YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS IN 
MID-RIBBLESDALE. 
THE 105th meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union was held at 
Hellifield, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7th, for the investigation 
of the valley of the Ribble from Gisburn to Sawley Abbey, and we 
may say, without fear of contradiction, that, to the working naturalist, 
no district could offer greater attractions. Practically unknown to 
most Yorkshiremen, this valley, with its magnificent river and finely 
wooded banks, is almost given over to our Lancashire neighbours, 
who are by no means insensible to its attractions. It cannot be 
doubted that the visit of the Union will have done something 
towards gaining for this lovely dale some such popularity which 
the north-country valleys, so dear to all Yorkshire naturalists, enjoy- 
Parties of members arrived on the ground a day or two previous 
to the meeting, and some good work was done before the main 
contingent arrived. The total numerical strength, however, proved 
to be smaller than is usually the case at these excursions; and 
it is a matter of regret that more members did not avail themselves 
of the facilities offered for scientific research. Perhaps the inaccess- 
ibility of the district, coupled with the somewhat unpromising 
weather in the early morning, would be pleaded by many, but there 
is little apparent excuse for the meagre support given by the Skipton 
members, at whose instance the district was chosen. 
Permission to visit their estates had been granted by Lord 
Ribblesdale, the Dowager Countess Cowper, and Mr. C. B. 
Wright, whilst the Union was also indebted to Mr. J. Baldwin, of 
Sawley, for the genial way in which he assisted in the arrangements 
and welcomed the members. 
Three main routes were followed, and at the close of the day all 
met at the Black Horse Inn, Hellifield, where an excellent tea was 
provided. Sectional meetings were afterwards held, and at 6.30 p.m. 
the general meeting, presided over by Mr. R. H. Tiddeman, M.A., 
F.G.S. Thirteen societies were represented, and, this being the 
first meeting since the death of Mr. J. W. Davis (one of the Union’s 
most ardent supporters, and for many years a member of the 
Executive), opportunity was taken, on the motion of Mr. J. J. 
Wilkinson, seconded by Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, F. LS, of 
recording a vote of condolence with the deceased gentleman's 
family. It was felt by all that a vacancy was made which it would 
indeed be difficult to fill. Reports of the day’s work were given 
by the officers of the various sections, and votes of thanks to the 
landowners and chairman concluded proceedings considerably 
Jan. 1894. 
