460 REPORT OF FIELD MEETINGS. 



but neither nest nor young was found. A brood of four young 

 Lapwings was discovered huddled together on the river shingle, 

 their plumage assimilating closely with their surroundings. 



One feature of the bird life of this neighbourhood was the 

 very large number of Starlings observed. These birds have 

 vastly increased in nearly every district of late years. There 

 seem to be some differences of opinion as to their usefulness, 

 but I'm glad to think the following is certainly strong evidence 

 in their favour. The very elaborate investigations made by 

 Sir John Gilmour, of Montrane, for the Highland Agricultural 

 Society, into the economic relationship of Starlings to farming 

 and gardening, showed that these interesting and beautiful 

 birds were almost wholly beneficial. 



A brief visit the next morning to the beautiful village of 

 Wensley concluded our stay. The generous welcome given 

 to us by local naturalists, the fine weather, and the beautiful 

 scenery of this district, made our visit to Wensleydale most 

 interesting and enjoyable. 



Plant life is rich in Wensleydale, the following being the 

 principal varieties noticed : — 



Water Crowfoot, Ramincnhis aquatilis. 



Lesser Celandine, ,, ficaria. 



Meadow Buttercup, ,, ac7-is. 



Creeping Buttercup, ,, repcns. 



Bulbous Buttercup, ,, biilbosns. 



Marsh Marigold, Caltha pahtstris. 



Greater Celandine, Chelidoniiini majiis. 



Lady's Smock, Cardamiiic pratensis. 



Water Cress, Nasturtium officinale. 



Hairy Rock Cress, Arabis hirsiita. 



Garlic Mustard, Alliaria officinalis. 



Rock Rose, Hclianthe)mi7n vulgarc. 



Dog Violet, Viola caniiia. 



Mountain Pansy, Viola hitea. 



Milk Wort, Polygala vulgaris. 



Red Campion, Lychnis diiirna. 



Greater Slichwort, Stellaria Holostea. 



Lesser Stichwort, ,, graminca. 



Meadow Cranesbill, Geranium pratense. 



Dove's Foot Cranesbill, Geranium /nolle. 



