246 rRESIDENT\s ADDRESS. 



''If the Oak's before the Ash 

 You will only get a splash ; 

 If the Ash precede the Oak 

 You will surely have a soak." 

 It has this year held good. 



The Second Field Meeting was held on Monday and Tuesday, 

 the 10th and 11th of June, at tlic High Force, Teesdale. One 

 section of members of the Club left Xewcastle at 5.10 a.m., ano- 

 ther at 10.35. The first day proved favourable for the excursion. 

 The earlier section, after viewing the Force, went westward by 

 "Widdy Bank and Falcon Clints to Caulcb'on Snout, returning by 

 AViddy Bank Fell to the Tees in front of Cronkley Scar, having 

 gathered many of the rarer plants of the locality, these gi'owing 

 mostly a good way above the Force. 



The later section were not so fortunate, for time did not allow 

 them to walk far; they went down to enjoy the sight of the 

 Force, which was then far above its summer strength , there, 

 among the rocks, and in the beautiful pine wood on the Durham 

 side, they spent some time, and then dispersed in various direc- 

 tions until dinner, at which the whole pai'ty, numbering about 

 thirty ladies and gentlemen, assembled, and were well provided 

 for, though so large a party was not expected, by Mr. and Mrs. 

 AV'alton of the comfortable High-Force Inn. The mountain air 

 gave an appetite, which was the best sauce to the repast. After 

 dinner seven new members were elected, and as no paper or im- 

 portant communication was forthcoming the whole party sallied 

 out again to investigate the rocks and cliffs on both sides of the 

 river. Their search however was not very successful. 



In the evening the difficulty was for !M)s. Walton to find sleep- 

 ing accommodation for the members of the Club and other A^si- 

 tors ; she was, however, by the aid of the empty bath turned into 

 a bed, enabled to satisfy every one. 



Next morning it was raining heaWly fi'om a dull sky, but, in 

 good hope, a plentiful breakfast was discussed. Some kept in- 

 doors and talked of Xatuml History, others more hanly went out 

 and travelled far, despite tlie mountain wind and rain, and wore 

 repaid by the acquisition of some good botanical specimens. An 



