tRfiSIDENT'S ADDRESS. 107 



enormous depth of the alluvium that even at this point, the 

 very crest of the cut through ridge, fills up the rock valley to 

 the present level, and brings before the mind's eye the mighty 

 power of running water more vividly than any of the other 

 scenes had done. The viaduct begun in 1857, which carries 

 a single line of rails, is formed of twelve semi-circular arches 

 of fifty feet span. The centre piers are stayed by the in- 

 sertion of inverted arches at their bases. The highest part of 

 the viaduct is at the centre arches where the rails are (155) 

 one hundred and fifty-five feet above the ground. 



The banks of the Dene are studded with trees mostly of 

 young growth, and it was noticed that the oak was opening in 

 advance of the ash, bearing out the old adage — 

 " If the oak is out before the ash 

 'Twill be a summer of wet and splash." 



Very few birds were seen or heard throughout the day, but 

 amongst those noted were the Redstart, Wood Wren, Chiff- 

 chaff, Willow Wren. Tree Pipit, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, and 

 a few others. It is to be regretted that the Bullfinch has 

 become much rarer in the Derwent valley of late years, being 

 so easily caught to be kept in captivity. Amongst the wild 

 flowers noticed were Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine, 

 Marsh Marigold, Dog Violet, Wood Sorrel, Bird Cherry, 

 Sweet Cicely, Sweet Woodruff, Bilberry, Wood Forget-me-not, 

 Wood Rush, Globe Flower, and Butterwort. 



The Second Field Meeting was held at Wooler and the 

 neighbourhood on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the 

 26th, 27th, and 28th June. 



We left Newcastle at noon on Tuesday, arriving at Wooler 

 about three o'clock, and the remainder of the day was devoted 

 to short walks in the immediate locality. Akeld was visited, 

 taking Humbleton Hill on the way, and Yeavering Bell was 

 reached by some members. 



On Wednesday morning, though rather showery, we drove 

 up the valley of the Wooler water to Langleyford, for the 

 ascent of Cheviot. Unfortunately soon after reaching the 



