3i7 
YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT FILEY. 
W. H. PEARSALL, D.SC., F.L.S., AND F. A. MASON, F.R.M.S. 
Once in each decade of the last 50 years, Filey has been visited by the 
Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, viz., in June, 1883 ; Sept., 1895 ; May, 
1903 ; May, 1914 ; and on July 15th of the present year. Sometimes 
the programme has provided for the investigation of the district north 
of the Bay, while at other times the country to the south has been ex- 
amined. These excursions have resulted in a very complete knowledge 
of the natural history of this physiographically well-favoured and 
increasingly popular health resort. Valuable records are contained in 
The Naturalist, 1903, pp. 241-251, and 1914, pp. 221-5 and 253-6. Other 
important papers bearing on this district are, ‘ Marine Zoology at Filey,’ 
T. Petch, The Naturalist, 1903, p. 351-2 ; ‘ The Vegetation of Ponds 
at Filey,’ W. G. Smith, tom. cit., pp. 389-396, and ‘ The Early' History 
of Filey,’ T. Sheppard, The Naturalist, 1914, pp. 269-273. 
f Flat Cliff,’ Primrose Valley and Speeton Cliffs have never failed 
to attract the naturalist at Filey, and these localities had a prominent 
place in the arrangements for the recent excursion. In a short day visit 
it was not to be expected that much new information would be obtained, 
and the members, assembled mainly from Leeds, York, Scarborough 
and Hull, contented themselves with a re-examination of the cliffs be- 
tween Filey and Speeton, a stretch of coast -line unique in its geological 
features, and rich in its forms of plant and animal life. 
At the close of the day, tea, followed by a meeting, was held in the 
School Room, kindly placed at the disposal of the Union by the Vicar 
(Rev. Canon Cooper). Brief reports were rendered by Messrs. A. I> 
Burnley, F. A. Mason, Sydney H. Smith, A. Smith and J. W. Stather. 
A discussion was raised with regard to the collection of Fulmar Petrels * 
eggs by ‘ dimmers,’ and a resolution was adopted in which the attention 
of the Union’s Wild Bird and Eggs Protection Acts Committee was 
requested. The Hon. Secretaries have since been in correspondence 
with officers of that. Committee, and it is hoped, through their effort, 
that in the future the eggs of the Fulmar will receive the same measure 
of protection as that afforded to the eggs of other rare Yorkshire birds. 
The Executive of the Union has the satisfaction of learning on good 
authority that elsewhere in the county, the Fulmar has bred in full 
security. Further reference to this matter is made in the notes of Mr. 
S. H. Smith, included in this report. 
1922 Oct. 1 
