293 Anniversary Address. 



"The second party proceeded by the banks of the Jed, pass- 

 ing the spot in the bed of the river where the Greywacke 

 overlies a sandstone bed ; but the flooded state of the river 

 prevented this anomalous state of these rocks from being 

 apparent. Hence onwards to " the Capon Tree " and le the 

 King of the Woods " (two ancient oaks of Border celebrity), 

 and through a romantic glen (where Chrysosplenium alterni- 

 folium was found in flower, and the beautiful oak fern in 

 some abundance) to the old stronghold of the Kerrs of Ferny- 

 hirst." Some of the party, on their way through the glen in 

 search of plants, disturbed a Long-eared Owl (Strix Otus, Linn.) 

 which had its nest on a ledge of rock up the side of a small 

 ravine ; the bird was a female so intent on her maternal duty 

 that we were within a few yards of the nest before she took 

 flight. The brood was hatched; the eggs being chipped, 

 and one young white downy chick found in the nest. "The 

 ancient castle of Fernyhirst is now occupied as a farmhouse. 

 The old tower remains in perfect preservation, and is attached 

 to the more modern, though still ancient, residence. The 

 old chapel has, alas ! been converted into a stable ; but the 

 walls are in excellent preservation, and there is a fine door- 

 way — its peculiar ornamentation up each jamb, and that of 

 the coigns, are worthy of notice. The beautifully wooded 

 banks of the Jed are here covered with a fine turf, adorned 

 by a profusion of wild flowers, including primroses, dog 

 violets, wood forget-me-nots, anemonies, and wood sorrel, all 

 adding their beauty to the scene. 



" The day was lovely ; clear, bright, and cold, after a 

 heavy night's rain, which doubtless prevented insect life 

 from displaying itself as it would have done under more 

 favorable circumstances. 



" The party then crossed the river by Lintalee andHunda- 

 lee, and proceeded by the upper road to Jedburgh ; its ancient 

 abbey and court-house in the foreground, and the fine woods 

 and mansion house of Hartrigg, being seen in the distance." 



A few of the members visited, before dinner, " Queen 



