288 phesident's address. 



the ruins by Thomas Maughan, Esq., agent to the Marquis of 

 Ailesbury, and after being kindly conducted to all the interesting 

 portions, were invited to partake of refreshments on the beautiful 

 lawn at his residence in the neighbourhood. Here were also 

 shown a fine specimen of the Saw Fly, Sirex gigas, which had 

 been recently captured in the neighbourhood ; and many fine 

 specimens of plants were reported as growing on the abbey re- 

 mains. Retracing the road to East "Witton, the members pro- 

 ceeded along a lane, so extended and narrow that they were glad 

 to find that it was not much traversed by vehicles, and were 

 thankful when they emerged on a broader road near the entrance 

 gateway to Coverham ruins. These are truly neglected and un- 

 cared for. It was strange to see, at the back of the farm house, 

 massive effigies of Crusaders and Knights Templars, and other 

 monumental covers arranged like a rockery along the side of a 

 brick wall. These heroes came no doubt to die in peace, after 

 years of warfare and bloodshed, into this secluded dale and quiet 

 home, never dreaming that future strife would destroy their 

 chosen resting place. The contrast between Coverham and Jer- 

 vaulx, even in their ruins, must leave a melancholy reflection on 

 the visitor ; and glad to escape from such thoughts the members 

 soon breathed the free fresli air of Middleham Moor, with its 

 extensive views, and felt thereby cheered with happier sug- 

 gestions. Before arriving at Middleham, our fellow-member, 

 Mr. Thomas Arkle, directed the attention of the party to an ele- 

 vated mound in a field north of the road and of Middleham 

 Castle. This earthen mound is surrounded by a deep ditch, and 

 there is a deep hollow in the top of the highest part, and also in 

 a lower adjoining part of the hill, Mr. Arkle is of opinion that 

 it jhas been used for the same social purposes as the Mote Hills 

 of Elsdon and other places in ^Northumberland, and dates from 

 an early period of our history. The view of Middleham Castle 

 from this mound was very grand ; its bare grey walls, massive 

 and defiant still, were a fine contrast to the rounded and softened 

 outlines of the distant and intermediate features of the landscape. 

 A pleasant drive to Leyburn brought to a close a very enjoyable 

 excursion. 



