[March, 1863.] 449 



LANCASHIKE AND CHESHIRE BOTANY. 



A List of the less common Plants found about Warrington. By the 

 Members of the Warrington Field Naturalists' Society. 



{Note. — The numbers prefixed to the names are those of the London 

 Catalogue.) 



On the northern border of Cheshire, and at the distance of 

 about three miles to the south of Warrington, there stands a 

 New Red Sandstone eminence, called Hill Cliff, from which, on 

 a clear day, a good view may be obtained of the surrounding 

 country, including many of the localities mentioned in the follow- 

 ing list : — 



Standing on the summit of the northern slope, with our faces 

 turned northwards, we see spread out beneath us a valley of some 

 twelve miles wide. The horizon is bounded by the higher lands 

 about Sutton and St. Helen's, with Billinge Hill and beacon, 

 while to the right of these appear Rivington Pike and the famed 

 Two Lads. 



Along the horizon to the left, we may see the neighbourhood 

 of Prescott, Kainhill and Peckshill, below which and nearer our 

 station, the tall chimney shafts of Runcorn and Runcorn Gap are 

 pouring forth their fleecy cloud-like vapour. Beyond this, but not 

 visible from the place where we stand, is Hale, on the bank of the 

 Mersey, opposite its confluence with the Weaver. 



Cuerdley Marsh extends from Runcorn Gap to Fiddler's Ferry, 

 a distance of about four miles. Inland from this lies the barren 

 common called Greystone Heath. 



Directly beneath us, and seemingly within a stone-throw, lie 

 the Duke's and Old Quay Canal. Beyond these again, winding 

 among green and level meadows, the result of his own overflow- 

 ings and deposits — 



" Mersey's gentle current, which too long 

 By fame neglected, and untnown to song, 

 Between his riashy banks (no poet's theme) 

 Had crept inglorious, like a vulgar stream, 

 Reflects th' ascending seats with conscious pride 

 And dares to emulate a classic tide."— il/rs. Barbauld. 



Close to the town, and surrounded on three sides by a loop of 

 the river, lies Arpley, a large and level track of rich meadow- 

 laud. 



N. S. VOL. VI. 3 -M 



