I 3 I 
YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT ROBIN HOOD’S 
BAY. 
With Robin Hood’s Bay as the centre for exploring this section of the 
N.E. Division, well-attended excursions of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ 
Union justified a reversion to the former practice of holding a meeting 
during Easter week-end. Falling rather late (April 15th to 17th), as 
Easter did this year, the countryside had already become sufficiently 
attractive to keep ornithologists, entomologists and botanists busy ; 
although very little was seen of the sun during that week-end the weather 
was fine enough to permit of the whole of the programme being carried 
out under favourable conditions. 
The route for Saturday’s excursion, via Fyling Hall, was chosen more 
particularly for the investigation of Ramsdale Beck up to Ramsdale 
Mill ; the woods just above the mill bore evidence of having been earlier 
carpeted with daffodils, and this charming part of the dale also received 
attention. In the afternoon the parj:y proceeded to Foulsike, where 
the Bog Myrtle marshes proved full of interest for the botanists and 
entomologists. The Bog Myrtle is still gathered by local inhabitants 
for making ‘ Gale Beer,’ a beverage for the preparation of which recipes 
have been handed down for hundreds of years. From such information 
as could be gleaned locally its preparation is simple ; a sugar solution 
containing lemon juice is fermented with baker's yeast, a few sprigs of 
the Gale being introduced merely for flavouring purposes. 
Easter Monday was a popular day, and the party staying at head- 
quarters was augmented by a large contingent of Scarborough Naturalists, 
the field being led by Mr. E. B. Lotherington, whose familiarity with 
the district is a great asset on any excursion in that area. Stoupe Beck, 
Stoupe Brow, the old Alum Works and Howdale Beck were in turn 
examined during the day, and many interesting observations are recorded 
in the reports which follow. No fewer than sixty members and associates 
took part in this excursion. 
On Monday evening a meeting was held at Headquarters, at which 
the President (Mr. J. M. Brown, B.Sc., F.L.S.) presided. Reports on 
the work of the Sections were presented by the President, Messrs. C. D. 
Bingham, W. F. Fearnley, J. L. Illingworth, E. B. Lqtherington , F. A. 
Mason, — Thorpe -Catton, W. P. Winter, A. B. Ward, Miss D. Hilary, 
Mrs. E. M. Morehouse, and Miss M. Pilling. The Marine Biology 
Laboratory of the Leeds University was used by some of the members 
during the week-end, and the reports of Messrs. Bingham and Thorpe- 
Catton on marine botany and zoology respectively, made a very valuable 
contribution to the interest and success of the meeting. 
Cordial thanks were accorded to the Local Secretary (Mr. G. B. 
Walsh, B.Sc.) and to the leaders of excursions, Miss Lush, and Mr. 
E. B. Lotherington. — F.A.M. 
Vertebrate Zoology (W. F. Fearnley) : — The skull of a Badger 
was picked up by Mr. Bingham. Traces of a Fox were found near 
Fylingdales Station in the. shape of a recently decapitated and partially 
devoured fowl. A Hare and many Rabbits were seen, and Molehills were 
abundant in places. Mr. J. M. Brown saw a Water Shrew. 
Mr. Lotherington pointed out several Adders, and drew attention to 
their definitely brighter colours during the breeding season, not entirely 
due to the casting of their skins. Slow Worms were found on the railway 
embankment at Fylingdales. 
Mr. Asquith Wood reported Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, 
Jay, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Hedge Sparrow, Willow 
Wren, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, 
Yellow Bunting, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Rock Dove, 
Curlew, Lapwing, Cormorant, Starling, Herring Gull, Blackheaded 
Gull, and Lesser Blackbacked Gull. 
Mr. J. M. Brown saw Wheatear, Kestrel and Snipe. 
I 933 June 1 
