Yorkshire Naturalists at Filey. 
characterise shore plants, he developed a number of points 
which were at present receiving a considerable amount of 
study. He remarked that an examination of the cliffs in the 
immediate vicinity of Filey showed a paucity of true maritime 
plants. The reason was that at every high tide the waves 
beat against the cliff base, and the foreshore is so continually 
disturbed, that it is impossible for strand species to obtain a 
foothold. Further, the cliffs themselves are readily denuded, 
and although influenced by sea spray, yet very few typical 
maritime species occur. The plants which do obtain a good 
foothold on the cliffs are those which have a good anchoring 
and fibrous rooted system, and good seed dispersal mechanism, 
as for instance, the coltsfoot, which was a most conspicious 
plant along the cliffs, practically dominating certain areas. 
The determining factors of different soils, the influence of salt, 
the structural peculiarities, transpiration, and radiation of 
the plants of the shore and cliffs, were exceedingly well 
developed. Finally, Dr. Woodhead summarised the plant- 
life of the shingle beach, describing the various succession 
of plants which occur, and explaining in detail the- wonderful 
adaptability of the Sea Blite to the movements of shingle by 
wave action, and how useful the whole plant community was in 
building up permanent sea walls. 
Mr. J. W. Stather gave a delightful address upon ‘ Some of 
the Geological problems of the Filey District,’ in which he 
summarised the progress made, and the notable work done by 
Yorkshire geologists along the coast line of their county, 
especially in the neighbourhood of Filey. The work of the 
Union’s Boulder Committee by diligent working among the 
numerous erratics along the Yorkshire Coast was particularly 
emphasised. The height of the County’s coast-line during 
the Ice Age, and the various fossiliferous deposits in evidence, 
were likewise ably dealt with. In conclusion Mr. Stather 
briefly alluded to his endeavours to trace the former outlet of 
the drainage of the Filey District. A boring made by the 
Filey Council near the station for water had disclosed the 
position of the old river channel, which must have been the 
present Filey Ravine, or very close to it. An exhibition of 
maps and diagrams added much to Mr. Stather’s address. 
The Rev. F. H. Woods gave a chatty account of the Marine 
Biology of Filey. After speaking upon the wonderful range of 
beautiful microscopic shells which could be obtained from the 
drift along the coast-line, he dealt at length with the three 
species of Chiton which occur. He also gave some interesting 
facts regarding the growth of the Limpet, pointing out that 
although so well-known from its cap-like form, yet its develop- 
ment was from a form similar to that of the Whelk. Mr. Woods 
brought for exhibition a large collection of microscopic shells. 
1914 July 1. 
