Vol 5 - Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian ...

Field Meetings. 61was obtained. lu one of the cliimneys, and about 7 feet fromthe top, six pale blue eggs in a starling's nest were seen.From the Tower the drive was continued to the mansion-hou.se,while the golden yellow of the broom and the furze, which washere very abundant, intermingled with the fragrant white of thehawthorn, added a new charm to the scenery. In driving upthe avenue to the house the party were joined by Mr Maxwell,the factor on the estate, and on arrival they were received by MrRobinson-Douglas and by Captain Ramsay—the latter gentlemanonly recently invalided home from Burmah. Having arrangedone o'clock as the hour for luncheon, under the guidance of MrRobinson-Douglas and the other gentlemen, the party inspectedthe grounds, conservatories, and flower gardens, where somevery beautiful rhododendrons and azelias were yet in bloom.The holly trees were greatly admired for their size, and also forthe abundance of blossom with which they were this year clothed,the older botanists of the party never remembering sucha showof flower as was then observed.At the appointed hour they returned to the mansion-house,when Mr Robinson-Douglas exliibited his collections of birds andbeetles. The former contained a good many of the rai'er birds ofthis country, and some from the South of Europe and Africa.The entomological collection was very extensive, and gave greatpleasure to Mr Lennon and the other members interested in thispursuit.The party having adjourned tothe dining-room, a substantialluncheon was partaken of ; and before rising from tlie table, theusual short business meeting was held, Mr Robinson-Douglaspresiding. Dr Mackie and Mrs Mackie, Thornhill, and MrWilliam Walls, Dumfries, were elected new members. Mr Shaw,of Tynron, moved the thanks of the Society to the sub-committeewho had prepared and published the Transactions for Sessions1883-86, for the trouble they had taken, and for the creditablemanner in which they had performed that duty. This wasseconded by Mr Bruce, and unanimously agreed to. On themotion of Mr Laing, the Society's thanks were awarded to MrRobinson-Douglas for inviting the Society to this neighbourhood,and for his kindness in conducting and entertaining the party.Retiring from the dining-room, the party proceeded to theirfleld of work for the day—the marshy ground, woods, and shoresof the bay ; for it was thought advisable not to ascend the