13 



What could have been their original thickness before they, in their turn, became 

 subject to denudation and degradation ? We were specially indebted to Mr. Piper 

 for coming, at a very brief notice, to supply the place of another gentleman who 

 had promised us a paper on the geology of the district. From unforseen circum- 

 stances over which he had no control, he could not fulfil his engagement. At my 

 earnest wish, Mr. Piper, who is always ready and obliging, most kindly came 

 instead. Descending tlie mountain lei.surely, the next part of the day's programme 

 wa,s a visit to the Priory Church to inspect the grand old monuments there, and to 

 listen to their history by the Kev. F. T. Havergal. His remarks were most 

 interesting, and were fully appreciated. He was followed with unflagging 

 attention while he descanted learnedly on the various effigies with the delight of 

 an enthusiastic antiquarian. Leaving the church the members proceeded to the 

 Castle. Strange that there does not appear to be any history of the Castle ! 

 Under the shadovsr of the venerable ruins a substantial meal was provided — not 

 the least enjoyable of the day's proceedings. Then followed a paper on "The 

 Orchidaceous Plants of Herefordshire," and Dr. Bull had another instalment on 

 "The Birds of Herefordshire." On this occasion he read about "The Doves." 



The fourth Field Meeting was at Risbury Camp on August 27th. I was 

 then in Switzerland, but I remember reading in the Hereford Times, which was 

 sent to me there, that the day had been one of pouring rain, and the attendance 

 of members was necessarily small. Dr. Bull read a paper descriptive of the 

 camp. Mr. T. Davies Burlton contributed one on "Some traces of Roman and 

 Saxon occupation of the District of Risbury." The Rev. Augustin Ley gave one 

 of singular interest, and crowded with valuable information, on " The Botany of 

 the Honddu and Grwynno Valleys." Dr. Bull read another on " The Pheasant," 

 'in continuation of " The Birds of Herefordshire." Damp and discouraging as the 

 day had been, Mr. Ley was able to report some rare and excellent botanical 

 "find.s," which are duly chronicled in the day's transactions. 



Two events have occurred during my term of office which will make the 

 year 1885 one of the most memorable in the history of our Club. The one is the 

 completion of "The Herefordshire Pomona"; the other is the almost simultaneous 

 death of Dr. Bull. With regard to the " Pomona," I need not occupy your 

 attention for more than a few moments. It is a work which needs no commenda- 

 tion from me. It has been most favourably noticed by several of our leading 

 journals, and has been honoured with Royal approval. I may remark, en passant, 

 that a circular was issued last autumn to our members suggesting that a 

 testimonial should be jsresented to the two talented artists of the " Pomona," as 

 a recognition of the splendid services they had rendered by painting all the 

 illustrations gratuitously. In response to that appeal, the gratifying sum of 

 £236 9s. has been received. The presentation to the two ladies is to be made at 

 the Deanery on Tuesday next, the 4th May. The second event, the death of 

 Dr. Bull, demands more than a passing comment. On the 10th October, 1872, the 

 late Dr. Steele, in his address as the retiring President, made some observations 

 which, with your permission, I will quote. It would seem that a ijroposal had 



