PRESIDEN?T’S ADDRESS. ia! 
only our local Bembidium testaceum and Cresia Forskaleana 
need be mentioned. This is a new locality for the former, 
and the latter is, as far as I know, an addition to our local 
fauna. Many traces of the work of the larve of Sesia bem- 
beciformis were observed in the stems of the willows by the 
river side. Arrived at Brancepeth, the members were, through 
the courtesy of Viscount Boyne, admitted to the castle and 
grounds. The former is said to be the earliest castellated 
building in the county, dating before the Norman conquest, and 
in its general effect, if equalled, is certainly not surpassed by any 
of our northern castles. 
The gardener, Mr. Dale, an intelligent and accurate observer 
of Natural History, conducted the members over the gardens 
and grounds, and showed them a collection of birds and eggs, 
made by himself in the neighbourhood, amongst which was 
a male specimen of the black cap, Sylvia atricapilla, which he 
shot on the fifth of December, about twelve years ago, feed- 
ing on the berries of the privet, and he stated that about 
two years subsequently he had also shot a female of the 
same species, about the same period of the year. These summer 
visitants, therefore, in all probability, remain occasionally 
with us throughout the winter, resorting to these warm sheltered 
spots, and obtaining from the privet and similar late fruiting shrubs, 
the food in which they so much delight. He also showed them a 
nest and eggs of the Siskin, Carduelis spinus, taken there some 
years ago, remarking that he had the year before noticed a 
nest of the young birds. These are the only known instances 
of this species breeding in England, though it does so pretty 
abundantly in Scotland. The nests were found amongst the 
boughs of some spruce firs, which Mr. J. Hancock informs me 
is their usual position in Scotland. The beautiful church was 
also visited, and the fine carvings which it contains were greatly 
admired, especially the chancel screen and stall work. These 
are allowed to be worthy of the best period of Elizabethan 
architecture. After dining together, the members returned by 
a late train to Newcastle. Three members were added to our 
list at this meeting. 
