REPORT OF FIELD MEETINGS. 265 



upward march we found abundance of Melampyrtim prafense, 

 var. monfanum, and about the same elevation we came across 

 the first specimens of Rubies ChamcBviorus. To those who had 

 not previously ascended the hill the abundance of this species 

 was the most remarkable event of the day. When first met 

 with it was in little patches, the flower was past, and the fruit 

 was forming ; but as we ascended it became gradually more 

 plentiful, and the flowers were fresher, until, when we neared 

 the summit, the surface was literally covered with it, and the 

 blossoms so abundant as to give the ground the appearance 

 of a slight coating of snow. The two parties got separated, 

 and though they both claim to have reached the summit and 

 to have left a written message on the cairn, it is rather 

 suspicious that neither saw any trace of the other, and no 

 message was found by either. On the very summit of the hill 

 we found a covey of young Grouse, one of which we caught, 

 but soon liberated, and were amused to see the way it sought 

 the assistance of every patch of rough cover until it got into 

 the more robust heather and was soon lost to sight. On the 

 top a steady breeze was blowing, which had effectually 

 scattered the mist ; but at intervals a cloud came sailing along, 

 flecking not only the Cheviot, but the neighbouring hills as 

 well, with light and shade. We did not tarry long on the 

 summit, but began the descent on the south-western slope, so 

 as to reach the valley that separates Cheviot from Hedgehope. 

 This slope was found to be very much rougher than the one 

 by which we had ascended, thickly clad with rough boulders 

 in places, so that we found the descent even more difficult 

 than the ascent had been. In the sykes that drain the lower 

 slopes of the hill on this side abundance of Saxifraga stellaris 

 was found, and also in damp hollows growing among 

 Sphagnum. The parties were reunited at Langleeford, and 

 were soon driven back to "The Cottage" for dinner, which 

 was very acceptable after the day's exertions and the breezes 

 of the hill. 



A few members were obliged to return home by the evening 

 train, but some of the remainder, not satisfied with their day's 



