peesident's address. 125 



the Fames, in the pouring rain. As soon as a boat could be 

 floated in the harbour they left the shore, most of them wrapped 

 up in oil-skins and other waterproofs and under umbrellas. Yet 

 all enjoyed the passage to the Fames, taken under somewhat 

 unfavourable prospects ; but the sea was calm, and the rain 

 abated, and the voyagers were enabled to land at all the most 

 interesting places and examine the breeding stations of most of 

 the birds that frequent these islands. 



The members who remained ashore, umbrella in hand, spent 

 the time in exploring the coast section to the north of the village 

 and botanizing along the sea banks. Glaux mariUma and a few 

 shore-loving plants were the chief species gathered. A large 

 colony of Sand Martins occupied one portion of the cliifs, and 

 several Eock Pipits were disturbed in their rocky haunts. Thin 

 seams of coal have, in former times, been worked near to or under 

 the sea, and we came upon an old circular shaft (now filled up 

 with gravel) at some distance from the present coast line, shew- 

 ing the rapid wearing away of land in comparatively recent times. 

 A visit was also paid to Mr. McEwan's Fish-curing Establish- 

 ment, and that gentleman kindly showed us the whole process of 

 kippering Herrings which was then going on. The new har- 

 bour is a somewhat fearful looking place, cut out of the cliff 

 close to the village, and more like a dock for ships than a haven 

 for boats. This Deep Hole was partly filled with decomposing 

 and rotten seaweeds, the stench from which was intolerable. It 

 must be hoped that this costly harbour confers all the benefits 

 desired by the fishermen ; but its construction seems clumsy and 

 dangerous, and in every way un picturesque and out of keeping 

 with the surrounding coast. 



On the return of the party from the Islands an excellent din- 

 ner was served at the "Castle Inn," and afterwards several of the 

 members left for Newcastle. The rest travelled by Monkhouse 

 and Bamburgh to Belford. The weather was now fine, and the 

 evening drive along the coast most enjoyable, affording beautiful 

 views of the distant Fames. The commanding Old Keep 



"King Ida's castle huge and square," 

 was seen to advantage from many points of view ; and the neatly- 



