REPORT OF THE MEETINGS FOR 1898 261 



to the curious statistical fact of there being less inflow 

 to the reservoir during the night than during the day — the 

 greatest being about 2 p.m. and the lowest at 11 p.m. One 

 member suggested that the cause of this variation might be 

 due to the greater absorption by moisture of plants and grasses 

 during the night ; while another suggested the very contrary, 

 because the greater absorption, according to his view, was 

 during the day, and that the consequent diminution of water 

 supply to the feeding sources of the Rede, could not be per- 

 ceptible till the night following the day of absorption. A third, 

 Mr G. Bolatn, was clearly of opinion that evaporation is always 

 greater during the day, but that the effect might not be seen on 

 the streams till the evening. No doubt the hours of the greatest 

 and lowest influx will vary with the length of the days, and the 

 times given may perhaps be taken as those obtaining at the 

 date of the Club's visit. Thus do Naturalists, like Doctors, 

 differ, and the problem awaits further investigation with a 

 view to solution. 



Jedburgh was reached in time for members to leave by 

 6-50 p.m. train. 



Mr G. Bolam found a Juncus, thought by Dr Hardy to 

 be J. filiformis L., and if so, this makes a new record for 

 Northumberland. The specimens were gathered upon the 

 hill top near Countess Crag. 



The Vicar of Horsley — the Rev. Thomas Ste[)hens— informs 

 me that " tlie Adder's Tongue and Moonwort Ferns grow 

 plentifully in some places in the valley, e.g. in the field in 

 front of the vicarage ; and that Galium MoUugo L. is not 

 uncommon. The Chickweed Winter Green, Trientalis europaa 

 L., is found on the higher ground. At Chattleshope Spout 

 the nest of the Raven was seen. The young had been taken 

 this year as usual, and it is a deeply regrettable fact that 

 for very many years past no young ones have been allowed 

 to escape from this breeding station. Still the site is 

 occupied year after year, though, if the robbing is continued, 

 we may suppose that these poor birds will some day dis- 

 appear from their ancient home. During my visit on 14th 

 July, I noticed some Goldfinches near Otterburn, which 

 were probably breeding there." 



HH 



