Anniversary Address. 89 



highest limits on the Cheviots. No bramble ascends to this 

 height. It was also observed that the only slug noticed on the 

 hills was Limax ater, and the only snails Helix nemoralis and 

 H. alliaria, and these were rare. But in the dean above Akeld 

 we found also Limax cinereus, arborum and fuscus, with Pupa 

 muscorum. The dean proved a rich botanical habitat ; it is the 

 best station I have yet seen in our district for Geranium lucidum 

 and Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. There were likewise gathered 

 in it, Mercurialis perennis, Luzula sylvatica, Stellaria holostea, 

 Cardamine amara, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium et alternifolium, 

 Asperula odorata, Cardamine pratensis et sylvatica, Myosotis syl- 

 vatica, Geranium robertianum, Viola canina, Potentilla fragari- 

 astrum, Veronica serpyllifolia, Rubus macrophyllus et corylifolius, 

 Rosa canina, &c. 



" Our homeward walk was much occupied with Holmedon and 

 its battle, and with the notes of the various birds which attracted 

 attention. It was noticed that there conld be no doubt that this 

 year the oak had decidedly anticipated the ash in putting forth 

 its foliage; and this was hailed as an augury of a good harvest 

 to come. 



"I have omitted to mention the terraces on the hills we 

 climbed, but they were not unnoticed ; nor the remains of the 

 British camps which encircle the summit of each. The terraces 

 are conjectured to be roads leading from British settlements to. 

 the great temple of Druidical worship on Yeavering ; and at a 

 period not remote, used by moss troopers, and still more recently 

 by smugglers of whisky on their way to England. That they 

 were so used is, I believe, well known. Their original object is 

 entirely conjectural. Mr. Pennant gives the following account 

 of them : — ' Observe on the right several very regular terraces cut 

 on the face of a hill. They are most exactly formed, a little 

 raised in the middle like a fine walk, and about 20 feet broad and 

 of a very considerable length. In some places were three, in 

 others five flights, placed one above the other, terminating exactly 

 in a line at each end and most precisely finished. I am told that 

 such tiers of terraces are not uncommon in these parts, where 

 they are called baulks. Mr. Wallis conjectures them to be places 

 for the militia to arrange themselves in time of war, that they 

 might show themselves to advantage thus placed rank above 

 rank. Mr. Gordon describes several which he saw in Scotland, 



