REV. THOMAS RIDDELI/S ADDRESS. 215 



tho sea, through a very rude and desolate region, with more stones 

 than plants in it. Here, however, we met with the Rose-root, Rho- 

 diobi rosi-M, in great profusion and luxuriance,' as Dr Johnston had 

 previously noticed. 



Having descended to within a short distance of the place where 

 the Dean opens to the sea-coast, we went up the bank on the north 

 side, and soon came in view of the curiously-shaped rocks which 

 form projecting headlands, one of which is known as ' the cobbler/ 

 from the resemblance it bears to a shoemaker sitting at his work. 

 Skirting- along by the high ground, we arrived at the heights above 

 Fast Castle, and went down to view that remarkable relic of ancient 

 times. It was possessed in the days of James VI. by Logan of Iles- 

 talrig, and is said to have been the place to which the Ruthvens, if 

 successful, intended to have carried their sovereign; and is also me- 

 morable as the spot where Napier of Merchiston, the mathematician 

 and theologian, expected to find hidden treasures : of this latter fact 

 there can be no doubt, as the agreement between Logan and Napier 

 respecting the division of the money is still extant. 



After dinner, Mr Riddel 1 read a short notice of the Balanus in its 

 first stage, supplementary to a former paper. The additional obser- 

 vations made this year tend to confirm still more the correctness of 

 Mr V. Thomson's statements. The two fore-legs, and the six pair of 

 hind-legs, were distinctly observable ; and each of the bristles form- 

 ing the tail appeared furnished at their base with a comb, which the 

 creature used to clean its hind-feet. It was kept alive for a fortnight, 

 from the 5th to the 17th June; but it died at last without proceeding 

 to its change. 



The next meeting was at Dunse (29th July). Present, Rev. T. 

 Riddell, Dr Johnston, Dr F. Douglas, Dr Clarke, Rev. Mr Cunning- 

 ham, Rev. A. Baird, Mr Selby, Mr Collingwood, Mr Embleton, Mr 

 Mel rose. 



After partaking of Mr Cunningham's hospitality at the Manse, 

 the members divided their forces, one party proceeding to try the 

 " gentle art" in the Whiteadder, while the other perambulated the 

 beautiful grounds surrounding Dunse Castle. In the lake a very rare 

 and beautiful aquatic plant, Villarsia Nymphaeoides, was observed to 

 grow and blossom abundantly. This is the first instance of its occur- 

 rence within the limits of the Club.* It has probably been introduced, 

 but now appears quite naturalized. The lake seemed to be abun- 

 dantly stocked with tench. 



After viewing the striking exterior of Dunse Castle, the party di- 

 rected their steps towards Langhton Lees Cleuch, in search of Saxi- 



* Mr Henderson of Chirnsidc has since found it in a large pond or damhead 

 behind the farm onstead of Fouldon New-mains. 



