120 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1904 



to the action of wind and grit, which often originate fantastic 

 shapes in rocks so solitary and exposed. A gradual, though 

 protracted descent of the Fell, along the steep sides of the 

 stream which rises near its summit and crosses under the 

 road near the Eailway Station, brought the party back to the 

 point whence they had started. The Deadwater. as the burn 

 is named when it reaches the level ground, where it flows 

 sluggishly towards its junction with the Kielder burn, is 

 generally regarded as the source of the North Tyne, though 

 the people of the district claim this distinction for a small 

 stream further North, which forms a march between Saugh- 

 tree and Kielder. 



The main body of the party continued their journey to 



Kielder Station, which is situated within a few 

 Kielder minutes' walk of the modern castellated building 



Castle. which His Grace the Duke of Northumberland 



now makes use of as a shooting-lodge. The 

 site of Kielder Castle was chosen at the suggestion of Mr 

 Charles Williams, " who being on a shooting party with 

 Earl Percy, in August 1770, came unexpectedly on the spot 

 whilst in pursuit of a black-cock, and was greatly struck 

 with the beauty of the situation." The Castle stands on a 

 green knoll, called " Humphrey's Knowe," and is approached 

 by a fine avenue of firs, which afforded generous cover to 

 many mated songsters. Ere reaching the grounds of the 

 Castle, the Deadwater, whose volume along its level course 

 is perceptibly augmented through the inflow of rills rising 

 far up on the surrounding moorlands, is bridged over at 

 a point overlooking its junction with the Kielder water, 

 whence it flows over a pebbly channel under the title of 

 North Tyne, in due time commingling its waters two miles 

 West of Hexham with those of its Southern neighbour, and 

 in course expanding into the turgid river familiar to all 

 visitors to Newcastle, which contributes to our Navy and 

 Merchant Service such a valuable tonnage from year to year. 

 The party was received at the entrance to the Castle by Mr 

 R. Kyle, Constable of Alnwick Castle, who represented the 

 Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and afforded the 

 members every facility for viewing the building and exploring 

 the neighbouring woods and water-courses. During a pleasant 



