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frequent in Scotland and in the North, but is rare and local here. It was found 

 growing freely in several clusters, and it was a great pleasure to see and to gather 

 the elegant spikes of blossom rising from its pale green leaves. It is not unlike 

 the Lilj' of the Valley in its inflorescence, but its flower stems are more upright, 

 the individual blossoms more round, with a tint of the faintest possible rose colour, 

 still more seen in the unopened buds. The family of Winter Greens, for there 

 are several species of them, are often very abundant, and an oil is extracted from 

 the plants, which is just now in great vogue for the manufacture of the great 

 remedy for rheumatism — Salicylic Acid. 



Another medical shrub grows in Berrington Ride, the Buckthorn, Rhamnus 

 catharticus, a plant whose syrup is still in every-day use ; Viburnum lantana, the 

 wayfaring tree, or Wild Guelder Rose. 



" Way-faring tree ! what ancient claim 

 Hast thou to that right pleasant name ; 

 Was it that some faint i)ilgrim came 

 Unhopedly to thee." 



Its white blossoms in spring and the rich crimson hue its leaves acquire in autumn, 

 render it a favourite in plantations. Fragaria. elaiior, and some very hne spikes 

 nearly two feet long of the Butterfly Orchis, Habenaria chlorantha, were also 

 gathered there. 



ASHTON CAMP 



was the next point of interest to be visited. It is situated in the open field im- 

 mediately behind Ashton farmhouse, the home pasture which the geese delight 

 in, for they had left plenty of feathers behind them. It is a quadrangular camp 

 with rounded corners, some 96 paces across it. At the upper corner within it is a 

 square platform 25 paces across, raised a few feet higher than the rest. The em- 

 bankments have all been levelled, but are still clearly defined, and a few large 

 trees are growing at intervals upon them. It is evidently Roman, not only from 

 its shape and construction, but also because it occupies the gentle eminence which 

 they were fond of choosing to suit their cavalry. It was probably an outpost to 

 protect the Roman road which runs below, and possibly also was used as a signal 

 station. At the distance of half a mile from it is the "'Castle Tump," ominous 

 in name, but equally with itself altogether beyond the pale of history. 



The enthusiastic guide led on most of the members up the steep ridge of 

 Brooches hill, a siliceous cornstone hill half a mile further on, in search of the 

 camp, and the extra walk and fine views they met with, made a quiet rest at the 

 Ashton Farm, and a glass of cider, which was given with much kindness and 

 courtesy, very acceptable. 



Berrington Hall, the seat of Lord Rodney, was next visited. It is over a 

 hundred years now since the brave and gallant Admiral Rodney won that grand 

 victory for his country, and introduced the new system of naval warfare called 

 "breaking the line." On April 12th, 1782, he met the French fleet, when about 

 to attack Jamaica. With his own ship he dashed through the enemy's line, and 



