274 

 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT TEBAY. 



It is seldom that the members of the Union go outside their 

 own county for the purpose of an excursion, but in fixing upon 

 Lowgill, situate practically in the centre of the Tebay gorge, 

 it was necessary that some place more accessible should be 

 selected, where facilities for making investigations could be 

 more readily accomplished, hence the decision to make Tebay, 

 ' the land of the mountain and the flood,' the centre from 

 which to work. The successful nature of the gathering proved 

 the wisdom of Mr. W. Robinson's choice, and the numerous 

 members who assembled for the August Bank Holiday week- 

 end were well rewarded for their persistent efforts under, at 

 times, most inclement conditions. During the very brief 

 periods when sunshine favoured the glorious vista of those 

 everlasting hills, especially the Howgill Feds, and their green 

 ■clad intersecting valleys, will always be a pleasant memory ; 

 but when clouds veiled the scene and shed their watery con- 

 tents with such persistency, what wonder that even the ardent 

 student of nature grumbled, just a little, at anticipated pleasure 

 spoilt ! 



The headquarters were the Cross Keys Hotel, and its 

 .accommodation was sorely taxed by the large number of 

 members who put in an appearance, thirteen Societies being 

 represented ; but the genial landlady surmounted all difficulties, 

 and made provision for the many who had to seek nightly 

 repose elsewhere. All were bent on work, and as most sections 

 were represented, it was not difficult to find sectional recorders 

 for each department, and as Tebay was new ground, particular 

 notes on the fauna and flora were made. 



On Saturday the general body of naturalists kept to the 

 Yorkshire side, training to Sedbergh, and on arrival there 

 driving to Cautley, and, after spending an enjoyable day on 

 Cautley Fells, and viewing the celebrated waterfall, returned 

 to Tebay. Under the guidance of Mr. Robinson, the geologists 

 worked the various gills between Tebay and Ravenstonedale, 

 returning by train from the latter place. 



The surroundings of the villages of Orton, Raisbeck and 

 Newbiggin also received attention, and yielded many interest- 

 ing plants, and plant associations. The members also availed 

 themselves of the kind invitation of Mr. H. Goodwin, and 

 visited the charming grounds of Orton Hall, and inspected the 

 fine rock garden. 



There are humourists at Orton, for decorating the garden 

 walls adjacent to two dwelling-houses are slabs of curiously- 

 weathered limestone, which, in some cases, by a little artificial 

 aid, portray prehistoric mammalian forms, and, in addition to 

 unique birds, the word ' Kendal ' is well indicated. 



Naturalist, 



