president's adbeess. 419 



and anxiety to oblige in every possible way had added greatly 

 to the enjoyment of the excursion. After a welcome meal at 

 the Victoria Hotel, the station at Belford was soon reached on 

 the homeward journey. Favoured by sunshine and a quiet sea, 

 visiting so varied a collection of beautiful birds in their native 

 breeding haunts, surrounded by every scene of Grace Darling's 

 life, from her first home to her last, and enjoying under favour- 

 able weather the magnificent scenery of the most classical and 

 historical part of Northumberland, this visit will long be re- 

 membered by those who had the good fortune to be there. 



The Third Field Meeting was attended by fifteen members 

 and friends on the 17th July, at Haydon Bridge for Bardon 

 Mill and Housesteads, Here conveyances were as far as pos- 

 sible obtained for the ladies and elder members, the younger 

 members proceeded on by train to Bardoa Mill, and walked up 

 the Chineley Burn to Chesterholme, botanizing by the way and 

 gathering several interesting plants, among other the Greater 

 Broomrape, which, on account of the unaccountable destruction 

 of the Common Broom, is becoming rare all over our district. 

 It may surprise some of our members that it was gathered by 

 our older botanists by the riverside where Elswick "Works now 

 stand. Leaving Chesterholme anvisited, the walking party pro- 

 ceeded by High Shields to the Basaltic Crags above Crag Lough, 

 gathering and observing abundance of the Kock Rose in splendid 

 flower. Along the northern shore of the lake the Sundew, the 

 Butterwort, and the Bog Asphodel were gathered. This party 

 secured a light refreshment at the hospitable Hotbank, and then 

 marched on to Housesteads. After a short inspection of this 

 celebrated camp, as direct a route as possible was taken for 

 Haydon Bridge. On the way they crossed the Muckle Moss 

 with little difficulty, which, in ordinary seasons, is attended 

 with some danger, but drainage, and the long season of drought 

 was shewn by the prevalence of seed vessels and the fullness 

 of the flowers growing on the Moss. 



It was found impossible to obtain suitable conveyances from 

 Haydon Bridge, and much time was lost in the endeavour to 



