pebsident's addeess. 167 



Durham coast was much, enjoyed. Only a few plants were in 

 flower at this late season, but Geranium sanguineum and the 

 Grass of Parnassus were still in fine flower. Asplenium marinum 

 appears to have been completely eradicated, either by man or the 

 severe winters which have for some years prevailed, and which 

 would certainly injure any exposed plants of this southern spe- 

 cies. The higher parts of Hesleden Dene are now much de- 

 stroyed, and the burn is a channel for the waste water of the 

 adjacent colliery. Notwithstanding the difiiculties of the route, 

 most of the members, ladies and gentlemen, followed the bed of 

 the bum, the lofty cliffs of which rival in height those of Castle 

 Eden, and had the same care been taken with this it would have 

 been much superior in romantic beauty, being often narrower 

 and deeper, and as noted for rare plants as its more carefully pre- 

 served neighbour. Some of the party followed the Dene to the 

 seashore, and had the satisfaction of seeing the Hart's Tongue 

 still existing on some of the more inaccessible cliffs. Others 

 explored the picturesque and extensive caves at the Black Halls 

 along the shore. The cliffs themselves were much disguised by 

 a thick coating of mud brought down by the melting snows of 

 the previous winters. After a substantial tea at Deneholm. the 

 party strolled by way of Hardwick Dene to the railway station. 



At the Coj^'CLttding Field Meeting, at Marsden, only ten mem- 

 bers and friends were present. Though stormy no great deal of 

 rain fell during the day. The route was by Cleadon Lane and 

 Boldon Flats, to view the large drains that had recently been cut 

 to carry off the water from this as yet unreclaimed piece of land, 

 and it is to be feared, looking at it from a naturalist's point of 

 view, the attempt has been only too successful, for if the deep 

 ditches can be kept open, even for a short time, all the water 

 plants will be effectually destroyed, and the water birds which 

 have been accustomed to frequent and even to breed here will be 

 driven from their accustomed haunts. Last year, 1880, several 

 pairs of Snipe and as many Wild Ducks had nests here. "With 

 very little trouble and expense this place might have been con- 

 verted into a southern Palinsburn, and would have afforded 



