154 REPORT OP FIELD MEETINGS 



towards our destination at Rowland's Gill, we crossed over 

 the bridge, which spans the west end of a very deep railway 

 cutting of sand and other glacial formations. It may here be 

 pointed out, as of some interest to botanists, that our rich and 

 varied flora of the Derwent Valley is entirely due to the large 

 acreage of glacial deposits of boulder clay and other drift 

 matters, the surface of which we have practically traversed 

 during the whole of our lengthy and interesting ramble. 



Second Field Meeting at Devil's Water on the 

 i6th June 



The incessant downpour of rain on the day appointed for 

 this meeting prevented me from attending, as I had not quite 

 recovered from an attack of influenza. However, as the 

 weather improved considerably later in the day, I journeyed 

 to Hexham towards the evening, where I met a small, brave, 

 and hardy band of naturalists returning, after spending a very 

 profitable and enjoyable outing, in spite of the unpropitious 

 state of the elements. Through the kindness of these gentle- 

 men I am able tp give you the following account of this 

 meeting : — 



On entering Dilston Park, the trees were the first objects of 

 interest. The Hawthorn, Elder, Laburnum, Guelder Rose, 

 and Lime were in full bloom. A visit was next paid to the 

 old ruins of Dilston Castle and Chapel. Afterwards the party 

 returned to the Devil's Water and began in earnest the day's 

 occupation. There was very little water in the stream owing to 

 the long spell of dry weather previous to the visit. For a 

 considerable distance up the stream a footpath was followed 

 through fields bordering its margin. Then by climbing steep 

 and banky ground, a course was taken along the brow of 

 precipitous and lofty scars and escarpments, where at each 

 turn new sights and attractions appeared, to give fresh 

 pleasures and new themes of contemplation to the visitors. 



On descending from the cliffy walk, another circuitous path 

 was followed through a pleasant and picturesque haugh, where 



