242 president's address. 



up, the valley is hemmed in by precipitous rocks and dense 

 ■woods, beyond which it suddenly opens out into a bare moun- 

 tain region. Quitting then the valley, after the cascade had 

 been viewed, the members struck out northwards and visited the 

 old fish-ponds of Lartington, and through pleasant fields, and 

 with a splendid country wide-spread before them, they wound 

 their way to Lartington Hall, the seat of the Eev. Thos. Witham. 

 By this gentleman they were most kindly and hospitably received, 

 and had the gratification of seeing many masterpieces of art in his 

 elegant mansion. The famed Museum of geology and minera- 

 logy, the paintings by ancient and modern masters, the new gal- 

 lery of entrance full of rare and beautiful objects, and enriched 

 by the many admirable sculptures in wood by Signor Bulletti, of 

 Newcastle, the complete and scientific new suits of offices in the 

 rear of the house, the spacious and beautiful grounds and gar- 

 dens, all received that earnest attention which, though necessarily 

 brief, they justly claimed. The party were with the greatest 

 urbanity escorted through this gem of a highly- educated country 

 gentleman's seat by Mr. "Witham. himself, and nothing was want- 

 ing to the completion of the enjoyment of the whole of the 

 visitors, so that they bore with cheerful complacency the rather 

 heavy rain that accompanied their return to Barnard Castle along 

 the wooded banks of Tees, where another airy viaduct carries the 

 iron road across the valley. The visitors to the Force having 

 returned, the castle, with its precincts, and the church received 

 another visitation, and then an excellent dinner at the "King's 

 Head," flavoured with the best sauce in the world, closed the 

 day's enjoyment. 



The members returned by the last train to their respective 

 homes, discussing with delight the geology and botany of the 

 Tees, and the past and present glories and beauties of Barnard 

 Castle and Lartington. 



Five gentlemen were added to the Club this day. 



The Fifth Field Meeting was fixed for the 8th of September. 

 The members who left Newcastle by the 6-15 train were joined 

 at Haltwhistle by others who had proceeded thither the previous 



