214 REV. THOMAS RIDDELI/S ADDRESS. 



along 1 the river side towards Carbarn, and met with a few good plants. 

 as Myosotis sylvatica, and several of the willow tribe, which beauti- 

 fied the banks of the river with their rich inflorescence and fresh- 

 coloured foliage. During* the months of March and April, the sea- 

 son had been remarkably forward ; little more than the hundredth 

 part of an inch of rain had fallen during- those months, and for seve- 

 ral weeks the heat of the sun was fully equal to that in high summer 

 weather. In consequence, vegetation had correspondingly advanced : 

 many trees were in full foliage, the hawthorn had expanded its beau- 

 tiful and fragrant blossoms, and the clear musical note of the thrush 

 brought delight to the ear of the attentive natural observer. While 

 on the subject of the earlinessof the season, it may not be uninterest- 

 ing to remark, that, while the cuckoo's plaintive note was not heard 

 last year till the 10th of May, in the present year it was observed as 

 early as the middle of April. After leaving the river, the members 

 walked to Learmouth Bog, an extensive morass, containing a number 

 of wild fowl, and a very considerable quantity of rare plants; but, at 

 the present season of the year, vegetation had not there made much 

 progress. A few shells (Helix, Planorbis, &c.) were collected, but 

 none new to the district occurred; and no insects were obtained. 

 In consequence of the prevalence of an easterly wind, accompanied 

 with occasional showers, none of those beautifully delicate inhabi- 

 tants of the upper regions were on the wing. 



After the minutes of the last meeting had been read, Dr F. Dou- 

 glas proposed Mr Collingwood of Glanton Pyke, and Mr Jonathan 

 Melrose of Coldstream, and Dr Clarke proposed Mr John B. Lang- 

 horne, as members of the Club. These gentlemen were elected una- 

 nimously. 



Mr Selby presented a list of insects taken by Mr Hardy in the 

 neighbourhood of the Pease Bridge. 



Dr Johnston announced the occurrence of the Arvicola riparia at 

 Mayfield in Berwickshire ; and of the Tusk in Berwick Bay. 



Our June meeting (Wednesday, 17th) was at Head Chesters, in the 

 parish of Cockburnspath. Present, Rev. T. Riddell, Rev. A. Baird, 

 Dr Clarke, Mr Selby, Mr Melrose, Dr Johnston ; and Mr Tancred, a 

 visiter. 



After breakfast, we proceeded southward in the direction of Du- 

 law. A few beetles were found sheltering under stones, but a very 

 strong westerly gale, which blew all day, attended with smart showers, 

 prevented almost every other insect from appearing. 



From the farm at Dulaw we walked down to the Dean, and en- 

 tered it near a small rough plantation, just opposite to a tiny water- 

 fall, which trickled down in front of a perpendicular rock. Leaving 

 the higher part of the Dean un visited, we scrambled downwards to 



