6 ' PllESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



The Second Field Meeting of the year was held at Brink- 

 burn, on Thursday, the 8th June, 1854. The Secretaries, as well 

 as myself, were unable to attend; and I learn from the Minutes 

 that ten of our Members spent a very agreeable day, although 

 "^ great dissatisfaction was expressed at the absence of the officials 

 of the Club." There is no doubt that, by active and well- 

 directed exertions, those who are honoured by the Society, with 

 official position, may do much to contribute both to the general 

 instruction and enjoyment of the Members who visit distant 

 places ; and I can only again express my regrets for an absence, 

 which, as regards myself, was occasioned by my being in Lon- 

 don, at the time. 



I am glad to state, however, that the following interesting 

 particulars, relating to this Meeting, have be^n kindly presented 

 by Kalph Carr, Esq. : — 



" I had to drive a distance of fourteen miles, nearly due south- 

 ward, to reach Brinkburn, passing from the vale of the Beamish 

 or Till, across that of the Aln, then over Kimside Moor, and 

 thence down into the comparatively warm and sheltered Coquet- 

 dale. A threatening morning sky had gradually opened out on 

 the eastward, from whence the wind came, promising a fine clear 

 noon and evening, which we eventually enjoyed. 



" In passing along, it was impossible not to admire the mag- 

 nificent display of golden whin-flower, varied by the sister 

 broom, although the present is by no means a favourable year 

 for the whin ; for, in the severe storm of February and March, 

 1853, it was sadly cut up all over the country by the duration 

 and bitterness of the frosty wind from the north-east; and again, 

 in December and January, 1853-4, a very keen black frost 

 (when the thermometer fell to a very low point, and all our 

 streams were frozen almost to the bottom), this native, but not 

 very hardy plant, received a further check to its vegetation. 

 Notwithstanding such accidents, there is no region where it is 

 seen in greater perfection than in Northumberland. I had an 

 opportunity, this year, of observing it in the county of Cork, and 

 throughout the line of railway from thence to Dublin, when for- 

 mer impressions were confirmed, that although it is there 



