i8i 
YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT DENT. 
Dent was the Headquarters of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union during 
Whitsun weekend, June 3rd to 5th, and although it is the second visit 
in recent years, the possibilities of discovery in any one of the branches 
of natural history covered by the Sections have by no means been ex- 
hausted, A very full and representative gathering of members and 
associates had assembled by the preceding Friday evening, including 
the President (Mr. J. M. Brown, B.Sc., F.L.S.). The weather was 
glorious, with the temperature higher than normal for June, which, 
although satisfactory for the entomologists and slow -going mycologists, 
was rather exacting for more strenuous work. The ‘ George and Dragon ’ 
as on previous occasions proved comfortable and commodious 
Headquarters. 
Monday was devoted to the investigation of the River Dee and its 
banks upstream from Dent Bridge, under the guidance of Mr. Chris. A. 
Cheetham. The Union was pleased to have as visitors members of the 
Sedgwick Society from Sedbergh, piloted by Mr. R. W. Gray. A strong 
spirit of natural history investigation is fostered at Sedbergh, very 
largely, we believe, by the Rev. A. J. K. Martyn, whom we should have 
been glad to have had with us, had his duties not prevented his 
attendance. 
Although there was no fixed routes for Sunday small parties made for 
themselves routes, which included Colm Scar, Gawthrop and the woods 
in the neighbourhood, and Flinters Ghyll, and in that way a good deal 
of useful collecting was done. 
Helmside Ghyll was the rendezvous for Monday, Mr. Cheetham 
again acting as guide and a very full day was spent with satisfaction to 
all. It will be seen from the reports which follow that many valuable 
observations were made, although the problems of the plant life of the 
district in relation to its geology should have whetted the scientific 
appetite for still another visit to this charming dale. 
A meeting was held on Monday evening under the chairmanship of 
the President. There was a long and animated discussion of the week-end 
work, and it warranted the change of time from before dinner to after 
dinner, although it was greatly regretted that it prevented day visitors 
from the West Riding taking part in it. The leaders of Sections who 
reported at this meeting were the President, Messrs. Chris. A. Cheetham, 
W. F. Fearnley, F. A. Mason, Mrs. E. M. Morehouse, Messrs. E. F. 
Milsom, A. Malins Smith, W. E. L. Wattam, W. P. Winter and Dr. 
W. A. Sledge. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Local 
Secretary (Mr. J. Hartshorn) coupling with it Mr. Chris. A. Cheetham, 
who had devoted much attention to the arrangements as well as officiating 
as leader. 
Vertebrate Zoology (W. F. Fearnley) : — Mammals observed 
include a Badger seen by the railway side in the early morning, a Red 
Squirrel in Helmside Ghyll, and Rabbits. An interesting sight was 
afforded by a domestic cat wading in the river whilst stalking Rabbits 
on the bank. Trout appeared to be fairly abundant in the River Dee. 
Thirty-four species of birds were noted, and the nests or young were 
found in the case of fifteen. Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Redbreasts 
occurred in the woods and gardens. Starlings were seen carrying young 
horse-chestnut leaves into their nests. Meadow-pipits were feeding 
young on the hillsides, and Tree-pipits were common in the valley. 
The Wren was quite common, and a nest containing eggs was found. 
Dippers were met with at intervals along the River Dee, The House- 
sparrow appears to be as abundant here as in most places, although we 
were told that forty years, ago there were none in Dent. Chaffinches 
1933 August i 
