Dalmeny were entered, permission to pass through which having been kindly granted by the Earl of Rosebery. Regaining the public road at the West Lodge, the excursionists soon passed under the southern end of the Forth Bridge, which, at the height of 150 feet, here spans the roadway. At Queensferry pier a small steamer was waiting, which conveyed parties of forty at a time underneath the great bridge. Passing under the first cantilever, the steamer proceeded as far as the island of Inchgarvie, and a splendid view of the immense structure was thus obtained.

At 6.45 a restart was made homewards, where all arrived safely about 9 o'clock, in time for the evening festivities.

KILLIN.

At 9 a.m. on Thursday, 290 members and friends assembled at Princes Street Station and took their seats in a special train. Before starting, an endeavour was made to place a local gentleman in every carriage to point out the chief places of interest, and each excursionist was presented with a neat illustrated guide to the route, which had been specially written for the excursion by Miss Dott. The day was again fine, and the atmosphere clear, which was most fortunate, as the excursion was to pass through some of the finest scenery of the Perthshire Highlands.

The outlook, as far as Stirling, is of the usual lowland character, and apart from Corstorphine Hill on the right, the Pentland Hills on the left, the old ruins of Niddrie Castle and of Linlithgow Palace, the famous Carron Iron Works, the battlefield of Bannockburn, and the glimpses which are now and again to be had of the Firth of Forth, with the Fifeshire and Perthshire hills in the background, there was not much to attract the attention of the visitors. At the town of Stirling, the picturesquely situated Castle, the ancient Abbey of Cambuskenneth, and the Abbey Craig, on which the Wallace Monument is built, were pointed out. The finely situated health resort of Bridge of Allan was next seen, and ascending the banks of the Allan Water and the River Forth, Dunblane with its Cathedral and the old Castle of Doune were successively passed.

When Callander was reached, the country entirely lost its lowland character, and scenery, essentially highland, absorbed the attention of all. The maple and beech gave place to the pine and the fir, and banks of bracken and fern delighted the eye as every now and again the train passed through some woody copse or

fairy-like glen. Distant views of the panorama of hills, which embraces Ben Venue, Ben A'an, and Ben Lomond, were now and again seen, and soon the train passed close to Ben Ledi, 3,000 feet in height, a fine view from base to summit being obtained of this noted mountain. On the Pass of Leny being reached, the region immortalized by Sir Walter Scott in his "Lady of the Lake" was entered, and from here to Killin the outlook was of such a beautiful and enchanting character that it called forth frequent expressions of surprise and delight. As the river Teith, which winds through the Pass, was crossed and recrossed, the excursionists obtained fine views of this truly Scottish river, which, being in partial flood, dashed itself into foam as it passed rapidly over its rocky bed. Emerging from the wooded pass, the lovely waters of Loch Lubnaig next delighted the eye, and further on the pretty village of Strathyre was reached. The Braes of Balquhidder were now seen on the left, and the lofty summit of Ben Voirlich, 3,300 feet in height, on the right. Looking up the glen towards Loch Voil, a clump of trees was pointed out, behind which stands Balqu hidder Church, where the mortal remains of Rob Roy, his wife, and two sons now peacefully rest. At this point the railway leaves the valleys and, gradually ascending, takes its course along the hill sides, until when near Lochearnhead it reaches a height of 300 feet above that village. When the train reached this vantage ground a magnificent panorama of lake, mountain, and glen came into view, and the day being bright and clear, the lovely landscape was seen at its best. The quiet beauty of Loch Earn was especially admired as it lay like a lake of silver in the valley beneath. Sweeping round the hillside, the railway now entered the gloomy Glen Ogle, and the scene changed from one of peaceful picturesqueness to one of wild grandeur. The mountains are bare and rocky, and down their sides tiny rivulets dashed themselves into foam as they descended, forming a series of miniature cascades. Near the top of the glen the mountains close in, until, when passing along under the shadow of huge rocks, which seem about to topple down on the slowly ascending train, it would be difficult to say whether the excursionists were most impressed by the grandeur of the outlook, or awed by the dangers which seemed to threaten them. At the top a small loch was passed, which is important in respect that, while its waters ultimately flow into the Firth of Tay, rivulets rising near it find their way to the Firth of Forth. It also marked the highest point to which the train ascended. Again curving round a hillside, the excursionists

passed into Glen Dochart, where another panorama of hills presented itself. The valley is wide, and the view opens up all round. To the west the mighty Ben More and many more Bens encircle the horizon, while looking eastwards the excursionists obtained a first glimpse of Loch Tay, as it lay about six miles off, nestling at the foot of Ben Lawers (3,986 feet). A rapid descent was now made, but before reaching their destination the excursionists had a view of the Falls of Dochart. Flowing through a narrow gorge, the river precipitates itself with great force over a series of rocky ledges, until, by the time it reaches Killin Bridge, it is a seething, foaming mass of rushing water. The river being in flood, this fine sight was revisited by many during the afternoon. Killin station was soon reached, and the company made their way on foot to Finlarig Castle, but they had not proceeded far when they were met by three of the Breadalbane pipers with their bagpipes. These, heading the procession, enlivened the rest of the way with "The Highlander's March." Photographing operations occupied some little time, and then luncheon was served in a large marquee. Mr. J. L. Ewing occupied the chair, and he was supported by the President and other officials of the Conference.

The usual toasts and votes of thanks followed, and these were heartily responded to, more especially that of "The Earl and Countess of Breadalbane," to whom the Conference were indebted for permission to picnic at Finlarig.

Luncheon over, a large number took their way to the pier, from which a small steamer made hourly sailings during the afternoon, and, needless to say, the lovely scenery of Loch Tay was much admired.

Other parties were separately taken over the castle and grounds by Pipe-Major Campbell and his wife, who acted as guides. The most interesting objects were, "The Gallow's Tree," the place of execution, the mausoleum of the Breadalbane family, and several ancient trees. Others set out to visit the Falls of Lochay, in the neighbourhood, while not a few walked to Achmore House, where the largest vine in Britain is growing. On this vine the extraordinary number of 4,520 bunches of grapes have grown this It is 61 years old, and is 206 feet in length.

year.

At half-past four tea was served in the marquee, after which all wended their way to the station, delighted with what they had seen, and only regretting that time did not permit of a longer stay.

After a quick run home, during which the various hills and

M M

landscapes were seen in a different light, the excursionists arrived safely at Princes Street Station about nine o'clock, all feeling that the excursion had most appropriately concluded this most successful Conference meeting.

INDEX.