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an explanation at length of the various meteorological instru- 
ments which were to be found in the neighbourhood of both 
observatories ; the method of determining the heat of the sun, 
which tells its own story by turning the light upon sensitive 
paper, the rays being concentrated through a sphere; the 
ingenious system of ascertaining the weight of the dewfall, 
and the mechanism of the rain gauge. The interest of the 
visitors in all these objects was of the highest character; but, as 
it was necessary to go through the College, it was not possible to 
linger, highly attractive as they were to the scientific inquirer. 
Passing through the grounds, Mr. Cortie conducted the party 
through the whole of the College, finally taking them for a walk 
upon the roof of the new portion, which is asphalted and is 
an enjoyable promenade surrounded by the most enchant- 
ing scenery. A visit to the library and a walk through the 
corridors to the church terminated a most delightful afternoon. 
Subsequently the members were called together in front of the 
College and a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the 
Rey. A. L. Cortie for his unwearied kindness, and to the College 
authorities in affording an opportunity for a thoroughly scientitic 
visit. 
ALUM SCAR, NEAR PLEASINGTON. July 4th, 1885. 
Director: Rev. J. SHORTT, M.A. 
This place was visited by the kind permission of James John- 
stone, Esq., J.P. The party was met at Pleasington by the Rev. 
J. Shortt, M.A., vicar of Hoghton, who kindly acted as guide on 
the occasion. Leaving the railway station the party proceeded 
past Pleasington Priory, (the florid Gothic building used as a 
Roman Catholic Church, which was opened in the year 1819, 
and built at an expense of £20,000), to Woodcock Hill, which is 
700 feet above the level of the sea, and from which a magnificent 
view of the coast line from the mouth of the Ribble to that of 
the Wyre was obtained. The Rey. J. Shortt here pointed out 
some interesting features connected with Hoghton Tower and its 
deer park, showing the place called King James’s Hill, where 
during the royal visit the Sovereign stayed and witnessed the 
deer chase. The boundaries of the park on the north-eastern 
side were plainly discernible, as also the site of the building 
which was used for storing the coarse hay for the deer in the 
winter. The gorge through which the Darwen flows, at the 
eastern side of the Tower, was clearly visible, and the rocky 
eminence of Hoghton was in the full radiance of summer leaf. 
The geological features were dwelt upon. The rev. gentleman 
