FIELD MEETINGS FOR 1915 . 205 



Roman Wall to Borcovicus, the remainder working the 

 swampy edges of the lough, or scrambling along the foot of 

 the beetling crags. A duck was seen to rise from the water, 

 too far off to identify, and in the bushes of the cliffs numerous 

 wrens — possibly a family party — were flitting in and out. The 

 short swampy grass was starred with scabious and the delicate 

 grass of Parnassus, while the ragwort was visited by many 

 tortoiseshell butterflies ; meadow browns and blues were also 

 seen, and the rapid darting flight of one or two dragonflies. 

 The long fringing grasses and reeds, touched by the hand of 

 approaching autumn, had assumed a bright orange tint under 

 the brilliant sunshine ; along the cliffs several varieties of fern 

 were nestling, and in the water more than one species of 

 potamogeton or pond weed ; the reed mace rearing its stately 

 head at the far end of the lough. 



A few of the fresh-water shells were collected, and then a 

 halt was called to examine the plants, of which nearly fifty 

 were found in bloom, and identify them. The party was then 

 reunited and an adjournment made to Hot Bank Farm, where 

 an excellent tea was provided by Miss Pattinson. Round the 

 farm buildings were a number of wagtails, the quaint antics 

 of which were watched with interest ; and then the homeward 

 journey was begun, but with lingering steps, the charm of the 

 evening sun over the crag and the lough bringing out its beauty 

 of form and colour. 



Dipping down by Bradley Hall, the route led a short 

 distance along the cross road, where the martins were hawking 

 merrily and the starlings gathering in flocks, until a stile gave 

 entrance to the heather-clad hill of Borcum. As we crossed 

 the summit a heron flew overhead in leisurely flight; the sun 

 cast its dying rays over the purple heather, shedding a beauty 

 over the scene as our last steps brought us back to Bardon 

 Mill after a day of interest and enjoyment in the open country. 



Our thanks are due to Sir Hugh Blackett of Matfen and 

 Mrs. Clayton of the Chesters, who so kindly granted facilities 

 for the holding of the meeting in the district. 



