REPORT ON FIELD MEETINGS 487 



The day being so warm, the sun so powerful when we 

 attained the summit of the grassy plateau occupied by the 

 ruined Peel, a prolonged rest was enjoyed, our pleasure being 

 augmented by the extensive views of the surrounding district 

 thence obtainable. " Why go to Switzerland ?"' said one of our 

 party; and truly the prospect of the wild gorge of the Allen 

 at this point, with its dense covering of dark pine woods, here 

 and there relieved by the lighter greens of various woodland 

 trees, presents such a splendid spectacle, that it is no 

 exaggeration when Tomlinson describes it as a scene of truly 

 alpine grandeur. Refreshed by our halt, we then made our 

 way to Staward station ; where, having partaken of tea, we 

 entrained for Newcastle. 



Many of our well known woodland plants were noted during 

 the day's ramble, inclusive of the already mentioned Wood 

 Vetch, which, by reason of its elegant foliage and handsome 

 flowers, is well entitled to the premier position it holds 

 amongst our British vetches. 



In regard to bird life, the Song Thrush and Blackbird were 

 frequently heard, and the WVen, Chiffchaff, Rook, Blue and 

 Great Titmouse, Cuckoo, and occasionally the Redpole were 

 also observed. 



The Fourth Field Meeting, extending over three days, 

 was held July iith-i3th, the district visited being Boston Spa 

 and Thorpe Arch, situated in the lower reaches of the river 

 Wharfe. This meeting was arranged mainly for botanical 

 purposes, but unfortunately very few of our members were 

 able to avail themselves of it. This was the more regrettable 

 because the flora of this district is very rich, including many 

 of our rarer plants peculiar to a limestone formation. 



Leaving Newcastle on the evening of July nth, we pro- 

 ceeded by way of Harrogate to the rural station of Thorpe 

 Arch, and thence down to the Royal Hotel, Boston Spa, an 

 ancient but partly modernized hostelry surrounded by an 

 extensive well stocked garden, and forming one of the 



