18 REV. MR BAIRD'S ADDRESS. 



tulation of the labours of our Club during the second year of its exist- 

 ence, a recapitulation indeed so imperfect, that, had I not to plead, as 

 an apology, a considerable absence from home, and continued profes- 

 sional engagements since my return, I should feel almost ashamed to 

 present it. 



I conclude with only one observation. The preceding review shews 

 that we have done something, and that the Club has not been instituted 

 in vain. It also shews that the field of our labours is an interesting one, 

 and that, though a little has been accomplished, a great deal yet remains 

 to be done. Let us then continue our researches with vigour : let us 

 stroll along our splendid shores : let us penetrate into the recesses of our 

 woods and deans : let us ascend our mountain sides, and, with unwearied 

 feet, let us follow the meanderings of our rivers and our babbling 

 brooks ! There at least health and peace and rational enjoyment attend 

 our footsteps ; and, while thus occupied, however the vulgar or the ig- 

 norant may marvel at our joy, we can tell them that, with whatever eyes 

 they may contemplate Nature, yet there are others who can 



" Find tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 

 Sermons in stones, and good in every thing !" 



Notice of the Birds observed in the Neighbourhood of St Abb's Head, on 

 July IS. 1832. By P. J. SELBY, Esq. F. R. S. E., F. L. S. $c. 

 (Read on the 19th September 1832.) 



PASSING without further observation the various flocks of sparrows 

 and other Fringillidae that enliven the shades of our highways, or are to 

 be seen within the precincts of all the farm-steads and villages, I com- 

 mence with the rock or shore pipit (Anthus aquaticus). This species, 

 which is strictly confined to our rocky coasts, I observed to be plentiful 

 near the village of Northfield, and indeed, along the whole of the coast 

 vre examined. In size it exceeds both the common and the tree pipet, 

 (A. pratensis and arboreus). The claw of the aquaticus, though shorter 

 and more curved than that of the pratensis, is longer and less incurv- 

 ed than that of the arboreus. It feeds upon marine insects and worms, 

 and is a permanent resident. The marten or martlet (Hirundo urbica) 

 next attracted my attention from the unexpected numbers in which it 

 was seen hawking about the face of the cliffs, a habitat in point of situa- 

 tion very dissimilar to those in which we are accustomed to observe 

 them, such as the eaves of houses or the upper angles of windows. The 

 nature and structure of the rock (porphyritic amygdaloid), which pre- 

 sents a broken face, and a succession of projecting ledges, affords it 

 however, peculiar facilities for the site and security of its curiously con- 

 structed nest of clay ; and the offal, dung, &c. of the numerous sea birds, 

 cannot fail to generate an abundance and constant succession of insect 



