DR. Clarke's address. 163 



the shore iiotliing novel occurred, excexoting a Planaria, picked up by- 

 Mr Eiddell, allied to the PI. Aretkusa of Dalyell, but differing in being 

 a denizen of salt-water. 



" In Botany nothing new was seen. The banks, in many places, 

 were covered with the Cochlearia officinalis, now in full flower ; and 

 about mid-way between Eyemouth and Coldingham, the Primrose, 

 Cowslip, and Oxlip, were observed ; the Primrose and Oxlip growing 

 intermixed, and shewing too many features of a common resemblance, 

 to be considered descendants of distinct and separate stocks. Where- 

 ever the Primroses grew, the bank was, as usual, enamelled with its 

 never-failing consorts — the Pile-wort (the lesser Celandine of "Words- 

 worth) — the Dog-violet — the barren Strawberry — and the Pield-Eush, 

 now all in flower and beauty. 



" After dinner the minutes of last meeting were read and approved 

 of. The Eev. Thomas Eiddell, PeUow of Trin. CoU. Cambridge, on 

 the nomination of Dr Johnston, seconded by Dr Clarke, was admitted 

 a member. 



"Mr Milne exhibited part of the stock of an anchor, which, after 

 having been sunk in the entrance of Eyemouth Harbour for about 

 eight years, had been taken up and removed, in consequence of being 

 rendered useless by the decay of the stock. It was very satisfactorily 

 proved that this decay was the effect of the Limnoria terebrans — the 

 first instance of the occurrence of this noxious insect on the Berwickshire 

 coast. 



"The Eev. Andrew Baird was instructed to draw up a Eeport for 

 next meeting, on the effects of the past winter, as shewn in plants and 

 shrubs, &c., as well as on animals ; and members were invited to com- 

 municate any facts that might assist him in this work. 



" It will be observed, then, that at this meeting of the Club there 

 was no paper read — no discovery made — no business prepared — and 

 none to leave behind it a permanent trace — and yet your Secretaries 

 would instance it as a proof of the utility and rationality of your 

 Society. It led, let it be remarked, to the detection of an insect in Eye- 

 mouth harbour, which may be of advantage ; for knowing, as they 

 now do, its existence and nature, the managers of that port will need 

 to keep a careful eye on its wood-works ; and it will prevent disappoint- 

 ment and useless expenditure of money, if, in future, they adopt means 

 to protect whatever wood is used from its ravages. Kyanized wood 

 may probably be unsuitable to its taste ; and, we believe, that to cover 

 the ivood with broad-headed nails, has been found a good remedy or 

 preventive. 



" But, independent of this, the meeting was not the less valuable to 

 the members individually. A day was spent by them agreeably, if not 

 in high, at least in conversation relating to interesting topics, which, 

 though not necessary to a man, are ornamental and improving. 

 Eelaxation, too, at stated intervals, is to the mind what some periodical 



