88 MR SELBY*S ADDRESS. 



The favourite locality of Abbey St Bathan's was the place appointed 

 for the meeting in June ; but, jproh pudor, will it be credited by the 

 numbers now assembled, that a retreat so interesting, the precincts 

 of which have been described in such graphic and glowing colours in 

 a former part of our Transactions, and which had witnessed several of 

 our happiest meetings, remained untrodden save by the feet of the 

 founder and master-spirit of the Club, who, nothing daunted by a 

 threatening sky, ever punctual to the tryst, enjoyed, he tells me, 

 amidst the sweet and peaceful scenery of St Bathan's valley, a long 

 and pleasant day. 



The July meeting was held on the 14th, at Coldingham, where the 

 following Members were present, viz., Mr Selby, President, Dr John- 

 ston, Mr Boyd, Sir Thomas Tancred, Rev. J. D. Clark, Rev. M. 

 Walker, Mr Home, Rev. J. C. Atkinson ; and Messrs Atherston and 

 Lambert favoured the Club with their company , as visitors. The beau- 

 tiful weather that had prevailed up to the morning of our meeting, gave 

 flattering hopes of another auspicious day, but these were destined to be 

 speedily destroyed ; for, before we had finished breakfast, a thick haze 

 or wet mist was observed to be rapidly advancing from the south-east. 

 The *• Head"* being the principal object of the walk, the party pro- 

 ceeded by way of Northfield, and along the ridge of the impending 

 cliffs. On arriving at the " Head" itself, much of its interest and 

 beauty was obscured by the increasing thickness of the fog ; but 

 enough of its features could still be seen to give an idea of its im- 

 pressive grandeur and boldness. Of the innumerable flocks of aqua- 

 tic fowl which annually breed in this locality, the greater part had 

 already taken their departure ; the Guillemot and the Kittiewake 

 being the only species left in any considerable numbers. Upon these 

 some of the party, armed with rifles, tried their skill, but without 

 effect, the birds in every instance going unscathed, and, as it were, 

 mocking each vain effort with a loud derisive cry. After crossing 

 the *• Head" the party descended to Pettycur, and thence through 

 the fields to Coldingham Lough. Before we had reached this point 

 a heavy rain had commenced, which forced one-half of the company 

 to seek shelter in a cottage, while the other half turned homewards 

 to their inn, to find comfort in a change from wet to dry. During 

 the walk, many of the plants already recorded as growing upon the 

 '• Head" were observed in their appropriate habitats, but nothing 

 occurred until the party reached the Lough, where a single specimen 



* 8t Abb's Head. 



