FIELD MEETINGS FOR 19U 35 1 



ewesley, longwitton and hartburn, thursday, 

 June ist, 191 i. 



The second meeting took place in the Font Valley under the 

 able guidance of Mr. Cecil H. Sp. Perceval of Longwitton 

 Hall. Detraining at Ewesley Station the party crossed the 

 Comb Hill Bridge and entered the grounds of Nunnykirk, 

 where they were met by Mrs. Orde, who showed them the 

 beauties of the estate, the gardens, and, most interesting to 

 archaeologists, an old Saxon cross, which had been brought to 

 light a few years ago. After refreshments the members were 

 conducted through Netherwitton to Longwitton Hall, where 

 Mr. Perceval pointed out several botanical features of particular 

 interest, including a clump of a rare spurge (Euphorbia pilosa) 

 brought from Gloucestershire and quite at home at Longwitton; 

 a magnificent walnut tree ; bean and spindle trees ; a 

 natural hybrid orchid (Habeuaria viridis Orchis maculata) 

 discovered by Mr. Perceval ; a white variety of the herb 

 robert (Geranium robertianum) and a pink form of the com- 

 mon hyacinth. 



A short and pleasant stay was made, and after admiring the 

 wide and very extensive view obtained from the Hall, and 

 enjoying Mr. and Mrs. Perceval's kind hospitality, the party 

 proceeded through Longwitton Dene — perhaps the most 

 beautiful walk of the day — to Hartburn. Here the Vicar, 

 Mr. Curtis, joined the party and accompanied them through 

 the woods, pointing out two magnificent silver fir trees and a 

 curious grotto built in the cliff, from which ran (probably for the 

 convenience of bathers) a covered passage to the river ; and 

 thence to the peaceful vicarage, once the home of the well- 

 known historian of Northumberland — John Hodgson — who is 

 buried at Hartburn. The peel tower, a part of the vicarage, 

 was admired, and a visit, unfortunately too brief, was paid to 

 the quiet old Norman church. Here the party took leave of 

 Mr. Perceval and Mr. Curtis, and after a brisk walk caught the 

 home-going train at Angerton. 



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