Richmond Naturalists' Field-club. 43d 



The main object of the Society has always been to develope an in- 

 terest in Natural History, Geology, Botany, and the kindred sciences, 

 and, with this object in view, excursions have been undertaken 

 at different times — on some occasions on foot in the immediate 

 neighbourhood, and at others by conveyances or by rail, to places 

 interesting from their geological and botanical features. 



This year it was arranged by Mr. Wood, F.Gr.S. (the President), td 

 undertake a journey to Flamborough Head, a distance by rail of up- 

 wards of 100 miles, for a day's excursion. The undertaking was 

 somewhat daring, as the time consumed in railway travelling was 

 six hours each way, and necessarily abridged the hours to be devoted 

 to the scenery of Flamborough. The arrangements made by Mr. 

 Wood were, however, so complete, that, had it not been for a slight 

 accident, the success of this excursion would have been unprecedented. 



The 21st of June, the longest day being chosen, happening as it 

 did to fit with the state of the tide, which is a point of some import- 

 ance, arrangements had been made with the North-Eastern Eailway 

 Company for special carriages to be placed at the disposal of the 

 members, who travelled md Malton and Seamer Junction. Accord- 

 ingly the members, numbering upwards of eighty ladies and gentle- 

 men, met at the Eichmond Eailway Station at 6.40, and proceeded on 

 their journey. A halt took place at Thirsk, and another at Malton. 

 At half-past twelve Bempton Station was reached, where a number 

 of carriages were in waiting to convey the excursionists to Flam- 

 borough Head. A walk of great interest along the cliffs was the 

 feature of the day's excursion, and the weather being exceptionally 

 beautiful, the sea as smooth as glass, the sky clear of cloud, and a 

 midsummer sun lighting up the scene gave additional interest to 

 what, under any circumstances, might be described as one of the 

 most magnificent coast scenes in England. This, the most Eastern 

 part of the Chalk formation in England, is the most striking promon- 

 tory on the coast, the cliffs at some points being upwards of 400 feet 

 above high- water. The Chalk of Flamborough is remarkably rich, in 

 fine silicified sponges (BJiizospongia polymorpha and the genera SipJio- 

 nia, Jcerea, Eudea, etc.) The walk along the grand and rugged cliffs, 

 which here and there open into small bays with spires of rock of 

 immense size and most grotesque forms, is most picturesque. Several 

 halts were made, when the President pointed out the haunts of the 

 sea-birds in the clefts of the rock. At the termination of the walk 

 most of the party descended a ravine where boats were waiting to 

 conduct them to the celebrated caves — the most striking of which — 

 Eobin Lyth's hole, is nearly 50 feet high, and approached by a very 

 narrow entrance on the land side. Eobin Lyth, a fierce pirate, is 

 said to have made this cavern his stronghold. 



After visiting the caves the party returned to the carriages, which 

 were waiting a short distance off to convey them to Bridlington 

 Quay ; on the way there a delay took place from the upsetting of a 

 waggonette in which were six or eight of the excursionists. Fortu- 

 nately no serious injury was sustained by the occupants. The mis- 

 fortune, however, so far interfered with the arrangements of the day, 



