238 REPORTS OF MEETINGS FOR 1911 



the later months of summer so memorable, were not wanting, 

 as many of the early flowering plants, in spite of the plentiful 

 shade from the overhanging trees, were already shrivelled. The 

 river also was below its normal level. Perhaps the most note- 

 worthy find was Wood Club Rush (Scirpus sylvaticus), which 

 appeared in small quantity in the gravelly soil on the bed of the 

 river, and proved a novelty to several. Among plants which 

 were gathered, the following may be named: — Barharea vulgaris; 

 Stellaria nemorum; Circcea lutetiana; Sanicula Eiiropcea; Apium 

 graveolens ; Coniwin ■maculatum ; Chcerophyllum, temulum, ; 

 Asperula odorata ; Lysimachia nemorum ; Iris Pseudacorus ; 

 Arum maculatum ; Car ex sylvatica; and Polystichum aculeatum. 

 To the arid condition of the soil may be attributed the lack 

 of inflorescence which prevented a more exhaustive identification 

 of the flora. The ramble through the Dean led under the 

 handsome viaduct of the North Eastern Railway to the 

 graceful Stannington Bridge, over which passes the North 

 road from Newcastle to Berwick, and along which the members 

 walked to Blagdon Estate Ottice, where they were hospitably 

 entertained by Mr E. Fenwick Brewis, agent on the estate. 



In close proximity to the Home Farm stands the dairy, 

 fully equipped with the latest appliances and beautifully adorned 

 with mural designs in marble. After its inspection, a move 



was made through the grounds to the gardens, 

 Blagdon. where an extensive scheme of improvement was 



being carried out. A notable feature of the 

 decoration was a circular Pergola, constructed of Elizabethan 

 bricks, over which were trained a great variety of Rambler 

 Roses. On a lawn adjoining were traced in clipped Evergreens, 

 two or three feet above the ground, numerous artistic figures 

 which imparted to it an old world character. To the South 

 of the mansion stretched a noble lawn, sunk in one direction 

 to provide extensive tennis-courts, and in another to form a 

 miniature rectangular lake, edged with stone, and surmounted 

 with a wall whose coping was enlivened by grotesque Dutch 

 figures. Though only in the process of construction, the scheme 

 of landscape gardening gave promise of a unique and charming 

 effect being obtained on its completion. The Hall itself is a 

 handsome stone building, with East and South fronts, the latter 



