164 DR CLARKE'S ADDRESS. 



" But, independent of this, the meeting was not the less valuable to the 

 members individually. A day was spent by them agreeably, if not in 

 high, at least in conversation relating to interesting topics, which, 

 though not necessary to a man, are ornamental and improving. Relaxa- 

 tion, too, at stated intervals, is to the mind what some periodical dis- 

 charges are to the body, giving it fresh elasticity and health ; and a 

 relaxation of a better character than what our meeting afforded, it will 

 not be easy to procure. The mind was set at ease, and the imagination 

 was left to roam, but not unchecked ; for, by the society of congenial 

 minds, and by the influence of the outward scenes, its wanderings was 

 limited to objects all of a pleasing character, and that had a direct 

 tendency to lead it to the contemplation of the omniscience and provi- 

 dence of our Maker, as made visible in these his lower creations. That 

 these are the results of our association, is not imaginary ; they were 

 shewn to be real not merely in the pleased contentment which every 

 member's countenance and conduct evidenced, but in the whole tenor of 

 the conversation that passed, a conversation that knew no pause that 

 went from theme to theme with every possible variety and yet, which 

 never needed an apology to propriety, nor left a wish that a word might 

 be recalled." 



In these remarks I hope the Club recognise " the sweet Roman hand" 

 the genial spirit of our worthy Secretary Dr Johnston, delighting to 

 refer everything to the Deity, and looking abroad into Nature, only to 

 find evidences of his goodness. 



The next meeting took place at Lauder, June 13, when the only 

 members present were the office-holders of the Club. Few objects of 

 interest presented themselves. The season had been ungenial, and 

 flowers and insects, those children of the Sun, appeared in slender num- 

 bers. Dr Douglas explored a marshy hill about 2 miles to the north-west, 

 covered with natural wood, willows, oaks, and elms. Towards the summit, 

 the juniper and great bill-berry were observed sparingly. The banks of 

 the Leader, above Lauder, seemed remarkably barren ; but in the gravelly 

 channel of the stream, Lepidium Smithii, a phenogamous plant, new to 

 Berwickshire, was gathered abundantly by Drs Johnston and Douglas. 

 Salix Forbeana was the only other rare plant gathered. The remoteness 

 of Lauder, lying at the western extremity of Berwickshire, sufficiently 

 accounted for the scanty attendance of members ; and it was resolved 

 that, in future, without especial reason to the contrary, the stations should 

 be fixed at more accessible distances. 



In July, the Club assembled at Greenlaw. After breakfast, the mem- 

 bers proceeded to Greenlaw Moor, which, together with the adjoining 

 boggy ground, occupied their attention during the day. The following 

 plants were gathered : Lycopodium clavatum ; Genista anglica, which 



