FIELD MEETINGS FOR 1913 9 



numbers of gulls and wild ducks were disporting. Here the 

 stumps of an old birch forest are still to be seen rooted in the 

 ground at the edge of the water. In the surrounding boggy 

 ground fine specimens of sundew and bog asphodel were found, 

 and on the moor some white bell heather. After resting some 

 time, the party proceeded to the high ground above Corby 

 Crags, from which splendid views of the surrounding country, 

 the distant ranges of Cheviot and Simonside Hills, Dunstan- 

 borough Castle and the coast line were obtained. Descending 

 and crossing the deep railway cutting, which was beautifully 

 clothed with foxglove, willow herb, and heather, and much 

 admired, we passed through the pine woods and fine beech 

 avenue and wooded ground, to Glen Allen, where the members 

 were hospitably received by Mr. and Miss Holmes and enter- 

 tained to tea. 



A fine gnarled oak was seen on the lawn, one of the 

 survivors of an ancient forest. Much too soon a move had to 

 be made for Whittingham Station to catch the last train to 

 Newcastle. 



The following plants were found : — Bog asphodel, sundew, 

 white bell heather, fine-leaved heath, ling, tormentil, red-rattle, 

 eyebright, foxglove, milkwort, ragwort, selfheal, birdsfoot 

 trefoil, greater trefoil, meadow sweet, purple, spotted, and 

 white orchis, ragged robin, large valerian, honeysuckle, 

 enchanter's nightshade, brooklime, agrimony, red and white 

 campion, willow herb, rose bay willow herb, meadow vetchling, 

 bitter vetch, red bartsia, meadow cranesbill, wood sanicle, 

 square St. John's wort, herb Robert and germander speedwell. 



Birds seemed scarce, only the following being particularly 

 noticed : — wild duck, black-headed gull, curlew, golden plover, 

 lapwing, wheatear, and whinchat. 



The Fifth Meeting was held on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, at 

 Howick. Making another early start, nine members arrived 

 at Alnmouth Station, where conveyances were awaiting to 

 drive the party to Howick. Rain was then falling heavily. 

 After consultation it was decided to carry out the programme, 



