Meetings of Berwickshire Naturalists Club, by J. Hardy. 429 



of Mr Hope, the contractor, who carried them off under the 

 impression that they were gold. "They consist of an oval 

 bronze broach, two and a half inches in length, and one and a 

 quarter in breadth. The ornamental portion of the broach has 

 been painted of a blue and red colour, which is distinctly brought 

 out when the surface is wetted. There is also a knife or dagger, 

 the blade of iron five inches long, but part of the point broken 

 off, while the bronze handle, into which it is inserted, is three 

 inches long. There are also several pieces of thin bronze plate, 

 which are rivetted together with bronze rivets, such as one might 

 imagine defensive armour or plates for covering a shield would 

 be manufactured with. The smallness of the handle belonging 

 to the dagger corresponds in size to the handles of mostly all the 

 bronze swords preserved in collections." There are the remains 

 of a very strong British encampment, situated about half-a-mile 

 distant from the place where the relics were found. " This work 

 commands a remarkable natural gorge overlooking the valley of 

 the Tweed, and is known as Caddon Cliffs. A portion of the 

 earthen ramparts is still very distinct, and it must undoubtedly 

 have been a place of considerable importance and vast strength 

 when the natural advantages of its position are considered." 

 This camp can be seen from the upper approach at Ashiesteel, on 

 the rising ground of Caddon-lee. 



"We now pass the base of Neidpath hill, " the Neidpath Fell" 

 of the poet. At first the hill-side is bare, tufted over with furze 

 or scraggy thorns, or specked with heathery patches and clusters 

 of greystones. Then a very steep bank is darkened by a fir 

 plantation, from whose outskirts a line of brambles push out their 

 tangled shoots to the light, and clothe the naked soil. Hawk- 

 weeds that must have gleamed brightly out at openings a month 

 ago, have now spent their summer bravery. The wallrue fern 

 (Asplenium Ruta-muraria) grows here on the lime-cast wall ; and 

 Peplis portula in the meadow on the other side of the road. The 

 wood on the opposite side of the Tweed, at the base of the Oraig- 

 hill, presents handsome-shaped and well-foliaged trees. A 

 kestrel stole out from their covert, skimmed along their margin, 

 and then became hidden from view. It was the only bird noted 

 on the journey. The swallows had withdrawn from this upper 

 district, although they lingered about Kelso and on the sea-coaet 

 a few days longer ; Sept. 27th and 30th being the respective 



