142 Effects of the Winter of 1878-9, by James Hardy. 



EAST LOTHIAN. 



Tyninghame House Gardens. By Mr E. P. Beotheeston. 



I think the extent of damage caused by frost during the late winter is now 

 fully patent. Of vegetables, Globe Artichokes were badly damaged, old 

 Cabbages entirely destroyed, most of the Broccoli the same. Endive killed, 

 Brussels Sprouts rendered worthless, Parsley just now is beginning to come 

 away again ; Spinach and Beet are much damaged, also Leeks, Onions, 

 Scotch Kale, Spinach, and young Cabbages, Cauliflowers, and Lettuces ; 

 Lamb's Lettuce and Turnips -v^ere not damaged to any appreciable extent. 

 Celery was somewhat the worse for the snow which, caused a deal of rotten- 

 ness after the thaw set in. Many Roses were damaged to the surface of the 

 soil. The dark foliaged variety of Ajuga reptans, and the variegated 

 Dactylis glomerata were very badly cut up ; Dahlias and Salvia patens left in 

 the ground were entirely killed. Agapanthus umbellatus and Tritomas were 

 completely cut down, but will spriug again; Fuchsia Riccartoni was cut 

 down, and Lonicera flexuosa was killed. In the hundreds of other flowers 

 grown there is no damage apparent, but there is a singular lateness in bloom- 

 ing and starting into growth. Shrubs which have suffered are Benthamia 

 fragifera and JEscallonia macrantha only ; on a wall where Tea Eoses were 

 badly handled the only shrub damaged was a Ceanothus. Escallonia sanguinea, 

 Desfontainea spinosa, Azara microphylla, Clematises, &c. , were not damaged at 

 all. Garry a elliptica is in full flower at present. 



Whin is killed to the ground in some positions. The rabbits have caused 

 a vast amount of permanent loss through, barking trees, shrubs, and hedges, 

 killing and disfiguring to a large extent. 



All kinds of birds are very scarce. In former years the daUy concerts 

 they got up were quite deafening, but this year it is almost possible to dis- 

 cern the individual songsters. 



It may be of interest perhaps to let you know the state of the fruit crops, 

 in prospective, of course. The Plum show is very sparse, so are Apricots, 

 though quite a sufficient number for a good crop are setting. Some Pear trees 

 are well budded, others but very sparely so. Apples in general look ex- 

 tremely well. Cherries and all small fruits are showing exceedingly well. 

 There has been a fine show of spring flowers, but most extraordinarily late, 

 and as a matter of course their display has not been so long continued. 



May 3rd, 1879. 



NOETHUMBEELAND. 



Berwich. By Mr Geoege Bolam. 

 The following extracts are derived from various communica- 

 tions of Mr Bolam. They suifi.ce to furnish a general idea of the 

 state of matters in the neighbourhood of Berwick. Other par- 

 ticulars with regard to bird life on that coast, may be found in 

 the "Proceedings" of the Club for 1878-9. On March 27th, 

 1879, Mr Bolam remarks: — 



