28 REPORT OP MEETINGS FOR 1903 



where gradually they were solidified, and impressed with 

 markings, still apparent, by the force of the sun baking 

 the surface as it absorbed the water lying on it. These 

 sun-cracks are easily detected, and were discovered without 

 difl&culty amongst the refuse of the Quarry. During this 

 period of formation animal life embraced various species of 

 fishes, one of which, Bothriolepis obesa, with its home at the 

 bottom of the water, resembling the common Sturgeon ; 

 and another, predaceous in its habits and armour-plated, 

 Holoptychius nobilissimus, named, it is averred, not by 

 reason of its own inherent greatness, but because of its 

 discovery by one possessing the patronymic of Noble. The 

 Club had not visited this Quarry since 1866, when the 

 Secretary, Mr George Tate, Alnwick, identified remains dis- 

 covered by Mr James Wood, Earlston, with the scales of the 

 latter fish ; but even a better fortune had been reserved for 

 this excursion, as, after a diligent search for half-an-hour 

 among the debris, it fell to Mr George Bolam, Berwick, to 

 pick up pieces of the sandstone bearing impressions respectively 

 of one of the bones of the former fish, and one of the scales 

 (in size about a half-crown) of the latter. Hearty congratu- 

 lations were accorded him, as well as a cordial vote of thanks 

 to Mr Goodchild for his excellent and deeply interesting 

 explanation of the geological featiires of the hill. 



The route homewards lay through the beautiful grounds of 



Cowdenknowes, which had been kindly set open 

 Cowden- by the genial proprietor, Colonel Charles Hope. 



knowes. At the East Lodge a fine eSect was afforded by 



the luxuriant growth of Tropaeolum speciosum, 

 entwining the sombre foliage of an Irish Yew, and brilliant in 

 its display of scarlet flowers. Following the path along the 

 banks of the Leader, which in its winding course adds beauty 

 to the landscape, and supplies a fruitful source of interest 

 to the botanist, the party thoroughly enjoyed the welcome 

 shade of the overhanging trees, and reached Earlston up to 

 time, much to the credit and satisfaction of the Organizing 

 Secretary. During the ramble about the river banks Asarum 

 Europeum was, as formerly, found in the near proximity of 

 the garden of the Mansion-house, but as it has never been 

 seen elsewhere in Berwickshire, or in Northumberland, it 



