234 Anniversary Address. 



to follow their respective favourite pursuits. The Botanist 

 with his tin box slung from his shoulder — the Geologist 

 with his hammer and leather bag — the Entomologist with 

 his little insect net — the Antiquarian with his sketch book, — 

 all these the working bees of our hive were there, and many 

 others besides, who though not themselves devoted to any of 

 the special objects of our club, liked to hear these objects 

 discussed, and stroll with those who could illustrate them as 

 opportunity oifered. It was interesting to see, that though 

 the party during our day's excursion consisted of little knots, 

 each following a separate subject of research, there was 

 amongst us all a family sympathy, a sort of brotherhood, 

 Avhich sprung from all having the same end in view, — the 

 study of nature, and a search after truth ; from all using 

 for that end the same means, — the exercise of their bodily 

 senses and mental powers; — and from all having their 

 hearts open to be impressed by the beauties and wonders of 

 creation. 



The minutes mention how the party after viewing the 

 Abbey and the Museum, walked through the noble park and 

 gardens of Floors. Every one admired the stately beech, 

 elm, and chesnut trees, through which the avenue winds ; 

 and regretted to notice the serious injury done by the frosts 

 of last Christmas and of the first week in May, to a number 

 of ornamental shrubs, such as the Portugal Laurel, the Crip- 

 tomeria, Pinus Deodora and insignis, and even to the com- 

 mon Yew and Holly. These observations led to some remarks 

 on similar injuries to vegetation elsewhere, and to the degree 

 of cold which produced them. It was stated that along the 

 banks of the Tweed, the destruction of ornamental plants and 

 shrubs had been much more complete than in the higher parts 

 of the country : — that whilst at Stitchel, NcAvton Don, Caldra, 

 Dunse Castle, and Manderston, places from 300 to 400 feet 

 above the sea, the Portugal laurels were scarcely aiFected, 

 those in Springwood Park, Kelso Nursery Gardens, Lees, 

 Milne Graden, Norham,and Pax ton, were killed to the ground. 

 It was also mentioned, that at these higher places during 



