2 PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



than a Natural History Society. I remember some few years 

 ago, that at several of our "frugal repasts" the results of our 

 investigations of the objects of Natural History were exhibited, 

 and other specimens which some of our members considered to 

 be worthy of consideration were brought for the purpose of being 

 shewn to their fellow Field Naturalists. But of late these ob- 

 jects seem to have grown fewer and fewer, until their appearance 

 has become very rare, and papers read at our meetings are few 

 and far between. I must myself plead guilty to be as great a 

 defaulter in this respect as any; and therefore feel bound to 

 endeavour in future to follow out my own advice. 



Our First Field Meeting took place on May 31st, at Eb- 

 chester and Shotley Bridge. It seemed rather a coincidence 

 that our first meeting during my year of office as President should 

 be in the same locality as the first meeting I attended after my 

 being elected a member of this Society, and our third meeting 

 was at the same place as a former meeting I attended before I 

 had the slightest idea of ever becoming a member. 



By the train leaving Newcastle at 11 a.m., on May 31st, a 

 fair company were conveyed to Ebchester. Our indefatigable 

 Secretary having despatched a messenger to Shotley Bridge, to 

 acquaint the landlord of our destined haven with our probable 

 number, we proceeded to the church, where we were met by the 

 esteemed vicar, Mr. Linthwaite, who courteously acted as our 

 cicerone in viewing the ancient church and Eoman camp. One 

 notable feature of the little church, which would appear to have 

 been built partly, if not entirely, from the stones of the Boman 

 camp adjoining, is the arcade of round-topped windows in the 

 chancel. Here we saw many remains of the ancient conquerors 

 of the world, both in the walls, and laid out for our inspection 

 by Mr. Linthwaite. Other stones, with inscriptions on them, 

 portions of querns and other objects, are to be seen in the walls 

 and gardens of the houses in the village. 



From the church the party went to the Boman camp, the plan 

 of which can be distinctly traced in its position overlooking the 

 river Derwent, which winds below, I wish I could say with 



