OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 155 



drovers in passing possibly rest themselves, with numerous letters 

 and initials carved on the stems of the trees. I was so struck 

 at the obvious reticence shown by those from whom I asked for 

 information bearing upon the rebellion, that I mentioned it to 

 my late lamented friend Dr. Charlton, who sufficiently explained 

 it, as being a remnant of the extreme caution inculcated in those 

 troubled times, and which had in a manner become traditional 

 as to all matter connected with the rebellion. Dr. Charlton said 

 he remembered an old lady who, even in his day, used to head 

 every note she wrote with the cautionary notice, "read and 

 burn." At Fourstones was a stone where exchanges of letters 

 took place ; and sometimes these were effected by private friends 

 who devoted themselves to the cause. He mentioned two Miss 

 Swinburnes, of Capheaton, and a Miss Hodgson, who rode with 

 messages about the country, and went by the name of the ' ' Gal- 

 loping Graces." — (Oct. 1, 1873, G. C.Atkinson.) 



NUNWICK. 



Ash. A fm« Ash tree stands on the lawn 120 yards S.W. from 

 the Hall. Girth,** 14 feet 10 inches: bole, 18 feet, then 

 divides into two stems ; height, not great. 

 A handsome tree, but entirely hollow. It was one of a group 



in the village green, which was subsequently enclosed in the 



Park.— (Nov. 28, 1873, G. C. Atkinson.) 



HOLEYN HALL. 



Picea jSTobilis, about 80 yards from House, on S. side of walk 

 running to the "W. on a line with the House. Girth, 10 

 inches : height, 1 6 feet. 

 Planted 16 years since. Very vigorous and healthy. — (Jan. 



12, 1874, G. C. Atkinson.) 



DISSINGTON. 



Elack American Spruce, on Lawn 95 yards W. of House. Girth, 

 3 feet 3 inches : height, 43 feet 6 inches. 



* The girth, when not otherwise stated, is always taken at live feet from the ground. 



