president's address. 251 



of the passage horizontally of a moderately-sized person from the 

 ambulatory into the chapel. It is absui'dly enough called Wil- 

 frid's Keedle, and there still exists in connection with it a ridicu- 

 lous superstition, namely, that women passed through it become 

 endowed with certain fortunate qualities which are to ensure 

 their future advancement and happiness. Members of the Club 

 actually saw two young unmarried ladies passed through fi'om 

 the lateral passage, evidently to their great satisfaction, and they 

 received the congratulations and good wishes of their friends on 

 the occasion ! 



The united parties of the Club after leaving the Minster pro- 

 ceeded by carriage to Studley Royal and the ruins of Fountains' 

 Abbey. The park contains 650 acres, beautifully diversified 

 with hill and dale, wood and water, the brook Skell running 

 through it supplying the lakes and waterfalls. Many of the 

 trees, especially some pine trees, are of magnificent growth, and 

 the avenue of lime trees is very fine. The abbey was founded 

 by Cistercian monks, of the order of St. Benedict, in 1132 ; it is 

 partly of JS'orman and partly of Early English architecture, and 

 the buildings are of great extent. Some old yew trees near it 

 are said to have been planted by the monks, one of these looks a 

 striking and venerable ruin; it is hollow, but still living and 

 growing on its exterior. For \T.ews and descriptions of the abbey 

 and its romantic surroundings I would refer to the good Guide 

 Books to be had at Ripon, and Mr. Sop with' s work on the Abbey. 



Swans and a variety of Ducks enlivened the waters of the Park, 

 and among the wild birds were seen and heard the Swift, Chiff- 

 chafp. Starling, Thrush, Bullfinch, Redstart, Wagtails, pied and 

 grey. Willow Wren, Green Linnet, Wren, common and golden 

 crested, and Long-tailed Titmouse. 



All available time was spent among the beauties of this, one 

 of the most delightful spots in England, and then the party re- 

 turned to an excellent dinner at '' The Unicorn." 



Six new members were elected after dinner, and the Club 

 returned home from Ripon by the 6.40 train. 



V 



