358 Anniversary Address. 



A visit was then paid to the Parish Church. For details 

 of the architecture and history of this Church, and the 

 Priory, I must refer you to the " Churches of Lindisfarne," 

 published in 1870, by Mr. F. R. Wilson. 



Passing towards the Castle, an uncommon grass, Giyceria 

 procumbens, was found in great abundance, and Trifolium 

 scabrum was found growing on the basalt. Cynoglossum 

 officinale is very plentiful, and henbane (Hyoscyamus 

 niger) was observed in a few places ; also viper's bugloss and 

 poppies ; and Samolus valerandi, in marshy ground near the 

 northern end. Statice limonium grows plentifully on St. 

 Cuthbert's Island. One of the most interesting plants on the 

 Island is the Oyster-plant, (Mertensia maritima). A few 

 of the party, after examining the lake, were conducted to it 

 by my intelligent friend, Mr. John Anderson, the school- 

 master at the Island, and a native of Stamfordham. The 

 plant was in full blossom. Very few birds were observed : — 

 Black-headed Tern, Ring Dotterel, Wheat Ear, Coot, and 

 White-throat; and a good many of St. Cuthbert's Ducks 

 were seen out at sea. I am informed by Mr. Anderson that 

 during a residence of one and a half years, he has never seen 

 a Missel Thrush, a Yellow Hammer, any Tit-mice, or a single 

 Chaffinch on the Island. He also informed me that the 

 Brent Goose had not been so plentiful for twenty years as 

 last year, the market price of which was Is. 6d. A flock of 

 18 wild Swans was seen off the Island last winter. The 

 general opinion is that the wild fowl are far fewer in number 

 than formerly. Seals are not near as numerous as formerly ; 

 they have been destroyed. At the extreme western point 

 of the Island is the " Bloody Pool," thus called from the 

 slaughter of seals. Sometimes to the north of the Island 

 there are some very large seals seen — the fishermen estimate 

 the largest to be about 80 stones ; they are spotted. 



This year there were three pheasants' nests in the Island. 

 A few hares have been killed last winter, one of which 

 weighed 11^ lbs., and another 11 lbs. 



