Anniversary Address. 207 



commonest of our Alpines, the Soldaiaella Alpina, there 

 seems no reason to doubt, through the liberation of heat 

 by respiration, melts the snow above the flower bud; 

 and as the flower stem elongates, so is the cavity 

 maintained, until finally the flower stem emerges from 

 the ice, and the flower expands under the influence of 

 sunlight, or, as it is sometimes found, it blooms in its 

 icy chamber. 



Anyone who has a garden can study plant life to 

 the full; and it will be found that the interest will be 

 increased tenfold, if, instead of simply knowing the 

 names of the various specimens, they stand out as living- 

 illustrations and reminders of the wonders and mysteries 

 of Nature. 



In conclusion, Gentlemen, allow me to thank you for 

 the courtesy and patience with which you have listened 

 to me, and to express the hope that the Berwickshire 

 Naturalists' Club may long continue to flourish, and 

 may maintain a prominent position amongst kindred 

 societies ; may, I assure you, that I shall relinquish this 

 chair, cherishing the most pleasant recollections of my 

 year of office — of old friendships strengthened, and of 

 new friendships formed — and that I shall resume my 

 position, as an ordinary member of the Club, with a 

 redoubled interest in the welfare of this large and 

 powerful association. 



