REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1905 289 



from the sun, Mrs Osbaldeston Mitford graciously superin- 

 tended this much appreciated refection, and ministered to the 

 wants of everyone. Nothing at that moment could have 

 better rounded off the day's excursion. Time did not permit 

 of any inspection of the policies ; but special note was taken of 

 a fine specimen of Pyrus torminalis in the grounds, and of 

 a noble Sycamore (Plate XVI.) on an elevated slope to the 

 North of the Castle, which measured 18 feet at 5 feet from 

 the ground, and whose extensive foliage covers an area of 

 100 yards, with a diameter of about 33 yards. 



The return journey, for which half-an-hour was allowed, 

 lay along the road running South, which, after passing Mitford 

 Steads, joins the main road from Belsay, and leading by 

 Morpeth Common makes a straight course for the town. Owing 

 to the ascent from the seq^ueatered dale of Mitford to 

 gain the highroad, a fine expanse of agricultural country 

 disclosed itself, and a more accurate estimate of the strength 

 of the position occupied by Morpeth Castle could be made, 



as the whole valley of the Wansbeck was seen 

 Club to be commanded by it. At four o'clock 



Dinner. dinner was served in the Queen's Head Hotel, 



under the presidency of Mr Wm. B. Boyd, who 

 had on his right and left as guests the Mayor and Mr James 

 Fergusson, to whom the Club were specially indebted for 

 services rendered throughout the day. The usual toasts were 

 given, and the health of the guests was cordially pledged. 

 The following were nominated for election : — Miss Jessie 



B. Boyd, Faldonside; Mr Edwin A. Mallett, 

 Nomina^ Berwick-on-Tweed; Mr Eichard Brown, Hang- 

 tion of ingshaw, Selkirk ; Mr John Henry Mansfield, 



Members. Howick ; and Mr Joshua Patterson Ross Taylor, 



Mungoswalls, Duns. 



Owing to the distanca of the rendezvous from the residence 

 of many Scottish members, and the early start necessitated 

 to catch the South-going train on the day of the excursion, 

 a number availed themselves of the accommodation advertised 

 in the Queen's Head Hotel, Morpeth, and spent the preceding 



