lo6 Transactions of tJie [Sess. 



be traced across the mainland eastward as far as Scarborough, and 

 in another direction as far as Morecambe Bay. We do not now 

 consider by what agency these boulders were torn off from the par- 

 ent mass, and removed to so great a distance ; but all will see bow 

 much there is in these facts to awaken inquiry and provoke re- 

 flection. 



The number of Ferns in the Shap-Spa district is suflSciently large 

 to make it attractive to any one whose pulse can be quickened by 

 the sight of a delicate or stately frond. During my stay there I 

 gathered seventeen different kinds : Pteris aquilina ; Polypodium 

 vulgare, P. Phegopteris, P. Dryopteris, and P. calcareum; AUosorus 

 crispus ; Cystopteris fragilis ; Polystichum lobatum ; Lastrea filix- 

 mas, L. Oreopteris, L. dilatata ; Asplenium viride, A. Trichomanes, 

 and A. Euta-muraria ; Scolopendrium vulgare ; Blechnum boreale ; 

 and Athyrium filix-foemina. Some of these were in great abund- 

 ance. This was specially true of Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium 

 viride, A. Trichomanes, and Scolopendrium vulgare. These grow 

 in the water-worn recesses of the limestone rocks, either on the 

 underside of blocks lying on the surface or in the deep perpen- 

 dicular clefts which abound in the district. The appearance of 

 these Fern-clad clefts is singularly charming — all the more so, that 

 many of the plants were out of reach, and never likely to be extir- 

 pated. Orton Scar presents strong attractions for the botanist, and 

 affords a wide field for work. It is only about four miles from the 

 hotel, if the footpath across the moor be followed ; and this, under 

 the influence of the pure, bracing breezes of the fells, is an easy 

 morning or afternoon excursion. 



Before closing this paper, there are two other subjects to which 

 reference must be made. On the right hand of the garden through 

 which you pass to the Spa, a large number of Swallows had gathered 

 in the trees, probably as a rendezvous before migrating to summer 

 skies. These, from early dawn to dusky eve, were an endless 

 source of amusement to the visitors. Their incessant and pleasant 

 chatter seems to tell us of conference, of courage, of hope, of cau- 

 tion, and of joy. As the season was advanced, and the cold was 

 increasing, we daily watched for their departure. One morning we 

 missed a large number : they had flown off, leaving about one- 

 fourth behind. Why was this ? Was it a part of a preconcerted 

 plan to gain some end which could not otherwise be gained ? or 

 was it because those left were not strong enough to endure the 

 flight, and before doing so, needed to increase their energy ? What- 

 ever the reason, however, after three or four days had elapsed these 

 departed too, giving us as visitors an impressive lesson as to the 

 near approach of wintry blasts and gloom. 



During my visit there. Government tents were pitched under the 

 Wasdale Crag, to accommodate men who were engaged in taking 



