd, 1877.

The Third Meeting of the Session was held in the Town
Hall—Mr RUTHERFORD in the Chair.

The Chairman exhibited a specimen of the Great
Northern Diver, Colymbus Glacialis, which he had that day
shot on the Cairn.

There were also shown three fine Salmon Smolts and an
Eel, which it had disgorged when captured.

Mr Thomson, Gatelawbridge, read a paper on ‘“ The
Origin of the Permian Basin of Thornhill.” (See Trans-
actions. )

Mr Simpson read an account of “The Recent Discoveries
at Mycene,” in which full details of Dr Schlemann’s
researches were given.

March 2nd, 1877.

The Fourth Meeting of the Session was held in the
Town Hall—Dr Giucurist in the Chair.

Mr Welsh, Waterloo Place; Mr Gooden, Corberry Place ;
Mr J. Gibson Starke, Troqueer Holm; Mr Johnston, Castle-
milk; Mr Smith and Mr Landells of the Courier Office,
were elected Ordinary Members.

The Chairman exhibited a number of Minerals collected
by himself in Switzerland, Oxide of Tetanium, a set of
Ornaments made of Derbyshire Spar, and a curious piece of
Chinese Carved Work.

Mr Lennon showed a specimen of the Death’s Head
Moth, Acherontia atropos, found at Albany Bank last Sep-
tember.

Mr Jackson exhibited the Commissary Seal of Dumfries,
of the time of Charles I., which is now in his possession.

The Secretary showed a box of Lepidoptera forced in
artificial heat, most of which had emerged from the Pupa

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 11

state four or five months earlier than their normal time of
appearance,

The Secretary intimated that he had received the fol-
lowing publications as a donation from the Royal Society of
Christiania :—Catalogues of the Coleoptera, and of the
Lepidoptera of. Norway, Der Pflanzenwelt Norwegens,
Researches on a New Genus of Starfishes, and a Map of
Norway.

Mr Shaw gave a most interesting address on the “ Fer-
tilization of Flowers by Insects,” illustrating his remarks by
reference to a large number of diagrams of the various ways
in which flowers are fertilized by insect agency.

Mr Lennon read a notice of the capture by himself of
Melitea didyma, a Butterfly hitherto unrecorded as British,
and a specimen of which he had secured a few years ago at
Dalscairth. (See Transactions.)

The Chairman made some remarks on “ An unrecognised
cause of Floods,” which, he stated, was the gradual silting up
of river beds with stones, sand, and mud, brought down from
the higher grounds, until the bed of a river was nearly of the
same level as the surrounding lands.

April 6th, 1877.

The Fifth and last Ordinary Meeting of the Session was
held in the Town Hall—Dr GricuristT in the Chair.

Mr Halliday, Maxwelltown, and the Rev. J. A. Campbell,
Troqueer Manse, were elected Ordinary Members. .

The Chairman exhibited a fine specimen of Graphic
Granite ; Mr Davidson, a Stone Celt found in Mabie Moss ;
Dr Grierson, a skin of the Common Eel, Anguwila acutirostris,
upwards of four feet long.

Mr Simpson read a most elaborate paper on the “ Great
Pyramid of Ghizeh,” giving a full description of that won-
derful structure, and stating the views held in relation to its
purposes and uses by Professor Piazzi Smith and other
eminent authorities.

Mr Starke read a paper on “ The. Sugar-Cane,” in which

12 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

he described its manner of growth, the various sorts in culti-
vation, and the process of manufacture into sugar and rum.
Dr Grierson read a “ Tribute to the Memory of Racky.”
(See Transactions. )
This concluded the business of the evening and the first
Winter Session of the Society.

SE.e s..0O N° PS 7-7 3.

October 5th, 1877.

The Annual General Meeting commencing a new Session
was held in the Town Hall—Dr Gitcurtisy in the Chair.

The Rev. J. Fraser, Colvend, and Mr Brown, Geddes
Place, were elected Ordinary Members.

Mr I. W. Grierson exhibited a beautiful Serpent Skin
from India, measuring almost nine feet in length ; the species
was unknown.

The Chairman exhibited a few fine pieces of Rock Salt
from the Cheshire Mines, also some Marl from Carlingwark
Loch.

In the unavoidable absence of Mr Moodie, Treasurer,
the Secretary read that gentleman’s Annual Report, which
showed that the funds were in a satisfactory condition, as
there was a balance of £1 8s 9d in favour of the Society.

The Chairman read an interesting account of the prin-
cipal Geological features of the places where the Field
Meetings of the past summer were held.

The Secretary read the First Annual Report, from which
it appeared that the progress of the Society was satisfactory,

The following Office-Bearers and Committee were
appointed for another Session :—President, Dr Gilchrist ;
Vice-President, Mr Rutherford ; Secretary, Mr R. Service ;
Treasurer, Mr D. B. Hart; Committee, Messrs Anderson,
Gibson, Macfadzean, Grierson, Scott, Adamson, Maxwell, and
Beattie,

i

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 13

It was agreed that the Society should be formed into
Sections, each to be under the charge of competent Members,
who would promote the interest of their particular branch of
study as far as possible, and at the end of the Session give
ina Report of their department. The following arrange-
ment was agreed to :—Antiquities, Mr J. Glover Anderson ;
Botany, Messrs Gooden and Grierson; Chemistry, Mr
Davidson ; Entomology, Mr Lennon ; Geology, Dr Gilchrist ;
Microscopy, Mr Rutherford ; Ornithology, Mr Hastings ; and
Zoology (general), Dr Grierson.

November 2nd, 1877.

The Second Meeting of the Session was held in the
Town Hall—Dr Giucuesst in the Chair.

Messrs Joseph Scott, High Street, and James Houston,
Greyfriars’ Street, were elected Ordinary Members.

The Chairman exhibited some pieces of Calcareous Spar
from Cuban Caves, Clay Nodules, a Californian Lichen, and
a beautiful Chinese Silk Reel; Mr Glover Anderson—a
plan of the Sedilia of Lincluden Abbey; Mr Service—a
specimen of Sphinx Convolvulé caught in a Vinery at Eden-
bank, and a specimen of Aromia Moschata, caught at Moni-
aive on 3rd September last, being the first known Scottish
specimen. Mr Hogg sent a Mollusc that he had found alive
among Barcelona nuts on the preceding day. The species
was unknown to those present.

Mr Rutherford read a paper on “ The Telephone,” giving
a description, with the aid of diagrams, of the construction,
principles, and mode of working of this remarkable instru-
ment.

Mr Service, Secretary, read a paper on “The Appearance
of Colias Edusa in the South of Scotland in 1877,” and
showed a series of 19 specimens of the butterfly captured in
the district. (See Transactions.)

December 7th, 1877.

The Third Meeting of the Session was held in the Town
Hall—Dr Giicurist in the Chair.

14 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

The Chairman exhibited a number of rare and valuable
Crystals and some Isle of Wight Peebles ; Mr F. W. Grierson,
a series of Incrustations of Lime, and a Coin of Ptolemy I.
of Egypt; Mr Lennon, one of the boxes distmbuted last
summer by the German Government for the use of their
officials, containing the ova, larve, pupe, and imagines of
the Colorada Potato Beetle. The insect itself was also shown.

It was stated that the Mollusc sent to the previous
meeting by Mr Hogg had been ascertained from inquiry at
the British Museum to be the Helix Macularia of Miiller,
a native of the Canary Islands, Spain, and the North of
Africa.

Messrs Paterson, clothier; Hutton, Charter House ;
Sinclair, chemist ; Gibson, Bank of Scotland; and Moir,
chemist, were elected Ordinary Members. Mr Hastie,
Curator of Royal Institution, Edinburgh, and Mr J. W.
Lancaster, Birmingham, were elected Corresponding Mem-
bers.

Mr Shaw read a paper entitled “Lessons from the
English Names of Animals and Plants,” showing how most
of the names of our domestic animals had been preserved
almost unchanged in many languages since they had their
origin with the Aryan people, who at a remote period in-
habited the Highlands of Western Asia. The names of a
‘great number of Plants and Animals were also explained
and their history given.

Mr Glover Anderson read “ Notes on Lincluden Abbey.”
In concluding, Mr Anderson condemned in strong terms the
present state of the ruins, and urged the desirability of
having something done at once to arrest the progress of
destruction. (See Transactions.) A long and animated
discussion followed, but eventually it was agreed that the
following Committee be appointed to ascertain the feelings
of the proprietor—Captain Maxwell—in the matter, and
report to next meeting:— Dr Gilchrist, Messrs Starke,
M‘Dowall, Glover Anderson, Service, Gibson, Thomson, and
Rutherford.

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 15
January 4th, 1878.

The Fourth Meeting of the Session was held in the
Town Hall—Dr Gincurist in the Chair.

Messrs Robb, English Master of the Academy ; Callan-
der, High Street ; Thomson, Irish Street ; Geddes, Hannah-
field; Matthewson, Dalbeattie; Malcolm M‘L. Harper,
Castle-Douglas ; and Charles Black, Arbigland, were elected
Ordinary Members.

Mr Gibson exhibited the Pictograph, a new instrument
for copying pictures ; Dr Grierson, a specimen of the Short-
tailed Vole and the Water Rail, Rallus acquaticus ; the
Chairman some false Cat’s Eye Gems from India, with which
Mr Starke contrasted the real article; Mr Rutherford, a
pair of Telephones; Mr Service, twenty-four species of Plants
in bloom in the open air, a result of the remarkably mild
winter, as follows:— Primula veris, Reseda odorata,
Garrya elliptica, Myosotis arvensis, Arbutus wnedo, Poly-
anthus, Hepatica, Berberis Darwini, Mahonia aquifolium,
Lamium maculatum, L.amplexicaule, Erysimum sp., Chevr-
anthus cheiri, Alsine media, Senecio vulgaris, Bellis
perennis, Alopecurus pratensis, Laurustinus, Charlock,
Lilac Primrose, Cowslip, Viola tricolor maxima, V. odorata,
and Aubrietia purpurea.

The Committee appointed at last Meeting reported that
they had addressed a letter to Captain Maxwell, “drawing
his attention to the present unsatisfactory condition of the
ruins of Lincluden Abbey, and stating that a general wish
had been expressed by the Society that some steps should be
taken to protect it from further decay, and preserve it as an
interesting and instructive monument of the past,” and that
no answer had yet been received. After some conversation
it was agreed to request Mr M‘Dowall and Mr J. Gibson
Starke to wait on Captain Maxwell, a course which it was
thought would sooner lead to a good result.

In the absence of Mr Thomson, Gatelawbridge, Mr Hart
read that gentleman’s communication on “A new Glacial
Deposit near Thornhill.” (See Transactions. )

16 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Mr Service read a short paper giving an account of the
history and habits of “ A Hothouse Pest” which had appeared
in the district a few years ago, and had since spread from
one glass-house to another with great rapidity. The insect
—the mealy winged Aleurodes—was also shown.

The Chairman then gave an address on “ Clouds,” illus-
trated by a number of beautiful diagrams.

February 1st, 1878.

The Fifth Meeting of the Session was held in the Town
Hall—Dr Gincueist in the chair.

Rey. W. Graham, Maxwelltown ; Mr George Armstrong,
Corberry Cottage ; and Mr James Hogg, Saughtree, were
elected Ordinary Members,

The Chairman exhibited a number of rare minerals,
including Bituminous Shales from Brazil, Carbonate of
Nickel, Carbonate of Cobalt, and others, and some Lichens
from the north of Scotland ; Mr J. G. Anderson, a number of
measured drawings of the windows of Lincluden Abbey as
they appeared when perfect.

Mr Service brought under the notice of the Society the
appearance of large numbers of Bullfinches in the district
during the last two years, which were proving most destruc-
tive to the fruit trees—Dr Sharpe remarked that the same
thing had happened ia Eccles ; these birds had been very
scarce for many years, but were now met with commonly,

Mr W. G. Gibson stated that a number of Bullfinches’
Nests had been seen in the grounds of the Crichton
Institution, in the summer of 1877, for the first time.

A letter was read from Mr Thomson, Gatelawbridge, in
reply to objections which had been stated to his paper, read
at last meeting. The glacial origin of the deposit in question
was re-affirmed, and further proofs and arguments advanced
in support of that statement.

The Deputation appointed at last meeting reported that “they had held
an interview with Capt. Maxwell of Terregles on the 16th ultimo, regarding
the present condition of Lincluden Abbey. Capt. Maxwell explained that he
had delayed answering the letter addressed to him by the Society on the

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Sociely. 17

subject, because he found that to do all he considered neceasary for the
protection 0° the ruins would, in addition to excavations for the purpose of
opening up the old foundations of the edifice, entail a great amount of
money, aud he did not feel certain, from the terms of the letter, how far the
Society expected him to proceed in this expenditure. Mr Starke expressed
his opinion that the more urgent remedy required was one to prevent further
desecration and destruction of the Ruins by daily wanto2 mischief on the part
of roughs, and also means to prevent cattle from entering the Chancel. To
meet: these it was suggested that a gate should be placed at the entrance of the
Chancel, and a notice put up requesting visitors to report to him, as proprietor.
all such wanton mischief as might come under their observation. Captain
Maxwell mentioned that he has at present no cottage on the ground where
the key of a locked gate might be kept ; but it was stated that in the opinion
of the Deputation a gate, although not locked but simply fastened with a
notice to visitors to close it after them, would go a great way to remedy the
evil in question, and the Deputation were glad to be able to report that Capt.
Maxwell agreed to carry out these suggestions.”

The meeting received the report with much pleasure
and satisfaction, and it was ordered to be engrossed in the
minutes. The thanks of the meeting was unanimously
awarded to Messrs Starke and M‘Dowall for the trou}le they
had taken in the matter,

After some discussion, it was then unanimously agreed
that the Society petition the House of Commons in favour of
Sir John Lubbock’s Ancient Monuments Protection Bill.

Mr Lennon, being unable to. attend the meeting, the
Secretary read that gentleman’s paper on “The Rarer
Coleoptera of the District.” (See Transactions. )

Dr Sharp made some remarks on the Geographical
Distribution of Animals, with special reference to Mr
Lennon’s paper, and which were so much appreciated that
Dr Sharp was requested to continue the subject on a future
occasion.

March 1st, 1878.

The Sixth Meeting of the Session was held in the Town
Hall—Dr Giucurist in the Chair.

Messrs Stewart and Hal. Gordon, Moatbrae Pom Ree 2
Maxwell, editor of Kirkeudbrightshive Advertiser; and
William Copland, Nithsdale Mills, were elected Ordinary
Members, Mr Starforth, architect, Edinburgh, was elected a
Corresponding Member,

18 P gs of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Mr Lennon exhibited a curious Jewel Case made of
African Mahogany, and said to be nearly 300 years old; Mr
Adamson—a small Stone Celt found in James Street when
making excavations for new buildings ; Mr Jackson—2 large
Hungarian Silver Coins of the 16th century; Mr J. G.
Anderson—the first volume of the Dumfries Weekly Maga-
zine of date 1778, of interest as being the first newspaper
published in Dumfries.

Dr Grierson delivered a long and interesting lecture on
« What and How to send from Distant Lands,” in which he
explained the different modes of collecting, preserving, pack-
ing, and forwarding specimens of Natural History, and in
concluding he urged all who might have it in their power to
send such to the Thornhill or other local museums, in pre-
ference to sending them to any of the large National
Museums, where they already had enough, and, moreover,
could buy what they needed. The lecture was illustrated
by a number of specimens from various parts of the world, of
which one of the edible nests of a species of Swallow from
Sumatra, a Humming Bird and nest from Demerara, and a
Wasp’s nest—Polistes morio of Reawmur—also from Deme-
rara were the most remarkable.

April 5th, 1878,

The Seventh and last Ordinary Meeting of the Session
was held in the Town Hall—Dr Giucurist in the chair.

Messrs Low, chemist ; Thomson, ironmonger; Sir W.
Broun, Bart. ; and Mr Culton, Dildawn, were elected Ordi-
nary Members. Mr M‘Fadzean, Co. Galway, was transferred
to the list of Corresponding Members.

Mr Moodie exhibited an Egg of the Common Fowl, to
which a corrugated coil of calcareous matter was attached at
the small end; also a number of pieces of Bottle Glass which
had been completely rounded and smoothed by the action of
the gizzard of a common fowl, Mr G. Armstrong, Corberry
Terrace, showed a Silver Boddle of Charles I, found in the
Corberry Nursery, .

2

Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. 19

Considerable discussion took place on a proposal that a
selection of the Society’s proceedings and transactions be
prepared during the Summer for publication.

Mr Service moved, and Mr J. G. Anderson seconded, that
the proposal be adopted. Mr Beattie moved an amendment,
and Mr Maxwell seconded, that the matter be held over till
next Annual Meeting. On a division being taken, 15 voted for
the amendment, and 8 for the motion, the former being thus
carried by a majority of 7.

Mr Shaw read a paper on “ Modern Theories of Colour
in regard to Animals,” in which he showed, with the aid of
coloured illustrations, how in many cases the colours of
Insects, Animals, and Birds had assumed a protective resem-
blance (apparently) to the objects amongst which they lived.

Mr M‘Ilwraith made some remarks on “Some Flint
Chips” taken from an arrow maker’s shop amongst the sand-
hills, near the farm of Torrs, in Wigtownshire.

Dr Gilchrist gaye an address on “ Zoophytes,” in which
he showed and explained their structure and economy by
means of a large and beautiful series of specimens and some
excellent coloured drawings.

September 4th, 1878.

A Special Meeting was held in the Mechanics’ Institute
—Dr GILcanistT in the chair.

The Chairman stated that the purpose of the Meeting
was to take into consideration an offer made to himself, as
representing the Society, by Mr Corrie, Ashbank, to hand
over to this Society the property belonging to the former
Natural History and Antiquarian Society.

It was moved by Mr Rutherford, and seconded by Mr W.
G. Gibson, that Mr Corrie’s offer be accepted, and Mr Starke
moved that the thanks of the Society be conveyed to Mr
Corrie, both of which motions were unanimously agreed to,
The Secretary was then instructed to receive the property
referred to from Mr Oorrie, and take charge of it in the
moantime,

20 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

October 4th, 1878.

The Annual Meeting beginning the Session of 1878-79
was held in the Mechanics’ Institute—Mr RUTHERFORD in
the chair.

Rev. W. Lytteil, M.A., Kirkmahoe Manse, and Mr
Murdoch, Rosemount Terrace, were elected Ordinary Mem-
bers. Mr P. Cameron, jr., Glasgow, and Mr J. Thomson,
Gatelawbridge, were elected Corresponding Members, the
latter being transferred from the list of Ordinary Members
until his return from Africa, whither he is about to proceed
with an Exploring Expedition,

Mr F. W. Grierson exhibited a large gsicninnre of
~ Phanerogamic and Cryptogamic Plants pul cic during the
past season, and also an Instrument to explain the changes
of the seasons, which he named the Horaphraziter.

The Secretary read his Annual Report, which showed
that the Society hada very successful session. The Member-
ship was now 100, and the average attendance at the Ordi-
nary Meetings had been 27, and atthe Field Meetings 16.

The Treasurer read his annual statement, showing a
balance of £3 17s 54d in favour of the Society.

Mr Grierson read the report from the Botanical Section,
enunerating the plants and their habitats, which had been
met with when at the Field Meetings and elsewhere.

Mr Glover Anderson read the report of the Archeological
Section, briefly going over the objects of Antiquarian interest
that had been visited by the Society.

The Chairman made some remarks explanatory of two
beautiful Micro-photographs executed by himself of a fly’s
tongue, and a specimen of Pediculus vestimente

Mr Hastings read some “Ornithological Notes,” in which,
after stating that although he had few opportunities of seeing
for himself what is to be seen in wild nature, still many
interesting birds that had been collected in the district were
sent to him for preservation, he said that last August a young
Crossbill had been sent to him from Palgowan, a sheep farm
in Penpont, and which no doubt had been bred in that part of

Field Meetings. 21

the country. They had now entirely disappeared from the Dal-
swinton woods, where their nests were at one time frequently
met with. In the neighbourhood of Palgowan there is a
shepherd’s house known as the Lorg, situated at the head of
the Water of Ken, and here there is a famous breeding-place
of the Raven, Buzzard, and Mountain Ouzel. A little further
down the Glen, on the hillside, there is a larch plantation,
the trees in which are of no great height but are thickly
studded with Heron’s nests. Mr Hastings said that during
the past year he had received more of the Terns or Sea
Swallows than ever before. He had received the Lesser
Tern, the smallest species of the genus, from Carsethorn ;
the Common Tern, which, although common on some parts
of the coast, was not so with us; from the Solway Frith,
very many of the Arctic Tern ; and three specimens of the
Caspian Tern from the Scaur, near Dalbeattie, where they
had been shot last October.

It was then agreed that a selection of the Society’s
Proceedings and Transactions be printed for the use of the
Members.

Office-bearers, Committee, and Conveners of Sections
were then appointed for the ensuing Session.

FIELD MEETINGS OF 1877.

The place chosen for the First Meeting was the farm of
Killochan, and accordingly, on the 5th of May, a party of
sixteen drove in a waggonette out to near the head of The
Glen. Thence, under the guidance of Mr Rutherford,
they were conducted down the right bank to the Glen
Mills, where Mr Rutherford pointed out a rock which
salmon were unable to surmount when ascending the stream,
and stated asa fact that might throw some li ght on the vexed
question whether parrs were the young of the salmon, that
no parrs were ever found above that rock. Proceeding up
the left bank, the ruins of an old castle (or chapel, or possibly

B

22 Field Meetings.

neither) known as Killochan Castle, were next inspected. It is
situated on a position of great natural strength ; the remains
of what appears to have been a ditch are quite visible on three
sides, and the fourth is formed by the almost precipitous
sides of the Glen. A field below Killochan farm house, where
drainage operations were being carried on, was next ex-
amined. At a depth of a few feet below the surface there
appeared to be an extensive deposit of boulder clay, and large
quantities of this had been thrown out in forming the drains.
The peculiar strie, denoting the grinding action of the ice
during the “Glacial Period,” were very clearly seen on almost
all the stones that had been exposed. A short walk further,
and the Gull Loch was reached—one of the great breeding
places of the Blackheaded Gulls (Larus ridibundus) which
at once resented the intrusion on their parental cares by
loud screaming and a copious use, no doubt, of very bad
(bird) language. It was certainly a pretty sight, so many
thousands of these beautiful birds all on the wing together,
while their incessant cries harmonised well with the rugged
nature of the surroundings. In walking round the loch the
nests were seen in great abundance, built of coarse grasses, and
placed a few inches above the surface of the water. Dozens
of nests containing eggs were seen within the space of a few
yards square. Dr Gilchrist, in a few remarks, stated that
the loch was, without doubt, formed by a glacier which had
descended from the surrounding hills till, filling up the hollow
of which the loch was the centre, it had flowed off in the
direction of the Glen Mills. Turning homewards, on coming
over the hill a magnificent prospect broke on the view. The
whole valley of Lower Nithsdale, with the town of Dumfries
in the centre, the Wamphray hills, with their snowclad sum-
mits gleaming in the rays of the afternoon sun, and away to
the south, part of the Solway Firth, the whole seen through:
an atmosphere of singular clearness and purity, formed a
picture of surpassing beauty, and one which will not fade
easily from the memory of those who were present. Leaving
the brow of the hill with some reluctance, the old quarry

Field Meetings. 23

above Cluny was next visited, and there the direction of the
Silurian strata was well seen, and on some parts the action
of the waves of ancient seas was very clearly marked. A
number of Geological specimens were here secured, but dur-
ing this meeting the Botanists and Entomologists of the party
were unsuccessful in getting any Lut common species. The
long-continued cold and drought of Spring had retarded the
growth of even the common wild flowers—the common yellow
Primrose, some Violets, and a few other common Plants,
were almost the only ones yet in bloom, and, as a natural ~
sequence, insects were also scarce. A large number of that
pretty little fern, the Moonwort (Botrychiwm lunaria; was,
however, secured in its general habitat, an old pasture field.

The Second Meeting was held at Amisfield on 2d June.
There was an attendance of 21, the party leaving Dumfries
by the 1.45 p.m. train for Amisfield Station, where they were
met by Mr Jackson and conducted to the Mansion-House.
On reaching the entrance gate a splendid Weeping Elm
attracted much attention ; its long trailing branches would
have effectually barred the way, but they had been trained
to stout poles, thus forming a beautiful green arch. The
lower side of the avenue was very gay with the wild flowers
of Spring—the blue wood Hyacinth, the yellow Primrose,
and the crimson Lychnis forming bright masses of colour.
Passing round the Mansion-House, Mr Jackson pointed out
some remains of arches, traces of an older building, with which
the present one has been incorporated. The old Tower was
then inspected, Mr Jackson pointing out the more interesting
features of this ancient building. Several of the lower floors
are still in use, and seem fitted to stand for many years to
come, but the upper ones, with the exception of the great
oaken rafters, are all gone. A narrow spiral stair of stone
leads up to the highest part of the Tower, an oblong apart-
ment, loopholed on all sides, and in which a watchman was
constantly kept in the brave days of old to give notice of
approaching danger, or of signals from the beacon fires on
distant hills. Several of the more adventurous and least

24 Field Meetings.

corpulent members of the party ascended to this apartment
and enjoyed the grand outlook. A few pieces of furniture
still remain ; part of a table, at which James the V., the
“ Gudeman o’ Ballangeich,” is said to have dined, and some
other remnants were pointed out. A murderous-looking
steel crossbow, which had probably done some execution in
its day, was also examined. A visit was next made to the
Camp, which is situated about a hundred yards from the
Tower. It is believed to be the work of the Romans. It is
nearly square, and a wide ditch still environs it on three
sides, and what seems to have been a gate or entrance is
visible on the North-East and West sides, while the fourth or
South side is occupied by a range of farm buildings. These
have apparently been built of materials from some ancient
building, as parts of armorial bearings, figures, and inscrip-
tions were visible in the walls. The party were next
conducted through the well-kept garden and hothouses.
Attention was directed to the nesting boxes for small birds
placed at intervals along the garden walls. Most of these
boxes were occupied by young families of Tits, of several
species. Boxes for the Starlings are also placed on tall poles
and on all the windows of the old Tower. As a result of the
aecommodation and protection afforded them the birds do a
great amount of good, and the gardener stated that no cater-
pillars or otber insect enemies ever troubled him. | It would
be well were Mr Jackson’s example more generally followed ;
we would then hear less of the failure of so many garden crops
through the attacks of insects. Entering the Mansion-House,
Mr Jackson showed his visitors some very valuable relics of
Robert Burns. The first was the original MS. of “ Wat ye
wha’s in yon toun,” written in his exciseman’s notebook, of
the same pattern as is still used. There were also some
entries of grocer’s stock-in-trade which the poet had taken
down on the same day in which this song was written. The
next was the poet’s own copy of the Edinburgh Edition, and
this was examined with a reverential interest. Almost every
page was occupied with notes and corrections in his own

Field Meetings. 25

handwriting, the names of persons mentioned in the poems,
which had been left blank, being all filled in. Mr Jackson
also exhibited a fine mahogany model of the Sarcophagus in
the Great Pyramid of Ghizeh, and stated that, according to
the measurement of the model, which was guaranteed to be
correct, Professor Piazzi Smith’s theory, that the Sarcophagus
was a measure of capacity, was found to be disproved.

A visit to the large Camp on the stmm!t of Barshell
Hill still remained to complete the programme for the day,
so, under the guidance of Mr Jackson’s gardener, the party
set off and reached the hill top to find the rain descending in
drenching showers. Under these circumstances the exami-
nation of the Camp was made as brief as possible. Some
doubt was expressed as to its makers, and it may perhaps
have been occupied successively by Britons, Romans, and
Norsemen. However, it is in a very complete state of pre-
servation, is of very large extent, quite circular, encompassed
with two deep and wide trenches, and at one period must
have been a place of no small strength and importance.
Much regret was expressed at the state of the weather, as
the greater part of Dumfriesshire and Galloway can be seen
from the Camp on a clear day.

The Third Meeting was held at Colvend on the 7th of
July, when a party numbering 17 left Dumfries by the 8.32
a.m. train to Dalbeattie, whence a ’bus conveyed them to
Colvend Manse. Here they were met by the Rev. Mr Fraser
and some other members, thus augmenting the party to the
number of 20. <A visit was first made to Mr Fraser’s Garden,
which was then in full beauty. For hardy plants the Manse
Garden is probably unequalled in Galloway ; a numerous
assemllage of the choicest and rarest Alp‘ne and herbaceous
pants have been gathered together, and are as luxuriantly
healthy as if still in their native Labitats. The party next
proceeded to Douglas Hall, where, leaving the ’bus, a general
scramble along the shore and the rocks began. The Sam-
phire, Crithmum maritimum, was noticed high up on the
cliffs, but no one cared to risk life and limb for its possession,

26 Field Meetings.

and the botanists had to be content with a few small pieces,
knocked down with stones. The most of the party entered
the Piper’s Cove, and traversed it for about an hundred
yards, but lights having gone out they had to desist from
further exploration, without having noticed anything worthy
of mention except an unmistakeable odour of whiskey—
perhaps a relic of the old days of the smuggling fraternity.
Passing onwards, the Rock Rose, the Sea Pink, Sea Campion,
Ragged Robin, Rock Saxifrage, and Cranesbill were noticed
growing in boundless profusion, and adorning the rocks with
gorgeous masses of colour. Many ferns were also noted, the
Sea Spleenwort being of course plentiful, but although care-
ful search was made, the Royal Fern was not found, and it is
now supposed to be extinct in Colvend. At Port-o’-Warren,
that peculiar plant the Sea Radish (Raphanus maritima)
was found, and further on the rare Astragalus glyciphyllus.
On the top of Castlehill some fine specimens of the stately
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) were secured by Mr Shaw ;
and near to Rockcliffe no less than four species of roses were
gathered—Rosa canina, R. rubiginosa, R. spinossissima,
and R. pimpernelifolia. Several of the less common birds
were noticed during the walk—among them, however, the
Peregrine Falcon was conspicuously absent. This noble bird
had an eyrie near Port-o’-Warren, but of late years it is
supposed to have been destroyed. The preservation of
game has led to a serious disturbance of the balance of
Nature by the almost total destruction of so-called enemies,
thus allowing others to increase to an extent prejudicial to
many interests. We may instance the enormous flocks of
wood pigeons, which now make a living on the farmers’
crops, and the vast swarms of field mice, which have appeared
in many parts of the country, and which are so destructive
to young plantations and upland pastures. From an agri-
cultural point of view, birds of prey are not only quite
harmless, but absolutely necessary for keeping other birds
from increasing out of all proportion to their place in Nature,
A breeding-place of the Herring Gull was very interests

Field Meetings. 27

ing, but a nearer acquaintance with their nests and eggs was
impossible, as these were placed high on precipitous rocks,
quite out of reach of ordinary nest-hunters. Several pairs of
the lesser black-backed Gull were also seen nesting with
their white-winged congeners. Wheatears, Whinchats, and
Stonechats, together with a few Mountain Linnets, were also
numerous, and a pair of the Ring Ouzel were seen. The day
being so bright and hot, insects were abundant. A specimen
of the Clouded Yellow Butterfly (C. Edusa,) was secured after
a prolonged chase ; other two were seen, but owing to their
proximity to dangerous precipices, their capture was not
attempted. Among other Lepidoptera, the Artaxerxes
Butterfly, the Blues, and the Little Heath were gambolling
about in merry groups ; and dancing hither and thither like
a winged jewel was the Burnet Hawk Moth (Zygeana fili-
pendule) clad in a vest of brilliant green and crimson. Mr
Lennon captured the following Beetles along the shore :—
Elater halteatus, Altrous rhombiros, Dashillus cervinus,
Cistela murina, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, 0. ovatus, Ernobius
abritus, Trachyplocus scabriculus, and Lerna puncticollis.
After a short halt at Rockcliffe, the return journey was
commenced, and not a few members of the party were glad
to find themselves seated, the rough scramble among the
rocks, and up to the more accessible ledges, having resulted
in a plentiful crop of abraded and contused wounds.
A visit was made, in passing, to see the granite quarries
of Oldlands, but as the workmen had left, a vein of Kaolin,
which it was reported had been recently discovered, could
not be seen. However, Dr Gilchrist very kindly pointed
out the chief features of the rocks, which have been all
rounded and curved from glacial action. Arrived at Dal-
beattie, there was just time, before the 6.30 p.m. train
was due, to see through the Granite Polishing Works of
Messrs Shearer, Smith, & Co., where the appliances for
polishing and cutting the huge blocks were matters of great
interest.

The Fourth Meeting was fixed for Newabbey and

28 Field Meetings.

Criffel, and took place on August 4th, when the party,
which included Mr Adam White, so well-known for his long
connection with the British Museum, started at 9 o'clock
a.m. in a waggonette from Dumfries. The ascent of Criffel
was made from the farm of Ardwall up a short but steep
side. After an hour and a-half of arduous climbing, the
summit was reached by the foremost of the party, followed
at short intervals by the remainder, as their strength per-
mitted. A thorough search for insects and plants was
made on the top, and for the former was very successful,
upwards of thirty species of beetles being found under the
stones—many of them very rare. Butterflies and Moths
were, however, very scarce, owing to the cold wind blowing
across the summit. Further down, a few specimens of
the Mountain Carpet Moth were got, and numerous
Crambide, a genus of little moths very common in wet
summers. Before descending, a short rest was taken, and
the party had now time to look on the vast expanse of sea
and land spread out before them. Looking like a mere
speck, the town of Dumfries was seen away to the north,
and a long line of silvery white showed where the Nith
flowed for many a mile. Jo the eastward, the town of
Annan was distinguished by its canopy of smoke hanging
above it, and down the English coast were many a town and
hamlet similarly crowned. The Solway Firth lay without
a ruffle on its broad bosom, dotted here and there with
large fleets of fishing-boats. Towards the west the view
was still more striking, the more picturesque points being
well known to most of those present. The coast of Colvend
wa’ 0. especial in‘erest from having Leen the scene of last
m2e.ing, and several o the points were distinctly recoguised
Nearly the whole .f the Galloway coast and all the higher
mounta ns of the range known as the Southern Highlands,
were in the prospect ; on the southern horizon the outlines
of the Isle of Man could be made out, but the day was not
bright enough for a clear view of it. A descent was made
on tho western side of Criffel into the deep glen formed by

Field Meetings. 29

the Glen Burn. Several deep ravines were passed on the
way, apparently formed by the little streams which were
then harmless enough, but in winter must be raging torrents,
In some places the streams sink into the hillside, to reappear
again a few hundred yards further down. In this way a
subterranean passage is made, which gradually widens, until,
after some heavy rainfall, or when the snow melts, the whole
of the mass of rocks and soil is burst open altogether, and a
ravine formed. Such geological changes do not require a
period of vast antiquity, but may be witnessed almost every
year on such a mountain as Criffel. On arrival at New-
abbey, the beautiful old ruins of Sweetheart Abbey were
inspected, and some fine plants gathered within the old
walls. Mr Gooden gathered the following plants on Criffel :
—Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera anglica, Rhyncospora
alba, Erica cinerea, E. tetralix, Galium sacatile, Thymus
serpyllum, Tormentil officinalis, Polygala vulgaris, Pingui-
cula vulgaris, Juncus articulatus, Ewphrasia officinalis,
Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Pimpinella saxifraga, Narduus
stricta, Eleocharis pauciflora, Pedicularis palustris, Evrio-
phorum vaginatum, Vaccinium myrtillis, Orchis maculata,
Gentiana campestris, Myrica gale. In Sweetheart Abbey
he collected—Polygonum aviculare, Ethusa cynapiuin,
Jasione montanum, Stachys betonica, S. sylvatica, Teucriwm
scorodonia, Geranium molle, Coniwm maculata, Polygonwin
bistorta. The beetles collected by Mr Lennon were as follows :
—Notiophilus palustris, N. susbstriatus, N. rufipes, Cara-
bus violaceus, Lewtus rufescens, Calathus piceus, Pteros-
tichus lepidus, P. vitreus, Harpalus ruficornis, Patrobus
assimilis, Trechus socialis, Hydroporus tristus, H.neglectus,
_ H. umbrosus, Colymbctes bistriatus, Agabus paludosus A.
nitidis, Philhydrus nigricans, Helophorus dorsalis, Quedius
levigutus, Leptacinus butychurus, Multhodes marginatus,
Oolymztes cupreus, and Donacia comari, besides a number
or commoner species.

The Fifth and last Meeting of the Summer was held at
Thornhill on Ist September, Proceeding to the Musoum

50 Field Meetings.

the party was welcomed by Dr Grierson, and shown over the
grounds, where are gathered together a vast number of rare
and curious plants, some of which are quite unique, “Mount
Ararat” stands in the west portion of the garden, and a
winding pathway leads to the regions of perpetual snow—an
effect produced by layers of white quartz rocks. At various
heights are growing the special groups of plants peculiar to
a mountain region, the whole giving a very good idea of
Alpine Botany. Various old Urns, Crosses, and Querns are
placed here and there throughout the grounds, and have a
very peculiar effect. An old Elm stump was pointed out as
having a curious history. For more than four hundred years
the tree grew in the bed of the Marr Burn ; the stream had
gradually undermined and hollowed out the stem, till, after
a night of storm and flood, the tree was uprooted and over-
turned. It was taken to a woodyard, where it was cut up,
and the stump lay there for upwards of a year. It was.
ultimately taken to the Museum, and now, from the base of
the old stump, a number of young branches have grown and
apparently mean to flourish. Within the Museum itself a
whole day might have been profitably spent, but a hurried
glance was all that could be spared. After a few hours’
examination of the wonderful collection of subjects in every
branch of Natural History and Art which are here contained,
the party proceeded to Eccles House, the residence of Dr
Sharp, who very kindly showed the visitors his famous collec-
tion of beetles. It numbers more than 100,000 specimens
of nearly 30,000 species or distinct kinds. They are con-
tained in boxes of a pattern known as book-boxes, and are
arranged round the sides of a large room, much in the same
way as the books and shelves of a library. A small ivory
label on each shows the name of the family or genus to
which the contained insects belong, and reference is thus
easily made to any particular species which may be under
study. The collection of British Beetles is almost complete,
very few of our native species remaining to be added. Com-
pared with the brilliant green, golden, purple, or crimson

Field Meetings. 51

armour of the foreign ones, they are an insignificant-looking
lot ; but what they want in size and colour is amply com-
pensated for by the beautiful anatomical structure of the
small species. Many of the exotic varieties are of great
value, and in the beetle market would fetch almost as much
as jewellery, to which in beauty, colouring, and delicacy of
form and structure they are no mean rivals. The strange
uncouth forms, sharp, hornlike, offensive, and defensive
appendages, hooked and spiny limbs, were a matter of won-
der to all. The party, after looking over numerous boxes
and their interesting contents, getting a pretty fair idea of
the great assemblage of insects known as Coleoptera, went
to see some of the grand old trees which are so profusely
scattered around the Mansion-House of Eccles. Prominent
among them stands a noble Beech which might shelter a
regiment under its wide-spreading branches. Its circumfer-
ence round the extremity of the lowest branches is 110 yards.
Its trunk at three feet from the ground measures 214 feet in
girth. A circle of branches, each of the size of ordinary
trees, springs from the main stem at from 4 to 7 feet from
the ground, with an average girth of 7 feet. The number of
cubic feet of timber must be enormous; but owing to the
want of time no calculation was made. Another tree that at
once commands attention is a Walnut,* now sadly riven by
many a winter’s storms, but enough of it remains in health
and vigour to make it one of the largest of its kind. Dr
Sharpe stated that he had seen very few to equal this one in
size, even in Spain, its native country. On the right of the
avenue a very fine Roman Camp was visited. It is of the
usual square form, and the ditch or fosse is m a very good
state of preservation. It is worthy of remark that, contrary
to the case in regard to other Roman Camps in the district,
no relics of its founders have been found near this one. A
short walk further brought the party to Nith Bridge, where
Dr Grierson told the story of its erection, It appears that

* It{s to be regretted that this noble tree fell a victim to the great storm of
14th October, 1877,

32 Freld Meetings.

about one hundred years ago the Nith was here crossed by a
ferry boat, and it seems the ford was a dangerous one,
from there being a cross erected a short distance off, which
still remains, protected by an iron railing. These crosses
were in olden times always erected at places of danger and
difficulty, such as mountain passes and fords. Well, at that
time, a party returning from Dalgarnock Fair, then one of
the most important in the district, found the Nith in full
flood, but determined to cross at all hazards. The party
numbered six, and just as they were about to move off a tall
man in black clothes stepped into the boat, which was shortly
swamped and all its occupants drowned. The bodies were
all recovered except that of the unknown personage, who was
supposed to have been the Evil One. This sad accident
roused the district to the necessity of having a bridge built,
and a subscription being set on foot the present structure
was soon erected. This story was of peculiar interest, from
one of our members who was present being nephew of one
of the drowned persons.

FIELD MEETINGS OF 1878.

The First Meeting was held at Lincluden and Holywood
on Saturday, May 4th, when, although the weather was
most unpromising, fourteen members attended. The party
left Maxwelltown about eleven o'clock, and the first place
visited was Lincluden Abbey. Mr J. Glover Anderson con-
ducted the party round the ruins, pointing out the sites of
the various buildings and pertiuents which composed the
ancient structure. He also directed attention to the pecu-
liarities cf the architecture which distinguish Lincluden, and
also the uses and signification of several parts of the chancel,
Scme regret was expressed that nothing had been dene to
protect the ruins from mischievous youths and others, who
apparently look on the ruins as a playground specially
erected for their benefit, After a vote of thanks had been

Field Meetings. 33

passed to Mr Anderson for his instructive remarks, the party
proceeded to Holywood Kirk, where a few hours were spent
in looking up the old epitaphs and inscriptions on the tomb-
stones. A good many of the tombstones are dated from the
early part of the 17th century. The intelligent sexton
pointed out some places where in digging graves he had
come upon traces of the Abbey of Darcongal, which in
ancient times stood on the ground now occupied by the
churchyard. This Abbey was at one time a place of some
celebrity. It is said to have been founded between 1121
and 1154. No trace of it now exists above ground, but the
sexton remembers having been in the vaults belonging to it
which are situated below the present stable of the Abbey
Farm, close to the churchyard walls. In 1860, while digging
a grave, he came upon the fireplace of the Abbey kitchen,
Some of the ashes were given to local antiquaries, but the
grate crumbled to dust on being handled. A short distance
off, and at about a depth of three feet lower, a very beautiful
piece of ornamented flooring was exposed. A memorial of
the Abbey, however, still exists in two excellently-toned
bells, which do duty in the belfry of the kirk. They do not
seem to have suffered much from the tear and wear and
ding-dong of centuries. One of them bears the following
inscription, which is quite legible :—IWFTEN ABBAS SACR ME
FIERI FECIT AGOVICE,—and which was translated into “The
Holy Abbot Iften caused me to be made.” The party were
here joined by the Rev. W. Lytteil, M.A., the well-known
philologist, whose work on place-names entitled. “ Land-
marks,” is a standard one on the subject, and from whom a
large amount of information was derived regarding the
names of places in the surrounding district. The Druid’s
Circle on the farm of Kilness was next visited. It consists
of eleven large boulders (tradition says there were twelve at
one time) arranged in the form of a Druidical temple, en-
closing a space of ground about eighty yards in diameter.
Mr Lytteil was strongly of opinion that the Druids had never
had any connection with it. However, the generally received

34 Field Meetings.

opinion is that the circle was connected with a grove of oak
trees which seems anciently to have stretched away from the
spot six or eight miles north-westward into the parish of
Glencairn, and this sacred grove, this “holy wood,” is said
to have given its name to the parish. The botanists present,
although remarking a very noteworthy difference in the ap-
pearance of vegetation from what it had at the meeting
held at same time last year, attributable to the genial
weather of this spring, did not find any rare plants. Some
insects were secured, amongst them being the scarce Incur-
vuria muscalella, and a remarkably small example of Pieris
Nwupi, less than an inch broad across the expanded wings.
The Second Meeting was held on June 1st, when the
places visited were the classic “Braes of Dalwinton” and
their charming surroundings. To her votaries Nature ex-
tended her warmest welcome in sunny smiles, rendered all
the more conspicuous and enjoyable by aching recollections
of wintry weather lingering in the lap of May. Early summer
had just commenced to unfold her treasures, and there was
not that detracting profusion so characteristic of the later
months, but nevertheless a fair number of specimens, both
entomological and botanical, were obtained in the intervals
during which the more enthusiastic of the collectors were
able to withdraw their attention from the delightful
scenery with which they were environed. Mr Lennon was
especially fortunate in securing specimens of the rare Corym-
bites holosiriens, Harpalus tardus, Phyllobius verdicollis,
Haltica longicollis, Crepidodera helxines, Sharederma tes-
tacea,and Podogrica fucipes, while Mr Goodon either collected
or observed in flower the following species :—Anagallis
arvensis, Anchusa sempervirens, Euphrasia officinalis
Geum rivale, Lysimachia nemorum, Polygala vulgaris
Pinguicala palustris, Ranunculus acyuaticus, Sherardia
arvensis, Valeriana dioica, Veronica becabunga, Allosorus
ecrispus, Galliwm montanum, Gnaphaliwm dioicum, and
Menyanthes trefoliata. The party, on arriving at Auldgirth
per the 12.80 train, immediately commenced the ascent of

Field Meetings. 35

the Moloch Hill, and for the earlier portion of their climb
had to wade through a luxuriant growth of the parsley fern,
which spread around them for acres. From the summit one
of the most magnificent scenes which Nithsdale or the South
can boast of lay at their feet. The frequent but foolish wish
that “they could be there and look at it for ever” was felt
and uttered, but the party descended nevertheless, and pro-
ceeded up the burn towards Dalswinton, Dr Gilchrist securing
some remarkably fine geological specimens on the way.
Dalswinton Castle, to the site of which the present mansion
stands in close proximity, belonged to the family of the
Comyns, and must have been a fortress of considerable im-
portance as early as the time of Wallace, who is reported to
have reduced its English garrison by a strategy similar to
that by which Sanquhar was captured, and tradition also
mentions it as his resting place on the night following the
memorable engagement in which he totally routed the Eng-
lish near by. Caerlaverock has better claims to this honour,
however, and the story is probably only another example of
that hero-worship accorded to the patriot by the Scottish
peasantry, and which is manifested by the existence of a
similar legend regarding every place he was ever within a
reasonable or unreasonable distance of. But the Castle is
possessed of considerable historical interest, from the fact
that within its walls were concocted the famous letters which,
falling into the hands of Bruce, revealed to him the treach-
ery of Comyn, and which contributed so much to the cause
of Scottish liberty, for had Bruce not become possessed of
them the dark scene in Greyfriars’ Monastery would never
have taken place, and the battle of Bannockburn never have
been fought. The Loch was next visited. Apart from the
beauty of its features, natural and artificial, much interest
centres in it as the cradle of the steam-boat, the first vessel
propelled by steam having been launched here by Mr Patrick
Miller, the then proprietor, and Mr James Taylor, his colla-
borateur in the invention, on the 4th of October, 1788, the
experiment causing such general interest that the shores of

86 Field Meetings,

the beautiful little lake were crowded with spectators, whose
surprise at its complete success can be easier imagined than
described. <A feature of great interest at the loch is the
heronry, where several couples of these birds are pre-
served by the proprietor, Mr Leny, whose sedulous care in
the preservation of the various wild birds frequenting the
district is most commendable. On their return to the station
the party found that two hours would elapse before the
arrival of the next train, and split into two parties, one
waiting upon it, the other proceeding by road to Dumfries,
where all arrived about half-past eight.

The Third Meeting took place on Saturday, the 6th
July, in the neighbourhood of Bridge of Dee. The morning
was showery, and fears of a wet day no doubt prevented
some members being present, but the day turned out one of
the most pleasant description, the hot sunshine being tem-
pered with intervals of shade and a cooling breeze. The
party proceeded by the 8.32 a.m. train to Bridge of Dee
Station, where they were met by Mr Grierson, of Keltonhill
School, under whose experienced guidance they explored a
large part of the district. The Botanical section of the
Society mustered in strong force, but of the other sections
the only representatives present were an entomologist and
an antiquary, and these gentlemen, to avoid “isolation,”
wisely determined to co-operate with the botanists. The
first plant of interest met with was growing in the hedge-
side, not far from a dismantled cottage. It was a single
white Rose, of a species not indigenous to Britain, and quite
unknown to those present. Near the same place a hedge of
Privet—a true British Olive, as Dr Gilchrist stated—in full
bloom was scenting the air with its delicious fragrance. In
the sluggish waters of a shallow stream were found some
large patches of Ranunculus aquatilis, studded with pretty
white flowers. Mr Shaw stated that the plant was scarcely
known as a native of the Tynron district, and that more of
it grew in this burn than he had seen all his life. Numer-
ous species of Grasses were gathered on the farm of Threave

Field Meetings, 3

Mains, but nothing of special note. Near Threave Castle, a
large extent of marshy ground, from which, as the party
approached, rose flocks of Wild Ducks, and Herons, Snipes,
Sandpipers, and other aquatic birds, was next explored, and
a number of plants found. The wetter portion was covered
with a strong growth of the Bottle Carex, amidst which a
white variety of the Cardamine pratensis was not uncom-
mon. A great floral treat awaited the party at a small,
black, deep pool, on whose waters foate] a quantity of the
Nymphea alba, the exquisitely beautiful white flowers pre-
senting a most charming contrast to the black water. At
considerable risk of a “ ducking,” as many flowers were
gathered as formed bouquets for all present. Near the edge
of a muddy bay formed by the Dee the gracefu! little Lobelia
dortmanna and the queer-looking Alisms ranu wuloides
were noticed, and a number of specim?ns securel by Dr
Gilchrist and Mr Grierson, who waded in fo. then. A
thicket of Scirpus lacustris, over six feet in height, was
growing near the same place. On dry banks near at haad
was a plentiful growth of the Lilac Devil’s-b.t Scabious
(Scabiosa succisa) intermingled with which was the Sea
Plantain (Plantago maritima) in flower. It was explained
that. the plant grew away from the neighbourhood of the sea
only where the soil contained potash. The party next pro-
ceeded across the well-known stepping stones to the island
on which Threave Castle is situated. “At the edge of the
Dee a bed of a pretty little plant (Helosciadewm inundatum )
was seen, the flowers of which are remarkably tiny and
white. The party were not disposed to examine Threave
Castle from an antiquarian point of view, so a brief stay
only was made.” A large plant of the Hemlock (Conium
maculutum) almost fills up the hole in the west wall made
by the shot from Movs Meg. Ferns were very abundant in
the crevices, the whole of the eastern wall being covered as
high as the eye could distinguish it by a dense growth of the
Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. adiantum nigrum, A. tricho-
manes, and two or three others were also found. The north
C

38 : Field Meetings.

wall of the castle is of a dirty greenish yellow caused by the
growth of a Lichen (Lichenora parietina) on the stones
This plant only grows on a northern aspect, consequently
none of it was found on the other walls. On returning across
the Dee a great number of fresh water sponges were noticed
on the stones—a curious little species about the size of a
shilling, and a quarter of an inch thick, of precisely similar
texture to the sponge of commerce. The next place visited
was Kelton Hill, the scene of the famous fairs of the
olden time, and from the top of it a splendid view of the sur-
rounding country was obtained. After a short rest in Mr
Grierson’s residence, where they were shown some antiquarian
relics—amongst which were a broadsword, which last saw
service on Culloden Mocr, and some granite balls, measuiing
from 5 to 8 inches in diameter, numbers of which were found
round the walls of Threave a few years since—the party went
on by the Kirkcudl:right road to the Billie’s Glen. A fine
patch of Geraniwm pratense was found on the wayside, and
a nice white variety of Valeriana dioica. A small burn-
side was covered with the poisonous Water-hemlock, and
further up grew plentifully the common Butter Burr, which
is very local in the district. The Glen would have repaid a
much more minute search than could be made. However,
some good things were secured. The common Dog’s Mer-
cury covered almost the whole of the interior of the Glen,
and on the ledges of the rocks were numerous patches of the
pink-flowered grass, Melica uniflora, Mr Grierson pointed
out a place where earlier in the season that curious little
fern, the Moonwort, grows in thousands, but it was then, of
course, too late for it. A mine once sunk in expectation of
finding lead was pointed out. It is sunk-about 30 yards
deep into the east side of the Glen, and the entrance is
through a very fine natural arch, which one of the party
sketched at the request of Dr Gilchrist. In the field above
the Glen some bare rocky knowes were covered with masses
of the little white Sedwm anglicanwm. On others were found
the Rock Rose the blue Jasione montuna, and the Wood

Field Meetings. 39

Moneywort (Lysimachia nemorum). In a boggy place at
the foct of the Glen a number of the rare Butterfly Orchis
were secured, thus worthily finishing the gathering of the
day. Altogether nearly a hundred species of flowering plants
and grasses were found, leaving out of consideration such
species as are of general distribution in the district.

For the Fourth Meeting, on August 3rd, so few members
- turned out that it was decided not to keep a record of what
was done.

The last meeting, on Saturday, 7th September, was
well attended. The party proceeded to Lochanhead by
the 12.20 train for Hills Tower and neighbourhood. At the
quarry on the north side of the station Dr Gilchrist pointed
out the chief features of the Silurian strata, which dip west-
wards at an angle of about 70 deg., as elsewhere throughout
the district. Above the quarry the Reindeer Moss was found,
and further on the Grass of Parnassus was growing in the bog
in great abundance. EHuphrasia officinalis, the Eyebright,
and Pedicularis sylvatica, the Red Rattle, were also found in
company with other plants of less note. A deep ditch in
process of excavation was examined by the geologists, but
nothing but the usual features of the glacial drift was noticed.
A short distance further brought the party to the Castle of
Hills (or Loch Roiton, as it is termed by Grose), which is of
little historical importance, but is of some interest to the
archeologist, from the fact that it forms a connecting link
between the old Scottish baronial peel or tower and the
modern mansion. It combines the external features of the
former with the more prominent characteristics of the latter ;
for although the walls are crested with frowning battlements,
and the ground floor devoid of any nearer approach to win-
dows than two or three small loopholes, the upper rooms are
large, well-lighted, and airy, with many of the conveniences of
modern life. The comparatively low and flat nature of the
site of the tower precludes its forming a prominent object in
the landscape, but, nevertheless, when viewed from a “ vant-
age point” on the brae between it and the kirk, it forms a

40 Field Meetings.

striking and picturesque accessory, the upper portion stand-
ing out boldly against the blue waters of the loch, the
p quancy of the roof and battlements rescuing from tameness
aud contrasting finely with the bare and less interesting
portion below, while the gate-house, a perfect bonne bouche
to the artist, nestles closely to its side, leading us irresistibly
to think of the days when in it,

Above the gloomy portal arch,

Timing his footsteps to a march,

The warder kept his guard.
Nearing the castle, the visitor perceives that the building
now forms one side of the farm-yard of the adjoining steading,
a portion of one other side of the square being occupied by
the remains of the old castle wall and the gate-house, the
latter being the principal entrance to it, as it was to the court-
yard of the castle. “The lower portion is wholly occupied by
the portal arch, which is surrounded by bold and effective
mouldings, the beauty of which is sadly marred, however, by
a tame and insipid label. The upper portion consists of the
watchroom, from which the warder surveyed all visitors
through two extremely small loopholes, with a view to ascer-
tain whether their intentions were peaceful or otherwise, and
presents an unbroken exterior with the exception of a small
panel containing what has been called the Royal Arms of
Scotland, although the bearings are somewhat different -to
those generally used, the middle chief, fess, and honour
points being occupied by a hirsute individual crowned with a
turban, and brandishing in-one hand a dagger and in the
other a sword. On this panel, Grose (according to his own
statement) perceived the date 1598, but the visitors on this
occasion, in common with all others who have visited it from
the time of the redoubtable Captain to this, have utterly
failed in their endeavours to make the discovery. The Castle
proper bears upon its front, panels for openings for five coats
of arms, but three only remain, and whether the other two
bearings were ever fixed or notit is impossible to tell. Those
still in existence are in good preservation ; one, however, is

Field Meetings. 4\

so obscured by an ash sapling that it is impossible to get a
good view of it. The arms are (1) Maxwell of Hills ; (2) Sir
John Maxwell (Lord Herries) ; and (3) Edward and Agnes
Maxwell. Entering the building we find ourselves in a small
hall, flanked on one side by the door leading to the dungeon
or ground floor, and on the other by a circular staircase,
3ft. 6in. wide, by which we reach the second floor, in
which the joisting, &c., is still nearly perfect, but of the
next floor only a few timbers remain. ‘The storey consists
of two rooms, and what has apparently served the purpose of
our modern w.c., the larger rooms being well lighted with
large ingoing windows, while the stone jambs, which are
handsome in character, still remain. They are, however,
comparatively modern. The next floor it is impossible to
examine, so passing upwards the battlements are reached.
These are 2ft. 6in. wide, and rest wholly on the wall, the
parapet only being corbelled out, and are well secured from
any accumulation of surface water by openings to large gar-
goyles of cannon shape, which, projecting from the walls, add
much to its picturesque appearance. We may mention that
the parapet is above the average height, the embrasures being
three and the merlons four feet. A new roof has just been
added by the proprietor, Mr M‘Culloch of Ardwall, and much
praise is due to him for his zealous care of the ruins, exem-
plified in this and in many other instances.

As we have indicated, the history of the Hills is ex-
tremely scanty. It is noteworthy, however, that Edward I.
spent a night at the Castle or in its immediate neighbour-
hood, the note of his expenses connected therewith being in
the Wardrobe Accounts. At that timo, and until the fall of
their House, the Tower was one of the numerous possessions
of the Douglas family. It then passed into the hands of the
Maxwell family, one of whom, Herbert, said to be an illegiti-
mate son of John, third Lord, founded the now extinct house
of Maxwell of Hills.

After the old Tower had thus been minutely inspected,
the party next proceeded to Lochrutton, where one portion

49 Field Meetings.

went along the shore searching for plants, &c., and the others
went to see the Water-Works. On the south shore of the Loch
a number of interesting plants were picked up, but they were
of the species usually found in such situations. The two
parties again joined at Lochaber, whither they had gone by
different routes across the fields. Some boggy places, quite
covered with the lovely blue flowers of the Scabiosa succisa,
were well searched for varieties of that plant, and white and
rose-coloured ones were found. The rare Sundew, Drosera
anglica, one of the family of flesh-eaters which has attracted
so much attention from men of science during the past few
years, was found close to the water edge, with the remains of
half-digested insects still sticking to the viscid glands with
which the leaves are covered. A bed of Lignite of great
depth is situated at the north end of the Loch, and was ex-
amined very carefully. A number of the painted Lady But-
terflies were flying about the hedge sides at Woodhead, and
it is somewhat strange that this butterfly, so abundant this
year, has not been seen in the district for the last eleven
years. Nothing further specially interesting, with the excep-
tion of the Quarry in the Longwood, was met with, and the
party reached Dumfries again shortly after six o'clock.

TRANSACTIONS.

oS —___—_

The authors of the following papers are alone responsible for the
opinions expressed :—

THE ORIGIN OF THE PERMIAN BASIN ov THORNHILL,
By JosEPH THOMSON, Gatelawbridge.

Read 2d February, 1877.

(1.) SUPERFICIAL PosiTION AND AREA OF THE PERMIAN
Rocks OF THORNHILL.

Those of you who have travelled through the middle
ward of Nithsdale, in the centre of which Thornhill stands,
will have observed that it is a small valley in itself formed
by hills of Silurian rock, which surround it on all sides, and
from which in a former era of the world’s history it has been
worn out by some denuding agent. At the bottom of this
small valley lie the rocks bit are to form the subject of
our inquiry to-night. They extend a distance of 12 miles
from the low-lying hills which bound the valley on the south
to the mouth of the Pass of Dalveen—in fact the extreme
length of the valley. A line running from east to west
through Thornhill will lie along its greatest. breadth, which
is about 4 miles. That these rocks are referable to the
Permian system is inferred from the following facts :—1st,
They overlie the Carboniferous system unconformably ; 2d,
they are to a large extent identical with strata which uncon-
formably overlie the Coal measures in Ayrshire ; 3d, they
are the same as those which, in the Dumfriesshire basin, pes
southward under the Trias of Cumberland.

(2.) CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYSTEM.
Perhaps few places in Great Britain present a more
interesting development of the features which so peculiarly
characterise the. Permian strata as the little basin of Thorns

44 Transactions.

hill, and when I say so I simply express the opinion of Pro-
fessor Geikie, than whom there is no man more qualified to
spcak on the question. Confined as the rocks are in a small
isolated place, we have everything so condensed, as it were,
that nothing but the great characters which distinguish these
rocks are brought out in bold relief. The Lake origin of the
strata, the great volcanic outbursts of the period, the com-
plete absence of any organic remains, and the red colour of
the rocks, are all here seen or expressed in the very clearest
of geological language. But as it will be utterly impossible
to give anything like a comprehensive idea of the develop-
ment of all these distinguishing characters in Upper Niths-
dale in any paper of moderate length, I propose to draw your
attention to-night simply to the origin of the rock basin in
which those strata have been deposited.

(3.) GEOLOGICAL PosITION AND RELATIONS OF THESE Rocks.

In pursuing our inquiry, then, it will be necessary, in
tre first place, to consider the geological position and rela-
t.ons of the Permian rocks of Thornhill to those underlying
and surrounding them. The valley, as I have already said,
is a great hollow cut out from the Silurian strata which rise
up in the form of bills all round it. Lying along the whole
western and southern sides is a stripe of rocks belonging to
the Carboniferous Limestone Series. On the eastern side
this stripe is more imperfectly developed ; while here and
there amongst the Permian rocks these strata also appear,
On taking a section of these formations across the valley we
find that they occupy the following relative position :—(@)
We have the Silurian rocks with beds tilted vertically from
east to west, across which the valley runs. They rise up on
each side as low ranges of hills ; (6) forming the basement
beds of this hollow we have the Carboniferous rocks much in
the form of a shell, having the central mass of the sandstone
cut out, leaving unconnected parts on each side of the valley;
(c) in the hollow thus cut out from the Carboniferous rocks
we find the Permian sandstones situated, A section from

Transuctions. 45

north to south would present the same geological features,
being only a little more elongated.

A moment’s consideration of the geological position of
these rocks, as I have thus described it, cannot fail to show
that they have been deposited in a compietely isolated inland
lake. This is, of course—independent of the direct evidence
bearing on the case—what we might have expected, as
geological theory generally tends towards a lacustrine origin
for most of the red Permian sandstones.

(4.) THEORIES WHICH MAY ACCOUNT FOR THE ORIGIN OF
THIS LAKE.

The question which we have now to consider is—What
has produced this hollow or rock basin? There are only
three agents which could possibly originate a lake basin, and
these are (a) internal movement, (b) water, or (¢) ice.

It could not have been the first of these, as there is not
the slightest evidence, in this case, of either the upheaval or
subsidence of the surrounding or underlying rock, and if
either had taken place, signs of such movements must have
become apparent.

Against water as the agent there are many objections
of even a more decided nature than those against internal
movement. We have, for instance, no recent example of
' water forming hollows at all ; in fact, how could it? Water
has only an excavating power when it is in motion. To
move, it must have an inclination downward, or a force such
as wind, to impel it. Consequently, the moment that a sur-
face which is being denuded becomes horizontal, the motion
must cease, and along with it of course the denuding power.
Hence the impossibility of water forming a hollow. Motion
in water produced by wind pre-supposes the existence of a
lake or sea, so that the movements of water in that case
could only extend the boundaries of, not produce, a lake.
We are thus, so far as I can see, bound down to the last
alternative, viz. an ice origin. Doubtless in the present
state of geological knowledge, this ice theory is rather a

AG Transactions.

daring one, and if it rested merely on the grounds that we
cannot understand how this hollow could be produced in any
other way, it would indeed have rather a precarious founda-
tion. Fortunately, however, there is evidence of a more
positive nature, which goes far to substantiate it. Allow me,
shortly, to draw your attention to this evidence, which we
will consider under three heads—(a@) ice as a lake-forming
agent, (b) proofs of glacial conditions about the commence-
ment of the Permian Era, (c) the favourable contour of the
ground for the formation of a mass of ice.

(5.) EvIDENCE IN Favour OF A GLACIAL ORIGIN,
(a) Ick AS A LAKE-FORMING AGENT.

By the great majority of our most eminent living geolo-
gists, amongst whom I need only mention Ramsay and
Geikie, the theory is held that most existing lake basins
were first formed during the Glacial Epoch, and were due
not to elevation or subsidence, but to actual erosion by
glaciers, in proof of which it is shown that lakes are exceed-
ingly numerous in those countries where erratic and
other signs of glacial action exist ; and that they are com-
paratively rare in tropical and subtropical where no signs
of ice action exist. That is to say that beyond glaciated
countries lakes almost abruptly cease. This is a coincidence
which could hardly be accidental, and the well-known
erosive action of glaciers makes it all the more probable that
they were the principal if not the sole agents in producing
our present lake basins. Without, however, going so far as
to suppose that even most existing lake basins have origi-
nated in this manner, it is sufficient for our purpose to un-
derstand that ice is a great lake-forming agent.

(b) PRoors OF GLACIAL CONDITIONS DURING PERMIAN
TIMES.

Passing now to the direct evidence bearing on the
subject, let us consider, in the second place, the proofs of
glacial conditions existing during the time when this basin _
was scooped out,

Transactions. 47

Of late years the necessity of assuming the action of ice
to explain the anomalous characters exhibited by many
strata in more than one geological system has become more
and more apparent, until it is now held by most of our most
eminent men of science that there have been various ice
ages at different periods of the world’s history. Among
these ice ages there is one to which facts point very strongly
as existing at the commencement of the Permian Kra, the
very time when this lake basin must have been formed.

On this question let us quote from two of our modern
leaders in geology—Professors Geikie and Ramsay.

The former describes a singularly detached area of
Permian breccia, between the villages of Leadhills and Craw-
fordjohn, in the following terms :—“This breccia,’ he says,
“has been entirely derived from the waste of Lower Silurian
rocks. The stones are angular and subangular, often of a
somewhat flat form, and vary in size up to a foot or more in
length: They strongly resemble the form of stones in
boulder-clay or morraine rubbish ; indeed, when the usual
stratification fails to appear, and the stones have been thrown
together irregularly, the resemblance to a glacial deposit is
most striking. A careful search was made among them for
striated stones, but without success.”

These facts evidently indicate very conclusively the
existence of glacial action on the Lowthers.

In the Geological Journal Professor Ramsay speaks
still more emphatically in favour of an ice age, to account
for the origin of similar breccias found in the southern
counties of England.

He founds his belief on the following formidable array
of evidence :—“ 1st, The great size of the stones—the largest
observed weighing three-fourths of a ton. 2nd, Their forms
—rounded pebbles are exceedingly rare. They are angular
or subangular, and have those flattened sides so peculiarly
characteristic of many glacier fragments in existing morraines,
and also of many of the stones of the pleistocene drift, and
the morraine matter of the Welsh, Highland, Irish, and

48 Transactions.

Vosges glaciers. 3d, Many of them are highly polished, and
others are grooved and finely striated like the stones of ex-
isting Alpine glaciers, and, like those of a more ancient date,
scattered over various parts of the world. 4th, A hardened
cementing mass of red marl, in which the stones are very
thickly scattered, and which in some respects may be com-
pared to a Red Boulder Clay, in so far that both contain
angular, flattened, and striated stones, such as form the
breccias wherever they occur. The contained fragments are
all derived from the district, although some of them can be
shown to have travelled a distance of 30 miles. Here, then,
we have evidence of the most positive nature, taken from
our own district as well as the south of England, which points
most conclusively to the existence of glacial conditions at the
very time when this Permian Basin must have been pro-
duced.

(c) CONFIGURATION OF THE LAND FAVOURABLE.

The next question to be considered is whether the con-
figuration of the land was favourable for the accumulation
and descent of a mass of ice by the erosive action of which
the Permian Rock Basin we are considering might have been
produced. To trace out this question satisfactorily we must
transfer ourselves in thought away back to the Devonian
Epoch. It is very easily demonstrable that during the earlier
parts of this era the great stretch of Silurian strata, which
extends over most of the southern counties of Scotland, sank
deep into the bowels of the earth, from which it was re-ele-
vated in- a vastly altered condition. Its half shaly beds
had been subjected to metamorphosing agents by which
they were changed into greywacke ; and its former horizontal
lines of stratification had been bent and contorted by pressure,
and were now generally standing vertically. Immediately
after its re-elevation it must have been subjected to an enor-
mous amount of denudation, which resultedin the formation
of all the great valleys that now exist in the surrounding
counties ; in fact, all the great natural featmes of the South

Transactions. 19

of Scotland were moulded previous to the Carboniferous Era,
a statement sufficiently substantiated by the fact that many
of the hollows cut out from the Silurian rocks are occupied
by strata of Carboniferous Age, a circumstance which
could not have occurred in any other way. Among the
valleys thus produced was the one which now forms the
Middle Ward of Nithsdale, in which Thornhill is situated.
During the earlier parts of this era (the Carboniferous) this
valley, with the rest of the country, was submerged under a
sea in which strata belonging to the Carboniferous Limestone
Series were deposited. In the latter part of the same era
the country was re-elevated, and presented the principal sur-
face outlines which we now behold, and these outlines so far
as they relate to Middle Nithsdale, I have already described.
There is, however, a very important factor which must not
be lost sight of in the consideration of this subject. I allude
to the vast amount of denudation which must have taken
place since Permian times, and which must have materially
contributed in lowering the height of hills which surround
the valley. It would be altogether out of the question to
attempt to form any conception of the amount of this erosion,
but if during one era whole valleys can be excavated on a
large scale, surely during many eras greater results must
have been produced. This is all the more probable when we
consider that, since the Carboniferous Epoch, Scotland has
been oftener above than below water, and consequently made
all the more liable to be denuded by the usual agents—
water and ice. We will not attempt to guess at the amount
taken off the hills ; but I think we cannot go far wrong if
we merely use indefinite terms and say a few thousand feet.
Now, adding this unknown but undoubtedly large amount to
the present very great height of the Lowthers and the
smaller ranges which diverge from them to form the valley
of the Nith, we would then have most favourable surface
condition for the accumulation and descent of a mass of ice ;
because, as you are aware, glaciers are an accumulation of
snow (formed on mountains, if in the temperate region, or

50 Transactions.

even at the level of the sea, if in an Arctic climate) which has
gradually assumed the form of ice. Like water, this accumu-
lation has a tendency to pass from higher to lower grounds,
its natural courses being the valleys which diverge from the

mountains.

(d) Conciusions DRAWN.

Summarising, then, these various facts which I have
brought before you to-night, we find—First, that we have a
rock basin which must have been produced about the com-
mencement of the Permian Era, the origin of which cannot
be satisfactorily explained by reference to either igneous or
aqueous agents. Second, that the following evidences point
to the probability of a glacial origin :—(1) Ice is the most
important lake-producing agent. (2) A very considerable
mass of evidence collected by the most eminent geologists of
the day supports the belief that there were glacial conditions
at the commencement of the Permian Era, some of the evi-
dence having been collected in our immediate neighbourhood.
(3) During the existence of these glacial conditions the Low- —
thers formed a very considerable range of mountains from
which minor ranges ran, forming the valley of Middle Niths-
dale, in which the rock basin was situated, thus presenting
favourable surface outlines for the accumulation and escent
of a mass of ice. ; be

With these facts before you I leave you to consider
whether there is not great probability of a glacier having
really been formed on these mountains durimg the time re-
ferred to, and of its having descended down through the
valley, scooping out a rock basin in its passage, which became
the lake in which the Permian sandstones of that district

were deposited.

Transactions. 51

THE OCCURRENCE OF MELITHA DIDYMA NEAR
DUMFRIES. By Witii1aAmM LENNON,
Read March 2d, 1877.

It is with feelings of much pleasure that I take the
liberty of bringing under your notice this evening the cap-
ture of a species of Butterfly, never before known, as an
inhabitant of any portion of the British Isles.

To those of you who know something of Entomology, I
need only state that this new species is one of the Genus
Meliteea, and which has hitherto been found principaliy on
hilly and wild uncultivated tracts of country. All the species
of this Genus are distinguished by their chequered appear-
ance, and have been named Frittilaries from their close
resemblance to those out-of-date flowers, the Frittillary
Lilies.

It is some years since I captured the specimen now
brought under your consideration. It was about the end of
the month of June, the day was very bright and hot, and
this is distinctly brought to my remembrance from the un-
usually large swarms of Argynnis Euphrosyne and A. Selene
which were floating around me, and of which I captured at
the time a large number, most of which are still in my pos-
session. .

_ This new Butterfly has a great resemblance (outwardly)
to those two species, viz. Argynnis Huwphrosyne and A
Selene, amongst which it was caught. Indeed, its similarity’
in general appearance thereto is so great the probability is
that, from this cause, it has hitherto escaped detection. For
this same reason I was myself under the impression at the
time that it was merely a well-marked variety of the common
type, and, therefore, after casual observation, laid it aside
together with my gatherings for the day,

Having at that date turned my sole attention to the study
of Coleoptera, I did not return to the examination of these
gathered specimens until a few months ago (November last),
when on re-opening them this insect again commanded my
earnest attention. On communicating thereon with our

52 Transactions,

Secretary (Mr Service), we together made minute examina-
tion of it, but after careful research could find no trace what-
ever of such an insect in any books within our reach treating
of British Butterflies. We therefore determined on sending
it for identification to the Entomological authorities in Lon-
don. In due course we were favoured with a reply from the
editors of “ The Entomologist,” desiring every detail in con-
nection with its capture, and thereafter urging me to assure
them of its being a bona-fide specimen caught in Britain.
Having fully satisfied them in every particular connected
therewith, the result of our correspondence has just been em-
bodied in an article on the species in question from the pen
of Dr Jenner Weir in last month’s publication (February) of
“The Entomologist,” and it affords me pleasure in laying
this journal now before you. And in conclusion, I have only
to specify the exact locality of its capture, which was at Dal-
seairth, to the left of the Dalbeattie Road, at the bottom of
the plantation below the meadow. And let me further
inform any of our friends now present who purpose devoting
some of their time and attention to the study of Entomology
in any of its numerous branches, that their researches at
this particular spot are certain to meet with success.

A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF “ RACKY.”
By Dr GRIERSON.

Read April 6th, 1877.

More than six years have passed since there was brought
to Thornhill Museum a little animal said to be a Raccoon, and
it received the name of “ Racky,” but it was evident that it was
not a Raccoon ; its general aspect was not that with which
I was in any way familiar. After consulting various authori-
ties in Natural History, at length I was able to identify it
with the Brown Coatimordi (Nasua naurica) of South
America, an animal belonging to the family Viverride, of
the order Carnivore. It was the Rev. Alex. Donaldson of

Transactions. 53

Strathaven who was the donor, and he stated that it had
been brought from Para in the Brazils, and he had had
it in his possession for about two months.

The size of the animal was somewhat that of a little
dog, measuring from the tip of the nose to the root of the tail
19 inches, and the tail measuring 13 inches, . The prevail-
ing colour was chestnut brown, lightest on the breast and
abdomen ; the tail ringed, with lighter and darker shades ;
its legs were short, and the toes were provided with strong
claws ; it used its fore paws to lift its food. When it walked
it set the sole of its feet upon the ground after the manner
of a bear. Its ears were short and rounded ; the eyes were
placed unusually forward, and were nearly black ; its promi-
nent feature was its long nose ; its teeth were small, but it
could give a good bite, as at first I frequently experienced in
my hands ; its strength was in its arms. Almost every kind
of food offered it was acceptable—bread and milk, potatoes,
now and then a bird, slugs and worms, fruits in their season,
was its bill of fare ; of sweets it was passionately fond, and
in the time for strawberries and cream it was highly de-
lighted. It was not very susceptible of cold. In very cold
weather it kept its den, which was in a box filled with fine
hay ; its power of generating heat was great, and it was
always warm in its den. Its voice was confined to a chirp,
loudest when excited. No great sagacity was at any time
manifested. With myself it was familiar, but it was only
with myself. Of late years it gave up the bad practice of
biting me. Strange dogs did not much alarm it, and dogs
generally were very shy of it, and never made an attack,
With my own dogs it was quite indifferent; its mentalism
seemed almost wholly directed to its food. Uneventful was its
life, only now and then escaping from the place where it was
kept, and occasionally getting hold of a chicken, It was always
healthy and always had a good appetite. Even when its end
came, it came without indications of sickness or disease. In
the evening it had taken its food as usual, but on the morn-
ing of the 24th ultimo, when food was taken to it, it did not

D

54 Transactions.

appear. On examining its den there it lay dead, its body
bent, and its little feet drawn together as it used to lie when
asleep. Sleep on, though there was no kindred to mourn!
Nature, from whom thou hadst thy birth, kindly again re-
ceived thee, and has wrapped thee in her pall of oblivion !

COLIAS EDUSA IN 1877. By RosBert SERVICE.
Read November 2d, 1877.

There is nothing in the whole range of Natural History
of more interest than the study of the incessant changes
which are going on from year to year among the plants,
animals, and insects around us. Some species suddenly or
gradually disappear, others appear to take their place, or
those that are already present imcrease in an alarming
manner, spreading their devastating hosts with startling
rapidity over wide tracts of country. The Grasshopper
Plague and Colorado Beetle of America are familiar recent
instances of this most destructive increase.

But it is not of a change fraught with desolation and
ruin of which I am about to tell you. Certainly the larve
of Colias Edusa cause, I understand, an appreciable amount
of damage on the Continent among clover and other Legu-
minous crops, but we may safely say this Butterfly will never
become a noxious insect in our uncertain climate. JI am sure
most of you noted this golden beauty on the wing during the
past season, and the thought no doubt occurred to those who
do not make a special study of the insect tribes that it was
surely a Butterfly they had not before seen. And, so far as
this district is concerned, this supposition would be correct,
in the case of our-younger members at least. ;

This Butterfly has always been a favourite subject of
speculation among Entomologists, from its peculiar charac-
teristic of appearing only at intervals of many years in most
parts of England. In Scotland it has hitherto been of excessive
yarity. In some few districts of the extreme south of England

Transactions. 55

it is met with almost every year in less or more abundance.
Further north it is found every few years, and in the other
parts of the country it is only seen at rare intervals. In
Scotland the first recorded capture was made in Arran in
1848, by Professor Sir Wyville Thomson. Four years later,
one was captured near Largs, in Ayrshire, on 12th September,
by Mr Birchall. The next, or third Scotch specimen, was
secured at Kirkmahoe on August 17th, 1857, by our own
Mr Gibson. I find that information in the volume of the
Naturalist for 1857, and on the same page there is a par-
ticularly interesting extract from the Dumfries Herald of
date September 4th of the same year, which I now read as
follows :—

“The present season is very prolific in insect. life.
Seldom have we seen the Peacock Eye and Red Admiral in
such abundance in this district. (It might be mentioned in
passing that the former has not been seen here for about
twelve years, and the latter, although unusually plentiful in
Autumn, 1876, was represented this Autumn by a few strag-
glers only.) A specimen of the Clouded Yellow was captured
a few days ago at Kirkmahoe, and on Tuesday seven more
were taken, and a good many more seen near Glencaple. As
there is only one recorded capture of this “ Favourite of
Entomos ” in Scotland, we hope some of them may escape
the ruthless net of the collector ; and we may soon be able
to look on it as one of our local species.”

A wish which was not gratified, however. In 1859 some
were seen near Newbie, and in 1862 Mr Lennon took it in
considerable numbers near Caerlaverock.

Since then no one has’seen it in Scotland (so far as I am
aware), but in Southern England it has been seen occasionally
in fair numbers. It was in these circumstances, then, with
feelings of no ordinary surprise and pleasure, that Entomolo-
gists greeted its great outburst this year. From even so far
north as Orkney, where a solitary specimen was seen, to the
southernmost point in England, it has appeared in almost
every locality in more or less abundance. The Entomolo-

56 Transactions.

gical journals are crowded with notices of its unexpected
occurrence, mostly accompanied with the remark “ not seen
here for five, ten, or twenty years,” as the case might be,
In our own district the first one was seen by Mr Gibson on
3rd June. Two or three days afterwards I was told that
some yellow Butterflies had been seen at Priestlands and
Mabie. Following that, Mr Lennon came with the startling
intelligence that he had captured Colias Edusa. Then, on
the 9th June, I was near the Newabbey road, early in the
afternoon, when a Butterfly flew over the hedge and settled
on a Dandelion flower. One glance was sufficient, there was
Edusa glittering in its golden raiment, the first I had ever
seen alive. There was an unwonted trembling in my limbs,
and a thumping in my chest, as I advanced on the uncon-
scious insect with the stealthy creep of a cat, hat in hand,
for I had no other weapon. The aim was correct, Hdusa
was underneath, and quicker than ever it was done before,
my coat was cast off and thrown over the hat to make all
secure,

I need not tell you how head and shoulders were cau-
tiously inserted beneath the coat tails, or how the passers by
stared at the strange proceedings, and how one man turned
away, as I bore off my prize in triumph, muttering with an
expression of most intense disgust, “It’s only a butterflee !”

However, I had soon an opportunity of seemg and
capturing more of this beautiful creature, and had ample
facilities of verifying the observation that “he who would
capture Edusa in its lively flight has need of the seven league
boots, with the hand of Mercury to ensure his success.”

During June a number were seen, and a few captured,
and over the whole of Galloway, excepting the higher por-
tions, it was seen in fair numbers. At Arbigland it was
almost equally plentiful with the Common Whites, and
seems to have been plentiful along the coast fields as far as
Auchencairn. Those who were at the Colvend Field Meet-
ing will remember the three or four we saw then, During
June it was seen also throughout Dumfriesshire, I believe

»~

Transactions. 54

the flight continued from its first appearance on June 3,
almost without interruption, until October 9th, when the
severe frost probably destroyed them. For about a fortnight
in August I did not hear of, or see any, but this was likely
to be for want of observation. The undoubted Autumn brood
commenced to fly about September 10th, and continued in
remarkable abundance almost everywhere except on the
high moors, till the frost destroyed them, as already remarked.
Those places which came under my own observation were
more especially a field to the east of Goldielea, another at
Burnside of Mabie, and one near the Rifle Range at Con-
huith. At these places they outnumbered any other Butter-
fly, and it is perhaps worthy of remark that in settling for
food or rest they invariably preferred a flower of a yellow
colour. My success in capturing was not in proportion to the
numbers I chased. They are exceedingly difficult to catch,
and had it not been that the Autumn brood were, as com-
pared with the Summer ones, a peculiarly weak and ener-
vated race, my show of specimens would have been small
indeed. Even with this very noticeable weakness they were
much more difficult to secure than other members of the
Butterfly race.

A peculiarity of this appearance of Edusa is the remark-
ably early date on which it was first seen, viz. June 3d. It
seems to have been generally understood hitherto that the
species hibernated, appearing again in Spring, but I can find
no record or notice of its having been then seen. Iam at a
loss to know how this idea can have originated ; however, I
think the experience of the past season will have dissipated
the notion, for it is admitted on all hands that those indi-
viduals captured in June had only recently emerged from the
pupa state. Another point which may be noticed is the
greater size of the June specimens when compared with the
Autumn brood. This peculiarity was accompanied by a
stronger flight and a playful vivacity, which was altogether
wanting in those that were on the wing during September.
I find the average breadth of the Summer specimens is 2in,

58 Transactions.

4 lines, and the Autumn ones 2in. 1 line, thus showing a
difference of 3 lines or } inch. These measurements are
from my own specimens, and might be somewhat modified if
a more extensive series was examined,

Let us now briefly consider the various theories that
have been put forth to account for the appearance of Colias
Edusa after long years of absence. The first one is the
famous “ Blown over theory” of the late Edward Newnan,
which was that females were blown over by the wind from
France, and that these females deposited the eggs which pro-
duced the next year’s flight of Butterflies, thus establishing a
colony that died out in a few years, again to be renewed in a
similar manner. However applicable this theory may be to
the extreme south. of England, it will not account for the
appearance of the insect in more northern localities. Another
theory is, that eggs or pup lie dormant until forced into
active life by influences of which we are yet ignorant. It
may be mentioned here that apparently the weather has had
no influence, for while in Scotland the season has been almost
unexampled for cold and wet, the pasture fields in the ex-
treme south of England have been quite scorched up with
drought, still Edusa has been everywhere abundant.

On the Continent also, Edusa has been seen in much
scantier numbers than usual, thus showing that the cause
which has led to this abundance in our own country was in
operation in Britain only. The “Clover Seed theory” is one
which | think is entitled to more consideration than it has
hitherto received. To understand this one it may be as well
to explain that as the larvee of Edusa feed on various clovers,
the eggs are deposited on these plants, and that when the
clover seed is harvested—which happens in August—the
eggs become detached and mix with the seed, and are thus
conveyed to this country if we require it, and ultimately
sown in our fields. My reasons for viewing this theory
(until another one is propounded) with favour are as fol-
lows :—During the Spring of 1876 clover seed of home
growth was not to be had, owing to a failure of the

Transactions. 59

crops the previous Autumn. To make up the deficiency
large quantities of Continental seed were imported prin-
cipally from the countries bordering on the Rhine. This
foreign seed was very inferior and badly cleaned, just such as
the eggs of Edusa might have been conveyed in. Following
up the chain of evidence, it seems very remarkable that the
three places where I saw Edusa most abundantly were clover
fields that had been sown out in the same Spring. I do not
think I saw a single specimen in a field of older clover. Of
course, in accepting this theory, we have an interval of 22
months to account for, during which C. Ldusa, if brought
among clover seed in the egg state, must have been going
through its further transformations. It is possible a few
imagos may have emerged in Autumn, 1876, but the Butter-
fly is so conspicuous that some one must have seen it. Fail-
ing that, it might be suggested that the eggs hatched in May
or June, 1876, then, owing to the change to a colder climate
affecting the development of the larve, they fed slowly all
the summer, turning to pup in Autumn, and continuing in
that state till last June. In this suggestion I do not see
anything improbable, but really the question hinges on
whether the eggs are tough enough to withstand knocking
about in the clover seed without impairing their vitality. It
that is so, then we may safely conclude that Edusa is always
imported when there is a dearth of home-grown clover seed,

60 Transactions.

NOTES ON LINCLUDEN AND COLLEGIATE
CHURCH. By J. GLovEer ANDERSON.

Read 7th December, 1877.

The Abbey of Lincluden, one of the three Scotch houses
belonging to the Benedectine Nuns, was founded about the
year 1165 by Ethred De Macdowell, one of the earliest of
the Lords of Galloway of whose career history has given us
any trace. Succeeding to one-half of the dominions of his
father, the munificent Fergus, upon the death of the latter in
1160, he married Gunild, daughter of Waldeof, Lord of
Allerdale, and grand-daughter of the celebrated Gospatrick,
Earl of Dunbar, the issue of the union being Ronald, fourth
Lord of Galloway, whose son, Alan, the fifth Lord, was father
of the pious lady Devorgilla, to whose munificence Dumfries
owes her “Auld Brig,” and by whom the local Abbeys of
Wigtown* and Dulce Cor or Sweetheart, as well as the Fran-
ciscan Monastery at Dumfries, were founded. Attended by
his younger brother, Gilbert (with whom he had shared his
father’s lands), Ethred was present at the battle of Alnwick,
and taking advantage of the capture of William the Lion at
that disastrous engagement upon his return to Galloway
he threw off his allegiance to the Scottish Throne and drove
from his dominions the agents of the Scottish Monarch.
Notwithstanding this rebellious course he fought on the
Scottish side in the internecine wars which attended the
captivity of King William. Gilbert attached himself to the
English forces, however, and obtaining the assistance of his
southern friends ravaged the lands of Ethred, and making
him prisoner put him cruelly to death in Lochfergus Castle,
from whence his mangled remains are said to have been con-
veyed to the Abbey of Lincluden, where—in the lonely pile
which he had helped to rear—he was stealthily laid in his
“narrow home.”

The Abbey of which this romantic tale is told has long
disappeared, and it is thus a matter of some difficulty to

* The Abbey of Holywood is given in Mackenzie's list as having also been
founded by Deyorgilla,

Transactions. 61

determine the style of its architecture, whether the rude
Saxon? the manly Norman? or the pure and lordly early
English? To the former of these it has hitherto been invari-
ably assigned. The date of its foundation, however, renders
this extremely improbable, and even making. a due allowance
for a possibly backward state of Scottish art, in com-
parison with that of England, I find it hard to believe
that it was not at least a Norman building, and if
(as is stated by some of the highest authorities on the sub-
ject) the architecture of the two countries during the 12th
and 13th centuries was precisely similar, the period at
which the Abbey was built would be that transitional epoch
at which the features of the sombre Romanesque had well
nigh glided into the noble sublimity of Gothic art.

The history of the house down to the 14th century seems
—as befitted its character—to have been uneventful in the
extreme ; but during the reign of Robert III. of Scotland
the quiet dreams of the inmates were rudely shattered, and
“fair Lincluden’s holy cells” rendered desolate by the
violence of Archibald the Grim. Acting under a desire—real
or pretended ?—to uphold the purity of the Church, the
doughty Earl, with an impecunious zeal which has only been
equalled by that of the Scottish noblemen of Reformation
times, contrived to oust the Nuns from their sacred residence
and to appropriate the major part of their revenue. This
transaction has been the theme of a good deal of discus-
sion; but the question may now be said to have been
definitely settled by the discovery at Dundrennan of what
is in all probability the tomb of the last Abess of Lincluden.
In the south transept of that Abbey there is a memorial
slab measuring dft. 6in. by 2ft. 10in., having on it an
incised figure, full size, or nearly so, in the garb of a Nun,
with portions of an inscription in old English characters, and
the date 1440. Scottish Nuns were bound never to leave
their convent after having taken their vows, and the circum-
stance of a Nun’s grave being found in a monastery many
miles from a Nunnery is therefore unique, and but for this

62 Transactions.

the sadly mutilated condition of the stone would probably
have deterred any one from making an attempt towards its
elucidation. The subject, however, attracted the attention
of Mr Starke, F.S.A., Scot., one of the presidents of the last
society, and he devoted a long paper to the subject with
the result that the characters were found to be—

HIC JACET Here lies
DOMINA BLANCHEA The Lady Blanche.
Vv. SIT She was a Nun.
DOMINA PR QUONDAM. At one time a lady prioress.
OBIT ANNO. D. 1440. She died in the year of our Lord, 1440.

Mr Starke, from the fact that there was no religious house
for Nuns in the district except Lincluden, and from the simi-
larity of the dates of the Abbey and the death of the Lady
Blanche, argued that this, in all probability, was the tomb of
the last Abbess of Lincluden, a conclusion which, if verified,
would go far to clear away the slur cast upon the Nuns by
the action of Archibald the Grim. Mr Starke does not seem
to have been aware, however, of the similarity and close con-
nection of the two Orders of Benedectines and Cistercians,
for he remarks that the two orders differed entirely.* This
being the only weak point in his argument, with the light of
this additional information it may be safely assumed that
the Lady Blanche was the last ruler of the Benedectine
House of Lincluden, her tomb being placed in the unusual
position which it occupies, as a vindication of the character
of the Nunnery, and a testimony against the rapacity of the
house of Douglas.

However reprehensible may have been the action of
the Grim Earl in this matter, to him must be assigned
the credit of founding the Collegiate Church, with the

*The Benedectines followed the rule of St. Benedict, whose order grew so
large, that in the year 1098 Robert Abbot of Molesine, with a few of his Monks
who were desirous of observing the Benedictine rules in their original severity,
founded the Order of the Cistercians. The two bodies sprang thus from a
common source, and followed a common code of laws. A high degree of friend-
ship therefore existed between them, a friendship which grew all the stronger
as the two bodies grew older, and the latter renounced the authority of their

original rule.

Transactions. 63

ruins of which every Dumfriesian is familiar. When in
good preservation the buildings must have formed a magnifi-
cent group; even yet they occupy the first place among
the religious buildings of Eastern Galloway, a district which
possesses a galaxy of monastic ruins such as few portions of
Scotland can boast of. Standing, isolated from men’s busy
haunts, out on the narrow nook where Cluden’s wimpling
waters meet Nith’s hurrying stream, the noble chancel, nestl-
ing closely by the side of the guardian Tower, which, even in
decay, bears itself proudly aloft as if in full consciousness of
the supreme beauty of its charge; the transept worn and
dismantled ; the nave now well nigh disappeared ; the smooth
parterre and the pine-tipped calvary form a group well
worthy of its classic associations with Scotland’s greatest
bard, and of the muses of a Macdowall, of a Walter, and of
a Sharpe.

The Benedectine House of Lincluden ceased to exist in
the latter part of the reign of Robert III., and shortly after-
wards the Collegiate Church was founded. To what extent
the original Abbey was allowed to remain at its erection it
is impossible to tell. It is highly probable, however, that
such portions as were serviceable were converted into a
residence for the Provost and Canons, the portion of the
building known as the Provost's residence being erected at
some subsequent date, for apparently the Church and Sacristy »
or Vestry were all that were erected by Archibald the Grim,
the other portions being in a totally different style. The
Church, as originally constituted, is said to have been com-
posed of Chancel, Nave, and Transepts ; but of these the
Chancel, South Transept, and a portion of the south wall of
the Nave only remain, the North Transept, if it ever
existed, being totally lost. From a careful examination of
the indications of the present building, however, I have come
to the conclusion that the Nave proper (and North Transept
probably) never existed, and I may briefly state a few of the
principal reasons which induced that belief. Ist, Total
absence of groining on the north side, what has manifestly

64 Transactions.

been the termination of the Nave Arcade. 2nd, The
Chancel as it stands is a totally independent building ; and
3rd, In the event of a Nave having existed and a congrega-
tion assembled, not one-twentieth of those present could see
anything in the interior of the Chancel. 4th, No necessity
for the existence of a Nave under the foundation.

Regarding the first of these reasons, little need be said.
The terminating pier of the Arcade abuts against the east
wall of the Transept, and stands about 11ft. out from the
line of that of the Nave. On the side next the Transept
there may still be seen in good preservation groining corbel,
shaft, and the lower courses of the ribs, while on the north
side there is a total absence of such features. The second
reason is perhaps a still stronger one, an open Chancel arch
being of invariable occurrence, and if my theory of the non-
existence of the Nave proper be not accepted, it would be
difficult, nay impossible, to account for the existence of the
west wall, which encloses and renders the Chancel a totally
independent building. The third reason will commend itself
to every one who has visited the actual building; and with
regard to the fourth it is only necessary to mention that
Collegiate Churches were institutions founded solely to
enable the patrons to get Masses said for the souls of their
deceased friends, and were not for the accommodation of
congregations.

The Church, so far as it was finished, was undoubtedly
the richest work of architecture ever erected in the district ;
for lofty solemn grandeur it may not have been able to com-
pete with Sweetheart, but for pure, yet lavish decoration,
there must have been few buildings in the South of Scotland
worthy of comparison. The Chancel, as may be supposed,
was the most elaborate portion of the building, containing
as it did, the magnificent features of the Tomb, the Sedilia,
the Piscina, and the Altar, not to speak of the doorway to
the Sacristy, which, though of less moment, is still worthy
of a place beside the others. The west, or entrance front,
is, as mentioned before, a most peculiar feature, and exhibits

Transactions. 65

more than one object worthy of notice, even within the
limits of this short paper. The first of these is the doorway,
the straight arch of which is, so far as I know, unique in an
English building of this style and date, although French
examples are not unfrequently met with.* Above the door-
way, on either side of the wall, is a carved corbel course, evi-
dently built for the purpose of giving width for a rood screen.
The figures are now so much mutilated that it is impossible
to make out what they are intended to represent. They are,
however (according to Pennant) designed to express the
preparations for the burial of our Lord. Above the doorway
as I have just indicated, was placed the rood screen, and by
means of the hoodmould to the arch over we are enabled to
perceive a curious twist in the wall above the level of the
caps. The face of the hoodmould is flush with the wall on
the south side. On the north it stands out 8 or 9 inches.

In the interior of the Chancel the greatest object of
attraction would of course be the Altar, of which it is to be
regretted there is now no trace other than three corbels from
the east wall, which evidently supported the horizontal slab.
They are 7ft. 6in. apart from outside to outside, so that the
Altar would be something like 8ft. 6in. long. Above it stood
an image, the bracket for which may still be seen on the cell
of the eastern window ; and on the outside was placed a
buttress with pinnacle for its protection. Like most other
statues in such positions it would most probably be painted
to imitate life, and the costume brilliantly coloured and gilded.

On the left of the site ofthe High Altar may still be seen,
though in a sadly mutilated condition, the tomb of Lady
Margaret Douglas. The fragments that are still left, how-
ever, are fortunately enough to give us an idea of its sur-
passing beauty and richness of detail. Like most examples
of 15th and 16th century date it consists of a deeply recessed

* It is worthy of mention that the Architect or “ Master Builder” of the
edifice must have been a foreigner—probably a Frenchman—for French
features are numerous, and the contour of the mouldings precisely similar to
many in Rouen Cathedral,

66 Transactions.

arch, forming a canopy above the base or actual tomb which
was itself surmounted by a life size recumbent effigy. _ The
base in this case was of such an elaborate character that it
is entitled to rank with the altar tombs of the previous cen-
tury. It stands about 4ft. high from the original floor level,
but as the Chancel floor is covered with rubbish to a depth of
16 or 18 inches it is not seen to proper advantage. The
intermediate portion between the cornice and plinth is
divided into nine panels by a long arcade of as many trefoli-
ated arches. Each panel encloses a shield ; of these seven are
enriched with various emblems of the house of Douglas, two
remaining blank. The base, as I mentioned before, con-
tained the actual remains of the Princess. These were
enclosed by a plain slab, overlapping the front, and supported
on the other three sides by a broad fillet, which still remains.
On this slab lay the effigy. The outer mouldings of the main
arch are boldly crocketted and terminated by a finial, and
were originally stopped by rampant lions couched on the
outer of the small shafts on each side. The inner mouldings
run on to the impost, and the interior was originally partly
filled with cusped tracery.

The tomb in general form was nearly square, and is
enclosed on each side by buttresses with crocketted and
finialed terminations, and on the top by a deeply undercut
hoodmould, the hollow of which is filled in with carved
foliage. The spandrils ave filled in with panelled tracery:
The Sedilia and Piscina are so similar to the tomb in general
style and ornamentation that the description of the former
applies in a great measure to them also. Mention may be
made of the groined soffit of the sedilia, which is triple but
not graded, and of the two minute niches in the interior of
the Piscina. The base of the Sedilia is extremely plain, but
that of the Piscina is ornamented by conventional represen-
tations of Acorns. In the north side of the Chancel, a few
feet from the tomb, is a highly ornamented doorway which
opened into the Sacristy* or Revestry, a chamber about 12ft.

* Archibald the Grim is said to have been buried in this vestry, See Tran-
sactions of Antiquarian Society of England,

Transactions. 67

wide, and groined in two divisions. The arched portion of
the doorway is filled in with a tympanium, which, as well as
the jambs and arch mould, is profusely decorated, the former
with heraldic bearings. the latter with foliage.

The roof of the Chancel was well worthy of the
magnificent objects beneath. The groining corbels, eight
in number, were richly ornamented with shields bearing
the arms of the house of Douglas, but it is to be regretted
that they are now all undecipherable, with the excep-
tion of that on the north side next the doorway, on which
can still be traced the arms of the Earl of Athol, and
the motto—* Firth Fortune fill the fetters.” In the whole of
the groining appendages the filleted roll is the prevalent
moulding, and more particularly in the shaft and ribs. Several
of the highest courses of the latter are in an uncompleted
state, for in many instances the mouldings are simply roughed
out, showing clearly that the groining was never entirely
completed. Above the groining there has evidently been a
wooden floor, for there stil] remain six corbels on each side
with corresponding voids behind which have apparently served
as rests for the wooden girders of a double floor. Above this
again was an ogee-shaped vault of stone, the lower portion
of which still exists, and which was complete when Grosce
visited the Abbey in 1789. Surmounting this second vault-
ing was the roof proper, composed of wood covered with lead
or zinc. Access to the apartment thus formed above the
Church was got by a circular staircase, the casing to which
may still be seen between the Chancel and Transept, and
from which there are doorways to the Nave and to the rood
screen. The excessive care shown by the double vaulting
suggests the use of the upper as a store for valuables or
library. There is, however, no instance of a similar use for
such rooms, and it is thus impossible to do anything more
than hazard a conjecture in this instance.

The staircase is filled up with debris to a much
higher level than the Transept or the surrounding ground,
the door to the former being nearly covered up inside,

68 Transactions.

It is therefore impossible to tell whether or not the stair
was continued down to the vaults. In any case there
must have been another opening, probably before the High
Altar, and on this means of access must be based any
hope of exploration of the supposed subterranean passage
between the Abbey vaults and the Castle of Dumfries.
Instances of such secret passages are by no means un-
frequent in medieval buildings, but in many cases they
have been lost sight of or forgotten. From their nature there
is of course never any documentary evidence regarding them ;
but tradition, as in this instance, often speaks remarkably
strong on the subject. Such being the case, it would be
worth while to make a trial at least to open the vaults, and,
if possible, set the question at rest.

The only portion of the building remaining to be noticed
are the Transept and Nave, neither of which call for any
lengthened description. It may be mentioned, however, that
the former has been used as a side chapel, the remains of a
Piscina being still in existence in the south wall, and what
has probably been a credence bracket on the north side.
The Collegiate Church of Lincluden, although it may not be
associated like Dundrennan with any great historical event,
has still a history at once interesting and locally important,
and can boast of having received within its walls not a few
royal visitors, and to have been once at least the meeting
place of the lawgivers of the Western Border. Founded, as
has been already mentioned, about the year 1400, the Church
was the seat of the local Parliament which met in Dec.,
1448, under the presidency of William, Earl of Douglas, to
draw up a code of laws for the regulation of Border affairs,
and twenty years later it formed a refuge for one of the
ablest of England’s Queens, Margaret of Anjou, who with
her husband, King Henry VI., their infant son, and the
Dukes of Somerset and Exeter visited Lincluden after the
defeat of their forces at Towton on March 28th, 1461, being
probably attracted by the fact that the then Provost (Lindsay)
had been Scottish Ambassador to their court in the haleyon
days when all England acknowledged their sway.

Transactions. 69

Eighty years after the visit of Queen Margaret, Lincluden
was again visited by one of England’s rulers, King James the
First. Attended by the dazzling Duke “ Steenie” and a large
retinue, the King spent the night of the 2d August, 1617,
within the walls of the “ Auld College,” the occasion having
been evidently improved upon by some of his impecunious
courtiers, for although the duties of the Provostry had been
abolished for many years (mass being last said in the build-
ing in 1585) the office was continued until the date of His
Majesty’s arrival in the district, when the lands were con-
veyed to Mr Robert Gordon of Lochinvar and Mr John
Murray of Lochmaben, two of the lords of the Bedchamber,
the then Provost receiving the grant of a life-rent.

From the before-menticned dates it will be.perceived
that Lincluden was not involved during the period of the
Reformation in the common ruin and spoliation of all ecclesi-
astical buildings which had any pretension to architectural
beauty, and it seems highly probable that upon the death of
the last Provost it became one of the residences of the
Maxwell family, for in the charters and correspondence pub-
lished in the Book of Caerlaverock continual mention is made
of it down till 1660. At what time it ceased to be thus
occupied by them it is impossible to tell. Indeed, nothing
further is known of its history until the beginning of the
present century, when it became necessary to protect the
ruins from the depredations of the surrounding peasantry, and
the ruined wall along the east side of the road to the Cluden
was then erected. It does not seem to have affected its pur-
pose, however, for from then till now wanton destruction and
desecration have been the rule.

Such then is a brief resumé of the history of this ancient
house and a short account of its principal architectural
features. It only remains to be added that its present con-
dition is as unsatisfactory as it well could be, and that
fresh injury is being done each day to the finest portions of
the ruins,

70 Transachons,

NOTES ON A GLACIAL DEPOSIT NEAR THORNHILL,
By JosepH THOMSON.
Read January 4th, 1878.

During the formation of the branch railway line to
Gatelawbridge Quarry from Thornhill Station, a deposit of a
peculiar character was exposed in one of the cuttings. As
far as can be gleaned from the Memoirs of the Geological
Survey nothing similar occurs in Dumfriesshire, and—if my
inferences be true—it will be found that a very important
page of the later geological history of this country has been
revealed by its discovery. This breccia—for so we may term
it, as being both convenient and applicable—is overlain by a
deposit of ordinary boulder clay, which covers all the sur-
rounding country, and as a description of the characters of
the latter will serve to bring out more prominently those of
the former, we may take them both into consideration.

Extending along the east side of the Glasgow and
South-Western Railway there is a ridge of a somewhat
irregular contour which in Closeburn breaks up into great
mounds and heaps, and which shades off towards Carron-
bridge. The greater part of it is composed of boulder clay,
having as a backbone or nucleus the glacial deposit which
forms the subject of this paper. The boulder clay has all
the ordinary characters of that deposit. It is unstratified,
forming a loose unarranged mixture of all sorts of materials
derived from the neighbouring rocks. In one place it may
be pure gravel, in another sand, or both may be mixed with
clay. The drifted fragments of stone are principally grey-
wacke, together with Carboniferous sandstones, Peimian
Porphyrites, and sandstones, or, it may be, even fragments
of the underlying glacial breccia. They are all derived from
local rocks ; the boulders vary in weight up to two or three
ewts., and are considerably rounded, polished, and striated:
This glacial accumulation occurs scattered over the whole of
Middle Nithsdale in confused heaps and mounds. Some six
months ago, while the ridge was being cut through near
Thornhill Station, a rock differmg in many important

Transactions. (it

respects from the ordinary boulder clay was exposed be-
neath 15 feet of the latter.

In the first place it is distinctly and regularly stratified,
dipping at an angle of about 30° due east ; secondly, it is a
compact, solid rock, so firm and hard that in cutting through
it dynamite had to be used oftener than the pick or the
wedge. This character of itself is sufficient to stamp it as
an almost unique case. Jukes, indeed, mentions the occur-
rence of a solidified glacial deposit in the south of Ireland,
but in that case solidification had been produced by the solu-
tion and subsequent precipitation of the carbonate of lime
forming the boulders. It is also not uncommon to find the
boulder clay round a chalybeate spring hardened by the de-
posits of iron in the interstices of the deposit. Neither of
these explanations apply, however, to the present case.

In the third place the boulders, sand, and clay are not
mixed confusedly together, but lie in distinct layers forming
beds of shale, sandstone, and breccia.

The contained fragments vary in weight up to 14 lbs,
Many of them do not belong to any known rock of the
district, while, again, fragmeuts of local Permian and Carbon-
iferous rocks are conspicuous by their absence. They are
remarkably angular, frequently presenting as fine and sharp
an edge as if newly broken by a hammer, and many of them
are unpolished by erosion, and present no trace of striation.
The beds of sandstone and shale are of insignificant thick-
ness. The exposed section is about 400 feet in length, the
beds dipping at an approximate angle of 30 deg., which
would make their real thickness 100 feet, after making an
allowance for one or two small faults, which bring the same
bed twice tothe surface. The beds are traversed by slicken-
sided joints running north and south. The out-crop is

extremely uneven, presenting evidence of having suffered
_a considerable amount of denudation previous to being
covered by the overlying boulder clay.

These are a few of the main features of this glacial
deposit, and as most natural objects contain their own history

a2 Transactions.

we may proceed with some confidence to decipher it. And
first, as to the origin of these two formations—It is very
evidently vindicated that the boulder clay has not heen
deposited in water, while the underlying breccia has. To
prove this [ need only point to the al:sence of stratification
in the former, and its presence in the latter ; as well as the
confused mixture of clay, sand, and boulder in the one, and
their regular arrangement into beds of shale, sandstone, and
breccia in the latter.

In the second place, it is equally evident that the strati-
fied deposit has been transported by the agency of floating
ice, while the boulder clay derives its origin from land ice.
The great angularity of the boulders and their mode of
occurrence in the case of the former, make such a theory
imperative. It likewise accounts for the absence of boulders
from local Carboniferous and Permian rocks, and for the
presence of fragments of rocks which do not belong to the
district.

As to the boulder clay, if it has been formed on land,
necessarily it must be due to glaciers. In the third place we
may proceed a step further in our reasoning, and say that
subsequent to the deposition of breccia, and previous to that
of the boulder clay, a considerable period must have elapsed
during which Middle Nithsdale was raised out of the water,
and suffered a great amount of denudation, nearly obliterating
every trace of the glacial breccia, which must have covered
the whole valley to a depth of more than 100 feet, as it is
utterly impossible to believe that the icebergs got relieved
of their burden always at one restricted spot.

With these detached fragments of past events, is there
not. a possibility of adding an interesting chapter to the
physical history of Dumfriesshire ? According to my deduc-
tions from these glacial deposits, the skeleton of such a
chapter would read as follows, and I leave you to judge of
the reasonableness of it :—At some very early stage of the
glacial epoch Middle Nithsdale, with an unknown part of
the surrounding country, was submerged under several

Transactions. 73

hundred feet of water. Somewhere or other high land did
exist, the position of which may yet be traced from the
erratics in the breccia,

Upon the higher parts of this land the climate was cold
enough to allow of the formation of glaciers, which moved
down through the valleys, their natural courses. Naturally,
in their progress downwards, as in glaciers of the present
day, rubbish of various kinds tumbled down upon them, and
was carried off, the stones suffering little or no erosion from
their position upon the top of the moving ice. These
glaciers, when they arrived at the sea, which was not yet
frozen up, would break off, carrying with them the rubbish
from the sides of the valleys. In lower latitudes these would
melt and, of course, deposit their burden, which would thus
give rise to the glacial breccia which we have described.

After this had continued for some time a great change
took place in the physical geography of the district—the
submerged land once more changed to terra firma. Neces-
sarily this land became subject to the denuding agents—
rains, frosts, rivers, &c., which, as I have already said, nearly
obliterate every trace of the breccia.

Glacial conditions were evidently not very severe at this
time ; perhaps there might even have been an inter-glacial
warm period. After this state of matters had lasted for a
long time conditions began to change. A glacial climate
gradually came on, culminating in the formation of a vast
sheet of ice, which in its motion produced the Boulder Clay.

Such are a few of the more important features of this
interesting deposit. A more exhaustive study of its charac-
ter may modify them to some extent, and, doubtless, will
reveal many important facts which may throw further light
upon the physical history of Dumfriesshire

74 Transactions.

THE RARER COLEOPTERA OF THE DUMFRIES
DISTRICT. By Wm. Lennon.
Read February Ist, 1878.

As is found to be the case with other orders of Insects,
some Beetles are common everywhere, others common only
in perhaps one particular field, a few are confined to a single
spot of perhaps a few yards square, while some species are
dropped on singly, apparently solitary strangers, who receive
anything but what should be a stranger's reception, though
none will dispute the joy their appearance causes in the breast
of the fortunate collector. In consequence, perhaps, of their
warm welcome (they are usually dropped into boiling water)
these rarities may not be seen for years. In some instances
I have seen only one specimen of particular species during
17 or 18 years. It is this uncertainty as to what may turn
up that constitutes one of the principal charms of. this
interesting pursuit, and I have always found that when I
had captured an insect unknown to me, I get into a “perfect
fidget,” as the saying, is to get home again and have it
examined.

The order I have made my special study is the Coleoptera
or Beetle tribe, and I may say that during the last 12 or
13 years I have searched almost every field, moor, moss, glen,
and stream in the district, so that I may be allowed to speak
with some degree of authority on the Beetle-producing power
of the country immediately surrounding Dumfries.

Within a circuit of five or six miles I have found 1440
species. Amongst these there are of course a fair number
of rarities, and others known to the “brethren of the Net
and Pins” as “good things.” Without further remarks I
now propose to enumerate them to you. In the case now on
the table, the species are placed in the order in which I
mention them :—

The first, then, is Dyschirus nitidus, a very local species,
which I have found nowhere else except on the salt marsh
at Kelton, so that it is probably confined to places over-
flowed by the tide. The next is Lebia crux minor, one of

~

Transactions. 15

the very rarest of our British Geodephaga. I have only
found it on the banks of Auchencrieff Loch. It is of exceed-
ingly rare occurrence in Britain, not being known at all in
many parts of the country. Another member of the same
genus, Lebia chlorvcephala, is a local insect, found only on
the banks of the Cairn near Irongray Kirk. Trechus longi-
cornis is very rare, being found only on Kelton salt marsh.
Haliplus striatus is another rarity. I found it in one small
pool in Kirkconnell Moss. I believe I have dredged all the
other pools in Kirkconnell, but without finding this beetle in
any other than the pool referred to. Hydroporus obsoletus
is very scarce. I had the good fortune to be the first to dis-
cover this insect in Great Britain, but unfortunately was not
scientific enough to be able to give a correct diagnosis of
the species. Hitherto I have found it only at Kelton in
refuse brought down by the floods. I am inclined to believe
that it is brought down the river from far up amongst the
hills. It occurs during summer after an extra high flood.
It is also very rare on the Continent. ‘c

Hydroporus incognitus is another local insect found. in
a deep mosshag near Gasstown. No other locality is known
to me.

Myrmedonia collaris is rare, and one of the beetles
found at Kelton after high floods.

Homalota littorea is, as its name implies, found on the
sea shore. I have found one specimen only near Caerlave-
rock.

Homalota clavipes is rare, and confined to Alpine dis-
tricts. I found it on the top of Criffel on the occasion of our
Field Meeting there on 4th August last.

Homalotau incognita is found sometimes in the flood
refuse at Kelton.

Gymnusa brevicollis is exceedingly rare. The only
specimen I possess was found at the same place as the last
mentioned.

Bledius spectabilis, B. tricornis, and B. atracapillus are
not at all plentiful, and being marine species, are found on
Kelton salt marsh,

76 Transactions.

Delister dichous is very rare, and also found at Kelton.

Paederus fucipes is not only very local, but also very
rare. When I turned it up first I was agreeably astonished
to find that both genus and species were new to Scotland.
It is found on the Caerlaverock shore near the Fishers’
Thorn.

Anisotoma cinnamomea is also very rare. My speci-
men was found at Kelton in the flood refuse. This was also
a new Scotch species, and is even rare in England.

Omosita depressa was a desideratum in almost every
cabinet until I discovered a method of taking it by which I
have been enabled to supply nearly all the Beetle hunters of
the Kingdom with it. My method is to get a number of
bones—those left from the dinner table are the best—put
them into an open wire basket secured from prowling cats
and dogs, and with a little hay in the bottom. Then on
warm summer days when a gentle breeze blows towards the
Solway I am certain to have, from four o’clock in the after-
noon all through the night, a constant succession of bona-fide
travellers all eager to partake of the savoury banquet spread
for them. Next morning the revellers are “run in,” and
none return to carry the news of their untimely end. This
is a remarkable instance of the power of smell, or whatever
it is, possessed by insects, for this heetle, which is found only
on the shore, arrives at the Crichton Institution grounds, a
distance of six to eight miles, in a very short time after a
westerly breeze begins to blow.

Heterocerus luevigatus and EH. fusculis are both local
species, and seldom found outside the wash of the salt water,

Aphodius Zenkeri is very rare ; found in flood refuse at
Kelton. I added this species to the Scotch lists.

Aphodius tristis is a local Beetle, and is found in the
same place as the last.

Troscus dermestoides is another local species, found in
the birch trees at Dalscairth and near Gasstown,

Trachys troglodytes has an almost romantic history as
a British species. Many years ago a member of this Society

Transactions. 17

—Dr Sharp of Eccles—when out beetle-hunting on the Cairn
near Irongray Kirk, examined a mass of flood refuse and
secured one specimen of this rarity—the first ever known in
Britain or, in fact, Europe (for it has only recently been
found on the Continent). Dz: Sharp's joy at his good fortune
I leave to your imagination. A few days after I happened
to be in the same locality on the same errand and found
another specimen, which considerably depreciated the value
of Dr Sharp’s prize, much to that gentleman’s disgust.

These two specimens, however, are the only two yet
found within the circuit of our coasts ; not even the British
Museum, with all its treasures, can boast of a single British
specimen.

Elater elongatulus is another rarity which I captured
amongst the birch trees in Dalscairth Park. It was not
known as Scottish until I found it, and I had considerable
difficulty in getting its name, as it was posted backwards
and forwards from one Entomologist to another, until Dr-
Rye, one of the Editors of the E. M. M.. told me what it was.

Cryptohypnus maritimus and C. Sabulicola are both of
rare occurrence at Kelton in that prolific source of “good
things ”—flood refuse. They are, no doubt—like a good
many other rare Beetles—brought down the Nith on the
occurrence of sudden floods, clinging to straws, sticks, and
leaves. ;

Telephorus abdominalis is a local insect, only found on
the hills near the Routan Bridge.

Blaps mortisaga came into my hands in a curious and
unexpected manner. When proceeding along Shakespeare
Street early one Sabbath morning a few years ago, my atten-
tion was drawn to the strange attitude and gestures of a
cock. With head to one side, and with as knowing a look
as might become the countenance of an Entomologist, the
cock was earnestly examining the under side of a large
beetle, and calling to his paramour to partake of the choice
morsel. I was just in time to preserve Blaps mortisagu
from so ignoble a fate. This specimen is the only one that
has yet been found in the district.

=—~T

ioe)

Transactions,

Polydrvusus chrysomela is a local species, confined to
Kelton, so far as I have ascertained.

Evrivhinus <dithiops is of excessive rarity, and an
insect in which I take a lot of, I think, excusable pride. I
have taken somewhere about fifty specimens altogether, and
you will see the reason of my pride when I tell you that not
in all Europe is there another beetle-hunter who has taken
more than a dozen to his own hand. In London the dealers
in insects sell this little beetle at 15s 6d each, so you will
see it is of some value.

Apion Cerdo is a species which I discovered as British,
I found.it on the Purple Vetch on the railway bank below

-Collin. It is found there in small numbers. It belongs to
the same genus as the Weevil, so destructive to clover seed.

Rhinomacer attelebioides is got by beating the Moun-
tain Ash at Tinwald Downs, and is not found elsewhere.

Rhynchites wwratus is found only at the Glen Mills on
the common Blackthorn.

Donacia obscura is confined to a small swampy spot
near Collin, or, at least, was found in that spot, for I fear it
has been driven away, the cows having nibbled away the tall
tussocks of grass in which it bred.

Phaeodon concinmum till a few years ago was scarcely
known in Britain, and not much more so in Europe even. I
found it (along with Dr Sharp) in great profusion on the salt
marsh at Kelton. Whole pints of it might easily have been
collected. The insect feeds on marine plants, and when the
flood tide flows in amongst the grass this pretty little Beetle
is seen borne on the advancing wave and sparkling like tiny
emeralds. As the tide creeps over the large expanse of flat
merse, either drowning or bearing on with it every living
thing on its way, the Beetles are soon floating in handfuls,
again to be dispersed with the receding tide. Although so
common in this particular place, it seems strange that this
species is not found at all on other parts of the Solway coast.
It has been found on a part of the coast of the English
Channel, but not in such numbers as with us,

Transactions. 79

Cassida Chloris has occurred in the flood refuse at
Kelton ; only one specimen, however, has been got.

Hippodamia 13 punctata, a member of the pretty and
familiar family of Lady Birds, is another species of excessive
rarity, found also in Kelton flood refuse.

Hyperaspis repensis, the last on my list of rarities, is
procured by tearing up moss tufts and shaking them on a
cloth. It is only found near Gasstown.

It only remains for me to explain why so many rare
species are found at Kelton amongst the flood refuse. This
flood refuse, or “ wrack” as some people call it, is the sticks,
branches, leaves, straws, and other material brought down
the Nith and its tributary streams, in conjunction with similar
material brought in from the Solway along with seaweeds,
&c. When the weather has been dry for a month or so the
beds of streams away up amongst the hills become filled up
with rubbish of all sorts, and this is resorted to for food and
shelter by numerous Beetles, Then the rains descend and
the floods come, and all this rubbish, with its tenant beetles,
is borne down to the sea, and the first tide throws it on the
merse at Kelton in great heaps. Riddling this material into
a sack, and afterwards examining it at home, it is found to
be literally crawling with beetles gathered from the whole
basin of the Nith and some of the streams which discharge
themselves into the Solway. In this way you will see that
an hour’s collecting at Kelton is equal to a week spent in
hunting for rare beetles in the hills and glens of Nithsdale.

I am afraid I have wearied you with my tedious narra-
tion, but, speaking for myself, I am sure I would be only too
glad if I could compass a list of rare beetles which would
occupy an hour or two more in reading.

I still hope for further extensions of the list, and may I
also hope that I may be aided in extending it by some of our
younger members, who, as yet, are only considering what
branch of Natural History to study.

80 Transactions.

SPECIAL REPORT ON THE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF
THE DISTRICTS VISITED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE
DUMFRIES NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY DURING
THEIR SUMMER EXCURSIONS IN 1878 By Dr
GILEHRIST.

Read Nov. Ist, 1878.

As considerable geological uniformity exists in the
several districts visited, it will save much repetition to give
a brief general description of them, leaving details to be
noticed in the successive excursions.

1. The prominent rock forming the basis of the hill
system of the South of Scotland is the so-called Silurian,
constituting the various well-known groups of hills in the
neighbourhood, as the Tinwald, Mouswald, Galloway groups,
&c. It formed a noted feature in every one of the places
visited.

2. A second variety of rock not unfrequently seen in the
neighbourhood is the so-called Permian. Itis characteristic
as well of the subordinate as of the main valleys in the dis-
trict, which forms the subject of consideration, im most of
which at least fragments of it will be found where it has not
been entirely swept away by denudation. It will be readily
recognised in the sandstone quarries of Locharbriggs, Craigs,
&e.

3. A third feature of the districts visited is the result of
the so-called glacial action in the form of glaciated rock and
glacial till. These are seen much less frequently, though
not at all uncommon, the former especially in its ruder
aspects, which are easily recognised in the so-called Roches
Moutonées, constituting a series of rounded smooth rocky
knolls not unfrequently seen in certain districts. The till is,
as arule, only seen in natural or artificial sections of the sur-
face. It consists of a matrix of clay with fragments of rock
of all sorts and sizes irregularly interspersed through it, being
smoothed, striated, and more or less rounded. In its typical
form at least once seen it is easily afterwards recognised.

4, A fourth feature of the districts visited is the super-
ficial accumulations of gravels and sands, the result of

Transactions. 81

aqueous action. These are found for the most part at the
mouths or along the sides of the valleys. Viewed as to time
they are posterior to those last mentioned, that is, they are
the result of river, lake, or sea action, subsequent to the
so-called glacial period, often consisting of the reassorted
materials derived from the surface deposits of that period.
They are well seen in almost every excavation in the immedi-
ate neighbourhood of the town, and are notably developed
in the vicinity of Auldgirth Bridge, Cummertrees, &c.

5. Connected with these, but forming a distinctive
feature, are the ancient raised beaches, which are very marked
in several parts of the valley of the Nith.

The first excursion of the season was to Lincluden,
Holywood, and neighbourhood. The district then visited
presented us only with the features referred to in No, 4 of
our general statement, namely, the superficial accumulations
of gravels and sands. These are wel] seen on the road from
town to Lincluden, and especially in the railway cutting
of the Castle-Douglas line, where beautiful examples of bed-
ding, frequently characteristic of these deposits, are visible.
These gravel accumulations, as seen in their undisturbed
condition, consisted of rounded, oval, or elliptic, or even
linear mounds or elevations on the surface of these districts
in which they occur, their longer axis, as a rule, lying parallel
with the valley. When seen in section, as in the railroad
cutting referred to, their true character and origin are at
once made manifest. On passing along the side of the Nith
interesting sections of these mounds were noticed, obviously
indicating the existence of water action at a much higher
level than that which now obtains. Near the farm of Jar-
dinetown the members were conducted to the top of one of
these mounds to examine a shallow depression in the surface
not easily explained. In crossing the Cairn at the village
of Newbridge, in the bed of the stream a sandstone rock was
observed, which is a member of the Permian system of rocks
already referred to. No example of the Silurian was seen in
this excursion, unless it be certain fragments constituting

82 Transactions.

the Druidical Circle well known at Holywood. These frag-
ments are not boulders and must have been brought to the
spot from some distance, by what means we leave others to
determine. —

The second excursion was to Dalswinton and neighbour-
hood, At Friars’ Carse and on to Auldgirth Bridge we have
a magnificent development of the gravel mounds. In some
parts of the river itself we have again examples of the Per-
mian sandstone, lying nearly horizontally, as it generally
does, and thus well contrasted with the Silurian, constitut-
ing the Dalswinton hills in the immediate neighbourhood,
which lies at a very high angle, often-times nearly 90 degrees,
At various points in crossing the hills the ordinary characters
of this rock system were well seen, namely, its grits, shales,
conglomerates. On leaving the hills towards Dalswinton
village an interesting fragment of Permian sandstone was
noticed. Its outlines at a distance were so soft and round
that it was mistaken for an ordinary kames or collection of
gravel. This character was obviously owing to the soft and
easily abraided nature of the sandstone. At Dalswinton
House we have an interesting example of river action ; the
cliff on which the mansion stands being an old river bank.
On reaching the Holywood Station we had an opportunity
of examining a most interesting section of ancient river
action in a new cutting which was being proceeded with
through ancient gravel sands, etc. There’ we found numer-
ous beautiful specimens of the variegated sandstone, so often
found in the bed of the Nith, the original site of which, so
far as we know, has not yet been ascertained.

The third excursion was to the Bridge of Dee and neigh-
bourhood. On this occasion we shall begin by taking a
rapid glance of the geologicai features of the districts through
which we are passing per rail. Ist. From the Station on-
wards for about a mile we pass through a series of the
gravel mounds in the vicinity of Maxwelltown. We then
come to a most interesting section of the Permian breccia
commencing near the schoolhouse of Drumsleet. 3d. Im-

Transactions. 83

mediately we reach equally interesting sections of the
Silurian, east and west of the Goldielea viaduct. Passing
by many minor but not unimportant features we reach at
the Dalbeattie cutting the Syenite, usually termed Granite.
Immediately on crossing the River Urr we come again upon
a succession of sections of the Silurian, which accompany us
more or less to Castle-Douglas. Thence to Bridge of Dee
Station, where we left the train, and the Bridge of Dee itself,
were pointed out unmistakable indications of glacial action
on the exposed rocky surface. The upturned edges of the
Silurian strata were again well seen in the bed of the stream
on crossing it to Threave Castle. After visiting Kelton Hill
we proceeded along the Kirkcudbright road for a few miles
to visit the site of a lead mine. This, so tar as we could
examine it, consisted of a horizontal shaft at the bottom of a
cliff at the side of a burn. The traces of lead and zine
found were somewhat vague and uncertain, although the
rock had the usual appearance of veinstone. The cliff con-
sisted of our old friend the Silurian, and what was perhaps
more interesting to us, it exhibited a fine though small ex-
ample of contorted strata. In the immediate neighbourhood
a large mass of Felstone Porphery stood out prominently, a
not unfrequent associate of the Silurian in the South of
Scotland. The surface of the fields and grounds around is
characterised by its broken irregular features. These are
due to a succession of rounded, rocky knolls, the so-called
Roches Moutonées, and are as fine an example of this variety
of glacial action as can be seen anywhere. Lower down in
the glen we came upon a section produced by the burn which
runs through it, which presented us with a fine specimen of
glacial till. Thus we had, in this narrow spot, a very crowd
of interesting objects for observation, thought, and study.
The fourth excursion was to Lochmaben, across the ridge
of the Lochmaben and Mouswald hills, intervening between
the valleys of the Nith and Annan. Starting by the Glasgow
and South-Western Railway for the Racks Station, the mem-
bers once more pass through a series of gravel mounds, as at
Gasstown, Dargavel, Racks, &c. ; second, through a portion
of the Solway moss, an ancient arm of the sea. Almost
immediately after leaving the station they commence the
ascent of the Lochmaben hills, which the members are now
aware consist of the Silurian system, the strike running
nearly east and west, and dipping to the north and east at a
very high angle. The character of the rock is occasionully
seen in quarries, cliffs, and exposed rock surfaces along the

84 Transactions.

ridge. A fine example of contorted strata in this system
was recently detected in a broken cliff immediately west of
the Beacon Hill. Ona veaching Lochmaben the members had
a opportunity of seeing the extensive remains of glacial
and post-glacia! periods, covering the surface in its neigh-
bourhood, and the numerous lochs surrounding it, most
interesting from a geologica! point of view.
The last excursion included a visit to Hills Tower, Loch-
rutton, Lochaber, &c. The train was taken advantage of to
Lochanhead Station, and gave the members another oppor-
tunity of seeing the gravel mounds at Maxwelltown, the deep
cutting through the Permian breccia at schoolhouse, and the
successive cuttings through the Silurian shale in the vicinity
of-the Goldielea Viaduct. The character of the rock, its dip
and strike, were still better seen in two quarries near to the
station; in the one nearest some specimens of dentritic
manganese were obtained. On leaving the Station the Silu-
rian hills were crossed towards Hills Tower. In the lower
ground before reaching the Tower, in an artificial cutting for
drainage, were found glaciated till and glaciated boulders.
After visiting the Tower the members proceeded to walk
along the eastern side of Lochrutton Loch. The water was
unusually low, and gave the members an opportunity of wit-
nessing numerous indications of a belt of wood having grown
along its margin, several of the trees being of considerable
size, some prostrate, some broken off, but the roots apparently
in their natural position of growth. As some doubts were
expressed as to whether their position was a natural or arti-
ficial one, we would leave the question for further considera-
-tion. On nearing the south-east end of the Loch it was
declared that its waters must at one time have covereda
larger surface, if not occupied a higher level; this is indi-
cated by the existence of a small morass now covering a
number of acres, and standing at some height above the pre-
sent surface of the water. Lochaber was next visited.
Here again we had proofs of change of level, the existence of
wood along the margin now covered by the water. On
returning to the Station ridges of Porphorites and Silurians
were crossed, indicating, as they usually do in the positions
they occupied relative to the surrounding hills, glacial action,

No. 2.
THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY

Ratnyal History § A ntiquariay Society,

Sessions 1878-79 and 1879-80.

[The Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society was
instituted on 20th November, 1862, and continued in a prosperous condition till
May, 1875, when its meetings ceased. During this period Transactions and
Proceedings were published on six occasions, the dates of publication being 1864,
1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, and 1871. The present Society was r -organised on
3d November, 1876, and the first portion of its Transactions and Proceedings
was published in February, 1879.]

-

PRINTED AT THE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COURIER OFFICE.
SoS" i.

_ ae 1: J

fa
ic

Bs
ee
ri

>

tits . ia. a ; ua

ie

“-

ga

aie? Ah
x te

a AWOL LKONK A. ao pen aie
MNES 7 Le ee ; x

LA mA! “i ‘ 1 x : AF he ee: r

ia
:

er on
oe
us f 6
Z

aint

a.
J

*

-

i

oni
¥
a=
‘

venir f

. id ; a » we
\ Se

, »

K PALOAR ES? fy "

spesit/. by @yotist tativirZ \ertanetin Se het sah
ne tg ef Maes a idle bie ett ertig 6 ‘4 " Doe
Wdrat etn sity ete oi a as

if m : ‘ . TT P +h stl wits
ny dish duties "print Arron ih > aa Castnte
' Ae ie a Hi % ny aad ing Sie Bs
ee 4. | Naan et

OF FICK-BEABERS AND COMMITTHE.

SESSION 1880-81.

President.
J. GIBSON STARKE, Esg., F.S.A. Scot., F.R.C.1., of Troqueer Holm.

Vice=Presidents.

SHERIFF HOPE, Dumfries.
J. NEILSON, Esq., Dumfries Academy.
T. R. BRUCE, Esa. of Slogarie, New-Galloway.

Secretary.
ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.

Assistant Secretary.
JAMES LENNOX, Edenbank, Maxwelltown.

Treasurer,
WILLIAM ADAMSON, Broom’s Road, Dumfries.

Members of Committee.

A. B. CROMBIE, Architect, Dumfries.

Dr GRIERSON, Thornhill.

WILLIAM HALLIDAY, College Street, Maxwelltown.
J. W. KERR, the Academy, Dumfries.

WILLIAM LENNON, Brook Street, Dumfries

JOHN MAXWELL, King Street, Maxwelltown.
GEORGE ROBB, Rhynie House, Dumfries.

J. WATT, Rotchell, Maxwelltown.

wr
ary
¥ at Ag
‘ 7
rary
: ! a 7 Wi
+ ey,
* Vad
x
bed

| UNTO cma AR gAE SM roa

ae
ere ae . , (s z ‘i
ay eee chk “ ’ 4 ; =
ey # > j\ Seay } % er ae dns cee nigh in gaeal < '
a q aig WN
a Ua va “geppae: aaa
wed ae earl " a a oer ee ee a "i
tian Me pel Sc ¢ i
wh. ; eri F -
mer 6% J \ re . ‘ 4. r
. ‘ oy “ > 7
7, ; Salk oh Riise ss |
A “4

ab ing VOT Y A008 BX tt bet SATE OBR

‘ i +

Af B20

eal ek etre: eheagelt fo pu. a ¥ .

hres, Ae
‘aa i Mist n Peace; Ctr)? wae Hs
a Pah _levestvnat Oras aan:
\ Aiceran ae “gaitvene saree. f a iy
ie aa | h- igwitraate vdvataattt “ete eta”
Ae ADI VOWIIBL 1 A

| einai ale void eM EGA pop

“Seanimenesy ‘6 Poor tiny. : i

aes, gostiia A TIBOR) fra
Midheath: AQRAATAR: a

CON TEN TS.

Page.
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS 1
FIELD MEETINGS oF 1879 18
FIELD MEETINGS OF 1880... £9 ot 30
Loca ANTHROPOLOGY. By WiLLIAM M‘ILwraitTH 4. 43
EFFECTS OF THE WEATHER OF 1879 on AnIMAL Lire. By R. Service 50
Notes oN soME Scarce Birps. By Wittiam Hastines 60
CARICES OF THE STEWARTRY. By James M‘ANDREW... 62
Notes oN A COLLECTION OF TRICHOPTERA FROM THE STEWARTRY.

By F. G. BINNIE ao ms ue 68
OBSERVATIONS ON THE SALMON DisEAsE. By J. RuTHERFORD 72
Notes on Rare Beertes. By Witt1am LENNoN 7
AppEenDIx A—List oF MEMBERS ... a 79
APPENDIX B—OszservaToRy MINUTE oF AGREEMENT ... 82

Apppenpix C—List or Specimens, Books, &C., BELONGING TO THE
Socrety

‘‘THE various phases of character exhibited, the pleasing incidents that
diversified the walks, the jokes that passed, and even the mishaps or
annoyances that occurred—all become objects of interest, and unite the
members of the party by ties of no ordinary kind. The feelings thus
excited are by no means of an evanescent or fleeting nature: they last
during life, and are always recalled by the sight of the specimens which
were collected. It is not a matter of surprise that those who have been
thus associated in a natural history ramble, who have met in sunshine and
tempest, who have climbed together the mountain summits, or wandered
through the shady glens, should have such scenes indelibly impressed on
their memory.”—Professor Balfour.

JOURNAL: OF THE PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY

Narurat History anp Antiquarian Soctery,

FOR SESSIONS 1878-79 AND 1879-80.
S0< 0
SESSION 1878-79.

October 4th, 1878.

The Annual Meeting beginning the Session of 1878-79 was
held in the Mechanics’ Institute—Mr Rutherford in the chair.

Rey. W. Lytteil, M.A., Kivkmahoe Manse, and Mr Murdoch,
Rosemount Terrace, were elected Ordinary Members. Mr P.
Cameron, junr., Glasgow, and Mr J. Thomson, Gatelawbridge,
were elected Corresponding Members, the latter being transferred
from the list of Ordinary Members until his return from Africa,
whither he is about to proceed with an Exploring Expedition.

Mr F. W. Grierson exhibited a large Herbarium of Phanero-
gamic and Cryptogamic Plants collected during the past season,
and also an instrument to explain the changes of the seasons,
which he named the Horaphraziter.

The Secretary read his Annual Report, which showed that the
Society had had a very successful session. The membership was
now 100, and the average attendance at the Ordinary Meetings
had been 27, and at the Field Meetings 16.

The Treasurer read his annual statement, showing a balance of
£3 17s 54d in favour of the Society.

Mr Grierson read the report from the Botanical Section,
enumerating the plants and their habitats, which had been met
with when at the Field Meetings and elsewhere.

2 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Mr Glover-Anderson read the report of the Archeological
Section, briefly going over the objects of antiquarian interest
that had been visited by the Society.

The Chairman made some remarks explanatory of two beautiful
micro-photographs executed by himself of a fly’s tongue, and a
specimen of Pediculus vestimentz.

Mr Hastings read some “ Ornithological Notes,” in which, after
stating that although he had few opportunities of seeing for himself
what is to be seen in wild nature, still many interesting birds that
had been collected in the district were sent to him for preserva-
tion. He said that last August a young Crossbill had been sent to
him from Palgowan, a sheep farm in Penpont, and which no
‘doubt had been bred in that part of the country. They had now
entirely disappeared from the Dalswinton woods, where their nests
were at one time frequently met with. In the neighbourhood of Pal-
gowan there is a shepherd’s house known as the Lorg, situated at
the head of the Water of Ken, and here there is a famous
breeding-place of the Raven, Buzzard, and Mountain Ouzel. A
little further down the Glen, on the hillside, there is a larch
plantation, the trees in which are of no great height, but are
thickly studded with Herons’ nests). Mr Hastings said that
during the past year he had received more of the Terns or Sea
Swallows than ever before. He had received the Lesser Tern,
the smallest species of the genus, from Carsethorn ; the Common
Tern, which, although common on some parts of the coast, was
not so with us; from the Solway Firth, very many of the Arctic
Tern ; and three specimens of the Caspian Tern from the Scaur,
near Dalbeattie, where they had been shot last October.

On the recommendation of the Committee, the following new
rule was agreed to:—‘ That all Members whose subscriptions
have been unpaid for fifteen months shall have their names
deleted from the roll of membership if, after receiving notice
from the Treasurer, they still neglect to pay.”

Tt was also agreed, on the recommendation of the Committee,
that a selection of the Society’s Proceedings and Transactions be
printed for the use of the Members. Messrs Robb, Glover-
Anderson, and Service were appointed a committee to make the
necessary arrangements for publication.

The election of Office-bearers and Committee was then proceeded
with. It was intimated that Dr Gilchrist did not wish to be

Natural History and Antiquarian Society, 3

re-elected to the office of President ; and, on the motion of
Mr James Thomson, it was unanimously agreed to record a
special vote of thanks to Dr Gilchrist for his untiring endeavours
to promote the interests of the Society during the last two sessions.

Mr J. Gibson Starke, yr. of Troqueer Holm, was unanimously
elected President ; Mr M‘Ilwraith, Vice-President ; Mr Robt. Service,
Secretary; Mr James Lennox, Assistant Secretary; Mr D. B.
Hart, Treasurer.

The following gentlemen were appointed members of Com-
mittee :—Dr Gilchrist, Messrs Robb, Lennon, Thomson, Hutton,
Maxwell, Glover-Anderson, and Stobie.

November 1st, 1878.

The Second Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr M‘Ilwraith in the chair.

Messrs Jas. W. Kerr, High Street, Dumfries, and Thos. Gracie,
Kirkmichael House, were elected Ordinary Members. Mr J. J.
King, 207 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, was elected a Corre-
sponding Member.

Dr Gilchrist read a “ Report on the Geological Features of
the Districts visited during the Field Meetings of 1878.” (See
Transactions, 1879.)

Mr Service exhibited a Bread Roller which had belonged to
Robert Burns.

Mr Stobbie exhibited a very beautiful Elm Wardrobe Panel,
remarkable for great variety of colour and figure.

December 6th, 1878.

The Third Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr M‘Ilwraith in the chair.

Messrs James Williamson, Geddes Place, Maxwelltown, and
James Anderson, Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown, were elected
Ordinary Members. Mr John A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace,
Larbert, was elected a Corresponding Member.

Mr John Maxwell sent for examination a number of old imple-
ments or tools found in a cairn on Walton Park Hill by the
tenant. They were pronounced by the antiquaries present to
be quite modern. Dr Gilchrist exhibited some fine specimens of
Fossil Plants from the Carboniferous Rocks,

4 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

The Chairman drew attention to the duplicate copies of the
former Society’s Transactions now in possession of this Society,
and moved—‘ That complete sets (of six parts) be presented to
the Dumfries and Maxwelltown Mechanics’ Institute, Kirkeud-
bright Public Library, Inverness Natural History Society, and
the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archeological Society ; that the
two remaining sets be bound for the use of the Members; and
that all the other duplicate copies be distributed to the Members
present at next meeting, and to any other Members who may
apply for them.”—The motion was seconded by the Rev. W. N.
Dodds, and agreed to.

The Rev. W. Lytteil, M.A., Kirkmahoe, gave a long address
on “ Standing Stones,” in the course of which he referred to the
local names in Scotch and Gaelic by which many of these rude,
upright pillars are designated. With regard to the testimony of
our forefathers, he alleged that they spoke of the ancient standing
stones as the work of the Peaghts or Picts, and as indicating the
graves of heroes and distinguished persons. Many of the names
of standing stones were in old Scotch, and the signification of
such names was generally intelligible. Other names were in the
Gaelic tongue, and by his study of that language he found that
these names usually spoke of the standing stones and circles of
rude pillar-stones as the burial places of heroes, warriors, and
distinguished persons.

Mr J. Glover-Anderson read a paper on the “ Provosts of
Lincluden,” with special reference to the Provost whose coat-of-
arms was sculptured on the stone recently unearthed at Nithside.

On the conclusion of Mr Glover-Anderson’s paper, Mr Thomson
reminded the meeting that the gate and other protection at
Lincluden Abbey had been erected by Capt. Maxwell, as sug-
gested by the Society, and moved that the President be requested
to convey to Capt. Maxwell the thanks of the Society for so
kindly meeting its wishes.—The motion was seconded by Dr
Gilchrist, and unanimously agreed to.

January 3rd, 1879.

The Fourth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. Gibson Starke in the chair.

Mr Henry Hutchison Lennox was elected an Ordinary Member.

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 5

The Chairman then delivered his Presidential Address on the
subject of “The Scope and Spirit of Scientific and Antiquarian
Inquiries.” The address was listened to with much interest by
the very full meeting, and at the close Dr Gilchrist proposed a
special vote of thanks to Mr Starke, which was _ heartily
accorded.

Dr Gilchrist read ‘“ Notes on the [so-called] Druids’ Circle at
Holywood,” in which he gave an account, with the aid of a
diagram, of its measurements, the positions of the stones, and of
the geological formation to which each of them belongs. A short

' discussion followed, and Dr Gilchrist promised to refer more fully
to the subject on an early date.

Mr F. W. Grierson exhibited some very neat preparations of
the Dentition of the Echinodermata. The Secretary exhibited a
Falcon’s Hood, belonging to Dr Grierson, Thornhill; a Female
Goosander, recently captured at Arbigland ; a pair of the Little
Grebe ; and a Kingfisher. The last two species, he explained,
had within the past two months become numerous in the locality.
The Secretary also exhibited specimens of a number of birds he
had picked up dead during last month, and which had doubtless
been killed by privation in the severe frost. These consisted of
the Wren, Longtailed Tit, Water Hen, Fieldfare, and Redwing.

A number of duplicate copies of the former Society’s Transac-
tions were then distributed to the Members present.

By the kindness of the President, coffee and cakes were then
served, after which the Rev. Mr Dodds expressed the great satis-
faction with which the Members had partaken of the good things
provided for them by Mr Starke.

February Tth, 1879.

The Fifth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. Gibson Starke in the chair.

Messrs John Rutherford, Pleasance, Kirkmichael, and T. R.
Bruce of Slogarie were elected Ordinary Members.

Mr Houston exhibited a curious old document, being “a Report
presented to His Most Excellent Majesty King James I. of all
the Christenings and Burials within the City of London, and the
liberties thereof.” Mr Lennon exhibited a specimen of Sphodrus
leucophthalmus, which is a rather scarce beetle in this district.

6 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

Dr Gilchrist exhibited a Prescription Book of 1731, and pointed
out that the medicines of those days were generally made up of
from ten to twelve different articles. Mr James Gibson exhibited a
specimen of the fossil Productus giganteus. Mr M‘Veigh, Castle-
brae, sent an interesting collection of old books, coins, &c., amongst
which may be mentioned “ The Lives of the Popes,” 1588; St.
Jerome’s Version of the Bible, 1498 ; an edition of the Bible
in six little volumes, 1671; and Hamilton of Gilbertsfield’s
“ Wallace,” in old Scottish verse, 1721. Specially noticeable
amongst the coins and seals were the Great and Small Seals of
James VI.; two Seals of William, Duke of Douglas and Turenne ;
the Seal of the Duke of Albany, Fife, and Monteith, 1396 ; some
silver pieces of Isabella the Catholic, of Spain; a coin of Pope
Pius V.; and a beautiful coin, of which six only were struck, to
commemorate the acquisition by George III. of the title of
King of Man. The remaining five are known to be—one in the
Mint, another in Windsor Castle, the third in the British Museum,
the fourth belongs to the Earl of Derby, and the fifth to the Duke
of Athole. The one in Mr M‘Veigh’s possession was presented
to him by Lady Margaret Murray, daughter of the last King
of Man.

Dr Gilchrist read an account of ‘Our Bird-feeding Experiences,”
consisting of some interesting notes on the habits of the birds
which had resorted to the Crichton Royal Institution to be fed
during the recent severe weather.

Mr Davidson read a paper on “ Alchemy and the Alchemists,”
in which he gave an account of the numerous discoveries that
had been made by the alchemists whilst engaged in their
investigations.

March 3rd, 1879.

The Sixth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. Gibson Starke in the chair.

Mr Waitt, Victoria Terrace, was elected an Ordinary Member.

The Secretary read a report from the Committee regarding the
distribution of the Proceedings and Transactions, 1877-78 (printed
copies of which were laid on the table), recommending that one
copy should be presented to each Ordinary and Honorary Member
of the Society, and that extra copies be supplied at 6d each to

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. - 7

any Member who might wish to have them.—On the motion of
Mr M‘Ilwraith, the report was unanimously adopted.

Mr Rutherford read a paper, entitled “ Ingenuity of a Spider,”

in which an account was given of the habits of Theridion lineatum
(Walck.) when providing for the safety of its egg cocoon.
_ Mr Rutherford also read a paper on “ Instinct of the Wasp,”
detailing the behaviour of the inmates of a nest of one of the
social wasps when their nest-hole was obstructed with a wisp of
hay or dock leaves.

Mr Rutherford next read “ Microscopic Notes,” consisting of
observations on the habits and anatomy of various microscopic
subjects living in muddy ditches at Jardineton. The paper con-
cluded with an account of experiments with frosted potatoes, in
which the various changes that take place in a potato when
exposed to frost were clearly described. A long conversation
followed upon the reading of the several papers, and some
interesting information was elicited. '

The Chairman exhibited a fine specimen of Mygale fasciatus
(Koch) from Ceylon, Mr Rutherford showed in his microscope
an interesting series of objects, including crystals from a frosted
potato. Mr James Lennox exhibited a copy of Allan Ramsay’s
Works (original edition), which had belonged to Robert Burns
for eight years prior to his death.

April 5th, 1879.

The Seventh Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr M‘Ilwraith in the chair.

Messrs R. Chrystie, Samuel Chrystie, John Neilson, J. Arnott,
and Provost Shortridge were elected Ordinary Members.

The Secretary then submitted the following list of Field
Meetings, to be held on the first Saturday of each month as
formerly, as proposed by the Committee :—May, Kirkmichael ;
June, Corsock ; July, Slogarie ; August, Annan Waterfoot to
Brow Well; September, Arbigland.—On the motion of Mr
Thomson, the list was approved of.

A review of the lately issued 7ransactions, as contained in the
Scottish Naturalist, was read by Mr Moodie. An animated con-
versation ensued as to the best mode of extending the operations
of the Society, and it was agreed that preparations should be

8 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

commenced with a view to compiling a Flora and Fauna of the
district. The Secretary was instructed to make such arrange-
ments with members from time to time as would further this
desirable aim.

The Secretary read a paper, communicated by Mr Charles
Black, on the “ Introduction of Badgers at Arbigland,” giving an
interesting account of their mode of life as observed by him there.
In 1876 Col. Blackett, the proprietor of Arbigland, desirous of
keeping down the rabbits on his estate, had procured three badgers—
one male and two females—and turned them out. They had since
bred upon the estate, and had been found to be very useful in
destroying the young rabbits. When they came upon a hole
containing a brood of young rabbits, they did not go in at the
entrance, but dug right down on the top of the nest, and never
failed to hit the exact spot, no matter how far it was from the
mouth of the burrow. They were not observed to harm any
rabbits, except those in the youngest stage.

This concluded the business of the evening and of the Winter

Session.

SEHESSION 1879-80.

October 2nd, 1879.

The Annual Meeting commencing a new Session was held in
the Mechanics’ Institute—Mr J. Gibson Starke in the chair.

The Rev. R. W. Weir, minister of Greyfriars’; Messrs W. J.
Maxwell, Terregles Banks; Murdoch, Netherlea; Gillespie, Queen’s
Place; J. Fergusson, Queen Street; Smith, Commercial Bank ;
Tennant, the Academy ; L. M. Dinwiddie, Greenbrae ; Allan,
Albany Place; M‘Andrew, New-Galloway; and M‘Veigh, Kim-
meter Cottage, Annan, were elected Ordinary Members.

The Chairman presented to the Society, on behalf of Mr John
Allan Broun, F.R.8., five volumes and paper-covered supple-
ment of the Makerstoun Observations, another volume entitled
Trevandrum Observations, and six small separate papers on
astronomical subjects, all edited by Mr Broun. It was moved
and agreed that the special thanks of the Society be transmitted
by the Chairman to Mr Broun for his valuable donations.

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 9

The Chairman presented to the Society a copy of his History of
the Parish of Troqueer.

The Secretary laid on the table twelve Norwegian publications,
presented by Charles Holst, Court Paymaster, Christiana, on
behalf of the Royal Literary Exchange of Norway.

The following Office-bearers and Committee of Management
were then elected for the ensuing session :—President, Mr J.
Gibson Starke ; Vice-President, Mr Thomas Jackson; Secretary,
Mr R. Service; Assistant Secretary, Mr James Lennox; Treasurer,
Mr William Adamson. Members of Committee—Dr Gilchrist,
Messrs Robb, Lennon, James Thomson, Hutton, John Maxwell,
J. W. Kerr, and P. Stobie.

Mr D. B. Hart submitted a statement of his accounts for the
past session, and Messrs Kerr and Moodie were requested to audit
the statement. Mr Hart stated that a large number of Members
were in arrears with their subscriptions, and he could not at
present find time to collect them. At the request of the meeting,
Mr Moodie kindly undertook to collect as many of these subscrip-
tions as possible.

The Secretary read his Annual Report, which showed that in
every respect the progress of the Society had been satisfactory
during the past session.

On the recommendation of the Committee, it was agreed that
the Annual Subscription be raised to 2s 6d, and that in future
new Members be charged an entrance fee of 2s 6d.

November Tth, 1879.

The Second Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. H. Maxwell in the chair.

Mr John Newbigging, Kirkbank, and Mr M‘Kill, Coal Agent,
were elected Ordinary Members. Mr J. Allan Broun, F.R.S.,
was elected an Honorary Member. Mr William M‘Ilwraith,
being about to proceed to Queensland, was transferred to the list
of Corresponding Members.

The Secretary announced that the valuable collection of nearly
200 species of Zoophytes, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Spongia,
Marine and Fresh Water Shells, which were arranged on the
table, had been presented to the Society by Dr Gilchrist. A
special vote of thanks was passed to Dr Gilchrist for his valuable

10 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

donation, and the Secretary was requested to take charge of them
in the meantime.

The Secretary intimated that he had received another portion
of the Trevandrum Observations from Mr J. Allan Broun; and
from the Rev. D. Honeyman, Halifax, N.S., copies of Motes on
Nova Scotian Geology and Transactions of the N.S. Institute of
Natural Science.

Mr M‘Ilwraith read a paper on “ Local Anthropology.” (See
Transactions. )

The Secretary read a paper entitled “‘ Effects of the Weather of
the Past Twelve Months upon Animal Life.” (See Transactions. )

After the papers had been read and discussed,

Mr Moodie submitted the following resolution :—‘ That in
view of the departure of Mr William M‘Ilwraith, late editor of
the Dumfries Courier, for Australia, this Society expresses its
best thanks for the unwearied interest he has taken in its behalf.
Having been a member of Committee since its commencement,
and having acted as Vice-President during that time, the Members
would express their sense of the great benefits he has bestowed on
the Society by his constant endeavours to maintain and extend its
usefulness. In expressing their great regret at the loss of his
valuable assistance, the Members assure him that he has their best
wishes for his future welfare in his new sphere of labour.” He
thought he need add nothing to the resolution. He had been
told that Mr M‘Ilwraith since he was a child had taken an
interest in scientific research. He knew that he had at least
taken an active interest in it since he came to manhood, in
Ayrshire, in Wigtownshire, and in Dumfriesshire. Assisting to
promote many scientific associations, he was, he believed, largely
instrumental in forming the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archzo-
logical Association.

Mr J. Maxwell had much pleasure in seconding the resolution.
Mr M‘Ilwraith had read a paper to-night which would be a credit
to any society in Scotland ; and he thought it ought to be
engrossed in their Z'’ransactions.

The Chairman was sure they all felt exactly what had been
stated in the resolution. The interest which Mr M‘Ilwraith had
taken in this and similar societies had been gratifying to the
Members ; and in the land to which he was about to proceed he
trusted the same feeling he had evinced here might animate him

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 11

there, and that they would hear in future years that he was still
taking an active interest in antiquarian and other researches. He
had known Mr M‘Ilwraith professionally for a number of years,
and he was sorry he was leaving this district, but he trusted that
it was for his own benefit, and that of his family. They would
all be glad to hear of his success.

Mr M'‘Ilwraith begged to thank them for this expression of
their kind feelings. The pursuit of natural history and antiquarian
subjects had engaged a considerable portion of his leisure. It had
not been his fortune to command a great deal of time to devote to
those pursuits to which he felt a natural inclination, but it had
seemed to him that in devoting what leisure he had to the study
of the works of Nature and kindred subjects he was in the first
place cultivating his own faculties and furnishing his own tastes
with pleasure, and, in the next place, assisting somewhat in pro-
moting the welfare of our race. For if men would turn their
attention more to the things that lay around them, and study
them systematically and carefully, they would find therein a
source of joy—not mere pleasure, but something higher, purer,
holier—which those who followed lower pleasures had no concep-
tion of. One of the concerns he had in leaving this country was
that in a new land he might not be able to meet with so many
people of kindred tastes in these respects. It was an opinion
pretty prevalent here that in the Australian colonies there was a
pretty strong thirst for gold ; that people were entirely abandoned
to making money, and had little regard to the finer enjoyments
and amenities of life. He had, however, been somewhat disabused
of that idea by reading in the Queenslander an account of a
meeting of an Acclimatisation Society. The subject of discussion
was the introduction of a number of our home birds there, and it
was resolved that some efforts should be made to introduce such
birds as the Goldfinch, Bullfinch, and Chafiinch, but not the
Sparrow. The Sparrow was introduced at Melbourne, and his
presence there had not been so agreeable as to induce them to
wish for him in Queensland. In the report of the proceedings
he found a long, intelligent, and interesting speech on the subject
made by a pressman ; and when he read it and the remarks of
the other members he thought to himself—Well, this could not
be quite so outlandish a place as he had anticipated after all.
He hoped he might be the means of assisting to keep up the

12 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

interest of the people of this district in Queensland by sending
home a few notes occasionally.

December 5th, 1879.

The Third Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr Watt in the chair.

Mr Moodie read a paper on “ Vegetation in 1879,” communi-
eated by Dr Gilchrist.

Mr Hastings read a paper on “ The Rarer Birds that had lately
occurred in the District.” (See T’ransactions. )

Short discussions followed the reading of the papers; and, on
the motion of the Chairman, votes of thanks were awarded to the
authors.

January 9th, 1880.

The Fourth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. G. Starke in the chair.

The Rev. J. B. Johnstone, Rev. T. Underwood, Messrs Watson
and Gray were elected Ordinary Members.

The Secretary reported that a number of books had been
received from Dr Gilchrist in gift to the Society, including a com-
plete set of the Transactions of the Montrose Natural History
Society and a copy of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy
(Vol. XIV.), bearing an inscription which shews it to have once
belonged to Sir Walter Scott, who was one of the Honorary
Members of that Society.

Dr Grierson exhibited a very fine specimen of Asbestos, brought
from Canada by Mr R. Wallace, Auchenbrack, who recently visited
the Dominion on an agricultural survey, as the delegate of
the Upper Nithsdale farmers. Asbestos, Dr Grierson said, was
known to the Romans and used to form a cloth to envelop the
bodies of the dead. Thus enveloped, they were placed in the
funeral pile ; and the cloth being indestructible by fire, the ashes
were retained in it. For a long time it seemed to have been put
to no other special purpose. In Italy the source of it was Pied-
mont. Recently it was applied for the first time, and successfully,
to a purpose that of course was not thought of in former days.
A difficulty had always been experienced in getting a suitable
packing for the pistons of steam-engines, until Asbestos was used,

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 13

and found to answer the purpose admirably. Steamers crossing
the ocean used to shew a failure in speed towards the end of the
voyage, caused by the wasting of the packing and the consequent
escape of steam at the pistons; but this had been perfectly cured
by the employment of Asbestos. The Asbestos bed in Piedmont,
it so happened, belonged to monks, and when the demand increased
for it the price greatly increased ; but about the same time it was
discovered to exist in Canada, and much more extensively. He
possessed about twenty specimens of Asbestos from different parts
of the world, including Piedmont, Russia, and Aberdeenshire ;
but this was the first specimen of the Canadian that he had seen,
and it was of a much finer quality than any of the others. Its
fibres were as delicate and flaccid as the finest silk. If it existed
in sufficient quantity in Canada—and there were said to be some
miles of it in the Primary Rock—it must ultimately prove to be
a mine of incalculable wealth.

The specimen was greatly admired for the fineness of its tex-
ture. The Chairman produced a ring from his finger which
contained a very pretty Catseye stone—that, as he explained,
being simply Asbestos in its most beautiful and rarest form ;
the Catseye, which was found in British India and Ceylon, being
indeed much rarer than the diamond.

Dr Grierson also exhibited a specimen of a rabbit’s head, of
which he had several, but this was the last received, shewing a
most abnormal length of teeth. He observed that one side of the
jaw had been fractured, probably by a shot, and kindly healed by
nature ; but the lower jaw having been slightly displaced, the
teeth no longer came together, but passed each other without
contact. The consequence was that the teeth grew to a great
length. Though surrounded with food, the poor creature must
have latterly been unable to eat ; and in fact he never saw a more
starved animal than this was.

The Chairman read a long, interesting, and instructive paper,
entitled ‘“ Notes on the Stone Age ;” and at the close Dr Grierson
exhibited, by way of illustration, specimens of celts, axes, arrow-
heads, flint flakes or knives, &c. The celts were collected from
various quarters, and were in the rough and polished, the latter
indicating an advance in civilisation. One of the finest was also
one of the smallest, and, alike in its shape and the stone of which
it was made, was quite new to Dr Grierson. It was turned up

14 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

recently with the plough in the parish of Tinwald ; and he could
find no drawing resembling it exactly in any of the authorities.
Another, which was also one of the coarsest, was from the Island
of Aneityum. It was brought here by the Rev. John Inglis, who
went out there as a missionary thirty years ago. The natives
were then in a state of complete savageness, and were using stone
implements. Now they were civilised, and conducting a good
trade in various products with New Zealand. It was curious to
reflect that the man who made that rude instrument as a savage
might still be alive, civilised and a Christian. As Mr Starke had
said, celts were discovered in all parts of the world, and were
very similar in form ; but some of them were made of stone that
was not known anywhere to exist, and the discovery of this forma-
tion might lead to the discovery of the cradle of the race.

Two celts were exhibited by the Chairman, sent from India by
Mr Hope, brother to Sheriff Hope; and two by the Rev. Mr
Johnstone, obtained in the Jed district.

Mr Lennon read a paper on ‘“ Local Museums,” which was
much appreciated.

February 6th, 1880.

The Fifth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr J. G. Starke in the chair.

Sheriff Hope; Capt. Maxwell of Terregles; Mr Edward
Maxwell, Terregles ; and Dr Symons were elected Ordinary
Members.

The skin of a Canadian wolf (Canis latrans), brought by Mr R.
Wallace from the Dominion, and presented by him to Dr Grierson
for the Thornhill Museum, was forwarded by that gentleman for
exhibition. In a letter the Doctor explained that the animal,
which is thicker and shorter than the common wolf, is described
by Sir John Richardson, and inhabits a northern range to the
55th degree of latitude.

The Chairman read a second and concluding paper on “The
Stone Age,” speaking of the mineral Jade, the material from
which the rarest, most beautiful, and most valuable celts were
made, and of the Fauna of the stone period. Jade, he explained,
was nowhere found in Europe in the native state, and only, as far
as known, in Asia; the principal mines being in the north of
Cashmere, and in Turkestan, whence it was obtained by the

i

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 15

Chinese. It also occurred in New Zealand. In China Jade was
greatly prized: it was known as “the gem;” and the Oriental
imagination had discovered in its properties symbols of all the
human virtues. It was sculptured into vases and other ornaments
of the most artistic design and exquisite workmanship by Chinese
artificers ; in India the objects made of it were, after the manner of
the Hindoos, set with brilliants. Specimens of Chinese work-
manship in Jade were exhibited, kindly lent to Mr Starke by Mr
Dudgeon of Cargen. These included a vase of green Jade, with ring
ears, the whole sculptured from a solid block, and inscribed with
Chinese characters ; a mass of white Jade exquisitely carved, and
representing in relief pilgrims ascending from the foot of a hill to
’ a pagoda at its summit, and on the other side a forest scene; a
piece of brown or tortoise-shell Jade, cut by a Chinese artist into
the form of a lotus leaf, with handles fashioned to the shape of
lizards ; and a seal of white Jade, richly studded with rubies and
emeralds set in gold, and having a blood-stone stamp. The vase
was a part of the loot of the French soldiery when the summer
palace of the Emperor of China was sacked in the war of 1860.
Mr Starke also exhibited a New Zealand celt made of native
green Jade, lent by Mr E. C. Maxwell, Terregles, who himself
brought it from that country. It formerly belonged to a famous
chief, who in the Maori War thrice cut down the British standard
with his own hand and defeated our troops. Mr Maxwell, in a
note, explained that Jade was found in only one portion of New
Zealand, that the natives travelled long distances to obtain it,
that the clubs or celts were formed from it by being rubbed with
sand ; and Mr Starke added that this one, which was large, flake-
shaped, and beautifully translucent, would probably have engaged
a man’s whole life-time in the polishing of it, and might have been
handed down from generation to generation as a priceless posses-
sion in the family of the chief. In Scotland there was a mineral
to be found which had many of the properties of Jade, and could
not be distinguished from it even by expert mineralogists without
the aid of the microscope. This was Prehnite. Referring to
some letters in the Times regarding Jade celts recently found
among the lake-dwellings in Switzerland, Mr Starke remarked
that these must have been brought from Asia in far-off times.
The paper concluded with an interesting description of the Fauna
of that remote period.

16 Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway

The Secretary read a paper, communicated by Mr M‘Andrew,
New-Galloway, on ‘The Carices of the Stewartry.” (See Transac-
tions.) Mr M‘Andrew forwarded specimens of all the species
mentioned in the paper for presentation to the Society.

March 6th, 1880.

The Sixth Meeting of the Session was held in the Mechanics’
Institute—Mr Gibson Starke in the chair.

Messrs Byth, the Academy ; J. Broun, Solicitor; J. M‘Meekan,
Linden Grove; and J. J. Clark, Cintra Villa, were elected Ordinary
Members.

The Secretary announced that he had received from Mr Shaw,
Tynron, as a donation to the Society’s Library, a copy of the
Graphic of 31st January last, containing an article written by him
on “ The Appreciation of Beauty by Animals.”

The Secretary exhibited a pair of Scaup Ducks (Puligula
marila), male and female, and remarked that the species had
occurred in this district during the past winter in unusually large
numbers.

Mr Moodie read a paper, communicated by Dr Gilchrist, on
“The Effects of a Prevailing Wind on Trees.”

Mr Rutherford gave an address detailing his observations on the
Salmon Disease (Saprolegnia ferax), the life history of which he
fully explained by the aid of several diagrams. A short discus-
sion followed ; and Mr Rutherford, in acknowledging the vote of
thanks passed to him for his valuable communication, promised to
take up the subject more fully at next meeting.

The following communications from Corresponding Members
were then read by the Secretary :—

* Notes on a Collection of Trichoptera from the Stewartry,” by
Mr F. G. Binnie. (See Transactions. )

“ Notes on a Collection of Neuroptera-planipennia from the
Stewartry,” by Mr J. J. King.

Small collections of Neuropterous Insects, made by Mr R.
Service, formed the subjects of these two communications.
Annexed is the list of species named in Mr King’s paper: all

Natural History and Antiquarian Society. 17

were collected in localities in the east of the Stewartry of Kirk-
cudbright :—

Sialis lutaria, Linn. Hemorobius limbatus, Wesm.
», fuliginosa, Pict. Chrysopa flava, Scop.
Micromus paganus, Linn. re vittata, Wesm.
Hemorobius micans, Oliv. BA alba, Linn.
‘3 humuli, Linn. Panorpa germanica, Linn.
a nervosus, Fab.

April 23rd, 1880.

The Seventh‘and last Meeting of the Winter Session was held
in the Mechanics’ Institute—Mr Neilson in the chair.

The Secretary explained that in the ordinary course this meeting
should have been held on the 2nd inst., but owing to the General
Election he had taken the responsibility of postponing it till
this date.

Messrs R. W. Miller, Queen Street; J. Wilson, Inland
Revenue ; Alan B. Crombie and James Crombie, architects, were
duly elected Ordinary Members.

The Secretary announced that he had received four parts of the
Transactions of the New York Academy of Sciences ; three Annual
Reports by the Comptroller of the Currency of the United States ;
two pamphlets from Mr E. 8, Morse, Salem, Mass.—one on
Traces of an Early Race in Japan; the other on Dolmens in
Japan—and two papers on “The Salmon Disease,” read before
the Royal Society of Edinburgh, by Mr A. B. Stirling, curator of
the Anatomical Museum—all of which donations were laid on the
table. Mr W. G. Gibson sent a Radiometer for exhibition, and
the Chairman explained its construction and its scientific value.

The following list of Field Meetings was then agreed to :—First
Saturday of May, Thornhill Museum; First Saturday of June,
Colvend ; Second Thursday of July, Enterkin Pass ; Second
Thursday of August, Annan District; First Saturday of Septem-
ber, Criffel.

A proposal by Dr Gilchrist, of which consideration had been
delayed from the February meeting, to have a Map of the Society’s
District printed, was taken up; but, after some discussion, it was
agreed that owing to the state of the Society’s funds the matter
should be adjourned sine die.

In the absence of Mr Rutherford, through serious illness, the
Secretary read a communication from that gentleman, entitled

9

a

18 Field Meetings.

“Observations on the Salmon Disease.” (See Transactions. )
The paper in part recapitulated in substance some remarks on the
same subject made by Mr Rutherford at last meeting, and also
stated the result of subsequent observations. Considerable discus-
sion followed, most of the speakers agreeing with Mr Rutherford’s
conclusions.

Mr J. W. Kerr read a paper, communicated by Dr Gilchrist,
on “The Application of the Observant Powers.” The subject
was treated in a very interesting manner. ;

Mr Lennon sent a paper, entitled “ Notes on Rare Beetles ”—
second notice (see Transactions )—which was read by the Secretary.

Votes of thanks were passed to the authors of the papers, and
thereafter the meeting separated, thus concluding the business of
the Winter Session.

PIE LD MEETINGS, OF "{s7a,

The First Field Meeting was held at Kirkmichael on May 4th,
and there was a large attendance of Members. Various antiquarian
remains were visited, and Capt. Lyon kindly entertained the party
in the mansion house at the close of the meeting. No detailed
report of the meeting was handed in.

The Second Meeting was held on June 6th, when, on the kind
invitation of Mrs Murray Dunlop, the Society visited the estate
of Corsock. There was a large muster of Members, and the
weather in the morning was favourable, but at intervals during
the day it was very wet and stormy, so that all were more or less
drenched before reaching their homes in the evening. Field
naturalists as a rule are indifferent to weather, and generally
believe the saying that “ Nature’s frowns are beautiful,” faith in
which kept them happy under the depressing influence of the cold
and rain of Saturday. The party met at Dumfries Station, and
proceeded by the 8:32 a.m. train to Parton Station, being joined
at Castle-Douglas by some of the Members from that district.
Arrived at Parton Station, a small section of the party, against
the advice of their more experienced brethren and the plain
teaching of the Ordnance Map, determined on going by the road

Field Meetings. 19

to the left—a longer and more circuitous route, and, moreover,
uncompensated for by flowering hedgerows and overhanging herbage
such as botanists and entomologists love to revel in, The larger
body, however, walked over the hills by Falbae Moor, past some
excellent collecting ground. The first halt was made to admire
the beautiful floral display in front of the gamekeeper’s cottage at
Parton—an effect produced not by expensive plants purchased
from a nurseryman, but by the common native denizens of the sur-
rounding woods and meadows. Certainly no finer floral spectacle
could have been produced by the costly occupants of the modern
flower garden. A little further on was secured from off a hazel
bush a fine specimen of Nemophora pilella, 2 member of a genus
of moths with long, glistening, thread-like antenne, popularly
known as “Long Horns.” The species had not previously been
met with in the district. A small bog covered with innumerable
spikes of the pretty flowers of the bogbean was next examined,
and some nice bunches of the fragrant flowers were gathered for
further examination at home. The insectivorous character of the
plant was shown in the fact of many small beetles being found
adhering to the anthers by the viscid substance exuded from the
flowers. On the little knoll the scanty grass was studded with
the white flowers of an everlasting (Gnaphalium dioicum ), and
an abundant supply of specimens was collected, the plants being
in fine bloom. Near this place some of the party came upon some
patches of a pure white form of the common blue violet, and care-
fully transferred the plants to their vasculums. A bare and bleak
moorland was now entered upon, where flowering plants were as
yet scarcely above the ground. Very interesting, however, to those
of ornithological tastes were the various birds breeding in this
solitude—the Lapwings as they, alarmed for the safety of their
young, wheeled about in circles, uttering their melancholy cries :
the hoarse calls of the Grouse ; the bleating of Snipe ; and from
every knowe as the party passed arose “the wild scream of the
Curlew.” A poor little duckling, still retaining some warmth, and
which had apparently died from exposure, was picked up and
pocketed with the remark that it would make “a specimen,” A
little farther on and Corsock Moor was reached, crossing which
the party entered the grounds of Corsock House, and were met at
the garden by those who had gone by the other road with a cheer
of triumph on having gained the march—a result which was not

20 Field Meetings. (

grudged them, as vasculums and other receptacles for specimens
were as empty as when they had set out. Under the conduct of
the gardener and the forester the party went round the beautiful
and well-kept gardens and policies, various fine trees and shrubs
being pointed out. Prominent in interest was a fine Silver Fir,
which about twenty years ago was broken over about eight feet
from the ground. The late Mr Murray Dunlop had lead run into
the stem to preserve it, and soon after seven or eight horizontal
branches grew out. From these again thirty-five upright, tree-like
stems have sprung to a height of about forty feet, forming a very
curious and interesting sight. There are several other fine trees,
amongst them being a beautiful Picea nordmanniana, a handsome
Wellingtonia gigantea, a Fern-leaved Beech, some fine Copper
Beeches, &c. A splendid collection of herbaceous plants occupies a
border in the garden, and proved of much interest to the botanists
present. The party were next conducted round the outside of the
mansion-house, which isof quite modern construction. Built into the
northern gable there is an old stone bearing the coat-of-arms of a
Mr John Nelson, who was executed in Edinburgh in 1588. Pro-
ceeding next to the loch, where the party were joined by the Rev.
Mr Sturrock, minister of the parish, and Mr Bruce of Slogarie,
boats were launched, and some enjoyable hours were spent in sailing
about and in exploring the margin of the loch ; while some others
had a turn with rod and line at the trout with which it is well
stocked. A good many broods of Wild Duck and Teal were
noticed, and most amusing it was to see the consternation of the
parents when the boating parties approached too near the reed
beds, where the ducklings hid themselves. In rambling over the
moor some of the party noted great quantities of eggs which had had
their contents abstracted by these enemies of the game preserver,
the Carrion Crows, or “ corbies,” or “ hoodies ” as they are locally
termed. Amongst these eggs we observed Pheasants’, Partridges’,
Wild Ducks’, Black Grouse’s, and Wood Pigeons’, and in no small
numbers either. Even the little Sandpipers, breeding along the
margin of the loch, had been laid under contribution, as we noticed
several of their eggs lying broken and empty. The majority
of the party now, on the invitation of Mr Sturrock, proceeded
with that gentleman to the manse, where they were shown what
was perhaps the most interesting sight of the day—an aviary
containing about forty native and foreign birds, all in vigorous

Field Meetings. 21

health and song, and most of them nesting. Artificial fish-ponds
were also inspected. In these Mr Sturrock has been engaged
rearing various sorts of fish for transference to the Urr, which
flows close by; but the severity of last winter has somewhat
endangered his plans. After being handsomely entertained in
the manse, this party left for Castle-Douglas in time to catch the
7.40 train.

The more enthusiastic Members were still engaged in botanising,
insect-collecting, and angling at Corsock, and it was several hours
after before they thought of home. Some of these gentlemen
went to Castle-Douglas to catch the late train; but the others,
including all the prominent Members of the Society, walked home
to Dumfries, arriving before the others, who preferred the slower
mode of progression by train. We need not add anything more
as a proof of the healthy vigour induced by an enthusiastic pursuit
of natural history.

The Third Meeting was held on July 7th, when the Mem-
bers, on the invitation of Mr T. R. Bruce, visited Slogarie
and the banks of the Dee in the vicinity of Loch Stroan. Mr
Bruce is a Member of the Society, and is a keen observer and
student of Nature. A visit to his domain was looked forward to
with pleasant anticipations, and these were not disappointed.
Owing to the school holidays having commenced in Dumfries, the
number of Members who left by the seven o’clock morning train
was smaller than usual. Some astonishment was felt that Dal-
beattie, Castle-Douglas, and Kirkcudbright sent so few accessions
to the party. A grand new museum is about to be erccted in the
county town of the Stewartry, and it does not augur well for the
usefulness of such an institution when the burgh could not send
a few representatives to such a meeting. Let us express a hope
that the votaries of science and students of local history will not
be so backward on future occasions. The museum will only be very
partially useful unless free intercourse is promoted among scientists
and archeologists in the district. At New-Galloway Station the
company were cordially received by Mr Bruce, and Mr M‘Andrew,
New-Galloway, whose success as a student of botany, and valuable
contributions to the science as the results of his observations in
the Glenkens, have earned for him a considerable reputation. As

22 Field Meetings.

soon as they left the railway station the Members began their
observations, and soon found objects enough in the wilding flowers
and little insects among the rank herbage of the mossy meadows
to excite their wonder and cause delight. Of the habitat of any-
thing rare or strange, from a scientific point of view, Mr Bruce
informed the curious. On the old bridge, which formerly united
the parishes of Kells and Balmaghie, the little Wall Rue Fern
(Asplenium ruta-muraria) is to be found. Though common in
other parts of Galloway, it is here rare. By the way-side, decking
the sloping banks with their pretty blossoms, were clusters of
the Meadow Cow-wheat (Melampyrum pratense), one of the
Scrophulariacesx, closely related to the Yellowrattle (Rhinanthus
cristagalli), which is so profuse in our meadows this moist summer.
The Rock Rose ( Helianthemum vulgare), a member of the order
Cistaceze, which exhibits the curious phenomenon of vegetable
irritability, was also found in great abundance. When touched,
the stamens visibly move. It may not be generally known that a
sensitive plant is to be found in the wilds of Galloway. Close to
the roadside, on the farm of Duchrae, Mr Bruce directed attention
to what is called a Roman camp. There is a deep ditch and low
dyke, enclosing an area upwards of thirty yards in diameter. It
is covered with trees, and a portion of the dyke next the road
seems to have been removed. ‘The circular character of the camp
at once raised doubts as to the nationality of the warriors by whom
it had been built, and these were not dispelled by Mr Bruce
remarking that a rocky islet in the adjoining river also bore marks
of having been used for defensive or residential purposes. Where
the party turned off the parish road towards Slogarie they were
called upon to admire the “ Duke of Wellington,” a detached
mass of rock on a brae not far distant. It bears a slight
resemblance to a human figure, with a prominent Wellington nose.
A little further on the party arrived at the bridge which crosses
the stream connecting Woodhall Loch with the Dee; and Mr
Bruce stated that, although the water was then running with a
rapid current into the Dee, when the latter was in flood it ran as
rapidly back into the loch. A meadow was pointed out in which
the glow-worm is often seen in warm, moist evenings.

Arrived at Slogarie, the party were entertained to a sumptuous
breakfast, after which they had great pleasure in examining a
very complete Herbarium belonging to Mr Bruce. A beautiful

Field Meetings. 23

collection of birds’ eggs and a large number of birds, finely mounted,
were also examined with much interest. The birds have been all
procured within the last few months, mostly on the estate; and
we understand it is Mr Bruce’s intention to present them to the new
public museum at Kirkcudbright. Amongst the rare or remarkable
specimens are a splendid Raven, a Snow Bunting (procured last
January), a Purple Sandpiper, a fine pair of Common Buzzards,
a pair of magnificent Peregrines, a Little Grebe, a Long-horned
Owl, and a Mountain Finch, or “Cock o’ the North,” as it is
locally termed. The party afterwards visited the well-kept
gardens, and a great many interesting plants and trees were
pointed out. Mistletoe was growing luxuriantly on various trees,
particularly on the Apples. There were fine plants also on Limes
and Oaks, and a small plant on a service tree, which led to the
rather Moody remark about a parasite on Service. A curious
little plant of a spruce (Abies clanbraziliense), not above a foot
high, but upwards of thirty years old, was next examined.

There were so many objects of interest in the. precincts of
Slogarie that the party were tempted to linger in the grounds ,
but the day was fair and pleasant, though the wind was strong and
cold for July. A move was made along the banks of “ stately
Dee.” Two of the Members, having their rods with them, pro-
ceeded to investigate the ichthyological characteristics of the
river. After a few casts of a spinning minnow one ardent
student of the gentle art was rewarded with a splendid rise and
run from a heavy fish, and congratulated himself on having hooked
a splendid Sea-trout. After a little, however, he was disgusted to
discover that his captive was a Pike fully two pounds weight.
Another small Pike was taken; and the other angler believed he
touched a Salmon, of which there are now plenty in the Dee. On
the meadows, by the river and grassy flats on the hillside, were
countless wild flowers, charming the eye with their beauty of
form and colour. Among these were several specimens of the
Orchidaceze—native flowers that rival those of the tropics in their
style and beauty of colouring. Among them were found the
Early Purple Orchis (Orchis mascula), Spotted-leaved Orchis (0.
maculata), Fragrant-scented Orchis (Gymnadenia conopsea), But-
terfly Orchis (Habenaria bifolia), and the White Fragrant-scented
Orchis (G. albida). Among the first find of more than ordinary
interest in the botanical department were some fine specimens of

24 Field Meetings.

Polyporus betulinus growing on an old, rotten Birch. Along the
Dee the little Sundews were growing in great abundance, with the
remains of their insect food adhering to their viscid leaves. Great
quantities of the Scented Fern (Lastrea oreopteris) grow on the
hillsides, and perfumed the air with delightful fragrance as the
party trod the fronds down in walking through them. Insects were
rather scarce, owing to the strong wind. There were very few
butterflies abroad : a single specimen of the Common Blue, a few
of the Little Heath, were secured, and several of Canonympha
Tiphon var. Philoxenus, which adds Slogarie as a new locality for
this interesting variety, the only previously known locality in
Scotland being Cloak Moss, Colvend, where it was found by
Dr Buchanan White, of Perth. Several other Lepidoptera were
subsequently captured, amongst them being Melanippe hastata,
Noctua plecta, a very high-coloured example of the Clouded Buff
Moth (Euthemonia russula) by Mr Bruce, Agrotis porphyrea by
Mr Moodie, Acronycta rumicis, Tanagra cherophyllata, Pyrausta
purpuralis, &e. At Loch Stroan the party were rowed across to
Clachrum Wood, now the only remaining portion of the great
forest which in primitive times is supposed to have covered the
whole of Galloway with an almost impenetrable thicket. The
trees are not very lofty; indeed, the sorts are not tall growers,
being, with the exception of a few Ashes, principally Rowan,
Hawthorn, Birch, and Sloe. One of Rowan is the largest we have
seen or heard of, measuring at three feet from the ground nearly
nine feet in girth. In wandering through the wood a Roe Deer
was started, and one of the party killed a fine Adder. A “ Game-
keeper’s Museum” on a small scale was found on one of the trees,
the specimens comprising skulls of the Hoodie Crow, Hawks, and
Weasels, nailed up in the usual fashion. A little further down,
on the side of Loch Stroan, some large boulders were shown that
had been carried across the loch by the ice last winter.

After a short time spent here, the party again embarked and
rowed a few miles further up the Dee, the journey being enlivened
by some well rendered songs by the well-known editor of the
Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser. At the bend of the Dee, not far
from Gairloch, the party left the boat to pursue their studies
afield. A few of the Members started across the moor to visit
the Martyrs’ Monument on Auchencloy, which was reached after
a stiff walk of several miles amongst bogs and morasses. The

Field Meetings. 25

monument is an obelisk about thirty feet high, about seven feet
square at the base, and built of the granite of the district. The
side bears the following inscription :—

Erected in
Memory of the Martyrs
R. Fergusson, J. M‘Mechan
R. Stuart and J. Grier
who fell on this spot 18 Dec. 1684
from a collection made here
on the 16 Aug. 1835
and the profits of the sermon
afterwards published
preached on that day

y the
Rev. R. Jeffray of Girthon
Daniel ITI. 17 and 18

About a dozen yards off, at the foot of the knoll on which the
monument stands, there is a little tombstone about two feet high,
the inscription on which is still very easily read, thanks to the
labours of “‘Old Mortality,” who renewed the letters. The inscrip-

tion is as follows on one side of the stone :—

‘Here lyes Robert Ferguisson who was surprised and

instantly shot to death on this place by Graham of
Claverhouse for his adherence to Scotland’s

And on the other side surmounted by a skull and cross bones, and
the legend—
‘ Mementi Mori’
Reformatione Covenants Nationall and Solemn
League 1684. ’

As we stood on the steps of the monument we could not help
picturing to ourselves the scene enacted here on that cold December
morning on this desolate moorland as Claverhouse hunted his
poor victims to death. The view from the spot is singularly
bleak and wild, and there is not a single dwelling within sight.
Numerous Swifts were flying about; and it was thought likely,
as there are no other suitable breeding places within miles, that
they have their nests in the granite cliffs on the other side of the
glen, which are yet occupied by the Raven and Peregrine Falcon.
The whole party met again at the boat, the white waterproof of a
non-working antiquary being, as at other times during the day, a
useful rallying point for wandered Members. Notes were com-
pared, and it was found that some interesting specimens had been
obtained. Mr M‘Andrew had gathered a large number of Carices, *

26 Field Meetings.

including Carex binervis, flava, fulva, pallescens, vulgaris, pilulifera,
canescens, vescicaria, and ampullacea. At Loch Stroan the rare moss
Grimmia commutata was found growing on a stone. Sanicula
Europea was found in a wood, where also was captured the rare
sawfly Trichiosoma betuleti under a birch tree. The Narcissus
grows abundantly here, and a number of bulbs were dug up.
Perhaps the best find of the day, however, was a clump of Orobus
sylvatica, an exceedingly rare plant, which was gathered, not in a
wood as its name would indicate, but on the meadows close to
the water edge. Another plant, Vicia angustifolia, was found
near the same place. Once more embarking, the whole party of
sixteen were rapidly borne down the “ dark, rolling Dee” into
Loch Stroan, where the stiff breeze had raised waves high enough
to have endangered the safety of a less substantial boat. Beneath
the viaduct the party partook of luncheon, again kindly provided by
Mr Bruce. One of the party, wandering about, came upon an
envelope containing two Stonechat’s eggs, pinned to a door, and
labelled “eggs, with care;” but the mystery was soon solved
when Mr Bruce’s servant explained that he had taken them from
a deserted nest near by.

After luncheon, Mr M‘Ilwraith, vice-president of the Society,
expressed the thanks of the Members to Mr Bruce for the very
handsome way in which he had entertained them, and for the
opportunity he had given them of enjoying the splendid scenery
amidst which he had guided them during the day, and which had
appreciably extended their knowledge of the natural productions
of the district.

Rev. Mr Dodds said that much of the day’s enjoyment, he
fancied, was due to the kind way in which they had been received
by Miss Bruce in the morning, and moved a vote of thanks to
that lady, which was very heartily accorded.

Dr Gilchrist wished to add, as the oldest Member of the Society,
that since he had joined it he never remembered a party receiving
such hospitable treatment at a Field Meeting as they had that day
experienced.

Mr Moodie said there was another mode of expressing their
feelings, and proposed three cheers for Mr Bruce, which were at
once most enthusiastically given, the surrounding hills taking up
the echoes with “three times three.”

Bidding good-bye to Mr Bruce, the party proceeded along the

Field Meetings. 27

railway to New-Galloway Station, picking up several plants and a
few insects by the way. One of the plants was Gnaphalium
diocum, which was growing abundantly on the ledges of the rock
cuttings ; and the most remarkable insect was Hudorea atomalis,
which has hitherto heen found in Perthshire only. The party
arrived at Dumfries at 6.30 p.m., having spent a most enjoyable
and instructive day.

The Fourth Meeting was held on August 2nd, the place chosen
on this occasion, through the kind permission of the agents,
Messrs Walker & Sharpe, being the estate of Mabie. Few estates
in the Society’s district can boast of greater attractions for the
naturalist, for whether he be devoted to Geology, Botany, or
Zoology, he will never fail to find something to gratify his tastes.
Through the extensive copses the Roe Deer still wanders unre-
strained ; and the Buzzard breeds amongst the rocks on the hill
tops. The ledges of the Blackeraig once held the eyrie of the
lordly Peregrine, where also not many years ago a Golden Eagle was
seen sitting on each successive morning for about aweek. A fact
of great interest also for the ornithologist is that the Woodcock
has been known to breed here in former years. This season is no
exception, for only a few days ago a brood of four young Wood-
cocks was seen there by the Secretary and another Member of the
Society.

The party, having travelled by train to Lochanhead Station,
proceeded first to Lochaber, where an hour or two was pleasantly
spent in collecting botanical and entomological specimens. Fore-
most of course in interest were the various “insect-eating” plants,
the Droseras and Pinguiculas. Of the former genus the scarce
D. anglicum was growing along the loch margin in comparative
abundance. A somewhat unusual but extremely pretty sight was
the numerous groups of small Dragon Flies (Agrion elegans), of
a pulverulent blue colour, which were glancing about in the bright .
sunshine literally “seeking whom they could devour,” for more
voracious creatures it would be difficult to find. Near Craigbill
the party passed amongst a number of ice-borne granite boulders,
each or all of which would have furnished Dr Gilchrist with a text
for a geological discourse had he been present. Many regrets
were expressed at the Doctor’s absence, and much sympathy with

28 Field Meetings.

him in his severe illness, arising partly from over-exertion at the
last Field Meeting. On reaching the top of the hill, the party
found a brilliant floral spectacle spread out all around, over many
acres, the summits of the surrounding hills being completely
covered with the beautiful purple flowers of the ling (Erica
tetralia). Here the party rested for a short time, and a more
charming place at this season of the year could scarcely be
imagined. The view from this point is most striking, and
includes a wide stretch of country of richly picturesque features.
The Nith directs the eye southward amongst lands diversified as a
garden, and points to the deep blue mass of Criffel, at whose feet
sleeps in calm beauty the silvery Loch Kindar, and beyond to the
wide expanse of the Solway and the dim outlines of Skiddaw and
other Cumberland mountains. To the northward a broad valley
stretches away till it becomes narrowed and shut in by cultivated
hillsides, and overhung at the extremity by the dark, conical form
of Queensberry. Towards the west, Lochaber and Lochrutton are
the most striking points of the landscape, which is engirdled by a
confused mass of hills stretching far away on the horizon. Pro-
ceeding down the glen towards Mabie House, numerous insects
were secured, amongst the butterflies being the Grayling (Satyrus
semele), which nowhere in this locality occurs more abundantly
than on Mabie; the Ringlet (Zpinephele hyperanthus); Small
Heath (Cenonympha pamphilus) ; the Meadow Brown (#.
Janira) ; Dark Green Fritillary (Argynus aglaia) ; the Pearl-
bordered Fritillary (A. Huphrosyne) ; the Small do., do. (A.
Selene) ; the Common Blue (Lyceana icarus) ; and Scotch Argus
(L. Artaxerxes). Amongst the moths the best were the Mountain
Carpet (Larentia cesiata), the Concolorous (Tapinostola fulvx),
and the Purple and Gold (Pyrausta purpuralis). A fine specimen
of the Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) was also secured, and
the best finds made by the botanists were some pretty lilac and
white varieties of Polygala vulgaris. At Mabie House the party
were shown over the premises, and some parts of the ancient
dwelling-place, on which the present mansion is built, were
pointed out. The party next examined the fine old canoe which
was found when draining Mabie Moss. It is in fine preservation,
and a new hut has recently been erected over it, which will enable
it the better to resist time’s destroying hand. It is of oak, and
measures about fourteen feet in length and about three feet in

Field Meetings. 29

breadth, and, from some peculiarities of construction, apparently
was the property of a chief or person of distinction. Some fine
trunks of Bog Oak were dug out near the same place where the
canoe was found; one of the trunks which was measured was
over 70 feet in length and about 2} in diameter. After a walk
through the fine gardens at Mabie, which are in the occupation of
Mr James Service, nurseryman, the party next visited the Picts’
Knowe, an ancient British camp still in fine preservation, as
when Mabie Moss was reclaimed, near the centre of which it is
situated, the camp was fenced off so as to secure it intact. On
the hilltop to the westward can still be traced a similar-shaped
fort or camp, which very probably was the “watch tower” or
“look out” of the family or tribe dwelling at the Picts’ Knowe,
then surrounded with water, as is evident from the finding of a
canoe of the above dimensions in close proximity.

The party next visited St. Queran’s Well, and the stone seats
and the cooling water were very welcome after so much walking,
St. Queran (or Querdon, Guerdon, Quergan, or J ardan, &e., as it
is variously given) was a Scottish saint, supposed to have been
connected with the earlier forms of the Abbey of Holywood, and
the date assigned to him by Butler is 9th September, 876. The
Society possesses a number of coins found in the well many years
ago by the then tenant of the farm of Barbush, which were doubt-
less the offerings of invalids, as was usual at the holy wells of old
times. After about an hour’s further walking, the party reached
Troqueer Holm, where they were received by the President,
J. Gibson Starke, Esq. After partaking of refreshments, Mr
Starke’s private museum was inspected, catalogues of the collec-
tion being presented to those present. A magnificent collection
of Coins; of Land and Fresh-water and Marine Shells from various
parts of the world ; a very complete collection of British Ferns,
Sedges, and Grasses ; Curiosities from Jamaica and Ceylon ; and
a vast number of rare old Books, Autographs, and other objects
of interest too numerous to mention were examined 3 and after an
hour or two had been thus pleasantly and profitably spent, Mr
J. H. Maxwell of the Kirkeudbrightshire Advertiser proposed a
vote of thanks to Mr Starke for his great kindness in throwing
open his museum to the Society, which was very cordially awarded.
Mr Starke having briefly responded, the party took leave of him,
highly gratified with the day’s proceedings, which were of the
most pleasant description,

30 Field Meetings.

The last Meeting was held on September 4th at Comlongan
Castle, and was well attended ; but there were no notes taken of
the day’s proceedings.

FIELD MEETINGS OF 1880.

The First Field Meeting was held on May 4th at the Thornhill
Museum, to which the Society had kindly been invited by Dr
Grierson. The party left Dumfries by the mid-day train, and
were joined at the museum by those Members residing in the
Thornhill district. They were first conducted through the grounds,
which are profusely studded at the present time with immense
numbers of Daffodils. Many varieties are grown here of these
beautiful spring flowers, which are seldom met with nowadays.
It was yet too early in the season for a proper examination of the
many rare and curious plants cultivated by Dr Grierson. The
fine series of ancient Querns and old Celtic Crosses was minutely
inspected, and much interesting information as to the history of
the various specimens was given. The party were next conducted
over the vast collection of Natural History and Art specimens,
and of Antiquities contained in the museum buildings. Prominent
in interest was a large assortment of articles recently obtained
from British Guiana, consisting of some very formidable Boa Con-
strictors and other serpents, many of them over twenty feet in
length; numerous brilliantly coloured birds and insects; and strange
reptiles and rare quadrupeds. Some of the specimens in this
collection are unique in European museums. A small box of the
deadly Wourali (or Wourari) poison was also sent amongst the —
other things. The composition of this celebrated poison is now
well known as the product of various species of Strychnos; but it
for a very long time baffled the most experienced travellers and
naturalists, the secret being so well kept by the ‘“‘ medicine men.”
So deadly is it in operation that the slightest prick of an arrow
previously dipped in it is sufficient to cause death in any animal
in two or three minutes; and a strange thing is that these animals
thus killed are used as food. A beautiful collection of birds,
reptiles, and nammals has also been recently added to the museum
from South Africa. Amongst these there is a very fine specimen
of the ‘“‘ Bushmaster,” a ferocious serpent, which has the singular

Field Meetings. 31

habit of boldly advancing against anyone approaching its haunts.
It is greatly dreaded by the natives, who will not face it at all.
Round the front of the gallery is arranged a large number of
skulls of animals, amongst which we noticed fine skulls of the
Wapitu Deer, the Irish Elk (found in the bed of the Nith below
Dumfries), the ancient Caledonian Ox (Bos primigenius), Lions,
Tigers, Leopards, and a beautiful series of skulls of the various
breeds of sheep. The bearing of the latter on the theory of
natural selection was pointed out very clearly. At the east end
of the gallery are hung some very fine specimens of the singular
weapons of the Sword-fish, Saw-fish, and other monsters of the
“briny deep.” We must not omit to mention the very large
“tooth” of a Rorqual also exhibited here. It resembles a flag-
staff in size and appearance, and we fancy would be very effective
indeed even against the largest whales. After the party had
feasted their eyes on the many wonderful things around them,
they were called to the central table, where the Doctor unwrapped
from a nice clean towel what he stated was the most wonderful
“thing ” he had ever possessed. We may call it a lamb, but a
further description must come from Dr Grierson himself. Such
description and deduction to be made from this physiological
curiosity we will doubtless have shortly. Adjourning to the
garden again, the party were served with coffee and tea, and an
enjoyable hour was spent in scientific discussions. On again
entering the museum, Mr J. H. Maxwell of the Kirkeudbrightshire
Advertiser expressed the great delight which the Members had
felt in examining the many objects before them, and thanked the
worthy Doctor for his hospitality. Dr Grierson, in replying, said
that his object in maintaining the museum was purely an educa-
tional one, and that he felt amply rewarded when he saw that his
endeavours to spread a knowledge of the wondrous things of
creation were appreciated. He had never conducted a party over
his museum that showed more sympathy with his work, and he
hoped that not only those Members who had visited him that day,
but all those prevented from coming, would not miss an oppor-
tunity of waiting on him. Refreshments were again served; and
after bidding the Doctor good-bye and taking another look round,
the party retired, having spent a pleasant and most instructive
afternoon.

32 Field Meetings.

The Second Meeting was held on June 2nd, the place selected
for a visit on this occasion being the beautiful shore of Colvend.
The weather being somewhat unfavourable at Dumfries, there was
a smaller attendance of Members than on previous visits of the
Society to this very interesting district. The day cleared up well
in the afternoon, however, and the weather became warm and
pleasant, and as no rain had fallen at Colvend the grass was quite
dry and comfortable to walk upon. The party left Dumfries by
the 12.20 train, and at Dalbeattie were joined by contingents
from that neighbourhood and from Castle-Douglas. The latter
included Mr David Kennedy, son of the world-famous Scottish
vocalist. Mr Kennedy is sojourning at present in Castle-Douglas,
and proceeds shortly to the Cape to become manager of the
Natal Witness. Entering the waggonette from the Maxwell Arms,
the journey towards Colvend commenced just as the rain stopped, and
the sun peeped out for a little. The first halt was made at Richorn
to inspect a place where grows a large quantity of the Lily of the
Valley (Convallaria majalis). Whether it is a true wilding here
or an “escape” is disputed. We have seen it growing in a
similar situation at Slogarie, but there also it has not been
definitely ascertained to be a true native. We were informed
that the patch at Richorn very rarely flowers: this is probably
the case, as only one or two little sprays could be found. The
next interesting incident was the discovery, as the waggonette
passed underneath the tree, of a nest of a Golden-crested Wren
attached to an overhanging branch of a Silver Fir. The beauti-
fully constructed pensile nest of this the smallest of British birds
is seldom seen except by those interested in these matters, and
very rarely indeed is it to be seen so near a frequented road.
We were glad to observe that it was out of the reach of mis-
chievous boys. On passing the farm of Auchenhill, Mr Matthew-
son, Dalbeattie, informed the party that on the barn wall there is
(or was) a female bust built in, which used to be an object of
dread to the children of the locality. It was known as the “Lady
Blanche ;” and Mr Matthewson suggested that very probably
there was some connection between this figure and the well-known
effigy of the “ Nun Slab” in Dundrennan, which has been so often
under discussion. We trust that Mr Matthewson will investigate
the subject; and as he is so intimately acquainted with the folk-
lore of the district, he will doubtless be able to throw some light

Field Meetings. 33

upon what is confessedly obscure. A stoppage was made at the
manse, where the party was received in the kindest possible way
by Mr and Mrs Fraser. After partaking of a bounteous supply
of refreshments, Mr J. H. Maxwell of the Kirkcudbrightshire
Advertiser expressed the keen pleasure of the Members at being
again amongst the ‘ Craigs o’ Co’en’”—one of the most beautiful
portions of the Stewartry—and returned on behalf of the Society
their grateful thanks for the hospitable manner in which they
had been entertained by Mr and Mrs Fraser. Mr Fraser, in
replying, said that when the Society first visited him (on 4th
August, 1863) there were upwards of thirty Members present,
but not one of those who were there on that occasion did he see
before him. Most of those then present were dead now, but he
was glad to see another generation arising with all the old
enthusiasm and with the great advantages of increased facilities
for gaining a knowledge of their local natural history and
antiquities. Adjourning to the garden, Mr Fraser’s interesting
collection of hardy plants was examined, but for the majority of
them the season was yet too young to see them in flower. Aguilegia
glandulosa, a rare Columbine, was in beautiful bloom. Another
fine plant in flower was the Ramondia pyrenaica, with large
purple flowers rising from rosettes of deep green foliage. A grand
specimen of the Araucaria imbricata was much admired, but the
arboricultural feature of the garden is a fine row of Hollies with
straight, well-grown stems thirty to forty feet in height. We also
noticed a fine plant of Liliwm scovitzianum in flower, the delightful
fragrance of which was quite perceptible all over the place. The
valuable collection of Auriculas—we believe the only one in the
South of Scotland—was just out of bloom, and only one or two
flowers remained. Its inspection would have added another to
the many attractions of this “‘ manse garden.” Again seeking the
waggonette, the party were driven to Rockcliffe, where the mag-
nificent house in course of erection for Christopher Morris, Esq.,
was visited, and described by the Clerk of Works. Leaving here,
the Members broke into detachments to follow their particular
inclinations—some to visit the site of the Fort on the Castlehill
Point ; and others to collect Mollusca, Insects, Plants, &e. Two
of the Members, both enthusiastic ornithologists, stripped off
coats, boots, and other ¢mpedimenta, and scaled the cliffs like
practised cragsmen. They were soon busy high up on the rocks
examining the contents of sundry Jackdaws’ and other birds’

34 Field Meetings.

nests placed on various points inaccessible to all but those pos-_
sessed of strong nerves and strong muscles. The Jackdaws have
become extremely numerous there, and we are afraid have now
driven from this part of the Stewartry coast the last stragglers
of that interesting bird the Chough. This bird is probably a fast-
decreasing species in every part of Britain which it yet occupies,
and it is the prevailing opinion that the Jackdaw, though a
member of the same family, is in some way inimical toit. In
these cliffs, living in close proximity and apparently in harmonious
friendship, were the households of Owls and Kestrels, The
crevices at the bottom were evidently in some instances occupied
by the Shieldrake (or Stockannet, as it is locally termed), We
have every reason to believe that these beautiful ducks are
increasing in number, thanks to the benignant clauses of the
Wild Fowl Protection Act. A good many pairs were seen during
the afternoon. The breeding place once occupied by the Cor.
morants, and still known as the ‘“ Cormorants’ Roost” or
“ Doucker’s Bing,” has been deserted by these birds for many
years, and is now tenanted by the Common Gulls (Larus canus)
in large numbers. Until lately a number of the Herring Gulls
(L. argentatus) also bred here; but they have shifted their
habitation to other quarters nearer Douglas Hall. At the latter
place we observed several Rock Doves, and one of the party had
the good fortune to see a pair of Peregrine Falcons. Under the
experienced guidance of Mr Fraser, the botanists secured speci-
mens of most of the peculiar plants of the shore, but it was just
early enough to find them in good condition. The scarce plants
to be found betwixt Rockcliffe and Douglas Hall have been so
often enumerated that it would be superfluous to give a list now.
We may, however, state on the authority of Mr Matthewson that
the Royal Fern is still found in Colvend, but to prevent its
threatened extinction we will not divulge the exact locality. A
goodly number of Mollusca were picked up during the walk,
amongst which were the following, viz.:—Mya truncata, M.
arenaria, Solen ensis, Tellina solidula, Mactra solida, Artemis
exoleta, Cyprina islandica, Cardium edule, C. echinatum, Mytilus
edulis, Pecten opercularis, P. varius, Ostrea edulis, Pattella vul-
gata, Littorina littoralis, L. littorea, L. rudis, L. neritoides,
Turritella communis, Purpura lapillus, Nassa reticulata, and
Buccinum undatum. All the members of the party having
reassembled at Douglas Hall, leave was taken of Mr Fraser,

Field Meetings. 35

and the homeward journey was begun by way of St. Lawrence’s
Chapel and Cloak Moss. The latter had the appearance of a
newly-fallen shower of snow from the abundance in which the
white panicles of the Cotton Grass (#riophorum) were displayed.
With song and joke time passed quickly enough, and the Maxwell
Arms Hotel was reached about nine o’clock.

Before the Castle-Douglas Members left to catch the train, the
Secretary (Mr R. Service) said that, as most of them were aware,
it had been resolved at the previous Field Meeting to present
Dr Grierson, Thornhill, with a copy of “ Waterton’s Wanderings
in South America,” as a very slight acknowledgment of his kind-
ness in allowing Members of the Society to visit the Thornhill
Museum free of charge, or, in other words, refusing to take any
admission fee from Members. The money subscribed had been
left in his (Mr Service’s) hands, and he had procured and for-
warded the volume to Dr Grierson, and he had received a reply,
of which the following is an extract :—“ How very kind it is of
the Members of the Society to send me ‘ Waterton’s Wanderings,’
and I accept of their kindness with a feeling of special gratitude.
I take it as a token of sympathy with the aim of my Museum.
The study of Nature has its own reward, but sympathy with the
study is as gleams of sunshine. Waterton’s book will be of
material use to me; I will find described in it most of the
objects I have got from British Guiana.”

The Dumfries Members afterwards partook of tea together, and
came home by the late train, highly delighted with the day’s
proceedings and Jaden with huge bundles of ferns, wild flowers,
and other spoils.

The Third Meeting was held on July 10th, the place selected
for a visit on this occasion being the romantic parish of Durisdeer.
A large party left Dumfries by the 8.25 a.m. train for Carron-
bridge, and were joined at Thornhill Station by several Members
of the Society of Enquiry, whose aid as experienced botanists was
much appreciated during the day. Much regret was expressed at
the absence of Dr Grierson, whom an unfortunate engagement
prevented from being present. At Carronbridge Station the
party were met by Mr Thomson, Durisdeer Village, who had
kindly consented to act as guide, and whose services amongst
these apparently interminable hills were indispensable. The

36 Field Meetings.

route lay over the farm of Drumcruil (permission to traverse
which had been readily granted by Mr Dickson), where an
ancient fort was pointed out at Langknowe. The old Church of
Kirkbride was seen on the left above the farm of Coshogle. It is
now in ruins, only a small portion of the walls remaining ; and it
is very desirable that the unique features of this interesting relic of
the past should be preserved from further decay, A little further
on the beautiful Glen of Enterkin was reached. The majority of
the Members descended this deep ravine with the intention of
visiting the cairn of Lagdow, which is said to commemorate the
spot where a Covenanter of the name of Dow was shot by
Sir Robert Grierson of Lag; but the majority of antiquaries
doubt this tradition, and think that the name of Lagdow
Cairn simply means “the cairn of the black hollow.” They
were, however, diverted from their purpose by a drenching
rain, which came down in torrents, and they took refuge
up the glen of Auchenlon Burn. Here they had the good
fortune to fall in with a profuse growing mass of the rare Filmy
Fern (Hymenophyllum Wilsoni), which was collected with great
delight, as several of the party had gone for the sole purpose of
gathering this interesting species. Enterkin and other glens in
that neighbourhood have long been famous for producing this fern,
and the locality is given in all the old “Floras.” A little further up,
in a beautifully situated nook, was found a nest of the Dipper,
from which the young “ white breasts” rather unceremoniously
fled as soon as disturbed. On the boulders over which the water
was dashing a number of pretty Fresh Water Sponges were
secured of the same species as was found in the Dee a year or
two ago, when the Society visited Threave Castle. That scarce
and beautiful snail the Helix arbustorum occurred in this glen
also in great profusion, and a number were collected. We saw a
quantity of this species recently in Dr Grierson’s garden, where
they had quite acclimatised, and thrive well. During a blink of
sunshine, as the party emerged from this glen on to Thirstane
Hill, vast numbers of the “Chimney Sweep” Moth (Zanagra
chaerophyllata )—a little species, sooty black in colour—was very
noticeable. As far as the eye could reach they were to be seen in
myriads flying about amongst the bracken. At the foot of Stey-
gail the two parties again met, and notes were exchanged. The
Devil’s Dyke had been examined—that portion of it which runs
towards Dalveen. It is difficult to imagine what this dyke could

Field Meetings. 37

have been intended for, unless it was a mere tribal boundary in
pre-historic times. Fragments of it are numerous in Durisdeer and
neighbouring parishes. A small quarry of the new red sandstone
was also visited. The rain still kept pouring on in torrents, and
it was discussed anxiously whether the party should go further or
return. The majority resolved on the former course, and most of
the party decided on going to the head of Enterkin Pass at any
rate, as all were as wet as they could be. A cairn at the foot of
Steygail was pointed out as marking the spot where a shepherd
was killed by falling down the mountain in a snow storm a short
time since. Near the Kelpie’s Linn some very fine bunches of
the Parsley Fern were secured. The Moonwort Fern also grows
there in some abundance. The curious Fescue Grass (Festuca
viwipara) was also met with. Dotting the pathway up to the
head of Enterkin were many little tufts in full bloom of the
pretty, pink-flowered Sedum villosum. The only other plant met
with of note was the Cut-leaved Saxifrage. After passing the
Kelpie’s Linn the pass became very steep, and the party had to
look after their footing, for a single slip would have sent them
down hundreds of feet to the bottom of the glen. Dr John
Brown, as quoted in Ramage’s “ Drumlanrig and the Douglases,”
thus describes it in language which we cannot hope to imitate :—
“ A few steps and you are on its edge, looking down giddy and
amazed into its sudden and immense depths. We have seen
many of our most remarkable glens and mountain gorges—
Gleneroe and Glencoe, Glen Nevis (the noblest of them all), the
Sma’ Glen, Wordsworth’s Glen Almain (Glenalmond)—where
Ossian sleeps—the lower part of Glenlyon, and many others of
all kinds of sublimity and beauty; but we know nothing more
noticeable, more unlike any other place, more impressive, than
this short, deep, narrow, and sudden glen. There is only room
for its own stream at the bottom, and the sides rise in one smooth
and all but perpendicular ascent to the height, on the left, of
1895 feet—Thirstane Hill; and, on the right, of 1875 feet—the
exquisitely-moulded Steygail, or Steep Gable, so steep that it is
no easy matter keeping your feet, and if you slip you might just
as well go over a bona fide mural precipice.” The place where a
small party of Covenanters rescued some of their brethren from
the hands of a large body of dragoons was passed near the top of the
ascent. The dragoons, if we are to believe the somewhat tra-
ditionary accounts of the affair which have been handed down,

38 Field Meetings.

had to surrender their prisoners at discretion, and were glad to
escape with their own lives. We can well believe that dragoons
would be rather hampered in their movements in such a place.
The rain had ceased when the party reached the summit, and a
halt was made and luncheon disposed of. The view from this
exalted station is enchanting in the extreme, and lovers of fine
scenery may here feast their eyes to their hearts’ content. The
clouds, coming down in great masses right on the heads of the
party, warned them not to dally, and the “vigorous brigade”
determined on going further still, and off the half of the party
went for the lead mining works at Leadhills. Here they were
kindly received, and through the courtesy of the manager (Mr
Newbigging) they were shown the “crushing”
process. Some fine specimens of ores were presented to them,
which excited the envy of the Members that lagged behind.
Meanwhile the party left at the head of the pass had turned
down the glen again and made for Dinabid Linn, at the head
waters of the Carron. This is one of the most charming spots in

and “ washing ”

this beautiful district, and the array of wild flowers along the side
of the Linn was very tempting; but time was pressing, and the
party hastened on into Dalveen Pass near the farm of Upper Dal-
veen. The rain here had been excessive, and all the little burns
had become torrents of turbid water, which came rolling down the
glens in all directions. The treeless character and bright green
sward of these majestic mountains give them a very peculiar
appearance, and the burns can be seen up to their fountain-heads.
The foaming torrents that were falling over some of the linns
were extremely beautiful. Getting on to the turnpike road which
runs along the Dalveen Glen, the party were able to walk in
comparative comfort, as so many swollen burns had to be jumped
or waded as to become very laborious. Burns was connected
intimately with this district, and Dalveen Pass has been immor-
talised in his song :—
‘* Last May a braw wooer cam’ doon the lang glen,
And sair wi’ his love he did deave me.”

And in a subsequent verse he takes notice of the farm of
Gateslack :—

‘* But what wad ye think ? in a fortnight or less,
The deil tak’ his taste to gae near her !
He up the Gateslack to my black cousin Bess ;
Guess ye how, the jad ! I could bear her, could bear her ;
Guess ye how, the jad! I could bear her.

Field Meetings. 39

As the party came down the glen many birds peculiar to such
localities were met with. We have seldom seen the Wheatear so
numerous, and the family parties flitting about were very con-
spicuous, as the white tails turned up when flying. Large numbers
of Whinchats and Stonechats sat “ chacking” at the party from
the tops of the stone dykes. We were surprised to find the
Common Sandpiper numerous here. Several of the Common
Bunting were noticed, although it is anything but a common bird
in Dumfriesshire. Several pairs of the Ring Ouzel, or Mountain
Blackbird, were also seen ; and one could not help noting how
well their wild musical calls harmonised with their surroundings.
When this party arrived at Durisdeer Mill they found to their
disgust that another detachment had been there before them and
cleared out all the “refreshments.” Some of the Members had
by this time gone up to see the marble tombs at Durisdeer Kirk,
and it is to be regretted that so few of the members of the large
party that set out in the morning had an opportunity of seeing
such beautiful specimens of the sculptor’s art. It is believed that
the figures are the work of Roubilliac, who was the most dis-
tinguished sculptor of the period (1711) when James, Duke of
Queensberry and Dover, died, and of whom and his Duchess these
splendid figures are a memorial. Another party of Members had
an opportunity of seeing the little round camp on the farm of
Drumeruil, and which was probably a rallying place of the ancient
Selgove. This finished the special work of the day, and in twos
and threes the party again became united, and all reached their
destinations in a decidedly fagged condition.

The Fourth Meeting should have been held on August 12th,
when it was intended to visit the shoreline from Cummertrees
to Clarencefield ; but only two or three Members put in an
appearance at the time appointed, and the meeting did not
take place.

The last Field Meeting of the season took place on September
5th, and proved in every way a fitting termination to a successful
and enjoyable series. . The Newabbey district was chosen for a
visit on this occasion, and the weather being as bright and hot as
could be desived, the largest party of the season turned out,

40 Field Meetings.

leaving Maxwelltown shortly after eleven o’clock in two wag-
gonettes. The fields being for the most part cleared of stooks,
the large flocks of migratory birds occupying them, preparatory to
leaving for southern climes, were seen to advantage. At one part
of the way a curious habit of the Starling, and very unlike the
bird’s usual habit, was being briskly indulged in. We refer to
that myotherine habit of this bird, which is said to be developed
only in hot seasons, of hawking backwards and forwards for flies
after the manner of swallows. Several times the Blackheaded
Gulls were noticed at the same business, but with them the habit
is confirmed. While passing the extensive woods of Shambellie
a brisk look-out was kept for the Siskin, which is known to breed
there, but it was not seen on this occasion. After a brief halt at
Newabbey village, the party drove on till the farm of Ardwall was
reached. Here the vehicles were left, and the company divided—
the corpulent and weakly to explore the banks of Loch Kindar
and vicinity; and the vigorous and enthusiastic to make the
ascent of Criffel. The latter party were rewarded by finding a
small colony of the Parsley Fern (Allosorus crispus) shortly after
the ascent commenced. It is rather remarkable that this fern,
although abundant in Dumfriesshire, is comparatively rare in
the Stewartry; but the different geological formation doubtless
explains this. The climb to the summit was a most toilsome one,
owing to the suffocating heat; at least one of the party had to
own himself beaten and return ; and several others, it was
apparent, preferred punishing themselves rather than be the
subjects of the jokes of their more muscular companions. There
was little of more than ordinary interest to be noted, with the
exception of the unusual abundance of the Titlark (Anthus
pratensis). A flock of more than sixty was seen together, and
smaller parties were very numerous. The ascent having taken
up so much time, but a short stay was made at the top, and the
descent was of the usual hurried description. The other party
meanwhile had been employing the time in botanising and other
congenial pastimes near Loch Kindar. Application for the use of
a boat to examine the two small islands had unfortunately been
omitted in the arrangements for the meeting, so that the numerous
Cormorants (or “Co’en’ Elders,” as they are locally termed) were
left in undisturbed possession of their resting place. These birds
evidently find here an abundance of food; but it is to be hoped
they confine their attention to the eels, and leave alone the

Field Meetings. 4]

famous trout so well known to local anglers. However, on a
previous visit of the Society to Loch Kindar (in May, 1867) these
islands were examined, and in a report of the meeting it is stated
that “on one of the islands stand the remains of one of the few
pre-Reformation churches, while the other may have been a lake
dwelling.” A number of the Members, on returning to the
village, visited the magnificent ruins of Sweetheart Abbey. We
are glad to say that these ruins are now being cared for in a
manner which we would be glad to see imitated by the pro-
prietors of all the other ancient buildings in the district. A little
past five o’clock all the Members had again assembled at the
Commercial Hotel, where they sat down to tea, and it is needless
to say that after the exertions of the afternoon the repast was
done ample justice to. The return journey was made by way of
Lotus, where the old canoe was inspected. It was discovered in
the loch there about twelve years ago, when the water was
unusually low. The bow was taken off and sent to the National
Institution in Edinburgh, and it is a matter for regret that the
remaining portion is fast disappearing—partly owing to the
weather, and partly to the vandalism of visitors, who have been
chipping pieces of it away. [Mrs Hyslop of Lotus, a few days
after the meeting, kindly presented the canoe to the Society.]
The crannoge on the north end of the loch was to have been
visited, but owing to the lateness of the hour it was agreed to
defer its examination till a future opportunity. We understand
that on one side the oak piles on which it was built are quite
visible. It is of large extent and some large timber is growing
upon it. It can be reached from the side when the water is low
by means of a row of stepping stones. Quite close to it a bronze
pot and some other things were fished out lately. It is desirable
that these articles should be seen and reported on by some com-
petent antiquary. We believe that Loch Arthur, and in fact
nearly all the Stewartry lochs, would well repay systematic
explorations. Crannoges can be detected in a great many of
them ; and if they were carefully examined, much light would be
thrown on the pre-historic inhabitants of the district. On the
way home the party were much interested in watching the frequent
discharges of lightning from a cloud which was just visible over
the Mabie hills. From this point it is very probable the widely
extended thunderstorms of Sabbath morning and Saturday night
originated. The party reached Dumfries about half-past eight
3

42 Field Meetings.

o’clock, thoroughly pleased with the day’s enjoyment, for which
the Society’s thanks are due to Mr Oswald of Cavens, Capt.
Stewart of Shambellie, and Mrs Hyslop of Lotus, for kindly
granting permission to visit their respective estates.

Mr Lennon, Brooke Street, handed in the following memorandum
with reference to the insects he collected :—“I never remember
seeing the wild bees and other insects so very scarce as they have
become this season since the hot, dry weather set in. On Satur-
day the only bees visible were Bombus lapidarius, B. muscorum,
B. lucorum, and B. virginalis. Along with the scarcity of insects,
a scarcity of the usual flowers of the autumn months is noticeable ;
almost: the only wild flower in bloom just now is the Scabiosa
arvensis—a very favourite flower with various orders of insects.
The prevailing lack of insect life extends to the Coleoptera, which
are not usually much affected by extremes of temperature; and the
following were nearly all the species I could find :—laphrus
riparius, E. cupreus, Broscus cephalotus, Anchomenus albipes,
and A. marginatus. These were all collected under the stones at
the water edge. The water beetles were fairly plentiful, and of
this interesting class I dredged the following scarce species :—
Haliplus fulvus, H. flavicollis, Hydroporus quinquelineatus, H.
novemlineatus, H. pictus, H. lepidus, H. depressus, and H. assimilis.
The Lepidoptera, with the solitary exceptions of Polia chi and
the Little Copper butterfly, were conspicuous by their absence.”

DRA NSAC.-T. 1.0 N.S,

The authors of the following papers are alone responsible for the
opinions expressed.

LOCAL ANTHROPOLOGY. By Wiii1am M‘Inwrairs.
Read November 7th, 1879.

* * * * * *

From this brief historic sketch it will be apparent, we think,
that the archeological remains of this district should possess more
than ordinary interest. Eskdale and Annandale, for instance,
were on the highway between the southern and northern parts of
the kingdom. Through their dales the successive invading races
would advance northwards ; and then, as their power waned and
they retired, the more ancient tribes would stream southwards.
Nithsdale, stretching more westwards than northwards, was
debateable ground forming the eastern boundary of Galloway ;
and the latter district, though always Celtic in the main, and
preserving a kind of individuality and independence, was fre-
quently invaded. Of all this, interesting evidence should be found
in the character of the people, in their language and customs, and
in the archeological remains to be found in the district. So it
has ; but much remains to be gathered, and sifted, and utilised
by this and kindred local societies. Let us look for a little at the
evidence we now possess. In the course of time the races of men
in the south-west counties have become amalgamated, but the
close observer cannot fail to notice that there is a general
difference between the people of Dumfriesshire and Galloway.
The former possess more of the Anglo-Saxon elements in their
constitutions. This is especially noticeable in the common people,
among whom wide changes of residence have not been frequent.
Red-haired, fair-haired, fair-skinned, blue-eyed, tall men and
women are more frequently to be met with in Eskdale and
Annandale than in Galloway ; and we have a majority of the
people in the latter district dark-haired, swarthy, black-eyed.
Tn their temperaments also a difference may be discerned, And

44 Transactions.

so also in the prevailing patronymics : such cognomens as Beattie,
Bell, Carruthers, Carlyle, Graham, Halliday, Irving, Johnstone,
Jardine, Kellock, Scott, Telford, are common on the Western
Border ; while in Galloway M‘Culloch, M‘Creadie, M‘Dowall,
M‘Ilwain, M‘Meekan, M‘Lelland, M‘Quisten, are more frequently
to be found. It is interesting, in daily intercourse with those
around us, to study in persons bearing Anglo-Saxon or Celtic
names the characteristics of race.

When we come to consider the language of the district, a most
attractive field of study is revealed. Were a collection made of
words and phrases peculiar to, but fairly recognised as belonging
to the popular speech of Dumfriesshire, and compared with a
similar list from Galloway, it would be seen that a considerable
and marked difference obtains. In M‘Taggart’s Gadllovidian
Nneyclopedia many words and phrases will be found which an
Annandale man would think strange ; and Wigtownshire men,
attending Lockerbie Lamb Fair to purchase stock, remark upon
the uncommon expressions of the shepherds who there have charge
of the hirsels. The history of the various localities indeed may be
traced in the words used to denominate their features or the
prominent natural objects in the landscapes. These have in many
cases remained unchanged since the earliest times. The word
Urr, for instance, the name of the dividing stream between two
of the nations of Glasgow University, is said to be a fragment of
the language of the most ancient inhabitants of Galloway. It
lies, indeed, in our modern language like a boulder on the surface
of the ground, with its antiquity recognised, but its history con-
cealed in the past. Urr means “ water.” So does Hsk, d, and
Dee—the names of other local rivers—but why is there such a
distinction? Combined with other words, and in use in names of
places, we find such Celtic root-words as Gleann, “a glen,” in
Glenzier in Canonbie, Glen in Tinwald, Glenskelly in Tynron,
Glenlee in Kells, Glenkitten in New Luce, and Glengyre in
Kirkeolm : the prefix, you will observe, ranges from the eastern
confines of Dumfries to the western side of Wigtownshire. Ard,
meaning “high,” and used to indicate “‘a height,” is, found in the
Ardwells of Galloway. Dun or don, “a hill-fort,” is common ;
pol, “a pool or burn,” is found in that form in Poltanton,
Wigtownshire, and used generally in Dumfriesshire in the softened
form “pow;” Corse, ‘a bog or marsh ;” Car or caer, “a fort ;”
Knock, “a hill;” Bal and Bar, “a dwelling-place” (1), &e. Tt

Transactions. 45

would weary you to multiply illustrations ; but bear these words
in mind, and you will not go far till you come upon them in use.
We have shown that different kinds of Celtic words are used to
designate rivers. So in regard to hills we have the forms Pen
and Coomb. White Coomb is the highest hill in Dumfriesshire :
it is in the upper part of Moffat parish. In the same range of
hills is the lofty peak of Ettrick Pen. In Galloway the loftiest
hills are Cairns—Cairnsmore of Dee, Fleet, and Carsphairn ;
Cairnpyat in the Rhins ; and JMZeouls—the Meoul in the Kells
range, and Mid Moile, the highest hill in Wigtownshire. In
regard to the leading features of the principal districts of the
country similar differences in the distinguishing appellations may
be traced. Now, just as the geologist by examining a piece of
rock from any of our lofty hills is able to tell its probable age and
the manner of formation, so the philologist by analysing the
place-names is able to state the probable age of each, and give us
some account of the race by which it was conferred. In this way
it is determined that ‘‘Coomb” and ‘‘ Pen” are ancient British,
and must have been applied to the heights bearing them at a very
remote period. Just, however, as the lapse of time has smoothed
and rounded the beautiful green hills around them, leaving the
bare peaks, so has it worn away the old place-names, leaving
“Coomb” amd “Pen” standing out alone in suggestive prominence.

When we come to examine the titles used to distinguish hillocks,
dwelling-places, burns, little glens, and fields, we find a marked
difference between those common in Dumfriesshire and Galloway.
In the former, words used for the lesser eminences are—Ahill, fell,
law, berry, dod, head, top ; for dwelling-places—town, by, faudld,
hay, head, and park ; for stveamlets—water, burn, syke, and grain ;
for deep’ clefts in the hills—cleuch, heugh, and scaur ; for more
open vales—hope, gill, beck, syke ; for a plain—holm, haugh, lea,
and field. In Galloway such placenames are comparatively un-
known. There the eminences are cairns, craigs, and duns. Bal,
tor, bar, is the prefix used to indicate heights and fortified home-
steads. Within a short distance of each other, in Penninghame
parish, we have the farmsteads of Barraer, Barwhirran, Barlauchlan,
Barvennan, Barburchany, Barnean, Barskeoch, Barnearnie, Bar-
trostan, and Bar. It is to be remarked that words indicating
different kinds of enclosed, cleared, and cultivated ground are
absent, from which it may be inferred that those who used the
language (Celts) were not familiar with agriculture. Words

46 Transactions.

distinguishing the different kinds of glens and pastures are also
awanting. The first set of names, it is plain, are Teutonic, and
the second Celtic. There is thus, in the distribution of these place-
names, clear evidence furnished that the Teutons at some time
drove out the Celts from Dumfriesshire, and that the latter made
a stand in Galloway. But in Dumfriesshire we have British or
old Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Danish, and Norwegian names all com-
mingled, In Galloway, Anglo-Saxon names are applied to modern
localities, such as churches, villages, and farms recently formed ;
and Norwegian and Danish names occur on the coast, having been
deposited there by the Vikings when they possessed the Isle of
Man and Galloway. In Nithsdale we find Celtic and Teutonic
names side by side: Drumlanrig, Auchenbainzie, and Barjarg on
one side of the river; Thornhill, Closeburn, and Auldgirth on the
other. It would be an interesting pursuit to find out how far
west certain names are to be found. Grain, for instance, as the
name of a stream, or the valley through which one runs, is to be
found in the Hen Grain, a tributary of the 42: we do not think
it occurs in Nithsdale or Galloway. In like manner, it would be
interesting to trace the positions of the Anglo-Saxons and Scandi-
navians in Galloway, and to find out how far inland they pene-
trated. That some attention should be paid to this subject of the
philosophy of placenames is apparent, because, like the land to
which many of them apply, they are being reclaimed and cultivated
—broken up and made conformable to modern ideas in regard to
the mode of spelling and pronouncing them. In their new form
it is impossible to distinguish their derivation or meaning.
Poultrybuie, for instance, suggests fowls ; but if we make it pul-
tre-buaigh Celtic scholars may be able to draw the proper meaning
from it. The fashion is to spell many of these old names, not as
they are written in ancient documents, the learned ecclesiastical
scribes of which knew their composition and interpretation, but as
they are now pronounced. No one would think that Neowklie
was Knevock-law, or Carnbee, Cairn-buagh. Now were members in
country districts to note down the names of farms, fields, glens,
knowes, &c., in their respective localities, a list might be formed
from which much interesting information regarding place-names
could be obtained. It must not be forgotten that language has
become the medium by which the migration of the carly races of
mankind, from the primal home of humanity—‘“ the Roof of the
World” in Central Asia—can be traced ; and has been of great
service in throwing light on pre-historic times.

Transactions. 47

Commending this branch of the subject to your careful considera-
tion, I would call your attention to the desirability of preserving
a record of local customs. However trivial these may appear,
they should not be lost sight of. When a vessel is for sale the
owner hoists a broom at her masthead. When a country lad
comes into Dumfries market, offering his services on hire, he
wears a straw in his bonnet. When my wife crossed the threshold
of her own dwelling for the first time a friend broke a farl of oat
cake over her head for good luck. There was an old woman in
Mochrum, who was reputed to be a witch, and boys, now men, in
passing her kept the thumb of one hand close clenched in the loof
with the fingers hiding it, to protect them from the influence of
her evil e’e. To marry in May is deemed foolish. Enquiry into
such peculiar customs as I have alluded to, and into belief in the
efficacy of ‘‘ Rowan-tree and red-thread” to “put the witches to
their speed ;” of four-leaved clover to qualify the eyes to see fairies
and wraiths ; and of a horse-shoe on the stable-door, &c., belong to
the study of Folk-lore. These matters, however, are intimately
associated with the history of man. Many of our popular customs
and beliefs; children’s games handed from one generation of
youngsters to another ; nursery tales listened to eagerly in youth,
and repeated in the decline of life to grand-children, with which
we are familiar, are also to be met with in various forms among
people widely separated by time and space. The existence of these
things, however, point to a common origin. Where local customs
are found to exist notice of them should be taken, and preserved
by our Society. In the upper part of Eskdale, at the confluence
of the White and Black Esk, was held an annual fair, where mul-
titudes of each sex repaired. The unmarried looked out for
mates, made their engagement by joining hands, or by handfisting,
and went off in pairs, cohabited till the next annual return of the
fair, appeared there again, and then were at liberty to declare
their approbation or dislike of each other. If each party con-
tinued constant, the handfisting was renewed for life ; but if either
party dissented, the engagement was void, and both were at full
liberty to make a new choice; but with this proviso, that the
inconstant was to take charge of the offspring of the year of
probation. The record of this curious local custom has been
preserved for us by a passing traveller, and it acquires a peculiar
interest when we learn that matrimonial alliances were made in a
similar fashion at several places in the northern part of Europe.

48 Transactions.

Another means by which light is to be thrown on pre-historic
times is by studying the remains of man’s handiwork, which are
to be found wpon and im the ground. No one can travel far in
Galloway, especially in the moorland parts of it, without coming
upon standing stones, cairns, camps, or kilns. While the purpose
or meaning of single and circles of standing stones, like those at
Holywood in the immediate neighbourhood of Dumfries, and at
less known places in both Dumfries and Galloway, is still involved
in obscurity, they are nevertheless objects of much interest. Many
circles have been destroyed within the present century, and others
doubtless will disappear. Speaking to a farmer about a large
stone standing in a field, he remarked—‘ Aye, there was a ring 0’
them at ae time, but that’s the only ane left. The rest were ta’en
to big dykes and mak’ yett posts.” Such is the succinct history of
too many Druidical circles. And so with cairns: we know places
in Galloway where the stones have been carried away to build
dykes, and the sepulchral kists—the last resting places of mighty
dead—are uncovered and desolate. Cairns are still being used as
quarries. Only their sites remain in Dumfries ; so in Galloway,
unless some respect is paid to “the auld grey cairns,” they will no
more be found, and only scarcely visible grassy spots among the
heather will mark the tombs of heroes. Camps, forts, and
clusters of stones, supposed to be kiln-floors, but which we think
have been the floors of bee-hived shaped houses, will also be swept
away before the march of agriculture. Of these remains the
study is very interesting, and is all the more delightful that it has
to be followed in the wildest and most remote parts of the district.
A large volume might be written on the cairns, camps, &e., of
Dumfries and Galloway. On the beautiful hills of Nithsdale
and Annandale we have little round forts on hill tops and com-
manding eminences. These are within sight of each other from
one end of the district to the other, so that if an enemy approached
any point the rising pillar of cloud by day, or the ruddy flame of
burning whins by night, would spread an alarm far and wide.
At Burnswark square Roman and round British and Norse forts
are to be found side by side. At Holmains Fort the defending
ditch has been cut out of the solid rock: who did it, and how did
they do it? What kind of implements did they use? At the
mote of Urr we find Roman, Celtic, and Saxon remains com-
bined. Was it the Caerbantorigum mentioned by Ptolemy? is
a question calling for settlement. While the Society might

Transactions. 49

endeavour to prevent the demolition of these interesting relics
of our forefathers, it should at any rate preserve as complete a
record as possible of their situation, dimensions, and characteristics.
A map with their positions accurately and carefully marked and
numbered, and a book in which, under the number of each, all that
could be ascertained regarding them should be set down, would be
of great permanent value. The compilation of such a work would
reflect credit on the Society.

What may be done in collecting tuols and implements has been
fully demonstrated by the Rey. G. Wilson, Glenluce. That
gentleman, by careful search among the Sandhills near the mouth
of the river Luce, has made a most instructive collection of flint
tools and implements, including saws, chisels, knives, arrow-
heads, scrapers, &c. The greater number of them is now in the
Antiquarian Museum, Edinburgh. As to the significance that
attaches to these articles let me remark that flint implements
have been found at such a depth in the crust of the earth—in the
“boulder clay ”—as to lead geologists to conclude that man has
existed in the world for 200,000 years. Indeed remains have
been found of such a character, and in such circumstances, as to
give rise to the opinion that man is of even greater antiquity, and
that there were two other kinds of men in the world before the
present species came on the scene. Every now and then we read
of the finding of flint and stone implements, especially in Gallo-
way. What becomes of them? A few we have rescued from the
coal house. Some find their way into local museums, but in many
cases they might as well be in the pawnshop. Articles of the
kind we refer to lose much of their value unless the precise history
of their discovery is known. An arrow-head found in an ocean-
fronting cave on the coast of Galloway several feet below accumu-
lated debris and soil, and beside the bones of long extinct animals
and human teeth, is much more interesting than one picked up in
the open fields on the farm of Glengyre, Wigtownshire. Our
Society therefore should not only foster the collection and pre-
servation of tools and implements, but should studiously ascertain
and record the history of those found in the district. Upon the
promoters of public and possessors of private museums they
should impress the fact that a mere collection of pre-historic tools
and implements without any history of the circumstances under
which the articles have been found is of comparatively little
scientific or educational value.

4

50 Transactions.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECTS OF THE WEATHER
OF THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS UPON ANIMAL
LIFE. By Ropert SERVICE.

Read November 7th, 1879.

Mr Buchan, Secretary of the Scottish Meteorological Society,
in a paper read before his Society on March 7th, 1879, stated
that “The parts of the British Islands where the cold last
December was severest was in Dumfriesshire, Cumberland, and part
of Kirkcudbrightshire, where the mean temperature was 28°, which
was 13° below the average: they had had no previous approach to
that, so far as they had had observations made with thermometers
in Scotland for 115 years. In the month of January they had a
state of things somewhat similar, the month being the coldest
January of which they had any record in Scotland. In February
the cold still continued in a modified form, the mean being 40°—
5° below the average. Taking Dumfriesshire, and comparing
these three months, the mean was 9° below the average of the last
115 years.”

After a period of such extreme low temperature, it became
very interesting to trace its effects upon animal life. The Fauna
of our district—that part of the country where, according to the
statement I have quoted, the cold was the most intense—has
indeed been greatly disarranged. In some respects the pleasure
of becoming acquainted with and seeing in a state of nature, or in
greater numbers than before, certain species which were previously
scarce or altogether absent, was very desirable; but, on the other
hand, it was sad to see the ravages made in the ranks of so many
of our resident birds and animals. During the past twelve months
I have endeavoured by my own observations, and by means of
correspondence with other observers residing in different parts of
Dumfriesshire and the Stewartry, to gain as much information as
possible as to the effects of the long-continued cold weather, and
which even yet continues to exert its influence. These effects
haye been such that it will be many years to come ere they will
be completely obliterated from the eye of the observant naturalist.

I have arranged my notes under the various classes of quadru-
peds, birds, and insects—the other departments of animal life I

Transactions. bil

leave to more competent observers. I will be glad if the following
details, given as concisely as possible, are of sufticient interest to
sustain your attention for a short time :—

QUADRUPEDS.

About the quadrupeds not much is to be said. Squirrels were
all but exterminated, and since last December I have seen only
two. Hares and Rabbits suffered greatly, and fully a half of the
latter perished on some estates. On Mabie their skeletons could
have been picked up actually in hundreds. The Alpine or White
Hare was frequently seen in the upland districts during the storm.
The few Roe Deer of our district received a considerable accession
to their number, and they committed much damage in the young
plantations. I saw one in January on the Larchhill which had
the hind quarters wholly white. All the Stoats I saw had without
exception “assumed the ermine,” which is not always the case in
this locality. Otters had to emigrate to tidal waters, where their
tracks were often seen on the shores of the Solway and along the
side of the estuaries of the various rivers. They are but seldom
seen there in ordinary winters. Owing to the cold spring, the
hybernation of Bats was unusually prolonged, and their general
absence throughout the summer was the subject of remark.

Birps.

Amongst the raptorial birds affected by the severe weather the
Merlin may be mentioned, which became quite common. A
fine Hen Harrier was seen on Auchencloy Moor by Mr Bruce
of Slogarie. It might be supposed that the birds of prey would
be exempt from the prevailing distress amongst the feathered
tribes through want of food; but, so far as my experience goes,
this was not the case in our district, for all the Hawks and Owls
that I examined during the winter were in a greatly emaciated
condition. I found the skeleton of a Kestrel on Marthrown ;
but whether the bird had died of hunger or been shot I am
unable to say, although I could find no traces of shot marks on
any of the bones ; and if it had been shot, its head would have
been taken for the “‘ Gamekeeper’s Museum.”

The Common Dipper was a decidedly ‘‘ uncommon” bird ere
the winter had ran its course. More than two-thirds of them,

52 Transactions.

I believe, either perished or migrated, and I have seen very
few indeed since winter.

Missel Thrushes, for as long as I can remember, have been
gradually increasing in number until this last fatal winter set in.
They then disappeared, but I am unable to assign their disap-
pearance either to death from starvation or to migration, as I
found only one of their skeletons. In the past summer their
absence has been very noticeable. In former years a nest or two
might have been easily got in almost every plantation, but this
year the only nest I met with was one near Lochanhead Station.

Fieldfares and Redwings suffered almost total extermina-
tion. Liable as these birds are in severe weather to death
by starvation, yet I think their destruction must have
been quite unprecedented. Instead of the usual large flocks
which annually leave us in spring, a small flock of thirty
Fieldfares was all I saw during the spring months. These
were flying eastwards one morning in March. I will be surprised
if either of these species puts in an appearance here this season.
Their arrival is now six weeks overdue, and as yet I have not
seen or heard of a single bird. The flocks arriving in the autumn
of 1878 were unusually early, and also unusually large. Many of
these flocks left after a stay of a few weeks, but those remaining
were over the average in numbers. The first dead Redwings
were found about the 8th December, and in a day or two after-
wards the destruction of these large flocks may be said to have
been completed. As those intensely cold nights set in the poor
things crept underneath clumps of whins and bushes, into holes, or
anywhere affording cover, in a vain endeavour to procure shelter
sufficient to preserve them from the cold; and when the snow
melted, their bleached skeletons were found—in many instances
huddled together in little parties of twos and threes. I got
as many as four lying together in one rabbit hole. Amongst
the large boulders near the south end of Lochaber a considerable
flock had perished. On an afternoon in April I spent about an
hour in seeking them out from the various crevices into which
they had crept, and found upwards of twenty skeletons, both
Redwings and Fieldfares. Without exception the skulls and
larger bones were either entirely eaten off or partly nibbled away.
I suppose this to have been done by some species of mouse. On
the 8th December I saw a flock of about two dozen Redwings and
Fieldfares sitting on a hedge near Moss-side of Mabie. Six weeks

Transactions. 53

afterwards, on searching the rubbish at the bottom of the same
hedge, I found the remains of nine birds, and at a distance of a
few yards I got six more. Apparently they had never been able
to stir from the spot; and I believe if I had had time to look for
them, I could have found the remainder of the flock. I have
notes of other similar incidents, but let these suffice to show the
immense destruction of Redwings and Fieldfares. | The Thrushes
and Blackbirds did not suffer to the same extent as their con-
geners, the two species last named, but this was in great measure
due to the unstinted “outdoor relief” which was extended to
them in all our gardens. Their depredations amongst the fruit
crops were forgotten, and no thought remained save that of pity for
their present sufferings. Even with this help, they in most places
gradually disappeared until only a few of the hardiest remained.
Their skeletons were to be found in holes of trees and various other
similar places. So small was the stock of breeding birds left that
during the nesting season I did not see a dozen nests-of both
species put together, and I need scarcely tell you what a terrible
decrease of their numbers this represents. However, in the third
week of July I observed a sudden increase of both Blackbirds
and Thrushes. The new comers were all young birds, and this
immigration was observed in several other parts of our district.
Of the Robins, I think numbers died more from cold than hunger.
I picked up several dead ones; and the gardener at the Newtown
told me that on going to his hothouse stokehole on the morning of
the 14th December, after a night in which the thermometer sank
to below zero in some places near Dumfries, he found three
Robins—two dead and one dying—quite close to the fire. Per-
haps they had crept to the heat, and the sudden change had been
too much for them. Amongst the summer warblers some curious
changes resulted from the ungenial weather of the summer months.
The Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Chiff Chaff, Wood Warbler, and
Willow Wren were all, so far as my observation goes, in aug-
mented numbers; while the (usually) Common Whitethroat was
very scarce, and the Garden Warbler seemed to be altogether
absent. In the autumn of 1878 the Golden Crested Wren, Great
Tits, Blue Tits, Cole Tits, and Longtailed Tits passed through the
district in larger numbers than usual—getting out of the way, as
the sequel proved, of the coming severe weather, which unerring
instinct, or whatever it may be called, was prompting them to
avoid. The first-named left entirely ; but a good number of all

54 Transactions.

the others remained during the winter, and of all of them, except
the Cole Tit, I picked up starved birds. I found a Longtailed
Tit near Nethertown on the 14th December, sticking with head
and shoulders buried in the snow, its tail upright and just visible
above the snow; and as neither wings nor feet had made the
slightest marks of struggling, I concluded that its death had been
sudden, and that it had fallen frozen from the beech tree above.

The Pied and Grey Wagtails were exceptionally numerous in
October and November of 1878, and continued so until the water-
courses were all frozen, when they took their departure south-
wards, and no more was seen of them till March, when they
again returned. I saw more of their nests this season than usual.

The Tree Pipits were very scarce all summer, and the few that
were in the district lingered unusually late. I shot a fine pair in
the middle of last month—a later date than I have seen them
hitherto. The Meadow Pipits left the district entirely at the
beginning of December, but towards the end of that month some
flocks again appeared, probably coming from some more northerly
region. Skylarks were not conspicuously numerous until the
beginning of January. As you are aware, the Larks have become
very scarce hereabouts as a resident species, and I was therefore
glad to see that this last spring and summer there were rather
more of them nesting than for the past few years.

Several Snow Buntings were procured in November, and one
was shot by Mr Bruce of Slogarie in January. The Blackheaded
Buntings, the Yellow Buntings, Sparrows, Chaffinches, and Green-
finches made up some vast flocks, which during the continuance
of the storm made the farmyards their home, finding there
abundance of grain and other food.

I have always been accustomed to look out for some large flocks
of the Lesser Redpoll about the middle of March, and which
would remain for a few weeks. I saw only one of these flocks,
and it remained on Mabie and Dalscairth all summer, and is there
yet. I found nine of their nests, and was very pleased to have
an opportunity of seeing them, as the Lesser Redpoll has not to
my knowledge bred in Troqueer since 1873, when there were a
few nests near Cargen. It is somewhat remarkable that each of
the nests I examined was thickly lined with feathers, and had
many feathers woven into the general structure, and probably we
may find a reason for this in the desire of the birds to have a
comfortable nest during the ungenial weather of May and June.

Transactions. 55

I saw no Starlings after the 30th November until the beginning
of March. I believe about the usual numbers returned, but from
some unexplainable impulse they have kept flying about in flocks
ever since. Only about five per centum occupied their nesting
sites. Just now there are great numbers of them in the district
associating with Lapwings.

The Rooks and Jackdaws need not be mentioned farther than
to state, what was apparent to all observers, that these birds had
great difficulty in keeping themselves just above starvation point.
It was noticed in some parts of the country that they sought out
and devoured those birds that had died of starvation. The little
Tree Creeper has evidently been killed out: I have seen only one
since last November, and they were comparatively common before.
The Wren suffered severely, and I picked up several dead ones. Mr
Bruce tells me that at Slogarie the Wrens gathered into parties of
seven or eight, and as they flew from one clump of brushwood to
another they presented a striking resemblance to coveys of minia-
ture partridges. These were doubtless the parties that had gathered
overnight and huddled together in some hole for mutual warmth.
Those who notice the various calls of birds would remark
the scarcity during the past summer of the familiar calls of the
Cuckoo and the Landrail and the “ jarr” of the Fern Owl. The
two former birds were actually very scarce ; but the latter, although
its loud, jarring notes were less frequently heard, was about as
often seen as formerly.

In the late autumn months we had a remarkable immigration
of Kingfishers. On the Nith, Urr, and Dee these birds appeared
commonly where one, or at most a pair, were previously to be met
with at wide intervals. They disappeared for the most part about
the middle of December, when the frost became so excessively
severe,

The various members of the Swallow tribe, although later in
coming in spring, stayed on an average about a fortnight beyond
their usual time for departure in autumn. Wood Pigeons
endured the storm longer than others, and it was the second week
in January before dead ones were seen. The stronger birds were
mere bundles of feathers and bones. Hunger overcame their
natural timidity, and they came to feed in the cottage gardens on
the remains of cabbage and kail stumps. When thus feeding
many of them were easily caught. It is rather strange that such
a bird as a Wood Pigeon should have remained to suffer hunger,

56 Transactions

when its powerful flight, one would think, could in a few hours
have conveyed it to where food was plentiful.

The Golden Plovers arrived in some very large flocks in October,
and remained till the end of November. A few of them paid us
a lengthened visit in spring before moving to their breeding
grounds.

Lapwings disappeared entirely at the end of November, and

were not seen again until the beginning of March—a fact quite
unprecedented, as they were not known to have left the district
altogether in winter before.

Many Herons fell victims to hunger, and a splendid plumaged
female came into my possession, which was picked up unable to
fly at Burnside of Mabie. I have notes of about a dozen
others found in various parts of the district. Curlews left
entirely for the shore in November. Even there, where one
would have thought food for them could easily be got, they
became very emaciated ; and those I examined in December and
January, which had been procured at the shore, were extremely
thin. About the middle of January a good many were picked up
on the shores of the Solway Firth either dead or in a dying: state.

I know of one or two Woodcocks being picked up dead. Of
course feeding grounds for these birds would be scarce enough.
A number of pairs bred this season in the district. On Mabie
there would be at least four pairs that bred; and I started a brood
of young ones there, just able to fly, in the first week in August.
I mention this not as a result of the bad weather, but simply
because the great majority of gamekeepers and others who ought
to know better always assert that the Woodcocks all go to Norway
and Sweden to nest.

The Water Rail is a bird which even those who are supposed to
have an intimate knowledge of such matters seldom suspect of being
a regular inhabitant of this locality. When the frost became so
severe these birds began to wander about, and many fell victims
to the gun. It was rather astonishing to see how few persons
recognised the species. Of all our resident birds I believe the
Water Hens suffered most severely. In some cases they took
their meals with the poultry in the farmyards. Mostly, however,
they were to be seen sitting disconsolately on the ice, or being
chased about by boys, who appeared to derive a certain satisfaction
in dragging them forth from rat-holes, whither they had crept for
safety from their pursuers. Many wandered out into the fields,

Transactions. 57

where they were found lying dead or helpless in all directions.
So scarce have they become that only one nest rewarded my
keenest search during the breeding season. In former years it
would have been an easy matter to find sixty or seventy nests in
Troqueer alone. All the Coots went off at the end of November,
but only a pair or two here and there returned in March.

On the Solway Firth indications of an approaching severe
winter were early seen in the shape of immense flocks of different
kinds of Geese, Ducks, and other wild fowls, and towards the end of
the storm the flocks of Geese and Ducks became larger than the
oldest fisherman on the Solway remembers to have seen. Just at
the beginning of the storm, on the 2d or 3d December, I was
going to Southerness in the Kirkbean ’Bus. The evening was
intensely frosty, and the thick fog was converted into ice crystals,
which seemed to chill one to the very bones. The passengers
were talking about the weather, and one old lady remarked to the
rest of us that “ (a well-known gunner resident at Carsethorn)
has seen some awfw’. big flocks o’ geese oot on the banks, and he
says we're gaun tae have a terrible winter!”—a prediction you
will allow that was fulfilled to the letter. The most plentiful species
of Goose was the Barnacle Goose, of which I saw some immense
flocks. During the winter these flocks went backwards and for-
wards between the fields and the Solway banks as the tides ebbed
and flowed. Numbers of them were shot-—a friend of mine at Cargen
getting fifteen to his own hand in one afternoon in February.
A correspondent, writing from Port Mary, states that he came
upon a large flock sitting in a field near the shore. He adds that
they were the tamest “ wild” birds he ever saw, as they allowed
him to walk right up to them and examine them at his leisure.
The Grey Lag and the Bean Goose were numerous on Lochar
Moss in the beginning of the storm, but they did not remain long,
and did not return until March and April. One of the keepers
on the moss told me he observed in March a flock of fifteen Geese
remarkable for their pure white colour; but as he had no gun
with him at the time, the species was not identified. He was
very close to them, and felt quite certain they were none of the
species in the habit of visiting Lochar. The various Ducks were
in great abundance, driven here from their usual northern haunts
by the extreme severity of the storm. Amongst the scarcer
species Pintails and Longtailed Ducks were tolerably frequent.
During the winter months, and even till comparatively late in

58 Transactions.

the spring, the Golden Eyes were abundant on the Nith. I had
the pleasure of seeing a group of six beautiful adult males on the
water a little below Mavisgrove at daylight on the morning of the
last day of January. Scoters came much nearer the shore than
is their usual habit, and at Southerness I was within shot of a
considerable flock of them at the point of the Black Rocks. The
Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, and Pochard were very numerous until
after the first week of the hard weather, when they mostly
migrated shorewards. About the end of December and early
in January they could easily have been struck with a stone,
as they sat about the shore in a weak, almost helpless state,
resulting from privation. A specimen of the Garganey was shot
at Kirkmichael House in December ; and Mr Hastings received a
Smew which was shot at Lochmaben.

Goosanders were exceptionally numerous on the Solway, and
some fine specimens were procured. Numbers of the Little Grebe
made their appearance on the rivers of the Stewartry, remaining
most of the winter. This was also the case in the hard winters of
1874 and 1870. The last birds I shall mention as affected by
the severe weather are the Blackheaded Gulls (Larus ridibundus ).
You scarcely need to be reminded of the straits they were
apparently reduced to to procure food. I saw them often on the
public streets (Buccleuch Street, White Sands, Kirkgate, and
Galloway Street), and it was no unusual thing to see a dozen of
them fighting together for offal in the ashpits. They disputed
with Sparrows and Robins for possession of the crumbs laid out
for the benefit of the starving birds in little back gardens, and
yet they were in good condition and very fat. About half a
dozen which I examined were the best conditioned birds I handled
during the winter.

INSECTS.

Coming now to the insect tribes, we have quite a different set of
facts to set forth. In the vertebrated animals we-see how all
were more or less affected to an injurious extent. Amongst the
insects all the cold weather we had only seemed to make them
livelier, and to set them forth, when milder weather came, on their
various destructive missions with a redoubled energy, if that were
possible. The deeply-rooted, popular idea is that the frost kills
the “grubs,” but there can be no greater delusion. During the
coldest part of the winter I collected a quantity of both larve and

Transactions, 59

pup of moths, a few gall insects, and several species of beetles in
the larval stage, for the purpose of observing if the frost had had
any injurious effect upon them. In every species experimented
with no fewer were reared than after the mildest of winters. I
need not go into details, as it was abundantly apparent in the case
of the Turnip Fly, the Corn Grub, the Wireworm, the Gooseberry
Sawfly, the Carrot Worm, the Onion Fly, and others, which were
all at their destructive work this season as usual, that the cold
had little or no injurious effect upon them.

60 Transactions.

NOTES OF THE OCCURRENCE OF SOME SCARCE
BIRDS. By Wiiu1am Hastines.

Read December 5th, 1879.
The past year (October, 1878, to October, 1879, inclusive) has

been one of much suffering amongst the birds, several species,
particularly the Fieldfares and Redwings, having been entirely
killed out during the long-continued frost that we had during the
months from November to March. I have made many enquiries
as to whether these two species of birds have made any appearance
this autumn, but I cannot hear of any having been seen. How
our common resident birds, even including the Rooks, managed to
subsist is beyond my comprehension. Next to the Fieldfares and
Redwings, the Herons, Water Hens, Coots, and Teals seemed to
have been the greatest sufferers, and very many of these were sent
me that had died of starvation. Amongst the rarer species sent
me for preservation I may mention the Longtailed Duck (Harelda
glacialis, L.), which is seldom met with in this locality, and I
have only had one other specimen of it previously through my
hands. It is the only Duck I have ever seen that admits of
being skinned over the head without the necessity of making an
incision in the nape or throat so as to get the skull cleaned.
Another rare species that I had was the Smew (Mergus albellus,
L.), very handsome in form and colouring. Goosanders were
very numerous—more than I ever had in any previous winter. I
also received several Pintails (Dajila acuta, L.), and many more
than usual of Wigeons (Mareca penelope, L.), Pochards (Puligula
ferina, L.), and male Golden Eyes (Clangula glaucion, L.) Most
of these species did not seem to have suffered much on account of
the frost, as they were generally in good condition. I had also a
few specimens of the Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata, Leach),
which is by no means common in our two counties. In the
beginning of August a specimen of the Shoveller Duck (Spatula
elypeata, L.), shot in Kirkmahoe, was sent me. This is a most
unusual time for the Shoveller to be met with here ; and as it was
a young bird (female), I believe it must have been bred in the
locality. I had also a specimen of the Great Crested Grebe
(Podiceps cristatus) from Wigtownshire, in winter plumage: I

Transactions. 61

have rarely seen it. A specimen of the Sclavonian Grebe (P.
cornutus, Gm.) was sent from Lochmaben in December. I had
numerous Little Grebes (P. minor, Gm.)—some of them were
sent alive, but in a dying condition. Several Manx Shearwaters
(Puffinus anglorum, T’emm.) were sent me from the Solway Firth:
this species seems to be more frequently met with these last
few years.

In October I had an immature Richardson’s Skua (Stercorarius
erepidatus, G'm.), which was procured in Hensol meadows. Some
specimens of the Chough were sent from the neighbourhood of
Stranraer. This bird used to be not infrequently met with on the
Colvend shore, but it is now extinct there. I had two fine
female Peregrines—birds of the year from Auchencairn. They
also are becoming scarcer on our coast. Two specimens of the
Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius, L.) were received from
the Glenkens. I had a large number of Snow Buntings; they
seemed to be plentiful in several localities. One specimen of the
Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Picus major, /.) and one of the
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (P. minor, L.) passed through my
hands during the winter. In March a Wryneck from near Kirk-
cudbright was sent to me for preservation. A Hawfinch, the only
one I ever possessed, was sent from Wigtownshire; a few of the
Bartailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica, L.) from the Solway Firth.
Water Rail (fallus aquaticus, 1.) and Spotted Crake (Porzana
maruetta, Leach) have been sent during the season. None of
these are of common occurrence here. I had also a young Cuckoo,
nearly white, from Slogarie—a great curiosity so far as colour was
concerned. An unusual number of Kingfishers (Alcedo ispida,
L.) have been sent in during the winter. The Long-eared Owl
Asio otus, L.) seems to have been unusually plentiful, and many
specimens of the Short-eared Owl ( Asio accipitrinus, Pallas) have
also been procured. The last-named species has almost invariably
in its stomach remains of the Field Vole and Wood Mouse. A
few Common Buzzards (Buteo vulgaris, Leach) were sent in,
but none of the Rough-legged species, which I have not seen
since 1874.

62 Transactions.

THE CARICES OF THE STEWARTRY.
By James M‘ANDREW.

Read February 6th, 1880.

Carices or Sedges belong to the class of Monocotyledons, division
Glumacee, and order Cyperacee, and tribe Caricinec.

As sedges greatly resemble grasses, a little practice and observa-
tion is required to distinguish them. Sedges differ from grasses
in the following particulars:—In sedges the leaves are more
commonly glaucous ; the stem is angular instead of round, solid
or full of pith, and not hollow, and not jointed where a leaf arises,
as in grasses; and where sedges have sheaths to their leaves, these
sheaths are never split. These prominent distinctions between
sedges and grasses will enable an amateur to know a sedge from
a grass almost without examining the inflorescence. Grasses
afford nutriment to cattle, because they contain starch and sugar ;
sedges are very deficient in these substances ; and though Carex
Ampullacea and Carex Vesicaria when cut young and tender are
used as fodder in this part of Scotland, under the name of “ star-
grass,” from the prickly leaves, yet they cannot give much
nourishment. Growing almost everywhere, sedges are looked
upon as worse than useless, and take up ground which, if drained
and cultivated, would produce excellent crops. Some foreign
Carices are useful, either for their medicinal or esculent roots.
The earliest kind of writing paper was made from the Papyrus, a
Carex growing on the banks of the Nile in Egypt. In our own
country some are used as rushes for chair bottoms ; and along the
sandy shores of our coasts and the embankments of canals the
roots of such species as Carex Arenaria bind the sands and prevent
their shifting. Though not a very useful class of plants, they are
extensive, and botanically very interesting. Owing, however, to
the minuteness of their inflorescence and the great similarity
existing between some of the species, they are very difficult of
determination. A good lens is absolutely necessary in their
examination. In their determination every part of the plant
must be taken into account and examined—the roots, stems,
leaves, sheathes or none, flowers, barren and fertile spikes, bracts,
glumes, perigynium or sac containing the seed or fruit, the num-

Transactions. 63

ber of stigmas, and even the beak of the perigynium and the seed.
For the proper examination of some of these parts the plant must
be got in flower; but it must also be had in fruit, when the very
form of the matured plant is a material aid to the identification.
There is often a considerable difference in appearance between a
Carex in flower and the same plant in fruit, as, for instance, Carex
Pulicaris. From the foregoing remarks you will see that it is not
surprising that different botanists have adopted different modes of
classification of the Carices. These can be seen in the various
manuals of British Botany. The barren and fertile flowers are,
with one exception, Carex dioica, Moncecious—that is, on the
same plant—the spikelets either bearing all the flowers barren or
all fertile, or partly of both, with the barren spikelet the highest.
Carices, though possessing no gay or attractive inflorescence, have
yet a wavy and graceful elegance of their own, not inferior to the
gracefulness of Graminee ; and when growing among the latter,
as they very often do, they afford a very pleasing mixture of both
form and colour. We find Carices in all sorts of waste ground,
especially where it is wet or marshy. They are found in wet or
dry situations—on rocks, on hills, on plains, by river sides, in
marshes, meadows, woods, lakes, and on the sandy sea-shore.
The Stewartry, from its diversified surface, contains good examples
of all these kinds of ground, and consequently the county contains
a very large proportion of the British Carices. Though my
gatherings are confined to the Glenkens, the parish of Colvend,
part of the parish of Rerrick, and along the shore from Creetown
to Ravenshall, yet these districts are sufficient to enable one to
know the Carices of the county, for they are excellent representa-
tives of the different characters of ground in which Carices are
found growing. In my botanical rambles in the places I have
mentioned I have gathered thirty-four species of the British
Carices ; but from the nature of the ground and the distribution of
the British Carices as regards latitude, the following eight species
should be found either in Dumfriesshire or in the Stewartry :—
C. vulpina, Benninghauseniana,* Atrata, Rigida, Stricta, Capil-
laris, Paludosa, and Riparia. I shall esteem it a favour if any
Member of our Society will acquaint me with the finding of any

'* After this paper was read the Rev. Thomas Bell, Keig, Aberdeenshire,
and formerly of Tongland Parish School, wrote me saying that he had
gathered C. Benninghauseniana in the parish of Borgue, and also, he thinks,
in olm.

64 Transactions.

of the above-mentioned eight species. The names given to the
species of Carices, as seen from the etymology, are appropriate
and descriptive as far as they go.

I shall now give my list, with specimens, stating anything
striking or peculiar about each. Of course full botanical descrip-
tions I need not give, for these are found in any manual of British
Botany. The order of the names is from Hooker's Flora.

1. Carex Pauciflora—Few-flowered Carex.—Only 4-6 flowers ;
deflected in fruit ; pale yellow, almost white ; in damp places
among the hills ; not common.

2. C. Pulicaris.—Flea Carex, from the resemblance of the
deflected ripe fruit to insects clustering round the stem. The
upper portion with male flowers is not deflected. Common in
boggy places.

3. CO. Dioica.—Peculiar in being diccious—that is, male and
female flowers on different plants. It has a very neat, compact
spikelet ; fruit not deflected. It grows in the same boggy places
as C’, pauciflorz, and I have found it to be as rare.

4. O. Intermedia or Disticha.—Soft brown sedge. I have only
found it in a damp meadow at the head of Loch Ken, though I
have no doubt it is common. The spike is composed of spikelets.
This Carex is peculiar in appearance. In all stages of its growth
the middle portion of th» spike differs in appearance from the two
extremities, owing to its being separated by the remains of the
barren spikelets ; hence the term Intermedia.

5. OC. Arenaria.—Sand Carex ; very like (. intermedia, but
only about half the size ; very useful in binding the sand; has
subterranean stems, which send up other plants from the joints.
Common in sandy places along the Solway.

6. OC. Paniculata.—A large Carex, with spike thrice compound ;
fruit spreading when ripe, giving the spike a very rough and
prickly feeling. One peculiarity of this Carex is that it grows
in large tussocks. In the Glenkens I have found it only at
Bogue, Dalry ; I have also got it in Rerrick.

7. O. Teretinscula.—Like a small Paniculata, but with no tus-
socks ; has a compound spike, but neater, smaller, and more
compact-looking than Paniculata. Found at south end of Carling-
wark Loch, in meadows, and in Rerrick.

8. C. Muricata.—Great Prickly Carex. I have only found it
along the shore. Fruit spreading when ripe, giving it a very
prickly appearance and feeling.

Transactions. 65

9. C. Stellulata.—Like Prickly Carex ; spikelets contain 7-8
seeds, like a little star. Very common in boggy meadows.

10. C. Remota.—One of those Carices which, once seen, cannot
be easily mistaken for another; not very common; in wet and
shady copses; more slender in the shade. The lower bract often
exceeds the stem. Spikelets small, neat, and remote ; leaves long,
narrow, and channelled. C. Awillaris, an English species, is very
like this one ; and C. Benninghauseniana is very likely a hybrid
between the two species.

11. @. Ovalis.—A very common Carex, with egg-shaped spike-
lets—one terminal, and the others inserted a little below each
other ; brownish-green shining spikelets ; long, grassy leaves ; and
a triangular, hollow stem.

12. C. Canesceus or Curta.—A very neat sedge, and pretty
common in wet and boggy places. It has a greyish-white
appearance, caused by the whitish colour of the glumes; neat,
egg-shaped spikelets. It has somewhat the appearance of Ovadlis,
but paler and neater.

13. C. Acuta.—In outward appearance this Carex is like a
large form of C. Vulgaris. Acuta I have only found along the
river Ken. It has bracts with long, pale auricles; spikes long
and a little drooping ; leaves inserted in three rows ; stems
triangular and rough ; barren spikelet at the top.

14. C. Aquatilis—tI have only found this Carex in one place,
near Ken Bridge. It was growing along with C. Pendula, which
it somewhat resembles, but is smaller and later in flowering. This
year, from the extra quantity of water in the pool, I did not get a
single specimen. It is a rare Carex in the south of Scotland, but
abundant—at least, the variety Watsoni—on the river Tweed.
Discovered in Britain by Mr Drummond, Dr Greville, and Dr
Hooker in the Clova Mountains.

15. C. Vulgaris.—This in its various forms is a very common
Carex ; dark, obtuse glumes, sometimes with green mid-rib; and
the lower bract has a dark auricle at the base. The fruit is so
much compressed that it is nearly flat.

16. C. Limosa—Mud Sedge.—This is only found in a ditch at
Barscraigh Loch, in Colvend. It is very rare in this district.
Once seen, with its large glumes, it can be easily recognised again.
Egg-shaped spikes are gracefully pendulous. Sometimes called
the green and gold Carex, from its glumes. Variety Jrrigua is

found in Dumfries, but where I cannot say.
6

66 Transactions.

17. Glauca or Recurva.—Common, with glaucous leaves, peri-
gynium rough, caused by depressed points. Spikes pendulous
when ripe.

18. C. Pallescens.—Very neat—as neat as Canescens ; pale
green hue ; fertile spikes short and sessile, with inflated perigynia;
leaves slightly hairy. Common in drier situations than most Carices.

19. C. Panicea.—Very common in damp places. Like C.
Glauca, but spike not so compact. Leaves so glaucous that it is
called the pink-leaved sedge. Only to be confounded with Glauca.
Perigynium dotted.

20. C. Pendula.—Great pendulous sedge, 3 to 5 feet high.
Fertile spikes distant, very long, cylindrical, and drooping. Pedi-
cels concealed in the long, leafy bracts. One barren and some-
times six fertile spikes. Not very common. On banks of river
Ken, and some very large specimens on the Dropping Craig, Rerrick.

21. OC. Praecov.—This, with the next three—Pilulifera, Hirta,
and Filiformis—has the perigynium downy. Praecox and
Pilulifera very like each other; distinguished by Pilulifera
having no bract sheath. Leaves in tufts. Spikelets crowded,
sessile, and short, the female being oblong ; while Pilulifera
has them almost globular. Fruit crowned by a minute ring ;
yellow anthers. Very common and very early ; in dry places.

22. C. Pilulifera.—Very common, like Praecox, but no bract
sheath; fruit sub-globose, while that of Praecox is trigonous ;
root tufted, while that of Praecow is creeping.

23. C. Hirta.—Whole plant downy; several male and several
female spikelets. Easily known by its broad, downy leaves
and spikes, and cannot be mistaken for any other Carex. In
abundance between Creetown and Ravenshall.

24. CO. Filiformis.—Rare and local. Loch of the Lowes, Bal-
maclellan, and ditches among the hills. Very long, channelled,
narrow, involute leaves ; very long bract.

25. C. Extensa.—Only found on the shore, as in Colvend and
Rerwick ; like a large form of C. Flava. Leaves long, narrow,
and bracts very long, and so called the long-bracteated Carex ;
stem more or less curved; fertile spikes short and sessile. In
Flava they ave stalked, though the stalk is concealed by the sheaths
of the bracts ; the lowest bract in Hatensa is almost horizontal—
perigynium is dotted.

26. C. Flava.—Yellow Carex, very common in wet places ; like
Extensa, but smaller. Bracts have short sheaths hiding the stalks

Transactions. 67

of the spikes ; beak of perigynium is recurved ; fertile spikes
distant. Var. @Wderi is smaller, and has the spikes close together.

27. C. Distans.—This, with Fulva, Binervis, and Levigata,
form a group of which it is difficult to catch the specific characters.
Distans (proper) is found near the sea in brackish marshes ; distant
interval between the two lower fertile spikes ; Colvend.

28. C. Fulva.—tIn damp places in the hills; known by its leafy
stem and by the long sheath which accompanies the lowest bract.
Some consider it a form of Distans.

29. C. Binervis.—So called from two green nerves or ribs on
the outside of the perigynium. Very like Distans, but larger and
stouter, often 4 feet high. Very common on dry moors and
similar places. The slender stems droop on all sides; male
spike is neat and spindle-shaped ; bracts leafy, except the upper
one, which is very minute, forming scarious or callous tips to the
slightly slit sheath.

30. C. Levigata.—Like a large form of Binervis, but its male
spike is trigonous, while that of Binervis is round ; stem smooth,
while that of Bimervis is rough at the top. JI have only found
it on Airds, a farm on the river Dee opposite Hensol.

31. C. Punctata.—This is the rarest Carex I have gathered in
the Stewartry. The Rev. Mr Fraser, Colvend, found it in his
parish some time ago, and specimens sent by him from Colvend
are still, I understand, in the Herbarium of the British Museum.
Two years ago he showed Dr Gilchrist and me the plant. I do
not think that any other person has found it in Scotland. Grows
only near the sea.

32. C. Sylvatica.—An elegant Carex ; flat, broad, soft leaves ;
long-pedicelled, lax-flowered spikes ; very slender and drooping.
In woods in damp places—Holm Glen, &e., and at Kirkdale, and
at Rerrick. Linnzeus tells us that the Laplanders dress it, and
use it for keeping their feet dry.

33. C. Vesicaria.—This and C. Ampullacea are very like each
other, both having inflated perigynia—called the bladder Carex—
stem rough, while Ampudlacea has it smooth ; light green leaves,
and Ampullacea has long, channelled, glaucous leaves. Often these
two grow together, and are very common in bogs and marshes, by
the sides of lakes, rivers, &e.

34, C. Ampullacea.—Bottle Carex. The principal points of
difference between this and Vesicaria have been noted above.

68 Transactions.

NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF TRICHOPTERA FROM
THE STEWARTRY. By F. G. Biyniz, Glasgow, Cor-

responding Member.
Read March Gth, 1880.

I am very glad to have had the opportunity of examining a
collection from a district hitherto, I believe, unworked as regards
this group, and I hope Mr Service will continue his work in this
neglected order. The majority of the species represented are
characteristic of running water, although stagnant water species
are not absent, as those of the genera Phryganea, Limnophilus,
Anabolia, and in part the genus Leptocerus. I miss, however,
among the stagnant water forms such common species as Lim-
nophilus marmoratus, flavicornis, and vitatus, associated almost
invariably in this district with Limnophilus lunatus. Doubtless
they will be found on further search. All the British families are
represented, except the Hydroptilide, which is composed of small
species difficult to resolve. It would be premature, with the
existing paucity and inadequacy of material, to institute any
comparison between the present collection and the species of the
Glasgow districts. I may note, however, that with the exception
of Limnophilus auricula, Leptocerus annulicornus, and Chimarrha
marginata, all ave represented in the district. The various species
of Caddis-flies do not yet possess popular and familiar English names
like the Lepidoptera. Perhaps this is no loss if we consider how
unmeaning many of these English names are. Their life histories,
where worked out, offer little that is striking, and only interest
the enthusiastic Trichopterist or the student of Evolution. Anglers
use their larve, when extracted from their cases, as ground-bait,
and also make use of the wings of some species, as Halesus
radiatus, in the manufacture of the artificial fly. Mr J. J. King,
during a visit to your district in 1879, captured several species
not represented in the present collection. These I have marked
with an asterisk. I have followed the nomenclature of Mr
M‘Lachlan in his “ Monographic Revision of the Trichoptera of
the European Fauna ;” but, for the convenience of any one who
may not possess the work, I have placed within parenthesis the

Transactions. 69

name used in the same gentleman’s “Catalogue of British N. europ-
tera” wherever this differs from the one here adopted. The
arrangement followed is that of the catalogue.

Fam. PHRYGANEIDS,

Phryganea varia, Fab.—A common species,

Fam. LiImnopuiuip,

*Colpotaulius incisus, Curt.—Maxwelltown Loch.

*Glyphotaelius pellucidus, Oliv.—Maxwelltown Loch.

Limnophilus rhombicus, L.Cargen Water (Conhuith).

5 lunatus, Curt.—Terreglestown Meadows,

Be ns wanthodes, M‘T. (borealis ).—Maxwelltown Loch. In
this individual (a male) the pale apical. space of
the anterior wings is obsolete. In England it is
local, but not uncommon in the fens of the east.

feat." griseus, L.—- Maxwelltown Loch. An extremely
variable species: it is even possible to mistake
small forms for the next species.

3 auricula, Curt.—This species has not yet been found
in the Glasgow district ; but Mr King has taken
it further north—at Aviemore,

, luridus, Curt.—Slogarie.

a sparsus, Curt._-An exceedingly variable species.

Anabolia nervosa, Curt.—Cargen Water, Crooks Pow.

Stenophylazx stellatus, Curt.—Glen Mills.

Halesus radiatus, Curt. (digitatus in part).—Mr M‘Lachlan, while
compiling materials for his “ Monographie Re-
vision,” found that three species were confused
by authors under digitatus, Schr.—viz., radiatus,
Curt. ; ¢esselatus, Ramb. ; and true digitatus. Of
these radiatus and digitatus are British, the former
being the more usual form. Both occur in the
Glasgow district, and doubtless will also be found,
on further investigation, in the Stewartry.

Drusus annulatus, Steph.—This species is, so far, confined to
Britain.

70 Trunsactions.

Fam. SERICOSTOMATIDS.

Serocostoma personatum, K. & 8. (Spenceit).—Belongs to a difficult
genus. M/‘Lachlan, in his latest work, admits
provisionally 16 species. This is the only British
species.

Silo pallipes, Fab.—A common species.

Lepidostoma hirtum, Fab. (Mormonia hirta).—River Nith.

Fam. LEPTocEeRIDsA.

Odontocerum albicorne, Scop. —Lochaber.

Leptocerus annulicornis, Steph.—A local species: it has not been
found in the Glasgow district ; but I have taken
it by the Forth, near Stirling.

dissimilis, Steph.Near Loch Kindar.

bilineatus (bifasciatus ).—This and the next species are
very similar, but are readily distinguished by the
present species having the fore wings covered with
a dense black pubescence, and more especially by
the absence of white vertex.

Albifrons, L.—Has the vertex clothed with snow-white
hairs—hence its name—and the pubescence of
the fore wings is dark brown.

Mystacides azurea, L. (nigra).—The nomenclature in this genus

has been entirely changed by M‘Lachlan in his
“Revision.” The other two British species both
occur in our district.

(Ecetis testacea, Curt. (Setodes testacea).—Conhuith. The only

other recorded Scottish locality is in the Glasgow
district.

Fam. HypropsycHIp.
Hydropsyche instabilis, Curt.—Cargen Water.
Polycentropus flavomaculatus, Pict. —Lochaber.
Fam. RHYACOPHILIDA.

Rhyacophila dorsalis, Curt.—An abundant species by every burn
and running stream.

Glossosoma boltoni, Curt.—Lochaber. Mr King has also taken this
species at Maxwelltown Loch.

~

Transactions. 71

Agapetus comatus, Pict.—In one of the specimens sent fork No.
3 of anterior wing is equal to fork No. 4, and
in another individual it extends much farther
inwardly. Normally it should be shorter, and
this aberration is a character of another species,
Juscipes, from which, however, it is easily separated
by the short and stout process of the sixth ventral
segment of the abdomen, as well as by the other
anal characters. In fuscipes this process is long
and slender, extending as far or beyond the apex
of the ninth segment. These specimens, however,
preserve the small fork at termination of radius
of posterior wings. It is not forked, or only
aberrantly so, in fuscipes.

Chimarrha marginata, L.—Slogarie. A beautiful and strikingly
marked species. According to M‘Jachlan, “ it
especially delights in torrents in which are mossy
boulders, upon which it rests.”

ba |
bo

Transactions.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SALMON DISEASE.
By J. RutHerFrorp,.

Read April 28d, 1880.

As my communication to this Society last month was oral, I
thought it might perhaps be as well to write a paper on the subject,
including most of the remarks I then made, as well as some little
work I have done since.

Ist. I will describe the appearance of the disease as I have seen
it, as clearly and plainly as I possibly can, which I have had
confirmed by the examination of a good number of fish. The con-
clusions that I have arrived at from those facts and appearances
may not be correct, as I do not consider my physiological know-
ledge sufficient to warrant my assuming that of an authority on
the subject. As to the appearance of the diseased fish when seen
in the water I need say little, as it must be so well known to the
most of you. When they are first seen to be affected they have
one or two small spots generally near or on one of the fins, often
the dorsal or tail fins. Those spots gradually extend, until in a
number of cases the fish is nearly covered. In the course of time,
when the disease begins to affect the constitution of the fish, they
begin to look languid, and gradually draw into the smooth and
shallow water at the sides of the river—I believe from a feeling
of weakness to resist the current of the stream. The white spots
when seen in the river look like mould, such as is generally seen .
growing on decaying animal or vegetable matter. I have seen it
when it looked to be about an inch or so in length. When the
fish is taken out of the water that mouldiness assumes a sort of
matted, slimy appearance, and can easily be scraped from the
scales with a sharp knife or razor, and in most cases leaves no
trace by which the eye could detect that it had ever been there.
A little of the mouldy-looking substance placed under the micro-
scope reveals at once the fact that it is a fungus—viz., Saprolegnia
Jerax, the filaments of which take all sorts of forms. The most
of other plants can be at once known by the form which they
almost universally take, but not so with S. ferazx. This fungus
takes all imaginable forms for its filaments. I have made (partly

Transactions. 73

by Camera Lucida) rough drawings of some of the forms that I
have met with, although they by no means complete the variety.
I think the tubes or cells of the filaments are oval, not circular ;
at least, I am led to think so by the appearance presented. They
are generally built up of two, and sometimes of three, large cells.
Some of the filaments are filled with a protoplasmic-looking
substance. ‘ That,” says Mr Worthington Smith, the eminent
fungologist, “gradually changes to the granular form,” which
indeed is the form most commonly met with ; and those granules,
which are the spores of the fungus, begin to have a motion of
their own inside the parent cell, and when the proper time comes
they are discharged by the sporangia at the apex of the filament.
After these filaments have discharged part of their living freight,
those spores then take the form of Zoospores, “ having two cilia,”
moving about in the water like true Animalcul, ready to attach
themselves to any proper substance that may come in their way
on which to germinate, and throw out filaments similar to those
from which they came ; indeed, so prone are they to grow that it
has been supposed that filaments having the form represented in
the diagram are those in which the spores have actually germinated
in the parent cell. Now, when we look at the thousands of fila-
ments on one single spot of disease, and consider that each of
those filaments gives off a numberless quantity of spores, we will
begin to have some idea that the quantity of Zoospores lodged in
and floating down an affected river must be beyond all calculation.
One feature I noticed in connection with those Zoospores—that
if, when under observation, a stream of liquid was made to flow
across the slide, they could attach themselves to the glass, so that
they were not carried away by the stream, and by the same means
will attach themselves to the stones, &c., in the river, or the dorsal
fin of a Salmon. I have not been able to trace the roots of the
fungus beyond the skin that covers the scales. In making a cut
into the fish through the fungus, the eye at once is attracted by an
inflamed, unhealthy-looking stratum of muscle below the skin, of
varying thickness. In one fish that I examined it extended right
through to the inside. Sections of that muscle when placed
under the microscope were seen to be literally one mass of life—
that life being a species of Bacteria. If I am asked the question,
What are Bacteria? I cannot answer it. Some philosophers call
them vegetable forms of life, and some seem to doubt it ; but this
I can say, that they are small, discoid-looking bodies, which in

74 Transactions.

this case I find embedded and moving amongst the striated muscle
fibre of the fish; and when by pressure or otherwise they are
forced into the surrounding fluid, they have a power of motion,
moving mostly in a sort of circular direction. In some fish that I
have examined I observed that the muscle was almost detached
from the strong fibro-muscle layer of the skin, and the muscle
fibres of that layer were not adhering together as in their natural
state, and could be separated from each other like threads by the
needle. Whether the diseased condition of that part of the skin
was caused by the state of the muscle immediately below it or by
the fungus on its surface I am not in a position to say. By looking
at the very rough drawing of a transverse section of Salmon skin
made by the Camera Lucida, you will observe a dark layer marked
‘opaque muscle layer.” That is the fibro-muscle layer of the skin
that I have been alluding to, and to which is attached the true
muscle of the fish ; and should the fish live long enough, ulcera-
tion of those affected parts must take place. As I did most of
this work in the winter, when the frost was so hard, I took
advantage of it to freeze parts of fish in the section instrument,
and by this means I got some capital sections of fungus, scales,
skin, and muscle. I preserved one of those sections, which is a
very fine one, showing the forms of the Bacteria still in and
around the muscle. After examining a number of fish, and finding
the conditions alike in each, I then began to speculate a little as
to the nature of the disease I have just described, and the idea at
once suggested itself, after what I had seen, that the disease was
located in the muscle of the fish; and I also have some idea that
when it is really known it will be found to commence in the
blood, caused either by the food they eat or by some deleterious
solution in the water which passes through the gills, and that the
unhealthy, decaying fluid or matter, which will naturally pass off
from those Bacteria and exude through the pores of the skin,
forms a healthy and proper nidus for the germination of the
Zoospores of the fungus, which, as I have shewn you, must
be in those affected rivers in myriads. Now, let us look for a
little at what authorities say on the subject in support of my
theory. I have been told by persons having an aquarium that
previous to the growth of the fungus on a fish it exhibits signs of
indisposition. Then Dr Carpenter says, when speaking of fungi,
“there are various diseased conditions of the human skin and
mucus membranes, in which there is a combination of fungoid

Transactions. 75

vegetation and morbid growth of the animal tissues, such as Tinea
favosa,” and various others he names. Then he goes on to say
“ that it is a disputed point whether the morbid condition or the
fungus is the disease,” but closes by saying that the first or morbid
condition being the disease is rather consistent with general
analogy, and especially with what is known of the conditions
under which the various kinds of fungoid “ blights” develop them-
selves in or upon living plants. When speaking of potato and
Vine disease, he says “that the fungus on those plants will not
grow on those which are perfectly healthy, but that a disor-
dered condition is necessary as a predisposing cause. Again, if
you refer to those excellent papers presented to the Society to-night
by Mr Stirling, he gives a long account of some very interesting
experiments (p. 247) where he placed fish or parts of fish covered
with S. ferax in water along with healthy fish, and the healthy
fish were not contaminated by the fungoid disease, although the
germs of that disease must have been in the water in thousands.
There are various other parts in those papers I would have liked to
have noticed as proving my theory, but I have lent my copies to
a friend and cannot remember the parts. Those experiments I
have alluded to clearly prove that, unless there is a predisposing
cause, fish will not contract the fungoid part of the disease ; they
must have a disease or decay in their body on the products of
which the fungus germinates and grows. In fact, it is contrary
to anything I have either read or know for fungus to grow on
either healthy animal or vegetable. As far as I have been able
to decide by a number of experiments, I am rather inclined to
believe that salt water is not very favourable to the growth of
S. ferax ; but as far as the Bacteria in the muscle are concerned,
no washing by any solution will affect them. I have cut sections
of muscle containing them, and placed one ina saturated solution
of salt and one in clean water, and kept them for several days.
Those in the salt solution were as lively at the end of the period
as when taken from the fish ; in fact, they did not die until they
were placed in a preservative fluid containing arsenic. If this
disease is cured by the return of fish to the sea, it must be ascribed
to the food they get there and the general invigorating influences, and
not to the fact of their being washed externally by sea or salt water,
As to how diseased fish are to be cured in the rivers I cannot even
concoct a theory ; but I have no faith in putting salt, acetic acid,
or any other chemical in the water, as I believe by the time that

76 Transactions.

the diseased fish were expected to be cured they and all other fish
in the river would be killed. On the 22d of March last I was
again favoured by Mr Fenton sending me two diseased Grayling
and a cut from a Salmon. The cut from the Salmon had no trace
of fungus. Skin and scales were all clean and perfect, but the
muscle below the skin for from one-half to three-quarters of an
inch had that inflamed-looking appearance, and was swarming with
Bacteria, while the muscle of normal colour was quite free from
them. Both of the Grayling were females, full of healthy-looking
roe: both had fungus on the same part—from the ventral fin
round behind the dorsal fin—and both had the same condition of
muscle that I have already described. One had heart, liver, and
all internal organs healthy, so far as I could judge, with a very
small quantity of digested food in the large intestine. The other
had an inflamed patch on the side of the stomach. Sections of
that part on examination were found full of Bacteria. Its liver
also was in the same diseased condition, and it had no trace
of food in it, and no doubt would very soon have died. I have
seen it stated that the act of spawning so weakened or lowered
the condition of the fish that they became a prey to the disease.
But that cannot be so, as I have seen at least three female fish full
of healthy-looking roe, seemingly ready for being deposited in the
spawning bed. I have given something like a description of the
disease as I have seen it; and if the theory I have furmed
regarding it is correct, the next point to be studied is its cause.
At present I am of opinion that the cause must be looked for in
the water by examining chemically, microscopically, and experi-
mentally, quantities of water taken from the river in the autumn
when it is very small, after a long absence of rain.

Transactions. 77

POTrES | ON RARES BEETLES oo Noo TP:
By Wittiam LENNON.

Read April 23d, 1880.

A year or two since I had the pleasure of preparing a paper for
the Society, giving an account of the rare or local species of
Coleoptera [ had met with in this district. The paper to which
I allude was subsequently printed in the last published part of the
Society’s Zransactions. I now propose to give, in the following
remarks, a continuation of my former paper, giving the names of
those species I have met with lately and the localities where they
were found. First then comes

Sphodrus leucophthalmus.—Found in several of the shops and
houses in Galloway Street, Maxwelltown. Iam indebted to Mr
Service for specimens of this beetle ; I have never found it myself.

Perileptus erolatus.—N ot common ; the only locality I know for
it is under stones on both sides of the Cairn between Hawhill and
Trongray Kirk.

Hydroporus novemlineatus.—A very scarce species ; I have found
it only in the White Loch, Colvend.

HI. picipes.—Also very scarce; found in Maxwelltown Loch,
and also near Kelton.

H. rufifrons.—Is very rare ; found once in the Cairn, near
Gribton, and once in Lochar, near Sandyknowe.

H. quinguelineatus.—Also very rare ; the only locality I know
for it is a deep, stagnant pool on the east side of the Cargen Pow,
between the Dalbeattie road and the Castle-Douglas road.

Agabus solieri.— Rare ; I found three specimens in the Cairn,
near Gribton, and a few near Kelton in flood refuse.

A. nitidus.—A very scarce insect ; found in running streams—
the Cairn, near Gribton.

A. brunneus.—A rare insect; I have not met with it elsewhere
than at Kelton in flood refuse.

Helophorus tuberculatus—I have taken one specimen of this,
and it may be considered almost unique, as, so far as I know,
only one other has been got in Britain. I found mine at Kelton
in flood refuse. I am indebted to Dr Sharp for naming this
insect for me.

78 Transactions.

Berosus spinosus.—Found only in the salt marsh opposite Caer-
laverock Castle. It is not common even there.

Hydreena pulchelia.—The best locality for this little species is
under stones on both sides of the Cairn near Hawhill.

Myrmedonia collaris.—A very scarce species ; found only at
Kelton in flood refuse. Its proper habitat is said to be in Ants’
nests, but I have been unsuccessful in finding it in the hundreds
I have examined. Those found at Kelton have of course come
down the river or some of the smaller streams flowing into it.

Gymnusa brevicollis—A very rare species, of which I possess
only a type, found at Kelton last summer in flood refuse.

Lesteva muscorwum.—Very scarce; I have found it only at
Dalscairth.

Syncolypta setigera.— Found along the shore opposite Caer-
laverock Castle and near Kelton.

Aphodius zenkeri.—In flood refuse near Kelton ; not common.

Trachypleus laticollis—Exceedingly rare ; only one specimen,
near Kelton, in flood refuse.

Magdalinus carbonarius.—A very scarce species ; found near
Dalscairth House.

Liopus nebulosus.— Also a rare species, and also found at
Dalscairth.

Strangalia quadrifasciata.x— Very scarce ; I met with a specimen
once in a wood near Caerlaverock Castle many years ago. Last
August Mr Service captured two on flowers of the Goutweed
near Mabie; and Mr M‘Ilwraith took another about the same
time, which flew into the boat in which he was fishing at Lochaber.

Donacia menyanthidis—Not common; last summer I took one
at Lochaber, and another at the White Loch of Colvend.

Chrysomela marginata.—The only specimen of this I have met
with I captured last June at Kelton in flood refuse.

Procrustes coriaceus.—This was taken in the Troqueer Mills and
given to Mr Service. It is very probable, however, that it had
been introduced in foreign wool, as it has occurred before in
Britain in similar circumstances. It is a common species in
Central Europe, as I learn from Dr Sharp, who kindly named
the specimen.

a

eee Se Sigvd sia ane OB es il a See
APPENDIX A.

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY IN THE SESSION OF 1880-81.

ORDINARY MEMBERS.

(Those Members who joined the Society when it was re-organised on November 8d,
1876, are indicated by an asterisk ).
Date of Election.

*John Adair, Jeweller, High Street, Dumfries.
*William Adamson, Broom’s Road, do.
*James Aitken, The Hill, Dumfries.

Oct. 6th, 1879—Charles Allan, Albany Place, Dumfries.

Feby. lst, 1878—George Armstrong, Corberry Cottage, Maxwelltown.

March 4th, 1879—James Arnott, High Street, Dumfries.

Decr. 3rd, 1880—James Barbour, Architect, do.

Jany. 5th, 1877—James Beattie, Ironmonger, do.
*James Bell, Seedsman, do.

Jany. 4th, 1878—Charles Black, Arbigland, do.

Decr. Ist, 1876—-Major Bowden, Lochfield, do.

April 5th, 1878—Sir William Broun, Bart. of Colstoun.

March 5th, 1880—J. Broun, Solicitor, Dumfries.

Oct. 8th, 1880—J. Brown, Drumsleet School, Troqueer, Dumfries.

April Ist, 1881—Tom Brown, Auchenhessnane, Penpont, Thornhill.

Jany. sth, 1877—Dr W. A. F. Browne, Crindau, Dumfries.

Feby. 7th, 1879—T. R. Bruce, of Slogarie, New-Galloway.

March5th, 1880—W. Byth, The Academy, Dumfries.

Jany. 4th, 18783—John Callander, High Street, Dumfries.

Nov. 5th, 1880—Rector Chinnock, The Academy, Dumfries.

April 4th, 1879—Robert Chrystie, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries.

‘April 4th, 1879-—Samuel Chrystie, do. do.
March sth, 1880—John James Clark, Market Hall, do.
Jany. 5th, 1877—J. Gilchrist-Clark ‘of Speddoch, do.
March Ist, 1878—W. B. Coupland, Nithsdale Mills, do.
Oct. 8th, 1880—John Costin, 3 Buccleuch Street, do.

*Dr Coupland, Brook Street, do.

*Dr Cranstoun, St. Michael Street, i
April 23d, 1880—A. B. Crombie, Architect, do.

April 5th, 1878—James Culton, Dildawn, Castle- Douglas.
Dr J. Cunningham, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries.
Decr. 3d, 1880—W. Dair, Crichton Royal Institution, do.
*J. Davidson, of Summerville, Maxwelltown.
os 2AS Dinwiddie, Greenbrae, Dumfries.
Oct. 6th, 1879—L. M. Dinwiddie, do. do.
Decr. Ist, 1876—P. Dudgeon of Cargen, do.
Decr. 3d, 1880—John Dalziell Fairley, Cape Coast Castle, West Africa.
Oct. 6th, 1879—J. Fergusson, Queen Street, Dumfries.
Oct. 5th, 1877—Rev. J. Fraser, Colvend Manse, Dalbeattie.
*Robert French, Coldstream.
*W. G. Gibson, Clerkhill Cottage, Dumfries.
Decr, 7th, 1877—J. Gibson, Bank of Scotland, do.

80 Appendices.

Date of Election.

Oct. 6th, 1879—D. A. Gillespie, Kingholmbank Cottage, Dumfries.
*Dr Gilchrist, Linwood, Dumfries.
Novr. Ist, 1878—T. Gracie, Kirkmichael House, Dumfries.
Feby. 1st, 1878—Rev. W. Graham, Maxwelltown Manse.
Jany. sth, 1877—J. A. Greig, 15 Royal Crescent, Edinburgh.
*FR, W. Grierson, Chapelmount, Maxwelltown.
*Dr Grierson, Thornhill.
pele Grierson, Rhonehouse, Castle-Douglas.
April 6th, 1877—William Halliday, College Street, Maxwelltown.
Jany. 4th, 1878—Malcolm M‘L. Harper, Castle- Douglas.
*Douglas Baird Hart, Friars’ Vennel, Dumfries.
*William Hastings, English Street, do.
Decr. 7th, 1877—J. Hutton, Ramsay Cottage, Maxwelltown.
Feby. Ist, 1878—J. Hogg, Saughtree, Dumfries.
*W.S. Hogg, do. ae
Feby. 6th, 1880—Sheriff Hope,
Novr. 2d, 1877—J. Houston, Greyfriars’ cen Dumfries.
Decr. 1st, 1876—Thomas J: ackson, Nith Place, do.
*James Jardine, Echo Office, Sunderland.
March 2d, 1877—George Johnstone, Castlemilk, Lockerbie.
Jany. 9th, 1880—Rev. J. B. Johnstone, Glebe Terrace, Dumfries.

*Dr Kerr, Castle Street, do.
Novr. Ist, 1878—J. W. Kerr, The Academy, do.
March 2d, 1877—J. Landells, Her.sld Office, do.
Decr. 3d, 1880—A. Lawson, English Street, do.
*William Lennon, Brook Street, do.
*James Lennox, Edenbank, Maxwelltown,
*John Lennox, do.

Oct. 8th, 1880—J. Longmore, Industrial School, Traentien
April 5th, 1878—T. Low, Chemist, do.
Oct. 8th, 1880—W. Martin, Town Clerk, do.
Jany. 4th, 1878—J. Matthewson, Dalbeattie.
*John Maxwell, King Street, Maxwelltown.
April 5th, 1878—J. H. Maxwell, Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser, Castle-

Douglas.
Oct. 6th, 1879—W. J. Maxwell, Terregles Bank, Dumfries.
Feby. 6th, 1880—Capt. Maxwell of Terregles, do.
Feby. 6th, 1S80—K. Constable Maxwell, Terregles, do.
Mar. 23d, 1880—R. W. Miller, Queen Street, do.
Novr. 5th, 1880—G. Milne, Cintra Villa, do.

*James Moodie, Schoolmaster, Maxwelltown.
Oct. 6th, 1879—N. Murdoch of Netherlea, Dumfries.
*Dr Murray, Castle Street, do.
Oct. 6th, ‘Sages M‘Andrew, The Schoolhouse, New-Galloway.
Dr MacDonald, Castle Street, Dumfries.
April 4th, 1881—John M‘Kie of "Anchorlee, Kirkenudbright.
Novr. 7th, 1879—P. B. M‘Kill, Rae Street, Dumfries.

*John M‘ Lean, Jeweller, do.
March 5th, 1880—John M‘Meekan, Linden Grove, Dumfries.
Oct. 6th, 1879—James M‘Veigh, Glencaple, do.
March 4th, 1879—John Nelson, The Academy, do.
Novr. 7th, 1879—John Newbigging, Kirkbank, do.

*J. H. Nicholson, Chemist, Maxwelltown.
Decr. 7th, 1877—-A. Paterson, High Street, Dumfries.
Oct. 8th, 1880—Gray Philips, Rosefield, Troqueer.

*J. Reid, Greystone Cottage, Dumfries.
Jany. 4th, 1878—G. Robb, Rhynie House, do.

J. Rutherford of Jardineton, do.

Feby. 7th, 1870_J ohn Rutherford, Pleasance, Kirkmichael.
Oct. Sth, 1880—W. Scott of Br oomlands, Dumfries.
Decr. 3d, 1880—James Scott, Castle Street, do.

eo

Appendices. 81

*Robert Service, Laurieknowe, Maxwelltown.
*Dr Sharp, Eccles, Thornhill.
*James Shaw, Tynron School, Thornhill.
April 4th, 1879—Provost Shortridge, Dumfries.
Oct. 6th, 1879—J. Smith, Commercial Bank, Dumfries,
*John Smith, Courier Office, do.
Oct. 8th, 1880—T. Stansfield, Inland Revenue, do.
March, 2d, 1877—J. Gibson Starke of Troqueer Holm, Dumfries.
*P. Stobie, Assembly Street, do.
Feby. 6th, 1880—Dr Symons, Buccleuch Street, Dumfries.
Oct. 6th, 1879—John Tennant, The Academy, do.

Decr. 1st, 1876—Dr Thomson, Castle Street, do.
April 5th, 1878—A. Thompson, Ironmonger, do.
*James Thompson, Jeweller, do

Oct. 8th, 1880—Alfred Edgar Truckell, College Street, Maxwelltown.
Jany. 9th, 1880—Rev. T. Underwood, Trongray Manse.
March7th, 1879—J. Watt, Rotchell House, Maxwelltown.
Jany. 9th, 1880—T. Watson, Castlebank, Dumfries,
Oct. 6th, 1879—Rev. R. W. Weir, Dumfries.
J. Welsh, Waterloo Place, Dumfries.
March 2d, 1877—J. Williamson, Terregles Street, Maxwelltown.
March23d,1880—J. Wilson, Inland Revenue, Dumfries.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.

J. A. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace, Larbert.
Peter Cameron, Willowbank Terrace, Glasgow.
John Dunsmore, Bridport, Conn., U.S.A.

Dr Battershell Gill, Regent’s Park, London.
George Hastie, National Institution, Edinburgh.
J. J. King, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.

J. W. Lancaster, Birmingham.

Wm. M‘Ilwraith, Rockhampton, Queensland.
R. W. MacFadzean, Co. Galway, Ireland.
John Starforth, Architect, Edinburgh.

Joseph Thomson, Exploring in Eastern Africa,

82 Appendices.

APP IND Tk). a:

Minute of Agreement between Patrick Dudgeon of and residing at
Cargen, in the Parish of Troqueer and Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Presi-
dent of the Dumfries and Maxwelltown Astronomical Society, and the said
Patrick Dudgeon and David Barker of Woodlands, residing at Arundel
House, Maxwelltown, in said Parish of Troqueer; William Halliday,
Cabinet-maker, Maxwelltown ; James Sloan of Barbeth, residing at Elm-
bank, Dumfries ; James Hairstens M‘Gowan, James M‘Whir Hairstens,
and Henry Gordon, all Writers in Dumfries ; James M‘Gill, Banker, there ;
and James Hutton, sometime residing at Charter House, Maxwelltown, now
at Glencaple, Dumfries, the Members of the Committee of Management of
said Society, and Robert Sharpe, Writer in Maxwelltown, the Secretary
thereof, all for and on behalf of, and as representing said Society, of the
first part, and James Gibson Starke of and residing at Troqueer Holm,
Maxwelltown, President of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Scientific,
Natural History, and Antiquarian Society, and the said James Gibson
Starke, William Lennon, residing in Brooke Street, Dumfries ; Thomas
Jackson, Nith Place, Dumfries; Peter Stobbie, Nith Street, Dumfries ;
William Adamson, Brooke Street, Dumfries ; George Robb, Rhynie House,
Dumfries ; James Lennox, Edenbank, Maxwelltown ; James Hutton, Glen-
caple, Dumfries; John Maxwell, King Street, Maxwelltown ; James
Watson Kerr, The Academy, Dumfries; James Moodie, David Street,
Maxwelltown ; and James Gilchrist, Doctor of Medicine, Linwood Villa,
Dumfries, the Members of the Committee of Management of said last-
mentioned Society, and Robert Service, Laurieknowe, Maxwelltown, the
Secretary thereof, all for and in behalf of, and as representing said last-
mentioned Society, of the second part.

The parties hereto considering that negotiations have for some time
been in progress between the two above-mentioned Societies for depositing
in the Museum of the said Astronomical Society of certain Antiquarian and
Natural History Specimens and Books, at present belonging to, or in the
possession of, or which may during the subsistence of this Agreement come
into the possession of the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society ;
that on Sixth August, Eighteen Hundred and Highty, a deputation from
the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society attended a Meeting of
the Committee of Management of the said Astronomical Society, at which
Meeting Draft Proposals for the carrying out of the said object were sub-
mitted and considered, and the parties having now arrived at an agreement
regarding the matter, it is right and proper the same should be reduced to
writing, and made binding on both sides. Therefore it is agreed between
said Societies as follows :—

First.—That the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society shall
deposit in the Museum of the said Astronomical Society (the buildings
containing which Museum are commonly known and called by the name of
“The Observatory ”) such of the Antiquarian and Natural History Speci-
mens and Books presently belonging to, or in the possession of, or which
may during the subsistence of this Agreement come into the possession of
the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society, as shall be selected by
the President for the time being of the said Astronomical Society, for
exhibition or perusal in the same way and under the like conditions as
articles of a similar nature at present in the Museum, the property of the
said Astronomical Society, a duplicate list of said Specimens and Books
shall, when the same are selected and deposited in the said Museum, be
prepared and signed by the Presidents or Secretaries of the two Societies,

i

Appendices. 83

one of which lists shall be kept by each of the said Societies, and to these
lists shall be added from time to time such other Specimens and Books
as may come into the possession of said Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, and be selected as aforesaid and deposited in said Museum.

Second.—The said Specimens and Books shall, before being deposited, be
labelled as the property of said Society second above-mentioned. Further,
the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society shall not be called upon
to furnish cases or other accommodation for the depositing of any of its
Antiquarian and Natural History Specimens; but with regard to the Books
to be deposited, it shall be at the expense of providing a case therefor, which
shall be placed in such portion of the Museum as shall be selected by the
President of the said Astronomical Society.

Third. —That the Members of the said Natural History and Antiquarian
Society shall assist to the best of their ability the said Astronomical Society
in forming and maintaining a Natural History collection, representative of
the natural productions of Dumfriesshire and Galloway.

Fourth.—Members of the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society
desirous of pursuing their study of Natural History, &c., shall be admitted
gratis to the Museum on presentation to the Curator or Curatrix of a
written order to that effect, duly signed by the Secretary of either Society ;
but every such Member so admitted gratis shall on each occasion of, admis-
sion sign his name in a book to be kept in the Observatory for the purpose,
in which the date of each visit shall also be entered. Other Members of
said Natural History and Antiquarian Society shall be admitted to the
Observatory and Museum on any lawful day of the week (Saturdays
excepted) on production of their Ticket of Membership and payment by
them of one-half the usual admission fee for such day, with all privileges
open to other public visitors. Further, Books and Specimens of Natural
‘History, &c., belonging to the said Natural History and Antiquarian Society
shall be temporarily borrowed by Members of that Society only on applica-
tion to the Curator or Curatrix of the Observatory, to whom they shall
grant a borrowing receipt for the same.

Fifth.—This Agreement shall be terminable by either party on giving
three months’ notice in writing to the other party of the intention so to
terminate it, on the expiry of which period the said Natural History and
Antiquarian Society shall forthwith remove the whole property belonging to
it in said Museum, and that at its own expense. Further, a letter addressed
by the Secretary of the one Society to that of the other Society intimating
such intention of terminating this Agreement, and duly posted, shall be
considered as sufficient notice thereof.

Sixth.—The said Astronomical Society is expressly understood to under-
take no responsibility for the safe custody of the articles which may be
deposited, as before-mentioned, in virtue hereof, nor for any damage which
may be done to them by fire or otherwise—the said Natural History and
Antiquarian Society, however, being entitled to insure against loss by
fire or otherwise the property belonging to it, but that always in its own
name and at its own expense.

Seventh.—This Agreement shall be signed in duplicate, and one copy
kept by each of the said Societies. In witness whereof these presents
written upon this and the three preceding pages of stamped paper by
William M‘Dowall, apprentice to Walker & Sharpe, Writers in Max-
welltown, are subscribed on each page by the parties hereto as follows,
videlicet :—By the said James Gibson Starke, as President of the said
Dumfriesshire and Galloway Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian
Society, and also as a Member of the Committee of Management thereof,
George Robb (otherwise named George H. Robb), William Lennon, James
Watson Kerr, William Adamson, James Lennox, and Robert Service,
all at Dumfries, upon the Fourth day of March, One Thousand Eight
Hundred and Highty One Years, before these Witnesses—William Alexander

84 Appendices.

Francis Browne Coupland, Manager of the Nithsdale Mills, Dumfries, and
residing in Dumfries, and Alfred Edgar Truckell, Clerk to the said Walker
& Sharpe; by the said James Gilchrist, James Moodie, John Maxwell,
Peter Stobbie (otherwise named Peter Stobie), and Thomas Jackson, all at
Maxwelltown, upon the Thirtieth day of said month of March and year
last mentioned, before these Witnesses—John Gibb, Seedsman’s Apprentice,
residing in Maxwelltown, and the said Alfred Edgar Truckell ; by the said
Patrick Dudgeon, as President of the said Astronomical Society, and also
as a Member of the Committee of Management thereof, William Halliday,
James Hairstens M‘Gowan, and James M‘Gill, and by the said James
Hutton, as a Member of the Committee of Management of each of the said
Societies, all at the Observatory, Maxwelltown, upon the First day of
April and year last mentioned, before these Witnesses—Murray Little,
Apprentice to the said Walker & Sharpe, and the said Alfred Edgar
Truckell ; by the said James M‘Whir Hairstens, at Dumfries, upon the
Second day of said month of April and year last mentioned, before these
Witnesses—the said Murray Little and Alfred Edgar Truckell ; by the said
Henry Gordon, at Dumfries, upon the Seventh day of said month of April
and year last mentioned, before these Witnesses—the said Murray Little
and Alfred Edgar Truckell; by the said James Sloan and Robert Sharpe, both
at Maxwelltown, upon the day, month, and year all last mentioned, before
these Witnesses—the said Alfred Edgar Truckell and Murray Little ; and
by the said David Barker, at Moffat, upon the Twenty-sixth day of said
month of April and year last mentioned, before these Witnesses—William
Tait, son of and residing with Thomas Tait, Solicitor at Moffat, and
Alexander Henderson, Teller in the Bank of Scotland, Moffat.

(Signed) J. Gibson Starke; Geo. H. Robb ; W. Lennon ; James W.
Kerr; William Adamson; James Lennox; Robert Service ;
Peter Stobie ; J. Gilchrist ; Jas. Moodie; John Maxwell ;
Thomas Jackson ; P. Dudgeon; William Halliday ; James
Hutton; James H. M‘Gowan; Jas. M‘Gill; James Hutton ;
J. M‘W. Hairstens ; H. Gordon; James Sloan ; Ro. Sharpe;
D. Barker; W. A. F. B. Coupland, Witness ; A. Edgar
Truckell, Witness; A. Edgar Truckell, Witness ; John
Gibb, Witness; Murray Little, Witness; A. Edgar
Truckell, Witness; Murray Little, Witness; A. Edgar
Truckell, Witness ; A. Edgar Truckell, Witness ; Murray
Little, Witness ; A. Edgar Truckell, Witness ; Murray
Little, Witness; William Tait, Witness; Alex. Henderson,
Witness.

Appendices.

APS EN Dobe Ci

CATALOGUE OF NATURAL HISTORY
SPECIMENS, BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, &c.,

85

AND ANTIQUARIAN
DEPOSITED IN THE

OBSERVATORY MUSEUM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE

MINUTE OF AGREEMENT
THE SOCIETY AND THE OBSE

BETWEEN
RVATORY SHAREHOLDERS.

List or Narurat History Anp ANTIQUARIAN SPECIMENS, &c.

No. in
Specimens. Presented by Observatory
Record Book.
Two Casts of Armorial Bearings, from | Mr J. Faulds 5 and 6
Sweetheart Abbey
Boss of Groined Arch (Cast), from | Mr Milne 7
Melrose Abbey
Block Wood, from Lochar Moss The lateSir W. Jardine, 8
Bart.
Samian Ware, dug from the Ashpit | Mr W. G. Gibson 9
_ of a Roman villa at Carlisle
Pick Axe, found when digging founda- | No record 10
tions of Greyfriars’ Church
Old Sword Blade, found in Lochar The late Mr Thorburn, 1l
Moss Barnkin
Manacles, ‘ Figure 8,” found in Glas- | Mr Dickson, V.S. 12
gow Street, at a depth of 6 feet,
1880
Two Framed Cases Micro-photographs | Mr F. W. Grierson 13 and 146
Piece of Wild Boar (Clavicle, &c.), | Thelate Mr Thorburn, 14
found in Lochar Moss, at a depth Barnkin
of 15 feet, December 4th, 1862
Down from Protoma’s NESE; MarOMs|}osy) es eee 15
Central Australia
Hedgehog (Troqueer), mounted [| |... 16
Angel Fish, mounted The late Sir W. Jardine 17
Fifteen species Crustacea Dr Gilchrist 18 to 32
Seventeen species Marine Animals Do. 33 to 50
(Serpule, &c.)
Five specimens Ova of Mollusca Do. 51 to 55
Three species of Asterid Do. 56 to 58
Two skeletons Cuttle Fish Do. 59-60
Nineteen species Zoophytes, &c. Do. 61 to 79
0 Echinus sphera Do. 80-81
Collection of Graptolites, from Kirk- | Mr T. Gracie 82
michael
Stone Hammer, Kirkmichael, 1880 Mr John Rutherford 83
Do. [ii Oe eS Sl eae 84
Do. (broken), Barncleuch | iiss 85
Pestle Biotieg. 80. VSAWMAND Ath 4 htc. tosis cea, 86-88
Stone Hammer,Carmaddie 8 «| 89
Cast of Skull of Simia satyrus Mr Moore, Liverpool 90
Grass Mat ‘ No record 91
Box of Lead in various stages of | The late Mr Niven, 92

manufacture

Leadhills

86 Appendices.

Specimens.

Presented by

No. in

Observatory
Record Book

Two Boxes of Bronze Spearheads,
&c. (Casts), from the Originals in
the Museum of the Crichton Royal
Institution

Casts of Fossil Footprints (Laby-
rinthodon, Iguanodon, &c.), from
originals in the Liverpool Museum

Slab Sandstone, from Locharbriggs,
showing Footprints, 1880

Fragments of Cinerary Urn, found on
Broomhill, near Lochmaben, 21st
August, 1867

Piece of Ashwood, from Arbigland,
showing the burrowings of the
beetle Hylesinus fraxinus

Ball, from a Horse’s stomach, con-
creted round a gas burner ; Auchen-
skeoch, 1881

Two portions Antlers (Red Deer 2),
found at the mouth of river Urr,
along with the remainder of the
skeleton, in 1860

Eggs of the Rhea and Emu, laid by
domesticated birds at Castle O’er,
near Langholm, 1880

Models Sculptured Stones (Scottish)

Courier (London), 1813

Grain Tin, used by dyers

Set of ‘‘ Blackfellows”” Weapons, con-
sisting of Spear, Boomerang, Nulla
Nulla, Heilamon, and Dilla Bag,
from Queensland

Rusty Hoof Fungus (Polyporus
ignarius) ; Troqueer

Thirty species Local Birds’ Eggs in
Eighty specimens ; intercalated with
the Observatory Collection

Celt of Porphyry; Auchenhessnane, 1881

““Comb” of White Ants; Cachar,
Bengal. This specimen was formed
by the Ants between the tin lining
of a box and its outer casing

Silver Cup and Apron, found with the
mummy of an Inca; Lima, Peru

Two Pennies, George IV., 1797

Paris Miners’ Halfpenny

Fragments Cinerary Urn

Tray of twelve Coins, found in St.
Querdon’s Well

Collection of Marine and Fresh-water
Mollusca (British)

Collection of Marine Mollusca, from
Portugal

«© A Wasp’s Nest, and the Wasp that
built it.”

Dr Gilchrist

Mr Moore

Mr John Rutherford

Mr Thomas Corrie
Mr C. Black
Mr Dickson, V.S.

Capt. Wilson, Orchard-
ton

Mr Bell

Mr W. G. Gibson

Mr C. Anderson

Mr M‘Kinnell

Mr Edgar, Rockhamp-
ton

Mr W. G. Gibson
Mr Sam. Chrystie

Mr Shaw
Mr J. Inglis

Miss Sutherland

Mr Scott and Mr

Williamson
Mr Bailey

Mr Dudgeon —
Dr Gilchrist
Mr J. J. Clark

Mr Rutherford

93-94

95 to 99

100
101

102
103

104

105-106

110
111
112
113

114
135

147
148

149
150
151
152

Two Boxes Microscopic Preparations

Fasciculus of Lichens

Two Portfolios Dried British (Local)
Plants

Forty-three species ‘‘Carices of the
Stewartry”

Six Coins—Chinese Coin ; Irish Half-
penny, George III., 1781; Half-
penny, George ITI.,1817; Halfpenny,
Victoria, 1854; Halfpenny, George
ae
Republique Francais

Appendices.

87

Specimens.

Presented by

No. in
Observatory
Record Book.

1807 ; and Un Decime, L’an 8,

Miss Mitchell
Dr Gilchrist
Mr W. 8. Hogg
Mr M‘Andrew

Mr Wilson

aaa &

5-9.

10.

11

12-25.

30.

31,

. Den Norske Treeskjaerkunst.
. Flava Vegeti de re Militari.

List oF Books,

Exclusive of Pamphlets, Books in Paper Covers, &c.

Communion Sermons. By J. C. 1685

. Culpeper’s (Nicholas) Catalogue of

Simples. 1653
1878
1634

This volume belonged to the late Dr
Wightman, Kirkmahoe

Makerstoun Magnetical and Meteoro-
logical Observations. By John Allan
Broun, F.R.S. In 5 volumes—1841-42,
1843, 1844, 1845-46 (Part I.), 1845-46
(Part II.)

Mineralogy of Dumfriesshire. By Robert
Jamieson. 1805

Parish of Troqueer, a Short History of.
By J. Gibson Starke, Esq. of Troqueer
Holm. 1878

Smithsonian Institution, Annual Reports.
In 14 volumes—1864, 1866, 1867, 1868,
1869, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876,
1877, 1878, 1879

. The King’s Quair, a Poem, by James

I., King of Scots.
Thomson. Ayr, 1815

By Ebenezer

. Transactions of the Society of Antiquaries

of Scotland. Vol. I. 1782-92

. Transactions ofthe Royal Irish Academy.

Volume XIV., Part I, 1825. This
volume belonged to Sir Walter Scott

. Trevandrum Magnetical and Meteoro-

logical Observations. By John Allan
Broun, F.R.S. Vol. I, 1874

Do. do, Supplement.
Broun, F.R.S. 1874

Reports of the United States Geological

Survey of the Territories—

First, Second, and Third Annual Report,
embracing Nebraska, Wyoming,
Colorado, and New Mexico. 1867,
1868, and 1869

By John Allan

Presented by
No record
Do.
Royal Society of Christiana
J. Rutherford, Esq. of
Jardineton

The late J. A. Broun,
FRS.

J. G. Starke, Esq.
Do.

Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, U.S A.

No record

J. G, Starke, Esq.
Dr Gilchrist

The late J. A. Broun,
E.R.S.

Do.

Dr F. V. Hayden

88

32.

34,
35.

56-60.

62-65.

66-67.

68.
69.

. Nova Scotian Geology.

Appendices.

Preliminary Report of Wyoming and
Portions of Contiguous Territories.
1870

. Sixth Annual Report on Portions of

Montano, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.
1872

Survey of Colorado. 1873

Do. and Parts of adjacent Territories.

1874
. Survey of Idaho and Wyoming, 1877

Presented by
Dr F,. V. Hayden

List oF PAMPHLETS, UNBOUND VOLUMES, &¢

American Publications,

Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History
of New York. Vols. VIII, 1IX., X.,
and XI.

Proceedings of do. 5 Parts

. Annals of the New York Academy of

Sciences (late the Lyceum), &c. Vol. I.

. Annual Report of the Comptroller of

the Currency of the United States
for 1878
Do. do. for 1879 (two copies)

. Board of Public Education, City of

Philadelphia, 55th Annual Report.

1873
. Bulletin of the United States Geological

and Geographical Survey of the Ter-
ritories. No. I. 1874.

Dolmens in Japan. By Prof. E. S.
Morse

. List of Elevations West of the Mississipi

River. By H. Gannett, M.E.

. Natural History and Distribution of

Yellow Fever in the United States.

By J. M. Toner, M.D.

By Rev. D.
Honeyman, D.C.L., &c.

Nova Scotian Institute of NaturalScience,
Part I. of Vol. I.; Part IV. of Vol. I. ;
Part L. of Vol. II.; Part III. of Vol.
II ; Part IV. of Vol. IV.

. Omori Shell Mounds, and some recent

publications on Japanese Archeology.
By Prof. E. 8. Morse.

Peabody Museum of American Arche-
ology and Ethnology —8th Annual
Report, 1875; 9th do. 1876; 12th
and 13th do., 1880; 14th do., 1881

Proceedings of the American Philo-
sophical Society. Nos. 92 and 93 of
Vol. XIV.

Synopsis of the Flora of Colorado, 1874

Traces of an Karly Race in Japan. By
Prof. E. 8. Morse. 1879.

Presented by

The Lyceum

Do.
The Academy

John Jay Knox, Comp-
troller

Do.
The Board
Dr F. V. Hayden

Prof. E. 8. Morse, Salem,
Mass.
Dr F. V. Hayden

Do.
Rev. D. Honeyman

Prof. E. 8. Morse

F. W. Paterson, Curator
of the Museum

The Society

Dr F. V. Hayden

Appendices.

Norwegian Publications.
No.
70 Aarland, II. By C. A. Holmboe
71 Broholtfundet. By C. A. Holmboe
72 Catalogum Lepidopterum Norvegicorum,

By H. Siebke
73 Catalogum Coleoptorum Norvegicorum,
By H. Siebke
74 Christianiafjordens Dybvandsfauna. By
Sars

75 Criminal Statistics. 1877

76 Det Kongelige Norske Frederiks Uni-
versitets Aaroberetning for Aaret. 1867

77 Det Kongelige Norske Frederiks Uni-
versitets Aarobertning for Aaret. 1868.

78 Die Planzenwelt Norvegens. By Dr F.
C. Schubeler

79 En Maade at betegne Tal paa. By C.
A. Holmboe

80 Et lidet Fund af Mynter fra Aarhun-
drede. By C. A. Holmboe

81 Etudes sur les Mouvements de L’Atmo-
sphere. By C. M. Goldberg

82 Forklaring over nogle Ord og Udtryk i
det gamle Norske Sprog. By Johan
Fritzner

§3 Forsatte Bemerkuniger. By M. Sars

84 Fund af Mynter. By C. I Schive

85 Hexe Og Dakini. By C. A. Holmboe.

86 Index Scholarum in Universitate Regia
Fredericiana, 1868

87 Index Scholarum in Universitate Regia
Fredericiana, 1869

88 Le Glacier de Boium en Juillet, 1868. By
8. A. Sexe

89 Merker Efter en listid i omegnen af
Hardangerfjorden. By 8. A. Sexe

90 Memoires des Crinoides vivants. By

. Sars

91 Morkinskinna., By C. R. Unger

92 Norges Officielle Statistik udgiven i
aaret, 1875. No. 1

93 Norges Officielle Statistik udgiven i
aaret, 1875. No. 2

94 Norges Officielle Statistik udgiven i
aaret, 1878.

95 Norske Broncelegeringer fra Jernalden.
By O. Rygh

96 Norske Veegtlodder fra 14de Aarhundrede

97 Om Helleristninger i Norge By O.
Rygh

98 Om Individuelle Variationer, By G. O.

ars
99 Om Nogle Norske Pengetegn. By C.
4 eee Holmboe his %
100 Om Norske Kongers Bylding o¢ Kroni
i eldre Tid, 1873 es oa
101 Om Poncelets Betydning for Geometrien.
By E. Holst.
102 Om Spor af Romersk Kultur i Norges
wldre Jernalder. By A Lorange

89

(All presented by the
Kongelige Norske Uni-
versitet i Christiania).

90 Appendices.

No.
103 Om Stratifikationens Spor. By Dr | (All presented by the

Theodor Kjerulf Kongelige Norske Uni-
104 Om Veegtem af nogle Smyker. C A. versitet i Christiania).
Holmboe

105 Om Vegetations for holdeneved Sogne-
fjorden. By A. Blytt

106 Om Vildsviintypen paa geliske og indiske
Mynter. By C. A. Holmboe

107 On Giants’ Cauldrons. By 8. A. Sexe

108 Rosenborg—Notes on the Chronological
Collections of the Danish Kings.
Translated by Charles Shaw.

109 Rune Indskriften paa Ringen i Forsa
Kirke. By Sophus Bugge, Esq.

110 Some Remarkable Forms of Animal Life
from the Great Deeps off the Nor-
wegian Coast (Genus Brisinga). By G.
O. Sars

111 The Ancient Vessel found in the Parish
of Tune, Norway, 1872

112 Thomas Saga Erkybiskups. By C. R.
Unger

113 To Norske Oldsagfund By O. Rygh

114 To nyfundne Norske Rune-Indskrifter
fra den eldre Jernalder. By Sophus
Bugge

115 Transfusion and Plethora, By Jakob
Worm Miiller

116 Windrosen des Siidlichen Norvegens. By
C. de Seue

117 Zoological Researches. By G. O. Sars.

PAPERS BY THE LATE JoHN ALLAN Brown. F.R.S.

No Presented by

118 Decennial Period in the Range and | John A. Broun, F.R.S.
Disturbance of the Diurnal Oscil-
lations of the Magnetic Needle, and
the Sun Spot Area

119 List, with some notice of the contents of Do.
Scientific Works and Papers

120 Note on the Bifilar Vagnetometer Do.

121 Observations magnétiques faites 4 Do.

Makerstoun (Ecosse) et Trevandrum,
prés du Cap Comorin

122 On the Annual Variation of the Magnetic Do.
Declination
123 On the Influence of Height in the Do.

Atmosphere on the Diurnal Variation
of the Earth’s Magnetic Force

124 On the Period of Hemispherical Excess Do.
of Sun Spots

125 On the Sun-Spot Period and the Rain- Do.
fall

126 Simultaneous Variations of the Barometer Do.

in India

Appendices.

No.

127 Supplement to Vol. XXII. of the Trans-
actions of the Royal Society of
Edinburgh (Makerstoun Observations)

128 Sur la simultandéité des variations
barométriques dans les hautes latitudes
des deux hémisphéres

129 The Mean Directions and Distribution of
the Lines of equal Barometric Pressure

130 The Variations of the Daily Mean
Horizontal Force of the Earth’s Mag-
netism produced by the Sun’s Rotation
and the Moon’s Synodical and Tropical
Revolutions

REPORTS, PROCEEDINGS, AND TRANSACTIONS

No.
131 Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club—Tenth
Annual Report, 1872-73
132 Botanical Society of Edinburgh—Trans-
actions, Part IIT. of Vol. VII., 1863
133 Botanical Society of Edinburgh—Presi-
dential Address (1871), by Sir Walter
Elliot
134 Cumberland Association for the Advance-
ment of Literature and Science—
Transactions, Part IT., 1876-77
135 Devon and Cornwall Natural History
Society—Annual Report for 1862-63
Epping Forest and County of Essex
Naturalists’ Field Club—
136 Rules of the Club
137 Epping Forest and County of Essex
Naturalists’ Field Club—Inaugural
Address
138-141 Epping Forest and County of Essex
Naturalists’ Field Club—Transactions,
Part I, 00, TI, TV.
142 Geological Society of Glasgow—Trans-
actions, Part II. of Vol. IL., 1866
143 Glasgow Archeological Society—Address
on the Recent Progress of Archzology,
1866
144 Hawick Archeological Society—Proceed-
ings, 1869
145-6 Liverpool Naturalists’ Field Club—
Annual Reports for 1863-4 and 1864-5
147-165 Montrose Natural History and Anti-
quarian Society—Annual Reports
for the Years 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860,
1861, 1862, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867,
1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1876,
1877, 1878, 1879
166 Philosophical Society of Glasgow—Pro-
ceedings, No. 3, 1866-67
167-168 Scottish Meteorological Society—
ee for January and October,

91

Presented by
John A. Broun, F.R.S.

OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

Presented by
The Club

The Society
Sir Walter Elliot, K.S I.,
ELS.

The Association

The Society

The Club
Do.

Do.

The Society
The late Dr Stuart

The Society
The Club
Dr Gilchrist

The Society
The Society

Appendices.

No.

169 Society of Antiquaries of Scotland—
Proceedings, Part 2, 1854

170 Society of Antiquaries of Scotland—
Presidential Address (1859) by Lord
Neaves

171-172 West London Scientific Association

and Field Club—Proceedings Vol.
I., Part III.; Annual Report,

1875-76
173 Yorkshire Philosophical Society—
Annual Report for 1875

Presented by
The Society
The Society

Dr Gilchrist

The Society

MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.

No.

174 Account of Ogham Inscriptions.
Sam. Fergusson, Q.C.

175 Additional Observations on the Fungus
Disease affecting Salmon and other
Fish. By A. B, Stirling

176 The same. No. 2

177 British Lar pti By W. Carruthers,
F.LS

178 Catalogue of the Curiosities and Coins
in the possession of J. Gibson Starke,
Esq., M.A., F.S A., &e.

179 Catalogue of the Society Library,
Dumfries. 185]

180 Condition of the Salmon Fisheries of

By

England and Wales in 1861. By
Sir W. Jardine, Bart.

181 Fucus distichus as an Irish Plant. By
W. Carruthers, F.L.S.

182 Lecture ou the Advantages of the
Study of Natural History. By
Edwards Crisp, M.D.

183 Meteorological Record kept at the
Crichton Royal Institution for the

year 1867 (MS.)

184 On, Some Species of Oaks from China.

By W. Carruthers, F.L.S.

185 On Splenic Apoplexy (so-called). By
Edwards Crisp, M.D.

186 Parts involved inthe Process of Defolia-
tion. By W. R. M‘Nab

187 Recollections of the Lodge of Free-
masons of Thornhill. By David
Murray Lyon

188 Report of a Committee upon the
Experiments conducted at Stor-
montfield, near Perth, for the Arti-
ficial Propagation of Salmon. 1857

189 Report of First Annual Conference of
the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland,
held at Perth, September, 1875

190 SE ato Stones of Eastern Scotland.

Ralph Carr, F.S.A

191 Seevad Report on the Derbyshire

County Lunatic Asylum

Presented by
Mr Fergusson

The Author
Do.
Do.

Mr Starke

No record

The Author

Do.
Do.

Dr Gilchrist

The Author
Do.
Do.
Do.

The late Sir W. Jardine,
Bart.

No Record

Mr Carr
Dr Gilchrist

Appendices. 93

No. Presented by

192 The Established Churches of Dumfries | W. R. M‘Diarmid
and the Building of the Mid-Steeple
193 The Geology of Moffat. By W. Car- | The Author

ruthers, F.L.S.

194 The Lamb Disease. By Edwards Crisp, Do.
M.D.

195 The Runic Rock at Barnspike, Cum- Do.

berland, by the Rev. John M aughan,
B.A

196 The Shell Mounds of Omori. By Prof. | The University of Tokio,
E. 8. Morse in Japan

-

ee ee
PRINTED AT THE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COURIER OFFICE, DUMFRIES,

sibial pa «

yl bere ! ; : é Lm

Biren tty* ar Wai | soiyeertl ly ee ore cd) Facts vi date efi bir ,

ee) |, wie htis ont} iO Se, I; 2 hee
WET Aol Boe wal) TE eM. dubite i yooh) ww aie
i” . meee ee dae wt
‘ Pi
Oe wa Se heat ath I
:
rigid 2 4 ‘Tt oat
2M “i i yal 6
. P
May! i i ivi ; Vi
t } . i iahG wy
aajoh ay“. Me te ook
\
'
;
es |
_ .
3
¥ " "
°
: .
ee
i \
£
iy :
Th ate
a
iy
. :
.
i
;
j
. ‘ F "
P
‘ M ial '
: ,
‘ ‘ °
j e oa 4 .
=i coe
t 7
:
‘ 7" =1 ae 4 “
\ te *
ae "8 ' ; if
LN 4 ve
* ) 4 ee! " 7%
é : Sigg
| Frees ade | 5 >
ae Seine on cal a¥ely

‘Suri teeta aWO ThED thxa segeee: a ie irks

No. 38.
THE TRANSACTIONS

AND

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY

SCIENTIF IC, NATURAL HISTORY,

AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY,

Ken IS Ye,
Bt a
my ys < Vos t
a SOY ‘
tu aN " "
abr “SV FAG

SESSIONS 1880-81, 1881-82, 1882-83.

PRINTED AT THE COURIER AND HERALD OFFICES, DUMFRIES
1884,

nL it
ark oh hh:

OFFICE-BEARERS AND COMMITTEE.

President.
JAMES GILCHRIST, M.D., Linwood, Dumfries.

Vice=Presidents.

J. GIBSON STARKE, Esq., Adv., M.A., F.S.A., F.R.C.L
D. B. HOPE, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute.

J. WILSON, Esq.

J. MSANDREW, Esq.

Secretary.
J. RUTHERFORD, Jardington.

Assistant Secretary.
Mr 8. A. CHRYSTIE.

Treasurer.
J. LENNOX, Esq., F.S.A., Scot.

Members of Committee.

Mr W. LENNON. Mr J. MAXWELL.
Mr J. NEILSON. | Mr J. BARBOUR.
Mr T. WATSON. Mr J. DAVIDSON.
Mr J. M‘MEEKAN. | Mr R. CHRYSTIE.

Mr W. ADAMSON. Mr 8S. M. BROWN.

GON TEN TS.

—~—
. Page.

SESSION 1880-81 ken soe ee eae = vos 1

THe Peat FormMATION AT NEWALL TERRACE 3
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS 4
CaARICES OF COLVEND 5
CaRABUS GLABATUS 6
BRYOLOGY OF THE GLENKENS 7
CucuLus Canorus (THE Cuckoo) Ss Me Pe Ss Pie fl)
An ALTERED TRAP AT NEWTON-STEWART ... ee ee Me Ll
Ture Various BREeps oF Docs .. “Ge ee Es Sng var a
SESSION 1881-82 ace ire aa a = rae WS

A Waspr’s NEST, AND THE WASP THAT BUILTIT ... bite Prey asl /h
Birps THAT BREED IN THE PARISH OF DUMFRIES ... wee vii, oS
PROPAGATION OF THE FILICES ... He: ee oss ion ponte areal
ToNGLAND, WITH NOTES OF ITS FLORA... Ht: a ie Pere 60.1
Notes on Loca ORNITHOLOGY ... hae ae “a es Rg 2:
SESSION 1882-83 nc ao Sc ie a Ayre ws!

Rare BIebs... a te, - ue ue, Ea: a wt) HO

Tur CHARACEH, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE BRITISH SPECIES 39

Prace NAMES OF NITHSDALE se... es Zs a “aa av 40
Deit’s Dyke WEST OF THE DEE! ae sae =i aS we aed
THE CONVERSAZIONE 5 ues ads an ae ee dene ee
Tuer Size or THE OLD BRIDGE oF DUMFRIES... ae es wae eae

Ture O~p Lanp TAXEs ... a oes eee eee oe ree: |!)

Contents.

Some Pornts or INTEREST IN THE NATURAL History oF ISLANDS

THE Stupy oF Mosses ... oy

Locat NAMES OF PLANTS...

FIELD MEETINGS.
RERWICK
QUEENSBERRY HILL ate 3 ore
CAIRNSMORE-OF-FLEET
KIRKCUDBRIGHT AND ITS ENVIRONMENTS nes
GLENQUHARGEN Crate, &c. Boi ass
CoLVEND
LocuMABEN CASTLE
KIRKBEAN
DuRISDEER AND DALVEEN Pass... im bee
Hoppom CastiLE, REPENTANCE TowER, &C.
CARLINGWARK LocH AND THREAVE CASTLE

Corsock ne bee ae iy

INTERMEDIATE LECTURES ...

Cryprocamic Society or ScoTLAND

APPENDIX A...

APPENDIX B... cer

eee

Vv.

Page.

54
55
57

RUBLES.

—050500——_

Ist. The Society shall be called the ‘‘ DUMFRIESSHIRE AND
GaLLoway Screntiric, NaturaL History, AND ANTIQUARIAN
Society.”

2nd. The aims of the Society shall be to secure a more fre-
quent interchange of thought and opinion among those who
devote themselves to Scientific, Archeological, and Natural
History studies; to elicit and diffuse a taste for such studies
where it is yet unformed ; and to afford increased facilities for its
extension where it already exists.

3rd. The Society shall consist of Ordinary, Honorary, or Cor-
responding, and Life Members. The Ordinary and Life Mem-
bers shall be persons resident in Dumfriesshire and Galloway,
present and admitted at a Public Meeting called for the purpose
on 3rd November, 1876, and those who shall afterwards be pro-
posed by two Members (to one of whom the candidate shall be
personally known) and admitted at an Ordinary Meeting of the
Society by a vote of the majority present. The Honorary or
Corresponding Members shall consist of persons distinguished for
attainments connected with the objects of the Society, who cannot
attend as Ordinary Members, and who shall be proposed and
admitted at an Ordinary Meeting in the same way as Ordinary
Members.

4th. Life Members shall on election contribute the sum of Two
Guineas to the funds of the Society. Ordinary Members shall on
election pay Two Shillings and Sixpence entry fee, and contribute
annually the sum of Two Shillings and Sixpence in advance, or
such other sum as may be fixed at an Annual Meeting. Ladies
joining the Society as Ordinary Members will be exempt from
entry fee.

5th. The Office-bearers of the Society, who shall be Ordinary
Members, shall consist of a President, four or more Vice-
Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and a Com-
mittee consisting of ten Members (five to form a quorum),
holding office for one year only, but being eligible for re-election
at the Annual Meeting of the Society.

6th. The Ordinary Meetings of the Society shall be held on the

Rules. Vii.

first Friday of each month, and shall continue during winter,
beginning in October and ending with April, and at which the
ordinary business of the Society will be transacted, papers read
and discussed, and objects of interest examined.

7th. Field Meetings shall be held during the summer, begin-
ning with May and ending with September, to visit and examine
places and objects of interest, to give field demonstrations, to
collect specimens, and otherwise carry out the aims of the Society,
arrangements for which shall be made at the last meeting of each
Winter Session.

8th. The Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held on the
first Friday of October, being the first meeting of the Winter
Session, at which Office-bearers and Members of Committee shall
be elected for the ensuing year, reports—general and financial—
for the past year will be received, and proposals for the extension
and improvement of the Society will be heard and discussed.

9th. Each Member may introduce a friend to any Ordinary or
Field Meeting of the Society—such friend not to be admitted
more than twice during the same year.

10th. The Secretary shall keep a minute book of the proceed-
ings of the Society, and a register of the Members — Life,
Ordinary, and Honorary or Corresponding ; and shall give in a
report of the Society’s proceedings at the Annual Meeting.

11th. The Treasurer shall collect and take charge of the annual
subscriptions and funds of the Society, and make payments there-
from, under the direction of the Committee, to whom he shall
annually submit an account of his intromissions, to be audited
and prepared for submission to the Society at its Annual Meeting.

12th. Alterations and Repeals of the foregoing Rules, and new
or additional ones, shall only be made by three-fourths of the
Ordinary Members present at any meeting of the Society, of which
notice shall have been given at the previous monthly meeting.

13th. The Secretary shall at any time call a meeting of the
Society, on receiving the instructions of the Committee, or the
requisition in writing of any six Ordinary Members.

14th. All papers read before the Society shall become its
property.

15th. All Members whose subscriptions have been unpaid
for fifteen months shall have their names deleted from the roll of
Membership if, after receiving notice from the Treasurer, they
still neglect to pay.

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY
SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL HISToRY, AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

ee NS: Ay, ie OO Bis.

SESSION 1880-81.
Sth October, 1880.
ANNUAL MEETING.

Mr J. Gipson Starke, President, in the Chair.
Twenty-two present.

New Members.—Messrs Scott of Broomlands; Martin, Town
Clerk ; G. Gray Philips, Rosefield ; John Costin, Laurieknowe ;
J. Brown, Drumsleet; A. E. Truckell, Maxwelltown; J. S.
Stansfeld, Inland Revenue ; and J. Longmore, Industrial School.

Donations.—Report of Geological and Geographical Survey of
the Territories of Idaho and Wyoming, The Shell Mounds of
Omori, The 12th and 13th Annual Reports of the Peabody
Museum of Archeology ; Report for 1878 of the Smithsonian
Museum, U.S.A.; Pair of old manacles recently found, at a depth
of 6 feet, when digging a drain in Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown ;
and 12 Micro-photographs, mounted and framed, presented by
Mr F. W. Grierson, Chapelmount.

Exhibits—Mr F. W. Grierson brought under the notice of the
meeting a remarkable deposit of peat recently exposed near Rae
Street when excavating foundations for new houses, together with a
number of specimens picked up there a few days ago by Dr Gilchrist
and himself, consisting of various pieces of birch and other woods,

2 Transactions.

one of which was penetrated by a green fungus, supposed to be
Peziza crucifera. There were also in the collection various nuts,
seeds, and debris of coleopterous insects. Mr Rutherford, Jarding-
ton, exhibited a fine stone celt found lately on the farm of White-.
hill, Kirkmahoe, on moss land, and in proximity to bog oaks. Mr
James Culton of Dildawn sent for exhibition a fine albino specimen
of the common mole—colour, pale cream, with orange patches on
abdomen and throat.

The Secretary (Mr R. Service) tabled the old minute book of
the former Society, a collection of sea weeds, and several publica-
tions. These and a few other articles, he explained, had been in
possession of the late Procurator-Fiscal for Dumfriesshire, and
had been recovered through the courtesy of Mr Fenton. He
further stated that there had been in the Society’s cabinet for
many years four fine old volumes of the sixteenth century, each
bearing the inscription of the Hutton Library, belonging to the
Presbytery of Dumfries ; and that they had been returned to the
Library, from which it was ascertained they had been missed.

The Treasurer (Mr Adamson) submitted his annual statement,
showing—Income, £21 3s 8d; Expenditure, £20 4s 6d; balance
to credit of Society, 19s 2d.

The Secretary read his report for the year. During the session
29 new members were enrolled, and 28 struck off, leaving a total
membership of 108 ordinary and 12 corresponding members.
Fifty-five books and pamphlets were presented by individuals and
kindred Societies in various parts of the world; the generosity of
the American Societies in this respect calling for special acknow-
ledgment. Among the donations received by the Society in the
course of the session were a splendid collection of 200 zoological
specimens from Dr Gilchrist, and 34 species of carices from Mr
J. M‘Andrew, New-Galloway.

The President, Secretary, Mr Robb, and Mr Lennon, were
appointed a Committee to prepare the Society’s Transactions for
publication.

On the motion of Mr James J.ennox, it was agreed to alter
Rule 5, to the effect that there may be three or more Vice-
Presidents, instead of one only.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of Oftice-Bearers
and Committee of Management, with the following result:—
President, MrJ. Gibson Starke of Troqueer Holm ; Vice-Presidents,

Transactions. 3

Sheriff Hope, Mr T. R. Bruce of Slogarie, and Mr J. Neilson,
M.A., Dumfries ; Secretary, Mr R. Service; Assistant Secretary,
Mr James Lennox; Treasurer, Mr Adamson; Committee (in
addition to above), Dr Grierson, Messrs Watt, Lennon, Maxwell,
Halliday, A. B. Crombie, and J. W. Kerr. Messrs Moodie and
Kerr were appointed Auditors.

Draft minute of agreement between the Observatory share-
holders and this Society (as proposed by the former) was next
considered.

Note.—The agreement effected subsequently between the two
bodies is printed in Appendices to last published “ Transactions.”

5th November, 1880.

Sheriff Hope, Vice-President, in the chair. Twenty-
four present.

New Members.— Rector Chinnock, Dumfries; and Mr Milne,
Cintra Villa.

Donations.—By Mr W. Gibson, a number of pieces of Samian
ware found in an ash-pit of a Roman villa near Carlisle, at a
depth of 10 feet.

Exhibits.—By Mr M‘Meekan, piece of fossil sandstone ; by Mr
J. Wilson, the cast skin of an adder found by him at Woodhead
of Troqueer ; by Mr John Fairley (a young Dumfriesian located
on the West Coast of Africa), specimens of native workmanship
procured in the Ashantee and Niger countries, and which he
described ; from Mrs Gilchrist Clark of Speddoch, a splendid
portfolio of 36 original coloured drawings of local fungi, represent-
ing nearly 100 species ; from Mr Milne, fine gold coin (larger but
thinner than a sovereign) of the reign of James I. of Scotland ;
by Mr Gibson, a Scoto-Scandinavian silver brooch, found at Drum-
coltran, Kirkgunzeon, with reference to which a paper was read,
stating that it was got under a stone at a depth of three feet,
together with a thick plain silver ring, one inch in diameter, and
a silver coin of Julius Cesar, the whole being embedded in a black
soft pulp, evidently decomposed leather.

Papers.—A paper was read from Dr Gilchrist on “The Peat
Formation at Newall Terrace, Dumfries,” in which the writer
enumerated the objects found in the peat by Mr F. W. Grierson

4 Transactions,

and himself, shewn at last meeting, and mentioned that the
coleopteral remains consisted of the elytra (or wing-sheaths) of
the beetle Dowacia comarit, which still occurs in Lochar and
other mosses in the neighbourhood. The paper also dealt with the
geological relations of moss patches in the vicinage of Dumfries.

An amusing paper was read from a member who desired to
withhold his name, and who raised a becoming protest, under the
Scripture ‘Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers
have set up” (Proverbs xxii. 28), against the removal of the last
stone of a megalithic circle which once stood on Greystone Flat.
At the desire of the meeting the Chairman undertook to see the
tenant of the place on the subject, and report.

An interesting communication was read from Mr W. M‘Ilwraith,
Brisbane (now of Rockhampton), entitled “ First Impressions of
Queensland,” and describing such members of the Flora and Fauna
as he had met with during the few months he had resided in the
colony.

3rd December, 1880.

Mr J. Gipson Starke, President, in the Chair.
Twenty-two present.

New Members.—Messrs J. D. Fairley, Dair, Scott, Lawson,
and Barbour (architect).

Donations.—By Mr Gracie, Kirkmichael House, collection of
graphtolite fossils; by Mr Rutherford of Jardington, a rare old
book on the Military Art, by Flavius Vegitius Renatus ; by Mr
Milne, cast of boss of groined arch from Melrose Abbey.

Exhibits—By Mr Shaw, Tynron, large stone celt recently
found by Mr Brown on his farm of Bennan ; by the Secretary, a
raven, shot the day before in the Stewartry, and a specimen of
the silver-striped hawk moth (Cherocampa celerio), procured at
Edenbank in October.

The Chairman read an interesting paper, entitled “ The Volun-
teers in Dumfriesshire at the close of the last century.”

The matter of printing the “ Fauna and Flora” of the district
was remitted to the Committee on Transactions.

Carniverous Plants—Mr J. Wilson read a very interesting
paper on “ Carnivorous Plants,” illustrated by numerous dried
specimens and microscopical drawings. He said that although

Transactions. 5

some of these plants were known for a long time, it was
only in 1874 that public attention was directed to the fact
that these plants assimilated their food by means of their
leaves. Having briefly referred to some of Darwin’s experi-
ments, he proceeded to describe the different plants, with
special reference to our local species. These plants have been
classified into four natural orders, comprising 15 different
genera, and only three of these are local, viz.:—Drosera,
Pinguicula, and Utricularia or bladderwort. He next referred
to numerous experiments which he performed during the summer
on Drosera and Pinguicula, the results of which were that the
tentacles of the Drosera commence to secrete the viscid fluid
immediately a nitrogenous substance is placed on the leaf, but it
takes 10-15 minutes before these’ tentacles clasp the object.
Also, the fluid which was secreted on the outer tentacles, if these
cannot touch the object, becomes absorbed by them again, while
the quantity secreted on the inner tentacles is considerably
increased. He also noticed that the Pinguicula are not so
voracious as the sundews.

7th January, 1881.

Rev. J. Fraser in the Chair. Eleven present.

Donations.—By Mr Shaw, Tynron, copy of Graphic containing
article by him on “Growth of Reason in Animals 3” by Mr J.
Wilson, six old coins ; by Mr John Rutherford, Kirkmichuael, a
fine geological collection, including a massive stone hammer,
antimony ores, and a slate of Locharbriggs sandstone, bearing
several supposed reptilian footprints.

Exhibits —By Mr John Maxwell, a branch of the cork tree,
and a curious stone, probably water-worn, of nearly the exact
shape of the human foot ; by Mr Rutherford, a number of photo-
graphic transparencies,

A short paper by Rector Chinnock, Dumfries Academy, was
read, consisting of a translation of the title-page and notes on the
text of the volume on the Military Art by Flavios Vegitius
Renatus, presented to the Society at last meeting.

Carices of Colvend.—The Chairman read a paper on ‘The
Carices of Colvend,” in the course of which he stated that of the
45 species proper to Scotland Colvend has 24. Of these, however,

6 Transactions.

some are rare and local, being found only in single places in a
wide district of country; namely, C. limosa, found only in
Barscraigh Loch [it grew in Maxwelltown Loch some 30 years
ago, but is now supposed to be extinct there]; C. jiliormis,
found only in Barscraigh Loch; C. pendula and C. extensa, and
C. punctata. The last is the rarest of our carices. It was found
by the Chairman and the Rev. Mr Farquharson of Selkirk some
six years ago in three places in the parish of Colvend. A specimen
of it was sent to Edinburgh for identification ; but the botanists
there failed to perceive the distinctive peculiarities of the carex.
It was then sent to Mr Peter Gray, a Dumfries botanist residing
in London, who placed it before the editor of the Jowrnal of Botany.
That gentleman pronounced it to be C. pwnctata, and stated that
there was no record of another example of it having ever been
found in Britain, though it was known to exist in Ireland. This
specimen is now preserved in the British Museum.

Carabus Glabatus—Mr Lennon read a short paper on the
occurrence of this rare beetle on the top of Cairnsmore of Fleet in
June, 1880. Mr Andrew Murray in his Catalogue of the Coleop-
tera of Scotland gives no particular locality for C. glabatus, but
merely notes “ North of Scotland, not common.” Mr Lennon
infers from this that Mr Murray never met with it. Perhaps the
finest local collection of Coleoptera ever made was that of the late
Rey. W. Little, Kirkpatrick-Juxta, which was sold in London
after his death for £500. Little and Murray were very friendly,
and the former contributed much valuable information to the
latter when compiling his catalogue. As no mention is there
made of C. glabatws south of the Perthshire mountains, Mr
Lennon concludes that Little never met with it in Upper Annan-
dale. Indeed from all he could learn, this specimen of his, found
on Cairnsmore, was the first recorded in the South of Scotland.

4th February, 1881.

Mr Wart, Rotchell House, in the Chair.
Nineteen present.
Donations.—Four parts of Transactions of Epping Forest and

County of Essex Field Club.
Report of Transactions Committee was submitted and adopted.

Transactions. 7

Dr Sharp; Eccles House, and Dr Grierson, Thornhill, were
delegated to the York meeting of the British Association.

Exhibits.—By Mr Scott, Castle Street, fine specimens of the
Black Scotor (Oidemia) obtained at Carsethorn.

Bryology of the Glenkens—Mr J. M‘Andrew, New Galloway,
communicated the following paper on “The Bryology of the
Glenkens.”

The four parishes of the Glenkens are peculiarly favourable for
the growth and development of cryptogamic plants. Sharing in
the general humidity of the rest of the west of Scotland, and
possessing a diversified surface of mountains, moors, marshes, bogs,
rocks, glens, woods, and rivers, the district has quite a profusion
of mosses, hepaticee, and lichens. Everywhere the features of its
picturesque scenery are enriched by a living drapery of vegetation,
while, in particular, the sub-Alpine glens, formed by the hill-streams
in their course to the Ken, afford excellent ground for the success-
ful collection of cryptogams. For instance, the Holme Glen,
formed by the Garpel Burn, contains at least a hundred species of
mosses. The woods in the district are not extensive, but the
trees are very richly clothed with cryptogamic plants, while the
ground is one rich green carpet of mosses. The geological forma-
tion of the Glenkens presents no great variety—the two prevailing
rocks being granite and whinstone, forming by no means the most
favourable nidus for mosses. Still, rocks of granitic formation
have several mosses peculiar to themselves, as, for instance, some
of the Grimmias. The absence of such rocks as micaceous schist,
limestone, sandstone, and trap, excludes the mosses peculiar to
these formations, and distance from the sea precludes the appear-
ance of littoral species. It is the prevalence of the schistose rocks
on Ben Lawers and in many parts of the West Highlands which
partly accounts for the luxuriance and variety of the mosses found
in these districts of Scotland. The Kells hills form offshoots
from the ‘Southern Highlands,’ and lie nearly midway between
the Scottish Highlands and the mountains of Wales. Though not
containing such a number of rarities as these productive fields of
_ the bryologist, yet a district which contains such rare species as
Grimmia contorta, Grimmia commutata, and Leskea pulvinata,
cannot but be highly interesting, and must have some ‘ very good
things.’ From the extreme minuteness of some species, and the
great apparent similarity among others, a thorough acquaintance

8 Transactions.

with the cryptogamic botany of any district must be a work of
years—a labour, however, in my opinion, far more enjoyable and
interesting than the collection and study of the flowering plants.
Were I to extend my researches farther, such as to Cairnsmuir of
Fleet, Cairnsmuir of Carsphairn, Merrick, &c., and to Loch Dee
and Loch Doon, I am confident that I would be rewarded with
finding many more species. None of the Kells hills attain more
than sub-Alpine height, so that Alpine mosses, strictly so-called,
are wanting. On the hills, the most productive spots are the
ravines, especially those sloping to the south-east. Whatever
theory may be advanced in explanation of this, the fact holds good
not only in regard to the Kells hills, but also to Ben Lawers and
the hills of the West Highlands. Certain spots, too, to all appear-
ance not more productive than others, are found to be peculiarly
rich in good species. A good example of this is seen on the Burn-
foot hill, on the east slope of Cairn Edward, where, and in the
vicinity, I find such lichens as the following :—Parmelia incurva ;
varieties, exasperata, and prolixa of Parmelia Olivacea, Parmelia
cetrartoides, Parmelia pertusa, with a new British lichen, Litho-
graphia Andrewti, which I found two years ago. In all likeli-
hood this preponderance of species of cryptogams in certain
favoured spots is the result of ice or glacier action. As the fruit
of personal search, I have gathered in the district about 270 species
of mosses, and of these 30 during the last year. This list includes
nearly one-half of all the known British species. In bogs and wet
places among the hills are found most of the genus Sphagnum,
or bog-mosses, which afford much of the material of which peat-
fuel is composed. Giving a shade of reddish-brown to the
rocks on which it grows in quantity, Andrea Rothie is common,
while higher up Andrewa Alpina is found; other species of
Andreea are almost wanting. Of the Weissas, crispula is found
at a good elevation, and cirrhata lower down. Fhabdowerssia
Fugax is rarer than Denticulata, which is common below loose
stones on the hill sides. The Dicranwms are well represented,
while the sides of the drains and the damp places on the hills are
abundantly covered with species of Campylopi, agreeing in this
respect with the West Highlands, north of the Firth of Clyde.
At least seven species of this genus are common, some of them
fruiting freely. The Zortulas are represented by such species as
muralis, ruralis, unguiculata, fallax, rigidula, spadicea, con-

Transactions. 9

voluta, tortuosa, &e. Of the Extinguisher mosses (EHncalypta), it
is rather strange that I have found only one species—streptocarpa,
on lime walls. The most common species of Splachnwm, with
their flagon-shaped fruit, are occasionally met with on the hills on
dung. Diphyscium folioswm, and Tetraphis pellucida are
common. The interesting genus Grimmia is well represented.
This genus is peculiarly saxicolous, and their neat, elegant,
and darkish tufts adorn the otherwise bare and weather-
beaten granite rocks and boulders. Grimmia pulvinata, the
cushion moss, is not a common species in the Glenkens,
though found in abundance in the south of the county. G.
doniana and trichophylla, with various species of Rhacomitriums,
almost clothe some of the Galloway dykes. Higher up
on granite is found in plenty G. Schultzia. My best finds
in this genus are G. commutata, on boulders by Loch Stroan,
evidently washed down by the Dee from some higher station, and
G. contorta, a very rare species, on the Milyea. The moistness of
the climate is very favourable to the growth of Orthotrichwms, no
fewer than thirteen species being found, and among these 0.
Hutchinsie, saxatile, rivulare, straminewm, rupestre crispwm,
puchellum, Lyellii, &e. I have hopes of finding also 0. Drum-
mondi, calvescens, and sprucei. Bartramia ithyphylla is
plentiful along the Ken, and on stones in the river itself is
Cinclidotus fontinaloides. Bryums and Mniums are fairly
represented, and among them, Brywm rosewm, the most beautiful
of the genus, according to some. Aulacomniwm androgynum, a
rare moss, I find only in one spot. All the “Pogonatwms, and
nearly all the Polytrichums, are found. Neckera crispa, a large
and elegant species, covers the stems of trees and rocks in the
glens, often in fine fruit. Meckera pumila, a much smaller
species, is given as occurring near the coast in Wigtown and
Dumfries. This I have not gathered. Leskea pulvinata, almost
unknown in Scotland, I have found in the Kenmure Holms.
Anomodon viticulosum, generally a common moss, occurs, with its
soft pale green tufts, only on the rock on which Kenmure Castle
stands. Hookeria lucens is common in some of the woods in wet
‘places. It is one of the most beautiful of vegetable forms, both
as regards its pale pellucid leaves and in its peculiar capsule, and
also as having, when fresh, the odour of the sweet violet. The
numerous genus of Hypnwm is well represented by about fifty

10 Transactions.

species, being found chiefly in woods and glens. Some love wet
places on the moors, as H. revolvens, scorpioides, straminewm,
Jluitans, &e. In addition to the very common species, I may
mention rarer ones, as—H. brevirostre, sarmentosum, gigantewm,
elodes (very rare, near Castle-Douglas), euwgyrwwm, palustre,
jilicinum, elegans, depressum, flagellare (a west of Scotland moss),
Swartzii, piliferum, &e., the last eight species, except H. flagellare,
being found in the Holme Glen. Higher up the hills, on the
Milyea, such sub-alpine species as the following are found :—
Anectangium compactum, Cynodontium Bruntoni, and Polycarpum,
Dicranum Blyttui, Grimmia patens, Zygodon lapponicum, the
curious and interesting moss Wdipodiwm Griffithianum, Tetra-
plodon mnioides, Oligotrichum hercynicum, and Racomitriwm
lanuginosum, covering acres of the tops of the hills with its
sombre, elastic, grey carpeting. The Glenkens is a district too
limited in extent to admit of any remarks as to the distribution
of species. Even when rare species occur they do so sparingly.
I may conclude by stating that almost all the species collected
have either been confirmed or determined by the kindness of the
Rev. John Fergusson, Manse of Fern, Brechin, one of our ablest
British bryologists.

Note.—20th February, 1884.—Since writing the above paper, I
have added a considerable number of mosses to the above-men-
tioned found in the Glenkens. The district, I find, is very rich
in the Sphagnacee, all the British species except one (S. Laidbergii )
and a great many varieties being found. Sphagnum Austini is in
great abundance in Moss Raploch. All the Polytrichums, except P.
Sexangulare ; all the Ulate, except Ludwigtt and calvescensocceer.
Among other mosses the following may be noted as interesting
additions :—Vontinalis squarrosa, Cryphea heteromalla, Barbula
papillosa, Grimmia funalis, G. Montava (a very rare Grimmia), G.
subsquarrosa ; among the Hypnums are found H. crassinerviwm,
Jaleatum, ochracewm, pumilum, dimorphuwm, polymorphum, and
rivulare ; Neckera pumila, with var. Philippeana, Bartramia
pomiformis, var. crispa, on the Black Craig, Dicranella cervi-
culata, Seligeria recurvata, var. morensis of Lencodon Scuiroides,
on trees at the Holme, Dicranwm Scottianwm, near Forrest, and
Bartramia Halleriana by the side of the river Ken—all have been
found since writing the above paper.

Cuculus Canorus.—Mr Adamson read a paper on this the

Transactions. 11

common Cuckoo, in which he stated that it is the only British
species of the genus, that for a number of seasons he has care-
fully observed its earliest notes, and that invariably it was first
heard on or about the 23rd of April. If the weather was genial,
it might be a day or two sooner ; if cold and backward, a day or
two later. It was rarely heard here after the month of July.

Ath March, 1881.

Mr J. G. Starke, President, in the Chair. Nineteen present.

Observatory Agreement. — The Chairman laid on the table
stamped copies of the agreement entered into between this
Society and the Astronomical Society (the Observatory Society),
to which the members of committee adhibited their signatures.

Donations.—By the President, Transactions of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland (Vol. 1—1782-1792), and Jamieson’s
Mineralogical Description of the County of Dumfries (1805) ; by
Mr Scott, Castle Street, four fossil bivalve molluscs and a piece
of lepidodendron from Dalmellington coal mines ; and by their
respective Societies, Part III. of the Epping Forest Field Club’s
Transactions, and five parts of the Annals of the New York
Academy.

The Late Mr Carlyle.—On the motion of the President, it was
resolved to record the deep regret of the members of this Society
at the death of Thomas Carlyle, ‘‘ who was born in Dumfriesshire,
attained a world-wide reputation, and is now buried in his native
village of Ecclefechan.”

Altered Trap.—Mr Dudgeon of Cargen communicated the
following paper descriptive of “ An Altered Trap occurring near
Newton-Stewart:”’—In an exceedingly interesting paper on the
‘Carboniferous Rocks of the Firth of Forth Basin,” which will
be found in Vol. XXIX. Transactions Royal Society, Edinburgh,
Professor Geikie notices the remarkable changes some of the
trap rocks have undergone, the trap or basalt having been
changed into serpentine. In most instances the whole mass has
undergone a complete transformation, the upper part still retain-
ing the characteristics of a hard compact trap or basalt. The
change apparently takes place from the lower parts upwards.
Professor Geikie says, alluding to a trap found at Blackburn

12 Transactions.

Quarry, ‘‘there is no line of demarkation to be drawn between
the higher and lower parts of the rock; they cannot indeed be
discriminated except by actual fracture and inspection, the whole
mass appearing as one and indivisable.” A striking instance of
this metamorphic change lately came under my observation at
the Black Craig Mine, near Newton-Stewart. I observed in the
rubbish heap considerable quantities of a dark greenish black
rock, which had been thrown out of the mines. On examination
I found it of a very soft nature, readily disintegrated by exposure
to the atmosphere, easily cut with a knife, and some portions of
it containing amygdaloidal cavities filled with calcite. It was
too soft for serpentine, but evidently of a serpentine nature. On
asking the superintendent of the mine about it he said there was
a vertical band of this rock running through the workings from
6 to 12 feet thick, the direction of the band being about N.E. to
8.W., which exactly corresponds with the strike of the trap dyke
running through the country, as is shown in the geological maps
recently published. It immediately struck me this might be an
instance of a transformed trap dyke such as Professor Geikie
alludes to in his paper. I sent him some specimens. The rock
is so soft that he found it extremely difficult to obtain satisfactory
slices for microscopic examination. He says—‘ In the meantime
I can announce with certitude that it is an altered eruption
plagioclase rock or trap, the felspar and magnetite ore quite
distinct, but the magnesian silicate, whatever it was, has gone.
It is not a serpentine in the proper sense, but rather a ser-
pentinized diabase or basaltic rock.” The whole of the mass in
question appears to have been completely transformed. I noticed
nothing amongst the large quantities I examined that had the
least approach to a hard trap or basalt. I found no appearance
of any trap or dyke appearing on the surface in the neighbour-
hood. From its extreme tendency to weather and crumble down,
any part of the eruption, if it ever came to the surface, must
have disappeared ages ago. The external mineralogical charac-
teristics of the rock are—Hardness, 2°5; specific gravity, 2°66 ;
colour, dark greenish black ; texture, granular ; streak, light grey.
Specimens of this rock and a sketch of a microscopic section sent
by Mr Dudgeon were handed round amongst the members and
examined with much interest.

Elfin Pipes.—A paper by Mr W. G. Gibson, entitled “ Elfin

Transactions. . 13

Pipes,” was next read, and a large number of these ancient
smoking tubes were exhibited in illustration.

Bat; and Voles.—Mr R. Service laid on the table specimens of
Daubenton’s Bat ( Vespertilio Daubentonii, Leister), which he had
captured at Loch Arthur, Lochaber, and other localities in the
Stewartry. He found it to be much commoner and of more
general distribution than had previously been suspected. He
also exhibited several Bank Voles (Arvicola glareola, Schreiber),
from Mabie, where these animals were not uncommon. The
species had not hitherto been recorded from Kirkcudbrightshire.

Lincluden Excavations.—The President read a paper descrip-
tive of recent excavations at Lincluden Abbey, not yet completed,
and of the objects of interest thereby brought to light. Among
the latter is what Mr Starke believes to be the effigy, in a broken
condition, of Lady Margaret Douglas, daughter of the Scottish
king—the figure life size, the costume that of a person of rank of
the period, and the head reposing on a cushion.

Ist April, 1881.

Mr Gipson Starke, President, in the Chair.
Large attendance.

New Members.—Mr T. Brown, Auchenhessnane, and Mr Andrew
M‘Kie of Anchorlee, Kirkcudbright.

Exhibits.—By the Secretary, specimens recently captured of the
black variety of the Water Vol (Ariocula amphibius) ; by Sheriff
Hope, a remarkable example of vegetable ternatology (procured
at Drumlanrig), in the shape of what was said to be a round
cluster of the cones of the pinaster, there being upwards of fifty
cones in the bunch, and all growing from a central point ; by the
Secretary, a curious mushroom, or rather trio of mushrooms, one
of the heads being of the usual size, and two others being inverted
in the cap of it, on each side of the apex ; by Dr Grierson, a very
fine bronze goblet, recently acquired for his Museum, and which,
he said, was found thirty years ago, along with two bronze plates
and another goblet now irrecoverably lost,—the manufacture
Romano-British, similar examples of which have been found in
Wigtownshire and Wales. Dr Grierson also exhibited a very
fine example of the nest of a trap-door spider from Australia,

14 Transactions.

A list of field-meetings as suggested by the Committee was
submitted and approved of.

The Various Breeds of Dogs.—Dr Grierson then delivered an
interesting lecture on “The Various Breeds of Dogs,” illustrated
with a very full series of the skulls of several races. The lecturer
first described the human skull; next he compared with this the
skulls of various lower animals; and, thirdly, he compared the
skulls of different races of dogs with each other, for the purpose
of pointing out the most typical form, and the variations that had
taken place in domestication. Alluding to the attachment of the
dog to man, he remarked that the nature of a dog corresponded
with its master’s. If he saw an unfriendly dog in a house, he was
prepared to meet an unfriendly master. If, on the other hand, he
met a kindly dog, he knew that the people who kept him would
be kindly. He had never experienced an exception to that rule.
Hogarth had the same idea. When he painted his own portrait
and that of his dog, he produced a remarkable resemblance
between the two.

DUMFRIESSIRE & GALLOWAY

SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL HIStory, AND
ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

TA Db) ae CO eid OuN ss

SESSION 1881-82.

Mechanics’ Institute, Dumfries. 7th October, 1881.

Mr Nettson, V.-P., in the Chair.

The first meeting of this session was held here to-night.
Fifteen members were present. Minutes of April meeting were
read and approved of.

New Member.—Mr Seiffert, watchmaker.

Donation.—By Mr F. W. Grierson, 12 interesting Photo-
micrographs,

Exhibit.—Mr J. Wilson exhibited a barren frond of Osmunda
regalis, found in Lochar Moss in July, and measuring 26 inches
in length.

The Secretary’s report of the past session was read and
adopted.

The Treasurer submitted his annual statement, shewing a
balance in hand of £8 6s 6d, as against 19s 2d in the previous
year; the income having been £17 9s 2d and the expenditure
£9 2s 8d.

Election of Office-bearers.—President—Mr J. Gibson Starke,
M.A., F.S.A., and F.R.C.I., of Troqueer Holm. Vice-Presidents—
Mr David Boyle Hope, Sheriff-Substitute ; Mr J. Neilson, M.A. ;
and Mr J. Rutherford of Jardington, Treasurer—Mr J.
Adamson, Secretary—A letter was read from Mr R. Service

16 Transactions.

requesting to be relieved of the office of Secretary ; but it was
agreed to urge him to continue to discharge its duties, and he was
thanked for his performance of them during the past five years.
Assistant Secretary—Mr Sam. Chrystie. Committee (in addition
to above)—Messrs J. Maxwell, J. Watt, J. H. Robb, J. W.
Kerr, W. Lennon, J. Wilson, R. Chrystie, and J. Williamson.

11th November, 1881.

Mr Gisson Starke, President, in the Chair.
Twenty-six Members were present.

On the motion of the President, a minute of regret was adopted
in connection with the death of Mr Gilchrist Clark of Speddoch,
whose acquaintance with Scottish Archeology was extensive and
intimate, and who was always ready to communicate information
to this Society in regard to local antiquities.

The Secretary stated that he was unwilling to assume all the
responsibility of his office, but was prepared to work with a
colleague, and on his suggestion Mr A. E. Truckell was, on the
motion of Mr Lennon, seconded by Mr Rutherford, elected joint-
secretary.

New Members.—Mr Robinson-Douglas of Orchardton ; Mr F.
R. Coles, The Hermitage, Tongland ; Mr J. Symington, Mr R.
Fisher, and Mr H. C. Dickson.

Donations.—The Fourteenth Annual Report of the Peabody
Museum of American Archeology, by the Trustees of the
Museum ; comb of the white ant, by Mr J. Inglis, Cachar ; celt of
porphyry, from Auchenhessnane, Tynron, by Mr James Shaw ;
silver cup, and an apron from the mummy of an Inca, found at
Lima, presented by Miss Eliza Sutherland, Eastbourne, Sussex ;
Paris miner’s halfpenny, by Mr Bailey ; two pennies of Geo. IIL,
1797, by Mr Williamson and Mr Scott.

Exhibits.—Spanish silver coin, 1635, found at Rockhall Tower,
shewn by Mr T. Watson; Spanish gold doubloon, 1788, by Rev.
J. B. Johnston ; small silver coin, bearing the number 21 sur-
mounted by the letter 8, found on site of Greyfriars’ Monastery,
Dumfries, shewn by Mr R. Fisher ; large round copper plate, found
in St. Michael’s Church during recent alterations, exhibited by
Rev. J. Paton; pair of live pigeons taken from nest in Barlocco
Cave on occasion of Society’s visit there in May, by Mr Sam.

Transactions. 17

Chrystie ; series of all the species of wasps occurring in this dis-
trict, by Mr R. Service ; Edinburgh halfpenny, by Mr Adamson,

Papers,—The President read a memorandum explanatory of
tradesmen’s tokens; and also a paper, “ An Antiquary’s Tour in
Switzerland,” descriptive of his journeyings there in August and
September last. The latter paper was illustrated by many photo-
graphs of scenery, historic buildings, monuments, together with
exquisite specimens of Swiss wood-carving, and a few pretty
groups of dried Alpine plants—Edelweiss, Alpine Ross, &e.

Mr Rutherford read a paper entitled ‘‘.A Wasp’s Nest, and
how she built it.” In the beginning of May last, he said, he
observed where a wasp ( Vespa vulgaris) had begun to build her
nest. From day to day he carefully watched her operations ; and
he particularly noted that when she returned with each load of
pulp, she spent half her time on the small dome under which were
the eggs. This he believed was for the purpose of imparting heat
to the eggs from her body. Mr Rutherford also referred to the
large quantities of wasps in this country in the summer of 1880,
and the scarcity of these insects in the following year, when, as
he believed, the cold weather which prevailed in June and July
was fatal to nearly all the queens and their eggs. The nest
described in the paper, dissected to shew the internal structure,
was presented to the Society.

4th December, 1881.

Mr Neison, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Eighteen Members present.

New Members.—Mr W. M‘Dowall ; Mr Irving Edgar.

Donations.—Seven coins, by Mr Forsyth, College Street ; series
of 25 coins, hy Mr R. Fisher; two French sou pieces, 1692, by
Mr Service; and the Bulletin of the U.S. Geographical and
Geological Survey of the Territories, sent by Dr V. Hayden,
New York.

Exhibits.—By My Fisher, several rare old tomes, including a
Huguenot Bible, 1616, “The Battle of Craignilder ” (a Galloway
- legend in verse), and a curious collection of sermons dated from
1614 to 1680; by Mr R. Grierson, Chapmanleys, a potato
through which a spear of couch grass had pierced a passage for
itself,

2

18 Transactions.

Mr Fisher read a paper entitled, ‘‘ Observations on Nature, and
Sketches of Travel on the West Coast of Africa.”

Birds that Breed in Parish of Dumfries.—Mr 8. Chrystie read
“An Annotated List of the Birds that Breed in the Parish of
Dumfries.” It was as follows :—

1. Kestrel (Falco tinnwnculus ).—Rare ; Maiden Bower Craigs.

2. Sparrow Hawk (Accipiter Nisus).—Common ; Dalscone
Woods.

3. Long Eared Owl (Otus vulgaris ).—Tinwald Downs.

4, Short Eared Owl ( Otuws brachyotus ).—Rare ; Tinwald Downs.

5. Barn Owl (Stria flammea ).— Common.

6. Brown Owl (Syrnium stridula).—Dalscone Woods.

7. Spotted Flycatcher (Musicapa grisola).—Common ; banks
of the Nith and Dalscone Woods.

8. Dipper (Cinclus aquaticus ).—Common near running water.

9. Missel Thrush (Zardus viscivorus).—Common ; Dalscone
Woods.

10. Common Thrush (Zardus musicus ).—Common.

11. Blackbird (Zardus merula).—Very common.

12. Hedge Sparrow (Aroccent modularis ).—Very common.

13. Robin (Lrythaca rubecula).—Very common.

14. Redstart (Phenicura rusticilla ).—Rare ; Locharbriggs.

15. Sone-Chat (Sawicola rubicola).—Rare ; Locharbriggs.

16. Whin-Chat (Saxicola rubetra).—Rare ; Locharbriggs.

17. Wheat-Ear (Saxicola enanthe).—Rare ; Locharbriggs.

18. Sedge Warbler (Salicaria phragimitis). — Common ;
Auchencreiff Loch.

19. Blackeap Warbler (Cuwrruca atricapilla ).—Common.

20. Garden Warbler (Curruca hortensis ).—Common.

21. Lesser White-Throat (Curruca sylviella).—Rare.

22. Common White-Throat (Cwrruca cinerea ).—Common.

23. Wood Warbler (Sylvia sibilatrix ).—Very rare.

24, Willow Wren (Sylvia trochilus).— Not common; near
Dalscone Woods,

25. Chiff-chaff (Sylvia hippolais).—Not common. ~

26. Golden Crested Wren (Regulus cristatus).—Common in
woods.

_ 27. Great Tit (Parus major ).—Common in Dalscone Woods.

28. Blue Tit (Parus ceruleus).—Very common ; near Carn-
salloch,

Transactions. 19

29. Cole Tit (Parus ater ).—Common ; near Carnsalloch.

30. Long Tailed Tit (Parus candatus ).—Rare.

31. Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba).—Very common.

32, Grey Wagtail (Motacilla boarula ).—Common.

33. Ray’s Wagtail (Motacilla flava ).—Rare.

34. Tree Pipit (Anthus arboreus ).—Common.

35. Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis ).—Very common; Lochar-
moss.

36, Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis ).—Exceedingly common.

37. Common Bunting (Emberiza miliaria). — Common in
Dalscone Woods.

38. Red Bunting (Lmberiza scheniclus.)—Common ; Lochar-
moss and Auchencrieff.

39. Yellow Hammer ( Lmberiza citrinella).— Very common.

40. Chaffinch (Fringilla celebs ).—Very common,

41. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).—Very common in
and near Dumfries.

42. Greenfinch (Coccothraustes chloris).—Common in thick
hedges.

43. Goldfinch (Cardiuls elegans).—Not common ; Dalscone
and Carnsalloch woods.

44, Siskin (Cardiulis spinus).—Very rare ; Locharbriggs.

45. Linnet (Linota cannabina).—Common ; Locharbriggs.

46. Bullfinch (Pyrrhula vulgaris)—Not common; Tinwald
Downs and Dalscone woods.

47. Starling (Sturnus vulgaris.—Common.

48. Crow (Corvus corrone).—Not common ; Brunt Fir Wood.

49. Rook (Corvus frugilegus).— Very common.

50. Jackdaw (Corvus monedula).—Very common in church
towers and ruinous buildings.

51. Tree Creeper (Certhia familiaris)—Common in woods.

52. Common Wren (Zroglodytes vulgaris).— Very common.

53. Cuckoo (Cweulus canorus).—Common near Locharmoss and
Locharbriggs.

54, Kingfisher (Alcedo ispidia).—Very rare ; near the Nith at
Carnsalloch Merse.

55. Swallow (Hirundo rustica).—Common.

56. Martin (Hirundo urbica),—Common in church towers.

57. Sand Martin (Hirundo riparia).—Very common ; Lochar-
briggs Quarries and banks of the Nith,

20 Transactions.

58. Swift (Cypselus apus).—Common ; church towers ; Castle-
bank Mill.

59. Night Jar (Caprimulgus Huwropeus).—Rare; Brunt Fir
Wood.

60. Pheasant (Phasianus Colchicus).—Common ; near woods.

61. Ring Dove (Colwmba palwmbus).—Very common.

62. Black Grouse (Z'etrao tetriaz).—Common ; Locharmoss.

63. Red Grouse (Lagopus Scoticus).—Very common ; Lochar-
moss.

64, Partridge (Perdia cinerea)—Common ; Locharmoss ; Carn-
salloch ; Dalscone.

65. Lapwing (Vamnellus cristatws).—Very common in pastures.

66. Common Heron (Ardea cinerea).—Not common ; Brunt
Fir Wood.

67. Curlew (Nwmenius arquata)—Common ; Locharmoss ;
Carnsalloch Meadow.

68. Common Sandpiper (Zotanus hypolewca), — Common ;
Locharmoss ; banks of the Nith.

69. Common Snipe (Scolopax gallinago)—Not common ;
Locharmoss.

70. Dunlin (Zringa variabilis)—Not common ; Locharmoss,

71. Land Rail (Crea pratensis).—Common in meadows.

72. Moor Hen (Gallinula chloropus)—Very common near
water.

73. Coot (Fulica atra).—Not common ; at Auchencrieff Loch.

74. Wild Duck (Anas boschas)—Common ; Locharmoss ;
Auchencrieff Loch.

75. Teal (Anas crecca).—Rare ; Locharmoss; Auchencrieff
Loch. '

Norre.—The Black-headed Gull (Larus rididimdus) has not
bred in the Parish since 1881.

By way of illustrating his paper, Mr Chrystie exhibited eggs
of the various species referred to.

6th January, 1882.

Mr J. Gipson StTaRKE, President, in the Chair.
Thirty-two members present.
New Members.—Mr W. Grierson of Chapelmount, Mr F. Reid,
Mr J. Thompson, and Mr Smith (C. R. Institution),

Transactions. 21

Donations.—Annual Report of Glasgow Archzological Society,
1881, from said Society ; from Mr Symington, Whinnyhill School-
house, 20 coins of various dates and nationalities.

Exhibits—By Mr Frank Grierson, specimen of the Lesser
Bladderwort, Utricularia vulgaris, found by him in Lochar Moss ;
by Dr Gilchrist, a mineral substance found near Holywood Station,
which he considered to be an erolite ; from Rey. J. Fraser, large
mass of Common Barnacle, Lepas passicularis, found by him on
Colvend shore.

Mr Rutherford exhibited a series of micro-photo transparencies,
by means of the lantern, and a series of microscopic objects, pro-
jected from the lantern microscope, illustrating animal struc-
ture. He also exhibited a number of local and other views, and
explained the different objects as they appeared upon the screen.

The meeting had next an opportunity of examining interesting
objects by means of a number of microscopes of various construc-
tion and power belonging to Mr Rutherford, Mr F. W. Grierson,
Mr Wilson, Rev. T. Bowman, Mr Davidson, and Dr T. P. Ander-
son Stuart.

3d February, 1882.

Sheriff Hope, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Thirty members present.
New Members.—Rev. J. Thyrde; Mr James Herries,
Donations.—Proceedings of Perthshire Society of Natural
Science ; Vol. L., part 1, and Vol. ITI., part 2, of the Transactions
of the Epping Forest and County of Essex Naturalists’ Field Club.
Exhibits.—By Mr Shaw, pieces of trap-rock from Tynron, with
curious cup-like markings; by Mr T. Brown, piece of steatite,
picked up at Holestane 3 by Mr S. Chrystie, an orange having
central segments ; by Mr Rutherford, a jasper, found on Hightown
Hill, Tinwald, a curious egg-shaped bit of Silurian rock, found at
Jardington, and two trays of rare old coins, respecting which last
he read some notes and an extract from an old work explaining
why our sterling coinage has the symbols £ s p. Mr P. Stobie
_ exhibited a volume of « Essays on Anatomy,” from the French,
dated 1832.
Propagation of the Filices.—Mr J, Wilson read a paper entitled
“The Propagation of the Filices,” illustrated by prepared speci-

22 ' Transactions.

mens and numerous microscopical drawings. He said:—The group
of plants which is known by the name of /ilices or Ferns forms one
of the most interesting and beautiful in the vegetable world. The
natural order of Filices is the most important section of the sub-
kingdom of cryptogamia, or flowerless plants, and is distributed
over the surface of the globe except the colder regions of the
frigid zones. It includes about 3000 different species, which vary
in size from about half-an-inch to more than 50 feet; and only
47 of these are indigenous to the British Isles. For more than
500 years these plants have excited the admiration of all classes
of society, and were regarded by the superstitious to be more or
less connected with the supernatural. During the greater portion
of this time their method of propagation was a mystery, but it was
thought that the “black spots” which were found on the backs of
the fronds had something to do with it. Owing to the improve-
ments made on the compound microscope, this vexed question of
botanists was at length solved by the unceasing exertions of
Nageli and Count Suminski. The first account of the develop-
ment was published by Nageli in 1844, and, although erroneous in
some particulars, it was in the right direction, but the credit is
due to Count Suminski, who some years later discovered the
true method. I shall not occupy your time in describing these
discoveries, or the difference between them, but proceed to the
subject of this paper.

Tf we look at the under surface of a ripe frond we find that it
is more or less covered with minute reddish-brown patches resem-
bling scales, which, if we examine closely, prove to be arranged in
small groups, or in some ferns, in short lines along the margins,
called sorii. I have here several fronds of different ferns on
which the arrangement of the sorii may be observed with the aid
of this small magnifying glass. In the polypodies (Polypodiwm),
the buckler (Zastrea), and the shield ferns (Polystichwm) the sovii
are circular, in the spleenworts (Aspleniwm), the hart’s tongue
(Scolopendriwm), and the hard fern (Blechnam) they are linear ;
while in the bracken (Péteris) and maiden-hair (Adiantwm) they
occur at the margin of the frond. On examining a sorus of either
the polypody or lastrea, with l-inch objective, we find that it is
composed of a number of minute rounded capsules or pouches,
supported on short stalks and arranged in a circular cluster, and
these are called sporangia, thece, or spore-cases. In the filix lastrea

Transactions. 23

the sporangia are covered by a thin membranous layer called the
indusium. The presence or absence of this covering, as well as
its shape, forms a distinguishing characteristic for several different
species. We see in the polypody it is wanting, in the male fern
it is kidney-shaped and attached at the side, in the lady fern
(Athyrium filix femina) it is kidney-shaped and fringed, while in
the shield fern it is circular and attached in the centre. Mr
Wilson next described experiments which he made in propagating
ferns from the spores, and exhibited numerous microscopic draw-
ings of the spores during their development into the leafy expan-
sion or prothallium. This prothallium, he said, does not develop
into the true fern, but it bears on its under surface the organs of
reproduction, viz. :—antheridium and archegonium ; these he
described, and traced the embryo fern until the young fronds were
fully developed. The result of his experience was that it takes
about four to six months before the prothallium is developed, and
twelve months more before the young fronds are fully formed.
The length of time, however, depending on the age of the spores.

The method of propagation which I have just described is
called the natural one, and if you will allow me, I shall briefly
introduce to you another, which may be called the artificial.
Some species of ferns possess peculiar vital properties, and although
they can be propagated from spores, they may also be by cuttings.
If a portion of the stipes of the common hart’s-tongue be cut off
so as to retain a piece of the caudex and planted in earth, covered
with glass, or placed in the dark, and kept warm and moist, it
springs up into a fully developed fern. If a portion of a vigorous
growing frond of the Lilia Lastrea ov Polystichum Angulare be
taken and the pinne cut off close to the rachis on the one side,
and placed under similar conditions as the hart’s-tongue, young
ferns spring up at the base of the other pinne, There is one
species, Campylopus flezuosus, which carries a young plant on the
tip of its frond, and two others, Asplenium Bulbiferum and
Asplenium viviperum, which bear a number of plants on their
fronds. I have growing in this flower-pot four young ferns which
were taken from the fronds of the parent Asplenium bulbiferwm in
June last. It was supposed that these were produced by the ripe
spores remaining in the sporangia, and on their being moistened
they developed into the young ferns, as is the case with some
tropical plants. Without questioning the accuracy of this state-

24 Transactions.

ment, I say they are produced independently of the spores. On
one of the plants before you there is a frond bearing a young one
which I have watched for some months, and before noticing its
progression you will observe that the parent plant has not yet
produced spores. Soon after it was planted I noticed at this
point a small spot of a lighter green than the rest of the pinnule,
and on watching I observed the vein which runs through it
gradually form into a little rounded mass, immediately nearer the
base of the pinnule, while the epidermis became raised into the
form of a little nodule. On several of the fronds of these plants
you may observe these rounded bulbils. This increased to the
size of a small pin-head when the epidermis became torn, and a
tiny frond made its appearance, which is now after five months’
growth about half an inch long and forked at the top. When
this increases to a convenient size it may be separated from the
parent by cutting off the pinnule to which it is attached, planting
it in a suitable place, and covering it with a glass shade for a
short time. I should like to have made a section through the
point of attachment, and examined it with a high power, but as
the plant is too young I must wait until a future occasion, when
I hope to perform that delicate operation.

Tongland, with Notes of its Flora.—Myr F. R. Coles read a paper
entitled ‘“Tongland, with Notes of its Flora.” The paper com-
prised a survey of the many varied and beautiful 4andscape
features of the parish, which lies in a triangle formed by the river
Dee, the “Twynholm” Hills, and the streams forming the Spout
of Auchentalloch and the Tarff, respectively on the east, north,
and western boundaries. Within this space some 305 species of
Flowering Plants had been collected by the author, exclusive of
Junci, Cyperacee, and Gramine. The rocky bank of the Dee
and the hill region were especially rich in plants; but several
maritime and semi-maritime species were also found, owing to the
high level of the tide at the junction of the Tarff and Dee.
Among the rarer or more interesting plants to be found in Tong-
land are several varieties of Ranunculus aquatiles, Lychnis
vespertina, Geranium lucidum, Enonymus Europeus, Poterium sanguis-
orba, Epilobium hirsutum, Valeriana dioica, Valerianella dentata,
Andromeda polyfolia, Myosotis palustris, var. Strigulosa, Origanum
vulgare, Primula veris, Serratula tinctoria.

Notes on Local Ornithology.—Mr R. Service read a paper

Transactions. 25

entitled “‘ Notes on the Local Ornithology of the last Six Months.”
As usually happens when we have a mild autumn and winter,
more of the scarcer birds have put in an appearance than in
severe weather. In hard seasons the birds go farther south to
winter, and the scarce species, when they happen to call in
passing, make such a brief stay that their presence is scarcely
noticed. In the weather of the autumn months the birds found
no cause for hurrying ; but, on the contrary, frequent and violent
gales detained the later migrants for weeks, when in calmer
weather they would have passed rapidly southwards. Towards
the end of September the quick and simultaneous departure of the
Sylviide and some others was a very noticeable fact. In ordi-
nary*seasons the numbers gradually lessen day by day—or rather
night after night, for it is during the night that they depart—
during perhaps the entire month of September, and so gradually
do they disappear that, when all have left, we hardly seem to
miss them. But this was not the case last autumn, for some
species left entirely within a couple of days. For instance, the
Swifts were in their usual numbers up till the evening of the 6th
- August. I saw a few stragglers—not more than half-a-dozen—
the following day, but not one afterwards in this district (although
I may remark parenthetically that I saw a pair of Swifts at
Ravelston, near Edinburgh, on the 26th of August). The stay
of these and other soft-billed insect-eating birds is of course in a
great measure influenced by the abundance or scarcity of par-
ticular kinds of food, and this again depends upon the weather.
Some of the warblers can subsist upon berries after their usual
food has disappeared, and instances have been often recorded of
individual Blackcaps being met with long after their summer
companions had gone. I can now add another instance to those
that have been recorded of the stay of this species in this country
till after winter had begun. This Blackeap which I now exhibit
was brought to me on 29th November by a boy who had killed it
with a stone, from off a rowan tree in his father’s garden, which
is situated behind the row of houses forming the east side of
Galloway Street. The boy said he had observed the bird feeding
on the rowanberries every afternoon for about a week previous.
It was accompanied by another of the same species, which was seen
frequently on the same tree during the first fortnight of December.
It is a curious coincidence that the only Blackcap procured later

26 Transactions.

in winter than my specimen should have been procured in a
precisely similar manner. Mr Robert Gray, who had the other
specimen I speak of, stated “that the specimen was observed by
one of the boys at Merchiston School, near Edinburgh, on the
5th January (1878), and brought down by a stone from a catapult,
in the use of which these boys are certainly proficient, however
much they may be behind in other attainments.” . [Zoologist,
Third Series, Vol. II., p. 221.] During the most of August some
very large flocks of Greenfinches were noticed in the immediate
neighbourhood of Dumfries. They remained for a few weeks, and
then left, and did not re-appear till the second week of January.
In the last week of September, the Meadow Pipits or Titlarks
were in extraordinary numbers here, and in walking through the
fields in the evening, one put them up in two’s and three’s at
almost every step. From the great numbers seen, I do not think
the birds of these two species could have been of local origin.
Snow Buntings were seen plentifully by the middle of October.
I refer to the large migratory flocks that visit us nearly every
winter, not to the stragglers that have been seen in every month
of the year on some of the highest of the Galloway hills, where it .
is just possible they may yet be found breeding. For several
winters past, Snow Buntings have visited the Stewartry in great
numbers, frequenting the hillsides in open weather, and coming
down to the shore and the fields when snow covered the ground.
My friend and fellow member, Mr Tom Brown, Auchenhessnane,
writing on Dec. 6th, with reference to Snow Buntings seen by him
on the wild tract of country between Wanlockhead and Crawford-
john, says: ‘On Sunday the ground was covered with snow, and
they gathered down from the hills, and collected together into
flocks containing several hundreds. On Monday the snow was
all gone, when the birds again scattered over the hills, in pairs
often, but generally in small parties.” That is a very good
description of their behaviour in our district during the winter
months. About the beginning of November considerable numbers
of the Bramblefinch, or ‘Cock 0’ the North” as they are locally
termed, made their appearance. These are oftener seen about the
woodlands than in the open fields. I exhibit a young male Great
Grey Shrike, which was caught on Ist December in a rather
singular way. It had flown at the call-birds of a birdcatcher, who
was plying his vocation on the Dalbeattie road, and in its endea-

Transactions. 27

vours to get at the birds within it was caught on the limed twigs.
It lived for more than a fortnight with me; I fed it with small
birds, mice, soaked bread, and hemp seed. It had a capital
appetite, but the food was unsuitable in some respects. It fixed
the birds and mice between the wires of the top of its cage, and
tore them in pieces before eating them. The species is of very
rare occurrence in the Stewartry. Fieldfares and Redwings have
been very seldom seen, while during October and November Song
Thrushes and Missal Thrushes were exceptionally numerous.
Sporting friends complain of the scarcity of Snipes and Wood-
cocks, and it is evident these have not reached our district in their
usual numbers. A Spotted Crake was procured at Lockerbie
House in September, and I had an opportunity of examining this
rare species while it was in Mr Hastings’ possession for preserva-
tion. The rarest bird I have to record is a Black-tailed Godwit,
shot on the Nith, and sold to Mr Hastings by the young man who
procured it. Mr Hastings tells me it is the first local specimen
he has had in the course of his long experience. The great
storms of October and November will long be remembered for the
destruction of property and loss of life, both on sea and land, and
these storms were not without an influence on the birds. Great
numbers of Guillemots, and Razorbills, and a few Puffins were
washed ashore on several parts of the Stewartry coasts. At one or
two places on the Solway they might have been taken up in cart-
loads. This was more particularly the case after the storm of the
14th October. They were nearly all young birds, and most of
them were in poor condition. A specimen of Leach’s (or the
Fork-tailed) Petrel was sent me which had been picked up near
Carsethorn on the morning of the awful tempest that raged during
the night of the 21st and 22d November. Mr Hastings also got
a specimen at the same time from the same coast. These two are,
I think, the first got in Kirkeudbrightshire. The species is not
scarce off the outlying points of the west coast of Scotland, but it
is only in the greatest storms that it seeks the comparative shelter
of such places as the Solway Firth. Mr Hastings got a Little Auk
in the middle of December from Mr M‘Caskie, gamedealer. I
have not yet learned in what part of the district this little Arctic
wanderer was procured, but its occurrence here is doubtless attri-
butable to the prevalence of stormy weather. There is a specimen
of this bird in the Observatory, which was procured on the

28 Transactions.

Colvend coast about sixteen years ago, and another was got at
Auchencairn by the late Mr Ivie Mackie about twelve years since.
The severe gales retarded the migration of the shore birds during
October to a great extent, causing them to “accumulate” in our
district for several weeks. On the 12th October I saw a twenty-
acre field completely covered with Lapwings. At the same time,
and for about a fortnight afterwards, the number of birds on the
Solway banks was most extraordinary. The great majority of
these were Bartailed Godwits, Oyster Catchers, and Knots. Just
outside the line of breakers opposite the rocks at Southerness
Point, Scamps and Scoters were especially numerous diving above
the mussel beds. As they rose and fell on the crests of the heay-
ing waves, these birds formed many an interesting and beautiful
group. Gray Plovers have not been uncommon on the Solway
banks during the winter, but the larger wild fowl have been
rather scarce. Barnacle-geese have been few in number, as com-
pared with the immense flocks seen during the two previous
winters. A few Wild Swans were seen in the early part of
December, but the species was not ascertained. Several
Mergansers were procured in November both on the sea and on
inland waters. Although common in some parts of the country,
they are very scarce here. A Great Northern Diver was shot on
Castledykes pool on 17th November by Mr Irving Edgar. I can-
not conclude this paper without drawing attention to the great
good that is likely to result to our native birds by the Act passed
in 1880 for the purpose of protecting them during the breeding
season. In a few years we may hope to see a great increase in
their numbers. Asking one of the professional gunners of the
Solway one day lately how the Act was affecting him, he replied
that “It has completely spoiled the best of the shooting !’—that
is, during March and April, when the birds are pairing, and have
put off that wariness which characterises most species during the
winter months. From a naturalist’s point of view, better testi-
mony to the value of the Act could not be got. What is still
needed is an Act to protect the eggs of birds. It seems quite an
anomalous state of matters that people dare not shoot (say) a
Hedge Sparrow, but may take its eggs with impunity. The gun-
tax has also done a very appreciable amount of good in diminish-
ing the number of idle fellows who wander along our tidal rivers
and country roads, destroying everything in the shape of a bird

Transactions. 29

that they come across. If the tax were doubled in amount the
birds and the revenue would be equally benefited.

2d March, 1882.

Mr Neiuson, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Nineteen present.

New Members.—Mr Campbell Boyd, yr., of Merton Hall; Mr
John Cowan, Birkhill; Mr W. Allan.

Donation.—Transactions of New York Academy of Sciences
(one part), presented by the Academy.

Exhibits By Mr R. Service, about 60 species of North Ameri-
can Birds, including several which occur in Britain as rare
stragglers.

Mr Service read a paper entitled “ Sphinx Convolvuli in this
District,” and exhibited a pair of these moths captured in the
autumn of 1881. He also read a paper entitled “ Notes on the
Gold Coast,” communicated by Mr J. D. Fairley.

13th April, 1882.

Mr Srarke, President, in the Chair.
Thirty-nine present.

New Members.—Mr Carson, Newbridge, and Messrs W. Allan,
J. Maxwell, and J. Roddan, Dumfries.

Exhibits—By Mr Scott, Castle Street, an old stone whorl, a
series of carboniferous fossils from Dalmellington, and an iron
ladle found in the Moat of Carlaverock Castle; by Mr W. G.
Gibson, some beautiful examples of gum copal with insects
enclosed.

It was remitted to the Committee to prepare a list cf summer
field meetings, and also, to be dealt with by them, a proposal of
Mr Wilson’s to hold a conversazione in the autumn.

Dr T. P. Anderson Stuart then delivered an introductory
_ lecture on “ Digestion,” illustrated with numerous diagrams pre-
pared for the occasion by Mr F. W. Grierson.

are “ # er »
FE oar ie iss] Karey

Sera tar: aia Kise ws e: eee hy
= puree in Pines Actas SPP F an VS att ie
ey Ae ees a te aa

a Peet (it “i - fay a Pat! Ser
a ams Sars ay GRRE OF RT

an Sratepernt- 7 a (om fa04 3} et):
=e Ee, Oi aes am det AE aa fe
ai Sicha or; f sae Se

Tas Maisrea Prenys. ea)

a bites ee
oa Peg eee

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY
SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL History, AND

ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

SS SEES

TR ANS A) Ce T Oo NS:

SHSSION 1882-8ss.

6th October, 1882.
ANNUAL MEETING.

Mr RutHeErForD, Vice-President, in the Chair.

New Members.—Messrs J. Grierson, solicitor ; J. G. Laidlaw,
Bank of Scotland ; W. Bailey, Herald Office; J. Smellie, Queen’s
Place.

Donations.—Picked dog-fish, from Mr Birrell; flounder having
both sides dark, caught at Carsethorn, 22d Sept., from Mr James
Lennox ; Vendace, together with a block of wood of supposed lake
dwelling at the Castle Loch, from Mr P. Waugh, Lochmaben ;
impression in wax of “Great Seal” of Queen Anne, from Mr
Davidson of Summerville; coin of James I. of Scotland ; bottle
containing young cod-fish taken off Girvan, from Mr Moodie;
annual report for 1880 of Smithsonian Institution, from the Secre-
tary of the Interior, U.S.A. ; four parts of Annals of New York
Academy of Sciences; two parts of Transactions of Epping Forest
and County of Essex Field Club, from said Club; one part Trans-
actions of Edinburgh Geological Society ; three numbers of the
Field Naturalist, from Publisher.

Exhibits—Mr F. W. Grierson exhibited the following plants
beautifully mounted and hung round the walls of the room :—
Ranunculas peltatus — Maxwelltown Loch. Drosera anglica

32 Transactions.

—Lochanhead ; Lochar Moss. JD. intermedia—Lochanhead ;
Lochar Moss. Alsine verna —Torrheugh, Colvend. Vicia
sylvatica — Cargen glen. Sazxifraga granulata — Cluden
banks. S. hypnoides—Genquhargan Craig, Tynron. Lryngiwm
maritimum—Bridge hay, Borgue. Cicuta virosa—Castle Loch,
Laggan Hill, Colvend. Lobelia
dortmanna—Lochaber ; Loch Lotus. Scrophularia aquatica—

Lochmaben. Senecio viscosus

Colvend. Linaria minor—Lochmaben station. Veronica ana-
gallis—Maxwelltown Loch ; Banks of Cargen, &e.. Orobanche
major—Auldgirth ; Locharbriggs. Lycopus ewropwus—Castle
Loch, Lochmaben. Calamintha acinos—Castle-Douglas road.
Utricularia minor—Lochar Moss, near Racks. Samolus valer-
andi—Glencaple. Typha angustifolia—Castle Loch, Lochmaben.
Gagea lutea—near The Grove. <Aliwm vineale—Colvend.
Tosetes tacustris—Ironhash Loch, Colvend. Ulmus montana—
Cargen Glen. Mr Wilson also exhibited the following :—
Nepeta cataria—Locharbriggs. Linaria minor—Lochmaben,
Ornithopus perpusillus — Locharbriggs. Instera cordata ;
Saxifraga hypnoides ; Lycopodiwm selago ; L. selagnoides ; Habe-
naria bifolia; H. albida; Rubus saxatilis,— which were gathered
at the Society’s excursion in June. Sedum anglicum, S. acre,
and Arenaria verna—found at July excursion. Sagina nodosa ;
Glaux maritima, Glencaple. The following were gathered in the
neighbourhood of Dumfries :—Mimulus luteus ; Parnassia palus-
tris; Polygonum bistorta ; Stachys betonica ; Lycopus ewropeus ;
Calamintha acinos; Chrysosplenium alternifoliwm ; Calluna
vulgaris (white variety), Also Utricularia vulgaris in flower,
not from this neighbourhood. Mr J. M‘Meekan exhibited a

number of fossils from the Carboniferous Strata of the Kirkbean.

coast ; also a frond of Lastrea filix mas., over 6 feet in length
found at Arbigland. The Chairman also exhibited a number of
fossils from the Carboniferous System.

The SEcrETARY submitted the following report :—We have much
pleasure in reporting that the Society has increased greatly in
prosperity during the past session, Thirty-one new members
have joined, and six members have been taken off the roll from
various causes, thus leaving the roll of membership at 137—a net
increase of 25, It should be noted that nearly all the new
members are resident at a distance, which prevents them attend-
ing the meetings regularly, but they are almost without exception

Transactions, 33

gentlemen who take an active interest in the objects for which the
Society was instituted, and who form a valuable addition to its
strength and capability for carrying out its aims. The meetings
have been with one exception—the September field meeting,
which did not take place—very well attended ; there having been
an average attendance of 22 at the winter meetings and 21 at the
summer field meetings, not taking the September meeting into
account. The publication of a “Flora of Dumfriesshire and
Kirkeudbrightshire” marks an important advance in the work of
the Society. The volume has attracted considerable notice from
hotanical students, and obtained favourable comments in some of
the scientific periodicals. The members are under great obliga-
tions to Mr M‘Andrew for the laborious work he undertook in its
compilation. The arrangement with the management of the
Observatory, whereby the articles belonging to the Society have
been deposited in the Museum, in return for which the members
enjoy certain privileges, has wrought very well during the past
year, and has conferred a mutual benefit on each institution.
The articles sent to the Museum since our last ordinary meeting
in April are as follow :—

No. 159, April 28, Vendace from Major Bowden ; No. 160,
do., Albino flounder, from Mr Ballantine, Carsethorn ; No. 17 1
June Ist, Group of Zoophytes and Sponge, Southerness’; No. 178,
do., Pipe fish from Mr Black ; No. 17 9, do. Egg from inside of an
ordinary domestic hen’s egg, from Mr R. Maxwell 3 No. 180, do.,
Small Drawing of Kirkcudbright Castle, from Mr Thomson ; No.
184, June 21st, Tiger python, shot in Cachar by Mr Inglis, from
Mr Service ; No. 187, July 18th, Sepia officinalis, caught at Loch
fishery, Gretna, ‘from Mr Irving; No. 191, Aug. 30th, Thirty-
four specimens of Carices ; No. 193, do., Centipede from Mozam-
bique, from Mrs Aitken, Church Crescent ; No. 194, do., Adder,
Mabie, from Mr Service; No. 195, do., Slow-worm caught on
Millgreen, from Mr Service ; No. 196, Broad nosed eel ; No. 197 :
Sharp nosed eel; No. 198, Jar with three roach 3 No. 199, ditto ;
No. 200, Jar with one roach 3 No, 201, Jar with perch 3—all got
at Kirk Loch on the occasion of the field meeting at Lochmaben.
These articles bring up the total number of specimens belonging
to the Society deposited in the Observatory to 137.

We would like to direct attention to the desirability of members
doing something to form a collection of our local fishes, a nucleus

34 Transactions.

of which has now heen got together. This might be done with
but little expense, and such a collection would be of extreme interest,
Almost nothing is known scientifically of our local ichthyology, and
we have reason to believe that amongst the fresh water fishes
Coregonus mardenuta (the vendace) is not the only unique species
to be found here. What has become of that pretty little species
Cyprinus tidus, which the late Dr Walker is stated, in Stewart's
Elements of Natural History, to have found at the mouth of the
Nith? We throw out the suggestion in the hope that the mem-
bers may take note of it. We have also to draw your attention
to a clause in the Observatory Agreement which binds us to assist
to the best of our ability in forming a collection representative of
the local Fauna. Although we are depositing quite as many
articles as are coming to the Observatory Committee, still we
think the members might contribute to a much greater extent
than at present. There are no insects in the Observatory ; the
birds are very inadequately represented; and many of the local
quadrupeds are awanting.

The report was unanimously adopted.

Thereafter the Treasurer (Mr Wm. Adamson) submitted his
financial statement for the past session, shewing the Income and
Expenditure to he as follows :—

INCOME. EXPENDITURE.
By Balance, ... ft £8 6 8 | Secretary’s Account, £917 7%
92 Subscriptions at 286d, 11 10 0 | Cost of printing ‘‘ Trans-
28 Do. at 5s, RADE ® actions,” Circulars, Syl-
2 Copies of ‘‘Trans.” sold, 0 1 0 labus, Cards, Letter
paper, Envelopes, &., 14 7 6
Treasurer’s Outlay, C 4 1k
Balance on hand, _... 2USa
£26 17 6 £26 17 6

After considerable discussion it was resolved that the Report
should be received and remitted to the Committee for examination.

A letter was then read from Mr J. Gibson Starke, of
Troqueer Holm, desiring that he be not re-elected President, as
the honour had been so frequently conferred on him,

On the motion of Mr Maxwell, seconded by Mr Watson, it was
unanimously resolved to record in the minutes the Society’s sense
of the admirable manner in which Mr Starke and the other retir-
ing office-bearers had discharged their duties during their tenure
of office,

Transactions. 35

The following office-bearers were then elected :—President,
Dr Gilchrist, Linwood; Vice-Presidents, Sheriff Hope, Mr Ruther-
ford of Jardington, and Mr Wilson, Inland Revenue ; Treasurer,
Mr W. Adamson—all unanimously.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of Secretaries, when
Mr Watson moved, seconded by Mr Maxwell, that Mr R. Service
be re-elected Joint Secretary. Agreed. Mr James Lennox moved,
seconded by Mr F. W. Grierson, that Mr A. E. Truckell be
re-elected Joint Secretary. On an amendment being proposed
that Mr Truckell be elected as Assistant Secretary to Mr Service
instead of Joint Secretary as heretofore, Mr Service objected, and
resigned his appointment. After some discussion Mr Watson
moved, seconded by Mr Chrystie, that Mr J. Wilson be elected
Joint Secretary along with Mr Truckell. This was ultimately
agreed to. Mr 8. A. Chrystie was re-elected Assistant Secretary.

The following gentlemen were appointed Members of Com-
mittee :—Messrs W. Lennon, G. Robb, J. Watt, P. Stobie, J.
Neilson, T. Watson, J. M‘Meekan, and J. Lennox.

A letter from the Rev. W. Graham, Trinity, Edinburgh, was
read, in which he stated that he had obtained the necessary con-
sent to his opening up one of the inner Fosses at Lochmaben
Castle, and requesting the patronage and assistance of the Society
in doing so. It was agreed to comply with the request.

The meeting thereafter, on account of the lateness of the hour,
agreed to adjourn till Friday evening next, when the remainder of
the business would be taken up.

13th October, 1882.
ADJOURNED ANNUAL MEETING.

Dr Giucurist, President, in the Chair,
Thirty-three present.

A draft of the minutes of last meeting was read and corrected.
A letter was read from Sheriff Hope regretting his inability to
accept the office of Vice-President. On the motion of Mr Watson,
seconded by Mr Wilson, it was resolved to appoint Mr M‘Andrew,
New-Galloway, to said office. Mr Watson read a correspondence
which had passed between Mr Wilson and Mr Service as to

36 Transactions.

delivery by the latter to the former of the books, &c., belonging
to the Society in his possession. Thereafter, by mutual agree-
ment, Mr Wilson and Mr Truckell both resigned their position as
Joint Secretaries. On the motion of Mr Truckell, seconded by
Mr Wilson, Mr Rutherford of Jardington was elected Secretary
in their stead.

Mr Wilson made a statement regarding a proposed course of
Lectures in connection with the Society, and Mr Truckell read a
letter he had received from Mr Reid, Bank of Scotland, on the
same subject, suggesting a course of Lectures from the Combe
Trust. After discussion it was resolved to remit the matter to
the Committee for consideration. The Secretary was instructed
to ascertain the conditions on which the Combe Lectures were
delivered.

Mr Wilson moved, seconded by Mr Chrystie, that the place of
meeting in future be the Free Masons’ Hall, High Street. Mr
Moodie moved an amendment, seconded by Mr Service, that the
meetings be held as at present in the Mechanics’ Institute. The
motion was carried by a majority.

New Members.—Mr Wm. Dickie, Standard Office, and Miss
. Chrystie, Buccleuch Street.

Mr J. W. Kerr was re-elected Auditor.

The Secretary laid on the table a copy of the ‘“ List of Foreign
Correspondents of the Smithsonian Institute, New York,” which
had been presented to the Society by that institution.

3rd November, 1882.—Free Masons’ Hall.

Dr Gitcurist, President, in the Chair. Twenty-
seven present.

The minutes of last meeting were read, and, after some correc-
tion, approved of.

New Members.—Miss Robb, Castle Street; Miss May Robb ;
Dr Richardson, C. R. Institution; Mr Bruce, do. ; Mr Jas. Bruce,
do.; Mrs Wilson, Dumfries; Miss Muir, Linwood ; Mr Robert
Bruce, Wallace Street; Mr John Thomson, Irish Street; Mr
Samuel Dickie, Glasgow Street; Mr T. Brown, Grammar School ;
and Mr A. Bennett, F.L.8., 107 High St., Croydon, as a Corres
ponding Member,

Transactions. 37

Exhibits—By Mr Davidson of Summerville, a beautiful
ammonite from Whitby, and a very perfect arrow-head from
Knockgray, Carsphairn; by Mr Rutherford, a hornstone celt,
found at Fernycleuch, Tinwald.

The Secretary called the attention of the meeting to several
encouraging letters he had received from Members of the Society ;
amongst which was one from Mr J. J. Armistead, The Fishery,
Kinharvie, with the promise of a Lecture on “Fish and Fish
Hatching,” which would be given on the 19th of January next,
and an invitation to the members of the Society to go
down to Kinharvie and see the “ Fishery” when the hatching
was in process. <A letter was read from Mr Bennett, F.L.S.,
Croydon, offering for distribution a packet of Characew, and
to assist any of the members at any time in naming Potamo-
geton, Characee, and other Pond-weeds.

The Secretary further reported that he had along with the
Treasurer examined the accounts for last year, and that instead of
there being a balance of £2 8s 3d in favour of the Society, as
reported at the Annual Meeting, the Society was at that time
£8 1s 9d in debt.

The Secretary intimated that the following course of extra
lectures would be given during the winter :—November—
“Natures Tiny Workmen,” by Dr Gilchrist; December—
** Atmospheric Electricity, with Experiments,” Mr Rutherford ;
January— Fish and Fish Hatching,” Mr J. J. Armistead,
Solway Fishery ; February—‘ The Brain and Nervous System,”
Dr Grierson, Thornhill ; March—“ A Cup of Tea,” Mr J. Wilson ;
April— Bruce’s Castle, Lochmaben, its Past, Present, and Future,”
Rev. W. Graham, Trinity, Edinburgh.

The Chairman proceeded to deliver the first part of his lecture
on Corals and Corallines, entitled “‘ Nature’s Tiny Workmen,”
which was illustrated with a large number of diagrams and proved
to be highly interesting.

Rare Birds.—Myr Hastings, taxidermist, read the following
paper on “Rare Birds.” In looking back upon what is past of
this year, I have to communicate as follows regarding rare birds
that occasionally make their appearance in this district. In the
early spring I received «a specimen of Blacktailed Godwit, Limosa
melanwra, shot on the banks of the Nith not far from Glencaple,
It is the only one I have ever had shot in this country. I have

38 Transactions.

had the skins of some shot in Egypt. It is a small-bodied bird,
not much larger than a common snipe, but it has very long slender
legs, adapting it for wading in little pools that abound in the
marshy districts which it usually frequents. It is the only bird
that has come my way which I consider worthy of special notice
on account of rarity. I have a bird here, however, that has
puzzled me a good deal to ascertain what it really is. I have all
along called it the Manx Puffin. There is a bird known by that
name, but it belongs to a different class. It is also called the
Manx Shearwater, and it is a true petrel. The bird before us is
described by different authors as the young of the Razorbill, Alca
Forda, but I cannot agree with that opinion, as I have had speci-
mens of it in the spring, in the most beautiful adult plumage, and
not a trace of the Razorbill could be seen more than is to be seen
in the bird before us. Sometime about the beginning of August
last I received from Stranraer a young Razorbill, the skin of
which I have here, and it shows at a glance what it is. Some
weeks later I received from Dalbeattie a young bird of the one
under consideration ; and the difference betwixt it and the one
from Stranraer is very marked. The latter is the true Razorbill
in spring plumage. Montaigne considered the other to be a dis-
tinct species, and gave it the name of the Black-billed Auk ;
Bewick also mentions the Black-billed Auk as distinct, but seems
to have agreed with Latham that it was the young Razorbill.
Before we can arrive at that conclusion we must admit that
the bill of the bird is further removed from the normal type
the second or third year than it is the first year, a conclusion
contrary to all analogy. I should like if the Society could be
the means of throwing some fresh light on the subject.

lst December, 1882.

Mr M‘Anprew, Vice-President, in the Chair. Forty-two present.

New Members.—Messrs Calderhead, burgh surveyor ; Johnston,
draper ; Armistead, The Fishery, Kinharvie; W. Dunbar, High
Street; Dr J. Connal Wilson, Thornhill; Miss Laing, 9 Catherine
Street ; Miss Johnston, Catherine Street; Miss M‘Naughton ;
Mr Tait, tweed merchant ; Miss Gillies, Maxwelltown; and Mr
W. Anderson, Netherwood.

Transactions. 39

It was agreed that lady members be charged no enrolment fee,
and that life members be admitted on payment of £2 2seach. It
was further resolved that the name of the Society shall be
“ Dumfriesshire and Galloway Scientific, Natural History, and
Antiquarian Society,” which is the title printed in Transactions
No. 2.

Exhibits.—Copy of the Edinburgh Courant, dated 1705, and
piece of polished limestone conglomerate, by Mr M‘Meekan ;
piece of the first steam ship, large ammonite, coralline, and several
other fossils, by Mr Todd.

The Characee, with special reference to the British specres.—
A paper was read, contributed by Mr A. Bennett, F.1LS.,
Croydon, corresponding member. The paper was illustrated
with a large number of specimens, which were presented to the
Society :—After noticing the little attention which has been given
to this branch of Botany, Mr Bennett said—“The Characee
forms an independent natural order between the Mosses and the
Algae. In 1880, the Messrs Groves published in the Jowrnal of
Botany their admirable review of the British Characew, with four
plates containing figures of all the then known species. At the
end of that year he found that some Cornish specimens belonged
to Chara baltica, and in September of that year he was fortunate
enough to discover in Norfolk C. stelligerta. In 1881 Mr H.
Groves found C. contraria in Wichen Fen, Cambridgeshire ; soon
afterwards Mr Bennett found in Norfolk C. tomentosa, and along-
side of it C. stelligeria, the former being an addition to the
British flora, but known in Ireland since 1847. There are still
several continental species that may be found, especially in Scot-
land, The Scandinavian flora is very rich in these plants,
especially that of the southern provinces ; and these being mainly
in the same latitude as Scotland, it is not unreasonable to expect
additions to our lists. With regard to their distribution outside
our country, they are found from the hot springs of Iceland to the
tropics, high up in the Andes of South America to the Lakes of
British North America, but principally in the temperate zones.
The genera included in the order are Chara Lychnothamuns,
Tolypella, and Nitella. The known species are about 140; of
these we have 12 species of Chara, 1 of Lychnothamnus, 3 of Toly-
pella, and 7 of Nitella.” Mr Bennett concluded his very valuable
paper by intimating that it any of the members would take up

40 Transactions.

the study he would gladly help in any way in the naming or
communicating of specimens, references to books, &c. A very
neat diagram illustrating each genus accompanied the paper.
The following is the list of British Characew sent by Mr Bennett :—

Chara fragilis, Desv.—Common.

» Jragifera, Durien.—Rare ; Cornwall.
connivens, Salz.—Very rare ; Hants, Devon.
5 aspera, Wrlld.—Rather rare.
tomentosa, Lwin.—Rare ; Norfolk; Ireland.
» polyacantha, Braun.—Rare ; Fife.
» hespida, Luin.—Fairly common.
» rudis, Braun.—Rare ; Fife.
» vulgaris, Luin.—Common.
» crassicaulis, Kiitz.—Rare.
crunita, Wallr.—Very rare ; Cornwall ; Dorset.
delicatula, Brawn.—Rare ; Aberdeen.
Lychnothamnus alopecuroides, Delile.—Isle of Wight.
Tolypella glomerata, Leonhardi.—Rather rare.

p prolifera, i .—Very rare; Sussex; Dublin.
x wmtricata, - .—Rare.
Nitella, tenuissima, Kiitz.—Rare; Cambridge; Wales; Norfolk:
a gracilis, Smith.—Rare ; Sussex ; Dublin.

mucronata, Kiitz.—Rare ; Sussex ; Bedford.
.. translucens, Kiitz.—Rare; Perth.
Jlexilis, Ag.—Rare ; 8. of England.
a » var. crassior.—Very rare; Perth only.
s) opaca, Ag.—Common.
LatEty ADDED—
Chara stelligera, Bauer.—Norfolk only ; 1880.
» baltica, Fries.—Cornwall ; 1880.
contraria, Brawn.—Rare ; Fife.
With many varieties and forms.

”

The Chairman read a paper of his own on “The Parmeliz of
the Stewartry,” illustrated with about 30 specimens (which Mr
M‘Andrew presented to the Society).

Place Names of Nithsdale-—Mr Shaw, Tynron, read a paper
on this subject, of which the following are the principal divisions :
—(1.) The various sources indicated from which we should
endeavour to.collect our slowly waning place-names. (2.) Necessity

Transactions. 4]

of getting hold of the oldest spelling or sound, and instances given
of changes of pronunciation, obscuring or obliterating the meaning
of place-names, in Tynron and adjacent localities, (3.) An attempt
to show that Zynron, formerly Tindrim, means “ the hill or ridge
in which the sacred fire was lighted” by the Celts of old. After-
wards, from thirty to forty place-names, nearly all of Celtic origin,
are given, with the meaning assigned, according to Joyce, Blackie
and other recent writers on the subject. To collect the place-
names of a county is a task (says Mr Shaw) somewhat like that of
giving an account of its Flora, and would be best achieved by each
member taking up the area with which he is best acquainted. Not
only should books, but title-deeds, session records, old grave-stones,
and old inhabitants be pressed into service. In a research of this
kind the oldest spelling or sound of the word should be considered the
most valuable, as phonetic decay, like much handling of a coin, is
very apt to obliterate the characteristics of the original. TI recol-
Ject the farm and wood adjacent to my birth-place were respec-
tively named Raw/flesh and Racewood, and it was not until perusal
of the oid title-deeds that Rawflesh was discovered to be a corrup-
tion of Roughilees, and that the Racewood meant the park or wood
in which roes had been accustomed to herd. The first case is that
of a word drifting away from its original sound by attempts to
pronounce it more easily, the second shows how an old pronuncia-
tion tends to become unintelligible from the Queen’s English
usurping the place of the vernacular. Since such changes are
wrought in English words by an English-speaking people, greater
changes are the rule when an alien race, speaking a different
language, succeeds an aboriginal in possession of a country, and
retains for convenience the place-names that had been given by
the displaced race. It is not easy to observe at first glance that
Countam, on the borders of Tynron and Penpont, means “the
head of the hill,” and contains, in its first syllable, the same word
as Can in Cantyre, the headland, and in its second Tom, the
knoll, Tomachuriach, the knoll shaped like a boat (curagh), near
Inverness. It would be vain, unless we knew its more ancient
spelling, to attempt to extract the true meaning from Craigmay
in the Stewartry, since it appears in the earlier records as Craig
beath, which we at once recognise, as “the craig or hill of the
birch trees.” The loss of the meaning of a place-name gives rise
to tautology. In Tynron it was forgotton that Torr meant “a

42 Transactions.

conical hill,” so a new generation called it Torrbrae, and as if
that were not enough, in order better to describe its shape, another
generation added the word head; so we have Torrbraehead, which
is very like hill, hill, hill. In Tynron we have the Clone, or
“meadow beside the moss:” it is a name common to Gaelic, Manx,
and Erse ; thus Clones in Monaghan, Clonard in Meath, and it
appears elsewhere as Cluny, Clunes, Clones. It elsewhere appears
in Tynron as Clonerea, ‘‘the smooth, fertile meadow by the marsh.”
Carlyle, in his ‘ Reminiscences,” probably forgetting partially,
calls this Clone of ours “the Clove, or cleft place between the hills,”
as he goes on to explain, and thus our old fine Gadhelic word
runs a risk of being made a Saxon one, and all on the authority
of a man of genius, whose ear, perhaps, was waxed up with cold
when he first heard the place-name uttered. Zynron—In the
old session records it is written Tinnerin and Tindrim. The last
word connects it with Zyndrum, Perthshire. Tan is the Celtic
for fire. We have it still in the Scotch word Zawnle, which,
according to Jamieson, meant originally “‘a large fire, kindled at
night, about the time of Beltane.” Drwm is a long-backed ridge.
There is another word in Tynron beginning with the same syl-
lable, Tinleago or Tinlaght. There is alsoa high hill, Cormilligan
Bale. With these facts before us we are warranted in saying that.
Tynron originally meant, to the Celt, a ‘beacon hill” or “ ridge
on which was kindled the sacred fires.” We meet with tan, fire,
softened into tin in placenames, as Ardentinny, Craigentinny,
and Tinto, and all these very well could be hills on which sacred
fires were kindled. We now proceed to give some of the Tynron
placenames, which, it will be seen, are mostly Celtic. Maol-
whinny, the broad smooth hill. Lamgarroch, the rough land.
Croglin, Joyce says Crug, a rick, a heap, a stack. Lan, Linny,
a granary. Marshmalloch, the marsh in the upland. Penzeree,
the smooth hill. Anockenboy, the yellow hill. Snab, the project-
ing point. Mownthooly, perhaps from main tulloch, the little hill.
Cormilligan, little round hills (Joyce, lst series) ; very descriptive.
Craigencoon, the curved or winding stone (Joyce, 2d series).
Bennan, the diminutive of Ben, a mountain. Strathmilligan, the
glen of the little round hills. Corriédoo, the dark glen. Kilmark,
boundary kirk (Blackie). irkconnel, church of St Connel
(Blackie). Laght or Leaght, sepulchral monument (Joyce). Clod-
roch (Clone-darroch), the meadow of the oak trees. Dalnakerran

Transactions. 43

(Dal-maol-Kiarin), the bald or barren field of St Kiarin. It can
be shown that the word Dailly, an Ayrshire parish, is ground
down from the same original. (Vide Blackie.) Awchengibbert,
Gilbert’s field. Awchenbrack, the spotted field. Auchenhessnane
(ess, waterfall; essan, the diminutive), the field of little water-
falls (Blackie). Knockelly, Knock, Keelagh(?) the narrow hill
(Joyce, 2d series). Corfardine, Cor means a round hill. Clack-
whanam, the stone amid the whins. Denery, Den or Dene is a
Saxon word meaning wooded valley. Aird, a high place. Tor-
braehead, a conical hill. It was forgotten that Zor meant a hill,
and then Sax. brae was added, and again to emphasize it was
added head ; literally hill, hill, hill. Camling, the crooked linn ;
the farm being named from the linn, a striking feature. Glen-
marlin, Merlin’s glen, from the wonderful linn. Doon or Dun,
was the name given to a fortified hill by the Celts. Traces of a
fort are yet visible on Tynron Doon. Cormilligan Bale, the hill
among the little smooth ones on which the bale fire or sacred fire
was lighted. Appin, the high land. Zann, the enclosed ground.
Clonerea, the smooth meadow, with water on one side, and marsh
on the other (Blackie).

The Deil’s Dyke West of the Dee—Mr Brown, Drumsleet, read a
paper on this subject. He said there are two dykes bearing this
name in Galloway. The first runs from the mouth of the Cree to
Dee’s junction with the Tarff. It is very distinct from the second
in locality, and it exhibits a base uniformly six feet, and having
the fosse invariably on the south side. It is scarcely anywhere
more than three miles from the sea, which is much in view;
and the ruins are clearly of later date. I should set them down
to the date of Norseman occupation. The second dyke is the
direct topic of this paper, and the most that can be said of the
old wall is that portions of it are still visible, and its course can
still be traced, but it is very clear, from Train’s account, that the
course of time has made it much less distinct than he found it.
It is well known to be very tortuous in its course, and difficult to
follow, especially where it goes over soft land. In such a place it
is lost, and its next ground must be literally searched out
anxiously. The stones have in most places been completely
carried away; in one place the debris was left, in another the
foundation stones were as they had been first placed, and so con-
tinued for half a mile. This was a good trace. Ina moss the

44 Transactions.

rampart was built of wooden piles found several feet below the
surface. It stops at the edge of a loch, and begins again on the
opposite side. But the course is very whimsical; there is no
principle or apparent reason why it takes a particular lead. It
may have been once manifest, not now. The width of the base is
always eight feet, and the fosse is always on the north side.
From Lochryan, where it begins, to the last trace near the Bridge
over the Deuch, the fosse is present—on the north; where stones
were scarce an earthen rampart was made, and strange to say that
remains in as good a state of preservation as the stone, if away
from arable land. The Deil’s Dyke may be regarded as a con-
temporaneous continuation of the defensive wall of Severus, built
208-211 a.p. to stop the incursions of the Caledonians, or Northern
Picts. The Deil’s Dyke was a defence of the Southern or
Galloway Picts who were nearly Romanised, as being, in Cale-
donia, longest in contact with them, viz., from 79 a.p. to 211 A.D.,
or from Agricola to Severus’s time.

5th January, 1883.—Conversazione.

The fourth monthly meeting of the session was held as a
conversazione to-day in Greyfriars’ Hall, when a large collection
of objects of interest, illustrating Archeology and the different
branches of Natural Science, was exhibited. The exhibition was
opened at 2 p.m. by Provost Lennox, who addressed the meeting
on the objects and work of the Society. After a short interval
the Hall was again opened at 7 o’clock, Dr Gilchrist presiding.
The Secretary read the minutes of last meeting, which were
approved of. The President then addressed the meeting on the
“Aims and Claims of the Society,” after which the following ladies
and gentlemen were elected members :—Provost Lennox; Mr 8.
M. Brown; Rev. J. D. M‘Kinnon; Rev. J. Cooper; Dr A.
Davidson, Thornhill; Mr Fingland, Thornhill; Miss Aitken,
Dumfries; Miss M. Aitken; Mr W. J. Laurie; Mr Armstrong,
architect ; Rev. G. W. Tooley ; Mrs Tooley ; Mons. M. De Prackie ;
and Mr J. Sloan of Barbeth. The Secretary announced the
following donations :—Petrified palm ; shark’s tooth; gun flint
from the Tower of London; nodule of flint enclosing echinus ;
and several specimens of Whitby jet from Major Bowden. In the
course of the evening Mr J. Gibson Starke addressed the meeting

Transactions. 45

on “Archeology, Its Width and Importance.” Dr Grierson
followed with some very suitable remarks on “ The Study of Nature
and Its Advantages.” The Hall was crowded with visitors during
the evening. At the close of the meeting votes of thanks were
passed to Provost Lennox and the other speakers, to the Con-
tributors to the exhibition, and to the Sub-Committee appointed
to carry out the arrangements.

The Size of the Old Bridge of Dumfries.—Mr M‘Dowall read a
paper on the above subject at the intermediate meeting on the
19th January. The Old Bridge, as you have all heard, was built
by the bountiful Devorgilla; and as she died on the 29th of
September, 1289, it must have raised its head above the waters of
the Nith some time prior to that date. We may safely conclude
that about the year 1283, precisely six centuries ago, the fabric
assumed a completed form. A considerable number of years since
I applied to the experienced antiquary, Mr Cosmo Innes, to see if
he could oblige me with any reliable information as to the circum-
stances under which the Bridge had been constructed : his answer
was brief and disappointing, to the effect that if the Bridge was so old
as the date I had assigned to it, it must have been made of timber,
since in the thirteenth century there were no workmen in Scotland
capable of bridging a broad tidal river like the Nith with stone,
Mr Innes wrote in seeming ignorance of the fact that the Lady
Devorgilla had at a vast expense brought foreign architects and
masons to this district for other purposes, and that the skill and
eraft which created the magnificent Abbey of Sweetheart (also
founded by Devorgilla) would be amply adequate to link together,
by means of a permanent stone erection, the sister shires of Dum-
fries and Galloway. It would, doubtless, be a work of consider-
able difficulty. The architect would, of course, have to take into
account the nature of the shores on each side—high on the west,
low on the east, and the tendency of the river when swelled by
spate or tide to invade the houses of the Vennel, which had already
sprung into existence. If reasonable provision could be made for
this latter contingency, by giving six arches to the left or Dum-
fries side, against three to the other side, we may feel assured that
money and time would not be wasted in building a single additional
arch ; and my decided opinion is that all the exigences of the case
would be fully met by a nine-arched bridge. That the Bridge
actually erected had never more than nine I shall endeavour to

46 Transactions.

show. Not having been able to get information on the subject
from printed books or living authorities, I consulted the Dumfries
record-room ; and from writs there kept I learned that Devorgilla’s
Bridge consisted of nine arches in 1681 ; and I think you will all
agree with me that if it had only that number then, it would not
be likely to have many more at the date of its erection. But if
we are to credit a traveller who passed along the Bridge forty-two
years after 1681, the arches had swelled in the interval from nine to
not—ten, or eleven, or twelve—but to the baker’s dozen of thirteen !
a growth that seems to me as surprising and incredible as that of
Falstaff’s men in buckram. Mr Pemberton in his “ Journey
through Scotland,” of date 1723, says: ‘‘I passed the river Nith
from Galloway to Dumfries over a fair stone bridge of thirteen
large arches, the finest I saw in Britain next to London and
Rochester.” That extraordinary statement found its way into a
local publication in 1832, and down till a comparatively recent
period was accepted without challenge. But it wears the impress
of fable on its very face: it is not only unsupported by a single
particle of evidence, but runs counter to conclusive testimony
which persistently restricts the arches to nine. Sometimes we are
told—
‘* Travellers in pathless downs
Plant elephants instead of towns ;”

and in this instance, I think, the traveller, trusting to a treacher-
ous memory instead of written notes, has been beguiled. I fancied
that I had many yeurs ago demolished this thirteen-arch theorys
but it has sprung up again during the last fortnight, the occasion
of its revival being a copperplate engraving of the Old Bridge
shewn at our conversazione on the 5th instant, in which the
venerable fabric appears dowered with ten arches ; and it has been
argued, if ten, why not more than ten; and may not Pemberton
be right after all, and those who doubt his declaration be wrong,
The date of this picture is not given; but it has evidently been drawn
about the period when Burns resided in Dumfries, and as the name
R. Riddell appears upon it as the artist, it may possibly owe its
origin to the Poet’s good friend, the laird of Friars’ Carse. But
the picture, though a tolerably good one for an amateur, is sadly
at fault as regards proportion: it has obvious defects, negative
and positive, and I venture to class among the latter the amplifi-
cation of the nine arches to ten, The artist, whoever he was,

Transactions. 47

must have taken his view-point at a considerable distance on the
Dumfries side, from which the precise number of arches would not
be seen very distinctly ; and, not believing, like Rory o’ More,
that there’s luck in odd numbers, he has given the even figures of
ten to his picture of the Bridge. However this may be, I produce
another picture taken about thirty or forty years before, which, I
think, gives the Bridge its due allowance of arches, neither more
nor less. When I state that the engraving now under notice is
by Francis Grose, the distinguished antiquarian author and artist
(at whose instance, as you all know, his admiring friend Burns
wrote Tam o’ Shanter), you will admit, I think, that when he
limits the arches to nine, any evidence to the contrary, deduced
from an anonymous engraving, is completely neutralised. But to
- put the matter beyond all reasonable doubt Grose measured the
Bridge so as to ascertain its size as a whole, and in detail, with
this result : “‘ Dumfries Bridge (he says) is of stone, and consists
of nine arches: its measures are four hundred feet in length ;
breadth within the parapets thirteen feet six inches; mean width,
the parapets included, sixteen feet two inches; height from the
top of the parapet to the water, twenty-six feet.” Grose adds,
with reference to the picture, “This view was drawn A.D, 1747.”
Another author who traversed the district about the same period
published “A Tour thro’ the whole Island of Great Britain ;” and
in the sixth edition of his work, dated 1761, he says at page 115,
“ Dumfries was always a good town, with large streets.

Over the river Nith is a very fine stone bridge at this place, with
nine arches”; this author concurring with Grose to confute alike
the Baron-Munchausen-story told by Pemberton thirty years or so
before, and the less unreasonable but equally unreliable pictorial
sketch supplied by Mr Riddell. It has been conjectured by some
that even though the Bridge may not have had more than six
arches to the east of its key-stone or port, it may have had one,
two, or three more extending into the base of Corbelly Hill,
Maxwelltown ; but as I have already said, the high bank on the
west side rendered the further extension of the Bridge in that
direction unnecessary. I know that so far back as 1660 the
Bridge on the Maxwelltown bank was just as it now appears
(except any little change caused by wear and tear), and also as it
is depicted both by Captain Grose and Mr Riddell. You will see
from the two engravings that there is a two-storey tenement lean-

48 Transactions.

ing upon the end of the Bridge. That ancient house is still to the
fore ; and I am inclined to think that it has outlived all its contem-
porary erections, and is the oldest domicile in the sister burgh.
The date of its precept chapter, as granted by the Dumfries Council
to the owner of the house, James Birkmyre, cooper, is 1660; the
property being described as “that new house builded upon the far
end of the Bridge on the south side.” This interesting document
is in the hands of Mr J. H. M‘Gowan, solicitor, Dumfries.
Mr M‘Dowall closed his argument by announcing the result of an
excavation made at his instance some years ago at the spot in the
Vennel where the pier of the tenth arch must have been put down,
if any tenth arch had ever been in existence. The operation, he
said, was carefully performed under the direction of an experi-
enced local surveyor, Mr Barbour, who, taking Grose’s dimensions
of the nine-arch hridge—four hundred feet—added the length of
an additional arch, and caused the spot and all around it for a
long way to be excavated six feet deep, and probed to a still
further depth, without finding a trace of anything resembling the
heavy masonic pile of which the other piers consist. The conclu-
sion come to was, that there never had been a tenth pier; and the
inference seems unavoidable that the Bridge never numbered more
than nine arches. This experiment, coupled with other testimony
already adduced, convinced him that the foundation of the other
four arches had been laid in the realms of fancy, and not in the
solid earth or shifting sands of the Vennel.

The Chairman, in name of the meeting, awarded to Mr M‘Dowall
cordial thanks for his valuable paper, and for the research which
he had undertaken to settle an interesting local question.

2d February, 1883.—Free Masons’ Hall.

Mr Witson, Vice-President, in the Chair.

New Members.—Miss Burnett; Mr W. Tweddle; Mr Joseph
Elder; Mr D. Fenton; Miss Murray; Messrs John Milligan ;
James Adams; F. Gilruth; R. Maxwell; and John Symons.

Donations.—Fifteenth Annual Report of the Trustees of the
Peabody Museum of American Archeology and Ethnology, 1882 ;
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Nos. 7, 8, and 9,
1881; Lists of Duplicates and Deficiencies of the New York

Transactions. - 49

Academy of Sciences, 1880-1881; Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the
Transactions of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. i,
Session 1881-1882 ; Copy of Transactions of the Perthshire Society
of Natural Science, 1882.

Exhibits—A Cormorant, by Mr Rutherford, shot by him at
Jardington ; Three Copies of the Psalter, dated 1580, 1623, and
1642, by Miss Gregan ; Eleven splendid cases of Beetles shewn
and described by Dr Sharpe.

The Old Land Tawes.—A paper was read by Mr M‘Dowall on
“Old Land Taxes of Scotland, with special reference to the
old Kirkcudbrightshire Valuation Roll of 1682.” He gave
a brief sketch of the condition of this country in early pre-historic
times, when it was occupied only by wandering tribes who had
little idea of the value of property in land. At that primitive
period the wandering tribes had scarcely any more connection with
the soil than with the air which they breathed or the water which
they drank. A field of grass, as Lord Kames says, might be
looked upon as belonging to a horde or clan while they really
occupied it, but so soon as they struck their tents for pastures new
they had no longer any claim to the deserted field. He then pro-
ceeded to notice how in course of years this state of matters under-
went a thorough change. When William Duke of Normandy
conquered England, the entire soil of South Britain lay at his dis-
posal. Reserving the lion’s share for himself, he rewarded his
chiefs with large estates, and eventually what is called the feudal
system was set up by him, according to which he was recognised
as landlord-general over the whole kingdom, and his princes and
other nobles as Crown vassals, who, in virtue of the estates
assigned to them, were bound to render him military service, and
eventually also to bear a large proportion of the general expenses
of the government. A hundred years at least before Scotland had
had any experience of a land-tax the barons and the yeomen of
England had grown familiar with the impost, which amounted in
their case at one time to about one-half of the whole national
revenue, This very simple mode of making the land support the
State was seriously interfered with by a practice introduced by
Richard I. of selling out to the great barons the estates that they
had hitherto held as tenants in name of the nation from the king.
Thus it came to pass that the burdens on land were lightened and
taxation of another kind had to be resorted to, falling chiefly on

C

50 Transactions.

trade and commerce, with which the treasury was replenished.
But no king of Scotland ever stood in the same relationship to its
soil as Norman William did to that of England. Had Edward I.
subdued North Britain, he might have divided the land among his
followers and placed Scotland on the same footing as England in
regard to the feudal system. As, however, the Scottish soil never
became the property by conquest of any foreign prince, and was
never more than nominally the property of its own kings, the
revenue it yielded to the Crown was precarious, and generally
speaking small as compared with the land revenue of England.
Towards the close of the eleventh century a modified feudalism
had taken fast hold of this northern kingdom. By a fiction of
law the ownership of the soil was vested in the sovereign ; but the
fact cannot be disguised that some of the old territorial families
claimed to be absolute proprietors of their estates, and asserted
they had as good a right to them as the king had to his own crown
lands or to his regal sceptre. You remember what some mutinous
Scotch barons said to the king when on one occasion he asked to
see the title-deeds of their estates. In answer they drew their
swords and boldly told his majesty that by these weapons they had
won their lands and meant to keep them. These words were no
idle boast ; and while many of the smaller landowners and the
vassals who bona fide held their estates from the king yielded him
loyal service and tribute, not a few of the more powerful lords
paid but scanty homage and scrimper sums of money to the Crown.
In this way the feudal system, so far as taxation is concerned,
was never anything like so successful on the north side as it was
on the south side of the Tweed. Mr M‘Dowall went on to show
how the Douglasses held such an autocratic rule over Galloway
and part of Dumfriesshire that the land impost levied by the
government yielded little or nothing in these parts of Scotland for
a long period. Speaking about the origins of the land tax he said:
By law and custom the king was empowered to levy special taxes
on three different occasions whenever they arose—one on his eldest
son being knighted, another when his eldest daughter got married,
and a third to ransom himself in case of being made prisoner, an
unfortunate casualty that befell no fewer than three of our kings
during the Middle Ages. To William the Lion we in Dumfries
are indebted for having raised the town to the rank of a royal
burgh about the year 1190. Sixteen years prior to that date he

Transactions. 51

experienced a disaster to which the whole of Scotland was indebted
indirectly for a tax upon land, the first regarding which we have
any knowledge. Crossing the Border with an invading host he
was defeated by the English at Alnwick, and cast into a prison
with no chance of getting out of it in a hurry unless by submitting
to the outrageous demands made upon him by his royal jailer,
Henry II. In an evil hour the kingly captive sold the liberty of
his country in order to purchase his own personal freedom, the
English Shylock exacting from him a goodly sum besides; though
Hector Boece probably exaggerates the amount when he says that
it was nothing short of a hundred thousand merks (a merk being
13s 4d.) Thus was laid the foundation of that claim to a
suzerainty over Scotland, which, even after it had been redeemed,
various English monarchs endeavoured to enforce. On the 25th
of December, 1190, the two sovereigns whose surnames were both
derived from the monarch of the forest, William the Lion and
Richard the Lion-hearted, met by tryst in York city and signed
a treaty of no ordinary interest, inasmuch as the English sove-
reign, for himself and successors, thereby renounced the claim
conceded to his father Henry, thus rendering the Scottish realm
free from it for ever, and restoring its national independence, on
its sovereign, William, engaging to pay Richard ten thousand
merks sterling, a sum which he needed much to cover the cost of
his crusading expedition to the Holy Land. The claim was never-
theless basely revived by Edward I., and again bought off, but not
by gold or silver, hut by treasures greater far—blood drained
from the dearest veins of a heroic people. Two other instances of
the captivity of the Scotch kings were adduced to show that in
their case also ransoms had to be paid, to defray which taxes on
land had to be imposed, and thus, what was at first looked upon
as a temporary impost, like our own income-tax, and one only to
be resorted to on special occasions, became permanently established,
and yielded a regular revenue towards the general expenses of the
State. Glancing for a moment at the condition of the soil, on
which these burdens were cast, Mr M‘Dowall said that the
prevalence of war during the middle ages arrested the progress of
the plough and circumscribed the sweep of the sickle. In the
golden days of Alexander III. a sufficient amount of land was
cultivated to supply the national consumpt of oats, barley, and
bread-stuffs, and in some few districts, naturally fertile, wheat waS

52 Transactions.

grown. Afterwards agriculture retrograded, and commerce, which
had also made extensive strides, experienced a disastrous check.
In the fourteenth century and onward a greatly improved state of
affairs became visible. Land increased in productive power, and
was all the better able to bear the burdens cast upon it; the royal
burghs, to which special privileges had been given by William the
Lion, grew in size and yielded a goodly quid pro quo to the royal
treasury, in the form of taxes paid for special purposes, and a
perpetual impost termed the Great Custom, which was levied by
means of the king’s own customarii on all staple commodities of
foreign trade. At a period when landowners followed the chase
move than practical farming—during the precarious intervals of
peace—the monastic fraternities rendered patriotic service in the
subjugation of the soil. Mr M‘Dowall then gave a series of illus-
trations shewing the value of land in the Stewartry two hundred
years ago, and its principal owners, as drawn from a rare old
volume (belonging to Mr R. K. Walker, town clerk, Maxwell-
town) to which he had access recently—the Valuation Book of the
Stewartry of Kirkcudbright for 1682. He explained that in that
year the county was still in the throes of a fierce religious perse-
cution, and that therefore the valuation put upon the different
estates in the Stewartry might be less than usual on that account,
as, when the people were resisting to the death the attempts made
to force Prelacy upon them, they had no inducement to till the
soil. When, therefore, we read in the roll of ten-acre farms
yielding no more than sixty shillings Scots a year, it would be
safe, perhaps, to add a fifteenth at least to represent fairly their
nominal value. As the figures stand they show a grand total of
£10,250 representing the annual rental of the land of Kirkcud-
brightshire ; and if we add say £1750 for house rents, only some
of which are included in the returns, the amount is brought up to
£12,000, which is only about a thirty-third of the yearly value of
the Stewartry at the present day, exclusive of its railways and
royal burghs. The lecturer had drawn up notices of some of the
parishes, only a few of which, however, he read, as the time allotted
to him had been already nearly all occupied. We give the form
of the reference to Terregles as a specimen of the style of this
part of the paper: Since the period, early in the twelfth century,
when Sir John de Maccuswell ‘acquired the barony of Carlaverock,
the family which he founded paid immense sums to the Crown in

Transactions. 53

the shape of land tax and other tributes, and the aggregate would
have been much larger had they not on repeated occasions
impoverished themselves by their self-sacrificing loyalty to the
royal house of Stuart. Their devoted adhesion to the cause of
Charles I., the generous assistance given by them to that monarch’s
heir when he made a futile attempt to recover his ancestral throne,
are facts which all must be familiar with. Eugene de Maccuswell
by marrying the daughter of Roland, Lord of Galloway, acquired
many broad acres in Kirkeudbrightshire, and his representative
there during the first Jacobite rebellion lost them all, and nearly
his life also, for the share he took in that enterprise, at once so
bold, romantic, and forlorn. Lord Nithsdale, doomed to the scaffold,
eluded his jailers through the ingenious strategy of his devoted
wife and died in exile. It was gratifying to add that the forfeited
estates were eventually bought back by his family for a wonder-
fully small sum—#£803 sterling, being taken as the yearly rental
on the testimony of a surveyor appointed by the Government,
which amount was made up chiefly in money, some of the tenants
paying their rent in such small items as bolls of barley, hens at
tenpence a pair, and peats at a penny per dozen loads. Thirty
years prior to the rebellion of 1715, the family, as represented by
Lord Herries, possessed nearly the whole of Terregles. In 1819
when the parish was valued at no more than £2021 Scots, they
drew a rental from it of £1457 ; and at present, when the valua-
tion has risen to £6847 sterling, they, represented by Captain
Maxwell, draw a proportionate income from the parish. The
ancient roll shows the names of nearly all the farmers and
tenants who tilled the scil of Terregles in 1682, together
with the value of their holdings. Not a few of them seem
to have been “puir tenant bodies,” not over-plentiful of cash.
Lord Herries kept Terregles Mains in his own hands, the
value in the victuals it yielded to him being set down at
£5 7s Scows per annum. Then, as now, the brook of Cairn
*‘wimpl’t through the glen,” and after “cooking underneath the
brae, below the spreading hazel,” drove a couple of mills which
ground the grain from which “ bannocks of bere meal and bannocks
of barley” were baked for the tables of the noble lord and his
tenants. Glen Mill and New Mill, we are told, were worth to
him twenty-one bolls of meal, value £101 10s yearly ; but it was
to be regretted that the name of the jolly miller, who then lived

54 Transactions.

by the water of the Cairn, is not recorded. Then, as now, dainty
red fish were caught in the College pool, their annual value being
given at £80 Scots, while the same fishings bring at present £20
sterling. Barnhill, now an excellent farm, yielded only £40 Scots,
and after a lapse of two centuries it brings to its laird no less
than £240 sterling. The farm of Terregles Town, now a capital
piece of land, was let to David Welsh and Andrew Wight in 1682,
they paying for it £40 Scots between them. It now yields £718
sterling; the advance in this latter instance being about the
greatest that Mr M‘Dowall had met with in the course of his
inquiries.

Some Points of Interest in the Natural History of Islands.—
An important paper on the above subject was read by Dr Sharpe,
Eccles House. In it a brief epitome was given of the present state of
knowledge as regards the natural history of islands. The natural
history of St. Paul’s Rocks on the equator, midway between Africa
and America, was first sketched; then that of the Galapagos
Islands, 600 miles from the South American coast ; and afterwards
that of the Sandwich Islands,—the most remote from other lands
of all islands of any unusual size—was dwelt on at con-
siderable length. The means by which these islands had acquired
the animals and plants found in them were discussed. It was
pointed out that, although all the islands of the world had a large
number of animal and vegetable inhabitants similar to those
found elsewhere, they had also a very large number of peculiar
forms, some of which were very strange, aud like nothing exist-
ing elsewhere so far as known. It was considered by the writer that
the supposition that these facts might be accounted for by changes
having taken place in the distribution of sea and land, so that the
islands might formerly have been parts of continents or near to
them, was not satisfactory ; and it was concluded that though a
great number of the plants and animals that are the same as those
found elsewhere had been introduced by natural agencies, such as
winds and floating timber, yet this did not explain the existence
there of very peculiar animals ; and these suggested that it was
possible that in the past there had been more than one geogra-
phical centre of the origination of life. The paper ended with a
forcible appeal for obtaining knowledge of these facts, which ulti-
mately will prove of great importance. But meanwhile these
curious creatures are being rapidly more or less completely exter-

Transactions. 55

minated, and there are no doubt many that we do not yet know
that still exist but will soon cease to do so; and in many cases
we know that it is already too late, and that the wonderful
inhabitants of islands have been completely exterminated, all that
we know about them being that they formerly existed. Mr
Wallace’s proposal for the appointment of resident naturalists, at
a small expense in remote islands, was alluded to with approval.

2d March, 1883.

Dr Gitcurist, President, in the Chair. Forty present.

New Members.—Mr Oughton, confectioner, Castle Street ; and
Miss Gilroy, Moat House.

Donations.—The Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology,
Washington, 1879-1880, and 12 old coins, the latter presented by
Mr Smith, Albany Place.

Exhibits —By the Chairman: several rocks and fossils from
Egypt; and a piece of silicious slate, found in an Egyptian Temple,
and supposed to have been used asa charm. By Mr Watson: a
sword, picked up on the Battlefield of Tel-el-Kebir; a proclama-
tion in Arabic, found in Arabi’s tent at Tel-el-Kebir ; a copy of the
Turkish journal “ £/-Jawatb,” got in the palace on the day that
the British troops entered Cairo.

Rev. J. Fraser, Colvend, read an interesting paper on “ Alpine
Botany, with special reference to the Flora of Zermatt.”

Mr M‘Meekan read a curious paper, entitled “ Quaint Epitaphs
in the District.”

The Study of Mosses.—The Chairman read a very valuable paper
contributed by Mr P. Gray, London, on “Introduction to the
Study of Mosses, illustrated with specimens.” After noticing the
divisions of the order and their characteristics, the fructification,
mode of reproduction, and the special peculiarities of the different
genera, which were each treated at some length ; and having given
instructions for collecting and preserving, Mr Gray concluded his
admirably clear and interesting paper with the following
remarks :—“T may here be allowed to remind you that it is
impossible to teach any branch of natural history by papers or
books. All that one can hope to do by bringing a new subject
before an audience in this way is to excite to personal investiga-

56 Transactions.

tion. The fields must ever be the naturalist’s study, and nature
his book, and that itself constitutes one and not the least of the
advantages of the pursuit—the combination of physical and intel-
lectual exertion, and the pure air in which most of it is carried
on, being one of the most effectual ways of attaining that highest
of human existence, which consists in the possession of a sound
mind in a healthy body.”

SPECIAL MEETING.
30th March, 1883.

Dr Giucurist, President, in the Chair. Twenty-one present.

A special meeting of the Society was held to-night for the
purpose of considering the alterations which the Dumfries Town
Council propose making on the Old Bridge.

The Chairman explained the purpose of the meeting, and made
some remarks against the proposed changes.

The Secretary read letters on the subject from Mr Dudgeon of
Cargen ; Sheriff Hope ; Mr J. Gibson Starke of Troqueer Holm ;
and Mr Brown, Grammar School—all disapproving of any altera-
tions or repairs which would in any way change the outlines or
the form of the present structure. After some remarks from
Mr Barbour, architect, Mr M‘Dowall, the Chairman, Mr Ruther-
ford, Mr Wilson, Mr Sloan of Barbeth, Mr Broun, solicitor,
Messrs Grierson of Chapelmount, M‘Meekan, Watson, and Chrystie,
it was unanimously resolved, That Messrs Barbour and M‘Dowall
prepare a petition against the proposed alterations, and that the
said petition be presented to the next meeting of the Town Council
by a deputation consisting of the Chairman, Mr Barbour, Mr
M‘Dowall, and the Secretary.

A vote of thanks was awarded Mr Barbour for the active part
he had taken in the matter.

6th April, 1883.
Dr Gitcurist, President, in the Chair. Forty-three present.
New Members.—Myr Hamilton, Castlebank ; Miss Burnside 4
Miss A. E. Reid; Miss M. Reid; Miss M‘Cracken ; Mrs Murray ;
and Mr John Thomson.
Donation.—By Mr Brown, Dumfries, a Jew’s petition in
Hebrew.

Transactions. 57

Exhibits.—By the Chairman, a Collection of Australian Ferns ;
by Mr Adamson, on behalf of Mr Welsh, Waterloo Place, an
Imitation Slipper, made of gutta-percha, which was found four
years ago at Blackshawbank, where it had been washed ashore
full of tobacco, having evidently been used for smuggling pur-
poses; also a very curious Key which had been made and used
for many years by the late Mr Duff, of Cluden, he being the same
Mr Duff who invented the double screw thread in 1830; also a
Punch Bowl, which had been in the Duff family for 110 years,
and which during that time had been used at several baptisms,
ordinations, &c., in the parish, Mr Adamson also exhibited a
piece of Sandstone from Locharbriggs, showing the footprints of
one of the extinct Labyrinthodon.

Scandinavians in Dumfriesshire.—Mr T. Brown, teacher, read
a paper on this subject. In acknowledging a vote of thanks, he
said he had given some attention to the monumental remains of
the Norsemen in the district, and had come to the conclusion that
the runes on the Cross at Ruthwell were not Scandinavian, but
appeared to be rather of Saxon origin ; he quoted Mr Kemble,
who first threw out this idea, and who also said “That the
inscription dated somewhere about 680,” which was long lefore
we had any trace of the Scandinavians either in England or
Scotland.

Local Names of Plants.—Mr F. R. Coles, Tongland, then read
a paper entitled “ Local Names of Plants.” The paper dealt with
the mistaken idea, only too prevalent among those interested in
Botany, that the scientific name, usually the Latin one, had slight
importance or might even be dispensed with. The author, using
the term “local” in its widest sense, as including all names,
German, French, Scotch, or English, in distinction from the Latin
name by which a plant was alone recognised by all who worked
towards a scientific end, illustrated his argument by copious refer-
ences to the names of common plants on the Continent and in
Britain, the result showing that not only was one plant known by
half-a-dozen different names in these countries, but that half-a-
dozen different and entirely dissimilar plants were often called by
one and the same name—to avoid which puzzling confusion a
little labour well bestowed in learning the nomenclature of Science
would work wonders, and in the end be a real gain to the
student.

FIELD MEETINGS. —

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY
SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL HIStory, AND
ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.

Cee
FIELD MEETINGS, 1881.

Rerwickx.—7th May, 1881.

The first field meeting of the Summer Session, 1881, was held
to-day under very favourable auspices. A large party left Dum-
fries by the 8.32 morning train for Dalbeattie, their number being
increased by the way, and further augmented by a contingent
from Castle-Douglas, who joined them at Dalbeattie, The granite
workshops of Messrs D. H. & J. Newall were inspected, and also
the paper-mill of Mr John Forsyth ; and thereafter the company
drove off by ’bus in the direction of Rerwick. Various objects of
interest were observed in the course of the drive. A glimpse was
obtained of the ruin of Buittle old Castle once the residence of
the Baliols, and a place of great strength; and attention was
called to rocky projections on the summit of a hill above
Kirkennan, which form a configuration somewhat resembling a
lion’s head, and are so designated by the people of the place. A
halt was made at the end of the road leading to Orchardton Tower,
to which the party proceéded on foot, and the various character-
istics of which were pointed out by Captain Wilson. The walls
are of great thickness—5} feet ; and an intromural cork-screw
stair conducts to the battlements. Only one floor now remains.
On the top of the wall a bed of the lesser periwinkle (Vinca
manor) was in full flower, and other portions of the battlements
were carpeted with mosses and Sedwm Anglicum. Lower down,
both inside and outside of the tower, grew numerous plants of the
Scale Fern (Ceterach officinarwm)—a rare species in Scotland,
whose only known habitat in the Stewartry is Orchardton Tower.
Before the party left, Captain Wilson presented the Society with
a pair of antlers of what was considered to be the old Irish Elk,
found, along with the entire skeleton of the animal, at the mouth

62 Field Meetings.

of the Urr, about twenty years ago. The next halt was made at
the picturesque and tidy little village of Auchencairn, where
refreshments were partaken of. A few miles of further driving
brought the party to Dons Knowe, where they left the conveyance,
and proceeded to the shore at Barlocco, Here a mine formerly
wrought for barytes was examined, and numerous specimens were
picked up. On the wild wave-beaten coast the remarkable Caves
of Barlocco were visited, the party being let down the cliffs by
means of ropes and ladders furnished by the tenant of Barlocco,
whose sons assisted in the process. The Black Cave, which is
256 feet long, 90 wide, and 40 in height, was first entered. It
is a vaulted chamber, floored with shingle, and huge boulders are
strewn about it. At the extreme upper end there is a little space
above high-water mark whereon numerous rock-pigeons breed.
The Rerwick shore is now almost the only place in Galloway where
these birds nest and bring forth their young. The White Cave
was next entered. It is perhaps the most wonderful natural
formation in Galloway. The ‘“ gateway” is a vast Gothic arch,
through which you pass into a magnificent temple “not made
with hands.” The flooring of the cave is composed of pieces of
granite rounded to pebbles by the attrition of the tides, and the
roof, which rises gradually, was decorated with the luxurious
fronds of Sea Spleenwort. The length of the cave is 252 feet ;
greatest width, 190 feet; height, 60 feet. Nobody who has not
visited these caves can form any idea of their grandeur. They
are not inferior to Fingal’s, we are told, in any particular,
except that of the regularity of the strata forming the sides of the
latter. Along the romantic shore some very fine corallines were
observed, and Mr F. W. Grierson captured the rare Oil Beetle
(Melve pro Scarabeus). Here the party were joined by a com-
pany of kindred spirits from Kirkcudbright. The Hartstongue
Fern was discovered, growing in thousands, by Mr J. W. Kerr, in
a little dell at the top of the cliffs. Rerwick Kirkyard having
been inspected, the party proceeded to the Dundrennan Arms
Hotel, where tea was partaken of. Refreshed and reinvigorated,
they next examined the beautiful ruins of Dundrennan Abbey, »
where a rare variety of the Common Maidenhair Spleenwort -
(Aspleniwm trichomanes, variety inciswm,) was found in one of the
vaults. On the return journey to Dalbeattie, a remarkably fine
view was obtained of the zodiacal light, which projected fully
30 degrees in the heavens, and is a rare occurrence so late in spring.

Field Meetings. 63

QUEENSBERRY.—Jume 4th, 1881.

The second field meeting of the Session took place on Saturday,
4th June, Queensberry Hill being the locality chosen. Anticipating
a continuance of the hot weather of the previous week, most of
the members preferred to remain at home, and there was con-
sequently only a comparatively small muster, which included,
however, for the first time in the history of the Society, several
ladies. Leaving the King’s Arms Hotel at nine o’clock, the
party drove by waggonette to Mitchellslacks, near the foot of
Queensberry. The morning was cool, and the landscape through
which the journey lay, always picturesque, was enriched by the
green and hawthorn bloom of early summer. Amisfield Tower
was passed, hidden by embowering trees ; in the vicinity of Glen-
corse a passing peep was obtained of the romantic strath of the At,
where portions still remain of the ruins of Glene Castle ; and a
remarkably pretty linn was visited on the muor at the head of the
Gubhill property, where the waters of a small stream are
precipitated down a precipice of shelving rock on one side the
road, flow through a culvert beneath the road, and leap over a
series of rocky declivities in the natural channel on the other side.
Past Loch Ettrick—an artificial pond on a large scale, and well
stocked with Loch Leven trout—the party went along an upland
road, where no tree was visible excepting a small plantation beside
the loch, and not even a furze bush or a thorn, until Mitchell-_
slacks was reached. Here the horses were stabled, and Mrs
Harkness and her son gave a cordial welcome to their visitors.
Mr Harkness afterwards put the party on the right track for
making the ascent of Queensberry, accompanying them as far as
Hogg’s Lodge, a ruined stone hut or bothy which was used as a
shelter and resting place by the Ettrick Shepherd when in the
service of the then Mr Harkness of Mitchellslacks. It was in
this lodge that Hogg received and entertained James and Allan
Cunningham, whom he there met for the first time. ‘Thus
began,” says Hogg, “at that bothy in the wilderness a friendship
and a mutual attachment between two aspiring Scotch peasants
over which the shadow of a cloud has never yet passed.” But
the “shadow of a cloud” was passing over the party of natural-
historians who were treading their toilsome way up to the summit
of Queensberry—(i.e., Queenberg or Queenhill). From that windy

64 Field Meetings.

elevation they had scarcely a moment to glance at the
wonderful panorama of mountain peaks around and below
when the cloud enveloped them, and they were driven
down the hill in a perfect storm of wind and rain and hail.
At the “farmer’s ingle” they met, literally soaked. Here they
managed to dry some of their garments, and listened to recitals of
the Covenanting and other traditions of the Harkness family.
The Harknesses of Locherben and Mitchellslacks have played a
prominent and honourable part in Scottish history. James and
Thomas, who were tenants of Locherben, were suspected, and,
therefore, found guilty and condemned, in connection with the
rescue of captive Covenanters effected in Enterkin Pass in 1684 ;
and William, tenant of Mitchellslacks, had already been denounced
by royal proclamation as a resetter of fugitives. The two former
were conveyed to Edinburgh, where Thomas was executed, but
James managed to escape from the Calton to the Continent,
whence he returned under the Revolution Settlement. A com-
fortable repast having been partaken of at the hospitable table of
Mrs Harkness, a hearty vote of thanks was awarded to her and
her son for the kindness shewn to the storm-smitten naturalists.
The homeward journey lay by Auldgirth. Rain continued to fall,
but the drive was made enjoyable by social contiguity, and by fits
of recurring hilariousness, which kept the company from lapsing
into mute and miserable melancholy.

During the day Mr Lennon captured the following among other
beetles :—Harpalus tardus; Berosus spinosus; Myrmedonia
collaris (rare), in ant’s nest; Silpha opact ; Morynchus wneus ;
Parmes prolificornus ; Corymbetes pectinicornus (rare); Otvor-
hynchus rugifrons. The Cloudberry (Rubus Chamemonus), an
Alpine plant, was picked up on Queensberry in flower.

CarIRNsMORE.—2nd July, 1881.

The third field meeting of the Summer Session was held to-day,
the solitary event of the programme being the ascent of Cairns-
more-of-Fleet ; but as that is a mountain 2331 feet in height, it
afforded exercise sufficient to satisfy the strongest ; and the very
imperfect train service at the moorland station of Dromore, from
which the walk was begun, rendered it necessary to give up to it

Field Meetings. 65

the whole of a summer day, leaving Dumfries at seven in the
morning, and not reaching it again till within an hour of midnight.
In these circumstances there was an unusually meagre muster of
members, but what the party (six in all) lacked in number they
appeared to have gained in enthusiasm. Two of the six included
Mr Shaw, Tynron, and Mr T. Brown, Auchenhessnane, who had
come to Dumfries the evening before in order to have a fair start
in the morning; and the party were joined in the course of the
journey by other three gentlemen. The weather fortunately
favoured the enterprise, and a most enjoyable and not unprofitable
day was spent. The base of Cairnsmore is some three miles from
Dromore Station, in a north-westerly direction, and is reached
over a heathy tract of rising ground. Here the plaintive note of
the Golden Plover was frequently heard, and the bird itself was
seen. The little Sundew and other plants common to peaty and
heathy soils were met with in abundance. The hill seems to be
formed of a mass of syenite, and is lightly covered with vegeta-
tion, which affords sustenance to black sheep and some goats.
The Raven continues to find a haunt on Cairnsmore, undisturbed
by man. Four nests were discovered, but whether of as many
pairs or merely the successive abodes of the same pair, could not
be said. Two parent birds were observed hovering about the
cliffs, evidently watching with interest, if not solicitude, three
fledglings that were making their first assays on the wing. The
carcase of another Raven was picked up in the course of the day.
A Golden Eagle has been seen on Cairnsmore within the memory
of one of the party, but no such sight rewarded them to-day.
This mountain is not a very rich field for the botanist, but a
diligent search discovered some rather uncommon plants. The
entomologists also had their finds. These included four examples
of the Carabus glabratus—a large dark beetle never noticed
further south than the Perthshire Hills until last year, when
Mr Lennon found it here; the Agrotis porphyrea, a dark
brown moth with a net-work pattern on the wings, from
which it receives its common English name of the True-
Lover’s Knot; the Scotiona Belgiaria, or Grey Scolloped
Bar, a moth not easily distinguished from the granitic block
beside which it rested ; the Cenonympha Darus, or Marsh Ring
Butterfly ; the Emperor and Fox Moths; and the high-altitude

moths Carabus violacus and C. cancellatus, Numerous specimens
5

66 Field Meetings.

of the Viperous Lizard were also procured, and what was either a
variety of the Smooth Newt or a distinct species was caught in
a muddy pool near the summit. Many fine quartz crystals were
picked up ; but the only specimen of the rarer stones said to be
mixed with them was an agate, found by Mr Bruce of Slogarie.
The view-hunter had perhaps the “largest content” in recom-
pense for his arduous ascent. On all sides a magnificent sky-
bounded prospect extended wide before the eye of the enraptured
observer on the mountain top. Ailsa Craig was very distinctly
seen without the aid of a glass, and the Mull of Cantyre could be
descried in dim outline; but the Irish Coast, the Isle of Man,
and the Cumberland mountains were hid behind a haze. There is
a story told of a shepherd on Cairnsmore who boasted that he
could look into five kingdoms from it—the Kingdoms of Scotland,
England, and Ireland, the Kingdom of Man, and the Kingdom of
God. An interesting experiment was made on the top of the hill,
showing how the heleograph worked. According to prearrange-
ment a party at Rhonehouse—twenty miles away—flashed a
mirror in the sun at one o’clock, and the gleams were distinctly
seen, notwithstanding that the sun was shining through a cloud-
screen at the time. Descending the hill, the party divided, one
section returning by the base, and the other walking over the knee
of Cairnsmore and Meikle Mactaggart, and round the spur of
Craig Ronald, to Loch Grannish, to ascertain whether the Black-
backed Gull still breeds there. They (the latter division) were
rowed over to the island, but were informed that although the
gulls still frequent the loch they have ceased to build there, their
nests having been wrecked by floods two years in succession.

‘The following is a list of the rarer plants found on Cairnsmore:
—Asplenium veride, Hymophyllum Wilsoni, Sedwm rhodolia,
Saaxifraga stellaris, and S. hypnoides.

August, 1881.—It was arranged to hold this month’s excursion
on Thursday the 4th, and visit Annan and district ; but owing to
the unfavourable weather it was abandoned.

September, 1881,—The excursion for this month was likewise
abandoned,

DUMFRIESSIRE & GALLOWAY

SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL HISTORY, AND

ANTIQUARIAN SocIETY.

—SO—O<

FIELD MEETINGS, 1882.

KIRKCUDBRIGHT AND ITS ENVIRONMENTS.—6th May.

The first field meeting of this session was held on Saturday,
6th May, the places chosen for visiting being Kirkcudbright and
its environments and the Borness Cave. A party numbering
about 20 left Dumfries by the 8.20 train, and arrived at Kirk-
eudbright at 9.50. At the station they were met by Mr G.
Hamilton of Ardendee, Mr Coles of Tongland, and Mr John
M‘Kie, R.N., curator of the Kirkcudbright Museum, who con-
ducted them to the museum and pointed out the most interesting
objects of archeology and natural history under his care. The
party next proceeded to the Moatbrae, the site of an old convent
of the Greyfriars, immediately opposite the old castle and on the
south side of the river Dee. It is supposed that the convent
was founded by Alexander II., but owing to the records dis-
appearing at the time of its suppression nothing certain is known
of its former history. In 1564 the convent, which had been
previously despoiled, was bestowed by Queen Mary upon Sir
Thomas Maclellan of Bombie, Provost of Kirkcudbright, and
the Friars’ Church adjoining was granted, at the request of the
General Assembly, to the magistrates of the Royal Burgh, to be
used as a Protestant place of worship. Out of the ruins of the
convent Sir Thomas erected Kirkcudbright Castle, whose massive
walls, having withstood the storms of three centuries, are still
complete in form, although they are now densely covered with
ivy. It is of the Gothic style of architecture, and has above the

68 Field Meetings.

entrance door the escutcheon of Sir Thomas Maclellan. The party
then proceeded to the ancient Market Cross, after having had
pointed out to them the site of the old public-house at the Moat
Well, where Kenmure challenged Claverhouse to mortal combat,
to revenge the murder of his kinsman, Bell of Whiteside. The
tower of the County Buildings was next visited, and from this
elevation an admirable view of the sea and the country around
was obtained. As it was now noon the party retraced their
steps to the Commercial Hotel, where waggonettes were waiting
to convey them to Senwick Churchyard and the Borness Cave.
The churchyard, which is situated upon a wooded height over-
looking the estuary of the Dee, and commands a view of singular
beauty, is one of the most interesting and romantic in the
district. The ruins of the Church were used in the construction
of a more modern building, which is now in its turn also
disappearing. The inscriptions are in solitary instances quaint
and pointed, but the majority are commonplace. From the
churchyard the party proceeded to Balmangan farm house,
where an old tower was inspected, and where they were regaled
with refreshing draughts of milk. From Balmangan they drove
to South Park. Here they were met by Mr Currie, and con-
ducted to the Borness Cave, where many of the remains to be
seen in the Edinburgh Antiquarian Museum were unearthed.
The Cave is not very large, but the entrance, which is shaped
like an equilateral triangle, is lofty and expansive. Several
minute bones and pieces of charcoal were found, and many
beautiful stalactites were picked up by the exploring party. As
the time at their disposal was now short, they returned to the
waggonettes, and noticed on their homeward journey several old
fortresses and ruined fosses constructed by the warlike tribes
which inhabited this part of Scotland from the time of Cesar to
the thirteenth century.

Among the botanical specimens collected during the day were
the following :—Sanicula Europea, Adoxa moschatellina, Huony-
mus Huropeus, Erodium cicutarvwm, Eryngvum maritimum,
polygonatum multiflorum, arum maculatum, fedia olrtoria, and
ophioglossum vulgatum.

The party reached Kirkcudbright about five o’clock, and having
partaken of tea at the Royal Hotel, they left by the 6.35 train,
and arrived in Dumfries about eight, having enjoyed a very
pleasant excursion,

Field Meetings. 69

GLENQUHARGEN Craic, &¢.—3rd June, 1882.

The second field meeting of the Session was held on 3d June,
the places selected for visiting being Tynron Doon, Corfardine
Slate Quarry, The Glen of the Scaur, and Glenquhargen Craig.
As the morning was dull and threatening rain, only a small party
assembled at the Dumfries Station to meet the train due at 8.25
for Thornhill. On arriving at Thornhill they were met by Dr
Grierson ; and having taken their seats in the omnibus and waggon-
ette which were in waiting, they were soon on their way for the
Scaur. The first object noticed was the Runic Cross, in a field
near the Nith, but as the programme for the day was long, this
was only observed from the road. The first halt was made at the
Scaur Bridge, and here the party were joined by their “guide,
philosopher, and friend,” Mr Tom Brown, who was to conduct
them throughout the excursion. Turning to the right at the
bridge, they proceeded along the romantic glen througk which
the Scaur winds its tortuous course, and as the road was rough,
several of the party preferred walking, and collected specimens
along the banks of the stream, adjoining fields, and roadsides.
They continued in this way until Glenmarlin was reached, when
another halt was made to admit of those who were inclined to
ascend Tynron Doon doing so. The Doon—a fortified hill with a
nose, as the name signifies—was not very inviting on this occasion,
for it was enveloped in a cloud, and a shower coming on deterred
the party from attempting the ascent. This hill, when seen from
near Thornhill, presents the appearance of a human profile, and
at its top there are the remains of an ancient fortress. It is
said that Bruce, after he had slain Comyn in Dumfries, fled to
the summit of the Doon, and remained there in safety for some
time. Instead of climbing the height the party inspected a
Roman Camp on its side, and two curious forest growths. The
first was a rowan tree growing out of the stem of a crab, and
the other was a large elm whose branches had descended and taken
root, springing up again into as many separate trees. The next
halt was at Corfardine Quarry, which was visited by the geologists.
This place is memorable from the circumstance that Hogg, the
Kttrick Shepherd, was tenant of the farm in which the quarry
is situated. In 1814, Hogg, writing to a friend, says of his
experience of the place :—“ It pleased God to take away by death

70 Field Meetings.

all my ewes and lambs, and my long-horned cow and my spotted
bull ; for if they had lived, and if I had kept the farm of Corfar-
dine, I had been a lost man to the world, and mankind should
never have known the half that was in me.” The drive was con-
tinued for a short distance along the glen until Auchenhessnane,
the residence of Mr Brown, was reached, where the party were
received and most hospitably entertained by Mr Brown, sen., and
Mrs Brown. Here were inspected several cases containing botani-
cal specimens, and the eggs of all the birds in the district, collected
by Mr T. Brown. The garden and fernry, also inspected, contain
specimens of nearly all the British ferns.

A new feature was now introduced into the excursions in the
form of a “ Business Meeting,” at which Sheriff Hope, vice presi-
dent, presided, and the Rev. G. Sturrock of Corsock Manse, and
Messrs G. Hamilton of Ardendee and J. Dunlop of Borgue
Academy, were proposed and duly elected members of the Society.
It was agreed that the next field meeting should be held at
Southwick and Colvend, going by way of Dalbeattie.

Having awarded Mr and Mrs Brown a hearty vote of thanks
for their hospitality, the party resumed their seats in the machines.
A drive of seven miles through the well-wooded mountainous
country by way of Chanlockfoot brought them to Glenmannon
farm house, where they arrived about two o’clock. Near to the
farm house a large rocking-stone, roughly estimated to contain
90 cubic feet, and weighing fully 6 tons, was first visited. As
two hours were now at their disposal the party scattered, each
bent on his different pursuit. The Craig is a towering mass of
Silurian rock, rising to a height of more than 1000 feet, presenting
a bold and rugged outline. Far up its slopes were found two
nests—a raven’s and a buzzard’s—both being empty. At four
o'clock the party resumed their seats for the homeward journey,
returning by way of Merkland, Auchenbainzie Hill, and Drum-
lanrig. At Merkland Glen a halt was made to inspect a small
loch, the islands in which are the breeding grounds of the sea
gulls. The drive down the road towards Drumlanrig Castle, with
the well-wooded valley stretching out to the right and left, was
most enjoyable. It was intended to stop at Tibber’s Castle—the
Castle of Tiberius Czsar—but as the time would not permit the
party proceeded on to Thornhill, where they arrived in time to
meet the train due in Dumfries at 8.40, having had a most enjoy-
able excursion.

Field Meetings. 71

The following is a list of plants found during the day :—
Geranium sylvaticum, Trollius Europeus, Melica uniflora, M-
Nutans, Listera Cordata, L. Ovata, Gnaphalium dioicum, Lycopo-
dium selago, and Lysimachia nemorum, found along the Scaur
and Tynron Doon. Meum Athamanticum, Pinguicula vulgaris,
Saxifraga hypnoides, Geranium Lucidum and Bartramia fontana
(Apple Moss) near Glenquhargen Craig; Habenaria albida, H.
viridis, Pyrolia media, Rubus saxatilis and Menyanthes trifoliata
at Merkland Glen. Of the ferns there may be mentioned Crypto-
gamme crispa (Parsley), Scolopendriwm vulgare, Nephrodiwm
Oreopteris, Polypodium Phegopteris, P. Dryoptiris, and Aspidium
aculeatum.

CoLtvenD.—lst July, 1882.

The third field meeting was held on the Ist July, and according
to the programme, “ Barean Loch, Douglas Hall, Southwick Pre-
Reformation Kirk and Kirkyard, Auchenskeoch Castle, and other
places in Colvend and Southwick,” would be visited. A party of
twenty assembled at the Dumfries Station, and took the 12.20
train for Dalbeattie. Here they were joined by other members,
and immediately proceeded, per bus, towards Colvend. At a
point of the road about a mile and a half from Colvend Manse,
they were joined by the Rev. J. Fraser, and at his suggestion
dismounted to inspect the Lake Dwellings in the Barean and
Ironhash Loch; the ’bus meanwhile to proceed to the Manse
and wait there for the party. The Loch is prettily situated
among hills which have their sides covered with heather, and
studded here and there with large granite boulders and patches of
straggling brushwood, presenting on the whole a most striking
and picturesque landscape. A boat had been kindly placed at the
disposa! of the party by Mr Dinwiddie, to enable them to visit
the islands and explore the remains of the Lake Dwellings, which
were found there. The piles on which one of these structures was
originally built were distinctly visible, and a log of oak was fished
up by one of the party. From the Loch they proceeded, botanising
by the way, until they reached the Manse. Having partaken of
Mr Fraser’s hospitality a Business Meeting was held, when Mr
Fraser occupied the chair. The Secretary read a letter from the

72 Field Meetings.

Rev. W. Graham, suggesting that the Society should visit Loch-
maben Castle and Lochs at their next excursion, and this propo-
sition was unanimously agreed to. On the motion of Mr Wilson,
seconded by Mr Brown, the thanks of the Society were awarded
to Mr M‘Andrew and his assistants for the “ Flora of Dumfries-
shire and Galloway,” which had now been published. The Chair-
man. exhibited a small swivel-handled bell, made of brass, having
a wrought-iron handle and bearing the inscription—“ For the
Parish of Southwick and Colvend. A. Z. Fecit 1702.” His
conjecture was that it had been used on the occasion of funerals.

Having awarded Mr Fraser a hearty vote of thanks for his
hospitality, the party resumed their séats in the ’bus, and drove
towards Douglas Hall, where they arrived about five o’clock. As
two hours were now at their disposal the members scattered,
some botanising, others gathering shells or collecting insects.
At seven o’clock the party re-assembled at Douglas Hall; and as
it was rather late they decided to return to Dalbeattie by the high
foad past Fairgirth, where there formerly stood St. Lawrence’s
Chapel—a Roman Catholic edifice—instead of carrying out their
programme. Not a trace of the chapel could be discovered, it
having been pulled down and utilised in the building of the
adjoining farm houses. The party reached Dalbeattie about
nine o’clock ; and after a substantial tea, left for Dumfries by
the 10.20 train, having spent a most enjoyable day.

The following plants were found during the day :—Hypericum
humifusum, H. elodes, Sedum telephium, S. acre, S. Anglicwm,
Scutellaria galericulata, Alsine verna. (This plant was found
here in 1864, by Mr P. Gray, and was now thought to be extinct.)
Alliwm Vineale, Senicio viscosus, Geranium Sanguineum, Primula
veris, Genista tinctoria, Verbascum, Thapsis, Vicia angustifolia,
Tscetes lacustris, Crithmum maritimum, and Aspleniwm marinum.

LocHMABEN CasTLE.—12th August, 1882.

The fourth field meeting of the Session was held on the 12th
August, when Lochmaben Castle and Lochs were visited. The
party left Dumfries by the 1.15 p.m. train, and on their arrival at
the Lochmaben station they were met by the Rev. W. Graham

Field Meetings. 73

of Trinity, who had kindly offered to guide them to the various
places of interest. The Town Hall was first visited, where some
objects of antiquity were duly examined and explained. From
there they proceeded to the site of the old Castle, situated on the
Castlehill overlooking the Kirk Loch. This building was proba-
bly erected before the days of David I., and is supposed to be the
castle referred to in the charter by which David conveyed to
Robert Bruce, the second Lord of Skelston, “all the territory called
Estrahanneit”—i.e., Annandale, “ with his castle there and all the
customs pertaining to it.” Round the Castlehill there are traces
of a deep fosse, and near its summit heaps of building material
crop above the surface. Near to the Kirk Loch, and at the west
end of the town, is the “ Kirkyaird” of Lochmaben, where stood
the old parish church with its choir, dedicated to St. Magdalene.
Within that sacred edifice a sanguinary conflict between the Max.
wells and the Johnstones took place, which resulted in the total
destruction of the building by fire, all the Maxwells who had
taken refuge therein perishing. The party next proceeded to the
Castle Loch, and, having taken seats in four boats which were in
waiting, sailed across to “ Bruce’s Castle,” situated at the
opposite side. Mr Graham described the building, and narrated
several incidents connected with its history from the days of
Bruce. He suggested that the present keeper of the “keys,” Mr
Hope Johnstone, and Mr Jardine, as “proprietor of the land
without the gates,” should be asked to allow the inner fosse to be
cleaned out, so as to admit boats to pass round the Castle. A
Business Meeting was now held on the site of the Old Castle, at
which Mr Carruthers, of the Botanical Department, British
Museum, and Mr Graham were elected Honorary Members, and
Messrs Laurie and Duncan ordinary members, Several specimens
of the fishes in the loch were obtained from the boatmen for pre-
servation in the Observatory Museum, and a bottle of the water,
which is of a greenish tint, was taken for analysis. Having
thanked Mr Graham, the party returned to the landing stage, and
from there proceeded to the residence of Mr Waugh, where an
extensive collection of coins and interesting curiosities was
inspected. A call was next made on the Rev. Mr Hill, who shewed
his visitors over his extensive flower garden, which afforded a
pleasing and refreshing variety to the day’s enjoyment. The
party returned to Dumfries about eight o’clock.

74 Field Meetings.

The following plants were found during the excursion :—
Ranunculus fammadla, Nasturtium officinale, N. Palustre, Lyco-
pus Huropeus, Epilobium parviflorum, E. palustre, Senecio Aqua-
ticus, Bidens tripartita, Cicata virosa, Mentha Sabra, M. Aquatica,
Myosetes repens, Potamogeton natans, Sparganium ramosum,
Lemna minor, Typha angustifolia, T. latifolia, and Cnanthe
crocata.

In September the Society was to visit ‘The Martyrs’ Tombs,
Irongray, and the Skeoch Hill,” but owing to heavy rain the
excursion was abandoned.

KirKBEAN.—)th May, 1883.

The first meeting of the summer session, 1883, was held on the
5th May, the district visited being Newabbey, Kirkbean, and
Carsethorn. The weather was the most favourable that could
have been desired, being bright and sunny, but not oppressively
hot. The party numbered twenty, nine of these being ladies, who
have become members for the first time this session. Starting
from the Fountain at nine o’clock in two open conveyances, they
drove without halt to the hamlet of Preston Mill, a distance of
thirteen miles—fully enjoying the invigorating influence of the
pure morning air; the sight of pasture and corn field, hedgerow
and woodland, in the fresh verdure of a late spring, and studded
with the white blossoms of cherry, gean, and sloe; and the beauti-
ful panoramic scene which every winding of the road discloses.
At Preston Mill—where, by the way, lived “the bonnie lass” of
Allan Cunningham’s song—they were joined by Mr William Black,
gardener at Arbigland, whose intimate acquaintance with the
geology and botany of the district enabled him to offer some valu-
able suggestions for their guidance, although, much to their regret,
he was not able to accompany the party on their walking excur-
sion. Having dismissed the vehicles, the party proceeded to
explore the Gill, a pretty little ravine, in some of the deeper nooks
of which the hartstongue fern was found growing in abundance,
and some specimens with divided fronds were obtained. In an
open and elevated spot, midway up, a short stay was made, that the

Field Meetings. 75

party might picnic on the green and hold a short business meeting.
Here a commanding view was obtained of a Jong stretch of the
Scotch and English coasts, which seemed almost to landlock the
Solway, swelled at this time by a full tide that filled the estuary
of the Nith, and bathed in a glowing sunlight. Along the oppo-
site coast-line, ending in St. Bee’s Head, could be seen the towns
of Silloth, Maryport, Workington, and Whitehaven, and the eye
rested beyond them on the bold outline of the Cumberland hills,
still flecked with snowy patches. Having made the ascent of the
hill, the party turned their steps down Kirkbean Glen, a deeper,
more picturesque, and well wooded ravine, terminating beside the
church and village. It was too early in the season to find many
plants in flower, but the busy botanists found a sufficiency of
interesting specimens with which to fill their vasculums ; and if
their industry was not rewarded with many of great rarity, there
was in the constant and ever-varying loveliness of the scene—
albeit not yet arrayed in the blooming charms of “leafy June”—a
rich reward for the visit, and sufficient inducement to explore its
every corner. Turning off a little before reaching the foot of the
Glen, the company returned to Cavens, and passed through the
policies, for which Mr Oswald had kindly given permission. Close
to the house—a substantial mansion of antique appearance—are
two magnificent trees, a plane and a chestnut, which were greatly
admired. They next bent their steps towards Kirkbean Churchyard.
There are here no tombstones of great antiquity, the earliest date
noticed being in the early part of last century ; but there is one of
considerable interest because of its connection with Paul Jones,
the hero of many privateering exploits, and who has been styled
by an enthusiastic admirer, “ the founder of the American navy.”
His father was gardener at Arbigland, in the time of Mr William
Craike, one of the most enterprising of agricultural improvers of
his day, and there Paul was born. Over his father’s grave he has
erected a large flat monument. From the inscription on this
tribute of filial respect it will be seen that the name which he
adopted, and under which he figures in story, was an alias formed
by an easy play upon that which properly belonged to him. It
is: “In memory of John Paul, senior, who died at Arbigland the
24th of October, 1767. Universally esteemed. Erected by John
Paul, juneur.” The pedestrian part of the excursion ended at
Carsethorn, where a few fragments of the coralline fossil limestone

76 Field Meetings.

that abounds along the shore were picked up. A substantial and
welcome tea was provided in the Steam Packet Inn; and thus
refreshed the party began the homeward journey, time unfor-
tunately not permitting of a visit to Arbigland. A halt was made
at Newabbey, to allow of an inspection of the ruined fane of the
Lady Devorgilla. We were pleased to see continued indications
of the watchful care which has so well preserved this noble relic
of past magnificence, while so many equally interesting edifices
have been suffered to crumble and decay. Many of the weaker
parts of the masonry were recently strengthened by pointing and
the replacing of fallen stones, and material was lying at hand for
further work of the same kind. The drive back to town in the
early evening formed a very pleasant finish to what had been to
all a most enjoyable day.

At the Business Meeting referred to above, Mr Wilson, one of
the vice-presidents, presided. Three new members were admitted,
viz., Miss Kirkpatrick, Mr Henry Sawyer, and Mr Mitchell Kerr.
Mr Wilson, at the request of the Secretary (Mr Rutherford of
Jardington) shortly explained the distinctive characteristics of the
different orders to which the plants which had been collected
belonged. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to him for this
service, and a hope was expressed that the practice would be
continued at future field meetings.

Mr Wilson furnishes the following list of plants obtained :—
Anemone nemorosa, oxalis acetosella, Adoaia moschatellina, Chry-
sosplenium oppositifoliwm, and Mercurialis perennis, abundant in
the glens and roadsides near Kirkbean. Cardamine pratensis,
C. hirsuta, Myrrhis odorata, Tussilago farfara, Petasites vulgaris,
and Hquisetum arvense, along the roadside near Kirkbean. Bar-
barea vulgaris, at Whinnyhill and Carsethorn. Ranunculus
hederaceus and Ajuga reptans, near Ladyland farm. Anchusa
sempervirens, at Ladyland and Newabbey. Viola sylvatica, Luzula
pilosa, L. sylvatica, L. Campestris, in the woods along the banks
of the Kirkbean burn. Orchis mascula and Listera Ovata, near
Kirkbean, the former being very abundant, but only one plant of
the latter. Of the Ferns there may be mentioned Scolopendriwm
vulgare (almost exterminated), in the Preston Burn; Asplenvwm
Rutamuraria, growing on the walls of the old Abbey ; and Hymeno-
phyllum Wilsont or H. Unilaterale (very rare), found only in one
place during the day’s excursion, and now recorded for the first
time from this district.

Field Meetings. 77

DuRIsDEER.—2nd June, 1883.

On Saturday, 2nd June, the second field meeting of the season
was held under the most favourable auspices. The weather was
bright and summerlike, with the sun’s rays tempered by the inter-
vening movement of filmy clouds and the blowing of a soft fresh
breeze. There had been sketched by the committee a full and
fascinating programme—* Rail to Thornhill ; thence by road to
Durisdeer, where the tombs of the Douglasses and the Roman
Camp in Wall Path will be visited ; thence to Dalveen Pass; a
halt to be made at the ruins of Enoch Castle ; thence to Thornhill,
where Dr Grierson’s museum will be inspected ;’ and, owing to
the attractive character of the district chosen, and the remarkably
pleasant weather, there was the largest turn-out of members and
their friends which had ever been seen at any of the Society’s field
meetings—there being no fewer than forty, including several
ladies. The party left Dumfries at 8.52 am. At Thornhill
Station a ’bus, a waggonette, and another conveyance awaited
them. There are two ways of reaching Durisdeer from this point
—a roundabout way by Thornhill, and a straighter and shorter,
but also a steeper and rougher, by Drumcork, East Morton, and
Gateslack. It was resolved to proceed by the latter, since the
return would have to be made by the former, as being the more
convenient when Dr Grierson’s museum was to be _ visited.
Unfortunately the Doctor, expecting the cavalcade to roll along
to Durisdeer through the ducal village, there awaited its approach ;
exhibiting a degree of philosophical patience as the time passed
without the party coming, and preserving the same philosophic
temper when he learned that he might have to await them there
until the sun went down, if he did not, by some means, endeavour
to join them in Dalveen, which he straightway set himself to do,
and in due course did.

The drive to Durisdeer was greatly enjoyed. On the left, sur-
rounded by its rich environment of wood, stands Drumlanrig
Castle ; beyond it and above it a wide expanse of fertile valley,
with cultured, woody eminences, and leafy hollows, and the
fantastic form of Tynron Doon ; and skirting the side of the road
as Gateslack is neared a delightful little glen, where the road takes
a sharp turn, and botanists are strongly tempted to call a halt,
and make exploration on both banks of the babbling little brook.

78 Field Meetings.

The ‘“ King’s Quarry”—whence the name we know not—was
inspected by some geologists in the party, as the conveyances were
being dragged empty and slowly up a “stey brae ;’ but there was
nothing of any consequence reported by them regarding it.

At Durisdeer Village the horses were stabled, and the church
and churchyard visited. The former is a composite structure of
two periods. A stumpy tower surmounts the more ancient por-
tion, which is now unused, and the windows of which are sealed
with stone and lime ; the more modern portion is cruciform; the
whole presenting a singularly rugged aspect. It is conjectured
that the foundation of Durisdeer Church was due to the Stewarts,
near the obliterated site of whose castle it still stands. It was
originally a rectory belonging to the see of Galloway, served by a
vicar ; and in the fourteenth century it was constituted a prebend
of Glasgow. As to the present church, the writer of the some-
what bald and meagre ‘“ Statistical Account” of 1841, probably
the then incumbent, Rev. George Wallace, says: ‘“ It is incon-
veniently situated, being in the very east side of the parish. It
was built in 1720, and is not at present in a good state of repair.
It affords accommodation for 350 persons, and all the sittings are
free.”

The most gorgeous, and perhaps for most folk the most interest-
ing, object at Durisdeer is the mausoleum of the Queensberry
family. It is under the same roof with the church ; and an
arched doorway from the church to the tomb is filled with thick
glass, through which the gaudy tomb can be seen hy the worship-
pers in their pews. The building is vault-roofed and floored with
marble cubes, black and white. Against the wall opposite to the
church, the monument is built. It represents the Union Duke of
Queensberry reclining on a couch beside the lifeless form of his
wife. They are dressed to the last detail in the heavy finery of
the court of Queen Anne. The Duchess wears her coronet; the
Duke, resting his head on one hand, gazes down upon her face
from the curtained recesses of a highly curled wig. There is no
intimation here of humility, no lurking suggestion of a conscious
sense of the levelling decrees of Fate ; but haughty parade and
pomp on the edge of the grave, and over the decaying bits of
humanity beneath. The same vain spirit is expressed in the
panegyric that forms the epitaph. It would be difficult to imagine
anything finer than the drapery of the figures or the accuracy
with which the fabric in delicate ease, has been imitated,

Field Meetings. 79

Dr Ramage is disposed to accept as well-grounded a belief that
the figures are the work of Roubilliac, who was the most dis-
tinguished sculptor of that time. There is no conclusive evidence
on the point, however. The contents of the vault, we are informed
in a note in M‘Dowall’s “ History of Dumfries,” were examined in
1836, and were, “in addition to the dust of the Duke and Duchess,
that of Isabella Douglas, wife of William, the first Duke ; that of
Lord George Douglas, son of the latter nobleman ; of Charles, the
third Duke ; of his wife Catherine Hyde, daughter of Henry, Earl
of Clarendon, celebrated for her beauty and wit by Pope and
Swift, and who was the beautiful patroness of Gay, who said
of her—

‘ Yonder I see the cheerful Duchess stand,

For friendship, zeal, and blithesome humour known ;”

of Charles, Earl of Drumlanrig, younger son of the third Duke ;
of Elizabeth Hope, Dowager Countess of Drumlanrig ; of Henry,
Lord Drumlanrig; and of Elizabeth, daughter of the Union
Duke.” In the architrave of the mausoleum there are several
antique sculptured stones relating, it is believed, to various
branches of the Douglas family ; and there are a few articles
which were employed in the older sanctuary preserved here. The
churchyard contains many curiously figured stones ; and there is
one to the memory of Daniel M‘Michael the Covenanter, who was
shot in Dalveen Pass by Sir John Dalziel, and whose remains
were here interred.

The name ‘“ Durisdeer” is supposed to be derived from two
Celtic words indicating the opening of the forest; and Dalveen
—the “lang glen” of Burns’ song, “‘ Last May a braw wooer ”—
is also derived from two roots signifying the smooth field. It is
evident that there must in early times have been large stretches
of forest in and beyond the parish; and the beautifully formed
mountain eminences through which the Dalveen pass conducts,
and whose steep sides are clothed with a verdure soft, smooth, and
velvety as that of a well-kept lawn, render the name singularly
appropriate. Durisdeer was the scene of that last fatal expedi-
tion of Johnie of Braidislee which the old ballad so pathetically
relates—

Johnie has buskit up his good bend-bow,
His arrows ane by ane ;

And he has gane to Durisdeer
To hunt the dun deer down,

80 Field Meetings.

But less mythical personages than John of Braidislee have hunted
other game in Durisdeer. After Wallace had relieved Sir William
Douglas at Sanquhar Castle, “‘ through Durisdeer he took the
gainest gate,” as Blind Harry tells us, towards Lochmaben ; and
we are further informed that he captured the Castles of Durisdeer,
Enoch, and Tibbers from the English.
‘* Thir three captains he sticked in that stound,
Of Durisdeer, Enneth, and Tybristoun.”

The naturalists, after quitting the churchyard, proceeded along
the Wall Pass, a wild mountain path conducting direct from the
village to Crawford Muir, a distance of about five or six miles.
On the other side of a smal] stream which steals, scarcely visible,
at the foot of the hollow, there are remains of a Roman camp, and
traces of a Roman road which led on to Crawford Muir, and was
there connected with the greater road which the Romans had
formed into Annandale.

These objects of antiquarian interest having been inspected, a
Business Meeting of the Society was held—Dr Gilchrist presiding
—when Mrs Gilchrist was proposed and admitted a member, and
some arrangements were made relative to the intended visit of the
Cryptogamic Society to Dumfries. Thereafter the bulk of the
party returned to the village, and drove along Dalveen Pass; a
few others adhered to the Wall Pass, intending to rejoin their
friends at the top of Dalveen. The sole of the Wall Pass is a
difficult but not dangerous cart-road. For a portion of the way
it is quite soft and turfy under foot; for another portion it is
exceedingly stony ; for the rest it forms the bed of a stream after
rain, and you are obliged to pick your steps through bits of
spongy moor. On the right hand side, going towards Lanark-
shire, it was observed that the hills are covered with heather, and
that there is little or none visible on the hills to the left; but
when the march between the two counties is reached there is
plenty on both sides, and the country opens upon Crawford Muir.
The boundary line at this point is also the watershed. On one
side of a fence you have the drainage percolating towards the
streams that feed the Nith, and on the other side a considerable
burn brawling over a bed of Silurian to its junction with the Daer,
which is a famous trouting stream, and is maintained by some to be
the true source of the river Clyde, since it is larger than the Clyde
burn, which falls into it, not it into the Clyde. Pursuing their

Field Meetings. 81

unhindered way “o’er muirs and mosses many, O,” the pedestrians
turned on the left towards the old Edinburgh Road, which runs
ulong Dalveen Pass, and which at this point enters upon Crawford
Muir. Of the muir the most and the best that can be said is that
it really is a muir—a vast extent of flat, spongy, altogether tree-
less land, on which there are pretty effects of brown and purple,
and on the far-off: verge of which the Caledonian Railway runs.

At Trolos House, which is now inhabited by a shepherd, a
pastoral repast of milk and cheese and scones was partaken of,
The house is two-storey, built by a former proprietor who has left
behind him some memorials of personal eccentricity. The house
itself is one of them. It is bridged over a mountain stream, which
murmurs a drowsy lullaby in dry seasons beneath it, and roars
with the voice of a cataract when the Spate is on, and rock and other
mountain debris are tumbled along its steep and rugged channel:
On the opposite side of the road, in a small enclosure, where
the underlying Silurian crops above the surface, covered with a
scruff of lichen and moss, and the bleached and broken trunks of
a circle of Scotch pines that had wrestled in vain with the
violence of the wind and the winter in this high unsheltered
region, project like a row of decayed and irregular teeth, there
is a freestone monument, with four Square panels, and a pyra-
midal top, terminating in a ball, On one of the panels there is
this inscription : ‘This tomb, erected by James M‘Turk of
Stonehouse and John Forsyth of Troloss, Esqs., in 1815.” And
on another panel, partly broken: « , ies interred
Bibs Hit Maendies. US aig, ep Troloss, who died in
1768, aged 34 years, Likewise Mrs Ann J ohnston, his wife, who
died in 1766, aged 34 years, and their three children Isobel,
Catheren, and James, Also, Jean Menzies, sister of the above
Adam. She died 1763, aged 24 years. Altas supervenit Atitat.,
ut unda unde.” The English of which is, “ Age comes on age,
aS wave on wave,” a sad reflection chastely worded. On this
lone but enjoyable spot Mr Menzies had built for himself and his
a nest, and made of the place a little world for him and them.
When the angel of death passed into their dwelling and robbed
them of their children, they seem to have clung to them still, and
to have desired to bury them near to their own home. This pro-
bally accounts for the tomb on the mound.

A section of the party had remained at Dalveen Toll, where a

82 Field Meetings.

pass penetrates the hills to the Wall Path at the Roman Camp.
Between the Toll and Troloss there is a remarkably pretty
spectacle. On one side the road, the Lavern Burn precipitates
itself over the ridge of a hill, down whose side it has worn a deep
ravine, shelved with projecting rocks. From shelf to shelf the
stream descends, and forms a succession of waterfalls from top
to bottom. Under a bridge over which the road passes the
stream continues to descend a precipitous bank to the green
meadow, where the Dalveen Lade receives it, and the two become
the Carron Water. The character of the scenery in the Dalveen
Pass is entirely unique. It has not the savage ruggedness of the
Enterkin ; it is a surprising combination of the wild and beauti-
ful; and we know nowhere else that anything so picturesque in
its way may be seen as the long extent of meadow far down
beneath the level of the road, with the Carron glittering in silvery
sinuosities like a snake in the bright green grass, and the beauti-
fully rounded mountains carrying up the green of the meadow
against the blue of the sky.

At Durisdeer Mill a pause was made, and some refreshment
partaken of at the establishment of Mr John Grierson, who
relieves the prosaic monotony of a country merchaut’s life by
writing and printing poems in a minute pre-Raphaelite vein.
Afterwards the party drew up at the site of Enoch Castle—of
which there is no stone left, but which was at one time a strong
fortress, situated on a precipitous bank of the Carron. At this
point the glen through which the Carron flows is one of the
sweetest bits of sylvan scenery conceivable ; and it is said that it
used to be a favourite resort of Gay when sojourning with the
Duke and Duchess of Queensberry at Drumlanrig.

A short stay was made at Thornhill, where Dr Grierson’s
wonderful garden and his only more wonderful museum were
hurriedly inspected, and his hospitality, as dispensed by his kindly
housekeeper Mary, was partaken of.

The party returned to Dumfries by rail about eight o'clock,
everyone perfectly delighted with the day’s proceedings.

Mr Wilson furnishes the following list of plants, and Mr Lennon
the list of coleoptera :—

List of Plants: Pingwicula vulgaris, Ranunculus hederaceus,
in wet places on the hills; Potamogeton natans, Draba verna,
Helianthemum vulgaris, Polygala vulgaris, Viola tricolor, Viola

Field Meetings. 83

Lutea (rave), Hmpetrum nigrwm (crow-berry, rare), Saxifraga
hypnoides (rare), Lathyrus macrorrhizws (Heath pea), in the
Dalveen Pass ; Myosotes versicolor, Pedicularis sylvatica, Gewm
rivale, and Eqwisetum sylvatica, along the roadside; found
Stellaria nemorum (rare), at Enoch Castle. Of the ferns there
may be mentioned: Botrychiwm lunaria (moonwort), growing
along the roadside, and Polypodiwm phegopteris (Beech), P.
dryopteris (Oak), Lastrea montana, Allosorus crispus (Parsley),
Scolopendrium vulgare, and Hymenophyllum Wilsona (Filmy Fern,
rare), in the Dalveen Pass; and Cystopteris fragilis (Bladder
Fern), at the Dalveen Pass and Enoch Castle.

List of Coleoptera : Cicindela campestris, Carabus arvensis
(rare), C. clathratus, C. violaceus, Libria chlorociphola (rare),
Anchomenus gracilis (rare), A. oblongus, (rare), Amora bifrons
(rare), A. spinipes (not common), Bembidiwm femoratum, B. doris,
B. quadripustulatum, Coreyon minutus (not common), Quedius
lateralis, Q. xanthopus, Q. impressus (rare), Silpha sinuata (not
common), S. Opaca (not common), Aphodius hamorrhoidolis (rare),
A. inquinatus, Geotrupes mutator, G. punctatostriatus, Corymbites
cuprens, C. metallicus, Agriotes sputator, A. lineatus.

Hoppom CastLe, REPENTANCE TowER, AND CARLYLE’S Tome.
7th July, 1883.

A large party (thirty-three ladies and gentlemen) participated
in the July excursion, In the early morning the weather prospect
was disappointing, but only one or two slight showers fell during
the day, which was otherwise dry and fine. After a pleasant
drive, the party arrived at Hoddom Castle about mid-day. The
Castle is of the old Scotch baronial style of architecture, and
belongs to different periods. The central tower is now the only
part existing of the original Castle, which was built in the 15th
century by Lord Herries from the stones of an ancient chapel ;
and, with the exception perhaps of the outer walls, the other
portions of the building are comparatively modern, extensive
additions being made so recently as 1878. To the back of the
Castle and in the walls are the remains of Roman altars and
inscriptions, which were discovered at the Roman camp of Birrens

84 Field Meetings.

or Burrens, a few miles distant, and also several fossils. Agricola
is the reputed founder of this Roman station, and the fosse,
aggeres, and pretorium of the camp on the neighbouring height
of Burnswark, from which innumerable roads diverge in every
direction through the southern parts of the kingdom, were also
formed by this distinguished Roman general during his governor-
ship of Britain. Built into the wall to the west of the Castle is
what has apparently been the lintel of a door, and is inscribed
(as was the custom in early times) with the date, 1677, and a
pious quotation—

16. GOD BE [M MR MC] HERE. TMG

The letters within the brackets, Mr Barbour is of opinion, are
probably the initials of the person residing within the house.

The Tower of Trailtrow, or, as it is more commonly called,
Repentance Tower—a name which it owes obviously to the word
“ Repentence,” which is carved between the figures of a dove and
was next visited. It is situated on

a serpent over the doorway
an eminence close to and overlooking the Castle, but is in the
neighbouring parish of Cummertrees. Spottiswoode says ‘it was
anciently used as a beacon ; and the Border Laws direct a watch
to be maintained there, with a fire-pan and bell, to give the alarm
when the English crossed the river Annan.” The traditionary
tale regarding its origin is that it was built from the stones of a
ruined chapel in the fifteenth century by the then Lord Herries
—‘“ Herries o’ the Thwaite” (a noted reiver)—as an outward token
of penitence and remorse. The Tower stands in the centre of a
small churchyard, now old and unused, in which are a number of
curious inscriptions. Near to the Tower isa large enclosed burial-
place helonging to the family of Murray of Murraythwaite. A
Business Meeting was held here, after which Dr Gilchrist gave a
brief address on the geology of the district. Descending from
the hill, the party were kindly entertained to a refreshing cup of
tea by Miss M. Carlyle Aitken, of The Hill, niece of Thomas
Carlyle. The tea was prepared and partaken of in the house of
Mrs Graham, Hoddom Mains, obligingly placed at the disposal of
the party. After a brief visit to Hoddam Castle gardens and a
little out-of-the-way burial-place in the centre of a field a short
distance from the Castle, the party resumed their seats in the
vehicles, and in a short time reached the churchyard of Eccle-

Field Meetings. 85

fechan, where a few minutes were spent at the grave of Thomas
Carlyle. Near to the resting-place of the great seer is the tomb
of “Robert Peal” (the reputed grandfather of Sir Robert Peel),
who “died April ye 4th, 1749 ;” and many other distinguished
sons of Annandale are interred here. Proceeding next to the
village, a visit was paid to the little house in which Carlyle was
born ; and before leaving Ecclefechan a number of the party made
the acquaintance of Mr Graham, the genial postmaster, by whom
they were shown a number of interesting letters from Lord
Nelson to Mr Graham’s grand-uncle, Dr Thomas Graham, who
was assistant-surgeon on board the same ship in which Nelson
was a “middy ”—probably the Seahorse. Dr Graham, who was
drowned at Liverpool, was one of the founders of the Atheneum
Library there. Mr Graham also shewed the company a curious
old pistol, which is supposed to have belonged to Lord Nelson,
Dr Graham at one time obtained a brace of pistols from the
Admiral, and it is thought probable that this may be one of them.
There is a, small plate on the side with the inscription “ Parks
& Co.,” and the pistol is so constructed that by a spring a dagger
shoots out under the barrel. Leaving Ecclefechan at half-past
five, the party returned via Lockerbie and Lochmaten, arriving
in Dumfries at nine o'clock.
The following Plants were found during the day: Ranunculus
flammula, Papaver rheas, Fumaria officinalis, Polygala vulgaris,
Vicia angustifolia, Spergula arvensis, and Coniwm maculatum
(hemlock), which was very abundant near Repentance Tower.
Comarum palustre, Menyanthes trifoliata (bog-bean), Galvwm
palustre, and G, uliginosum, at the small lake near to Hoddam
Castle. Galiwm sawxatile, Silene inflata, Hypericum perfoliatum,
H. pulchrum (not yet in flower), Reseda luteola, Scrophularia
nodosa, at Ecclefechan. Orobus tuberosus, Euphorbia peplus,
Sedum acre, S. telephiwm, Callitriche verna, Linaria vulgaris,
Epilobium montana, E. palustre, Lonicera periclymenum, Jasione
montana, Pyrola minor (rare), Orchis masculata, Habenaria
bifolia, and Listera ovata, along the road side. Saw Linaria
_cymbalaria growing at the gateway of Hoddam Castle, and Jris
pseudacorus in full bloom in the Lochar Moss.

86 Field Meetings.

CARLINGWARK LocH AND THREAVE CASTLE.
4th August, 1883.

The August field meeting comprised an excursion by rail to
Castle-Douglas, a pleasant sail on Carlingwark Loch, and a visit
to the interesting ruins of Threave Castle. Only a dozen members
attended, but, favoured with fine weather, the meeting proved an
enjoyable one. They were met at Castle-Douglas by Mr J. H.
Maxwell, the genial editor of the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser,
who kindly accompanied the party, and supplied each of them with
a copy of his ‘Guide to the Stewartry.” Cuarlingwark Loch was
first visited. The loch, which is nearly a hundred acres in extent,
is beautifully studded with a number of small islets, and occupies
a picturesque situation. It has also yielded up many antiquarian
relics, and was much prized as a field for research by the late Mr
Joseph Train, the well-known antiquary. A boat having been
engaged, the party proceeded to the Fir Island, the largest of the
group, which is said to have been used by Edward I. as a place
for shoeing his cavalry horses, when he made his way in 1300 to
the wilds of Galloway—a traditionary tale which is supported by
the supposition that there used to be a road from the margin of
the loch to the north-east of the island, by the fact that horse-
shoes of an old-fashioned character and similar deposits have been
repeatedly found in the bed of the lake, and by the further fact
that until recently what were supposed to be the remains of an old
forge were visible on the island. An object of curiosity here is a
small memorial purporting to have been erected in March, 1863,
“to the memory of Prince, for twelve years the faithful and
attached dog of Lady Abercromby of Birkenbog ;” and on the top
of the stone is sculptured a bas-relief image of her ladyship’s
favourite pet. A rare specimen of Ranunculus Lingua was found
on the island by Miss Gillies. The name of the lake is a compound
of two old British words—caerlin, a fort lake, and wark, a castle
—and its application is explained by the story that a town was
sunk in the loch, and that churches once stood on two of the
islands. Near to the lake is the place known as “The Three
Thorns of Carlingwark,” where James II. assembled his men for
the siege of Threave Castle. Three thorn trees used to mark the
spot, but they have all perished from old age, the last one having
fallen a few years ago. After a brief visit to the garden of Mr

Field Meetings. 87

James Lidderdale, to which they were kindly invited by Mrs
Lidderdale, the party directed their steps towards Threave Castle.
The site of this venerable pile is an island formed by the river
Dee, formerly occupied by a fortalice belonging to Alan, the last
native Prince of Galloway; and the building material is said to have
been brought from the old Abbey of Glenlochar, which was about
a mile and a half distant. The precise date of its erection is
unknown, but it is supposed to have been in the fourteenth
century, and Archibald Douglas the Grim is its reputed founder.
The castle, which has been of three storeys, consists of a tall oblong
square tower, the walls of which are about 70 feet high and 8 feet
thick, and surrounded by the remains of a barbican flanked
with a circular tower at each corner, one of which is still almost
complete. The entrance is on the east side, the doorway, which is
on the level of the second storey, being approachable at one time
by means of a drawbridge which spanned a deep fosse. Over the
entrance a small granite block projects from the wall. This is called
the “Gallows Knob” or “hanging stone,” where the unhappy vassal,
who had offended his lord, was “tucked up” to pay the penalty
with his life; and near to Carlingwark Loch was a charnel, known
as the “Gallows Slot,” into which the lifeless bodies were after-
wards unceremoniously thrown. William, eighth Earl of Douglas,
kept a retinue at Threave of about 1000 armed men, and con-
ducted his household with regal splendour. When the Act of
Forfeiture was passed against the King’s enemies in 1455, Threave
was the last stronghold that held out, and King James conducted
the siege himself. It was for this, it is said, that the ponderous
piece of ordnance known as “ Mons Meg” was forged by a. black-
smith named M‘Kim, who with his seven sons carried on his trade
at Buchan’s Croft, a hamlet in the neighbourhood. The “gun-
stanes o’ the granite grey” with which the cannon was charged
were disastrously effective; and the garrison soon surrendered.
For his part in the victory M‘Kim, says tradition, received the
lands of Mollance, and it is to a contraction of this word and the
familiarised Christian name of his wife, that some attribute the
name “Mons Meg.” The gun, which now occupies a position on
the bastion of Edinburgh Castle, bears by an inscription on the
carriage to have been forged at Mons, Flanders, which shews that
the traditionary tale is discredited; but there is still a general
belief in its Galloway origin, which is strengthened by the fact

88 Field Meetings.

that a ball corresponding to Meg’s “ meikle mouw’” was excavated
at the Castle at a comparatively recent date, and that this and
the other balls at Edinburgh are apparently of Galloway granite.
After a short Business Meeting, the party returned to Castle-
Douglas, and left for Dumfries with the 4.47 train.

The following is a list of the plants found :—Ranuneulus Flam-
mula, R. Lingua (rare), Nymphea alba, Nuphar Lutea, Nastwr-
tiwm palustre (rare), Alisma plantago, A. ranwnculordes, Potamo-
geton heterophyllus, P. perfoliatus, P. Crispus, at Carlingwark
Loch. Galiwm Verum, G. saxatile, G. mollugo, G. palustre, G.
uliginosum, Hypericum perforatum, H. humifusum, H. pulchrum,
Antirrhinum majus, Agrimonia Eupatoria (not common), Genista
tinctoria (rave), Sherardia arvensis, Lythrum salicaria, Stachys
Betonica (rare), S. palustris, Tewcriwm Scorodonia, on the way to
Threave Castle. Lobelia Dortmanna (rare), Menyanthes trifoliata,
Potamogeton natans, Helosciadium inundatum, Carum verticila-
tum, and Juncus obtusiflorus (very rare), in wet places and the
river Dee near the Castle.

Corsock.—lst September, 1883.

The fifth and last excursion of the summer season took place to
Corsock, when a party of twenty-two ladies and gentlemen set out
in two waggonettes at ten o’clock. Though the, morning was dry
and sunny, there were yet indications of impending rain, in a
lowering barometer and the glistering state of the atmosphere ;
and before the day was far advanced showers began to fall, and
continued at intervals to do so. This interfered with the work of
botanical exploration. The woods and meadows were too wet, and
the showers too frequent, for the botanists to venture far a-field.
But in other respects the outing proved to be a most enjoyable
one. Some pretty bits of little-frequented country were seen as
the party drove along, and one or two places of interest were
visited.

At the village of Crocketford—the Nine-Mile Bar, as it used
to be called—a halt was made, and some information obtained |
respecting that curious sect of religious fanatics, the Buchanites,
who founded the village, and died and were buried there, though

Field Meetings. 89

the distinctive idea of their creed was a profession that they should
never taste of death, but be lifted up bodily and alive into the
New Jerusalem. The leader of this “peculiar people,” Lucky
Buchan, shared the common lot on the 29th of March, 1791 ; but
it was not until half a century afterwards that all hope was aban-
doned by the last surviving of her followers of her miraculous
ascension, and her remains were committed, ‘‘dust to dust,” to the
keeping of the grave. Though a sadly deluded community, the
Buchanites were kindly, inoffensive, and industrious. As wheel-
wrights and spinners they established the work of their hands in
the South of Scotland. It was they who introduced the two-
handed spinning-wheel ; and they obtained as much employment
as they could address themselves to in spinning linen yarn for the
well-to-do families of the neighbourhood. They possessed their
goods in common; lived peaceably and “beinly” together; and
were not without hope when the end came and they fell asleep
in death.

This and the neighbouring parishes were the theatre of much
black business in the time of the persecution. On the bleak,
stony ridge of Larghill a rough obelisk of grey granite was seen,
and ascertained to be a monument to the Covenanters, who were
shot on the adjoining moor of Lochankit. The grave of the
martyrs is on the moor itself, and over it a tombstone bears the
following inscription :

“Here lies 4 Martyrs, John Wallace, Wm. Heron, John Gordon, and
Wm. Stewart, found out and shot dead upon the place by Captain Bruce
and Captain Lag, for their adhering to the Word of God, Christ’s Kingly
Government in His House, and the Covenanted work of the Reformation
against Tyranny, Perjury, and Prelacy.

2nd March, 1685.

Rev. chap. xii. v. 2.
Behold here in this wilderness we lie,
Witnesses of hellish cruelty ;
Our lives and blood did not their ire assuage,
But when we’re dead they did against us rage,
That match the like we think ye scarcely can,
Except the Turk or Duke de Alva’s men.”

There were in all six Covenanters captured by Bruce on Lochinkit
Moor. Nicholson says this occurred on the 19th February, 1685,
and that four of them were at once ordered to be shot. Two
others, Alexander M‘Rohin or M‘Cubbin and Edward Gordon,

90 Field Meetings.

were carried hy him to the Bridge of Urr, where Grierson of Lagg
was administering the abjuration oath. Bruce desired that his
prisoners should be formally found guilty by a jury; but Lagg
was impatient of ceremony, and next day he had them conveyed
to Irongray, where they were hung on an oak tree, and buried at
the foot of it. Over them there is a tombstone with the follow-
ing inscription :

‘Here lyes Edward Gordon and Alexander M‘Cubbine, martyrs, hanged
without law by Lagg and Captain Bruce, for adhering to the Word of God,
Christ’s Kingly Government in His own House, and Covenanted work of
Reformation against Tyranny, Perjury, and Prelacy, Rev. xii. 2, March 3d,
1685.

As Lagg and bloodie Bruce command,
We were hung up by hellish hand ;
And thus their furious rage to stay,
We died near Kirk of Irongray.

Here now in peace sweet rest we take,
Once murdered for religion’s sake.”

Mr Harper mentions that the fine engraving, by Mr B. Scott, of
a picture by Thomson of Duddingston, designated “ Martyrs’
Tombs in the Bog of Loch-in-Kett, Galloway,” represents in reality
the Martyrs’ Grave at the Caldons, Glen Trool, and that the
engraving has in some unexplained way been therefore misnamed.

At Corsock Manse a cordial reception awaited the party at the
hospitable hands of Mr and Mrs Sturrock. Rain had been falling
for half an hour before the Manse was reached, and the shelter
was therefore no less welcome than the substantial repast, which
was immediately partaken of. Disappointing to the visitors, the
weather was equally so to the young people at the Manse; for
arrangements had been made by them to entertain the company
at lawn tennis, croquet, football, &c., and it was with no little
reluctance that these instruments of outdoor amusement had to be
abandoned. Leaving the Manse, with a pressing invitation cling-
ing to them to return for tea, the party proceeded to Corsock
House, the residence of Mrs Murray Dunlop, who had, when
asked, kindly consented to throw the grounds and gardens open,
and to place the boat at the service of the Society to navigate, if
desired, the loch. Mr Croal, gardener, who accompanied the
party, was most obliging in his information, and afforded no little
entertainment by the raciness of his historical narrative and inter-
esting bits of folk-lore.

Field Meetings. | 91

Corsock House, though not of yesterday, is the modern repre-
sentative of a much older structure—the Castle of Corsock,
crumbling vestiges of which still remain on the farm of Hallcroft,
and an armorial stone from which, with the initials “J. N.” and
and “M. G.” (John Nelson, namely, and his wife Margaret Gordon),
is built into one of the walls of Corsock House. The Nelsons of
Corsock, like their relatives the Gordons, were devoted adherents
to the cause of the Covenant, and suffered much and long for their
fidelity to the Presbyterian Church of the Reformation. When
the Rev. Gabriel Semple was ejected from Kirkpatrick-Durham,
he found a refuge in Corsock Castle, where he preached regularly
to increasing congregations of eager hearers. Mr Nelson became
a marked and obnoxious man for this, and for other conduct of
his, and was made to suffer severely in his means. He was con-
cerned in the rising which occurred after the affair at Dalry, and
ended disastrously at Rullion Green ; and he and John Gordon of
Irongray were tried in Edinburgh, and condemned to be hung,
a sentence which would have been averted probably by Sir James
Turner, whose life had been saved by the intercession of Nelson
when Sir James was seized by the Covenanters in Dumfries, but
for the stern counter-plotting of the Rev. Mr Dalgliesh, the
Episcopalian curate of his parish, who represented him to the
bishops as the very ringleader of the disaffected, and urged the
necessity of his execution, “for the sake of example and the
establishment of peace.” On the 14th of December, 1666, after
having been tortured by the “boot,” Mr Nelson was hanged
accordingly at the Cross of Edinburgh.

On a green hill top near Corsock House there stands a chaste
granite obelisk, erected to the memory of the late Mr Murray
Dunlop, who was for many years an influential member of Parlia-
ment for Greenock, who espoused the cause of the Non-Intrusion
party, who was afterwards the trusted legal adviser of the Free
Church, who was respected by opponents and revered by friends,
and of whom the late Lord Cockburn said—“ Calm, wise, pure,
and resolute, no one ever combined more gracefully the zeal of a
partizan and the honour of a gentleman.” The monument on the
height was erected by his sorrowing tenantry.

The party were received at Corsock House by Mrs Murray
Dunlop, and shewn a number of interesting articles recently
brought from Egypt by her son, including three large and hand-

92 Field Meetings.

some mosque lamps, some curtains in bright-coloured cottons,
carpets, pottery formed of the mud of the Nile, and trays and
vases of Damacene work and Benares brass.

Returning to the Manse, the party again partook of the hospi-
tality of Mr and Mrs Sturrock, to whom, on the motion of Dr
Gilchrist, president of the Society, a hearty expression of
thanks was conveyed. Shortly afterwards the waggonettes drew
up, and the party left for Dumfries, which was reached about
eight o’clock, and without much rain having been encountered on
the way. When, some years ago, the Society formerly visited
Corsock, the weather was very similar to that of Saturday; but on
that occasion as on this the hospitality of the Manse did not fail,
and feelings of regret for lost opportunities in scientific explora-
tion were supplanted by a sense of social enjoyment.

The botanical finds were not numerous. But in the walk
through the woodland to the loch, the ground was seen to abound
in very fine fungi and lichens, some of the rarer sorts of which
were picked up by Dr Gilchrist. The following note from
Dr Anstruther Davidson, Thornhill, was received :—The heavy
rain which fell during the afternoon prevented the botanists
of the party from exploring the glen and adjoining woods.
In Corsock wood, however, Mr Chrystie, Dumfries, collected
specimens of Lysimachia ciliata, a North American plant, men-
tioned in the Floras as having established itself in Cumberland
and near Dumbarton; in this case doubtless a garden escape.
Amongst the less common plants observed near Corsock House
may be mentioned Meum athamanticum and Arctiwm majus.
On the edge of the loch were gathered Scuwtellarca galericulata
and Alisma ranwnculoides, and in the loch itself Muphar lutea,
Nymphea alba, Potamogeton crispus, P. obtusifolius, and Chara
flearhs.

INTERMEDIATE LECTURES

= ae ae ee ue Ca tae e “My abba
une Te Peer aad Cs

Taitats iusto Neer a plans i
a Haan ered eehy a Liege a ain
( ; ee 8 A, ant

Kips vey a4

ae, OES > om Mee CP *
Sy ook il x pean pan ne ee atl Ae
Alert onan ae Pic! gh alee Tesh ws ae

ae

: wen ato? 4
mi Pe eh 1 oe eile eRe eS peo
a ha Va eat, ete haw Nee, ie ee a onwl E uae
c% rch psa adhe he da sep kc eee £4 yee
A es Bs Sie sigh:

EA | hy? > ee WS ae

hak vie’ ie -
hace eas aa

ree iu

2: G aya ae Sel Sut ig Apa?» ees a

ie Bayt" yiele a Fae pent" at

_) Pynhin aed posih it ds ie 4, Baap R

ay Pore ee ay alk Madar, “g yh Pre *

, Ar ithewa Wied pal ORES

a aa aoe biekt iG oe
; ty caeealenee Weiiat ? gf Lge Ade, 8" Le neal
me pies. ce! at aaagibnw pao alle, FPO f en
yey aw ~ale gai ne int ela? EWS 4 ee
acy a ee: oe a

: ia. ee ws

DUMFRIESSHIRE & GALLOWAY

SCIENTIFIC, NATURAL HISToRY, AND
ANTIQUARIAN SOGIETY.

—_——_+#-e-@——___

INTERMEDIATE LECTURES.

17th November, 1882.
Dr Giucurist in the chair. Thirty-nine present.

The first of the intermediate course of lectures was given
to-night by the President, Dr Gilchrist, the subject being
“Nature’s Tiny Workmen.” The lecturer briefly summarised
his communication to the Society of the 3rd inst., and proceeded
to describe the life and habits of some of the coral polypes, and
clearly explained the formation by them of atolls, barrier reefs,
and fringing reefs. Passing from these he described the formation
of the carboniferous series of rocks, their extent, and the numerous
fossils which they contain, with especial reference to the corallines.
The lecture was illustrated by several diagrams and numerous
specimens of corals and corallines.

15th December, 1882.

Dr GitcuRist in the Chair.

Mr Rutherford of Jardington gave a very interesting lecture
on ‘“ Atmospheric Electricity,” illustrated with a number of
beautiful experiments.

19th January, 1883.
Dr GitcHRist in the Chair.

Mr Armistead of the Solway Fishery delivered a most instruc-
tive lecture on “Fish and Fish Culture,” with a fulness and

96 Intermediate Lectures.

freeness possible only to one who, like himself, has made the
subject a special study and practical pursuit. After giving some
account of the fish culture of the ancients, Mr Armistead spoke
of the many rivers, lakes, and ponds, especially in the northern
part of Great Britain, which, if properly managed, could be made to
produce much more than the same extent of land. Referring to the
previous plenteousness of fish and the present scarcity, he remarked
that “‘many rivers which thirty years ago were teeming with fish
had not one in them now. They were as black as ink with sewage
and the poisonous chemical wash of manufactories.” “What,” he
went on to say, “is wanted to increase our salmon supply is
cultivation, not restriction. It is the opinion of Professor Huxley
that fishermen should be allowed to catch fish when they like, how
they like, and where they like. He could not go the whole length
of that; but such a change in the law might be safely made if
cultivation was what it ought to be.” In comparing artificial
with natural hatching, the lecturer stated that not one egg in a
hundred in the natural condition produced a fish, whereas by the
artificial process as many as 100 per cent. of eggs had been
successfully hatched, and the loss certainly never ought to exceed
20 per cent.. The importance of protecting and feeding fish was
also explained. In speaking of reproducing with a sea trout and
burn trout, the lecturer gave it as his opinion that they would
reproduce, and he mentioned that Professor Day was of opinion
that sea trout, salmo trutto, would in the end prove to be a sea
going variety of the common trout, salmo faro. After discussing
the natural and artificial impregnation of the ova, its progress in
hatching, crippled fish, and diseases of fish, Mr Armistead con-
cluded his highly interesting lecture by exhibiting some of the
troughs used in the artificial hatching of fish.

16th February, 1883.
Mr J. Witson, Vice-president, in the Chair.

Dr Grierson, Thornhill, delivered a lecture on “The Brain and
Nervous System.” The lecturer, who spoke without notes, dis-
coursed in an easy conversational style, and treated his subject in
a most lucid manner. He gave an account of the provision that
has been made for the security of the great nervous centres, viz.,
the brain and the spinal cord—the structure of the skull and the

Intermediate Lectures. 97

vertebra being fully described. The head of a sheep was dissected,
and as the brain was being removed the names of its various parts
were given, as well as of the nerves proceeding from it. It was
afterwards compared with a human brain, which was preserved in
spirits, and also with those of the horse and monkey. The nearest
approach to the human brain, he said, was certainly that of the
monkey, and he added that there is more difference between the
brain of the cat and the monkey than between the monkey’s and
man’s. After considering the substance of the brain structure, and
offering some observations on mind and matter, Dr Grierson
brought his highly instructive lecture to a close by remarking
“that although much had been learned there remained a vast deal
yet to be known respecting the brain and the nervous system, and
in preference to much of the theory of the moderns, he was dis-
posed to accept many of the speculations of the philosophers of
former times.”

16th March, 1883.
Dr Giucurist, President, in the Chair. Forty-three present.

Mr J. Wilson delivered an instructive lecture on “ A Cup of
Tea.” The lecturer, after giving an interesting sketch of the
history of tea, from its introduction into the Celestial Empire in
the fifth century to the present time, described its botanical
characteristics and the modes adopted in picking and preparing
the different teas of commerce. He went fully into the chemical
properties of tea, describing the effects produced by the con-
stituents on the system, and also the various adulterants which
were formerly mixed with the leaves. Having considered the
different ingredients in “the cup of tea,” he showed how to make
it to the best advantage, and concluded by saying that when
properly made it was an agreeable and stimulating beverage ; but
if taken in excess, at irregular intervals, or without sufficient food,
it produced deleterious effects. The lecture was illustrated by
samples of the different kinds of tea, microscopical drawings of
various leaves, and numerous chemical experiments, showing the
properties of the respective constituents.

7

98 Intermediate Lectures.

20th April, 1883.
Mr RutTHeERForRD, Secretary, in the Chair.
LocHMABEN CASTLE.

The sixth and last of the course of lectures was given by the
Rev. W. Graham, Trinity, Edinburgh, his subject being “ Loch-
maben Castle: Its Past, Present, and Future.” Mr Graham, in
the course of his remarks, gave some interesting particulars which
are not generally known. After referring to its earlier history
and other circumstances connected with its recent demolition since
the close of last century, he touched specially on the hereditary
keepership of the Castle. The hereditary keeper is Capt. Hope-
Johnstone of Annandale, a descendant of Wallace, through David
Halliday’s daughter, a niece of Wallace, marrying Jchnstone, its
hereditary keeper. This is told by The Minstrel, book 5th.
Wallace, accompanied by Greme, took the Castle from the
English in 1304. Wallace proposed to Graeme to take the
Castle, and Graeme agreed. When about a mile from the Castle,
in the Smallrigg direction, the night being dark, a consultation
was held. Wallace said to his brother-in-law, Halliday,
“Methinks thou knowest this country best. I hear no noise of
folk.” Halliday said, “I will take ane wi’ me and ride before to
let ye see the way to the Castle.” At length they reached the
Castle gates. Halliday asked the porter to open, he having some
acquaintance with him as a neighbour, though his aim he said
was to do the English ill. John Watson, the porter, opened the
gate. John Halliday “soon by the craig him threw,” and with a
knife ‘sticked him dead.” Wallace and Greme then entered,
taking the keys out of the dead porter’s hands, and slew all
excepting the women and children. They examined the Castle
next morning, and sent for ‘“‘ Johnstone, a man of greate degree,”
and made him the “captain of that place.” After that Graeme
and Wallace left the Castle for the Corehead and Crawford Castle
by Kirkpatrick and “ Aisdaill Woddis.” This was the story of
the taking of Lochmaben Castle by Wallace and the Greeme, and
the appointment of Johnstone of Annandale the full captain
keeper, in whose family directly or indirectly it has remained
from that time till now.

‘¢ Within the bounds of Annandale the gallant Johnstones ride ;
They have been here a thousand years, and a thousand more
will bide.”

Intermediate Lectures. ' 99

About two centuries ago Charles II. granted the keepership to
Johnstone, Earl of Annandale, with all its rights and privileges.
That was by charter after the death of Murray, Earl of Annan-
dale. Prior to that James VI. (15th January, 1610) granted a
feu charter to the Earl of Dunbar of the whole of the four mains.
The Earl was by the same charter constituted steward of Annan-
dale and hereditary keeper of the Castle of Lochmaben, with
parts and pertinents pertaining to the guardianship. By the
same deed the foresaid lands and subjects were for the first time
erected to the barony of Lochmaben. The feu duty was then
declared for the lands ; but a red rose, to be presented on mid-
summer day at Lochmaben Castle, was the price the keeper had to
pay to the Crown ; so that if Queen Victoria visited the Castle,
Captain Hope-Johnstone would acknowledge her sovereignty in
the Castle, within the gates thereof, by presenting Her Majesty
with a rel rose. The Earl of Dunbar, immediately before his
death, sold the whole (stewardship and office of keeper) to John
Murray, afterwards Earl of Annandale, in whose favour James
VI. (1st July, 1612, two years after the Earl of Dunbar’s charter)
granted a new charter, whereby His Majesty disponed to the Earl
of Annandale (Murray) ‘‘The Castle, Castellany, and Castle lands
of Lochmaben, and assessed £40 13s 4d Scots and a number of
oxen ‘as fee and duty’ for repairing the said Castle of Loch-
maben”—the lands being anew erected into the barony of
Lochmaben. Those charters were ratified in 1612, and again in
1621. By both of these Acts the lands and barony were again
dissolved and disunited from the Crown. Another charter of a
subsequent date in favour of David (Lord Stewart), who married
the widow of the second Earl of Annandale of that period, was
also ratified in 1669. Thus the right to the lands of the barony
was finally separated from the Crown, and was vested in Lord
Mansfield, a vassal of the Crown, and of the hereditary keeper’s
representatives of the Earl of Annandale, a modern proof of
which separation from the Crown was that since 1839 the king’s
kindly tenants pay stipend to the minister of Lochmaben parish.
But the Castle within the gates thereof still exists for behoof of the
Queen and her royal successors, paying neither stipend nor taxes,
all Crown lands being exempt from the same. In 1647 the second
Earl of Annandale granted a perpetual lease of the mains of the
Castle to Bailie John Henderson, Lochmaben, but reserving from

100 Intermediate Lectures.

the tack the Castle within the gates thereof. The land came by
marriage into the possession of Johnston of Thorniewhat, a vassal
of the Annandale family. Johnston of Castlemains and Thornie-
what became insolvent about 1795-96, and those mains of the
Castle were sold. The advertisement advertising the sale stated
that the Castle within the gates thereof was reserved. In 1839
the present Captain Hope-Johnstone’s grandfather got all his
titles renewed 20th December, conferring on him anew the
keeping of the Castle of Lochmaben. The Latin words
were— Una cum hereditable officio custodiendi et gubernandi
nostrum castrum de Lochmaben.” All doubt, therefore, as to the
present Captain Hope-Johnstone being the hereditary keeper of
“the Castle within the gates thereof” is completely removed by
the title being renewed to the same so recently as 20th December,
1839, Lord Mansfield being its guardian and watcher. Coming
now to Lochmaben Castle in the present and future, he mentioned
that in consequence of a letter which he had written to the Woods
and Forests, in compliance with the desire of the inhabitants of
Lochmaben, on the subject of the neglected state of their vener-
able Castle, it has since been protected from horses and cattle
straying within its sacred precincts by a strong wooden railing
from Raehills woods, with three gates opening into the Castle,
and that the walls were then covered with ivy and the loose
stones gathered together in places by themselves at the foot of

the walls :—
Office of Woods, ete., S.W.
9th November, 1874.

Sir,—I am directed by Mr Howard to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 31st ultimo, addressed to Mr Bellairs, on the subject of the
ruins of Lochmaben Castle, County Dumfries, and in reply I am to state
that while fully agreeing with you as to the historical interest which
attaches to the remains of the Bruce Castle, Mr Howard regrets that it is
not practicable that this Department should interpose with the view of
preserving what remains of the Castle from further destruction—you refer
to some eight or twelve acres of excellent pasture—and some valuable
trees as included within the Castle precincts, but Mr Howard presumes that
all the land which is available for cultivation or produce of any kind is
oceupied, and that the premises are held and enjoyed by the hereditary
keeper. It occurs to Mr Howard that the preservation of the ruins is an
obligation which should be attached to the hereditary keepership, but
whether this is so or not the preservation of the Castle of Lochmaben
appears to be a matter in which the adjoining neighbourhood is principally
‘interested, and in any case it is one which seems to concern the Department
of Public Works and Buildings rather than this office. —I am, sir, your
obedient servant, J. BENNET SOWRAY.

The Rey. Wm. Graham.

The Castle Loch being within the burgh boundary, the inhabitants

Intermediate Lectures. 101

have placed boats on the same—a great attraction to strangers, and
a source of increasing amenity to the burgh. To increase its
attractions Captain Hope-Johnstone, the keeper of the Castle, has
asked the Town Council to supervise the cleaning out of the inner
fosse in the interests of science, in the hope of procuring ancient
relics, and also to allow of boats passing through it, as formerly ~
the Brucian barges and other boats did, till the period of the
destruction of the Castle from a.p. 1792 to A.p. 1800, or there-
abouts. To help to pay the expense of clearing out the inner
fosse, Lord Bute, who has done so much for clearing out Rothesay
Castle, had sent him £5; and were Dumfriesshire friends, interested
in historical and antiquarian research, willing to co-operate in
a kindly and patriotic spirit for the public good, that might be
easily accomplished without injury to a single stone of the ruin,
and form an object of additional historic and antiquarian interest
in Dumfriesshire. Of the desolate state of the Castle now com-
pared with what it was in its entire state in 1790, when enclosed
by its outer trench on a peninsula of the Castle Loch, extending
to about fifty acres, one could hardly imagine the vandal spirit
abroad at the end of last century which destroyed many of its
architectural beauties. But for the ill health at that period of
the keeper of the Royal Castle this almost impregnable fortress
might still have remained entire. Still, though desolate, its ruins
told of its ancient greatness, though weeds and nettles grew in its
halls, and sedges filled some of its fosses; its ruined walls,
especially by autumn moonlight, produced a picuturesque effect.
To visit the Castle under such circumstances was a gratification
worthy of the painter, the poet, or the lover of nature. The
Castle Loch was of itself a scene of beauty, with its rare vendace
sporting in its waves, and the remainder of an old lake-dwelling
under the shadow of the Castle walls, partly explored, but still
further to be explored in search of some of the utensils used by
its inhabitants, such as awls, bodkins, picks, spoons, plates,
combs, bones of reindeer, horse and sheep, bronze weapons,
remains of spear heads, and rings of gold, all of which had already
been found in the lake dwellings of the iron age in the later
British or the later Celtic or earlier Roman times, in other parts
of Scotland and in Switzerland.

On the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Watson, a vote
of thanks was accorded to Mr Graham for his able paper, and the
meeting terminated.

ait

TSAO + GR

475 * # . rl: cheats
ae ee Yoh oe

>t Wines als " 7 A
, Pe | ye me eta x
7 4 Yi :

’

¥ +2 ee
i " a aS -
NF Ma Mahih ish niet BAI

Lett pad iipt t . Lay’ i ve
Fee sguigd: hes unisin hah
. ig et ih: fas

’ f F ee

Fl wr ry a We ate PS ie

A ' a
ecu
ri \ a i +
.

bE aye TG de ig
“jg a i PON

Pec meres

Tyt < vier 13! B Rass iw

mer HH

CRYPTOGAMIC SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND.

ae SS

The Ninth Annual Conference of the Cryptogamic Society of
Scotland was held in the Greyfriars’ Halls, Dumfries, on Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday, 11th, 12th, and 13th September, 1883.
Owing to the President of the Natural History Society (Dr Gil-
christ) having been elected President of the Cryptogamic Society
for the ensuing year, and the necessary arrangements for the
Conference and Exhibition having been made by the Committee,
who acted for the time as the Local Committee of the
Cryptogamic Society, it is desirable that notice of the Conference
should be recorded in these Transactions.

Some time prior to the date of Conference the Local Com-
mittee issued circulars to all the landed proprietors in Dumfries-
shire and Galloway, requesting that instructions might be given to
their gardeners and gamekeepers to gather cryptogamic plants and
forward them to the hall for exhibition. A liberal response was
made to the circulars, and when the time arrived a supply of
Fungi, &c., came to hand sufficient to fill the large hall, which had
been reserved for them. The small hall was occupied with dried
specimens of Mosses, Lichens, Ferns, Salt and Fresh Water Alge
and Fungi, and all the available space (even the walls) was
crowded with these. In the large hall, in addition to the Fungi,
there were representative specimens of all the local and British
Ferns, including many varieties ; a large collection of Seaweeds,
and about 100 specimens of Mosses and Hepatice growing in
pots, which presented on the whole a most curious and inter-
esting exhibition. The walls of this hall were also covered
with dried specimens of Ferns and Water-colour Drawings
(by Mrs Gilchrist Clarke) of all the edible Fungi.

Meetings of the Society.—On Tuesday, the 11th, the members
and associates, about twenty in number, assembled at the Dumfries
station in time to meet the 9.30 a.m. train for Dalbeattie. On
arrival at the latter station, they were met by W. H. Maxwell,
Esq. of Munches, who had invited the Society to visit his domains.
The party having “ fungi-hunted” along the hills and dales, through
woods and fields, arrived at the Munches about 3 p.M., where

104 Cryptogamic Society of Scotland.

they were received by Mrs Maxwell and most hospitably enter-
tained. After visiting the well-stocked gardens and hot-houses,
they returned to Dumfries by the five o'clock train, having had a
most enjoyable excursion. At seven o’clock the same evening a
private meeting of the Council was held, and at 7.30 a private
business meeting of the Society. At eight o'clock there was a
public meeting, held in the small hall, when about 100 ladies and
gentlemen were present; and Dr Gilchrist presided. The pro-
ceedings were opened by the presidential address from the Chair-
man, the subject being “ Fossil Cryptogams.” After the address’
and election of new members, communications on the following
subjects were read :—‘“ Notes on Scottish Uredinee,” by Professor
J. W. H. Trail; “ Hetereecism of Leaf Fungi,” by R. Turner,
Esq.; “Remarks on the Fungus of the Potato Disease (Peronospora
Infestans),” by T. King, Esq. On Wednesday, at 2 p.m., the
Exhibition was opened by an address from Sheriff Hope, vice-
president, on the “ Aims and Claims” of the Society. At 5 o'clock
the Annual Dinner of the Society was held in the King’s Arms
Hotel, when 33 gentlemen sat down to table. At seven the
Exhibition was re-opened, and considerable advantage was taken
of it by the public. On Thursday the Exhibition was open from
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. At intervals during the time the Exhibition
was open, several ladies played selections on the organ and piano-
forte. On Thursday morning the members of the Cryptogamic
Society were entertained to breakfast by Dr Gilchrist. At 11
o'clock a party assembled at the King’s Arms Hotel and proceeded
in two waggonettes to Caerlaverock and Comlongan Woods, by
way of Glencaple, and returned by Clarencefield. Another party
went to Shambellie Wood and Newabbey.

On one of the tables in the exhibition hall, the Fungi were
named and arranged according to their families by the Rev. James
Stevenson of Glamis and Rev. Mr Paul of Roxburgh. The
Lichens and Mosses were named by Dr Stirton of Glasgow.
Among the specimens sent to the exhibition hall may be noticed
Inthographa Andrewit, a lichen discovered by Mr M‘Andrew, and
named in honour of him, Of the Fungi :—Hydnwm gelatinosum,
not previously recorded from this country ; Agaricus Valhii,
Agaricus virosus, Polyporus sulfwreus, Polyporus dryadens,
Polyporus betulinus, and a huge specimen of Polyporus giganteus.
The following Cryptogams were gathered during the excursions :—

Cryptogamic Society of Scotland. 105

Lecidea canescens and Peltigera horizontalis (lichens); Barbusta
papillosa and Trichostomum mutabila (mosses); and Lactaricus
deliciosus, that “ epicurean treasure,” in abundance.

The following gentlemen formed the Council and Local Com-
mittee :—Cowncil—President, Dr Gilchrist, President of Dumfries
and Galloway Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society;
Vice-president, David Boyle Hope, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute, Dum-
fries; Hon. Secretary, Dr Buchanan White, F.L.S., Annat Lodge,
Perth ; Hon. Treasurer—Rev. J. Stevenson, Glamis. Professor
J. W. H. Trail, F.L.S., Aberdeen; Rev. Dr Keith, Forres; M.
C. Duff, Glasgow; Dr Stirton, F.L.8.; J. Richardson, Glasgow ;
J. Stewart, Glasgow; T. King, Glasgow. Local Committee—
Chairman Dr Gilchrist, Dumfries ; Secretary, J. Rutherford of
Jardington, Dumfries; Treasurer, J. Wilson, 3 Norfolk Terrace,
Dumfries. J. M‘Andrew, New-Galloway; W. Lennon, Dumfries;
G. Robb, do.; J. Watt, do.; P. Stobie, do.; J. Neilson, do.;
T. Watson, do.; J. M‘Meekan, do.; James Lennox, do.; S. A.
Chrystie, do.; W. Adamson, do.

The Conference on the whole was a great success, and afforded
great pleasure to the “strangers,” who were thoroughly satisfied
with the arrangements and to visitors, some of whom had their
‘eyes opened ” for the first time to the beauties of puff-balls and
paddock-stools.

‘* There’s a soul of goodness in things evil,
Would men observe it, and distil it out.”

ah. See IN a) eA

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY,

AUGUST, 1884.

(Those Members who joined the Society when it was re-organised, November
3rd, 1876, are indicated by an asterisk. )

LIFE MEMBERS.
Date of Election.

March 3d, 1884—Maxwell, W. H., Esq. of Munches, Dalbeattie.

May 3d, 1884—Johnstone, J. J. Hope, Esq. of Annandale, Raehills,
Lockerbie.

June 7th, 1884—Stewart, Mark S., Esq. of Southwick House, Dumfries.

ORDINARY MEMBERS.

*Adair, John, High Street, Dumfries.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Adams, James, High Street, do.
*Adamson, William, Broom’s Road, Dumfries.
Jany. 5th, 1883—Aitken, Miss, The Hill, Dumfries.
Jany. 5th, 1883—Aitken, Miss M., do. do.
Jany. 4th, 1884 — Aitken, John, Ravenshill, Lockerbie.
April 12th, 1882— Allan W., Chemist, High Street, Dumfries.
Dec. 1st, 1882—Anderson, W., Netherwood, Dumfries.
Dec. Ist, 1882—Armistead, J. J., The Fishery, Kinharvie, Dumfries.
Jany. 5th, 1883—Armstrong, Francis, Architect, Dumfries,

Oct. 6th, 1882—Bailey, W., Courier and Herald Office, Dumfries.
Dec. 7th, 1883—Baird, A., Marchbank Terrace, do.

Jany. 4th, 1884—Baird, Mrs, do. do.

Dec. 3d, 1880—Barbour, J., Architect, do.

Mar. 7th, 1884—Barbour, Robert, St. Christopher’s, Dumfries.
Jany. 4th, 1878—Black, Charles, Arbigland, Dumfries.

Dec. Ist, 1876—Bowden, Major, Lochfield, do.

July 1st, 1882—Bridges, J., jr., Timber Merchant, Dumfries.
Mar. 5th, 1880—Broun, J. S., Solicitor, Dumfries

Jany. 5th, 1877—Browne, W. A. F., M.D., Crindau, do.

Nov. 3d, 1882—Brown, T., Public School, Ancrum, Roxburghshire.
April Ist, 1881—Brown, T., Auchenhessnane, Penpont, Thornhill.
Oct. 8th, 1880—Brown, J., Schoolhouse, Drumsleet, Dumfries.
Nov. 3d, 1882—Bruce, J., Crichton Royal Institution, do.
Feby. 7th, 1879—Bruce, T. Rae, Slogary, New-Galloway Station.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Burnett, Miss, 354 Loreburn Street, Dumfries.
April 6th, 1883—Burnside, Miss, Buccleuch Street, do.

Mar. 5th, 1880—Byth. Mr, Academy, do.

108 Appendices.

Date of Election.
Mar. 7th, 1884—Carnegie, D., Castlebank, Dumfries.
Dec. 1st, 1882—Calderhead, R., Burgh Surveyor, do.
Jany. 4th, 1878—Callander, J ohn, High Street, do.
Nov. sth, 1880-—Chinnock, Rector, Academy, Dumfries.
April 4th, 1879—Chrystie, R., Buccleuch Street, do.

April 4th, 1879—Chrystie, 8. 7 do. do.
Oct. 6th, 1882—Chrystie, Miss, do. do.
Mar. 5th, 1880—Clark, J. J., Irish Street, do.

Nov. 2d, 1883—Clark, cues Schoolhouse, Lochmaben.
Nov. Ist, 1881—-Coles, F. R., The Hermitage, Tongland, Kirkcudbright.
Mar. Ist, 1878—Copland, W. A. F. B., Nithsdale Mills, Dumfries.
Mar. 7th, 1884—Craig, J. S., Solicitor, Dumfries.
April 5th, 1878—Culton, J., Dildawn, Castle-Douglas.

*Cunningham, br J., Dumfries.

*Davidson, James, Summerville, Maxwelltown.

May 6th, 1882—Davidson, A., Kirkcudbright.

Jany. 5th, 1883—Davidson, Dr A., Sanquhar.

Nov. llth, 1881—Dickson, H., Town Hall, Dumfries.

Oct. 6th, 1882—Dickie, W., "Standard Office, Dumfries.

July 7th, 1883—Dinwiddie, BR. (New York), Hawthorn Bank, Dumfries.
*Dinwiddie, W. A., Greenbrae, Dumfries.

Mar. 2d, 1883—Dodds, J. W., Sculptor, York Place, Dumfries.

Noy. llth, 1881—Douglas, W. D. Robertson, Orchardton, Castle-Douglas.

Decr. 1st, 1876—Dudgeon, P., Cargen, Dumfries.

Decr. 1st, 1882—Dunbar, W., ” High Street, Dumfries.

July Ist, 1882—Duncan, Mr, Annandale Herald Office, Lockerbie.

Nov. 11th, 1881—Edgar, I., Royal Bank of Scotland, Dumfries.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Elder, J., Inaville, Maxwelltown.

Decr. 3d, 1880—Fairley, J. D., Gold Coast, and Dumfries.

Feby. 2d, 1883—Fenton, D., Dumfries.

Oct. 6th, 1879—Fergusson, J., Artist, Queen Street, Dumfries.
Jan. 5th, 1883—Fingland, Mr, Thornhill.

Nov. 11th, 1881—Fisher, Robert, Bookseller, Dumfries.

June 7th, 1884—Fotheringham, A. K., Corn Exchange, Dumfries.

*Gibson, W. G., Clerkhill, Dumfries.
*Gilchrist, Dr J., Linwood, do.
June 2d, 1883—Gilchrist, Mrs do. do.
Decr. Ist, 1882—Gillies, Miss, King Street, Maxwelltown.
Oct. 6th, 1879—Gillespie, D. A., Queen Street, Dumfries.
Mar. 2d, 1883—Gilroy, Miss, Moat House, Dumfries.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Gilruth, F., Academy, Dumfries.
Nov. Ist, 1878—Gracie, Thomas, Greenbrae Terrace, Dumfries.
*Grierson, Dr, Museum, Thornhill.
*Grierson, Dr F. W., Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney,
Australia,
Jan. 6th, 1882—Grierson, W., Chapelmount, Maxwelltown.
Oct. 6th, 1882—Grierson, J., Solicitor, Dumfries.

April 6th, 1877—Halliday, W., College Street, Maxwelltown.
April 6th, 1883—Hamilton, R., Castlebank, Dumfries.
June 3d, 1882—Hamilton, G., Ardendee, Kirkcudbright.
Nov. 2d, 1883—Hannah, James, Church Crescent, Dumfries.
Jan. 4th, 1878— Harper, Malcolm M‘L., Castle-Douglas.
*Hastings, W., Taxidermist, English Street, Dumfries.

Appendices. 109

Date of Election.

July 7th,
Feby. 3d,
Feby. 1st,

Feby. 6th,
Nov. 2d,
Dec. 7th,

Decr. 7th,

Mar. 2d,
Jan. 9th,
Decr. Ist,
Decr. Ist,

Nov. Ist,
May 5th,
May 5th,

Oct. 6th,
Decr. 7th,
July Ist,
Jan. 5th,
Decr, 3d,

Jan. 5th,
April 5th,

Oct. 8th,
Jan. 4th,

April 5th,
Oct. 6th,
Feby. 6th,
Feby. 6th,
Apr. 12th,
Feby. 2d,
July 5th,
Mar. 23d,
Feby. 2d,
Nov. 2d,
Nov. 2d,

Oct. 6th,
Nov. 3d,
July 5th,
April 6th,
Feby. 2d,

Oct. 6th,
April 6th,

Nov. 11th,
July 2d,
Jan. 4th,

1883—Henderson, Miss, 24 Castle Street, Dumfries.
1882—Herries, James, Gas Company’s Offices, Dumfries.
187S—Hogg, James, Saughtree, Dumfries.

*Hogg, W. S., Saughtree, Dumfries.
1880—Hope, D. B., Lovers’ Walk, Dumfries.
1877—Houston, James, 9 Greyfriars’ Street, Dumfries.
1877—Hutton, James, Ramsay Cottage, Maxwelltown.

1§83—Innes, A., St. Ann’s Place, Dumfries.

1877—Johnstone, G., Castlemilk, Lockerbie.
1880—Johnstone, Rev. J. B., Glebe Terrace, Dumfries.
1882—Johnston, J., Friars’ Vennel, Dumfries.
1882—Johnstone, Miss, Catherine Street, Dumfries.

*Kerr, Dr, Dumfries.
1878—Kerr, J. W., Academy, Dumfries.
1883—Kerr, Mitchell, 55 Friars’ Vennel, Dumfries.
1883—Kirkpatrick, Miss, 120 High Street, do.

1882 —Laidlaw, 8. G., Bank of Scotland, Dumfries.
1883—Laing, T,, Schoolhouse, Noblehill, do.
1882—Laurie, J., Schoolhouse, Tynron, Thornhill.
1883—Laurie, W. J., English Street, Dumfries.
1880—Lawson, A., English Street, Dumfries.
*Lennon, W., Brooke Street, do.
18838— Lennox, Provost, Dumfries.
*Lennox, James, Edenbank, Maxwelltown.
1878—Low, Mr, Chemist, Dumfries.

1880—Martin, W., Town Clerk, Dumfries.
1878—Matthewson, James, 18 Copland Street, Dalbeattie.
*Maxwell, John, King Street, Maxwelltown.
1878—Maxwell, J. H., Kirkcudbright Advertiser, Castle-Douglas.
1879—Maxwell, W. J., Terregles Banks, Dumfries.
1880—Maxwell, Captain, Terregles, Dumfries.
1880—Maxwell, E. C., do. do.
1882—Maxwell, J., Bookseller, High Street, Dumfries.
1883—Maxwell, Miss Agnes, Galloway Street, Maxwelltown.
1884— Maxwell, Frank, Gribton, Dumfries.
1880--Miller, R. W., Queen Street, do.
1883—Milligan, John, Friars’ Vennel, Dumfries.
1883—Montgomery, J., Rosemount Cottage, Maxwelltown.
1882—Montgomery, Mrs, do. do.
*Moodie, James, David Street, Maxwelltown.
1879—Murdoch, N., Netherlea, Dumfries.
1882—Muir, Miss, Linwood, Dumfries.
1884—Murray, Robert, George Street, Dumfries.
1883—Murray, Mrs do. do.
1883—Murray, Miss, Dunbar Terrace, do.
*Murray, Dr, Dumfries.

1879—M ‘Andrew, James, Schoolhouse, New-Galloway.

1883—M‘Cracken, Miss, George Street, Dumfries.
*M‘Donald, Dr, Castle Street, Dumfries.

1881—M ‘Dowall, W., Standard Office, Dumfries.

1883—M‘Fadzean, R. W., Inland Revenue Office, Greenock,

1884—M ‘Gowan, J., Ellangowan, Dumfries,

110 A ppeniices.

Date of Election.
May 7th, 188t—M‘Gowaa, Ed., 15 English Street, Dumfries.
May 6th, 1882—M ‘Kenzie, J. C., Kirkeudbright.
Jan. 4th, 1884--M‘Kenzie, Mrs, Albany Bank, Dumfries.
Nov. 7th, 1879—M ‘Kill, P. B., Coal Agent, Dumfries.
Jan. 5th, 1883 -M‘Kinnon, Rev. J. D., Dumfries.
April 4th, 1881—M‘Kie, J., Ankorlee, Kirkcudbright.

*M‘Lean, J., High Street, Dumfries.

Dec. Ist, 1882—M‘Naughton, Miss, Terregles Street, Maxwelltown.

Mar. 4th, 1879—Neilson, John, Academy, Dumfries.
Nov. 7th, 1879—Newbigging, John, Kirkbank, Dumfries.
*Nicholson, J. H., Chemist, Maxwelltown.

Mar. 2d, 1883—Oughton, Robert, Castle Street, Dumfries.

Dec. 7th, 1883—Paterson, Robert, 84 High Street, Dumfries.
Dec. 7th, 1883—Paterson, Mr, Schoolhouse, St. Mungo.
Jan. 5th, 1883-—-Pracki, Mons, De, Dumfries.

April 3d, 1884—Rae, W., Schoolhouse, Templand, Lockerbie.
*Reid, F., Greystone, Dumfries.

Jan. 6th, 1882—Reid, J., Bank of Scotland, Dumfries.

April 6th, 1883—Reid, Miss A., Greystone, do.

April 6th, 1883—Reid, Miss M., Greystone, do.

Nov. 3d, 1882—Richardson, Dr, Asylum, Isle of Man.

Jany. 4th, 1878—Robb, G., Academy, Dumfries.

Nov. 3d, 1882-—Robb, Miss, Castle Street, Dumfries.

Nov. 3d, 1882--Robb, Miss May, do. do.

April 12th,1882—Roddan, A., Plumber, do.
*Rutherford, J., Jardington, do.

Feby. 7th, 1879--Rutherford, John, Pleasance, Kirkmichael, Dumfries.

July 7th, 1883—Rutherford, Dr, Crichton Royal Institution, do,

May 5th, 1883-Sawyer, Henry, Episcopal School, St. David Street,
Dumfries.
Dec. 3d, 1880—Scott, W. G., Castle Street, Dumfries.
Oct. 7th, 1881—Seiffert, C., Midsteeple Buildings, do.
*Service, R., Galloway Street, Maxwelltown.
*Sharp, Dr, Shirley Warren, Southampton.
*Shaw, James, Schoolhouse, Tynron, Thornhill.
April 4th, 1879—Shortridge, T., Beechwood Bank, Dumfries.

Jany. 5th, 1883—Sloan, J., Barbeth, do.
Oct. 6th, 1882—Smellie, J., 8 Queen’s Place, do.
Oct. 6th, 1879—Smith, J., Commercial Bank, do

Jany. 6th, 1882—Smith, J. A., Crichton Royal Institution, Dumfries.
*Smith, J., Terregles Street, Maxwelltown.

Dec. Ist, 1883—Smith, W., 9 Terregles Street, do.

Mar. 2d, 1877-—Starke, J. Gibson, Troqueer Holm, Dumfries.
*Stobie, P., High Street, do.

June 3d, 1882—Sturrock, Rev. G., Corsock Manse, Dalbeattie.

Nov. 11th, 1881—Symington, J., Schoolhouse, Whinnyhill, Troqueer,

Dumfries.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Symons, J., Royal Bank of Scotland, Dumfries,

Dec. Ist, 1882—Tait, Mr, Church Crescent, Dumfries.
*Thomas, James, High Street, do.
April 5th, 1878—Thompson, Mr, Ironmonger, _do.
Jany. 6th, 1882—Thompson, J., jr., Rosemount Terrace, Maxwelltown.

Appendices. 111

Date of Election.
Nov. 3d, 1882—Thomson, John, 90 Irish Street, Dumfries.
April 6th, 1883—Thomson, J., Wallace Street, do.
Dec. 1st, 1876—Thomson, Dr, do.
Dec. 7th, 1883—Thomson, Mr, Midtown, Caerlaverock, Dumfries.
Oct. 8th, 1880—Truckell, A. E., College Street, Maxwelltown.
Feby. 2d, 1883—Tweddle, W., High Street, Dumfries,
Jany. 9th, 1880—Watson, T., Standard Office, Dumfries.
Mar. 7th, 1879—Watt, J., Rotchell House, do.
Oct. 6th, 1879—Weir, Rev. R. W., do.
Oct. 6th, 1879-—Welsh, Mr, Waterloo Place, do.
Mar. 2° 1877—Williamson, James, Geddes Place, Maxwelltown.
Mar. 23d, 1880—Wilson, J. 3 Norfolk Terrace, Dumfries.
Nov. 3d, 1882—Wilson, Mrs, do., d
Dec. Ist, 1882—Wilson, Dr J. Connal, Thornhill,

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS,

Bennett, A., 107 High Street, Croydon.
Black, G. F., Antiquarian Museum, Edinburgh.
Brown, J. Harvie, Dunipace, Larbert.

Cameron, P., jr., 31 Willowbank Terrace, Glasgow.
Carruthers, W., Botanical Department British Museum,
London.

Dairon, J., Wells Street, Moffat.
Dunsmore, J. Brideport, Conn., U.S.A.

Gill, Dr Battershell, 9 Cambridge Terrace, Regent’s
Park, London.

Graham, Rev. W., The Manse, Trinity, Edinburgh.

Gray, P., 24 St. Josephine Avenue, Buxton, London.

Hastie, George, Antiquarian Museum, Edinburgh.
Henderson, R., Manitoba, America.

King, J. J., 207 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.

M‘Ilwraith, W., Rockhampton, Queensland.
M‘Meekan, J., Tasmania.

Starforth, John, Architect, Edinburgh.

Thomson, Joseph, Gatelawbridge, Thornhill and Africa.
Turner, R., 3 Westbank Place, Hillhead, Glasgow.

sce? Te ay aN aS) ess

LIST OF SPECIMENS, &c., DEPOSITED IN THE OBSERVATORY
MUSEUM SINCE OUR LAST PUBLICATION.

Date of Deposit.

Specimens.

201

Apr. 28th, 1882

”

June Ist,

June 2\st,
July 18th,
Aug. 30th,

”

Dec. 26th,

Apr. 9th, 1884

?

9

”

”

Vendace
Albino Flounder

Group of Zoophites & Sponge
Pipe Fish
Egg from inside of ordinary
Hen’s Egg
Drawing of Kirkcudbright
Castle
Tiger Python
Sepia officinalis
34 Specimens of Carices
Centipede
Adder
Slow Worm
Broad-nosed Eel
Sharp-nosed Kel
Jar with 3 Roach
D

0.
Jar with 1 Roach
Jar with Perch
27 Specimens of Mounted
Parmelize
Jew’s Prayer in Hebrew
Gun Flint
5 Specimens of Whitby Jet
Nodule of Flint enclosing
Echinus
Tooth of Extinct Shark
( Catcharidon megaladon )
Pitch Stone from Arran
Petrified Palm, Barbadoes
7 Copper and 1 Silver Coins
Collection of Characeze

Piece of first Steamship,
Ammonite, and _ other
Fossils

Fish in spirit with Salmon
Disease (Saprolegni feraz)

6 Copper Coins

Large Mexican Silver Coin

Presented by

Major Bowden

Mr Ballantyne,
Carsethorn

Mr Black, Arbigland

Mr R. Maxwell

Mr Thomson

Mr R. Service
Mr Irving

Mr J. M‘Andrew
Mr Aitken

Mr R. Service

0.
Lochmaben

Do.
Mr J. M‘Andrew

Mr J. M. Brown
Major Bowden
Do.
Do.

Do.
Do.

Do.
Mr Smith
Mr A. Bennett,
F.L.8., Croydon
Mr Todd

Mr T. Rae Bruce of
Slogarie

Mr D. Carnegie

Mr F. Armstrong

113

A ppeniices.

BOOKS.

Date of Deposit.

Name of Book. Presented by

Oct. 5th, 1883
Dec. 26th, ,,

Catalogue of Antiquities in | Mr J. Gibson Starke
Brussels Museum
List of Foreign Correspondents | Smithsonian Institu-

to Smithsonian Institution tion
December, ,, ‘* Heart’s Ease,” 1682 Mr Roddick
Do. of ** Dying Thoughts,” 1744 Do.
There are still in the hands of the Secretary a large Collection of

Mounted Mosses and Lichens, presented by Mr M‘Andrew ; and in the
hands of the President a Collection of Geological specimens, for which
there is no room in the Museum at present. Nearly all the Books, which
have been presented to the Society during the last two years, are in the
hands of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and other Members.

PRINTED AT THE COURIER AND HERALD OFFICES, DUMFRIES.

iiss)

Vt 1 ee wi
yet elie Meg
i * Mg 4

om AA wu
; ths 5 ay hie

fo 1! h
wreaths By

+ Hoot ye bein:
ry

ee hae a TS Wi
CP eparie i

‘ F aaalhn: an

j upp iarst

te

4)! Pie
sient

at qaee
ieee

1 aN

Bhi
Led thant

yh ape Cy
i

eee

. ; |
y fe a
oak mys,

ui
Te

A at ee ca Pag ea tte
POR ge TNS

% eae a vat