BERKELEY LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ^ HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB. INSTITUTED SEPTEMBER 22, 1831. -" MARE ET TELLUS, ET, qUOD TEGIT OMNIA, CCELUM." ALNWICK: REPRINTED BY HENRY H. BLAIR, MARKET PLACE MDCCCLXXXV, MEIffBEBS. Date of Admission. 1. George Johnston, M.D. Berwick-upon-Tweed - - Sept. 22. 1831. 2. Rev. A. Baird, of Cockburnspath 3. Rev, John Baird, of Yetholm 4. Mr William Baird, Surgeon, H.E.I.C.S. .... — 5. R. D. Thomson, M.D. , H.E.I.C.S. .... 6. Mr Robert Embleton, Surgeon, Embleton . . . 7. Mr G. Henderson, Surgeon, Chirnside .... 8. Mr John Manners, Surgeon, Berwick-upon-Tweed • - 9. Mr Alexander A. Carr, Surgeon, Ayton - . - • 10. James Mitchell, Esq., Surgeon, R.N. Wooler . - - Dec. 21. ... 11. Mr Thomas Brown, Langton - - - - - . 12. P. J. Selby, Esq., of Twizell House .... April 20. 1832. 13. Mr W. Leithead, Solicitor, Alnwick .... 14. Mr Joseph Barnes, Fel. Trin. Col., Cambridge - - June 18. ... 15. Rev. J. Campbell, Tweedmourh July 18. ... 16. Mr T. S. Good, Berwick-upon-Tweed - - - - 17. Mr Robert Dunlop, Berwick-upon-Tweed - - - 18. Sir William Jardine, Bart. Holmes .... Sept. 19. ... 19. Captain Carpenter, Ford Cottage April 16. 1833. 20. Rev. Mr Knight, Vicar of Ford 21. Henry Clarke. M. D., Berwick-upon-Tweed ... 22. Mr John Whitelaw, Berwick-upon-Tweed ... May 19. 23. Major Thomas Watson, H.E.I.C.S. 24. Rev. Henry Armstrong, Curate, Wooler .... July 17. ... 25. Rev. Mr Knight, of Mordington Sept. 18. ... 26. Rev. Mr Cunningham, of Dunse ..... 27. W, F. Bow, M.D., Alnwick EXTRAORDINARY MEMBERS. 1. Miss Bell, Coldstream Sept. 22. 1831. 2. Miss Elizabeth Bell, Coldstream 3. Miss Hunter, Antonshill 4. Mrs Dr Johnston, Berwick Dec. 21. PEOCEEDINGS OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB. The Berwickshire Naturalists' Club was instituted for the pur- poses of examining the Natural History and Antiquities of the coimty and its adjacent districts, and of affording to such as were interested in these objects, the opportunity of benefiting by mutual aid and co- operation. The first meeting was held on the 22d of September 1831, at Bank-House, in the parish of Coldingham, when the following resolutions were agreed upon : — 1. That the Grentlemen present form themselves into a Club, to be named The Berwickshire Naturalists' Club. 2. That the object of the Club shall be to investigate the natural history and antiquities of Berwickshire and its vicinage. ' 3. That all Grentlemen interested in these objects shall be eligible as members, provided three-foui'ths of the members present when their admission is proposed are agreeable. 4. That the Club shall hold no property, and exact no fees of admis- sion. 5. That the Club meet five times within the year; viz. 1st, on the third Wednesday of September ; 2d, the third Wednesday of December ; 3d, the third Wednesday of April ; 4th, the third AVednesday of June ; and, 5th, on the last Wednesday of July. 6. That the Secretary send a written notice of the place and hour of meeting, eight days previously, to each member. i^3'74'?81 ( 4 ) 1 .Address to the Members of the Berwichshire Naturalists'' Club. By George Johnston, M.D. (Eead at its first Anniversary Meeting, lield at Coldstream., September 19, 1832). Gentlemen, Befoke I leave tlie distinguislied station wliicli, by your favour, I hold in this Club, you will permit me to take a cursory view of what has been done, during this the fii'st year of its existence, towards forwarding the objects for which we principally associated ourselves ; a more accurate knowledge, to-wit, of the natural history and antiqui- ties of Berwickshire and the adjacent parts of the neighbouring counties : and I am induced to do this, not because our labours have elicited much of interest or importance ; not because I can hope to give any additional impulse to your zeal, or direction to your future pursuits ; but that I may, as far as in me lies, set an example to my successors in this chair, to give you, at each succeeding anniversary, a summary of the communications and researches of the members during the year ; so that the results of these may not be lost, and that their bearings and connections may be pointed out. The review, also, may serve to remind us of those departments of the natural history of the county which have received the least notice and illustration, and where, of course, our inquiries may be most usefully directed in future. Birds. — At our meeting in July, it was mentioned that a male bird of the rose-coloured ouzel ( Pastor roseus) had been shot at West Ord, in the vicinity of Berwick, on the 13th of that month, by the Eev. Mr Campbell. No previous instance of the occurrence of this beautiful bird in North Diu'ham is known ; and very few instances of its occur- rence in the north of England are on record ^ It is a summer visitant, coming to us at uncertain intervals ; compelled, perhaps, to make these parts by the force of some contrary storms : and, in this respect, it resembles another bird, the Egyptian goose {Anas agyptiaca), a small flock of which is recorded to have visited the Tweed, at Carham, in the beginning of February last^. This flock, as is conjectured by Mr Selby, may probably have made its escape fi'om Gosford, the seat of the Earl of Wemyss, upon the Eirth of Eorth, where numbers of these birds are kept in the artificial pieces of water ^. ^ Mr Selby has a specimen, shot near Bamborough. ; and two others have beeu taken not far from Newcastle. {Trans. Netvc. Soc, i. 263.) It is singular that these were all males. 2 Kelso Mail for Feb. 6. 1832 ; Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. v. p. 565. ^ Trans. Newc. Soc. i. 290. Five were seen on the Fame islands in April 1830 ftnd, in March. 1831, a female waa kiUe(l near Berwick. (Ibid.) DR Johnston's address. 5 These are the only birds remarkable for their rarity, which have occurred during the year ; for I do not remember that any such was met with in our excursions. In that of June, made to Langleyford, at the foot of Cheviot, our distinguished colleague, Mr Selby, entertained some slight hopes of meeting with the ring-thrush {Turdus torquatus),' which, it was supposed, might breed near this sequestered hamlet : but the information of the respectable tenant proved the contrary ; for the bird is seen there only in the later autumnal months, on its return from still more inland and more remote moors. During our ascent of Hedgehope on that day, the curlew {JYumem'us arquata) first, and, somewhat higher up, the golden plover ( Charadrius pluvialis), uttering as it flew from us its shrill plaintive cry, were seen in their breeding- grounds ; and the blackcock {Tetrao tetrix) was heard harshly calling to his mates. On this occasion, as on several previous ones, I was struck with the cries of the birds we noticed : there was no sprightli- ness in them, nor melody ; but all were plaintive, or rapid and harsh- and tended to increase that still sobriety — that almost solemn mood — which irresistibly steals over the mind of him who traverses these noise- less, wide, dark-brown moors. The melody of the groves is not in harmony with the scene ; and the warblers leave it willingly for haunts nearer the cheerful buzz of man and civilization. But our excursion in July presented us with a most remarkable contrast to the scenery of the Cheviots : a wide and rough rolling sea, a coast fronted with lofty, dark, and precipitous rocks, caverned with gloomy recesses, so bold, so rugged, and naked, that Scotland scarce boasts one of superior grandeur. And how diverse were its feathered tenants in appearance and habits ! The slender-legged tribes of the moor, clothed in a mottled plumage, were here replaced with birds distinguished by short legs, strength of body, and by colours disposed in large and un- mixed patches, often strongly contrasted: and while the former wheeled round and about us in circles, muttering their cries on wing, the latter flew out in a straight undeviating line, and silently. Nor were they less distinguished by their voices ; for the cries of seafowl are never plaintive, but most harsh, and most consonant with the pictorial character of their haunts. Pennant has given a description of these, so excellent, that I must be allowed to quote it here, with only a very few alterations, to make it more exact to St Abb's Head, the place of our visit. This magnificent promontory is a huge insula- ted mass of trap rocks, whose seaward sides form precipices of vast height, hollowed in man}- places into caverns, in which the wild pigeons {Columha livia) build their nests, and nurture their young in safety, amid the spray of waves that never sleep in rest. In some parts the caverns penetrate far and end in darkness ; in others, are pervious, and give a romantic passage by another opening equally- superb. Many of the rocks are insulated, of a pyramidal form, and soar to a great height. The bases of most are solid ; but in some pierced through and arched, 6 t)R JOHNSTON^S ADDRESS. They are covered witli the dung of the innumerable flocks of birds which resort here annually to breed, and fill every little projection, every hole, which will give them leave to rest. Multitudes were swimming about ; others swarmed in the air, and stunned us with the variety of their croaks and screams. Kittiwakes, sea-mews, and black- headed gulls, guillemots, auks, and corvorants, are among the species which resort hither. "The notes of all seafowl are most harsh and inharmonious. I have often rested under rocks like these, attentive to the various sounds over my head ; which, mixed with the deep roar of the waves slowly swelling, and retiring from the vast caverns beneath, have produced a fine effect. The sharp voice of the gulls, the frequent chatter of the guillemots, the loud notes of the auks, the screams of the herons, together with the deep periodical croak of the corvorants, (and the boding voice of the raven), which serves as a bass to the rest, have often furnished me with a concert, which, joined to the wild scenery siu-rounding me, afforded, in a high degree, that species of pleasure which residts from the novelty and the gloomy majesty of the entertainment ^" 1 must not leave this majestic coast, without mention of another of its feathered tenants, the Cornish chough {Fregilus graculus), which indeed, was not seen by us on this occasion, but is certainly ascertained to breed in the rocks between St Abb's and Fast Castle. This fact, distinctly mentioned by Bishop Leslie in his history Be Origine Scotorum, published about 300 years ago ^, has been overlooked or disregarded by natvu-alists, who have considered the bird peculiar to the western shores of Britain ^ ; and it is to the Eev. A. Baird that we are indebted for the confirmation of the accuracy of the Bishop's information ; and, of course, for showing that the limits usually assigned to the distribu- tion of the chough in this country are erroneous. Reptiles. — Of the reptiles of Berwickshire, the frog {Rana temporaria) and the toad {Bufo vulgaris), have met us every where ; and, in our excursions to Penmanshiel Wood, and to St Bathan's, a viper ( Vipera communis) was taken; but no communication relative to any of this neglected tribe of animals has been laid before you. Fishes. — Mr Embleton gave us, at our meeting in December last, a description of a singular individual of the salmon {Sahno salar), which had been caught near Coldstream. It was distinguished by being spotted over, in a leopard-like fashion, with pale marks, by having its gill-covers beautifully streaked with red lines, and by leather-like fins ; and these peculiarities were not the e:ffects of disease, for the fish was in good condition, and perfectly sound. At the same meeting I presen- ted to the Club a list of the less common fishes found on the coast of Berwickshire, of which list the most remarkable, for their rarity at ^ Arctic Zoology, i. Introd. p. xii. 2 P. 17. Published in 1578. ^ " Inhabits the western side of the island." Flem. £r. Anim. S3. bit JOHNSTON*S ADDRESS. 7 least, were the common tope ^ tlie starry ray 2, of which I have had several specimens brought me, the top-knot ^ the toothed gilt-head *, the sea perch ^ the basse", the horse mackerel', the fifteen-spined stickleback'*, which is by no means uncommon on this coast, and is occasionally taken at the mouth of our river during the summer mouths. Besides these, there have occurred four species, which, in our latest system of British animals, are said to be confined to the " Enghsh coast ;" and which may therefore be considered as additions to the fishes of the Scottish shores. These are, the greater weaver ^ the lesser spotted dog-fish ^°, the hag- worm ^\ and the tadpole fish '^ The hag-worm, so remarkable for the peculiarities of its structure, is, according to the testimony of our fishermen, rather common on the coast of Berwickshire ; and the size of the specimens I have seen, and I am assured they are not larger than the average, is much superior to what is stated in our sj'^stematic works ; for, instead of 8 inches, they were 14 and 15 inches in length. Of the tadpole fish, which is one of the rarest British species, and previously known only as an inhabitant of the shores of Cornwall, I had the pleasure of exhibiting to you a living specimen, which had been captured in Berwick Bay. When alive, and when recently dead, the body appeared every where smooth and even ; but, after having lain three days on a plate, and become a Kttle shrivelled, there appeared an obscure row of tubercles, running backwards from the pectoral fijis, and these pea-like tubercles could be more readily distinguished by drawing the finger over the skin. I would call attention to this fact, because the only good distinction between the Raniceps trifurcatus, and R. Jago of Dr. Fleming, is derived from the presence of these tubercles ; in the former the lateral line is said to be tuberculated above the pectoral fins, in the latter it is said to be smooth : but here we have a specimen which, when alive, exhibits the character of the Jago ; when dead, that of the trifurcatus ; and hence, I am induced to think that both are the same animal, having the tubercles more or less prominent and obvious according to the leanness or other conditions of the body. Insects. — Since no communication has been laid before us relative to the entomology of Berwickshire, it is beyond my province to make any remarks on the subject ; but you may permit me to notice one family, ^ Squalus Galeu3 Lin., Galeus vulgaris Flem. ' Eaia radiata Donoi'. ^ Pleoronectes punctatus Pew. * Sparus dentatus Stew., Brama marina Flem. * Perca marina Liri., Serrauus norvegicus Flem. * Perca Labrax Lin. ' Scomber Trachurus Lin., Trachurua vulgaris Flem. ^ Gasterosteus Spinachia Lin., Spinachia vulgaris Flem. ^ Trachinus major Flem. ^^ Squalus Catulus Lin., Scyllium Catulus Flem. '^ Myxiue glutinosa Lin. ^' Batraohoides trif oi'catus Davies, Raniceps trifurcatus Flem. 8 DR Johnston's address. too beautiful, too gencrall}' distributed, and too obtrusive, not to bave attracted our attention : I mean tbe butterfly tribe. Of tbis, 85 species (including 11 tbat porbajis may properly be considered as varieties) bave been ascertained to be natives of Britain ; and, of tbese, we bave in Berwickshire, only 16 distinct species, or somewhat more than one- fiftb of the whole. Four belong to the family Papibonidte ; nine to the Nyniphalidre ; and three to the Lycfenidfo ^ None of the species are esteemed rare by experienced entomologists ; but, in Berwickshire, I never observed the Hipparchia Semele, until on our visit to St Abb's Head in July last, where we found this fine active insect in great profu- sion. The more common Uipparcliia j^geria^ also, I have seen in one locality only in this country, viz. on the wooded banks of tbe Eye, below Ayton House, where it may be captured in the months of June and July. Tbe Pontia cardamines is likewise a local species with us ; it very rarely occurs in the neighbourhood of Berwick, but appears very soon after passing the village of Paxton, on the road to Swinton, and abounds all along that low tract. It is also common on the road between Swinton-Mill and Coldstream ; but I bave not noticed it else- where in Berwickshire. Exannulosa. — Communications relating to the exannulose invertebrate tribes have been made as yet only by myself, but I have now a zealous co-operator in our Secretary, whose situation is peculiarly favourable for the investigation of these intricate and vastly curious creatures, among whose multitudes, it may be truly said, "we meet with foirms and structures as varied and unexpected as if they had been tbe tenants of another planet." A collection of the zoophytes of the coast was ex- hibited at an early meeting, which I have since described at length in the Transaidions of the Natural History Society of Newcastle ; and I flatter myself that no department of the natural history of Berwickshire is now so well known as this, in reference to species : their habits and economy require for illustration a person of more uninterrupted leisure. Our Actinise, or animal flowers, on which I read a separate paper, are remarkably interesting. I know no marine worm that for beauty and elegance can be compared with the Actinia plumosa ; and such of you as had the opportunity of seeing the specimen that I preserved for some time alive, will recall with pleasure the splendid spectacle. Actinia Tuedioi was still more interesting, to me at least, for the species was new to naturalists, and, fortunately, possessed characters that distin- guished it decidedly from every other. The Actinia coccinea and viduata of Miiller are also denizens of our shores ; but the first was considered as a smooth variety of the senilis^ and the other a small streaked variety of tbe equina. ^ a. PapilionidsB : Pontia brassicao, P. rap^, P. napi, P. cardamines. h Nymphalidso : Vanessa urticae ; V. Atalanta, Cynthia cardni, Hipparchia ^geria, H. Semele, H. Megaera, H. Janira, H. hiperanthus, H. Pamphilus. c. Lycsenid^ : Lycasna Phlagas, Polyommatus Alexis, P. Argus. DR Johnston's address. 9 A passing notice of some invertebrates wliicli I have described and figured in the Magazine of Natural History for the j)resent year [1832] may perhaps be excused, since the subjects of them were procured in Berwick Bay. The Praniza fmcata is a minute criistaceous insect, and the Eolis rujihranchialis a molluscum new to naturahsts ; and the Pla- naria cornuta appears to be likewise an acquisition to the list of British worms. They afford a small sample of the many remarkable inverte- brates that inhabit our shores, and which have found, to this day, no one willing to make known their singular forms and structure, that, through the medium of his intelligent creatm-e, they may praise their Creator, and evidence still farther the endless variety in his works and wisdom. " Let the heaven and earth praise Him," says the Psalmist, "the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.'''' Plants. — I turn now with pleasure to the vegetable kingdom ; for here I have to speak of others' discoveries, and not of my own. It might, perhaps, be presumed that, because a flora of the district had been so recently published, there was little here to reward the student ; but the fact is greatly otherwise ; and I esteem the numerous discoveries which have been made of species, and of new stations for the rarer ones, as a proof of the utility of our Club ; for the zeal which led you on was surely kept alive b}^ the knowledge that there were around you some who interested themselves in your researches, and were ready to give you their meed of approbation and applause. The sternest stoic of us all, it has been observed, wishi^s at least for some one to enter into his views and feehngs, and confirm him in the opinion which he entertains of his favourite pursuits. Since the publication of my Flora of Berwick, there has been added, exclusive of some naturalized or recently imported species, to the wild plants of Berwickshire, 20 dicotyledonous, 8 monocotyledonous, and 18 crj'ptogamic species, the names, stations, and discoverers of which are inserted in your minutes. By much the most interesting of these, whether we consider it in reference to its beauty or rarity, is the Saxi- fraga Uircalm ^ discovered in the parish of Langton, by our ingenious colleague, Mr Thomas Brown. Only two stations for this saxifrage have been recorded in our British floras, and both are in the south of England ; so that Mr Brown has had the good fortune — and good fortune never waits but on the industrious and intelligent — to make one of the most interesting additions to the Mora Scotica that has been made of late years. Another adtlition to that flora is due to Misses Bell and Miss Hunter, who have found, for the first time in Scotland, the Sison Amomum growing at the Hirsel Lough, near Coldstream ; and these ladies deserve our best thanks for their contributions, and still ^ '"Hirculus, a dimanitive from hircus a goat. Now look at the liair which heards our plant, and you will see why Linnaeus calls it a ' little ^oat.' It is just like that happy playful fancy which he possessed so remarkably." — Mr Brmvn, in litt. 10 bR Johnston's address. more for their devotion to botany ; as their example and success can- not fail to recommend it powerfully to popular attention. The Hier- acium aurantiacum, the discovery of Miss Hvmter ; the Hieracium molle, and Carex fulva, both detected, in the fii-st instance, in Berwickshire, by Mr Brown ; the Hypnum stramineum (in fruit), another of his inter- esting additions to our list ; and tlie Lathy rm xylvestris, and the Carex dintanfi, lately discovered near Berwick by Mr Dunlop, deserve to be particularised on account of their rarity : the Palmonaria maritima re- stored to our shores by the researches of the Rev. J. Baird and Mr Carr, and the Myosotis sylvatica of Langton woods, are preeminent for their beauty ; and the Ckcnopodium urhiciim is interesting as the subject of a strange story, whicli purports that this weed could by cultivation be turned into a real strawberry, and relative to which there is a curious letter from the hapless Josephine to her gardener, in her lately published Memoirs, for a knowledge of which, as of the plant itself, we are indebted to Mr Embleton. While, on the one hand, the Scottish flora owes two good additions to this Club ; on the other, it has contributed two also to the floral catalogue of Northumberland ; and both of these are the discoveries of our Secretary. It was long believed that the vernal squill was peculiar to the western coasts of England ; but the discovery of it by the Eev. A. Baird on the coast of Berwickshire removed this their peculiar ornament and boast ; and Mr Embleton has extended its eastern rage, for he finds it in abundance at Dunstanborough Castle. Aspidium Thelypteris is the other new Northumbrian plant ; and it is not a little curious that this fern, which is stated by Dr Hooker to be abundant in Scotland, should not be found at all in Berwickshire, and is so rare in the north of England that it has escaped the notice of the many acute botanists who have botanised there, until this late date, when Mr Embleton drew it fi-om its lurking-place in Learmouth bogs, on the very verge of the kingdom. May I urge those members of the club who devote themselves more exclusively to botany, to continue the researches which have been so productive during the past year ? for the field is not exhausted so long- as there remains a corner of the county unexplored ; and there are, I ween, not a few "spots that seem to lie Sacred to flowerets of the hills," where no one has yet wandered, and where no one will wander, " save he who follows nature." There is too much to learn of the habits and properties of our common plants ; and I may mention, as an illustration of the remark, the observation which was made on the butterwort (Pinyuicula vulgaris) during our excursion to Cheviot. It was then accidentally observed, that, when specimens of this plant were some- what rudely pulled up, the flower-stalk, previously erect, almost immediately began to bend itself backwards, and formed a more or less t)R JOHNSTON S ADDRESS. li perfect segment of .a circle ; and so, also, if a specimen is placed in the botanic box, you will in a short time find that the leaves have curled themselves backwards, and now conceal the root by their revolution. Now, the butterwort is a very common plant ; yet I am not aware that this fact of its irritability has been ever mentioned. Geology. — In illustration of the geology of the county, a very elabor- ate paper was read to us, at an early meeting, by our zealous colleague, Dr Thomson. He has described, in a clear and interesting manner, the geological structure of the parishes of Eccles, Greenlaw, Polwarth, and Longformacus ; and thus has made a valuable addition to the sketch of the geology of Berwickshire which Mr Baird has given in the introduction to my Flora, and which had more peculiar reference to the eastern parts. I feel myseli unqualified to estimate the merits of this paper ; nor is it necessary to enter into any analysis of it here, since it has been printed in the last number [September 1832] of the Magazine of Natural History. Such, Gentlemen, is a rapid indication of the results of our first year's exertions ; and, in my opinion, they do not discredit, but rather justify, the expectations of those who moved the institution of this Club, which, I doubt not, will work still more efficiently in fviture years. But, when I estimate the advantages of our association by the acquisi- tions it has made to the natural history of the county, I do it great wrong ; for I hold it to be more useful, as affording a point of rendezvous for the naturahsts of the district, where they may cultivate a mutual ac- quaintance ; where they may talk over their common pursuit and all its incidents ; where they may mutually give and receive oral informa- tion ; where each may nourish his neighbour's zeal ; where we may have our "careless season," and enjoy "perfect gladsomeness ;" and, assuredly the good feeling and hiimour which have hitherto character- ised, and will continue to characterise, our every meeting, vindicate me in assigning, as the distinctive character of this Club, its social character. I cannot, I must not, conclude this address, without an expression of, I trust, o^xr united gratitude to the Preserver of all and the Giver of aU good. That fatal disease which has walked over the length and breadth of the land, with fear in its front and mourning in its rear, has not left this county altogether unvisited ; and we cannot yet think of its ravages in the place where we are now assembled, without deep feelings of pity for the loss sustained by the survivors, and without gratitude that here its desolating coiu'se was stayed.^ No member of the Club has been removed by death ; neither has misfortune visited any of us, save only one, who has been afflicted with a severe and lingering sickness, and has, in consequence, been hindered giving us ^ A very few cases of Cholera subsequently oceui-red in different parts of Berwickshire ; and the disease visited Berwick, Tweedmouth, and Spittal with considerable severity. 12 REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. that attendance and assistance which none Tvas more willing and none more able to give. Geutlonien, it is unnecessary to add any plea to induce you to con- tinue your efforts in favour of tliis Club. The pleasure attendant on our pursuits is so pure and genuine, and so various, that I cannot fear that any one who has fairly entered into their spirit will turn him away. The best argument, indeed, I know in favour of our studies is derived from this fact ; for the Deity has never affixed pleasure (I mean, a pleasure whicli the conscience approves, and which the memory delights ever and anon to r.ecall) to any sublunary pursuit that is unsuitable to the dignity and condition of man. When the conscience utters her still voice to reprove or condemn, it is time to desist, and leave the path we are following, however gaily it may be strewed ; but where she approves, there let us follow, certain of reward. And who among naturalists ever found the fruit of his study turn ashes in the enjoy- ment ? Nor can it be : for what our internal monitor approves, the Scriptures also commend, and send us for instruction to the meanest things, to the ant and to the lilies of the field ; and bid us seek out His wonderful works, and to tell of them ; and thence borrow their moral lessons ; and call upon us to praise the Creator, in ' ' his contriving skill, profuse imagination, conceiving genius, and exquisite taste ; in his most gracious benignity and most benevolent munificence," through his creatures, from the creeping things of the sea even to his behemoth and leviathan. Address read at the Second Anniversary Meeting of the Berwiclcshire Naturalists'' Cluh, held at Biinse, September 18, 1833. By the Rev. A. Baibd, President. Of all earthly pursuits and acquisitions, that of knowledge has ever been considered, by rational and civilized beings, as the most important, dignified, and honoiTrable. According, indeed, as men are destitute or possessed of this, we are generally disposed to rank them in the scale of humanity : For, as it is this which, more than anything else, dis- tinguishes one man from another, so it is also this which gives to one an influence and an authority which another, who is destitute of it, let his external advantages be what they may, can never j)ossibly command. But, if knowledge in general be thus excellent and desirable, there is one particular species of it which must surely, in an especial manner, recommend itself to every man of sentiment, of feeling, or of observa- tion. The knowledge we allude to is the knowledge of nature, — the knowledge of the earth we tread on, with all its varied tribes of ani- mated existence, and all the interesting phenomena presented by its REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. 18 inanimate objects, — the knowledge, in short, of that fair world which is destined to be the present habitation of our species, and of those wondrous works whereby the great Creator so conspicuously manifests himself to his creatures ; and whereby, likewise, is so clearly shewn his great and glorious character. Such a knowledge, we say, must surely appear of all others (religious knowledge excepted), not only as the most interesting, but also as the most reasonable and the most adapted to our present situation ; and well, therefore, has it obtained the name of Natural Knowledge. But it is not my present purpose either formally to enumerate the advantages of natural histoiy, or to give an answer to the question which has so often been asked, Of what importance, or of what avail, are the pursuits of the naturalist ? That question has often been already most satisfactorily answered, and, however interesting or important might be its discussion in some quarters, it fortunately is not necessary in our present circumstances. We are already sufficiently convinced both of the utility and importance of such pursuits as those for which this Club was instituted ; and even though this utility were less capable of being proved than we conceive it is, we are sufficiently satisfied with the simple pleasure which the following of such pursuits affords, and with the simple information and the rational amusements which we thence derive. The advantages to natural science in general of such an institution as the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, must be equally obvious without attempting a formal statement or investigation. Oiu' labours are limited to a certain district, — we have a distinct and a specific field for exertion, — and we are thus led more rainutely to examine into Nature's works and Nature's wonders, as well as more regularly to record our observations, than if our field of examination were more extensive, and our object were more general and undefined. There is, besides, the very useful spirit of honourable competition to stimulate our exertions, and, as the reward of these exertions, there is the pleasure and the satisfaction which, we know, awaits even our most trifling contribution to the general stock of knowledge. When these, and many other advantages, which will readily suggest themselves, are considered, it is not unreasonable to expect from the exertions of such a body, many interesting discoveries and important additions to the natural history of our country, and many curious facts affecting the state of natural science in general, which, but for the establishment of such an institution, had remained in darkness and obscurity. Nor, as far as regards the Naturalists' Club of Berwickshire, are we disappointed in these expectations ; an institution, the second anniversary of which we are now assembled to celebrate, — an institu- tution which, from its first formation, has been daily increasing both in numbers and respectability, and the labours of which, we are proud to say, have been neither insignificant nor unsuccessful. It belongs 14 REV. MR BAIRB's ADDRESS. not to me, as a member of this society, to celebrate its praises ; but it certainly belongs to me, in the honourable situation I now hold in it, to congratulate j'ou, as I do most cordially, on its increasing prosperity, When such an institution was first proposed, it certainly was hoped, and fondly hoped, that it might prosper, and that we might do some- thing towards the elucidation of the natural history of this interesting county ; but even the most sanguine of its original promoters could hardly have anticipated that its establishment should have been so cordially welcomed, and that it should have excited an interest so general and so great. It is, therefore, with no ordinary satisfaction that I either contemplate the present list of our members, or that I turn to the review of their labours since the celebration of our last anniversary. These labours during the past year, though hardly perhaps so inter- esting, in some respects, as those of the preceding one, have, neverthe- less, been far fi-om unimportant. In some departments, indeed, they have been even more satisfactory. The most numerous contributions have been those of Dr Johnston : To our Secretary we are also indeb- ted for various interesting communications ; while to Messrs Selby, Mitchell, Brown, AV. Baird, and Dr Thomson, we are under additional obligations. But these contributions wiU be best emimerated by taking a brief review of the transactions of our several meetings during the past year. And of these the first we have to notice is the Anniversary Meeting held at Coldstream in September last, — a very pleasant meeting, and at which many interesting communications were read. The day was spent in examining the Hirsel Woods, Birgham Muir, and Leithtillum, and Hirsel Lochs ; and to those who were present at this meeting, I need not recall either the very agreeable nature of the excursion, or the beaixty of the scenery we were so often called upon to admire. Nor need I recall the pleasure with which we listened to our President's address on leaving the chair which he had filled so ably — a pleasure, however, which prevented us not from duly appreciating the value and importance of various other papers which were laid before us. These were, 1 . A notice of a Merlin {Falco JEsalon) shot near Blanerne, on the Whittadder, by Mr Dunlop. 2. Notice of the occurrence of Grantia nivea, Pleming, on the coast near Embleton, Northumberland, by Mr Embleton. 3. Notices of plants hitherto unnoticed in the district, by Messrs Dunlop and Brown, and Dr Johnston. 4. An account of the Birds observed during the excursion at St Abb's head in July, by P. J. Selby, Esq. 5. Cases of children poisoned by the seeds of Laburnum, by Dr Johnston. (See Mag. of Nat. Hist. v. 6. p. 74.) 6. A paper on the Geology and Botany of the coast of Northumberland, between Bamborough and Dunstanborough Castles, by Mr Embleton. 7. A list of the Zooph}i;es of the same coast ; and a Meteorological Table from April to August, by Mr Embleton. REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. 15 The next meeting of the Club which we have to notice was held in the month of December last, at Berwick-upon-Tweed, — a season of the year which suits not distant members, and when, consequently, our meetings must generally be expected to be thinly attended. Yet, was the meeting far from being destitute of scientific interest. In particular, we notice a very pleasing paper by Dr Johnston, giving a list of the more rare and valuable plants observed at the previous meeting at Cold.stream, in which, among many others enumerated, we notice, as perhaps the most interesting, the Agaricus applicaUi.8 of Withering ; a plant not mentioned by Dr Greville in his Flora Edinensis, and which, therefore, may be considered as a fi-esh addition to the Scottish Cr}^:)to- gamic Flora. In the minutes of the same meeting, we find recorded the discovery of the Mentha sylvcHtris, by Mr Dunlop, at Blanerne, on the AVhittadder ; while our zealous botanical contributor, Mr Brown, among other good plants, gives us the CaUcium sphcerocephalum, Par- melia caper atus, Vaccmium Oxy coccus or Cranberry, and Endocarpon Weheri, forming altogether a valuable contribution to the botany of Berwickshire. At the same meeting, Dr Johnston communicated a hst of the Echinodermata of Berwickshire, a very curious and inter- esting class of Marine Animals, the species of which now existing on the Britsh coast appear to be few in number, though, in former times, they seem to have been more abundant and prolific. Belonging to the third family of this order of animals, Dr Johnston notices in particular one animal, of which he has made a new genus under the name of Fleminia muricata, in honour of the Eev. Dr Fleming, who has done so much to remove the obscurity under which the species lay previously to the j)ublication of his History of British Animals. The individual thus added to our marine animals has been presented, by its discoverer, to the British Museum, where it is now deposited. A notice of an Albino family by Mr Embleton, and a continuation of his Meteorologi- cal Table for the preceding three months, concluded the business of this meeting. The third meeting of the Club was held at Cockburnspath, on the 3d Wednesday of April 1833, — a season when the naturalist begins once more to look aroimd him with new hope and interest, and when nature, after the gloom and the repose of winter, begins once more to array herself in her robes of cheerfulness and beauty. The peculiarly backward state of the season, however, prevented the Club from making any very remarkable additions to the natural history of the county, and tended not a little to damp the expectations and the hopes which, both the return of spring and the natural beauty of the scenery of the neighbourhood had excited. Still, however, notwithstanding the heavy showers, and the unusual coldness of the wind, the meeting was neither without enjoyment nor interest. Dunglass Dean at aU events, was visited, and miserable indeed must be the day which will render it un- worthy of tmbounded and unmingled admiration. Occurring in this 16 REV. MR BAIRD's address. beautiful station, two new plants, new I mean to the Flora of Berwick- shire, were gathered by the Eov. John Baird. The one was the Chn/sofiplenium altermfolium, occurring mixed with the more frequent species, — Chr. oppositifolmm ; the other was the Marchantia conica, growing on moist banks in considerable abundance, and in fine fruit. Various species of land shells were also gathered in the sheltered recesses of the dean. Among the communications read at this meeting, we have to notice, with much pleasure, several interesting discoveries by our indefatigable member, Dr Johnston. The first of these is the addition of a rare fish to those previously described by him, as occur- ring in Bei'wick Ba}^, the Syngnathiis (squorens of Montagu. The second is a new Zooph}i;e, a species of the genus Plumularia, which its dis- coverer, with a projiriety that will be felt by every member of the Club, has named the Flumularia Catharina. The third is the Conferva coccinea of DiUwyn, many specimens of which had been procured in Berwick Bay during the past winter, and which, in the words of its discoverer, " forms a beautiful addition to the list of our marine algse." These communications were succeeded by a list of the Cirrhipedes of Berwick- shire, also by Dr Johnston ; and an interesting account by Mr Embleton of the Trigla hvvis, or smooth gurnard-fish, which was cast ashore at Newton, after a severe storm, from the south-east. The account of this fish was principally interesting, from the circumstance that, hitherto, it has been chiefly observed on the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall, and that, in all probability, a further examination will prove this species and the BJiruyido to be the same. At the same meeting, Dr Johnston mentioned that he had lately received from the Eev. Mr Campbell a specimen of the pochard duck {Anas ferina Linn.) shot near Coldingham Loch ; — while the pleasure of the meeting was still farther increased by the presence of Captain Alexander, 42d Eoyal Highlanders, a traveller of some celebrity. The fir-st summer meeting of the Club, which took place at Colding- ham on the 19th of May, was distinguished by a heavy rain, which, with occasional intermissions, lasted the w^hole day, and lessened very much the comfort, as well as hindered very materially the success, of the expedition. Yet some plants of considerable rarity, several birds, and many insects and worms, were observed and collected ; — while by those who then for the first time beheld the splendid scenery of " the Head," the excursion, I am sure, with all its drawbacks, will be long remembered with dehght. The loch, so pleasing in its general charac- ter, and so remarkable for its situation ; — the wide spread moors so finely imdidating, and so elegantly carpeted with their thousand different wild-flowers ; — the magnificent precipices which form the mountain promontory of St Abb's, with their thousand times ten thousand feathered visitants ; and far beneath, and wide around as eye can stretch, the dread expanse of ocean, — these, altogether, form a scene than which a richer in natural phenomena, or one more striking for I EEV. ME BAIRD's ADDRESS. 17 its grandeur and sublimity, is scarcely to be met with, in our island, and sure I am that, round these shores, a plentiful harvest yet awaits our exertions. The plant of perhaps the greatest interest which this excursion afforded, was the Poterium Sanguisorla, a plant new to the Berwick Flora, although in many situations by no means unconmion. For this addition to the botany of Berwickshire we are indebted to Mr Mitchell. The most important communications read at this meeting were, 1 . A notice by Mr Euibleton of the plants collected and observed in the last excursion. 2. A notice of the shells collected during the same excursion in Dunglass Dean, by Dr Johnston ; and, 3. A valuable and very ingenious paper by Dr Thomson, viz. ; a Eegister of the Barometer kept at Eccles Manse, during the year 1832 ; from wbicli the author deduced many curious facts and various conclusions of con- siderable importance. From the interest with which this paper was listened to, it is hoped that the example set by Dr Thomson, will have led others to institute a similar series of observations, and that, from different situations in the county, we shall have, from time to time, rej)orts connected with this interesting department. At the same meeting were also read a notice by Mr Brown of two plants new to the Flora of Berwickshire ; and a notice by Dr Johnston of the Great Northern Diver ( Colymhis gJacialis) being caught in a salmon-net on Spittal shore, 11th May 1833. The 17th of July, when the Club met at Holy Island, was a day of unusual beauty. With regard to the exciu'sion of the day, I unfortu- nately, can say little, not having been present ; but we can all form some idea of its pleasure, when we know that the scene of the excursion was Holy Island, and the day one um^valled for its sj)lendour. On looking over the minutes of this meeting, it appears to have been one of unxisual business. Among other papers, we observe a notice by Mr Embleton, of the plants observed during last excursion ; — a very interesting and valuable notice by Mr Selby, entitled, " Ornithological observations made during the excursions of the Club in April and June ; " — and the announcement to the Society by Mr Mitchell, of two plants new to the Berwick Flora ; one, the magnificent Osmunda regalis, observed at the Routin Linn, near Fenton in Northumberland ; the other, a species of mint, which solicited particular attention, and which has since been ascertained to be the Mentha crispa of Linnaeus. In the minutes of the same meeting, we observe an excellent paper by Dr Johnston, entitled, "A list of the Invertebrate Animals observed dur- ing the walk from Coldingham to Coldingham Loch, St Abb's Head," &e., June 19th, in which he notices, as new to Berwickshire, the Helix ceUaria and H. pura, Planorhis fontanus, and Pisidmm pulcJiellum ; and, as an addition to the marine botany of Berwickshire, the 8pliacelaria cirrhosa of Grreville. At the same meeting was also read an interesting and elaborate paper, by Mr AV. Baird, on that very curious animal the Gordius aquaticus or hair-worm, an animal by no means uncommon, B 18 REV. MB BAIRd's ADDRESS. but the structure, the habits, and the general history of which have hitherto been very little attended to. The public business of the day was concluded by a paper by Dr Johnston on the failure of the Potato crop during the present year, — in which some probable reasons are assigned for the fact, but which, we suspect, is still in a great measure unexplained, and still, therefore, open to inquiry. Such, then, is a very hurried and, I fear also, a most imperfect, re- capitulation of the labours of our Cliib during the second year of its existence, — a recapitulation indeed so imperfect, that had I not to plead, as an apology, a considerable absence from home, and continued pro- fessional engagements since my return, I should feel almost ashamed to present it. I conclude with only one observation. The preceding review shews that we have done something, and that the Club has not been institu- ted in vain. It also shews that the field of our labours is an interesting one, and that, though a little has been accomplished, a great deal yet remains to be done. Let us then continue our researches with vigour : let us stroll along our splendid shores ; let us penetrate into the recesses of our woods and deans : let us ascend our mountain sides, and, with unwearied feet, let us follow the meanderings of our rivers and our babbling brooks ! There at least health and peace and rational en- joyment attend our footsteps ; and, while thus occupied, however the vidgar or the ignorant may marvel at our joy, we can tell them that, with whatever eyes they may contemplate Nature, yet there are others who can " Find tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in every thing !" Notice of the Birds olserved in the Neighhourhood of St AhVs Head, on July 18, 1832. By P. J. Selby, Esq., F.B.S.K, F.L.S., Sfc. (Eead on the 19th Sei^tember 1832.) Passing without fiirther observation the various flocks of sparrows and other Pringillidfe that enliven the shades of our highways, or are to be seen within the precincts of all the farm-steads and villages, I commence with the rock or shore pipit {Antkus aquaffctfs). This species, which is strictly confined to our rocky coasts, I observed to be plentiful near the village of Northfield, and indeed along the whole of the coast we examined. In size it exceeds both the common and the tree pipit, {A. pratensis and arhorens). The claw of the aqnaticiis, though shorter and more curved than that of the pratensis, is longer and less incrirved than that of the arhorem. It feeds upon marine insects and worms, and is a permanent resident. The marten or martlet {Ilirtindo urhica) next attracted my attention from the unexpected numbers in wliich it was seen hawking about the face of the cliffs, a habitat in point of situation very dissimilar to those in which we are accustomed to observe ME SELBy's notice OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN JULY 1832, 19 them, such as the eaves of houses or the upper angles of windows. The nature and structure of the rock (porphyritic amygdaloid), which presents a broken face, and a succession of projecting ledges, affords it however, peculiar facilities for the site and security of its curiously constructed nest of clay ; and the offal, dung, &c. of the numerous sea birds, cannot fail to gsnorate an abundance and constant succession of insect food. As we walked along the heights I observed the kestrel {Falco tinnunculus) hovering in his characteristic manner in search of prey, and I have little doubt, but that he finds a secure site for his eyi-ie in some of the adjoining cliffs. Three or four carrion crows ( Corvus corone) were also observed upon the rocks, but too wary to admit of our approach within gun-shot ; the eggs, and young of the sea-fowl, had, in all probability, attracted these depredators to such an unwonted locality. Three ravens ( Corvtis corax) the largest and noblest species of the genus, were also disturbed by our approach, and after soaring around, and attaining a considerable elevation, moved inland, uttering at intervals their loud and raucous croak. Before I enumerate the sea-fowl or aquatics, I must not omit the rock-pigeon ( Cohimha livia), whic]i inhabits and breeds in the numerous caves which perforate the rocks in different directions. This species is the original stock from which the various varieties of oiu' common dovecot pigeons are derived ; it is found in similar situations upon the British coast, but never inland — the bird with which it was confounded ( Colmnba (Enas) being perfectly distinct, and possessing habits approaching more closely those of the cushat or ring-dove {Cohimha j>ff/«/«J«fs). Upon the ledges of the rocks the guillemots ( Z^fia troile) and razor-bills {Alca torda) were seen in great numbers, ranged in order, tier above tier, and looking at a distance like armies of pigmies ; these upon the least alarm utter their peculiar curring kind of note, which, when mixed with the screams of the sea-gull and kittiwake, and heard from a distance, or softened by the murmur of the waves, prodxices a wild, though not disagreeable, species of concert, well according with- the nature of the scenery which sxuTounds them. These bii'ds each lay a single es^, of a large size and peculiar shape, being broad and round at one end, and tapering rapidly at the other, a form that prevents it from rolling or moving to any distance, even when placed on an inclined plane. The pufiin or coulterneb {Fratercula arctica) perhaps as well or better known to us by the name of Tommy-Nody, also finds appropriate holes wherein to deposit its eggs. It does not appear, however, to be numerous, as only two or three individuals were seen during the excursion. This bold headland is also the great breeding station of the Larus canus or common sea-maw ; it effects the upper ledges, and recesses of the precipices, and was observed in great numbers, but so shy as not to be approached within gun-shot. The Larus rissa, or kittiwake, is also numerous, but does not breed in company with the other ; selecting in preference the small projecting angles, which barely admit of room for . the reception of their eggs and young. As we returned seaward in the 20 MR selby's notice of birds boat, several green cormorants {Plialacrocorax cristatus) were seen perched upon the pinnacles of the smaller isolated rocks, surveying witli keen and watchful eyes our progress ; and always too much upon the alert to permit us to approach within gun-short. The common cormorant {Plialacrocorax carho) was also seen occasionally flying past, but at a considerable distance from the shore, On our return, and to the south of Northfield, a small flock of the young of the LaruH ridi- bundus, black-headed or pewit gull, were observed : these in all proba- bility had come recently down from Dunse or Pallinsburn, both great breeding stations in this district. Observations on the Birds observed in the neighbourhood of Coldirandspath in April, and those at St AbVs Head in June, 1833. By P. J. Selby, Esq. (Eead July 17. 1833.) The cold ungenial weather which prevailed till the end of April re- tarded the arrival of our summer visitants, at least ten days or a fortnight bc^yond the usual average period of their appearance ; and, from this cause, on the day of our excursion to Coldbrandspath and Dunglass, which, it will be recollected, took place on the 16th of April, not a single warbler or migratory bird came under our notice of any species. This, indeed, I anticipated from the backward state of vegeta- tion, as I have for many years remarked, that the arrival of our songsters is regulated by, or rather accords with, the first appearance of particular flowers, or the bursting of the buds of certain trees. Thus, the willow- wren (*Sy/i'7'« TrochUus) wadi hlack-ca^) {Curruca atricapilla) are never seen till the larch becomes visibly green. The greater petti- chaps [Curruca hortensis) and wood- wren {Sylvia sibilatrix) are consider- ably later, making their appearance with the bursting of the elm and oak. The spotted fly-catcher {Muscicapa grisola) is seldom seen before the oak is partly expanded ; and so with respect to the sedge- warbler {Salicaria Phragmites), grasshopper- warbler, {Salicaria Locustella), and others. The only bird which attracted notice was the dipper ( Cinclus aquati- cus), which we observed skimming along, and following the various windings of the rivulet which flows at the bottom of Dunglass Dean. This neat and compact bird is the peculiar inhabitant of clear and rapid running streams in hilly or mountainous districts ; being of rare occurrence upon the slow and sluggish rivers of the flat or champagne parts of the country. It is one of our earliest and, I may add, sweetest songsters, commencing its lay as early as the latter end of January, or beginning of the following month, and its first brood is generally fledged or able to quit the nest by the middle of May. It dives with great facility in pursuit of its prey, but certainly does not walk at the bottom of the water, as asserted by some writers ; the same exertion of the being wings necessary as well to keep it beneath the surface as give it OBSEKVED IN JUNE 1833. 21 progressive motion, that we see used by all the natatores and true diving birds. The fry and spawn of fishes, insects, and caddis bait, which is the larva of different species of phryganea, constitute its principal food. To obtain the latter in winter, when the rivers are mostly fi'ozen over, it resorts to such places as remain partially open, as the heads of quick running streams : In such situations on the Annan, Tweed, and other rivers, I have repeatedly seen it dive into the stream from the margin of the ice, remain some time submerged, and again reappear near the same spot, and almost invariably with a prey in its biU, which it leisurely devoured on the ice. During our excursion to Coldingham and the romantic scenery of St Abb's Head on the 19th of June, besides the birds communicated to the Club last autumn, the coot {Fulica atra) was observed upon Cold- ingham Lough, where it no doubt breeds in the rushes and other aquatic herbage at the northern extremity of this prettily formed piece of water. A large flock of herring-gulls {Lams argentatus) was also seen bathing and sporting in it ; and these, I afterwards found, had their breeding stations on particular parts of the Head, and the rocky cliffs to the north of it. This species had not been observed during our excursion in Jidy 1832, having taken its departure from those haunts previous to our visit ; the common gull {Larus camis), which breeds in great numbers on the rock to the south of the Head, being the only species then visible. Upon reaching the cliffs immediately north of the Head, and where they rise from the sea in fine broken and perpendicular faces to the height of 300 or 400 feet, our attention was attracted by the powerful and hoarse cry of a large species of Falco, two of which were seen soaring and wheeling in the air at a considerable height, immediately in front of us. These I immediately recognised to be a male and female of the Falco peregrinus or common falcon. A nearer inspection of the precipice soon discovered to us the cause of their alarm and vociferous outcries, as we perceived two young birds (which the differ- ence of size shewed to be male and female) perched vipon a projecting angle of the rock. From their comparative tameness, and the short flights they took, when disturbed, along the face of the rock, it was evident they had but very lately quitted the nest. A shot was obtained at the young female within reasonable distance, and supposed to have taken fatal effect, as it was never seen afterwards, though the smaller bird remained visible as long as we continued on the heights. This eyrie of the peregrine has long been established, and it was from it that the late Mr Baird of Newbyth usually obtained his cast of hawks, for each of which he gave the persons who undertook the perilous task of scaling the precipice one guinea. The castings of these birds were scattered in great profusion upon the tops of the cliffs ; some which I examined were almost wholly composed of the bones and feathers of gulls and other aquatic fowl, others were mixed with the feathers of partridges, and the bones of rabbits, and young hares, 22 MR embleton's notice oe the smooth gurnabd. Upon a low flat and isolated roelv;, about 150 to 200 yards from, the bottom, of tlie cliff, we observed a flock of green cormorants {Fhalacro- corax cristatus) busily engaged in preening and drying their feathers. These individuals seemed conscious of the safe and vmapproachable station they had selected for repose after the exertion of fishing, as they istened with aj)parent unconcern, and without shewing any alarm, to the report of our fowling-piece, -which v as fii-ed off upon the cliff immediately above them. Uiion the ledges of the precipices north of the Head, and upon the head itself, the guillemots were perched in great numbers, the females closely pressed together and incubating. Numerous pairs of razor-bills were also conspicuous : these generally select stations a little higher than the guillemots, and keep in distinct pairs, and are easily recognised even at a considerable uistance by the form of their head and bill, and the superior blackness of their upper plumage. Several rock-pigeons ( Colmiba livia) were also seen upon wing, but, unfortunately, none came within range of shot. Upon the stony hills round Coldingham Lough and the Head, the smart and prettily marked wheatear {Saxkola (Enanthe) was seen flitting from knoll to knoll, and, like its congeners, always alighting on the highest elevation. The whin and stone chats (Saxicola JRubetra, S. Ruhicola) were also observed where whin or furze prevailed ; and, in similar situations, the mellow call-note of the grey linnet [Linaria cannahina) was repeatedly heard. I may also notice the common occur- rence of the rock-pipit (Anthus aquaticus) upon the rocks of the coast ; and the escape of a large brood of the diminutive wren {Troglodytes euro2)ceus) from their nest, from the face of one of the highest precipices of the cliff. Notice of the Trigla Icevis or Smooth Gurnard. By Mr E. Embleton, Surgeon. (Eead 10th April 1833). On the 5th of April inst., a very fiaie specimen of this fish {Trigla lavis, Flem. Br. An. p. 215), was cast ashore at Newton- by-the-sea, after a severe storm from the south-east. It is found in great abund- ance on the coast of Devonshire and Cornwall, but is a very rare visitant so far to the north-east ; and this specimen is the only one which has been seen by the fishermen in this neighbourhood, so far as I can learn. It differed, however, in some points, from the description given by Dr Fleming, and seemed to me to hold an intermediate place between the Trigla Icevis and T. hirundo of that author. Its extreme length was 23J inches. From the origin of the pectorals to the anal- apertiu-e 4A^ inches, whilst the pectorals extended rather more than hali an inch beyond it. Breadth of the pectorals 2>\ inches ; circumference of the body immediately at their base, 10 inches. The first dorsal fin MR W. BAIRD ON THE HAIR-WORM. 23 had only 8 spines, differing in this point from both the Im-is and Mr- undo of Fleming, and the second and third spines were nearly of a length, and about a half inch longer than the first. The second dorsal consisted of 16, anal 15, ventral 6, and pectorals 9, agreeing in these points with the fii-st of Fleming, caudal 18, and lunated. On each side of the second dorsal fin there existed a row of large spines, increasing in size from its commencement to its termination, agreeing here with T. hirundo, Flem. At the base of the fii'st dorsal, these spines had completely disappeared, and a rough ridge occupied their place, agree- ing here with the T. lavis. The lateral line was partly smooth, and partly rough ; thus uniting another distinguishing mark of the two species : The colour on the back was of a greenish brown intermixed with red, whilst the sides were of a rich vermilion ; studded with spots of pure white. Belly pure white. The pectorals of a deep blue green and red, blended together, and which, when fresh, exhibited a very beautiful appearance. The head and caudal fin were red. Pupil dark green. The membrane of the first dorsal fin was marked with large patches of the same bright vermilion as the sides. Dr Fleming says that the fishermen on the coasts of Devonshire and Cornwall regard the two species as the same fish. The specimen that presented itself to our notice, seems to have united in it several of the characters which are looked upon as distinguishing the sjDecies ; and perhaps it may be found, upon a more extended examination, that the one is a mere variety of the other. RemarTcs upon the Gordius aquaticus or Hair-Worm. By William Baird, Esq., Smyeon, H.E.LC.8. (Eead July 17, 1833.) This slender animal, though common enough in our ponds, seems to be one which naturalists have very cursorily or imperfectly described. Even its place in the general arrangement of animals is not properly fixed ; and with regard to its economy, little or nothing seems to be decidedly known, though a sufficient number of fables are related of it. 24 MR "W. BAIllD ON TUE HAIR-WOKM. Linnoous, iu his Systoma Naturae, places it in his class Vermes, order Intestina ; and Miiller, in his Vermium Historia, also places it in the class Vermes, and order Helminthica, corresponding to Linnaeus' Intes- tina. Cuvier, however, in his last edition of his Eegne Animal, places it among the Annolides, animals, it must be observed possessing red blood, and a double circulation of arteries and veins. If its situation in the general system be thus indistinct, it is no less unfortunate in its generic relatione, having apparently been frequently, perhaps generally, confounded with the genus Filaria. Linnaeus, in his Fauna Suecica, amongst several old authors, which I have not been able to lay my hands upon, quotes the curious work, Historia Naturalis John- stoni, for a figure of the Grordius, which by Johnston is called the meer wurm. Upon examining this curious work, however, the figure there given is not a correct resemblance of our Gordius, but evidently a Filaria ; and from this figure being cited by Linnaeus as a figure of the Gordius, it appears probable, that that great naturalist had himself confounded the two genera. Miiller, again, in his description of this worm which he calls Gordius Seta, mentions "that a variety is found with one extremity bifid, or divided into a fork with obtuse legs." In his description of the species in general, he says, the extremities are of the same colour as the rest of the body, and that one extremity is somewhat sharpened. Now it is evident from this, that his description of the species is of that of a Filaria ; and that his variety, with a bifid extremity, is in reality the true Gordius : for in all the specimens which I have examined yet, and from different parts of Berwickshire, the tail is universally bifid, the extremities are of a darker colour than the rest of the body, and neither extremity is sharpened more than the other. Smellie, in his Philosophy of Natural History, in speaking of the Gordius or Hair-worm, says, that in this country it is harmless ; but that in India and Airica it is found to be exceedingly troublesome, insinuating itself under the skin, and producing dangerous consequences. This is the animal commonly known by the name of the Guinea- worm, which is a species of Filaria, and Smellie evidently confounds the two genera together. In a paper by a Mr Bird, in the first volume of the Transactions of the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta, the Gmnea-worm is attempted by him to be proved a species of Gordius, most probably, he says, the Gordius argillaceus. This is one of Midler's species, I believe, and I have already shewn my reasons for behoving his description of the Gordius to be mixed or confounded with that of a Filaria, which may account for Mr Bird faUing into this mistake. The fabulous account of this animal is perhaps the most interesting part of its history. It is almost universally believed in this country, by the lower orders especially, as produced by horse hairs being dropped into the water ; and it is not unusual to meet with people, who, with all the confidence of honest Gerard, in his account of the Barnacle Goose, declare that they themselves have proved the truth of MR W. BAIllD 0:S THE HAIR-WORM. 2t tliis belief, by actual experiment : that tliey have thrown horse hairs into the water, and actually seen them come forth Kving Grordii. No later than last week, an intelligent farmer assui-ed me with much gravity and sincerity, that he had actually seen horse-hairs placed in the water and become living worms ; but when pressed upon the subject, his behef arose from his having seen those hairs when taken out of the water, and placed upon the palm of his hand, curl up like worms. AVhen the learned herbalist, Grerard, can confidently state, that he has seen the Barnacle Goose spring forth full fledged, and in all his plumy glory, out of the diminutive barnacle shell, we need not so much wonder at the confident simplicity of our less learned rustics, with re- gard to an animal which possesses certainly very much the appearance of a horse hair. Linnaeus, in his Systema Naturse, mentions this opinion also, so that it appears it is not confined to this country alone. It is reported also of the Grordius, that if handled without sufficient caution, it will inflict a wound at the end of the fingers, and produce whitlow. Linnaeus, in his Fauna Suecica, says, that the rustics of Smolandia believe that the bite of this worm causes the whitlow, and that they call the whitlow in their language Onda Betet, and that they give the same name to the worm itself. But though they believe thus much, he says, they are ignorant whether it enters the body like the Guinea- worm. He farther states that these rustics have a method of curing the whitlow, produced by the bite of this worm, by making an incision with a knife, with which they had previously divided the animal into minute segments. The serpent-like appearance of the worm, with the natural credulity and love of magnifjdng the dangers of an animal, the nature of which they are not acquainted with, will sufficiently explain these fables. Linnaeus further mentions, as the opinion of these rustics of Smolandia, that if this worm be cut into pieces, each separate portion will, polj'pe-Hke, become a perfect animal. On Satiirday the 29th of June, I cut one of these animals into six pieces, and left them in the saucer, in which the worm had previously been Ijdng, for twenty days. On Wednesday, July 3, the intermediate portions between the tail and the head were found to be dead, having lived up to that day, but no appearance of the slightest reproduction was observable. The two extremities on the 4th were still alive, and shewed considerable powers of life, but not the slightest sjTuptom of reproduction was observable in either of them. "WTien full grown, the Gordius appears to be about 10 inches in length : it is round and filiform, considerably resembling a horse hair or hog's bristle in diameter and general appearance ; the body is of equal size and diameter throughout its whole length, and has its two extremeties darker than the rest of the body, which is generally of a brown colour. In all the specimens which I have examined the tail is bifid, being divided into a fork, with very short obtuse legs. The 26 DB Thomson's an^ulysis of a mineral from the tweed. skin is marked vritli numerous fine transverse rings, which, require the aid of the microscope to be made visible ; and when placed under a high magnifier is seen to be beautifully and fijiely reticulated, producing in the sun's rays a play of colours. This ringed and reticu- lated appearance is well seen in parts which have become dry. The skin is very thin, and, when cut transversely, shews that internally the body is composed of a white medullary substance, in the centre of which may be seen the intestinal canal. The whole organization ajipears, as far as can be made out or seen, to be very simj)le ; so simple, indeed, says honest Miiller, that " even by the aid of the microscope, nothing more fully can be made out of it." The same author says farther, no appearance of a mouth can be made out, though the very celebrated Plancus represents the mouth fimbriated. Plancus' work I have not been able to see to compare his representa- tion with what I have seen mj^self, and no author that I have seen describes it as being visible ; but though all appearance of a mouth escaped certainly for a time my utmost efforts, at length, by means of the powerful microscope belonging to Sir John Hall, Bai-t. of Dunglass, and after repeated examinations, I discovered at the very extremity in several specimens, a round aperture, having somewhat of a fim.briated margin round it. In other specimens in which the round aperture was not visible, I could distinctly see the white medullary part of which the internal part of the animal is composed, filling up the aper- ture, and in many a puckering was distinctly seen, as if the mouth were closed. Once, and once only, I distinctly, as I thought, saw the puckered appearance give way while under the microscope, and the round aperatiu-e open to its full extent. This opening, therefore, I have no doubt is the mouth of the animal ; and as upon repeated examinations no other opening could be seen in any other part of the body, I conckide that this, as in some other animals, may "serve the purposes both of mouth and anus, or that this latter aperture remains to be discovered. Analysis of a Mineral from the Tweed. By Dr Thomson. (Eead December 21, 1831.) The mineral of which the analysis is subjoined, occurs on the banks of the Tweed, near St Boswell's, in connexion probably with the sand- stone of that district. It is extensively used as a slate pencil in the neighboui-hood where it is found, and resembles indurated claj^stone. Colour milk white : opaque : lustre dull : sectile : hardness 2.5 : specific gravity 2.558. Before the blowpipe ^cr se becomes blue and brittle. Fuses with carbonate of soda into an opaque bead ; with borax and salt of phosphorus into a transparent glass. BABOMETRICAL REGISTER KEPT AT ECCLE8 MANSE. 27 Its constituents are — Silica . Alnminia, Lime, . Magnesia, Water, . 44.300 = 2.2 Atoms. 40.400 = 1.7 0.755 0.500 13.500 = 1.2 99.455 Considering tlie lime and magnesia as accidental, tlie formula will be AJ^5 S^ X Ag, or bi-subsesqui silicate of alumina. From the locality where the specimen analysed was procvired, the mineral may be termed Tuesite. Barometrical Register hept at Eccles Manse during tlie years 1832-33. By AxEXANDER S. Thomson ; ivith observations hy Robert D. Thom- son, M.D. The Barometrical diurnal heights were registered at 10 A. M. regu- larly. The mean altitudes for the several months of the year 1832-33 are collected in the following table : — January, February, March, April, . . . , May, June, Jnly, August, September, October, November, December, Mean, Corrected for Temperature, Mean, 1832. 29.509 .486 .091 .808 .829 .734 .836 .486 .848 .494 .458 .274 29.571 29.52.3 1833. 29.649 28.969 29.344 .120 .414 .388 .824 .490 .234 .142 .130 28.960 29.305 29.257 29.390 The subjoined observations are deduced fi'om an inspection of this register : — 1. The lowest station of the mercury during 1832 was 28.6 on the 5th of October, to which point it fell the same day from 29 inches ; and this rapid subsidence was followed by a heavy rain, which continued for several days. 28 BAROMETRICAL REGISTER KEPT AT ECCLES MANSE. The greatest elevation of the barometer was 30.1 inches, which it attained several times, but more especially on the 1 0th February and 21st and 22nd September. The range of the barometer for 1832 is thus found to be one inch and a half. The lowest boihng point of water was therefore 209°. 32 Fahrenheit, and tlie highest 212°. 17 ; the mean for the whole year 211°. 08, the range of boiling point being 2°. 85. 2. A fall of lou was frequently attended with a shower, or even heavy rain. A subsidence of rgo was very speedily followed by the same consequences, as on the 14th and 15th August 1832. This result forms a striking contrast with observations made between the tropics, where we find, in similar circumstances, a more decided fall of the mercury, seldom less than iV previous to the occurrence of rain, which is about double the subsidence as obtained by this register. 3. When frost occurred, the barometer generally rose from j-gg to half an inch. Snow most commonly depressed the mercurial column, while a thaw elevated it. 4. The mean height of the barometer for the two years 1832 and 1833 is, after correction for temperature, (29.523 -f 29.257)^-2 = 29.390 ; from which we may calculate the elevation of Eccles above the level of the sea. By the formula 45 (9 — g), appHed to the diminution of temperature by the rarefaction of air, reckoning the density of the air in the same latitude at the sea 1, and assuming 29.82 as the standard barometer pressure for Britain, we have 29.82 : 29.39 : : 1 : .985 = density of air at Eccles. Then 1 -^ 985 =^ 1.015. By substitution the formida becomes 45(1.015—985) = 45 X 030 = 1.35 = difference of tempera- ture between the two stations. Assume the law of equable progression, 1 : 270 : : 1.35 : 364^ = feet above the level of the sea, shewing a gentle ascent of 315^ feet to Stitchell, which is about five miles distant, and 680 feet above the sea, according to Mr Blackadder, and 533A^ to Hume Castle, which, by the same authority, has an elevation of 898 feet. We arrive at the mean temperature, by comparing the mean tempera- tures of stations well established. The mean temperature of Glasgow, which is situated in 55° 31' 32" north latitude, is 47° 75', and that of London 50°, St Pauls being situated in 51*^ 30' 49" north latitude; from which it appears that the temperature of the atmosphere dimin- ishes 0.53 Fahrenheit, for every additional degree of latitude. Eccles is situated in about 75° 40' north latitude, or 11^ miles south of Glasgow, with a difference of + vo" temperature. Hence we have for Eccles a mean temperature of 47*^ 85'. By deducting the difference of temperature of the two stations, as obtained by the formula, from the standard temperature 48° 66' — 1°.35 = 47° 31' = the mean tempera- ture, which is, however, probably less than the true number by a considerable sum. ( 29 ) List of Plants discovered within the District, since the publication of De. Johnston's Flora of Berwick- upon- Tweed. a. DIC0TYLED0NE8. Chryosplenium alteenifolium — Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage. Langton woods : at LoDgformacus : near Cockburn mill, Mr Thomas Brown. Dunglass Dean, intermixed witli tlie C. oppo- sitifolium, from which it differs in growing in a more scattered man- ner, seldom ahove ten or twelve specimens together ; in preferring a more shady and less damp spot, seldom growing where the water stands ; and in having both leaves and flowers of a larger size and bright colour ; Mr R. Embleton. Saxifeaga hypnoides — Mossy Saxifrage. Dnnsdale and Henhole Hopes, parts of the Che\nots ; Miss Hunter, and Miss E. Bell. Saxifeaga hirculus — Near Langton wood, Berwickshire ; Mr Thomas Brown. Peplis poetula — Water Purslane. In a ditch on the Tower farm near Cockburnspath, plentiful ; Eev. A. Baird. Near the head of Lemington Dean ; Mr Carr. Lotus DEcrMBENS — Spreading BircVs-Foot Trefoil. Cultivated fields between Coldingham Lough and the sea ; Dr Johnston and Mr Embleton. Lathyeus sylvesteis — Narrcic -leaved Everlasting Pea. Eauks of the Whiteadder, opposite Hutton mill, in great abundance ; Mr E. Dunlop. Spie^a filipendtjla — Common Prop wort. Belches Braes near the Lees ; Miss E. Bell and Mr Embleton. Perhaps not indigenous there. SisoN AMOMrM — Bastard Stone-Parsley. Sides of the Hirsel Lough, plentiful ; Misses Bell and Miss Hunter. BiDEKS teipaetita — Threc-lohed Bur Marigold. By the side of a ditch near the Brewery in the village of Chatton, Northrmbeiland ; Mr MitcheU. HiERACiUM MOLLE — Soft-lcavcd Hawlcweed. Langton woods ; Mr Brown. HiEEAciuM PEENANTHOiDES — Rough-lordcred Haichcced. Wooded bank opposite Bank-house, Berwickshire ; Mr W. Baird. LiTHOsPERMUM MARiTiMUM — Sea Gromwell. On the shore at the mouth of the Pease-burn ; Eev. J. Baird. Limisden shore, plentifid ; Mr Carr. Myosotis sylvatica — Wood Scorpion-grass. Langton woods. <nspicuous when seen before the water has comj^letely ebbed from the stake-nets, when the fish swim near the surface ; and when small sea-trout are mixed with them, the contrast is at once perceived. The distribution of this fish in Scotland, as far as it can be with certainty traced, is pretty extensive ; the south and west coasts, however, seem to possess the greatest abundance. Com- mencing at the Solway, we meet it in great abundance as far as the Dee at Kirkcudbright, from thence we lose it till the mouth of Loch Awe at Loch Etian in Argyllshire, from this it is common along the whole of the west coast. On the east it is plentifully found at Inver- ness, and I have traced it at Peterhead, but from this point to the Tweed, I have been unable to hear of it. Wales is the only district in the south where it will pro! ably be found thus following the west coast, and the sewin will mi*st likely prove our Scottish Idrling or whiting'. It has not yet been noticed in any part of Ireland. Regarding this fish being occasionally found in the Tweed, it seems to vary in the gregarious habit, comparatively few being met with. Among the tacksmen the Solway name was not known, but upon describing the fish to them, they at once referred it to their silver white. The matter was, however, soon proved, by having the good fortune to catch one when fishing salmon with Stevenson, the tacksman of the Crown fishing. We had made frequent inquiries at the differ- ent tacksmen regarding it, and when the fish rose, Stevenson at once called out that it was a silverwhite, shewing that he was perfectly acquainted with it. It corresponded with all the characters of the Solway fish, having the same number of vertebrae, rays in the fins, and gill-covers, &c. As far as I can learn, they are not abundant in the Tweed. They are perfectly well known at Coldstream, and are taken with whitling flies ; and Stevenson mentioned having once taken about fifty opposite Birgham in one draft of a sweep-net. I have been unable, however, to trace them farther up than Kelso, and though fishing much with suitable flies, I have never seen them in the higher waters of Dry- burgh or Merton. The stream of the Tweed and larger rivers may probably be too heavy and powerful for them, and it is probable that the great proportion of those which do enter the Tweed will diverge at the spawning season to the smaller tributaries. ( 53 ) Notice of some Roman Urns recenthj discovered near Berwiclc-upon-Tweed. By Dr Johnston. The urns, of whicli figures arc annexed, were lately discovered at Murton, in the northern part of the county of Durham, and about four miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed. They were buried, at no great depth, in a light sandy soil raised into a sort of low mound, and were covered or intermixed with stones disposed without order. The small one was perfect, the two larger were broken into many pieces, but, by fitting these together, a perfectly correct idea of their shape and sculpture was obtained. The small one exactly resembled an old- fashioned salt-cellar ; the diameter of its mouth was nearly 2| inches, the greatest circumference 10, and the height 2 inches. The height of the second was 6, the diameter of its mouth 5i, and the greatest circumference 20 inches. The third was a size larger; and fragments, evidently belonging to still larger urns, and of different patterns, were also procured from the same place. All of them were made of the coarsest clay, such as is still found near the spot where they were buried, and were so brittle, although half an inch thick, that it was found impossible to remove them uninjured from the soil. They had not been burned, but merely dried in the sun or in an oven, and from the blackness of their interior, even this does not seem to have been done perfectly. The sculpture on the exterior was of the rudest and simplest kind, and executed probably with the trowel or a knife. They were filled with a fine black dust or ash, and in some of them frag- ments of bone were detected, which mouldered away on exposure to the air. The small urn might be destined to hold the ashes of the heart. To none of them was there a lid or cover. 54 DR Johnston's notice of some roman urns. These are evidently sepiilcliral urns of Eoman manufacture, and the coarseness of the material, and the rude fashion in which they are ornamented, prove the ashes they contained to be those of some ignoble persons, — " to fortune and to fame unknown." Similar urns have been dug up occasionally in other places in this neighbourhood. Two were procured from a gravel bank at Billymire, in the parish of Chirnside, about 1790 (Stat. Ace. v. xiv. p. 30); and "in 1792, on clearing the ground of a heap of stones which had been collected upon the top of the Crimson, or Crameston Hill, on the north side of the village of Gravinton, several earthen urns, of different sizes, were dug up. The urns contained human bones, but had no inscription upon them." (Ibid. p. 584.) I have seen the fragments of two very large ones in the possession of the Eev. A. Baird of Cock- burnspath, which had been procured near that village ; and Mr Selby has met with several near Twizell-house. For the possession of those under notice, the Club is indebted to the attention of the Eev. Mr Campbell of Tweedmouth. Since sepidchral urns were never placed by the Eomans in temples, but in fields and by high-ways, the situation of the present may possibly serve to indicate the precise line of the groat northern road of that people, called the DeviVs Causeivay ; and from the name of a hamlet — Camp-houses — in the immediate vicinity of Murton, we may conjecture that they had also a military station here, which is the more probable, as the remains of a Eoman camp are still visible on the banks of the Tweed, near West Ord, which is not more than between two and three miles distance from Murton. To ascertain the precise antiquity of these remains I can make no essay, but a conjectural approximation to it may be allowed. Not- withstanding the stories to the contrary in the Scottish Chronicles, it may safely be taken for granted that the Eomans had not penetrated, or at least made any settlement in our district, until Agricola led his armies northward, about the year 80. They withdrew finally from Britain in the year 426 ; and although they did not occupy our district during the whole of the intervening 346 years, having been repeatedly driven beyond Adrian's Wall by the Picts and Scots, yet they generally repossessed themselves of it in a short time, and certainly had encamp- ments in it until within a very short period of their removal. But assuming the latest date for their burial, the urns before us possess all the interest attached to antiquities, upwards of 1400 years existence, — a larger one than any monument of the border warrior can claim. "In vain we hope to be known by open and visible conservatories, when to be unknown was the means of their continuation, and obscurity their protection." — Sir T. Browne. Note. — Since the above notice was read, I have received from Mr DR JOHNSTON ON THE (ENANTHB OROCATA. 55 Brodie of Ayton Mill, a very perfect urn, rather more than foiir inches in height, and six in diameter, which was found by him, about four- teen years ago, under a heap of stones on Bell's-hill, opposite St Abb's Head, in the parish of Coldingham. In shape, sculpture, and material, it agrees nearly with those figured, and was full of a fine black ash. A Note relative to (Enanthe crocata. By Dr Johnston. In the appendix to my Flora; it is stated that no yellow juice could be found in any part of our Berwickshire Qilnanthe, and I was hence led to conclude that it was more probably OE. apiifolia of the British Flora. Mr "Winch informs us that the same remark had been made in regard to the plant near Newcastle ; and I have been well informed that the Edinburgh botanists were equally unsuccessful in finding any yellow juice in their plant. Such being the fact, I was not a little surprised and pleased to receive from Mr Duulop, roots of Qj^. crocata, from the banks of the Eye ; and from which, when broken, drops of a deep orange-yellow juice immediately exuded. There was no doubt, then, that these belonged to the true 03. crocata ; and as the leaves, &c. differed in no respect from those I had previously examined, I was led to re-examine roots from other stations, and the result has been a conviction that the species is every where the same with us, although the juice is often very scanty, and sometimes scarcely visible. Thus, roots dug on the Castlehills, when broken, continued white for some time, but the fractiu-e ultimately assumed a yellowish hue, and when narrowly looked at, minute yellow dots were seen scattered over the siu'face. The quantity of juice, and its intensity of colour, probably depend on the nature of the station the plant has selected, being deep- coloured when growing in drier, and pale, or almost colourless, w^hen in very wet places. Additions to the Flora of Berwick-upon-Tweed. {Continued fro7n page 32.) DICOTYLEDONES. Centtjnctjltjs minimus — Stnall Chaffweed. Near Lithtillum Loch, Birgham Muir, Miss Hunter. GrALirM MoLLUGO, var. G. scabnim, With. Bot. Arrang. ii. 190. In a field at Anton's Hill, Miss E. Bell. On the north side of the Hirsel Lough, and on the Hii-sel grounds, Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. 56 ADDITIONS TO THE FLOEA OF BER-WICK-TJPON-TWEDD. Pyrola secuitoa — Serrated Winter-green. On Yevering Boll, Nor- thumberland, sparingly, Dr Jolinston and Rev. J. Baird. . This pretty- plant is not uncommon in fir woods in the Highlands of Scotland, but it has always been considered one of the rarest of English plants, and this is its first and only habitat in Northumberland. Wallis, indeed, says, that the "small winter-green, with roundish serrate leaves," grows plentifully on the borders of Ramshaw Wood ; but Mr Winch tells us that he has sought for it there in vain ; and after examining Wallis's description, we entertain no doubt whatever that his species is really Pyrola minor, a plant that had not been accurately character- ised when the History of Northumberland was published. Rhamnus cathahticus — Common Buckthorn. Sea banks at the mouth of Dunglass Burn, Rev. A. Baird. Rosa inodora. Hook. Brit. Plor. i. p. 233. At the base of Yevering Bell, intermixed with other species, Dr Johnston. Rosa villi )sa. Hook. Brit. Flor. i. p. 230. On Yevering Bell ; and frequent in the deans and ravines of Berwickshire, Dr Johnston. Stellaria nemorum. Wood Stitchivort. On an island in the Tweed, between Cornhill and Lees, on the Scotch side of the river. Miss E. Bell. To the west of Wark, under some willows on the side of the Tweed, Miss Bell. Trifolium fragiferum — Strmvherry -headed Trefoil. North side of the Whiteadder, from tlie Blue-stone ford to near Edington Mill, and by the hedges on the farm of Nethermains, in the parish of Chirnside, Mr Henderson. Side of the Whiteadder, at Gainslaw Bridge, Mr P. W. Maclagan. CRYPTOGAMOUS. Hyfoxyla. Sph^ria polymorpha. On stumps of trees in the Hirsel woods ; not common. HisTERiTjM RuBi. On decayed branches of Rubus fruticosus, in the plantations at the Retreat, Dr Johnston. Fuyigi. Helvella mitra. Bankhead wood, near Eccles, October 1833, Dr E. D. Thomson. Boletus edulis, Greville. Hirsel woods, Dr Johnston. Agarictjs applicatus. Withering. On rotten wood in the Hirsel plantations, Dr Johnston. Ly coper dacece. LicEA FRAGiFORMis. On rotten willow trees at Horsykend, in November, Dr R. D. Thomson. ADDITIONS TO THE FLOBA OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. 57 TTredinece. Ukedo EaPHORBiiE, Bot. Gall. ii. 896. On the under siirface of the leaves of Euphorbia Helioscopia ; frequent in gardens at Eccles, Dr E. D. Thomson. .^ciDiUM ASPERiroLii, Bot. Gall. ii. 906. On the leaves of Lycopsis arvensis, near Coldstream, Mr R. Embleton. On the same plant in Holy Island, Dr Johnston. Uredo Valerianae, Bot. Gall. ii. 898. On the leaves of Valeriana officinalis, in autumn, near Berwick, Dr Johnston. PtrcciNiA Adosl^. On the leaves of Adoxa moschatellina, in Lang- ton Wood, Mr T. Brown. Mucedinem. EuROTiuM EosARTJM, Grcv. Crypt. Fl. tab. 164, fig. 2. On the un- ripe fruit of various roses in several parts of Berwickshire, Dr Johnston. Helmisporitjm velutinum. On a branch of decaying sycamore in the Hirsel woods, Sir W. Jardine. Helmisporium ch^lospermum, Bot. Gall. ii. 929. On the dead straw of the oat, Mr T. Brown. Plants for which no Beriviclcskire Hahitats are mentioned in Br Johnston'' s Flora. Arundo arenaria. Links about half a mile south from Coldingham sands, not plentiful, Mr A. Carr. Carduus NUTANS. In fields about Edrom, and at Ma^'field, Mr E. Dunlop. Probably introduced with clover-seeds. Clinopodium vulgare. Birgham Haugh, Dr E. D. Thomson. Cynoglossum: ofeicinaee. On Coldingham shore, plentiful ; and about Halidown farm, sparingly, Dr Johnston. Endocarpon Weberi. Stitchell Linn, Mr T. Brown. HiERACiuM UMBELLATUM. Ou the Edinburgh road near Hatchetnize, Miss Bell. Mentha gentilis. Sides of the Whiteadder, from its mouth to Edington, occasionally, and intermixed with M. hirsuta. Mr C. 0. Babington. Lepidium campestre. Banks of the Dean, Dunglass, Eev. A. Baird. Poterium sanguisorba. On the banks of Coldingham Lough, very sparingly, Mr Mitchell. Eanunculus lingua. Ferne}T.-ig and Lithtillum Lochs, plentiful, Dr E. D. Thomson. In a bog at Craig's Walls, parish of Edrom, Mr Hendersoti. 58 ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERTVICK-TTPON-TVTEED. Vaccinium oxycoccus. In a bog to the north of Sweethope Farm- touse, plentifully, Mr T. Brown. Sedum villosum. On the Lanimermuirs in the parishes of Longfor- macus and Westruther, plentiful, Mr T. Brown. Ecklaw Edge, parish of Cockburnspath, Eev. A. Baird. PLANTS IMPERFECTLY NATURALISED. AcoNiTUM NAPELLTJS. Banks of Wooler Water above Haiighhead, Northumberland, Mr Mitchell. Anchtjsa sempebvirens. In a small dean near Ninewells House ; road side between Reston and Eeston-mains ; and by the road side at Mordington Church, Mr Henderson. Apium petroselintjm. Banks of the Tweed near Fireburn Mill, Berwickshire, plentiful, Miss Bell. Aster salicifolius. Banks of the Leet behind the Hirsel Woods, but planted there, Mr E. Embleton. Bromits secalinus. In a wheat-field at Spittal, North Durham, with Lolium arvense, abundant, (the wheat-seed came originally from the Isle of Wight) ; occurs also in corn-fields occasionally throughout Berwickshire, Dr Johnston. HiEBAciuM aurantiaoum. Pease Bridge Woods, Eev. A. Baird. In Hirsel Woods, Miss Hunter, but evidently an outcast of the gar- den. Miss Bell finds Aquilegia vulgaris and Narcissus pseudo-narcis- sus in the same woods, and of their garden origin no doubt can be entertained. Iberis amara. Tweed side near Lennel Church, Miss E. Bell. Bed of the Tweed above Coldstream, Mr Embleton. Bed of Ale Water, Dr Johnston. Lonicera caprifolium. Common near Coldstream in woods and hedges. Miss Bell. Lysimaghia nummularia. Dunglass Dean, Eev. A. Baird. Medicago sativa. Has naturalized itself on the banks of the Whiteadder near White-hall, Mr Henderson. Eeseda frutictjlosa. On the baUast behind Berwick Pier, 1832, Mr E. Dunlop. Has disappeared, 1834, Dr Johnston. EuMEX MARiTiMUS. On the shore behind Berwick Pier, introduced with ballast, 1832, Mr E. Dunlop. Has disappeared 1834, Dr Johnston. SoLANXJM NIGRUM. On the ballast behind Berwick Pier, plentiful in 1832, Mr E. Dunlop. Mr Manners could find only a single speci- men in 1834. Acer campestre. Common in hedges about the Hirsel, where there are several trees of it that have attained considerable size, Dr Johnston. Handsome specimens of this tree occur on the south side of Dunglass Dean, Eev. A. Baird. ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICK-TTPON-T-W^ED. 59 Kahitats for some of the rarer Plants of the District, additional to those given in Br Johnston's Flora. DICOTYLEDONES. Astragalus glycyphylltjs. Banks of the Whiteadder, a little beyond Claribad Mill, plentiful, Mr R. Dunlop. Banks of Wooler "Water above Coldgate Mill, Northumberland, Dr Johnston. By the quarry at "Whitehall, Mr Henderson. Adoxa moschatellina. Banks of the Till opposite Twizell Castle, North Durham, Miss E. BeU and Miss Hunter. Arenaria verna. Banks a little north of Eyemouth Fort ; banks above Earnsheugh, Mr A. Carr. Arabis thaliana. Mouth of Lumsden Dean ; remains of the old bridge over the Eye at Ayton Park, Mr A. Carr. Betonica officinalis. Banks of the Whiteadder at "Whitehall, sparingly, Mr Henderson. About Houndwood, plentiful, Dr Johnston. Card AMINE amara. Wood opposite Carham Hall, Dr E. D. Thomson. Ciohorium: intybus. Twizel Castle, Dr R. D. Thomson. On the Cove Farm near Cockburnspath, Rev. A. Baird. Chrysosplenium alternifolium. Near the Mineral well at Corn- hiU, Miss E. BeU. Cerastium arvense. Road side leading from Coldingham to the Lough, Rev. A. Baird. Campanula latifolia. Wooded banks of the Whiteadder below Chirnside Bridge, Mr R. Dunlop. Convolvulus arvensis. Grravel pit on the Ayton road near the seven mile stone fi-om Berwick, Mr A. Carr. Fields to the north of Eyemouth, Mr Henderson. Centaurea cyanus. Corn-fields about Lintlaw, plentiful, Mr R. Dunlop. Daphne laureola. Bank below Whitehall, seemingly wild, Mr Henderson. Epilobium angustifolium. On a wild and rugged bank above Claribad Mill in great profusion ; banks of the Whiteadder below Chirnside Bridge, Mr R. Dunlop. On the steep rocky bank, south side of the AVhiteadder, aboiit a quarter of a mile below Edington Mill, abundant, Mr Henderson. In a ravine above Ross, Dr Johnston. EuoNYMUS EUROP^us. Banks of the Whiteadder above Claribad Mill, Mr R. Dunlop. In Humbletondean, near Wooler, Mr Mitchell. Cockburnspath Towerdean, Rev. A. Baird. EcHiuM vulgare. Very abundant by the side of the Whiteadder from Ninewells to Huttonhall Mill, Mr Henderson. Euphorbia exigua. Birgham-haugh, Dr R. D. Thomson. 60 ADDITIONAX HABITATS FOR SOME OF THE Fedia olitouia. Eavine above Ross ; banks of the Eye below Ayton Bridge, Mr A. Carr. Fujiahia claviculata. Stony places on tbe banks of the Dye near Longformacas, Mr T. Brown. In Elmondston Dean, and in Penman- shiel wood, most abundant, Dr Johnston. Galium boreale. Not uncommon in the neighbourhood of Cold- stream and Anton's Hill, Miss Bell. Roadside near Edrom, Mr T. Brown. Genista tinotoeia. Boggy ground on Birgliam-muir, Dr Johnston. Geranium lucidum. Birgham-wood, Dr R. D. Thomson. Glaucium luteum. Lumsden shore; very plentiful, Mr A. Carr. Sea-shore below Cockburnspath, Rev A. Baird. Gentiana campestris. Coldingham Muir, near the Lough ; Birg- ham Muir, in profusion ; and on the banks of the Dye above Longfor- macus ; Dr Johnston. Hyoscyamus NIGER. Near Eyemouth and Burnraouth, Mr Henderson. Hypericum humifusum. St. Foin ; Bankhead Wood, Dr R. D. Thomson. Hieracium subaudum. Penmanshiel Wood ; and in the Pease- bridge Dean, plentiful, Dr Johnston. Hieracium sylvatigum. Penmanshiel Wood, plentiful, Dr Johnston. Ligustrum vulgare. Peasebridge Dean, Mr A. Carr. Apparently indigenous there. Lotus corniculatus, var. b. Smith. Near Buncle, Mr T. Brown. Littorella lacustris. Mill-pond of Northfield, plentiful, Dr Johnston. Melampyrum pratense, var. montanum. On Yevering-Bell, Dr Johnston. Malya mosohata. Banks of the Whiteadder near Whitehall, and by Covey-heugh on the banks of the Eye, Mr Henderson. Side of the Whiteadder about Blanerne ; and most abundant in a field below Preston farm-house, Mr R Diinlop. Bridge over the Leet at Castlelaw, Dr R. D. Thomson. South side of the Whiteadder, a little below the Raven-knowes, Mr R Dunlop. QiInanthe phellaxdrium. In the Loch at the Hirsel, and in Lith- tillum Loch, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. Nasturtium terrestue. Lithtillum Loch, Dr R. D. Thomson. Nasturtium sylvestre. Tweedside at Lennel, and Birgham-haugh, Dr R. D. Thomson. Parietaria officinalis. Yault on the site of the old church in front of Mordington House, Mr A. Carr. Plantago maritima. One mile south of Bogend on the Kelso road, Dr R. D. Thomson. Pyrola media. Dirrington-law, Mr T. Brown. In the wood opposite Bankhouse, Mr W. Baird. RARER PLAJTTS OF THE FLORA OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. 61 Rosa rubiginosa. Sea-banks near tlie sliore, half way between Ross and Lamberton Shields, a single shrub, but perfectly wild, Dr Johnston. EuMEX SANGUINEUS. In the woods at Whitehall, Mr Henderson. Langton Woods, plentiful, Mr T. Brown. Sanicula europ^a. Banks of the Eye near Houndwood ; and of the Whiteadder, near Whitehall, Mr Henderson. Saxifraga granulata. Banks below Ninewells, Mr Henderson. Symphytum tuberosum. Near the mill-call above Huttonhall Mill; and by the side of the Whiteadder at Whitehall, Mr Henderson. Samolus Valerandi. Ferueyrig bog ; Learmouth bog. Miss Bell. Salix pentandra. Near Langton House, Mr T.Brown. Base of Yevering-Bell, Dr Johnston. Symphytum officinale. Post-road near Purvis Hall, Miss Hunter. Dunglass Dean, Eev. A. Baird. Senecio tenuifolius. On the Raven-knowes between Claribad and Edington Mills ; in the lane between Edi-iugton and Cocklaw, Mr R. Dunlop. Sambucus ebulus. Banks of the Tweed and of the Leet near the Hirsel, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. ScABiOtiA columbaria. About the Linn at Stitchell House, Mr T. Brown. Craigs below Nenthorn-Gerrick on the Eden, Dr Johnston. Thalictrum majus. Dowlaw Dean, Mr Henderson. Thalictrum flavum. Dunglass Dean, Mr Henderson. Trollius EUROPyEus. Very abundant in a plantation above Billy Mill, Ml' Henderson. Bog south of Hardacres, Dr E. D. Thomson, in boggy ground below Lumsden, abundant, Dr Johnston. Trifolium officinale. Plentiful on the banks of the Tweed about Coldstream, Miss Bell. Tweedside at Lennelhill and Birgham-haugh, Dr E. D. Thomson. Utricularia vulgaris. Ferneji'ig Bog, Dr E. D. Thomson. Viburnum Opulus. Base of Yevering-Bell, Dr Johnston. Lees' Cleugh, Mr T. Brown. Veronica scutellata. In the parishes of Langton, Longformacus, and Westruther, very general, Mr T. Brown. Verbascum thapsus. Bank of Wooler- Water, near Coldgate Mill, Mr Mitchell. Viola lutea. Banks near Earnsheugh Camp, plentiful, Mr A. Carr. MONOCOTYLEDONES. Alisma ranunculoides. Loch Lithtillum, Dr E. D. Thomson. Pond on St Abb's Head, Mr A. Carr. In a bog below Lintlaw Farm- house, Mr E. Dunlop. Arum maculatum. In a hedge at Whitehall, Mr Henderson, 62 ADDITIONAL HABITATS FOE SOME OF THE Allium vine ale. Banks of tho Eye, near Ayton House, Mr A. Carr. Blysmus compeessus. Side of Whiteadder above and below Clari- bad Mill ; and veiy plentif id in a bog a little west of Blanerne House, Mr E. Dunlop. Caeex laevigata. In the brushwood at the base of Yevering Bell, with C. remota et paniculata, Dr Johnston. Lemna trisulca. Pond behind Heughhead farm-house, Mr A. Carr. Ltsteea ovata. Banks of Eye at Coveyheugh, Mr A. Carr. Orchis conopsea. Banks about Coldingham Lough, and the Mill- pond of Northfield, Dr Johnston. SciRPUS lacustris. Ferneyrig Bog, Dr E,. D. Thomson. SciRPUS SYLVATicus. Birgham Wood, Dr E. D. Thomson. Banks of the Eye, below East Eeston, Mr A. Carr. Typha latifolia. In an old marl-pit at Craig's- walls, Mr Hender- son. In a pond near Crumstane, plentiful, Mr E. Dunlop. Teiticum caninum. Whiteadder at Hutton Hall, Dr E. D. Thom- son. CEYPTOaAMOUS. AspiDiuM oeeopteris. Edmondston Dean, Dr Johnston. AspiDiuM ANGULARE. Dunglass and Cockburnspath Tower Deans, Eev. A. Baird. AspiDiuM aculeatum. Dunglass Dean, Miss Hunter. Twizelglen, Miss E. BeU. BoTRYCHiuM LUNAEiA. On the moor above Mayfield, plentiful, Mr E. Dunlop. PoLYPODiuM DRYOPTERis. Lamington Dean, abundant, Mr Hender- son. Edmondston Dean, in great profusion, also on Yevering Bell, Dr Johnston. Anomodon viticulosum. Pease Dean, in fruit, Eev. A Baird. HooKERiA LUCENS. Boggy places on Dirrington, and in Langton Lees' Cleugh, Mr T. Brown. Dunglass Dean, abundant, Eev. A. Baird. Hypnum uncinatum. Near Buncle, Mr T. Brown. Hypnum alopecueum. In fruit in Langton Lees' Cleugh, Mr T. Brown ; and in Pease Dean, Eev. A. Baird. Orthotrichum pulchellum. At Longformacus, and near Gravin- ton, Mr T. Brown. Cockburnspath Tower Dean, Dr Johnston. Anthoceros punctatus. In a field east of Buncle, with Riccia glauca. Mr T. Brown. Polytrichum urnigerum. Near Eogo, Mr T. Brown. Parmelia aqtjila. Eocks at Sweet-hope and Hairy-heugh, Mr T. Brown. BAUER PLANTS OF THE FLORA OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. 63 Parhelia conspersa. Sweet-hope Craigs, Haiiy-lieugh Craigs Mr T. Brown. Stiota pulmonaria. Langton Lees' Cleugli, in fruit, plentiful, Mr T. Brown. Agaricus rutilans. Hirsel Woods, Dr Johnston. BanMiead Wood, Dr E. D. Thomson. Arcyria punicea. Bankhead Wood, Dr E. D. Thomson. Hirsol Woods, Dr Johnston. ^ciDiuM LACERATUM. On the fruit of the hawthorn on Yevering Bell in June 1834, in great profusion, Dr Johnston. Erineum PYtuNUM. Ou the leaves of the crab-tree in Bankhead Wood, Dr E. D. Thomson. PoLYPORUS FOMENTARius. At Stitchel House, Mr T. Brown. Phascidium repandum. On Sherardia arvensis about Eccles, Dr E. D. Thomson. Scleroderma cepa. In the Hirsel Woods, abundant, Dr Johnston. A Catalogue of the Cirrhipeda found on the Coast of Berwickshire. By Dr Johnston. I. Cirrhipeda sessilia. 1. Balanus communis, Mont. Test. Brit. p. 6. On the roots and stems of the larger Puci, on stones from deej) water, and on crabs, common. 2. Balanus Balanoides, Mont. Test. Br. p. 7. On stones, fuci, and the shells of crabs, common. This species exhibits the interior cellular structure of the valves in a very distinct manner. 3. Balanus punctatus, Mont. Test. Brit. p. 8, ^j/. 8,Ji(/. 5. This is by much our commonest species, and literally covers the rocks between tide-marks, for it is never found within the lines of low water, as the preceding usually are. When young the shell is smooth and oval (Lepas convexula, Fenn. Br. Zool. iv. 150, jy/. 38, Jig. med.), but in its growth, pressed upon and constrained by others, it becomes irregular in its outline and rough. On the Berwickshire shores it seldom exceeds the quarter of an inch in diameter, and is about the same in height, but from the neighbourhood of Bamborough I have specimens nearly an inch long, the height exceeding three times the measurement of the base. 4. Clitia striata. Beach. Lepas striata, Fenn. Br. Zool. iv. 148, pl.A\^ fig. inf. Balanus striatus, Mont. Test. Br. p. 14. Creusia verruca, Lamarck. On the roots and stalk of Lamiuaria digitata, on shells and corallines, common. 64 CATALOGUE OF THE CIRRHIPEDA FOUND IN BERWICKSHIEE. II. CiRRniPEDA PEDUNCULATA. 5. roiitelasmis anatifera, Leach. Lepas anatifera, Lin. Anatifa Isevis, Lamarck. Adhering to a plank of wood cast on sliore in the winter 1819-20. This is the shell which, little more than a century ago, was generally believed to be the embryo of the barnacle duck ; and, in the year above mentioned, I had the tale told me by our fishermen, yet, it must be allowed, in a manner that showed they were very incredulous of a fable, to the truth of which very learned his- torians and theologians, and very observant naturalists, have deponed with the confidence and sincerity of eye-witnesses. 6. Scalpeilum vulgare, Leach. Lepas scalpellum, Lin. Pollicipes scalpellum, Lamarck. On corallines, especially on Tubularia ramosa, not uncommon. ( (35 ) An Address delivered at the Fourth Anm'versari/ of the Berwickshire Naturalists'' Club, September 16. 1835. By Eobebt Embleton, President. On resigning the chair to which I was, by yoiu' kindness, elected, it is necessary that I should briefly recapitulate the proceedings of the Club for the past year. Before doing so, however, I must express, as one of the promoters of this Club, the pleasiire and gratification I feel in seeing the hopes and expectations formed at its commencement so fully realized. Four years have now elapsed since its formation, and, if we regard what we have already accomplished with f eehngs of satis- faction, it cannot be deemed presumptuous to hope, that the labours of each succeeding year will afford additional matter for congratulation, and fresh inducement for exertion. The last anniversary meeting was held at Twizell House, the beauti- ful seat of our late President, and was one of great interest. I need scarcely recall to your recollection the admirable addi'ess of our Presi- dent on his leaving tlie chair ; nor the satisfaction every member of the Club must have then felt at the approbation expressed by two of the most distinguished zoologists of the present day, Messrs Jenyns and Yarrell, who attended it, of the plan, objects, and probable advan- tages of our Club. No insects of any note were captured on our walk, which was necessarily a hurried one ; but two or three good plants were found in Bradford Dene, viz. Mentha gentilis, Sayiguisorba officin- alis, and Clinopodium vulgar e. At that time I laid before you the first part of my List of the Malacostraca of Berwickshire and North Durham, specimens of which were also exhibited ; and Dr Johnston read a des- cription of a new British shell [Natica helicoides), a specimen of which was shewn. The rest of the day was spent in inspecting the beautiful collections in the various departments of natural history belonging to Mr Selby. Our December meeting was held as usual at Berwick. The day was such as to prevent our taking any excursion farther than the beach, and nothing of any novelty presented itself to our notice. The papers, however, which were then read were neither few nor unimportant. \st, In the botanical department. Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell fur- nished us with a list of some rare and additional species of the Crypto- gamia of Berwickshire, amongst which may be mentioned, Peziza hcemisphcerica, P. sarcoides, Agaricus fragrans \ with Polyporus betulinus, Cantharellus Icevis, Merulius lachrymans, Bcedalea coiifragosa, &c., specimens of which were exhibited. 2d, An elaborate and interesting paper on the Entomostraca of Berwickshire was read by Mr W. Baird. This class of crustaceans, fi-om their minuteness, and from the care and per- severance necessary for their elucidation, has engaged but little the attention of naturalists since the time of Miiller ; but, from the short B. N. C. — NO. III. E 66 MR embleton's abdbess. period since Mr Baird commenced their investigation, lie has deter- mined no fewer than eighteen species ; and as the season was not the most propitiovis for them, we may look forward to the discovery of many not yet known to the naturalist ; and there is no one, I am sure, more capable of doing justice to the subject than he who has under- taken it. ^dJy, A description, by the Eev. A. Baird, accompanied by many specimens, of those curious and fantastically formed productions, known by the name of " fairy stones," from the Fairy Grlen, near Melrose, so beautifully described by Sir Walter Scott in the Monastery. Ath, Notices of the occurrence of several rare and interesting species in Ornithology, Ichthyology, and Entomology, by the Secretary ; ' also a list of the Bivalve Mollusca found on the coast of Berwickshire, illus- trated by specimens, and remarks on the diversities in their organization and habits, bth, Additions to the previous list of the Malacostraca of Berwickshire and North Durham, which I laid before you at the previous meeting. On that day two more were added to those I had already determined ; one, the beautiful Pinnotheres Cranchii., first found on the Devonshire coast by Dr Leach, was brought by the Reverend Mr Turnbull from Eyemouth ; the other at the time was supposed to be a species new to the Fauna of Great Britain, and on referring it to Mr J. E. Grrey of the British Museum, that opinion was confirmed. It is proposed to give to this species the name of Galathcaa nexa, as form- ing a beautiful link between the Galathcea sqtiamifera and G. spinigera of Dr Leach. Three specimens have only as yet been obtained, two in Berwick Bay, and the other near Embleton. The next meeting at Allanton, a district through which flow the streams of the Blackadder and Whiteadder, so well known to the lovers of that recreation which honest Isaac Walton describes as "the most calm, quiet, and innocent of all," was one of the best attended ; 1 Of these notices we may jjarticularize the following ; — "1. Phalaropus lohatus, Grey Phalaropc. Shot in the Tweed at Berwick, by Mr Good, about the middle of November 1834. "2. Botaurus stellaris, Common Bittern. A fine specimen was shot at Redhcugh, parish of Cockburnspath, by Mr Johnston, on December 6, 1834. Mr Selby has a specimen in his collection, which was shot near Berwick. " 3. Liparis Montagui, Flem. Brit. Anlm. p. 190. Occurs occasionally on the coals of Berwickshire, adhering to rocks and stones at low water-mark. It has not been previously noticed as a Scottish species, and is considered rare even in the south of England. Among our specimens there was one marked with dark stripes, arranged in a very peculiar fashion. • " 4. Locusta migratoria. Locust. I have a specimen taken at Beal, North Durham, by Mr W. WUloljy, about the middle of August 1834 ; and another taken at Scremerston on the 17th of September. A third was capbured at Chirnside, where, as Mr Henderson told me, at least one other individual was seen about the same time. " 5. Oiceoptoma dispar. Of this rare insect I took a specimen on the heights near SmaUholm Tower, in our excursion there in July 1834. " 6. Chrysomela lamina. I have a specimen which was taken on the Castle-hills at Berwick. " 7. Vanessa lo, Peacock Butterfly. Taken near Eedheugh and the Pease Bridge, by Mr Ealph Johnston. "8. Melitsea Selene. Captured near Duns e." Mil embleton's ADDKESS. 67 and from the diversity and beauty of the scenery, each member had sufficient scope to follow the bent of his inclination in the pursuit of his favourite study. The first paper read was one on the parr (the Salmo samidus of WiUughby and Ray), by Sir W. Jardine, being the second of a series on the fishes of the Tweed. 2n(lly, A notice of the fishes found in the Tweed, &c., and in the rivulets and the lochs in the vicinity of the Hirsel, by the Earl of Home. ^dJij, A list of the insects captured in the neighbourhood of Berwick, by Mr C. Babington, when on a visit to Dr Johnston, was read by the Secretary ; and the Reverend A. Baird brought for exhibition some beautiful specimens of Pezha humosa found on Bunkle-edge, and an addition to our fiora. The business of the day was concluded by a brief, clear, and interesting lecture, on the best means of keeping a meteorological table, by the Reverend Mr "Wallai e. The June meeting took place at Head Chesters, and whether we view the district with the eye of a naturalist, or as a mere lover of the picturesque, there is perhaps no spot we could name in preference to it. The bold and beautiful boundary of the " vast and mighty deep," so well known to geologists, the dark and deeply wooded glen of the Pease Burn, the high and scantily clothed heights above Old C'ambus, furnish a variety of scenery, either taken conjointly or separately, which few districts can boast of. In the walk between the Siccar Point and the mouth of the Pease Burn, the Astragahis glycij2)hyUns was observed in several places by that acute botanist Dr Grreville, whose presence added not a little to the pleasures of the day. A sj^ecies of Hieracium^ which remains to be determined, was observed in several places, and in great profusion. After the walk, Mr Selby and Dr Johnston laid before the meeting lists of the insects taken by them at Allanton. A beautiful figure of the singular animal Cuvieria Phantapus (Plem.) was shewn by the Secretary ; it was sent froni Eyemouth by the Reverend Mr Turnbull, and is the first instance of its occurrence on the coast of Berwickshire. Mr Selby mentioned a striking and beaiitiful display of instinct which had come under his notice, as shewn by a pair of water-hens in the removal of their eggs from their nest, which had been invaded by the rise of a water-course, on the margin of which they had built. In the contemplation of this instance of instinct, we may trace the same Great Cause, which pervades all nature ; and to those wlio look upon the followers of natural histoiy as weak and foolish, we might use the admonitiou given by him of old — Go, consider, and be wise. The next meeting at Earlston presented many attractions, not having been visited previously by any member of the Club. The day being windy, was not favourable for the capturing of insects, consequently few species were taken. Included in the walk were the grounds of the far-famed " Cowden Knowes," and the Banks of the Leader : in such a spot the botanist would naturally expect to find many a favourite G8 MR embleton's addkess. flower ; nor will he find himself disappointed. Amongst those obser- ved on that day were, Veronica mo7itana, Vicia sylvatica, Stellaria nemo- rum, Uijpericum hirsuttcm, JEuonymus exiropceus^ Vihirnum optdus, JRuhus saxatiUtt, Circcca lutetiana, Hieracium pr'enanthoides, Campanula latifolia, MeJica unijlora, Bromus asper, Carex sylvatica, Aspidmm lohatum ;^ and VerhasGum Thap)sus was gathered by Sir W. Jardine, but too near the cultivated grounds of the mansion not to leave some doubt as to its being indigenous. Lists of the insects taken at last meeting were read by Dr Johnston and Mr Selby. An interesting addition to the Pheno- gamous plants was commiinicated by Dr Johnston, the Orohus sylvaticus, which he had found in Howpark Dene, in the parish of Coldingham,^ along with Pyrola media. 3dly, Observations on the strata of Berwick- shire and North Durham, by Dr E. D. Thomson. 4thly, A paper on the Skeleton of a Eed Deer found at Cheswick ; and another upon the opening of a Cairn at the same place, in which were foiind the remains of a human skeleton, and some ancient weapons, by Mr Donaldson, concluded the business of the day. In this brief review of the labours of the past year, the increase to our knowledge in the various departments of our pursuits will be found to be neither little nor uninteresting. Those members who have hitherto laboured so zealously, I hope will still continue their exertions ; and I trust that each and all will strive to add their mite, to make our knowledge as perfect as possible. As the mighty torrent owes its power and grandeur to the tributary streams, by which in its course it is fed, so the general stock of human knowledge and happiness is increased by the efforts of each individual member of society. The progress of Natural History of late years has been rapid and extensive. Clubs similar to our own are springing up in various parts of the king- dom ; and its natural history will never be fully investigated, until each county can boast of one. "When we consider what we have already done, and what still remains to do, even in this county, the productions of which are better known, I believe, than those of any other in the kingdom, we can easily imagine what a field of discovery in every branch is yet unexplored ; and when we shall have attained to a complete enumeration of the species of each class, what a bound- less and inexhaustible raine for wonder and admiration still remains, in the investigation of their habits and iises in the different places assigned them in the creation. To rest satisfied with the mere know- ledge of the name of an animal or plant, is to stop on the very threshold of Nature's wide domain. The true naturalist seeks to discover the great laws of Nature : their contemplation leads him to admire and adore the wisdom and power of Him who has given them ^ All these were gathered in Redpath Dean. ^ Found also by the Rev. A. Baird, on a wooded bank between Penmanshiel Wood and Bank-house. ADDITIONAL MEilBEKS. DESCRIPTION OF NATICA HELLICOIDES. 69 bounds they canuot pass, in tlieir reproduction, preservation, and annihilation. He investigates their harmonious connexion, their wonderful organization and po^yers, their uses, as they conduce to supply his wants, reheve his cares, assuage his disease, embellish his life, or add to his happiness. In their pursuit he finds health, con- tentment, and peace. To him, the fertile vale, the barren heath, the cloud-capped hills, and the dry and arid rock, fui'nish objects for his stud}- and delight ; and with a mind influenced by such feelings, he is ready to exclaim, " These are thy works, God, and they iiroclaim thy praise." Lid of Memiers, continued from p. 33. J. S. Donaldson, Esq. of Cheswick, . . May 6. 1835. Eev. M. Dods, Belford, .... Eev. W. B. Cunningham of Prestonpans, . Sir David Erskine of Dry burgh, . . Sept. 16. Description of Natica helicoides, a neio British Shell. By Dr GrEORGE Johnston. Natica helicoides. Shell ovato-conical, smooth, white, imma-culate, covered with a yellow- ish epidermis ; whorls 5, rounded, separated by a channelled sutiu-e, the spire produced and rather obtuse ; aperture pure wliite, with a small fissure on the pillar. Length yVths ; breadth scarcely i^-^ths. Sal. Berwick Bay. Ohs. This new species was found in the refuse of a fishing-boat. "V\Tien the epidermis is removed, the whorls appear to be finely striolate in a spiral direction. Animal imknown. List of the JIalacostraca Pudoj)hthahna, found on the coasts of Berici'^kahire and North Durhani. By I\. Embleton, Surgeon. 1. Carcinus JTcvnas, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 5. Common dog crab. Pefin. Brit. Zool. iv. tab. 2, fig. o. Everywhere common. 2. PoRTUNus puber, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 6. Velvet crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. tab. 4, fig. 8. Not uncommon. 70 LIST OF MALACOSTRACA PODOPHTHALMA. 3. PoxiTVisvs corru(/atiis, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 7, figs. 1-2. Wrinkled crab. PeM?^. Brit. Zool. iv. tab. 5, fig 9. Berwick Bay, rare. Dr Johnston. 4. PoiiTUNUs plicatus, Milne Edwards' Hist, ties Crust, part 1, p. 442. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. tab. 4, fig. G, a. Occasionally brouglit from deep water in Embloton Bay, adhering to the nets of the fishermen. 5. PoKTUisrus marmoreus, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 8. Marble crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 2, fig. G. Occasionally met with in the same way as the preceding. 6. G \:scER paffurus, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 10. Common crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. pi. 3, fig. 7. This is the only species used as food on these coasts ; it is taken in vast quantities, and during the whole year. 7. Pinnotheres pisunt, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 14. Pea crab. Penn Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 1, fig. 1. Inhabits bivalve shells, chiefly those of the common mussel. I have taken it also from the Cardium Icsvigatum, the only specimen of the shell that has occurred to me. It is by no means vincommon in the mussels obtained at Holy Island, but all are females. 8. Pinnotheres Cranchii, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 14, figs. 4-5. A single specimen has only come under our notice ; it was brought from Eyemouth by the Eev. Mr TurnbuU. 9. M.ACROVO'DiA.phakmffium, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 23, fig. 6. Slender- legged crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 9, fig. 17. Common. 10. Macropodia tenuirostris. Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 14. This is of much less frequent occurrence than the preceding ; it is easily distinguished from it by the length of the rostrum, and by the spines on the inner side of the claws. 11. LiTHODES Maja, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 24. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 8, fig. 14. This beautiful crab is not uncommon in Embleton Bay. The male is at once distinguished by the length of the claws and size of the spines ; the females, however, are much more numerous, not above one male occurring in five or six. They are called LLarpers by the fishers. 12. Ebalia Pennantii, 1 each, Mai. Brit. tab. 25, figs. 1-6. Uneven crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 9, a, fig. 19. Rare. A single specimen, taken at Redheugh, Berwickshi 'e, in the collection of Dr Johnston, and another in my own, taken in Embleton Bay, are the only ones that have come under my notice. In both, which are females, the abdominal covering is marked with two rows of bright scarlet spots, a character not noticed by Dr Leach. 13. Hyas araneus, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 21, A. Spider crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 9, fig. 16. Common. Grenerally covered with fuci and corallines. 14. Hyas coarctatus, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 21, b. Berwick Bay. Dr Johnston. LIST OF MALACOSTRACA PODOPHTHALMA. 71 15. Inachtjs Dori/nohus, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 22. Berwick and Embleton Bays. Not unfrequent. IG. PoRGELANA plafycJwles, Milne Edwards, Hist, des Crust, pi. 22, fig. 5. Grreat-clawed crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 6, fig. 12. Very commoB. in Berwick Bay, but more rare to the soutli. 17. PoRCELANA longicornis, Lamarck, Anim. s. Vert. v. 230. Long- borued crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 1, fig. 3. A beautiful species, found frequently in the roots of the Facus palniatus. 18. Pagurus Sfrehlomjx, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 26. Hermit crab. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 17, fig. 38. Very common, occupying shells of the genus Turbo and Murex. 19. GrALATUEA squamifera. Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 28, A. Berwick and Embleton Bays. Not common. 20. Gaxathea spinigera. Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 28, b. Pemi. Brit. Zool. pi. 14, fig. 26. A common but beautifully marked species. 21. GrALATHEA riigosa, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 29. 1 enn. Brit. Zool. iv. j)l. 13, fig. 25. Not uncommon ; differs from either of the pre- ceding in the extreme length of the first pair of claws. 22. GrALATHEA nexa, nova species. Three specimens of this hitherto unnoticed species have only yet been found, two in Berwick Bay, and the other in Embleton Bay. It forms a beautiful Knk between G. squamifera and G. spinigera, approaching to the fh'st in the shape of the body, and to the latter in the shape and size of the claws. The characters of the three species may be thus expressed: (1.) Gal. spinigera. Arms rather small, flattened, hirsute, very spinous ; the spines arranged along each margin, and a row of lesser ones down the middle ; ligament of the marbled shell bright blue. (2.) Gal. nexa. Arms large, hirsute ; the hand without spines, the wrist with a single one on the inner side, or, when two, the anterior is much the smallest ; ligament of the shell brown t^Plate I). (3.) Gal. squamifera. Arms large, almost naked ; the hand without spines ; two unequal spines on the inner side of the wrist ; the posterior spine one-half less than the anterior; ligament of the shell blackish. 23. Nephrops norvegicus. Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 3G. Norway Lobster. Pf»«.Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 12, fig. 24. One of the most beautiful of the Crustacea ; on the coast of Berwickshire, opposite to Cold- brandspath, it is not uncommon, but is rarely seen farther south. To the Eev. A. Baird of Coldbrandspath, I am indebted for the specimen I possess. 24. Crangon vulgaris. Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 37, b. Common Shrimp. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 15, fig. 30. On all our sandy bays. 72 CONTRIBUTION TO THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 25. Pandalus annidicornis, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 40. Eed Shrimp of the fishermen. Berwick ]iay, &c. not uncommon. Remarkable for its briglit red colour ; the antennae, which are very long, marked with alternate red and white bands. 26. Paltemon Squilla, Leach, Mai. Brit. tab. 43, figs. 11-13. In pools in the Bay on the north-east side of Holy Island, «S:c. Frequent on the coast of Berwickshire. 27. AsTAcus Gammanis, the Lobster, Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. pi. 10, fig. 21. Taken in great numbers on this coast. The regular time for commencing to take them for the London Market is the 1st of December. A full-grown lobster, to use the language of the fishers, must measure four inches and a half in the length of the barrel ; they then bring from ton to fourteen shillings a-score ; if below that size, they bring only half price. Of late years, the numbers taken annually have very much decreased, owing to the increase of the fishery. 28. AsTACvs ^fluviatilis, the Cra^^-fish, Pom. Brit. Zool. pi. 15, fig. 27. In the rivulets to the south of Berwick Bay, this species is not uncommon. Dr Johnston, however, has not met with it in Ber- wickshire. Contributions to the Flora of Benvickshire. 1. Additional Species. Sphagnum squarrosum. In peat bogs on Coldingham Moor. Dr Johnston. Peltidea aphthosa. On rocks west from Longformacus Manse, sparingly, Mr Thomas Brown. Agauicvs fra(/ra?is, With. Bot. Arrang. iv. 161. Anton's-hill and Hir- sel Woods, in October and November, not uncommon, Miss E. BeU. Agakicus roseus, With. Bot. Arrang. iv. 258. Hirsel Woods, Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. Cantharellus Imvis, Bot. Gall. ii. 797. Parasitical on Hgpnum ruta- huluni, Miss Hunter. Description. Pungus sessile, of a uniform white colour, thin and membranous, cupped, the disk somewhat uneven, the margin entire, even or sinuous ; hymenium not veined, roughish. The largest specimens are fully three-tenths in diameter. When old, the disk becomes often nearly plane. On drying, the plant shrivels up, so that it can scarcely be recognised, but its original appearance is restored by immersion in water. Djevalea con/rapsa, Bot. Gall. ii. 795. Boletus lahyrinthiformis, With, MB BAIRD ON THE "FAIRY STONES." 73 Bot. Arrang. iv. 329. On the decaying roots of trees at the Hirsel, • Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. Mertjlius lachnjmans, Grev. Fl. JEdin. 397. On much decayed fir sticks from the Hirsel Woods, Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. Peziza hemisphcerica, Bot. Gall. ii. 744. P. hispida, With. Bot. Arrang. iv. 354. Anton's-hill Woods, Miss Hunter. Peziza sarcoides, Grev. Fl. Edin. 423. Hirsel Woods, Miss E. BeU and Miss Hunter. PoLYPORUs hetulinus, Grev. Fl. Edin. 400. On the trunk of a decaying birch tree near Anton's-hiU, Miss Hunter. 2. Additional Habitats. Hieracium Prenantlmdes. Banks of the Dye at Longformacus ; Pease Bridge Dean, Mr Thomas Brown. Hieracium umhellatum. Near Woodend, in the parish of Langton, Mr Thomas Brown. Pteris crispa. On the Black-hill at Earlston, plentiful. Agaricus Jiahelliformis, A. ficoides, With. Bot. Arrang. iv. 303. On decaying sticks at the Hirsel, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. Helyella mitra. Anton's-hill and the Hirsel Woods, not uncommon, Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. Peziza macropus. Hirsel Woods, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. Peziza ochroleuca. Hirsel Woods, Miss BeU and Miss Hunter. Peziza umbrina. Anton's-hill woods, common, Miss Hunter, PoLYPORUs variiis. On decayed sticks from the Hirsel Woods, plentiful. Miss Hunter and Miss E. Bell. 3. Erratum. For E.HAMNUS cathaeticus, page 56, read Hippophae rhamnoides. Remarks on the Mode of Formation of certain curiously shaped Stones, found in the led of a small stream near Melrose, and popularly hnoivn in the neighhourhood hy the name of the ^^ Fairy Stones.''^ By the Eev. A. Baird. Those of us who remember with anything like correctness some of the earlier of those interesting productions known throughout the civilized world by the title of "The Waverley Novels," will have little difficulty probably in recalling to their recollection the scenery of " The Monastery." They will recollect the beautiful descriptions which there occur of "St Mary's ruined pile," — of the smiling scenery of fair Tweedside, — of the ancient castle of the Glendinnings, — of the pool in the river where the poor Sacristan was so uncivilly and unmer- 74 MR BAIRD ON THE " FAIRY STONES." cifully ducked by the White Lady, — and of the usual spot itself of that fair creature's residence, the pastoral Valley of Grlendearg. These several scenes occur within a very few miles of each other, and in each and all of them there is an interest and charm of no common nature, whether we consider their own inherent beauties, or the many pleasing associations which either the genius of the poet's pen, or the deeds of other years, have thrown around them. Of these various scenes, however, the last is the one which at present is more immediately in- teresting to us, as it is the scene where not only many of the principal events of the romance are supposed to have taken place, hut where also the curious substances occur which are to form the subject of our present speculations. This pleasing little valley commences about two miles westward from the town of Melrose, its general direction being from north to south, and extending in length about five miles. It is watered by a limjDid little mountain stream, named the Elwand or Allan Water, which, after forming some very pleasing scenes, dis- charges itself into the Tweed on its northern bank, and near the site of the ancient bridge across that river. Towards the south, the valley thus opens into the wider vale of the Tweed, while at its northern extremity is situated the ruin of Hillslop Tower, the undoubted Glendearg of the romance. There are several ways of access to this valley leading from different directions, but to see and to examine its scenery to the greatest advan- tage, the most interesting, although certainly not the shortest, is by the streamlet's side, along a winding path through Langlee-wood, the property of Lord Sommerville. During this part of the walk the scenery is very pleasing, although much contracted ; but on leaving it a wider glen gradually opens to view, bounded on one side by a pre- cipitous bank or scaur of a reddish colour, varied here and there by a few intermingled patches of green sward, and on the other by a series of more gently swelling eminences, forming, from their more cultivated appearance, a striking contrast to those opposite to them. Proceeding onwards this kind of scenery continues for some time with little inter- ruption, till we arrive at a scene somewhat different, an amphitheatre of scaurs and precipices thickly strewed with copsewood, at the foot of which the streamlet is seen working its troubled way. This spot is generally known by the name of the " Fairy " or " Nameless Dean," and it is in this part of the valley, as the name itself suggests, that the " Fairy Stones," as they are vulgarly called, are most frequently found. These are of various sizes, from that of a bean to two or sometimes three inches in circumference, and of a great variety of shapes, some exhibiting the exact appearance of hunting-caps, some of tea-pots, kettles, buttons, walnuts, &c., &c. Grenerally speaking, however, their usual form is roundish, with a flattened base ; and they are all seemingly composed of a pretty pure clay, which yields more QT less readily to the knife. They are almost invariably found by MR BAIRD ON THE "FAIRY STONES." 75 collectors in the bed of the stream, and from their singular shapes and equivocal sort of origin, have most probably given the name of the " Fairy Dean " to the little valley in which they are usually found. These stones are well known to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and seem to be regarded by many with no small veneration. "Well known, however, though they are, I have not been able, except in one trifling book, to meet with a single notice or remark upon the subject. This book I do not now remember the title of, but its object, as far as I can at present recollect, is to serve as a guide to strangers visiting the neighbourhood of Melrose and Abbotsford. In this little work, the author sums up both his description of the external appearance of these stones, and his opinion of their origin, in two short lines. " Here occur," says he, " some curiously shaped stones, which are said to be found after great falls of rain ;" " and which are justly sup- posed," as he adds in a note, "to be the petrifactions of some mineral spring hard by." "Whether this supposition was the author's own in- vention or not, or whether, along with his own, he expressed the opinion of any other observers, I know not ; but I fear the explanation which he offers, will hardly satisfy those who examine these sub- stances even with the most common attention. They evidently bear no earthly similitude to a "petrifaction" (if that word at least is to be understood in its proper meaning), and I know of no " mineral spring hard by " possessing any such qualification as that alleged. This idea, therefore, appearing so unsatisfactory, it will be necessary to have recourse to some other explanation ; and accordingly, on talk- ing over the subject with some acquaintances, I have heard two other opinions upon the subject, which I shall next very shortly notice. The one is, that they may have been originally portions of a soft clay rock, occurring somewhere towards the head of the glen, which, having been detached from their native situation by the action of the stream or weather, had gradually been worn into their present fantastic shapes by simple attrition in the channel of the rivulet : and the other, which, before visiting the scene personally, I was inclined to think sufficiently satisfactory, is, that they may have been originally imbedded portions or nodules contained in an amygdaloidal rock, that is to say, nodules of fine clay, which, by infiltration from above, had gradually found their way into the cavities with which that kind of rock abounds, and which, partly by the influence of the weather, and partly by the occasional violence of the water, had been forcibly dis- engaged, and carried down into the bed of the stream where we now find them. Neither of these opinions do I now consider as correct ; for, with regard to the former supposition, if they were merely portions of a clay rock, formed into their present shapes by simple attrition and the unceasing flow of the waters over them, why, it might be asked, do we not find such stones in every similar situation where clay rocks occur? and why should the Allan Water manufacture such 76 MR BAIRD ON THE " FAIRY STONES. curiosities, and no other water ? But, besides this, the great variety in the shape of the stones themselves, is a strong objection against this supposition. For, were they formed merely by friction, we should expect of course that they would all uniformly assume the circular form ; and that, instead of finding one perfectly flat on one side and roundish on the other, and instead of the sharp angles and projecting lines we observe in others, as beautifidly marked as if they had been turned by art, we shoidd find them of one uniform indistinct round- ness, and certainly without the beautiful chai'acter of the projecting lines already alluded to. And with regard to the second supposition, it may be sufiicient to state that no amygdaloidal rocks appear to occur in all this neighbourhood, nor any other rock in which nodules of this description could be imbedded. The rocks, where visible, appear in general to be stratified, the fundamental ones at least being greywacke and greywacke slate. The other rocks I cannot take upon me at this moment to name (unless to suspect that there may be slight traces of the old red sandstone), for the only regular visit I ever paid to the glen was a hurried one, and that too when the shades of even- ing were beginning rapidly to close around me. Dim and indistinct, however, though the surrounding objects were now becoming, enough of light was still left to guide me to another theory upon the subject, which possesses the merit at least of being a simple one. I imagine, then, that these stones are in fact little else than a peculiar kind of stalactite, and, generally speaking, formed in much the same way, although their component parts are somewhat different from ordinary stalactites. On several parts, accordingly, of the banks of this dean there flow little trickling streams of water, and in one place the bank is composed entirely of a stiff tenacious alluvial clay, with boulders of different rocks and of various sizes firmly fixed in it, and fi'equently projecting considerably beyond the surface of the clay of which the bank is composed — (a specimen of this kind I at one time had, but cannot now exhibit it, which I am sorry for). Down this slope water is continually trickling, highly saturated, as we may suppose, with the particles of the fine clay, which, as it flows, it of course deposits either in small hollows on the surface of these boulders, or round any little inequality or obstruction on their surface to which it can attach itself. Thus, for example, in any rolled mass, such as that now before me, we can easily suppose that there may be many little inequalities either higher or lower than its general surface, — that water regularly trick- ling over this, highly saturated with the particles of a fine and tena- cious clay, meeting with these inequahties and obstructions, would find something on which, or around which, to form a deposition, — that a nucleus would thus be formed, and that, as the water kept trickling, layer after layer would be gradually added, until at length the deposi- tion would increase into the form and size which these stones generally ^ssume. Such I am inclined to consider as the general mode of for- DK JOHNSTON S CATALOGTJE OF BIVALVED SHELLS. 77 mation of these curious substances ; and this being admitted, the various peculiarities of figure observable in them may easily be ac- counted for. Those, for instance, with a protuberance to one side more than another, would be deposited on the surface of the boulder inclined at a considerable angle ; those again with the most perfect shapes, would be formed on the under side of the stone in a vertical position, like a regular stalactite ; and so we might equally easily ex- plain any variety of figure in those specimens which have a flattened base, and which thus shew that they must at one time have adhered to a level surface. Those again which have an oval shape, composed as it were of two distinct hemispheres, we may suppose to have been formed in this manner, viz., by the water flowing over a hollow on the surface of the mass or boulder, that this hollow will gradually be filled by the particles of the fine clay, which, as they will naturally have more attraction for themselves than the smooth surface of the rock or stone they are deposited on, will thus go on increasing, layer after layer being added, until at length the figure of an oval or double hemisphere is assumed. It is easy likewise to explain how they occur so often single, and are generally found in the bed of the streamlet. A very violent shower of rain would account satisfactorily for both appearances. The violence of the water flowing over the banks would loosen many of the imbedded boidders, — they would rush furiously down the slope, — from the rough- ness and resistance of their course they would part with their attached fairy stones : these would thus be carried into the bed of the stream, where, as before remarked, they are generally found, and that too in greatest abundance after violent showers of rain. It has been remarked by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, that they are much less abundant now than they once were, at least good specimens ; but whether this be owing to their having been more sought for of late years by the increased number of visitors to this vaUey, or whether it is owing to the higher grounds above the Dean being more drained than formerly, and consequently allowing less water to trickle down their slope, I shaU not pretend to determine. A Catalogue of the Bivalved Shells found on the Coast of Berivichhire and North Durhatn. By Dr Johnston. SuBKiNGDOM MOLLUSCA. Class CONCHIFEEA. I. MONOMYAIEIA. OsTREADa;. Anomia punctata. Anomia ephippium. aculeata. squamula. Ostrea edulis. 78 DK Johnston's catalogue of bivalved shells. Pectenid^. Pecten maximus. opercnlaris. lincatns. Tarius. Pecten obsolctus. spinosus, Brown, Illus. pi. 33, fig. 8. Lima fragilis. II. DIIklYAIEIA. Arcade. Area f asca. Nucula nuclea. minnta. Mytilid^. Mytilus edulis. var. pellncidns. var. subsaxatilis, Williamson, in Mag. Nat. Hist. vii. p. 354, fig. 48. Modiola vulgaris.^ var. barbatus. discors. discrepans.^ IlNIONIDiE. Anodon anatinus. cygnens. CONCHACEa;. Cardium edule. echinatum.* IsBvigatum. Donax trnnculus. Tellina fabtda. tenuis. crassa. Psammobia florida. Ferroensis. solidula. Cyprina islandica.* Mactra solida. truncata. snbtruncata. elliptica, Brown, Illus. pi. 15, fig. 6. stultornm. Kellia suborbicularis.^ rubra. Cyclas corneus.^ amnicus. Pisidium pulcbellum, Jenyns. pusillnm, Jenyns. Astarte Danmonise. Scotica. compressa. Cytlierea exoleta.'' lincta. ovata. ^ Lamarck has arranged " Modiola" amongst the " Monomyairia," but M. vulgaris has three, or more properly four, adductor muscles: viz., one near each end of the shell, and two lesser ones towards the centre of the body. " The foot of this and the preceding is very extensible, and when extended is several times longer than the shell, and almost filiform. By fixing this foot at the furthest point to which it can be stretched, and then dragging the shell forwards, the animal moves with considerable rapidity ; and swims readily in a reversed position on the surface. ^ Foot of a rich pink colour, long, somewhat compressed, with a bend or elbow, whence it tapers to an olituse point : cloak with a plain thin margin, about a line in breadth, behind which it is suddenly thickened, and at regular intervals raised into glandu.lous warts or tubercles, corresponding to the grooves in the shell : respiratory and excrementitious apertures ercircled with tentacular filaments ; labial appendages long, strongly striate on one side. * Animal white ; the cloak open, with a thickened minutely crenulate border, the orifices of the passages encircled with papillas ; foot broad, compressed, the margin plain, and somewhat undulate. ^Animal clear white; syphonal tube single, cylindrical, with a plain aperture; foot compressed, tapered, thin, and flexible. ^ Often found in marl. ''Animal with a broad compressed foot; syphonal tubes united throughout, with plain apertures. DB Johnston's catalogue of bivalved shells. 79 Venus cassina, Mya arenaria. fasciata. norvegica. Lyonsia striata, Tur- Gallina, ton. undata. Sphenia Sivainsonii. Venerupis perforans. Anatina pubescens, Ttirton. Amphi- puUastra. desma pubescens, Fleming. decussata. Amphisdesma album. virginea. Solen siliqua. ensis. Pylorid^. pellucidus. Corbula striata. Hiatella rugosa.^ Lutraria vulgaris. arctica. Mya truncata. The following species I have not met with : — Pecten sinuosus. Holy Island, Winch. Mytilus edulis, var. incurvatus. Holy Island, Winch. Isocardia Cor. " This exceeding rare shell in the British catalogue was taken by me alive in the Firth, near St Abb's Head." — LasJcey in Wern. Mem. i. 385. Cardium rubrum. Holy Island, W. C. Trevelyan, Esq. Amphidesma convexuni, Fleming. Mya declivis, Dillwyn. Holy Island, Winch. Cytherea Guineensis. " Taken in deep water, off St Abb's Head, very rare. One specimen was taken alive." — Laslcey. Venus subrhomboidea. Taken by Captain Laslcey, off St Abb's Head, in deep water, very rare. Pholas Dactylus. Holy Island, Winch. crispata. Holy Island, Winch. Solen Legumen. Holy Island, Winch. In the preceding list I have followed the nomenclature of Dr Flem- ing's "British Animals," except where the contrary is specified. Of the species in italics, the empty shells only have been found, but the others have occurred in a living or fresh condition. Few of them seem to be abundant in our bay, but their apparent scarcity may be owing to the want of proper means and opportunities of ascertaining their locahties, for the di-edge has not been used, my specimens ha^dng been picked from the refuse of fishing-boats, or on the shore after storms. The Pecten Imeatus, P. spinosus, Lima f raff His, Area fusca, Kellia rubra, Anatina jmlescens, Tellina crassa, Psammobia fiorida, Astarte compressa, and Mya nonegiea, are, however, considered among our rarest species by collectors in general, and in that respect are the most interesting in the catalogue. The Mussel {Mytilus edulis) is our most plentiful species, and at cer- tain seasons is brought to the market, many people being fond of them when roasted or pickled ; and it is also occasionally used as a bait by ^ Animal with two large syphonal tubes, united thi-oughout ; a small byssus towards the anterior end. 80 DR Johnston's catalogue ov bivalved shells. our fishernaen. On tlie rocky and exposed coast of Berwickshire it rarely attains a size exceeding- one incli, but becomes very large and fine in the gravelly and sandy bays which lie opposite Holy Island, where it finds a supply of brackish water. The Cockle^ ( Cardium edule) is gregarious in the same places, whence large quantities are annually taken for sale to Berwick and the neighbouring villages. The Clams {Fectenidce) are rare with us, excepting the small ohsoletus, which is the favourite food of the flounder, from the stomach of which many speci- mens can generally be procured. The Solenes, or Eazor-fish, and the Myse abound on the sandy flats about Goswick and southward, burrow- ing in the sand and gravel, but being used neither for food nor bait, they are consequently not sought after. The only Oyster-bed is in the channel between Holy Island and the mainland, and is the private property of the Earl of Tankerville. In the inventory of the Priory of Holy Island for 1381-2, we find expended for "a sloop (navicula) bought of a certain Scotchman (de quodam skoto), with the oysters and other goods contained in it, 100s." From the nature of the pur- chase, Mr Eaine thinks it may be inferred " that there was at that period no oysters to be procured at home ;" and suggests, that the oysters of this very cargo were the founders of the present valuable colony. {Hist. JY. Durhatn, p. 110.) The conjecture is, I believe, un- founded, for not many years since, the oysters being exposed, by the unusually great recess of a spring tide during the night, to a severe frost, were all killed, and the bed had to be renewed from Prestonpans ; and, if my information is correct, a similar accident has occurred more than once during the last half century. None of our bivalved shells are remarkable for their brilliancy or beauty. The fresh-water species are of a dirty green or horn colour, while the marine are generally of a uniform dull chalky-white, often covered with a brown epidermis, and sometimes marked with coloured lines and spots, but less strongly than on the same shells from the southern shores of our island, and greatly inferior to the sjiecimens figured in our illustrated works on Conchology. The pectenes, how- ever, exhibit mottled and streaked surfaces of brown, yellow, and white, which is very agreeable, and hence they have been applied to many articles of fancywork ; and when the outer layer of the shell of the mussel is removed with care, a fine display of blue and white bands, blending their irridescent hues, is exposed. The delicate valves of Kellia sulorhicularis I have seen very successfully used in imitating the petals of the hawthorn. The cloak of the pectenes deserves attention from the beauty and ^ " On the sands of those farms (Eoss and Elwick) are very large cockles, known in the country by the name of Budle-cockles : also an oyster scarp, which has long been famed by those who profess an elegant taste, the oysters produced there being said to excel those of every other part of the kingdom." — Hutchinson'' s Durham, V. iii. p. 471. MR BABINGTON's catalogue OF INSECTS. 81 singularity of its structure. The free margin is clouded and mottled something like the shell, with brown, orange, black, and white, and two or three series of short ciliated tentacula, which are not exactly marginal, encircle the outer edge. Similar tentacula garnish the thickened margin next the adhering part of the cloak, intermixed with a few of much larger size placed at distant intervals ; and in this inner series we find little black bead-like bodies placed at regular intervals, glowing with the lustre of some precious stones. These beads are very hard, iridescent, circular, nearly sessile, and, I think, cupped in the centre ; but of their function no probable conjecture has been offered. It win be observed from the table, that no species of Tubicolae is found on our shore, — species which are more peculiarly organized for burrowing in wood, clay, and stone ; yet our limestone rocks are per- forated in every direction with thimble-like cavities, large enough to admit a finger. These holes are the sole work of the Hiatella niffosa, which has the wonderful property of excavating its cells in the rock by the excretion probabl}' of an acid or solvent, the nature of which, however, remains to be discovered. Catalogue of Insects found at Berwick-iqjon-Tiveed, in August 1834. By Charles C Babington. Dromius linearis.^ Hydroporus alpinus.^ fasciatus.i sexpustulatus. Helobia Gyllenhalii.' ■ proxinius. brevicollis.^ ovalis. Amara Isevis. jngularis. Bradytus apricarius. erythrocephalus. Calathus mollis.'^ flavipes. Argutor erytliropns. pubescens. Trechns miiratus. Colymbetes maculatus. Aepus fulvescens.'' ■ bipustulatus. Peryphns agilis. Gyrinus natator. Bembidiam paludosum.^ Enicocerus viridisenens. Notiophilus striatus. tristis. Haliplus obliqiius. Gibsoui. ruficollis. Elmis Yolkmasri. Hygrotus scitulus. variabilis. Hydroporus depressus. lacustris. ■ 12-pmictatus. rugosus. 1 Found on plants by the side of the river at Berwick, but not in plenty. 2 These two insects occur in great plenty under stones by the sea-shore. ^ In plenty under stones by the sea. * Taken in the crevices of rocks near to hig-h-water mark, by Dr George Johnston. 5 Taken by Mr Ralph Johnston on the sides of the Whiteadder, at Claribad Mill. ^ In the Whiteadder river. 3? 62 SIR WILLIAM JARDINE ON THE PARR, Elmis aenens.' Sphseroderma Cardai. Phalacrxjs coruscns.* testacea. Cryptophagns cellaria. Haltica nemortiin. Byrrhus pilula. Phaedon tumidulaa. Necrobia ruficollis. Chrysomela fastuosa. Anthonomns fasciatus. Cassida rubiginosa. Notaris acridnlus. Coccinella dispar. Hypera punctata. globosa. nigrirostris. variabilis. Otiorhynchus piceus. 11-punctata. Apion scneum. Rhyzobius litura. ■ radiolus. Charseas graminia. ■ subsulcatum. Pedicea rivosa. Adimonia halensia. Notice of the Parr. By Sir William Jardine, Bart. The fishes inhabiting the rivers of Berwickshire are comparatively limited in the numbers of their species, but some of them are of much importance and value, while others, as the little fish we are now about to notice, although abundant, and familiarly known as a parr, has yet some unravelled mysteries in its history, and there are, I believe, only a few persons at the present time, who are able to say what it really is, or to point out the distinctions which separate it from its congeners. Among naturalists generally, an uncertainty seems to have existed whether this fish was the young of some of the migrating salmon ; but more lately, this opinion seems to have resolved itself into this, whether the parr was a species, or only the young or a variety of the common river trout. The following observations are the result of comparisons made last month between Tweed specimens of the parr and S. Fario. "We shall first, however, shortly notice the habits of the former. Among the British Salmonidse, there is no fish where the habits are so regular, or the colours and markings so constant. It delights in the clearest streams, with rocky or gravelly bottoms, and seems pretty generally distributed in Britain in those which have this character ; but is not at all found in the low and flat districts, whore the waters are deep and sluggish. It frequents the shallower fords, or the heads and lower parts of streams, in shoals, hanging nearly in one place, and in constant activity from the exertion, apparentl}" day and night. It takes any bait with the greatest freedom at all times, and when no trout, though abundant among them, will rise or bite. That part of its history which is yet unknown is its breeding. Males are frequently found so far advanced, as to have the milt flow upon being handled ; but at the same period, the females had the roe in a very backward * The species of Enicocems and Elmis were found in plenty under stones in the bed of the Whiteadder, particularly just below the bridge nearest to Berwick, ' Uad«r bark. SIB WILLIAM JABDINE ON THE PARK. 83 state. Neifhor have they been seen in an advanced state at any other season, or discovered spawning upon the shallower streams, like the common trout. It is probable that this little fish may also be found in some of the continental alpine and subalpine streams, but I cannot say so from observation. In the north of Europe I suspect it is wanting; and in our late excursion to Sutherland, a perceptible decrease of its numbers was observed towards the north. It should also be observed, that I have never seen the parr^ or been able to find any traces of it, except in rivers which had an uninterrupted intercourse with the sea. The size is from three to six inches in length ; very rarely specimens reach eight and nearly nine inches. It abounds in nearly all the Berwickshire rivers. The general colour on the upper parts is a greenish-grey, chang'ng to a pure silvery white on the lower parts, which, however, are some- times tinted with yellow. When the streams which they frequent are impregnated with moss from some of the small alpine sources, upon each side is a row of oval-shaped marks of a deeper tint, and more inclining to bluish-grey than that of the upper parts ; and it is probable that from a somewhat similar marking being seen in the young of the common trout, and the young of several other Salmonidee, the supposi- tion of this being identical with some of them was first surmised. In the 'parr these markings are narrower and more lengthened in their form. The general smaller spotting of the sides seldom extends below the lateral line, and vipon the gill- cover there are almost always two black spots ; sometimes one is only distinctly marked, but a trace of the other is mostly perceptible, and the relative position of them is almost always alike. In comparison with a trout of similar size, the farr is altogether more delicately formed ; the nose is blunter ; the tail more forked ; but the chief external distinction is in the great comparative power of the pectoral fins, which are longer, much more muscular, and nearly one-third broader ; and we shall at once see the necessity of this greater power, when we consider that they serve to assist in almost constantly suspending this little fish in the most rapid streams. Scales of the parr^ taken from the lateral line, were alto- gether larger, the length greater by one-third ; the furrowing more delicate, and the form of the canal not so apparent or so strongly marked towards the basal end. In the osteology of the head, which appears to offer the most constant and well-marked distinctions in this tribe, the general delicacy (still continuing the comparison with a trout of same size) of the bones is in all parts kept up. The opircle, foi-ming the posterior edge of the gill-covers, is much more rounded, approaching, in this respect, to the form of it in th