FIELD MEETINGS FOR 1913 II 



weather only five members met at South Shields Station (but 

 were joined at Trow Rocks by seven student members of the 

 Ryhope Secondary School). Leaving the station and passing 

 along Ocean Road, the Marine Park was entered ; here the fine 

 effect of massed pentstemon, gladioli, sedums, &c., although 

 their best was over, was still very beautiful. The party 

 followed the coast road to Trow Rocks and then along the 

 base of the cliff's. Dr. D. Woolacott of Armstrong College 

 acted as guide, and in his interesting and instructive manner 

 pointed out and explained the contorted and dislocated strata 

 and general geology of the coast. On arriving at Frenchman's 

 Bay, being unable to round the next point, we ascended the 

 cliff and crossed over by the footpath to the north end of 

 Marsden Bay. Descending to the beach, we followed along to 

 the extreme end of the bay, noticing that several very heavy 

 falls had taken place both at the rock itself and also of the 

 cliffs. Returning to the " Grotto " and having enjoyed a 

 refreshing tea, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Dr. 

 Woolacott for his kindness in conducting the party. The 

 members then made their way, some to Marsden Station and 

 others to Sunderland, to return home after having spent a 

 pleasant and instructive afternoon. Owing to the stormy 

 weather, bird life was scarce, only a few gulls being seen in 

 the distance; and so late in the season nothing of botanical 

 interest was found. 



I should like to draw the attention of the members to one 

 of the rules of the Tyneside Naturalists' Field Club, when it 

 was originated April 25th, 18,46, viz. : " The wanton persecution 

 of rare birds and the extinction of rare plants were strongly to 

 be discouraged." Never was this rule more necessary than at 

 the present time, when we hear of the destruction of birds, the 

 ruthless and wholesale removal of plants and ferns — so much 

 so that in places where certain plants used to grow luxuriantly, 

 not a single specimen can now be found. I trust our members 

 will do all they can to discourage this practice whenever 

 possible. 



