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. <<J/; 
 sylvatica is now (May 25.) adorning with its large lovely blossoms 
 
30 ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICK-TTPON-TWEED. 
 
 the "banks of Langton woods. It is, I am persuaded, a good 
 species, tlioiigli it may be difficult to give technical marks. No 
 one who has seen it, will deny its claims, or unite it with M. 
 arve7isis." Mr Brown. 
 
 ScROPHULARiA AQUATicA — Water Figwort. On the sides of the White- 
 adder below Claribad mill, plentiful ; Mr E. Dunlop. 
 
 Mentha syxvestris — Horse Mint. In the neighbourhood of Blanerne, 
 abundant ; Mr Dunlop. 
 
 Mentha crispa, Linn. — Side of Wooler "Water near Coldgate mill ; and 
 about one mile and a half above Langleyford, on the borders of 
 a rivulet flowing down from the Cheviot, and near its junction 
 with the Wooler Water ; Mr Mitchell. A specimen of this addition 
 to the British Flora being sent to Mr Winch, he pronounced it to 
 be the M. crisim of Linnaius, an opinion which has been since con- 
 firmed, and it is understood that a figure of it will soon appear in 
 the Supplement to English Botany. The following extract is 
 from a letter of Mr Mitchell : "I took the mint to Mr Bennet, 
 who has the charge of the Linnean herbarixmi. On comparing it 
 with Linnaeus' specimens it is M. crispa, as you mentioned : there 
 seems to be no natural habitat for it except in Northumberland, 
 for though Linnaeus gives Siberia, Switzerland, and Hartz in 
 Grermany, the first of these, by a pencil note of Sir J. E. Smith, 
 appears to have been founded on a very different plant. The 
 Swiss habitat adopted from Haller is taken from sjDecimens stated 
 by the author himself to be exotic : and the plant of the Hartz, 
 fijst noticed by Weber in 1774, appears, from the reference by 
 Hoffman of Ehrhart's plant to the same locality, to have been the 
 M. crispata.'''' 
 
 Stachys AiiBiGTJA — Amhiguous Woundioort. In Edmonston Dean, Ber- 
 wickshire, among whins, sparingly ; Dr Johnston. 
 
 Chenopodittm tTRBicuM — Upright Goose-foot. Hirsel AVoods ; Mr 
 Embleton. 
 
 Salix argentea — Silvery WiJloio. In the bog on Birgham Muir ; Dr 
 Johnston. In a bog to the north of Sweet-hope farm house ; Mr 
 Brown. 
 
 h. MONOCOTYLEDONES. ' 
 
 Sparganium natans — Floating Bur-reed. In the foss at the top of 
 
 Coldingham Lough, abundant ; Dr Johnston. Northfield MiU- 
 
 pond ; Mr Dunlop. 
 Serapias latifolia — Broad-leaved Uellehorine. Woods at the Hirsel 
 
 and Castle-law ; Misses Bell. 
 Oarex distans — Loose Carex. Mouth of the Whiteadder ; Mr E. 
 
 Dunlop. 
 
ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. 31 
 
 Carex fulva — Tawmj Carex. Near Legerwood, Mr T. Brown. Bogs 
 
 about Biincle ; and pleutiiul in tlie bog below Lintlaw ; Mr E. 
 
 Dunlop. 
 Carex vesigaria — Bladder Carex. In boggy ground above Wooler 
 
 Water, oiDposite the Shepherd's house near Middleton HaU ; Mr 
 
 Mitchell. 
 Carex CEderi — CEhrian Carex. In a bog near Mayfield, abundantly ; 
 
 Mr Dunlop. 
 Bromus RACEiiosus — Stiiootli Bromo-grass. In fields near Coldstream 
 
 and Anton's HiU ; Miss BeU. 
 
 c. CEYPTOaAMOUS. 
 
 AspiDTTjM THELYPTERis — MaTsJi Shield-fem. Learmouth bogs, North- 
 umberland ; Mr E. Embleton. 
 OsMUNDA REaALis — Common Osmund-royal. Eouting Linn near Fenton, 
 Northumberland ; Mr Mitchell. 
 
 Phascum axillare. Wettish Dean a little to the south-east of Eae- 
 cleugh Head ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Gymnostomum fasciculare. Langton Lee's Cleiigh ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Orthotrichum diaphanttm. On the wall of Langton Wood; Mr 
 Brown. 
 
 Bryttm marginatum. Langton Lee's Cleugh ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Hypnum stramineum. Choose Lee, in the parish of Langton, in fine 
 fruit ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Hypnum piliferum. Langton Lee's Cleugh ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Hypnum muraxe. Langton Wood ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Hypnum cordifolium. Langton Woods ; Mr Brown. In the bog on 
 Birgham Muir ; Dr Johnston. 
 
 Marchantia conica. Dunglass Dean, plentiful ; Eev. J. Baird. Lang- 
 ton Lees ; Mr Brown. 
 
 JuNGERMANNiA ciLTARTS. Bunclo Wood ; Muir near Langton Lees, 
 plentiful about Stitch el House ; Mr Brown. 
 
 JuNGERMANNiA CRENULATA. Langton Lee's Cleugh, and at Legerwood • 
 Mr Brown. Dunglass Dean; Mr Embleton. 
 
 JuNGERMANNiA REPTANs. Langton Leo's Cleugh ; Mr Brown. 
 
 JuNGERMANNiA REsupiNATA. Lammermuirs near Westruther; Eoad- 
 side near Nesbit ; Mr Brown. 
 
 JuNGERMANNiA TOMENTELLA. Langton Leo's Clough ; Mr Brown. 
 
 JUNGERMANNIA. SERPYLLiFOLiA. Sides of a little Stream that falls into 
 the AVhiteadder above half a mile west of Abbey St Bathan's j 
 Mr Brown. 
 
 CoLLEMA NIGRESCENS. Laugtou Woods ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Gyrophora polyphylla. Abbey St Bathan's ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Parmelia caperata. Hairy-heugh Crags, Berwickshire ; Mr Brown, 
 
32 ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICK-UPON-TWEED. 
 
 Calicitjm spiL'EROOEpnALUM. On the harks of trees ahout Stitchel 
 IIouso ; IMr Bro\Yii. 
 
 Sticta fuliginosa. Langton Leo's Cleiigh ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Cheoolepus ebeneus. On shelving rocks in Edmonston Dean, Ber- 
 wickshire ; Dr Johnston. 
 
 Sphacelaeia cirrhosa. On the shore a little north of St Abb's Head ; 
 Dr Johnston. 
 
 Dasya coccinea. Berwick Bay, occasionally cast on shore in abun- 
 dance ; Dr Johnston. Near Embleton ; Mr Embleton. 
 
 Ulva defraota, Withering. Coldingham shore, after a storm ; Hev. 
 Mr Campbell. It is in some respects an interesting sea-weed, — 
 mostly so in this ; that no one seems yet to have detected a speci- 
 men with the slightest aj)pearance of a root. Mr C.'s specimens 
 were equally imperfect. The plant was first discovered on the 
 beach at Weymouth, by Major Yelley, and described by him in 
 Witheriug's Ai'rangement of British Plants. It was afterwards 
 found by Mr Brodie of Brodie, on the coast of Fife, who supplied 
 the specimens figured in English Botany ; and subsequently 
 Messrs Borrer and Hooker gathered it on the shores of the Orkney 
 Islands ; — so that, if a rare species, it has at least an extensive 
 geographical range. Dr Hooker says it is very unlike any other 
 ulva, " and has rather the appearance of animal matter," but the 
 opinion here hazarded has no foimdation. It is a true vegetable, 
 as I am perfectly satisfied by a careful examination of it, possessing 
 in fact the character of the genus Dumontia of Greville, who, 
 however, takes no notice of this species in his Algse Britannicse : 
 Dr Johnston. 
 
 Paemelea hyaxina. In the Hiisel Lough, plentiful, swimming on 
 the surface in green gelatinous, globular, more or less lobulated 
 masses, from the size of a pea to that of a walnut ; Dr Johnston. 
 
 NosTOC VERRUcosuM. In a small rivulet running into the Whiteadder 
 near Ord-wheel ; Mr Brown. 
 
 Hydnum membeanacetum. Hot. Gall. On a decaying trimk of some 
 tree in New-water-haugh wood ; Dr Johnston. About Eccles, 
 common ; Dr Thomson. 
 
 Peziza macropus. Langton Lee's Cleugh ; Mr Brown. This fungus, 
 when recently dried, exhales the peculiar disagreeable smell of 
 mice in a remarkable degree. 
 
 Peziza coccinea, Bot. Gall. ii. 740. On the ground in damp places 
 in the woods about the Hirsel. 
 
 Peziza umbrina, Grev. Fl. JEdin. 419. On the ground in the Hirsel 
 
 fir plantations. 
 Peziza. pui^ctifoemis, Grev. On decayed trees in Hirsel plantations. 
 
( 83 ) 
 
 Address to the Berwichshire Naturalists^ Club, read at its Third Anniver- 
 sary Meeting, Beptemler 17, 1834. By P.J. Selby, Esq. President. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 Having now to resign this chair, and the honourable station in 
 which I was placed at the last anniversary meeting of the Club, by 
 your kind but unmerited partiality, I shall proceed, in imitation of the 
 example recommended by the first promoter of the Society, and so 
 ably illustrated by himself and his successor in their respective ad- 
 dresses, to give a rapid, though I fear it will prove a very imperfect 
 sketch of the proceedings at our different meetings, and the result of 
 the labours and researches of the various members of the Club during 
 the past year. Before I enter more immediately into this detail, I may 
 be permitted to congratulate the Club upon its present prosperity, and 
 the probability — I had almost said certainty — of its increasing useful- 
 ness in furthering and accomplishing those objects which first led to 
 its institution. It has been increased, since the last anniversary, by 
 the acquisition of several members,* all of whom, I hope, have entered 
 the Society prepared and fully determined to contribute each his mite 
 to the general stock of information. This progressive increase of mem- 
 bers augurs well for the stability and future success of the Club ; — and 
 shows that the motives which first led to its formation begin to have 
 their proper weight, and to be duly appreciated, and that the advance- 
 ment of science, and consequent increase of knowledge, is considered 
 likely to be benefited by the existence of such societies as our own. 
 The first meeting to which I call your attention, is that of the anniver- 
 sary, held at Dunse in September 1833. Of the excursion of the day, 
 I can give but an imperfect account, having been unable to attend it 
 in person ; but from the minutes of the meeting, I can gather, that it 
 was not devoid of interest : for although the season of the year pre- 
 cluded the hope of meeting with any great variety of Flora's gifts, 
 several samples of that rare plant, the Saxifraga Hirculus, were 
 procured ; and as the woods and plantations, which embellish the 
 vicinity of the town, and the castellated mansion of Mr Hay, were 
 selected for the walk of the day, many interesting mosses, lichens, and 
 other cr3qDtogamic plants, were observed in their secluded and umbra- 
 geous recesses. To the excellent address of the President, delivered 
 
 * Rev. Mr Wallace, of Abbey St Bathan's ... - April 16. 1834. 
 
 Georpje Darling, Esq. Weetwood - .... June 18. 
 
 Mr William Carr, Ford 
 
 Eev. Mr Turnbnll of Eyemouth July 30. 
 
 Mr Francis Douglas, Kelso - - - - - 
 
 Captain Mitford, R.N Sept. 17. 
 
 Rev. J. Parker, Curate of Chatton - - - - - 
 
 B. N. C. — NO. II. 
 
34 Mn selby's address. 
 
 "upon that occasion, I need scarcely recall tlie attention of those who 
 had the satisfaction of hearing it in person ; and I am sure, those who 
 did not enjoy that pleasiire will rejoice with me, that the subsequent 
 publication of our Transactions has now placed it within their reach. 
 Among the communications read at the meeting, the first related to a 
 bird belonging to the genus Cataractes (Skua), killed upon the adjoin- 
 ing coast, and which, at that time, I could not precisely refer to any 
 of the described species, although I pointed out its near affinity to the 
 Cataractes (Lestris Eichardsonii) of the Fauna Bor. Ajner. I have 
 since ascertained, that it is identical with that kind, the under plumage 
 being subject to vary, and not always possessing the uniform brown 
 tint, as described in that work ; and further, that it is this species 
 which annually resorts to the northern islands of Scotland, for the 
 purpose of incubation, and not the true Cat. parasiticus (Arctic Skua), 
 as ornithologists have hitherto generally supposed. Dr Johnston 
 afterwards read an interesting paper, on the Insects, Mollusca, &c., 
 observed at the previous meeting held at Holy Island, emdched with 
 valuable and curious remarks on their structure and functions. Among 
 the insects I may particularise the Phjllojjertha Friscliii, a beetle of 
 rare occurrence in the north, and very locally distributed, and which 
 has only once been met with beyond the northern boundary of the 
 Tweed. Next followed a paper by our worthy secretary, Mr Embleton, 
 on the plants observed at the former meeting, and a continuation of 
 his interesting meteorological observations. Mr Mitchell also read an 
 account of the brown amethyst found in a ravine near Cheviot, amongst 
 the debris of the porphjadtic trap-rock, exhibiting a specimen of the 
 gem, and a hst of new habitats for rare plants. This was succeeded 
 by an ingenious paper of Dr Thomson's on the Tormentilla reptans, and 
 the genus Potamogeton ; and the business of the meeting was concluded 
 by a curious account of the game of Ball, as played at Dunse on 
 Pastern's Eve, by Mr Thomas Brown. 
 
 As usual, the next meeting was held in December at Berwick-upon- 
 Tweed, where, in defiance of the short days and wintry blasts, a 
 numerous party assembled. The wetness of the morning prevented 
 any extended excursion ; but towards noon, when the mists and rain 
 cleared oif , a ramble along the steep and rocky coast to the north of 
 the town, as far as the lofty pinnacle-shaped rock, called the Needle 
 Eye, from the perforation at its base, delighted those who had not 
 before visited the environs of Berwick ; and the interest of the walk 
 was increased by a search along the shore for algai and other marine 
 productions. At this meeting I may mention, that the Club resolved 
 to print the communications already read before it, a resolution I hold 
 to be of great importance, and which, I hope, will be repeated at 
 regular intervals, not only on account of the intrinsic value the papers 
 may individually possess, and which are thus made available to 
 others ; but, as an evidence that the Club is really earnest in its inten- 
 
MR selby's address. 35 
 
 tions and pursuits, and that the advancement of science and knowledge, 
 however limited in degree, is the principal object, and the ultimate 
 aim, of our association. At this meeting we were favoured with 
 communications, connected with zoology, botany, and meteorology. 
 In the iirst department, Dr Johnston gave excellent descriptions of two 
 species of the genus BelpJiinus, viz., the Belphinus phocmia (common 
 Porpesse,), and the Delphinm melas or deductor (Ca'ing whale). His 
 account, which embraced the anatomy and peculiarities of structure 
 observable in these marine animals, was further illustrated by beauti- 
 ful figures and drawings from the pencil of his amiable lady. The 
 occurrence of the Fhalaropus lobatus, a rare British bird, was also 
 mentioned as having been killed within the precincts of our district ; 
 and a rare moth,* from the wooded glen of the Pease Burn. A list of 
 localities of rare plants was furnished by our accomplished coadjutrix 
 Miss Bell ; and a second list of the same nature was also read by Dr 
 Thomson, who added three species of fungi to the cryptogamic cata- 
 logue of the district. The same gentleman favoured the Club with an 
 analysis of a ball of iron-pyrites found near Eyemouth. The business 
 of this meeting was concluded by a paper from the pen of Mr William 
 Baird, who delighted the assembled members by his admirable and 
 poetic description of the Aurora Borealis, as it had appeared on various 
 evenings during the late autumnal and winter months. Upon one 
 occasion he adverts to a noise he heard during the brightest corrusca- 
 tions of the meteor, resembling, as he describes it, the gushing of a 
 sudden breeze among trees, or the noise produced by the quick flight 
 of a bird overhead. This peculiar sound, he adds, was heard the same 
 evening by other observers in the neighbourhood; but whether it 
 actually originated with, and was caused by the aurora, or proceeded 
 from some other extraneous source (though nothing occurred at the 
 time to account otherwise for its production), he ventures not to decide, 
 knowing that a discrepancy of opinion exists upon this point, which 
 can only be set at rest by repeated and long-continued observation of 
 the phenomena. I need scarcely recall to the recollection of those who 
 attended the Spring Meeting, the pleasant and instructive day we 
 passed at Abbey St. Bathan's, so sweetly situated upon the secluded 
 and quiet banks of the silvery Whitadder, where, while some amused 
 themselves, with dexterous art and well-trimmed flies, in deceiving 
 the finny tenants of that limpid stream, othei"S resorted to the woods 
 and fields in search of Flora's treasures, or those insect tribes which, 
 recalled to life and activity by the revivifying influence of the season 
 had ah-eady quitted their hybernacular retreats. Several specimens of 
 a trout were taken, in form and character analogous to the Orange fin 
 of the Tweed, which there is every reason to believe is the fry of the 
 Salmo Trutta of authors, the common sea-trout of most of our northern 
 
 * Hipparchns Papilionarins, taken by Mr WilHam Dunlop. 
 
5^ Me selby's address. 
 
 rivers. I may also mention that, in passing througli the woods of 
 the " Eetreat," several ring-oiizels {Menda torquata) were observed. 
 These had apparently just arrived from more southern climes, and 
 were then wending their way to those upland rocks and craggy dells, 
 their approjiriate summer retreats, there to be engaged in those 
 momentous offices connected with the reproduction of their species. 
 The wheat-ear [Saxicola (Enanthe), another of our summer visitants, 
 and one of the first harbingers of spring, was also seen flitting across 
 the moory waste, catching the attention of the ornithologist, as it flew 
 from stone to stone, by the conspicuous display of its snow-white rump. 
 The communications made to this meeting were 1st, A paper by Sir 
 William Jardine, on the hirling of the Solway, with some observations 
 on its habits and distribution ; and further shewing that this fish 
 appears to be identical with the silver-white of the river Tweed. By 
 most ichthyologists it has been considered a good species ; in which 
 opinion I am still inclined to concur, although, upon a late occasion it 
 was deemed by Monsieur Agassiz, an authority of great and acknow- 
 ledged weight, to be a variety only of the Sahno Trutta of Linn. 
 Further observations, therefore, upon its structu.re and habits, must 
 be carefully instituted, in order either to establish its claim, by 
 characters of sufficient importance, to a specific distinction, or, if found 
 wanting in them, to erase at once its name from the station it has 
 hitherto held in our systematic arrangements. The same gentleman 
 mentioned the fact of the alpine swift {Cypselus alpinus) having again 
 been killed in Ireland, and the occurrence of the Larm Salini in the 
 same country. He also adverted to the curious variety of the hare 
 found in that country, possessing a fur of a different quality and colour 
 from that of the common kind, and more analogous to that of the 
 alpine hare {Lepus variahiUs, Flem.) When first noticed, it was 
 supposed to be a distinct and undescribed species ; but farther observa- 
 tion leads to the conclusion, that it is only a marked variety of the 
 Lepus timidus, — intermediate stages, as it were, having been found, 
 which connect the extreme variety with the common ty^e. Mr 
 Henderson afterwards gave a portion of a meteorological register, 
 which he was requested to continue ; and after the exhibition of a rare 
 species of star-fish, the Ophiura granulata^ new to the Berwickshire 
 district, by Dr Johnston, the meeting was concluded by an interesting 
 notice from the same gentleman, of some Eoman funereal urns, recently 
 dug up at Murton, near Berwick. 
 
 The first Summer Meeting in June, was held at Millfield, in the 
 richly cultivated vale of Till, but being at that time absent upon an 
 excui-sion to the wilds of Sutherland, I can only speak of the occur- 
 rences of the day, from the minutes of the Club. From these it 
 appears, that the anticipation of a dehghtful and productive walk, to 
 the hill of Yeavering-Bell, was, unfortimately, in a great measm-e 
 disappointed, towards noon, by a heavy and continued rain, which 
 
MR selby's address. 37 
 
 compelled the party, however reluctant, to seek the shelter of the 
 village inn, but not before that rare and lovely plant, the Pyrola 
 sccunda, had been cidled by Dr Johnston and Eev. Mr J. Baird. Com- 
 munications from both these gentlemen were afterwards read ; that of 
 Mr Baird referred to a plant found near to Kirk-Yetholm, and which 
 he endeavoured to prove was the Anemone rammculoides and not the 
 Ranunculm auricomus, as had been suggested by Professor Graham. 
 It, however, appears, that doubts still remain upon this point, which 
 we may hope to have resolved, by the reappearance of the flower in 
 the same locality where it was first discovered by Mr Baird last spring, 
 who has undertaken to watch narrowly its progress the ensuing season. 
 Dr Johnston's paper contained a notice of the plants and insects 
 observed at Abbey St Bathan's in April last. Among the former, he 
 particidarizes the Popidus tremula^ which grew, evidently in a wild 
 state, upon a bank of natural brushwood, nearly opposite the little inn, 
 and the Morchella esculenta (Morel), a rare fungus in this district, but 
 which was that day gathered in considerable abundance in the woods 
 around the "Retreat." He also added to his former list of Berwick- 
 shire fishes four new species, among which we notice the Blennius ten- 
 tacularis,'^ a fish new to the Scottish Fauna, and of rare occurrence 
 upon the English coast. Mr Ai-mstrong mentioned to the Club the 
 fact of the ring-ouzel breeding upon the hills in the neighbourhood of 
 "Wooler, from whence he had procured the nest ; and that a hooded 
 crow ( Corvus comix), had this last spring paired with a carrion crow 
 ( Corvus corone) at Fowberry, where it was kiUed from the nest, con- 
 taining eggs. Examples of a similar nature have also been known to 
 occur in Dumfriesshire, by oiu' colleague, Sir W. Jardine ; and 
 Temminck remarks that, in the northern counties of Europe, where 
 the C. corone is rare, a mixed breed is sometimes produced between it 
 and the C. comix. I cannot, however, entertain a doubt as to the specific 
 difference of the two birds, althoixgh Dr Fleming, I beheve, hesitates 
 in considering them distinct ; the marked and constant difference of 
 plumage, the form and size of their bills, their different cries, easily 
 distinguished by the acciu'ate observer, and the dissimilarity of habits 
 and manners, evidently separate them too far to warrant us in con- 
 sidering them as mere varieties of the same species. This is indeed 
 further strengthened by the rarity of such associations, and the cir- 
 cumstances under which they always take place, viz., when one of the 
 species is rare and thinly disseminated, as in those parts quoted by 
 Temminck, or in our own country, where some accident has detained 
 the C. comix, and prevented it re-migrating at the usual period with 
 its congeners. Circumstances again unfortunately prevented my pre- 
 sence at the July meeting of the Club at Smailholm, where a lovely 
 
 * Of Brannich. Cuv. Reg. Anim. ii. 237. The Crested Blenny of Pennant,—^ 
 Mr Yarrell, to whom the specimen was presented. 
 
38 MR selby's addeess. 
 
 day and an interesting excursion, in a district rendered classical l»y tKe 
 magic pen of Sir AValter Scott, appears to have given unalloyed satis- 
 faction to the assembled members of the Club, and to their visitors 
 fi'om the Tweedside Physical and Antiquarian Society. The principal 
 object of the excursion was the examination of Whiter ig Bog, remarkable 
 for its extensive deposit of shell-marl, used by the agriculturists of the 
 district as a manure, or alkaline coiTcctive. The Peel or Tower of 
 Smailhohn, one of the Border defences in earlier times, was afterwards 
 visited, and the botanical treasures of the morass, at the foot of the 
 rocky steep upon which it is perched, where several interesting plants, 
 such as the cranberry ( Vaccinium Oxycoccus), sundew {Drosera rotundi- 
 folia), &c., were gathered. Several additions to the Berwickshire 
 Flora were announced, as the discoveries of ouj colleagues, Miss 
 Hunter and Miss Bell, whose exertions and success in enriching the 
 Flora of the district have before been adverted to. A pleasing and 
 graphic account of the excursion of the Club in June was afterwards 
 read by Dr Johnston, and the business of this meeting was concluded 
 by some remarks upon a deposit of marl by Mr Mitchell, which he 
 further illustrated by specimens of the shells composing it. 
 
 Such, gentlemen, is a rapid, but inadequate recapitulation of the 
 labours and proceedings of the Club during the third year of its 
 existence, but from which, however imperfect it may be, we can 
 gather that much important information upon various subjects con- 
 nected with the objects we have in view has been brought before it, 
 and that many interesting additions in the various departments of 
 natural history have rewarded the zeal of our colleagues, and en- 
 riched the catalogue of our local Pauna. It may perhaj)s be objected 
 that the excursions of the last year have not been so productive as 
 those of the two former ; but, even allowing it were so, can we feel 
 disappointed or even surprised that such should be the case, when we 
 consider the limited district to which we are confined, and that the 
 greater part of the ground has already been trodden by the Club ? 
 Besides, it is by a closer and more minute investigation than we can 
 afford to bestow, during our appointed walks, that the zeal of the 
 entomologist, the botanist, or the cultivator of any other department 
 of natural history, can expect to be fully rewarded. But even should 
 our walks afford nothing new, or that we had not previously met with, 
 still I hold that one great object of our meeting remains in full force, 
 and its utility is but slightly, if at all, restricted, for it is the associa- 
 ting together in friendly communion of individuals engaged in similar 
 scientific pursuits who otherwise have but few opportunities of inter- 
 course ; it is in the interchange of opinion and sentiment thus person- 
 ally enjoyed, and to those friendly discussions tending to elucidate 
 truth, or correct erroneous views, that, in my humble opinion, the 
 expediency, as well as the chief utility, of such associations as our own 
 are to be estimated. Let it not, however, be supposed that I imagine 
 
MR selby's address. 89 
 
 the field of discovery in the district we embrace, or even in the very 
 limited portion of it to which our walk this day has heen restricted, is 
 either exhausted or destitute of objects to reward the patient and 
 zealous disciple of nature. On the contrary, I feel confident that the 
 mine is still rich and productive, and that our provincial fauna may 
 yet, through our exertions, be greatly extended. "Witness, I may 
 almost say, the daily discovery of species, many of them new, others 
 which have not hitherto been observed within the limit of our district, 
 by our highly-gifted and respected associate, whose labours are at pre- 
 sent especially directed to those curious and interesting beings belong- 
 ing to the invertebrate class, and whose acute and microscopic eye 
 aided by the pencil of his amiable consort, has made us familiar with 
 the wonderful structure of many of those extraordinary creatures. 
 Witness, I may add, the specLtaens of the rare and elegant insect ex- 
 hibited this very day, and captured within view of the apartment in 
 which we are now assembled. 
 
 But shoidd our research unexpectedly, and contrary to what I 
 really think can possibly happen, prove unrewarded by the discovery 
 of any thing new, or even rare, let not our ardour be depressed, or a 
 feeling of disappointment turn us aside from the contemplation of 
 Nature's lovely works ; for, though I admit the acquisition of a new 
 or unexpected object is accompanied with a feeling of a pleasant and 
 gratifying description, and is calculated to foster and increase our zeal, 
 still another, and in many cases an unexplored field, lies open to all 
 interested in these pursuits, suificient of itself to occupy our attention, 
 and reward the utmost labour we can bestow upon it, — I mean the 
 physiology and structure of what we ali-eady possess, or can at all 
 times easily acquire ; a study the most delightful, and at the same 
 time the most instructive ; a study which, in well-regulated minds, 
 cannot fail, by the wonders it discloses of consummate wisdom, admir- 
 able contrivance, and beautifvil adaptation, to improve and raise the 
 mind to that omnipotent and beneficent Being, the author of the 
 universe and all that it contains, and to call forth those feelings of 
 adoration, and gratitude, and love, the legitimate and only proper 
 objects of all our learning and scientific acquirements ; and which may 
 teach us to exclaim with the sacred poet of old, " He spake the word, 
 and they were made ; He commanded, and they stood fast," 
 
 V. J. s. 
 
( 40 ) 
 
 Notice of the Capture 0/ Deilepliila Galii {Scarce Spot Elephant Moth) a 
 rare Lepidopterotis Insect, belonging to the Family of the Spiiingidse, 
 Leach. By P. J. Selby, Esq. of Twizell House. 
 
 On tlie evening of the 12th of August 1834, soon after sunset, when 
 looking after Phalasna) in the garden at Twizell House, my attention 
 was attracted by a large moth hovering, in the manner of the Humining- 
 hird Sphinx (Macroglossa stellatarum), in front of the flowers of a 
 Monarda, and prohing their tubes with its long extensile proboscis ; 
 waiting an opportunity, I succeeded in securing it, when it proved to 
 be a beautiful and newly excluded specimen of the Bcilephila Galii 
 Steph., one of our rarest British insects. A second was taken in the 
 same garden the evening of the 14th August ; and I have since learnt 
 that another, now in the possession of Dr Johnston, was secured about 
 the same time in the neighbourhood of Berwick. This is the first 
 authenticated instance of the occurrence of this beautiful sphinx in the 
 north of England, and in the south four or five examples only of its 
 capture are recorded. 
 
 Notice of the Broivn Amethyst. By James Mitchell, Esq. E.N. 
 
 I HAVE found that rare and beautiful gem the brown amethyst, in a 
 ravine near Cheviot, Northumberland, called by the people around the 
 Diamond Quarry, from the numerous specimens of rock-crystal, and 
 other specimens of crystallized quartz, found there. A specimen of 
 the brown amethyst, cut and set, I now submit to the inspection of the 
 Society. Previously to my finding this mineral, it was not known to 
 exist in Northumberland, for the locality is not mentioned by Professor 
 Jameson in his splendid and hitherto unrivalled work on mineralog}-. 
 This ravine, which is formed by the washing away and consequent 
 decay of the porphyry rocks by a small river, exhibits blocks of various 
 sizes of quartz-rocks amongst the clay of its banks. Many of them on 
 being broken discover drusy cavities, the walls of which are filled with 
 most beautiftd crystals of quartz of various colours, tinged by iron, 
 some yellow, others blue, and some jet black, while others are the fine 
 rock-crystal, having no colouring matter. Some of the crystals I have 
 found covered with a red ochry crust of iron-ore, which could not be 
 scraped off by the knife. The brown amethyst I discovered in single 
 perfect crystals amongst the yellow detritus of the decayed porphyry ; 
 and I have no doubt that they had come from some drusy cavity in 
 the c^uartz-rocks. 
 
( 41 ) 
 
 Remarhs on a Deposit of Shell-Marl. By Mr James Mitchell, Surgeon, 
 
 Eoyal Navy. 
 
 About a mile and a half from Wooler, Northumberland, on the 
 estate of Colonel Hughes, called Middleton Hall, there is a very ex- 
 tensive deposit of shell-marl, about three or four acres in length, and 
 one in breadth. The Colonel remembers it as a lake, with its margin 
 and banks adorned with trees and shrubs ; it seems to have been fed 
 by numerous springs, some of which exist even in the present day ; 
 but it has been so well drained that now it may be crossed anywhere 
 in safety, and is indeed so dry as annually to yield a fine crop of 
 natural hay. Only a very small part of this agricultural treasure has 
 been dug into, no more being taken out than suffices for the use of the 
 estate, and it has produced very luxuriant crops. Yet, small as is the 
 part which has been opened, there is sufficient to interest the observer 
 of nature. Previous to its being drained, the peat was so spongy as 
 to measure about four feet deep ; it is now reduced to between two 
 and three. In this peat, which covers the marl, were found oak and 
 willow trees, with acorns, hazel-nuts, &c. ; but no remains of animals 
 have yet occurred in it. The marl, so far as they have yet dug, is, in 
 the best places, about ten feet, but it varies in thickness, and it is very 
 likely that it will be thicker in the centre. It is white, with rather a 
 yellow tint. In its upper strata the shells are very perfect, but below, 
 from the greater pressure, they are broken or comminuted, and in 
 general obliterated. They are the same species which are found in 
 fresh-water ponds at the present day ; and, through the kindness of 
 Mr Nichol of Edinburgh I am enabled to give their names, viz., Cyclas 
 cornea, C. pusilla, Succinea amphibia, Planorbis contortus, PI. fontanus, 
 Limneus pereger, Valvata obtusa, and V. spirorbis. There were found 
 also in the marl two complete skeletons of the red deer (Cervus elephas), 
 with very large branching antlers. They were standing in an upright 
 position, which seems to corroborate the statement of Mr Lyell, who 
 says — " Deer, and such species as take readily to the water, may often 
 have been mired in trying to land where the bottom was soft and 
 quaggy, and, in their efforts to escape, may have plunged deeper into 
 the marly bottom. Some individuals, we suspect, of different species, 
 have fallen in when crossing the frozen surface in winter, for nothing 
 can be more treacherous than the ice when covered with snow, in con- 
 sequence of the springs which are numerous, and which, always 
 retaining an equal temperature, cause the ice, in certain spots, to be 
 extremely thin, while, in every other part of the lake, it is strong 
 enough to bear the heaviest weights." — Prin. of Geol. vol. ii. p. 251. 
 
( 42 ) 
 
 Facts relating to the Tormentilla officinalis. By Dr E. D. Thomson. 
 
 The following tables have been drawn up from observations on tbe 
 Tormentilla officinalis^ which were made with the view of contributing 
 to the determination of a question which has interested most botanists 
 — whether the genus Tormentilla should be considered as distinct from 
 Potentilla, or whether the species of the former genus should be ranked 
 under the latter. I have seen observations somewhat similar, but 
 upon a less particular plan, than those I have detailed, for nothing has 
 hitherto been related regarding the soils upon which the different 
 specimens examined had vegetated, which must be considered of very 
 considerable importance in determining the effect of soil in increasing 
 or diminishing the number of petals. The plants subjected to exami- 
 nation were collected on four distinct formations, viz., 1. Mica-slate, 
 2. Old Eed Sandstone, 3. New Red Sandstone, and 4. Diluvium. By 
 the latter term is to be understood the gravel left by the retiring of 
 Loch Lomond, on the west side of that lake, on the road from Helens- 
 burgh to Luss, which passes through numerous artificial-looking 
 tumuli, presenting a rounded outline. A careful search satisfied me 
 that these were formerly islands in the lake, similar to those which 
 now vary so beautifully its surface, and which have been left as 
 isolated hillocks by the gradu.al di'aining of the lake. The gravel 
 consists of clay-slate. The new red sandstone at Helensburgh is 
 formed of fragments of clay-slate, imbedded in clay, obviously a pro- 
 duct of the disintegration of the clay-slate rocks, and is overlaid in 
 general by a stiff reddish soil. The new red sandstone of Berwick- 
 shire appears to be closely connected with the carboniferous series. 
 These observations seem necessary in order that the subsequent facts 
 may be better appreciated. 
 
FACTS RELATING TO THE TORMENTILLA OFFICINALIS. 
 
 43 
 
 100 
 200 
 
 300 
 
 400 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 700 
 800 
 
 900 
 1000 
 
 Summary, 
 
 1000 
 
 (A. g o 
 
 S CU fe 
 
 MO « 3 
 
 100 
 200 
 300 
 400 
 500 
 
 ^ 
 
 ID O 
 
 reoo 
 
 ^700 
 
 (.800 
 
 900 
 
 1000 
 
 Summary, 
 
 OS 5 o g 
 
 « S § 
 
 1000- 
 
 100 
 
 200 
 
 99 
 
 1 
 
 100 
 
 97 
 
 3 
 
 97 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1^ 
 
 100 
 
 985 
 5 
 3 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 100 
 
 n 
 
 99 
 1 
 
 99 
 1 
 
 10 
 1 
 
 "98" 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 98 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 5 10 
 
 4 
 5 10 
 
 4 
 
 6 12 
 
 4 
 
 5 10 
 
 8 
 5 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 5th Petal 
 imperfect. 
 
 4th Petal 
 deeply cleft. 
 
 6th Petal 
 imperfect. 
 
 6th imperfect. 
 
 C 2 Petals 
 I divided. 
 
 
 Summary, 
 
 300 
 
 400 
 
 500 
 
 600 
 
 700 
 800 
 900 
 
 1000 
 
 3 a 
 
 <D O 
 
 ca 
 
 — o 
 
 5 Hi 
 
 m 
 
 Summary, 
 
 1000 
 
 100 
 
 200 
 300 
 400 
 500 
 600 
 700 
 
 700 
 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 1 I 5 
 
 9«4 
 22 
 4 
 4 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 "98 
 1 
 1 
 
 98 
 1 
 1 
 690 
 6 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 1 Dyke in a 
 cultivated 
 ^field. 
 5th Petal 
 
 J very minute. 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 J 
 
44 MR RRO"WN ON THE GAME OF BALL 
 
 It appears, therefore, that of 3700 specimens of flowers, 3628 have 
 all the characters of Tormentilla ; 43 possess those of Potentilla, while 
 the remaining 29 vary in the number and proportion of the divisions 
 of the caljrs: and corolla. The conclusion to which these facts inclines 
 is, that the genus Tormentilla does exist, and that the occasional 
 midtiplicity of petals and sepals is to be referred to luxuriance of 
 growth. 
 
 August, 1834. 
 
 The Game of Hall as played in Dunse on Fasteni's Eve. By Mr 
 
 Thomas Brown. 
 
 As one object of this Club is to examine the antiquities of Berwickshire, 
 a brief notice of the above game may not be unacceptable. Though 
 still kept up, the interest taken in it has greatly decreased, and it may, 
 not improbably, disappear ere long. It is not so much, therefore, 
 from its present state that a complete description is to be drawn, as 
 from the recollections of the oldest inhabitants. I have only to regret 
 that the details here presented are not more complete. 
 
 Tastern's Eve, or, as it is here called, Eastern's E'en, was once 
 almost, if not altogether, a holiday to the inhabitants of Dunse. As 
 in many other parishes, cock-fighting was the principal amusement 
 during the forenoon, and, at one period, it seems to have been in high 
 estimation. The parish school, which was set apart for it is described 
 as having been sometimes crowded to the door, and the fees collected 
 on the occasion formed a perquisite of some value. It is certainly 
 to the honour of the present generation that this practice has 
 disappeared. 
 
 The amusements of the afternoon are both more peculiar and inviting. 
 The game is ball, played in a manner which, if not peculiar to Dunse, 
 is at least not common. Preparations for it used to begin nearly a 
 week before. Three young men were chosen to conduct them, and 
 were called " ba'-men." They met on the Wednesday of the preced- 
 ing week, to hold, along with their friends, the shaping of the baU, 
 when they paraded the town, accompanied by a drum and fiddle, playing 
 
 the tune, — 
 
 " Never let the gree gang doon 
 For the gnde o' our toon." 
 
 In this style they called at the houses of the more respectable inhabi- 
 tants, danced with the servants, and received contributions. 
 
 Till the day itseli arrived, their only duties were to coUect these 
 contributions and prepare the balls. Three are required for the game, 
 but four are always prepared. The family at Dunse Castle have so 
 liberally supported the practice, that it has been customary to leave 
 there one of the balls, which it is said are preserved. Of those played 
 
AS PLAYED IN DUNSE ON FASTERn's EVE. 45 
 
 with, the first is gilt, and called the ^^ golden ball," the second, from its 
 colour, is called the " silver ball ;" the third is spotted. 
 
 About eleven o'clock in the forenoon the honour of throwing off the 
 ball was at one time exposed to auction, in the churchyard, over one 
 of the tombstones. The arrangement of the working classes in Dunse, 
 under the different trades, was at that time much more complete than 
 at present ; and it was a subject of considerable competition among 
 them who should have the honour of throwing up the ball. My 
 informant states it as a very early recollection, that the whip-men 
 (carters) bought it for fifteen shillings, — a sum which, making allow- 
 ance for the difference of the value in money, shews the estimation in 
 which it was held. The children of the Drummelzier family, or of the 
 more respectable families in Dunse itself, have of late enjoyed the 
 honour, but it has not unfrequently been left to the ball-men them- 
 selves. 
 
 It was from the top of a small building that stood close to the old 
 Town-house, that the ball was usually thrown. Since that was taken 
 down, it is simply from the street. About one o'clock the shops are 
 shut, — the golden ball is thrown off, and the game begins. 
 
 The opposing parties are the married and unmarried men. Their 
 object is not to kick the ball, but to snatch it up and carry it off. This, 
 however, is exceedingly difficult. It is thrown into the middle of the 
 crowd, and whoever happens to gain it, is sure that hundreds will rush 
 on him from every point. The scenes to which this leads, are, as 
 may be supposed, exceedingly varied and amusing. At one time the 
 crowd is rolled together in a mass, every individual in which is making 
 the greatest exertions to gain or retain the ball. And should the 
 possessor of it be able to escape, or to throw it to any distance, the 
 rush which is made, and the eager pursuit, exhibit a very animated 
 sight. The game of the married men is to carry the ball into the 
 church, the doors of which are set open on the occasion. The un- 
 married men endeavoiu' to reach any mill in the parish, and put the 
 ball into the hopper. 
 
 The contests, though conducted in good humour, are usually very 
 determined, and when the game was in higher estimation than at 
 present, it is said that accidents sometimes happened from the pressure 
 of the crowd. 
 
 Though the unmarried men might carry the ball to any mill in the 
 parish, they generally endeavour to reach Clock -mill, about half a mile 
 to the west of Dunse. It was once customary, therefore, for a party 
 of their opponents to be stationed before it, and many a hard contest 
 took place there. The parties, however, scarcely met on equal terms. 
 The young men, spent with previous exertion, were no match for these 
 fresh opponents ; and it not unfrequently ended in their being plunged 
 in the mill-lead. If, however, in spite of all opposition, the mill-hopper 
 was fairly reached, the game was won. And then came their honours. 
 
46 MB BAIBD ON THE AURORA BOREALIS. 
 
 The miller entertained them with pork and dumpUns ; and, what was 
 of far more importance, dusted them, especially their hats, with flour. 
 Like the laurel wreaths of other regions, this marked them out for the 
 gaze of their fellow-townsmen. 
 
 In this way the three balls are played for succesively. The person 
 who succeeds in Icirhing or in milling — such are the phrases — the first 
 or golden hall, receives from the ball-men a reward of Is 6d., for the 
 second Is., and for the third 6d. 
 
 I have no means of ascertaining the antiquity of this practice. The 
 oldest inliabitants tell us that, ever since they recollect, it has been 
 falling off. It seems indeed at one time to have been engaged in with 
 much greater spirit. Whoever did not play was marked, and the inhabi- 
 tants not unusually assembled next day to inflict punishment. They 
 dragged him forth — carried him down to the cross, and, as is said, 
 knocked him against it. When one thinks of the population, leaving 
 for one day their laborious occupations, and entering with spirit into 
 the excitements of this game, he would be a stern moralist who would 
 forbid them the enjojTaent. But every picture has its darker shades. 
 The evening was generally spent in dancing and drinking. It was 
 remarked too, that if any private quarrels had arisen, they were one 
 way or other settled and set at rest on Eastern's E'en. 
 
 On the Aurora Borealis. By Mr William Baird. 
 
 In the winter season of the year, when botany can no longer afford 
 its usual animating enjoyments to the lovers of flowers ; when the 
 birds, which made our summer groves vocal with their music, are 
 silent, and seldom to be met with by the ornithologist ; when the 
 greater part of animated nature, in short, is either dead, torpid, 
 retired to their holes and caves for shelter from the severity of the 
 weather, or seeking by a rapid flight new summers in a warmer clime ; 
 when even the few pursuits which the botanist or zoologist has still 
 within his reach are further interrupted by the inclemency of the 
 season, " vapours, and clouds, and storms," or by the shortness of the 
 days, "which driving sleets deform," the meteorologist can still find 
 full employment for his powers of observation. The storms and blasts 
 of winter all contribute materials for his peculiar studies. Pleased, he 
 
 " Hears the winds roar, and the big torrent burst, 
 Or sees the deep fermenting tempest brew'd 
 In the grim evening sky." 
 
 The ever varying state of the clouds affords him constant amusement, 
 whilst he derives great delight and satisfaction in watching, by means 
 of the barometer or sjTiipiesometer, the frequent changes in the pres- 
 sure and density of the atmosphere. Many meteorological phenomena 
 
MR BAIRD ON THE AURORA BOREALIS. 47 
 
 of a more interesting nature still are of frequent occurrence at this 
 dead season of the year, and well deserving the notice of the observer 
 of nature. As few phenomena of this character have hitherto been 
 taken much notice of in this Club, I shall make no apology for intro- 
 ducing to you some observations made upon a very beautiful pheno- 
 menon, which has been exhibited in great brilliancy several times 
 since our last meeting — I mean "those dancing meteors " that cease- 
 less shake " a waving blaze, refracted o'er the heavens" — the Aurora 
 Borealis. I do not intend making any detailed remarks upon the 
 theories connected with this interesting phenomenon, but merely to 
 describe the appearances as I witnessed them upon two occasions since 
 our last meeting, within this district, and then make a few observations 
 upon the state of weather following their appearance. The first occa- 
 sion alluded to was the 18th of September last, the evening of our last 
 anniversary meeting, upon which evening I observed the phenomenon 
 in great splendour whilst travelling from Dunse to Cockburnspath. As 
 soon as dayhght had disappeared the phenomenon commenced being 
 visible, and as the evening advanced it waxed more and more brilliant ; 
 and though, for some part of the time, a clear moon of five or six days 
 old shone with considerable brightness, it did not at all impair the 
 brilliancy of the "waving blaze" of the aurora. At first there was 
 observed a white arch, resembling a light cloud of the " Cirrus " for- 
 mation, extending over the northern horizon nearly from east to west 
 about 20° or 30° above the horizon. This at first was faint, while some 
 remains of daylight lingered on the hills, but gradually, as the evening 
 became darker, the arch waxed brighter, and then we were made sen- 
 sible of its unsteady blaze, now fading away, till only a dim arch could 
 be seen, and anon suddenly starting forth to its original brilliancy, but 
 never altogether disappearing. Soon afterwards, perhaps half an hour 
 after the arch became visible, jets of white light shot forth from the 
 edge of the arch in one or two places, and streamed over to the zenith. 
 As these disappeared, fresh portions of the arch shot forth fresh 
 streams of liquid light, which blazed over half the heavens, disappear- 
 ing in their turn as rapidly as they formed, and anon being replaced 
 by fi'esh and more brilliant streams, till at times the whole northern 
 half of the sky blazed bright with the flickering meteors. From the 
 west side of the arch long tapering streams shot forth in a slanting 
 direction towards the zenith, in the centre beautiful straight jets 
 tapered up towards the same point of the heavens, while, from the 
 eastern portion of it, long splendid streams slanted their fine points 
 upwards, and all three parts converged their points towards the zenith, 
 like the radii of a circle. While this brilliant display lasted, occasion- 
 ally a smaller arch of white light would form a few degrees above the 
 larger one, and from its edges smaller and much shorter jets would be 
 frequently sent forth, which, beginning towards one extremity, woidd 
 sometimes dance and leap, and run in the most extraordinaiy manner 
 
48 MR BAIRD ON THE AURORA B0REALI3. 
 
 along its upper edge, and now and then assuming prismatic colours, 
 recalled to our minds an exhibition of the figures of a magic-lantern 
 upon a most magnificent scale. Well may they be named the " merry 
 dancers," and well might the more savage nations of the north, in 
 former ages, fancy, in such exhibitions as these, they saw the 
 powers of the air holding their high revels in the clear sky.* This 
 splendid display of these beautiful meteors continued for nearly two 
 hours, when they gradually decreased, became dim, and finally disap- 
 peared. On the other occasion alluded to, a different, but more mag- 
 nificent display still, took place, which I observed whilst at Yetholm 
 about the middle of October. The night was still and calm, not a 
 breath of wind was to be felt ; the moon was within a few hours of its 
 change, and consequently was not visible. About eight p.m. upon 
 going out, I was surprised at the brightness of the night, and, dis- 
 trusting my knowledge of the moon's age, I looked aloft to see if that 
 luminary was visible. The first glance of the sky explained the 
 brightness of the night, and at the same time filled me with astonish- 
 ment. The whole welkin, from east to west, was in a blaze of light ; 
 and I remarked that, though there was a bright space stretching for 
 some degrees above the horizon in the north, the grand display of the 
 streaming meteors was from east to west, while at the same time the 
 few that came from the north stretched to the zenith, and some from 
 the west shot up in that direction also, and from all the three points 
 converged towards the centre of the sky. Words cannot do justice to 
 the magnificent scene, — the streams of light were in constant motion, 
 moving with vast velocity, and often sheets of liquid light stretched 
 over a great space of the sky, suddenly disappearing, and being re- 
 placed by magnificent long sharj)-pointed pencils of light, which darted 
 up to the zenith in one continued blaze. Once or twice, when a more 
 than usually brilliant display took place, and was accompanied with 
 these sheets of light, I thought I distinctly heard a noise, resembling 
 exactly the sound of a sudden but gentle breeze of wind amongst the 
 trees, — a low, soft, but momentary gush of sound, as it were, not unlike 
 the noise of the quick flight of a bird overhead. I looked to the shrubs 
 and some short trees near me, but not a twig nor a withered leaf was 
 in motion : it could not have come from them. A mill-lead was within 
 a few hundred yards of me ; and, from the stillness of the night, its 
 noise could be distinctly heard from where I stood ; but the sound I 
 have mentioned was not, to my ears, the sound of falling water, — 
 neither was there any bird to be seen. As I never before heard a 
 similar sound during a display of the aurora, and as the noise, generally 
 said to have been heard, is described as a crackling noise, I satisfied 
 myself at the time that it must have been the noise of the water only 
 
 * On the appearance of thia meteor, the dogs of the hunters on the shores of 
 the White Sea lie down in terror ; and the name given to the meteor by these 
 hunters is (translated) the raging host is passing ! 
 
MB, BATED ON THE AURORA BOREALIS. 49 
 
 partially conveyed to my ears, or that it was the effect of imagination ; 
 but I was afterwards informed that the same sound was heard on the 
 same evening, in the neighbourhood of Cockburnspath, and the hearer 
 describes it as somewhat resembling the low but quick flap of a bird's 
 wing. I state this with much diffidence, however, well knowing the 
 discrepancy of opinion upon this point. A few nights after this, there 
 was another ahnost equally brilliant display, and since that they 
 have been of no unfrequent occurrence, though not to any extent. 
 
 It is a general opinion that a bright or frequent display of these 
 beautiful meteors betokens bad weather ; and though I am not 
 acquainted with the results which learned men have come to upon 
 this subject, I am aware that this inquiry has called forth the observa- 
 tions of several meteorologists, and that the scientific M. Ai^ago of 
 Paris, in particular, has bestowed much attention on the subject, and 
 I believe has had frequent communications from naturalists in this 
 country concerning it. I am sorry that I cannot bring forward here, a 
 detailed account of the weather as it immediatelj^ succeeded the appear- 
 ances I have attempted to describe ; and owing to the delay attending 
 the forwarding of his meteorological instruments from Edinbui'gh, I 
 have not been able to avail myself of the meteorological diary or 
 journal which the Eev. Mr Wallace of Abbey St Bathan's some time 
 ago kindly promised to furnish the Club with, and with which I had 
 hoped to have been able to supply the want of my own observations. 
 A general recollection, however, remains of the weather following 
 these appearances, which will, perhaps, be sufficient, in the meantime, 
 to shew the probability of the opinion, that they are precursors of 
 stormy weather. The day following the first exhibition, the sky in 
 the forenoon presented the appearance of an immense niunber of finely 
 pointed and waved linear " cirri," not very unlike the long streams of 
 light seen on the preceding evening. These soon became mixed with 
 the "comoid" variety of "cirrus," or taare's tails, accompanied with 
 some specimens of the "plumose" variety, which latter varieties are 
 generally acknowledged by meteorologists to be precursors of wind and 
 rain. The latter part of September, it will perhaps be remembered 
 by many, was characterized by blustering changeable weather, storms 
 of wind arising at frequent intervals, shattering the trees, and stripping 
 them of their leafy glory. Owing to their being chiefly from the 
 west, however, little or no damage was done on this coast. About 
 twenty-four hours after the appearance of the second display I have 
 mentioned, a fierce storm of wind arose, accompanied with heavy 
 showers of rain : the weather became cold and dismal, and on the 14th 
 October the Cheviot Hills, a little to the south of Yetholm, were covered 
 with snow. About the same time the Tweed and Teviot were 
 swollen to their banks, and a series of broken and severe weather con- 
 tinued for some time. Frost and snow since then have been but little 
 felt, but it cannot have escaped the notice of all the members of thQ 
 B. N. c. — NO. II. D 
 
50 SIR WILLIAM JAEDINE^S NOTICE OF THE 
 
 Club, what fierce and great storms have raged for some time back, 
 and what lamentable disasters at sea have filled the columns of our 
 journals. Being chiefly from the westward that these fierce storms 
 have blown, this coast has suffered but little, but the coasts of the 
 west of Scotland, England, and Ireland, have teemed with shipwrecks, 
 death, and desolation ; hundreds of lives have been lost, and property 
 to an immense amount irrecoverably lost and destroyed. Ninety 
 thousand tons of shipping have been calculated to have been lost this 
 year, and a large part of this immense loss has happened within the 
 last three months. The observations of one individual, and the infer- 
 ences to be deduced therefrom, are of little value by themselves, and I 
 only offer these few remarks as a contribution towards a subject of 
 great interest, and well entitled to further inquiry, and as they may be 
 useful by way of comparing with the observations of other individuals 
 upon the same subject. 
 
 Notice of the Serling of the Solway being found in the Tweed, with some 
 Observations on its Habits and Distribution. By Sir William 
 Jardine, Bart. 
 
 Among the many species of fish which inhabit or occasionally resort 
 to the rivers of this country, the family of the Salmonidse contain by 
 far the most important part, and the rents arising from their capture 
 form a considerable amount in the value of the fisheries of Great 
 Britain. The species whose habits I shall now attempt in part to 
 describe, is not of itself sufficiently important to form a large article of 
 commerce, or to rank for much value in the accounts of the taxmen of 
 the fisheries, though I believe that in many districts, and particularly 
 in the western coast of Scotland, much more might be made from it ; 
 but at the first appearance of decrease in the salmon fisheries, it was 
 conjectured by many of the proprietors that this fish was the fiy or 
 young of the salmon ; while it was advanced by others, as an argument 
 against this, that it was not found in either the Tay or the Tweed, two 
 of the most important salmon streams in Scotland. In some rivers 
 nets of less than a certain width of mesh were not allowed ; but on the 
 part of the taxmen it was of consequence to make it out distinct, and 
 to supply the markets as far as they could. In this way a point of 
 much importance was involved, for had the herling been proved to be 
 the young salmon, some additional means must have been necessary to 
 preserve them from a destruction which in some rivers is immense. It 
 is now generally known to be a species entirely distinct, though proper 
 characters have not been affixed to it, and I regret that I cannot now 
 give them with satisfaction to myself, less from the want of materials, 
 as from being unable to compare and contrast them with some of their 
 
HEELING OF THE SOLTVAY BEING EOUND IN THE TWEED. 51 
 
 congeners.* I propose, therefore, to confine my present observations 
 to those habits which have come under my own notice. 
 
 This fish I consider to be the *S'. Alb us of Fleming, the Eerling or 
 Hirling of the Scotch side of the Solway Frith, the Whiting of the 
 English side, and by which name it is also known in the Eden and Est, 
 the Phinnoch of the north and west of Scotland, the White or Fhinnock 
 of Pennant, and the Silver White of the Tweed tacksmen. 
 
 In the Solway Frith (where I have had the most frequent opportuni- 
 ties of observing them), they commence their approach to the mouths 
 of the rivers about the middle and towards the end of June, if the 
 season has been remarkably diy, and perhaps a few days earlier if 
 there has been much rain. From this time they continue running till 
 about the end of August, when the greatest body of the shoal is either 
 past or taken. The height of the run, however, may be said to be 
 about the last weeks of Juty, and their numbers at this time are almost 
 incredible. In the rivers they are caught with the common sweep- 
 nets, in the Frith by the stake-nets of small mesh, or, as they are 
 called, herling-houses. Many hundreds are taken at once in each 
 enclosure at every tide ; — the whole neighbourhood are for a short 
 time supplied with them ; — cart-loads are sent for also to Ecclefechan 
 and Lockerbie and the surrounding villages, and I have once or twice 
 known them reach Moffat, a distance of above thirty miles from the 
 nets. This abundance, with little exception, seems general wherever 
 they are found. 
 
 They enter the fresh waters for the great business of spawning, and 
 I have observed that in the larger rivers, the great body of the shoal 
 leave the main stream and seek the smaller tributaries, and very few 
 remain where the water continues strong and heavy. The spawning 
 commences earlier than that of the salmon, is of course sooner finished, 
 and by the end of February almost the whole of the old fish have 
 returned to the sea. The young I have never been able to see ; it is 
 probable, however, that they are hatched earlier, and make their way 
 to the salt water when of a small size, and three or four months is a 
 sufficient interval for them to have obtained the size and weight of 
 their appearance in the following June. 
 
 It may be noticed as remarkable in the history of this fish, and at 
 variance with the habits of the other British salmon, that from the 
 time of the return of the old fish or kelts to the sea, not an individual 
 is seen till the appearance of the great shoal : a few days before 
 stragglers appear, and they are the signals for preparations being 
 commenced for their destruction ; but in the intervening four months 
 between March and the end of June, they are never to be met with. 
 In this respect they more resemble the Coregoni, which are completely 
 
 Gill covers, . 
 
 . 11 
 
 Fins V, . . 
 
 . 11 
 
 Fins D, . . 
 
 . 14 
 
 — A, . . . 
 
 . 12 
 
 -P, . . , 
 
 . 14 
 
 Vertebras, , 
 
 . 60 
 
52 HEELING OF THE SOLWAY FOUND IN THE T'WTEED. 
 
 gregarious, and also the herring, to which I believe the above men- 
 tioned genus leads. 
 
 The fish in the Solway very seldom reach 2 lb. in weight. Upon 
 their first arrival ^ lb. and f lb. is a common size, afterwards the 
 greater jiroportions average from 1 lb. to 1|- lb. One of the most 
 marked appearances of this fish, is the great proportional breadth of 
 the back, and the peculiar greyish-green colour of the upper parts. 
 This colour ajipears very CL>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<j salmon ; in the 
 trout, the lower corner is decidedly angular. The i7iter opercle is longt r 
 and narrower. The maxillary bone is much shorter, but broader at the 
 posterior end, whence the much shorter or less gape in the ])arr. Tho 
 vomer is much weaker. The bones of the rays of the gill-coveis are 
 
84 MR SELBY ON THE INSTINCT OF THE WATER-HEN. 
 
 longer and much, narrower. The tongue is longer, weaker, and not so 
 broad. The under jaw much weaker, and the distance between its rami 
 one-third less. The teething much more delicate. 
 
 These are the principal distinctions which a})pear iu the external 
 form and osteology of the head. In the latter every bone differs, and 
 the differences appear constant in all that I have taken to pieces ; and 
 in this state, therefore, I have no hesitation in considering the parr 
 perfectly distinct from any species or variety of trout we are acquainted 
 with, and entitled to hold a separate rank in our fauna. Prom the 
 Migratory Salmon it is separated entirely by its habits ; and I consider 
 that it should therefore stand in our systems as the Salmo Salmulus of 
 Willughby and Ray. The correct distinguishing marks to be seen by 
 a person who has not leisure to make a minute examination, are the 
 great size of the pectoral fins, the shortness of the maxillary bones, and 
 consequent small gape, and the narrow breadth between the rami of 
 the lower jaw. 
 
 On the Instinct of the Water-Hen. By P. J. Selby, Esq. 
 
 As the following anecdote seems to indicate a degree of intellect, or 
 an exercise of the reasoning power, in the feathered race, and apparently 
 acting in conjunction with Instinct, or that blind impulse to perform 
 certain offices or actions, for which the lower orders are remarkable, 
 and which, according to the views of one of our ablest naturalists, is 
 supposed, and with great probability, to be the result of physical 
 action upon organizations adapted to receive and respond to it, I think 
 it may not be altogether uninteresting to the Club, and may possibly 
 direct the attention of some of its members more immediately to the 
 various phenomena exhibited by the lower animals in regard to their 
 instincts, combined, or acting as it were, at times in conjunction with 
 the exercise of their reasoning or intellectual faculties. During the 
 early part of the past summer, a pair of water-hens ( Gallinula chloropus) 
 built their nest by the margin of the ornamental pond at Bell's-Hill, a 
 piece of water of considei'able extent, and ordinarily fed by a spring 
 from the height above, but into which the contents of another large 
 pond can occasionally be admitted. This was done while the female 
 vvas sitting, and as the nest had been built when the water level stood 
 low, the sudden influx of this large body of water from the second 
 pond caused a rise of several inches, so as to threaten the speedy 
 immersion and consequent destruction of the eggs. This the birds 
 seem to have been aware of, and immediately took j)recautions against 
 so imminent a danger. Por when the gardener (upon whose veracity 
 I can safely rely), seeing the sudden rise of the water, went to look 
 after the nest, expecting to find it covered, and the eggs destroyed, or 
 at least, forsaken by the hen, he observed, while at a distance, both 
 
DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 85 
 
 birds busily engaged about the brink where the nest was placed, and, 
 when near enough, he clearly perceived that they were adding, with 
 all possible dispatch, fresh materials, to raise the fabric beyond the 
 level of the increased contents of the pond, and that the eggs had by 
 some means been removed from the nest by the birds, and were then 
 deposited upon the grass, about a foot or more from the margin of the 
 water. He watched them for some time, and saw the nest rapidly 
 increase in height, but, I regret to add, that he did not remain long 
 enough (fearing he might create alarm) to witness the interesting act 
 of the replacing of the eggs, which must have been effected shortly 
 afterwards ; for upon his return, in less than an hour, he found the 
 hen quietly sitting upon them in the newly-raised nest. In a few days 
 afterwards, the young were hatched, and, as usual, soon qiiitted the 
 nest, and took to the water with their parents. The nest was shewn 
 to me in situ very soon afterwards, and I could then plainly discern 
 the formation of the new with the older part of the fabric. 
 
 Observations on the Strata of Berwickshire and North Durham. By 
 EoBERT D. Thomson, M. D. 
 
 The Edinburgh coal-beds which have recently attracted so much 
 attention, in consequence of the discovery in their most ancient ele- 
 ments of several remarkable fossil fish, are interrupted, in their 
 continuity southwards, by the Lammermuir range, and again appear 
 on the banks of the Tweed, along the southern boundary of the Merse. 
 Now, the great problem requiring solution is, What is the age of the 
 Berwickshire strata, which occupy the interval between the Edinburgh 
 and Northumberland coal-beds ? In a former paper, which I read 
 before this Club soon after its institution, and which was subsequently 
 published, I described the central part of this county, including, in my 
 observations, particularly what I termed the New Red Sandstone for- 
 mation, which comprehends by far the greater portion of the Merse, 
 and was therefore well deserving of an attentive consideration. My 
 object was simply to describe the rock as it was presented to me during 
 a very careful examination, more especially within the limits to which 
 I then confined myself ; and I adopted this name, first, because it had 
 previously been applied to this formation in this particular locality, 
 both by Mr Smith and Mr Greenough, in their respective geological 
 maps of England ; and, second, because I considered the facts which I 
 had accumulated were sufficiently strong in favour of the idea, that 
 this designation had been correctly applied by these geologists. For, 
 according to the general notions which prevailed, relative to the 
 position of the new red sandstone, it was held by geologists, that the 
 sandstone which lay over magnesian limestone belonged to this forma- 
 tion, the magnesian limestone itself being superior to the carboniferous 
 
86 DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 series. Now I traced a calcareous roclc lying' under the Berwicksliire 
 sandstone (which, it should be observed, is characterized by containing 
 beds of sulphate of lime) for three miles, in a northerly direction 
 from the Tweed at Birgham, and as many to the westward from the 
 same point. In addition to this, I analyzed the rock, and found it to 
 consist of one atom of carbonate of lime, and one atom of carbonate 
 of magnesia, a composition exactly similar to that of the magnesian 
 limestone which occurs on the coast near Sunderland. "What could be 
 the legitimate conclusion from these facts, thun, but that this rock 
 constituted the magnesian limestone formation ; and that whatever 
 sandstones I should find in contact superior to it, would bebjng to the 
 new red sandstone furuuition ? If the magnesian limestone had occur- 
 red only in the form of thin beds of insignificant extent, then it might 
 have been granted, without compromising the claim of that rock to 
 the title of a formation, that the rock with which they were connected 
 was a member of the carboniferous series, or even had its position 
 beneath them : but this was not the case ; and therefore it is as clear 
 as the orb of day when at its meridian brightuess, that if the Ber- 
 wickshire sandstone belongs to a series which is older than the 
 carboniferous rocks, the magnesian limestone is still older than the 
 latter set of strata ; and, further, that the sandstones overlying the 
 magnesian limestone, and which have been hitherto termed new red 
 sandstones, are also older than the coal rocks. Hence it will be 
 impossible to make any distinction between old and new red sandstone. 
 Tliat the Merse rocks are intimately connected with the carboniferous 
 group, is obvious, from the circumstance of our meeting with consider- 
 able remains of plants in the quarry at Whitsom, bearing a strong 
 rjse:ublance to Calamites. But is it not agreeable to what we should 
 expect to meet with, that rocks deposited subsequently over others, 
 should approach somewhat in their nature ? I have already stated 
 this in some botanical observations published in the last number of 
 the Transactions, and written in July or August last year. I have in 
 vain long endeavoured (and many a day have I fruitlessly pursued 
 this important object) to discover a section where the junction of 
 the red sandstone, and decidedly coal rocks, could be detected. But 
 until their relative positions are demonstrated, it would be unphilos- 
 ophical to deny that the Berwickshire sandstone is new red sandstone. 
 Having made these remarks, in order to excite attention to the 
 elucidation of the age of the Berwickshire strata, I proceed to state, 
 that the true coal strata only begin to exhibit themselves on the banks 
 of the Tweed. At Lennelhill, where fossil vegetables have been so 
 unmercifully quarried by amateurs, so as to leave scarce a vestige for 
 the man of science, the only person to whom they could be of the 
 slightest value, the limestone and shale containing microscopic shells 
 are clearly members of the carboniferous group. They occujiy a con- 
 siderable portion of the banks of the river in this neighbourhood ; but 
 
DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BERWICKSHTRB. 87 
 
 at no great distance to tlie westward, in the direction of Coldstream, 
 the schistose and calcareous sandstones, which frequently accompany 
 the Berwickshire sandstone, make their appearance, and continue, 
 with little change, to the point at Birgham where I have ah-eady 
 described them as lying over magnesian limestone. The difficulty is 
 to determine how these strata are situated in relation to each other. 
 It is evident that they are closely connected : but we ask, is the 
 position of the sandstone above, below, or collateral with the carboni- 
 ferous rocks ? I have stated the reasons which induced me to class it 
 with the new red sandstone. No argument can sufficiently controvert 
 my statements, except observations on the rocks in. situ demonstrating 
 the contrary. Such I hold to be the experimentum cruets. 
 
 The western boundary of the North Durham coal-beds is indicated 
 by the course of the river Till. For a little to the west of Duddo they 
 may be seen cropping out, and dipping from south-west to north-east. 
 I have examined the strata in this neiglibourhood, and am happy to 
 be able to add to the interest of this coal tract, by presenting a section 
 of the new shaft at Greenlaw-wells, which was commenced in 1832. 
 For this I am indebted to the attention of the son of the late intelligent 
 overseer, in company with both of whom, and one of the proprietors 
 (Mr Young) I descended on the 8th of November 1833. Although 
 the observations which follow are few, and perhaps of little moment 
 in so far as theory is concerned, still I think they are suffi.ciently im- 
 portant to require a place in the Transactions of our Club, because 
 they are facts, and facts are eternal. The shaft is about 31^ fathoms 
 in depth ; the section presented by it, being that of varieties of sand- 
 stone and shale, of various extent and thickness. Over the coal which 
 is worked, situated at the depth of 27 fathoms, lies a black limestone, 
 which is also observed underneath it. Above the limestone which is 
 situated over the coal, there is a stratum of shale, or tills, as the work- 
 men denominate it, filled with impressions of palm-like plants and 
 bivalve shells. In some places the superjacent limestone is absent, 
 and the shale occupies its place ; and as it forms the roof of the 
 level or drift, as it is termed, the fossil vegetables can be seen to great 
 advantage. 
 
 The whole series dips at an angle of 45°, in a north-easterly direction. 
 Hence it is obvious that the coal would soon disappear, and attain 
 such a depth as to render its being worked a matter of impossibility. 
 Yet coal is raised in four or five places, in a line from Duddo to the 
 sea. The Cooper-eye coal, which is worked at Greenlaw-wells, is 
 understood to prevail in each of these localities, and therefore it must 
 be raised or brought nearer the surface in many points. This is 
 rendered more probable, when we consider that there is an extensive 
 trap-dike running from the Till to the sea, which may have been the 
 instrument in producing the extraordinary convulsion in this carboni- 
 ferous series in the neighbourhood of the Tweed. 
 
88 DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 It is to the rougli-quartzose sandstone that is observed at the surface 
 near Greenlaw-wells, that I am inclined to attribute the position of 
 the fossil tooth, which was found by one of our members, the Eev. Mr 
 Knight of Ford. The rocks at Ford and at Greenlaw-wells seem to 
 approach each other in their composition, and both are near the sur- 
 face. Dr Grant, to whom I shewed the specimen, was of opinion that 
 it belonged to a fish. It consists essentially of phosphate of lime, but 
 effervesces when it is touched with acid. The minuteness of the size 
 of the specimen, however, has prevented me from obtaining any 
 satisfactory results in reference to its quantitative analysis. 
 
 Dr Johnston informs me, that the Lepidodendron Stenihergii has also 
 been observed at Ford, in the same sandstone, and impressions of ferns 
 (Sphenopteris?). The position of the locality where these remains 
 are observed, is about two hundred yards from the mouth of a coal 
 shaft. 
 
 The sandstone consists of a yellow calcareous basis, mixed with clay, 
 which serves to agglutinate irregular grains of white quartz, and 
 exhibits cavities lined with carbonaceous matter. The Greenlaw-wells 
 sandstone is likewise yellow, coarse, and consists of large grains. 
 
 The Cooper eye coal, although thin, when compared with coal beds 
 in other places, forms a good burning material. The levels formed 
 during its working are on an average 3-2- feet high. The coal is 
 removed between two levels, and its place supplied by the limestone, 
 which Kes on both sides of the coal. The immense pressure frequently 
 crushes these supports, and when any considerable quantity of country 
 has been mined, the surface sinks. The effect of this subterraneous 
 quarrying is very visible upon Duddo Tower, which has been rent 
 from to];) to bottom, in consequence of being undermined, notwith- 
 standing that it is situated upon a considerable eminence. In traversing 
 the different levels I observed in one place a rent, the opposite surfaces 
 of which appeared brilliantly polished. I found, upon attending 
 minutely to the adjoining strata, that this was caused hy one portion 
 having subsided, while the corresj^onding jiart had remained stationary. 
 The consequence had been violent pressure upon both surfaces during 
 the subsidence of the former. 
 
 I made many inquiries with regard to the occurrence of accidents in 
 the mines in this neighbourhood, and learned that they were very 
 uncommon. Inflammable air or carburetted hydrogen never appears, 
 its occurrence being confined to deep mines. The only inconveniences 
 arise from bad ventilation when the levels have been driven to a great 
 extent, and the occasional disengagement of carbonic acid, which takes 
 possession of the extremity of a level, and cannot readily be expelled. 
 A man was lately kiUed by the influence of the latter cause. The 
 consequence of the rarity of these accidents is, that no precautions are 
 deemed necessary for the safety of the miners. No safety-lamps are 
 employed, — a candle stuck in a piece of clay sufficing for all necessary 
 
DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BER"W1CKSHIRE. 
 
 89 
 
 purposes. The name of a Davy lamp is not known, except to those 
 colliers who have worked in the Newcastle mines. The workmen at 
 the j)eriod of my visit appeared healthy. The wages of men were 20s 
 6d. per week, and of boys of sixteen years, 10s. 
 
 In order that the following table may be understood, I consider it 
 necessary to explain the terms which are used by the miners, as they 
 differ from those employed in other places ; and I can do this with 
 confidence, because I have examined the rocks to which the names 
 were applied, along with the overseer of the mine : 
 
 Tiles — Shale, filled with shells and fossil vegetables. 
 
 Bent — Soft slate-clay or shale, with few organic remains. 
 
 Metal — Slate-clay. 
 
 Freestone — Sandstone. 
 
 Whin — Basalt. (The term Whin is applied in Berwickshire to all 
 rocks except freestone and quartz.) 
 
 Seam — A coal bed. 
 
 Section of Greenlaw WelW Shaft, North Durham. 
 
 Fath. Feet. 
 1 
 
 1 Eed gravelly clay, 
 
 2 Blue Metal, 
 
 3 Coal, . 
 
 4 Limestone, 
 
 5 Coal, . 
 
 6 Grrey tiles, 
 
 7 Coal, . 
 
 8 Blue tiles, 
 
 9 Freestone bed 
 
 10 Coal, . 
 
 1 1 AMiite metal, 
 
 12 Grey freestone 
 
 13 Blue metal, 
 
 14 Coal, . 
 
 15 AYhite metal, 
 
 16 Grey freestone beds, . 
 
 17 Coal, called Main coal not workable, 
 
 18 Hard brown metal, slaty, 
 
 19 Good coal, rather splinty, 
 
 20 AVhite metal, with limestone scalji, 
 
 21 Coal mixed with black dent, . 
 
 22 Grey freestone mixed with charcoal, 
 
 23 Black metal, . 
 
 24 Coal, .... 
 
 25 Dark brown metal, 
 
 26 Coal, .... 
 
 27 Limestone, very dun, 
 
 28 Good coal, 
 
 29 Blue metal, . 
 
 30 Limestone with freestone scalp. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Inch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 4i 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 Carry forward, 
 
90 
 
 DR THOMSON ON THE STRATA OF BERWICKSHIRE, 
 
 Brought over, 
 
 31 Good coal, 
 
 32 Black dent, 
 
 33 Limestone mixed with metal, 
 
 34 Blue metal, 
 
 35 Coal mixed with black dent, 
 
 36 Brown freestone beds, 
 
 37 Grey do., 
 
 38 Blue metal, 
 
 39 Grey freestone, with very hard sand, 
 
 40 Black dent, . 
 
 41 White metal, . 
 
 42 "White hard freestone, 
 
 43 Grey do., 
 
 44 White do., with metal partings, 
 
 45 Grey freestone beds, 
 
 46 Coal, . 
 
 47 Grey freestone, 
 
 48 Grey freestone beds, 
 
 49 Coal with blue metal, 
 60 Hard grey freestone, 
 
 51 Brown freestone beds, 
 
 52 Blue metal, 
 
 53 Hard white freestone, 
 
 54 Grey freestone bands, 
 
 55 White metal, . 
 
 56 Hard white freestone, 
 
 57 Blue metal, 
 
 58 Hard grey freestone, 
 
 59 Soft freestone beds, 
 
 60 Hard grey freestone, 
 
 61 AVhite freestone beds, 
 
 62 White metal, . 
 
 63 Grey freestone beds, 
 
 64 Hard white freestone, 
 
 65 Blue metal, 
 
 66 "V\ hite freestone, 
 
 67 Blue metal, 
 
 68 Limestone, 
 
 69 Coal, . 
 
 70 Blue metal, 
 
 7 1 Grey freestone band, 
 
 72 Coal, . 
 
 73 Blue metal, 
 
 74 Grey freestone bands 
 
 75 Grey tiles, 
 
 76 Limestone, 
 
 77 Coal worked, called the Cooper-eye Coal, 
 
 Fath. 
 
 Feet. 
 
 Inch 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 London, %th July^ 1835, 
 
 31 
 
( 91 ) 
 
 Notice nf the Sheleton of a Red Deer (Cervus Ulaphus) found at Cheswich, 
 North Durham. By J. S. Donaldson, Esq. 
 
 On the 2d June 1835, some workmen engaged in making a drain 
 upon the farm of Mr George Scott, in the township of Cheswick, North 
 Durham, having dug to the depth of five feet, came upon the head of 
 what they conceived to be the skeleton of a horse, but which, on a 
 further examination, proved to be, as I shall endeavour to shew, that 
 of a quadruped of the genus Cervus. The skeleton was in an upright 
 or standing posture, embedded in a kind of mossy earth, above which 
 was sand, and the workmen had to dig about four feet lower than the 
 point where they found the head, before they succeeded in getting the 
 whole of it out of the ground. I regret that I could not procure the 
 entire skeleton, the greater part having been dispersed and buried 
 again previous to my being informed of its discover^' ; and I particu- 
 larly regret not having seen the head, which would have enabled me 
 to have decided at once, and withovit any doubt, on the order and 
 genus to which the animal was referable. But from the description 
 of those parts of the skeleton, which I did not see, but which I received 
 from Mr Scott and his workmen, particularly as to the absence of 
 cutting teeth in the upper face, and the hoofs being cloven, as well as 
 from the few bones which I was able to procure, viz. the two meta- 
 carpal or shank bones, and several of the ribs, which I have brought 
 for the inspection of the members of the Club, I have no doubt of its 
 being the remains of a Red Deer, Cervus Elajahus. No antlers were 
 found, they having either been removed previous to our discovery, or 
 else the animal had died at the period when the antlers were shed, 
 and before the new ones were grown ; or it may have been the skeleton 
 of a female, which in general has no antlers. I may here remark, 
 that antlers of the Red Deer have frequently been found in the bogs 
 and low grounds of this township, some of which I have myself inspec- 
 ted. If I am correct in the supposition that these are the remains of 
 a red deer, it would appear that these beautiful and majestic animals, 
 which are now only to be found in a state of nature in the most remote 
 and inaccessible parts of the Highlands of Scotland, in the New 
 Forest in Hampshire, the higher moors and wastes of Cornwall and 
 Devonshire, and in the woods and hills of Martendale forest near 
 Ulswater, in Westmoreland, were once the denizens of our Northum- 
 brian wilds and forests ; and the country between Belford and the 
 Tweed, including the Kyloe and Lowick hills and moors, appear to 
 have afforded haunts well suited to their habits. Cultivation, and the 
 increase of population, which, since the Union, have here in particular 
 been so much extended and increased, have extirpated the larger 
 beasts of chase, replacing them, however, with animals of much greater 
 utility to man, and creating out of what was, at the period of the acces- 
 sion of King James the First to the English throne, a desert waste, one 
 of the best cultivated and most fertile districts in the kingdom. 
 
( 92 ) 
 
 Remarks on the Tumulus at Cheswick. By J. S. Donaldson, Esq. of 
 
 Cheswick. 
 
 In opening one of those tumuli situated at Cheswick in North Dur- 
 ham, in which our British, or perhaps Danish ancestors were accus- 
 tomed to deposit their illustrious dead, I discovered an ancient tomb of 
 rude construction, containing the remains of a human being in a state 
 of great decay, every part of the skeleton, with the exception of the 
 skull and larger bones of the legs and thighs, being nearly decomposed. 
 Near the skull was found the head of a spear, being all that remained 
 of the deceased warrior's martial accoutrements. This weapon is made 
 of brass, and appears to have been highly polished. It is in good pre- 
 servation, and is coated with verdigris. It is seven inches in length, 
 and three in breadth at the base. Of the handle there was nothing re- 
 maining but two pins of brass, by which it had been secured to the head. 
 
 The tomb was composed of five large stones : two six feet each in 
 length and twenty-six inches in width, set on edge, formed the sides 
 of this rude sarcophagus. One stone at the head measuring thirty-two 
 inches by twenty-six ; another, of similar dimension, at the foot, and a 
 very large flat stone formed a cover to the whole. The stones were in 
 a rough and unhewn state, and appeared to have been procured from a 
 rock of the encrinal limestone upon the adjacent beach. The tomb was 
 placed upon the ground on a level with a surrounding field, about 250 
 yards from high water-mark, and the stones forming the tumulus from 
 their water- worn appearance, had evidently been principally procured 
 from the sea-shore. The height of the tumulus was about twenty feet, 
 and the area of its base about fifty feet in diameter. A fine coat of 
 smooth green turf covered the whole, and from the top was an exten- 
 sive and beaiitiful view of the coast from St Abb's Head to Bamburgh 
 Castle, including Lindesfarn, and the Inner Farn Island, &c. A range 
 of similar barrows or tumuli is traceable along this coast, viz.. North 
 Durham. One was opened some years since about one-foui'th of a mile 
 to the northward of that now described, and was found to contain 
 human bones, but no tomb, or any other remains of antiquity, was 
 then discovered. Similar tumuli have been explored in this and the 
 adjoining county of Northumberland of late, and with nearly the same 
 results. In some, as at Buckton in North Durham, vases of clay, con- 
 taining ashes, were found, and at North Charlton in Northumberland, 
 a weapon like to that found at Cheswick was discovered. I am not 
 sufficiently acquainted with the subject to determine whether the ab- 
 sence of the vase or urn in the Cheswick tomb, will refer it to an 
 earlier or later period of antiquity. I should not omit to mention that 
 before the workmen arrived at the tomb in the centre of the tumuhis, 
 they found several skeletons at an inconsiderable depth below the sur- 
 face. These were lying promiscuously amongst the stones, and some 
 of them were entire. In referring to Stackhouse's Illustrations of 
 
MR DONALDSON ON A TUMULUS AT CHES-WIOK. 
 
 93 
 
 British. Tumuli, I find that the learned author conjectures, and with 
 some probability, that in addition to the sepulchral character of these 
 barrows, there is another and no less interesting light in which they are 
 to be viewed, viz., as parts of an amazing system of vigilance and com- 
 munication, in fact a species of telegraph extending over extensive dis- 
 tricts. We are informed by Cresar, that the Grauls, from whom the 
 Britons descended, conveyed intelligence with wonderfid celerity 
 through the fields and cantons by shouting with all their might (De 
 Bell. Gal. lib. 7, ch. 3), and the distance of 400 or 500 yards which in- 
 tervenes between the barrows upon this coast appears well calculated 
 for a telegraphic communication of this kind ; and they are uniformly 
 placed within sight of each other. I offer these remarks to the Club on 
 the subject of Tumuli with the view of directing the attention of its an- 
 tiquarian members to this curious and interesting department of British 
 antiquities, and particularly' for the purpose of endeavouring to ascertain 
 the probable date and period of such places and modes of sepultiu'e. 
 
 Contributions to the Entomology of Berwickshire. 
 and Dr Johnston. 
 
 Cicindela campestris. 
 Clivina Possor. 
 coUaris. 
 
 COLEOPTEEA. 
 
 Elmis rngosns. 
 Enicocerus viridiseneus. 
 Gibsoni. 
 
 By P. J. Selby, Esq., 
 AUanton, May 6, 1835 
 
 Helobia iiivalis. 
 
 (H. Gyllenhallii, Ent. Edin.) 
 Anchomenus prasinns. 
 
 albipes. 
 
 Agonam parumpunctatum. 
 PcBcilus capreus. 
 
 rutifemoratus. 
 
 versicolor. 
 
 Stoniis ptimicatus. 
 Amara familiaris. 
 Bradytus ferruginens. 
 Harpalus ruficoruis. 
 Trechus collaris. 
 
 (T. fulvTis, Ent. Edin.) 
 
 minutns. 
 
 Tachys binotatus. 
 
 immunis. 
 
 Peryphus littoralis. 
 — ■- agilis. 
 
 cnemerythrus. 
 
 (P. tibialis, Ent. Edin.) 
 
 Loplia -l-guttata. 
 Tacliypus properans. 
 
 striatns. 
 
 Bembidiam palndosum. 
 
 flavipes. 
 
 Notiophilus striatus, Waterh. 
 Hydroporus alpinvis. 
 Georysstis pygmasus. 
 Elmis Yolkiuari. 
 
 variabilis. 
 
 Oiceoptoma rugosa. 
 Meligethes aeneus Ent. Edin. 
 
 pedicularius. 
 
 Micropeplus porcatus. 
 Byrrlins dorsalis. 
 Cataphagus obscums. 
 
 lineatus. 
 
 Hypnoidus riparins. 
 
 4-pustulatus. 
 
 Hylurgus piniperda. 
 Nedyus assimilis. 
 
 (Ceutorhynchus assimilis, Ent. 
 Edin.) 
 Meriouns obscnrus. 
 
 (Barynotus obs., Ent. Ediji.) 
 Sitona tibialis. 
 Nenioicus oblongiis. 
 
 (Polydrusus obi., Ent. Edin.) 
 Phyllobius Mali. 
 
 viridicollis. 
 
 Apion flavipes. 
 Haltica nemorum. 
 
 rufipes. 
 
 Phaerlon Betulaj. 
 
 tum^idula. 
 
 marginella. 
 
 Helodes Phellandrii. 
 Coccinella globosa. 
 Tachinus rufipes. 
 Tachyporus analis. 
 mai-ginatus. 
 
94 
 
 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENTOMOLOGY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 Clirina Frntanr. 
 Carabus catonulatns. 
 Hclobia brcvicollis. 
 Anchomenus prasinus. 
 
 alhipes. 
 
 Steropus madidus. 
 Patrobus rufipes. 
 Harpalus aaneus. 
 Perijphus litt oralis. 
 Lopha quadrici uttata. 
 Tachypns properans. 
 Notiophilus tibialis. 
 
 striatus. 
 
 Elaphrus cupreus. 
 Colymbetes ater. 
 
 guttatus. 
 
 Hydrobius minutus. 
 Meligetlies viridesccins. 
 Cateretes Urticae. 
 Byrrhus pilula. 
 Cataj^hagus limbatns. 
 marginatus. 
 
 — sputator. 
 
 Hypnoiiht.-i riparius. 
 Aplotarsus testaceus. 
 
 Quercus. 
 
 Athous hjemorrhoidalis. 
 
 (Auathrotus ruficaudis, Ent. Edin.) 
 
 Mead Chcstcrs, parish of Cockburnspath, June 17, 1835. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 Telephorns dispar. 
 
 — pellucidus. 
 
 testacens. 
 
 bicolor. 
 
 Malthinus biguttulus. 
 Notaris acridulus. 
 
 (Erirhinns acrid., Ent. Edin.) 
 Merionus ohscurus. 
 Othiorhynchus notalns. 
 
 (0. picipes, Ent. Edin.) 
 Sitona grisea. 
 Polydmsus micans. 
 Nemoicus ohlongus. 
 Phyllobius argentatus. 
 
 • uniformis. 
 
 viridicollis. 
 
 Apioa Ononis. 
 
 flavipes. 
 
 Oxystoma Ulicis. 
 Crioceris cyanella. 
 Phaedon marginella. 
 Phaedon tumidula. 
 
 — vitellinse var. vnlgatissima. 
 
 Chrysomela Litnra. 
 Chilocorus 4-verrucatus. 
 Coccinella 13-pnnctata. 
 Lesteva obscura. 
 
 Lepidoptera. 
 
 Lyccena Phlceas. 
 Polyommatus alsus. 
 
 Harpalyce tristata. 
 Euclidia Mi. 
 
 Panorpa communis. 
 
 Neuroptera. 
 
 CoLEOPTERA. 
 
 Earhtown, July 29, 1835. 
 
 Agoniim parumpunctatum. 
 Peryphus tihialis,Ent. Edin. 
 Dytiscns marginalis. 
 Gyrinns villosus. 
 Elmis Volkmari. 
 Enicocenis Gibsoni. 
 Nitidula obsoleta. 
 
 Necrobia violacea. 
 Coccinella oblongo-gnttata. 
 Haltica ferruginea. 
 Polydrnsus undatns. 
 
 Apion flavipes. 
 Lesteva olscura. 
 
 Charseas graminis. 
 
 Lepidoptera. 
 
( 95 ) 
 
 List of Entomostraca found in Berwickshire. By Mr William Baied, 
 
 Surgeon. 
 
 The g^'eat Class Crustacea is divided by naturalists into two general 
 sections, the Malacostraca and Eatomostraca. The greater number of 
 the animals of this second division are contained within a regular shell, 
 and they have therefore received the name of Entomostraca, from the 
 two Greek words signifying " insects with a shell." Little attention 
 has been paid by British naturalists to the history of those exceedingly 
 interesting little animals, and what we do know of them, we owe 
 almost solely to our continental neighbours. Baker, indeed, in his 
 microscopical researches, has taken notice of several species, and 
 given plates of them, but he has done little to add to our information 
 with regard to their anatomy and economy generally. Joblot and 
 Ledermuller, in their works on microscopical objects, have given plates 
 also of several species ; whilst De Greer, Scheefier, and several other 
 celebrated continental naturalists of tlie last century, have added each 
 a little to our knowledge of them. Linneeus included all that he knew 
 in one genus Monoculus (so called from their possessing only one eye), 
 and gives descriptions of nine species only. Otho Fridericus Miiller is 
 the first regular historian of these animals who has done them justice. 
 To him it is that we owe the greater part perhaps of our knowledge 
 with regard to their economy ; to his labours we owe our acquaintance 
 with so many curious little creatures ; and to his eloquence is perhaps 
 owing the further researches and more detailed histories of succeeding 
 naturalists. His work on the Entomostraca, published in 1785, is one 
 of the most interesting memoirs in Natural History that we are 
 acquainted with ; and though it appears from later naturalists that he 
 has fallen into many errors, still it is the most complete and best history 
 of the Entomostraca that has ever been published. Since the time of 
 Miiller, much has been done to add to our knowledge of these inter- 
 esting animals ; and the memoirs of Jurine, father and son, Ramdohr, 
 and M. Straus, contain the most excellent and most minute histories of 
 detached genera that can be met with. Their researches have been 
 conducted with the greatest zeal and care, and their labours have been 
 abundantly crowned with success, their memoirs leaving little to be 
 done by succeeding naturalists but to add to the species. Hermann 
 (fils), Daudebart de Ferussac, Adolphe Brongniart, and other continen- 
 tal naturalists, have also given some excellent memoirs upon detached 
 genera and species, whilst our own celebrated Leach is the only British 
 naturalist we know that has paid any attention to the history of the 
 Entomostraca ; his labours, too, being chiefly directed to the parasitic 
 animals of the division. It surely is not from want of interest belong- 
 ing to them, that the naturalists of this country have neglected the 
 Entomostraca, for many of them are worthy of all admiration. " The 
 multifarious and complicated structure of their body," says Miiller in 
 
96 MR BAIRD ON THE ENTOMOSTRACA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 his admirable work ; "the wonderful agility of their members; the 
 very great fineness of their organs ; their singular method of living and 
 coi)ulatiug ; their living in waters which our cattle and we ourselves 
 are daily drinking ; the evils which they may give rise to, and to which 
 fishes are seen to be liable ; the emoluments*' Avhich, although we are 
 in the greatest part ignorant of, they nevertheless produce in the 
 economy of nature ; that these things are very worthy of being known, 
 scarce any one will doubt. Not to mention their external similitude 
 to shells and the natural transition which takes place in them from 
 insects to testaceous animals, who ever knew before the Cypris was 
 detected, of an insect quadruped '? f Before the Limulus and Caligus 
 were properly observed, who ever knew of an insect acephalous, or 
 with a head scarcely visible ? Who ever imagined of a copulation of 
 two males and one female at one time, such as takes place in the 
 famous Pulex aquaticus ; or of an animal whose head was all eye, as 
 we see in the Polyphemus ? These and more wonders are to be met 
 with in the history of the Entomostraca."J At commencing this cata- 
 logue, it was my intention to have prefixed some details of each of the 
 genera, as they had come under my own observation, and as they have 
 been made known to us by the continental naturalists ; but I found 
 that, to do justice to the subject, the paper would be swollen to too 
 great a length, and that it would afford abundant materials for several 
 papers which might be communicated at different intervals. I have 
 confined myself, therefore, at present to the catalogue of the Berwick- 
 shire species of the Entomostraca, adding observations on each of the 
 species as they occur. AVe are indebted to the labours of this Club 
 for the knowledge of the fact, that Berwickshire and the district to 
 which our labours extend, abound in a very great variety of species 
 both of the animal and vegetable kingdoms, many of which too are 
 very rare, some scarcely to be found in other counties ; and we also 
 know that the geology of the district is one of very great interest. 
 Sea and land have both been ransacked, and made to give up their 
 hidden treasures, and though the minute and microscopic insects which 
 form the division Entomostraca have hitherto been neglected, I have 
 no doubt that our county and district will yield a plentiful harvest to 
 the gleaner in this department also. Dr Leach, in his article Crusta- 
 cea in the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, has only enumerated sixteen 
 species of Entomostraca as foiind in Great Britain, a list which is 
 increased by Samouelle, in his British Insects, to twenty. This strik- 
 ingly shews what little attention has been paid to the subject by 
 British naturalists, as I have, in an autumn's search in one district, 
 found thirty-eight species belonging to the order Branchiopoda alone. 
 
 * " It is the common opinion that it is the Caligus which forces the salmon from 
 the sea up rivers towards the cataracts." 
 
 t The Cypris, according to M. Straus, has six feet, two being always concealed 
 within the shell ; according to Ramdohr they have four. 
 
 X MuUer's Entomostraca, p. 4. 
 
MR BAIRD ON THE ENTOMOSTRACA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 97 
 
 In the arrangement of the genera I have followed Latreille in Cuvier's 
 Eegne Animal ; hiit with regard to species I have taken Muller as my 
 text-book, along with Desmarest in his work on the Crustacea. Lat- 
 reille divides the Entomostraca into two Orders, the Brancldofoda and 
 the Pacilopoda. The order Branchiopoda he divides again into two 
 principal sections, the Lophyropa and PhjUopa ; to the first of which I 
 for the present confine this catalogue. 
 
 Class ENTOMOSTEACA— Order BEANCHIOPODA. 
 Section I. LOPHYROPA. 
 
 Genus I. Cyclops. 
 
 1. Cyclops sfaphylinus, Desmarest. — C. mintdus, Mnller, p. 101, tab. xvii. fig. 
 
 1-7. — Canthocarpus staphylinus, J. 0. Westwood, MS. Common in pools of 
 
 fresh water and ditches. The figure of this species, as given by Mnller, is but 
 indifferently correct ; I have therefore sketched it as it has occurred to me. PI. 
 II, fig. 1. Desmarest calls it "staphj'linus," from its habit of turning up its tail 
 like the staphylinus. From some difference in the antennae, and from the ped- 
 uncle attached to the tail, it has been proposed to form a particular division for 
 this species. My friend Mr Westwood has formed a new genus of it, which he 
 calls " Canthocarpus." PI. II. figs. 19, 20, are the young of this species in 
 different stages. 
 
 2. Cijclops ruhens, Muller, p. 104, tab. xvi. fig. 1-3. — C. castor, Desmarest. — 
 
 Disptomus castor, J. 0. Westwood, MS. Found in Dunglass Pond, and about 
 
 Yetholm. It has been proposed to form a distinct group for the reception of this 
 species, from the division of the inferior antennae and palpi. It has been formed 
 into a new genus by Mr Westwood, and called Disptomus. PI. II. fig. 2 is the 
 young of this species, a few hours after birth. 
 
 3. C. lacinvJatus, Muller, p. 105. tab. xvi. fig. 4-6. — C. castor, Desmarest. 
 
 Found iia Yetholm Loch, along with C. ruhens. Desmarest makes the C ccernleus, 
 ruhens, and lacinulatus, into one species, which he calls C. castor, the laciniae of 
 this species being considered infusory animalcula attached to the tail. If it be 
 a mere variety, it is somewhat curious that these animals should adhere only 
 to this species, and that they should occur the same in Scotland as in Denmark. 
 
 4. C. vulgaris, Desmarest. — C. quadricornis, Muller, p. 109, tab. xviii. fig. 1-14, 
 — Pedictdus aqnaticus, Baker, Microsc. p. 496, tab. xv. fig 1-4. — Monoculus 
 
 quadricornis, Linne, Fabi-icius, and Donovan. Very common in all pools, 
 
 ditches, &c. throughout the district. Desmarest has changed the name of this 
 species from quadricornis to vulgaris, and much for the better, as the epithet 
 quadricornis would lead one to suppose that this species alone had four antennae, 
 whereas all the species we know have that number. PI. II. fig. 3, is the young 
 of this species twenty-four hours after birth ; and fig. 21, three weeks old, being 
 the Nauplius saltatoj-ius of Muller. 
 
 5. C. minuticornis, Muller, p. 117, tab. xix. fig. 14, 15. Pools of sea-water at 
 
 Cockbnrnspath and Berwick. The young is the Amymone thyas of Mnller, p. 47, 
 tab. xi. fig. 16, 17. 
 
 6. C. brevicornis, Muller, ji. 118. Pools of sea-water at Cockburnspath. 
 
 7. C. Johnstoni. Nova species. PI. II. fig- 4. — Pools of sea-water at Berwick 
 
 and Cockburnspath. Body of four segments, tail of six, terminated by two 
 
 short lobes, from which issue two long setae, fully the length of the body. 
 Superior antennee of about six articulations, stronger than inferior pair. In the 
 male there is a bulla about fifth articulation. In the female they are more 
 slender, more setiferous, and destitute of bullae. Inferior antennae of three or 
 four articulations ; terminated by two or three short sette. All four antennae 
 setiferous at base of articulations. Head beaked. Beneath the antennae are two 
 organs (palpi ?) of two articulations, setiferous at base of articulations and at 
 extremities. Beneath these are two organs, which Muller calls hands, of two 
 
98 MR BAIRD ON THE ENTOMOSTRACA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 articulations, terminated by a strong curved moveable claw or hook ; and beneath 
 these again, are two double organs, or msmhres particuUeres of the French 
 authors, each pair consisting of a short strong common footstalk, from which 
 arise two flat bodies, the superior of which is the longer, of two articulations, 
 serrated above, and terminated by three short seta3 ; the iriferior, also serrated 
 above, and terminated by three setee, but consisting only of one articulation. 
 From the three inferior articulations of the body arise three pairs of long seti- 
 ferous feet ; and from the second articulation of the tail arise the sexual organs 
 in either sex. This species approaches the 0. cheMfer of Muller, but differs in 
 many points when closely examined. In Muller' s species there are no articula- 
 tions to the body, which gradually tapers to the tail, and which he describes as 
 " farciminis facie." The superior antennae are only of three articulations ; the 
 inferior, which he calls "palpi," of two. The organs beneath these, which I call 
 " palpi," are furnished with a claw, and only of one articulation, whilst the last 
 pair of particular members, have only the shorter of the two bodies of which 
 they are composed, serrated, the longer being entire. The male in Muller's 
 figure has not the buUas on antennae. 
 
 Genus II. Cythere. 
 
 None of the authors, since Muller's time, who have written upon the " Ento- 
 mostraca," from their residing in inland situations, have had opportunities of 
 seeing the insects belonging to the genus Cythere, as they are only to be found 
 in sea-water. Their history, therefore, is in more obscurity than any of the other 
 genera, both as regards their economy and the number of species. No new 
 species, as far as I am aware, have been added to the five of Muller, by any of 
 the writers on " Entomostraca ; " but that there are more to be met with by a 
 little investigation, is very evident from those I have discovered on the coast. 
 
 1. Cythere Jiavida, Muller, p. 66, tab. vii. fig. 5, 6. Aiuongst Confervae in 
 
 pools of sea-water at Cockburnspath. 
 
 2. C. gibhera, Muller, p. 66, tab. vii. fig. 10-12. Sea shore at Cockburnspath. 
 
 3. C. reniformis. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 5. — Sea-shore at Berwick and 
 
 Eyemouth, &c. Shell reniform; flesh-coloured; covered with hairs; both 
 
 extremities of equal size ; antennas furnished with numerous short setae to all 
 articulations ; anterior feet falcate, entire ; all the feet furnished with claws. 
 This species approaches the C inridis of Muller, but differs in colour, in both 
 extremities of shell being equal, and in anterior feet not being serrulated. It 
 differs from C. lutea in shell being covered with hairs. 
 
 4. C. alba. Nova species. PI. III. fig 6.... Shore near Dunbar. Shell white 
 
 transparent, hairy, acute at posterior extremity, and bi"©ader at anterior ; a rim 
 round edge of shell whiter than the rest of shell ; antennae beset with short setae 
 at each articulation. 
 
 5. C. variabilis. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 7. a. b. — Shore at Cockburnspath 
 
 and Eyemouth. Shell glaucous, without hairs, ovate, anterior narrower than 
 
 the posterior extremity ; anterior legs falcate, and furnished with pretty strong 
 claws ; antennae slender, without sette. This species varies much in colour and 
 markings. Some specimens are white, with two black fasciae, one at posterior 
 margin, and the other across centre of shell, while the posterior extremity is 
 marked besides by a beautiful reddish or bright bronze spot; fig. a., other speci- 
 mens are of a light flesh colour, with the edges of shell slightly greenish, and the 
 body of the shell marked with dark streaks running across. Some are altogether 
 of a fine flesh colour; fig. b., while others again are of a very dark brown. All 
 the varieties, however, agree in shape of shell, in size, &c., merely differing in 
 colour and marking. Future observations may perhaps determine them to be of 
 two different species. 
 
 Genus III. C\tris. 
 
 1. Cypris defeda, Muller, p. 49, tab. iii. fig. 1-3. — 0. conchacea, Desmarest. 
 Pool on Beaumont Water at Yetholm. 
 
 2. C. strigata, Muller, p. 54, tab. iv. fig. 4-6. Brackish water on sea-shore 
 
 at Thornton Loch, near Cockburnspath. 
 
 3. C. vidua, Muller, p. 55, tab. iv. fig. 7-9. Dunglass Pond. 
 
MR BAIRD ON THE ENTOMOSTRACA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 99 
 
 4. C. piihera, Mailer, p. 56, tab. v. fio^. 1-5. — C. cnnchacea, Leach and Latreille. 
 
 — Monnculiis conchaceus, Liniie and Fabricius. -Ditches at Berwick, Cockburns- 
 
 path, &c. Mailer's figare does not appear to me to be a good one of this species. 
 
 5. C. monacha, Mailer, p. 60, tab. v. fig. 6-8. Dunglass Pond. 
 
 6. C. Candida, Mailer, p. 60, tab. vi. fig. 7-9. At Cockbarnspath. 
 
 7. C. reniformis, Dandebart de Ferussac, fils. Annales da Maseam d'Histoire 
 Naturelle, torn. 7. p. 212, (1806) ; Leach, in Edinbargh Encyclopedia, art. Crus- 
 tacea. Ditch near Berwick, and at Coldstream. 
 
 8. C. Joanna. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 8. — Pool near Abbey St Bathans. 
 
 Shell roandish, ovate, narrower anteriorly than posteriorly ; of a brown coloar, 
 with an orange mark across back of shell and lower margin ; shell beset all 
 roand with rigid hairs, and covered with minute black points or dots ; setae of 
 antennvB namerous, about twelve or more. Resembles C. vidua a good deal in 
 shape, but differs totally in colour and markings. Differs from C.pilosa somewhat 
 in shape, and in not being glabrous, but marked all over with black roughish- 
 looking points. 
 
 9. C. minuta. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 9. — Pool on Beaumont Water at 
 
 Yetholm. Shell broader posteriorly than anteriorly ; elevated and rounded on 
 
 upper margin ; slightly sinuated on under margin ; hairy all round ; of a light 
 brown coloar with a tinge of green ; body of shell smooth, shining ; posterior legs 
 terminated by one long claw ; anterior legs famished with a pencil of long hairs 
 from penultimate joint, and terminated by several strong hairs or setas ; sette of 
 antenna3 numerous. 
 
 10. C. elongafa. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 10. — Pool on Beaumont Water at 
 
 Yetholm. Shell much broader at anterior than posterior extremity, which is 
 
 narrow and much elongated ; elevated on upper margin towards anterior extre- 
 mity, and sinuated on under margin more towards the posterior extremity ; white ; 
 transparent ; hairy ; setae of antennae five or six ; anterior feet of about three 
 articulations, each articulation furnished with setae ; jDosterior legs denticulated. 
 
 11. C. repfans. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 11. — Yetholm Loch. Shell long 
 
 almost elliptical, nearly plane on upper, and slightly hollowed out or sinuated on 
 under margin, rather ventricose, hairy ; densely ciliated on anterior extremity ; 
 the ciliae on posterior extremity fewer but much longer, of a light colour with 
 dark green markings, which appear to be rather irregular ; both extremities have 
 a large broad green spot, which send out processes as it were towards the centre, 
 of the shell ; antennae and feet short in comparison to the size of shell. I have 
 never seen this species swimming about' in the vessel in which I have kept it, 
 but always creeping on the bottom. 
 
 12. C. Westwoodii. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 12. — Yetholm Loch. Shell 
 
 much deviated and rounded on upper margin, and sinuated on lower, broader at 
 anterior extremity, green-coloured, semi-transparent, densely covered with pretty 
 long hairs all over; second last joint of anterior feet furnished with a pencil of 
 long hairs ; posterior feet furnished with a short seta at each articulation, and 
 with a long curved claw at extremities ; antennae indistinctly articulated. 
 
 13. C. tristriata. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 13. — Pond at Little Swinton. 
 
 Shell ovate, ventricose, anterior extremity a little narrower than posterior, upper 
 margin rounded, lower sinuated slightly, green, hairy ; on the upper margin, 
 nearly in middle of length of shell, there is a dark mark, from which run to 
 posterior extremity three dark green streaks, the centre one of which is the most 
 distinct and the darkest coloured ; anterior extremity of a rather darker green 
 than the i-est of shell. Betv^een the centre and most anterior of the streaks are 
 five or six small lucid spots. 
 
 14. C. hispida. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 14. — Pool on Beaumont Water at 
 Yetholm. — ■ — Shell almost elliptical ; the anterior extremity being a little broader 
 than posterior : rather ventricose ; very roughly and densely hairy ; of a brown 
 colour all over, with one or two dark brown marks running across centre of shell, 
 in the anterior of which are foar or five translucent spots ; both extremities of a 
 darker colour than other parts of shell. The whole shell is very hispid, spines 
 rather than hairs covering the shell; antenna slender; setae seldom much divari- 
 
100 MR BAIRD ON THE ENTOMOSTRACA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 cated, about twelve in number. The mai-kings of shell are not in all specimens 
 very distinct. 
 
 15. a. lucens. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 15. — Yetholm Loch and pools on 
 
 Beaumont Water. Shell white, shining, witliout spot ; almost opaque ; ventri- 
 
 cose ; elevated on upper margin towards posterior extremity, and reniform. 
 underneath ; anterior extremity narrower and flatter than posterior, which is 
 arched and broad, the inferior angle being, however, prolonged to a point ; a few 
 fine hairs at each extremity. This species diifers from C. detecta in being ventri- 
 cose, and more arched in upper margin; and from C. Candida in being reniform, 
 in not being ovate, and in want of rigid hairs which beset that species. 
 
 16. C. compressa. Nova species. PI. III. fig. 16. — Yetholm Loch. Shell 
 
 round-shaped, compressed, rather narrower anteriorly than posteriorly ; of a grey 
 colour, more or less deep ; semi-transparent ; at either extremity beset with fine 
 hairs ; in some specimens spotted as if little pieces were hollowed out ; anterior 
 feet provided with several long bristles ; eye large ; antennae terminated by 
 numerous long setse. From the flat compressed shape of shell, its motion through 
 the water is very much like that of some species of Lynceus. 
 
 G-ENUS IV. Daphnia. 
 
 1. Daphnia quadrangula, Muller, p. 90, tab.xiii. fig. 3, 4. Ditch near Berwick. 
 
 2. D. pulp.v, Desmarest, Leach, Latreille. — D. pennata, Muller, p. 82, tab. xii. 
 fig. 4-7. — Monocidus pulex, Linne and Fabricius. — Pulex caudafus, Schaeffer. — — 
 Near Berwick, at Coldstream, and near Routing Linn at Fenton. 
 
 3. D. sima, Muller, p. 90. tab. xii. fig. 11-12. — D. vetuJa, Straus. — Pulex non 
 caudatus, Schseffer. Common about Cockburnspath, Yetholm, &c. 
 
 Gends Y. Lynceus. 
 
 1. Lynceus xphrrricus, Muller, p. 71, tab. ix. fig. 7-9. — Monoculus sphaericus, Fa- 
 bricius. Common in all the ditches and ponds throughout the district. 
 
 2. L. quadrangv.laris, Muller, p. 72, tab. ix. fig. 1-3. In the Pease Burn, and 
 
 in a pool on Beaumont Water at Yetholm. 
 
 3. L. lamellatus, Muller, p. 73, tab. ix. fig. 4-6. — Yetholm Loch, and in a pool 
 
 on Beaumont Water at Yetholm. This is a very fine large species, about the 
 
 size of Daphnia pulex, but Muller's plate of it does not appear to me to be a good 
 one. 
 
 4. L. trigonellus, Muller, p. 74, tab. x. fig. 5-6. — L. laficornis, Desmarest. 
 
 Pond at Foulden, and at Yetholm. 
 
 5. L. truncatus, Muller, p. 75, tab. xi. fig. 4-8. — Pool on Beaumont water at 
 
 Yetholm. Muller says he found this species once in autumn 1782, but never 
 
 met with it afterwards. It appears, therefore, to be a very rare species, and is a 
 very beautiful one. 
 
 6. L. harpcB. Nova species. PI. II. fig. 17. — Pool on Beaumont Water, and in 
 
 Dunglass Pond. Shell harp-shaped ; ribbed longitudinally, the ribs resembling 
 
 the strings of the harp ; rounded posteriorly, sinuated anteriorly, and terminating 
 in a point projecting forwards ; antenna; four, long, nearly the length of the shell, 
 each consisting of three articulations, and terminated by three long linear setae ; 
 shell smooth, except anterior edge where it is situated, being there ciliated ; tail 
 serrated, terminated by two strong setae ; head rounded, and beak blunt. Differs 
 from L. truncatus in sinuated anterior margin of shell, blunt beak, and long 
 antennae ; in not being truncated on posterior extremity ; in wanting the thirteen 
 little teeth at the base ; and in wanting the two thick and large upper feet : differs 
 from L. quadrangularis in shape, in sinuated anterior margin, in more distinci; 
 ribs, and in blunt beak. 
 
 7. L. hama.tus. Nova species. PI. II. fig. 18. — Yetholm Loch. Shell trun- 
 cated anteriorly, and ciliated ; upper part gibbous ; tail not serrated, gibbous, 
 terminated by two setae ; two upper feet large, and each furnished at extremity 
 ■with a strong claw or hook curved upwards ; antennae of three setae each : ap- 
 proaches L. trigonellus, but differs from it in beak being blunted and stronger; 
 in tail not being serrated ; in wanting the strong pedif orm organ below palpi and 
 above the feet ; and in the upper feet having the strong hooks. 
 
( 101 ) 
 
 An Address to the Members of the BerwicTcshire Naturalists' Club, delivered 
 at the Anniversary Meeting held at Yetholm, September, 21. 1836, 
 By Sir William Jaedine, Bart. President. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 We have met after tlie lapse of another year, and it becomes me to 
 follow the example which has been already four times so excellently 
 set before me, — to give a brief sketch of the progress we have made, 
 and of the things done and specimens captured, since we last com- 
 memorated the institution of the Club. 
 
 The last anniversary was held at the Bite-about Inn, Doddington, 
 Northumberland, on the 16th of the present month, with an ample 
 muster of members, and the company of Dr Douglas of Kelso and Mr 
 Atherton, as visitors. The walk was at first directed towards the 
 Eoutin-Linn, about two miles distance, a romantic dell and waterfall, 
 the former richly clothed with a thick and tangled copse of birch and 
 hazel, intermixed with a few stragglers of the monarch of the wood. 
 The principal attraction here was to re-discover the Osmunda regalis, 
 which was said to grow in this habitat. The locality appeared favour- 
 able, but the royal fern escaped the search of our botanists. Still, 
 though the object of the excursion was not obtained, the party were 
 compensated by the beauty of the scenery and the capture of some good 
 insects. The walk was now continued eastward to an extensive marsh 
 called the Horse-bog, and some interesting Coleoptera and Diptera 
 were taken. In the course of the walk the Myriea gale was observed 
 in profusion, a circtunstance noticed here, because it is mentioned by 
 Mr Winch to be rather a rare plant in Northumberland, and in general 
 is accounted local in its distribution. In the whole of the northern 
 part of this county, however, it abounds, running over, in almost more 
 profusion upon the extensive moorlands on the border, where in the 
 hollows, intermixed with stunted willow {S. aurita et aquatica), it be- 
 comes a favourite retreat for the blackcock, when its devotions to the 
 female are past, and his plumage has to be renovated for the ensuing 
 season. Calamagrostis lanceolata, a plant hitherto unnoticed in our 
 district, was seen growing abundantly in the moss, intermixed with 
 Aira ccespitosa, Salix pentandra, &c. On our return to the inn, and the 
 usual duties being paid to the table, Mr Embleton's address, and the 
 sketch of the labours of the bygone year, were attentively listened to, 
 and the following papers were read: — ''Notice of the Capture of a 
 Honey Buzzard near TwizeU, and of the Wryneck near Lucker, by Mr 
 Selby." This was a communication of considerable interest, being a 
 contribution to our knowledge of the habits of this comparatively rare 
 bird. The district around TwizeU appears to have something attractive 
 to this species, for, within these few years, several specimens have 
 been procured both in the adult and immature plumage. The bird ia 
 
 a 
 
102 SIR WILLIAM JARDINe's ADDRESS. 
 
 question was accidentally observed to rise from the situation of a wasp's 
 nest, wliicli it had been attempting to excavate, or in fact to a certain 
 extent had accomplished, and the large hole which had been scraped, 
 shewed that a much greater power could be employed, and that the 
 bird possessed organs much better fitted to remove the obstacles which 
 generally concealed its prey, than a superficial examination of the feet 
 and legs woidd warrant us in ascribing to it. A few hours afterwards, 
 the task was found to be entirely completed, the comb torn out and 
 cleared from the immature young ; and after-dissection proved that 
 at this season (autumn) at least, birds or mammalia formed no part of 
 the food. A steel-trap, baited with the comb, secured the aggressor 
 in the course of the next day, when we had returned to review the 
 scene of his previous havoc. The next paper was on the Architecture 
 of Holy Island Priory, by Dr Clarke, a place renowned in romance 
 and classic in our poetry ; and we would remark, that there are many 
 buildings of antiquity, which have yet been untouched by the pen of a 
 member. A meteorological paper, by Mr William Baird, concluded 
 our essays for the day — "Remarks on the Sea Tree," — a jjeculiar 
 arrangement of clouds well known to mariners under the above title. 
 The object of the paper was to shew the connexion between the different 
 forms of clouds and the weather, and it may be recollected that the 
 observations were detailed with the science of the meteorologist, and 
 the feeling of the poet. 
 
 For my report of the remaining meetings, I regret that I shall be 
 obliged to have recourse to the minutes only, but the accuracy of our 
 secretary, I have little doubt, has left nothing wanting. In December, 
 the Club held its usual meeting at Berwick. Miss Hunter and Miss 
 Bell continued to increase the list of the Berwickshire Flora, by the 
 addition of some fungi not previously seen within its bounds. Agaricus 
 ruber, odor us, and radicatus, with Cyatlim vernicosus, were recorded. 
 The unusually stormy winter had already laid open some of the trea- 
 sures of the deep, and the heavy gales of November had discovered 
 some inhabitants which were not of every day occurrence. The Rev. 
 Mr A. Baird read a notice of PUuronectes hirtus, and of Brama marina, 
 cast ashore at the foot of Dunglass Dean.* Dr Johnston laid the foun- 
 dation of a Fauna, by reading a list of the zoophytes found on the 
 coast of Berwickshire and North Durham, and made some interesting 
 remarks upon the metamorphosis of the Crustacea. A series of the 
 curiously formed "Fairy-stones" were exhibited by Mr Grood, taken 
 from a clayey bank on the side of the Tweed below New Water-haugh, 
 and we wotdd here remind you of a paper on the formation of these 
 little nodules, which last year came before us, and is now printed in 
 
 * It was after similar storms in the February following, that the interesting addi- 
 tion to our British fishes, Lutjanus riqjcstris, was procured, two specimens heing 
 thrown on shore in Berwick Bay, and another on the shore at Bamborough. — See 
 Mag. of Zool. and Bot. i. p. 167. 
 
SIE WILLIAM JAEDINE's ADDEESS. 103 
 
 oiir last Transactions. The first part of the " Fauna of Twizell" was 
 also laid before the Club, comprising the vertebrated animals, and the 
 coleopterous and lepidopterous insects, and we cannot too much recom- 
 mend the adoption of the plan of this paper to our members. It is, in 
 fact, following out the principal object of the Club, and if done with 
 care and attention to local circumstances, such essays would lead to 
 our intimate knowledge of the habitats and geographical distribution 
 of most, and in time of all, of oiu- native species. — ^We had, in conclu- 
 sion, from Mr Baird, Remarks on the Horary Observations made xxnder 
 the superintendence of our learned member at St Bathans ; and an 
 Account of the Aurora, as it occurred at Berwick, on the evenings of 
 the 1 7th and 19th November, and which it will be interesting to compare 
 with a paper which the same author read to us in the season of 1834. 
 
 The meeting for May took place at Houndwood Inn, an apparently 
 favourable station, but rendered most unsatisfactory by the inclemency 
 of the weather. Pive raembers only were present ; but they were 
 gratified by the appearance of Dr Grreville and the Rev. Mr Duncan as 
 visitors. During the day, the incessant rain and cold north wind ren- 
 dered all attempts at out-door work nearly frmtless, and some of the 
 more common coleoptera only were obtained. By the botanists the 
 remarkable Podisoma juniperi communis, a parasitic fungus upon the 
 living juniper, was noticed. In the after part of the day, a paper was 
 read " On the Proverbs, Popular Sajdngs, and Rhymes of Berwick- 
 shire," by Mr Henderson, which excited considerable interest, and 
 gave rise to an after discussion. 
 
 At Chatton, June 15th. This may be called the meeting of the year. 
 Favoured by a beautiful day, the Club met to breakfast in high spirits. 
 The vicinity is excellent both for the botanist and entomologist, and 
 Chillingham Park was the fii'st object of the walk. Independent of its 
 natural beauties, the extent of the domain and variety of wood and 
 cover render it a spot most fertile for the excursions of 4he natura- 
 list. The greater part of the foi-enoon was occupied in it, and the 
 party were gratified by a sight of its peculiar ornament — the wild cattle, 
 and by groups of red and fallow deer. Rass Castle, a hill within the 
 park, was visited, and some rare insects were taken in the vicinity. 
 Campylis linearis and Cardbus nitens may be noted among the coleop- 
 tera ; of the latter, three specimens were taken on the castle. Neither 
 were the botanists idle. Listera corclata and Trientalis europcea were 
 found, the latter in profusion on all the higher grounds. From the 
 Park, the party proceeded to Hepburn HiU, but time had run, and 
 allowed only a slight examination of a smaU portion of this rich 
 ground. Trientalis continued in profusion, Genista anglica was abun- 
 dant on the muir, Mijosotis repens rendered every moist spot in the wood 
 resplendent by its light blue flowers, and the birch was crimsoned with 
 JErineum roseum, an addition to the fungi of the district. In the evening, 
 a beautiful hybrid plant between Iris Oermanica and /. Florentina, very 
 
104 SIE "WILLIAM JARDINE's ADDRESS. 
 
 distinctly mixed, was exhibited by Captain Carpenter. Mr Parker 
 shewed a fine specimen of the water-rat {Arvicola ampliihia)^ with a pie- 
 bald fur ; and Dr Johnston produced a drawing of the Phylline hypoglossi, 
 taken from a large halibut caught in Berwick Bay. Dr Clarke read a 
 notice of an encounter between a hawk and bat, witnessed at Berwick 
 at noonday, in which the former was unsuccessful, from the rapid man- 
 ner in which the bat evaded the darts of its enemy, and the Doctor drew 
 attention to the exquisite sense which these curious animals appear so 
 peculiarly to possess. A very interesting table of the produce of the 
 fishery at Sandstel, kept by the late Mr Waite for a period of eighty- 
 ' two years up to 1818, was presented. From this table, it appears that 
 1745 was a year extremely unfavourable, 52 salmon only being taken ; 
 1764 and 1765 are the most abundant, above 15,000 and 17,000 being 
 severally taken. For the last ten years of the account, the take aver- 
 ages from 2000 to 6000 salmon, and from 3000 to 13,000 grilse. 
 
 In July we have to regret that there was no meeting — an untoward 
 event, which we trust the zeal of the members will prevent any future 
 President the pain of recording. 
 
 I have thus, gentlemen, very lightly sketched the results of the ex- 
 cursions and meetings of the last season, and I may be allowed to con- 
 gratulate the Club upon its advance and continued prosperity. It must 
 be considered, however, that we have had a season almost unexampled 
 in the recollection of most of us, for its low mean temperature and 
 general inclemency, both very viufavourable to the researches of the 
 out-door naturalist ; and the observations of some of our members on 
 the east coast remarkably coinciding with my own, made at a residence 
 on the opposite shores of the island, and situate nearly at the same 
 elevation and distance from the sea, shew that over the north of Eng- 
 land and south of Scotland, this unpropitious time has too uninter- 
 ruptedly spread. Many of you may have observed the late appearance 
 of the great proportion of the summer birds of passage. The song of 
 those welcome visitors, which alwaj^B conveys so many associations for 
 the returning year, was expected for nearly fourteen days in vain, and 
 when the arrival was proclaimed, it was soon perceived that some cause 
 had materially diminished the usual numbers of these travellers.* The 
 coleoptera, also, were much later in leaving their winter retreats, and 
 among the Lepidoptera, there has been a remarkable deficiency of the 
 GeometridcB, and of the greater portion of those Noctuadce, which feed 
 more particularly on the foliage of trees, circumstances that were per- 
 haps occasioned by the remarkably cold and parched weather which 
 
 * It has been since remarked, that the departure of our summer birds of passage 
 his been unusually early. Before the 1st September most of the warblers had de- 
 parted, a few individuals only of S. trochUus remaining. Hirundo rustica, and urbica, 
 were not seen after the 20th September, nearly a month before their usual time of 
 departure. Cypseli have been recorded as rarely seen at aU, in many parts of the island. 
 
 The fieldfare and redwing arrived between the 20th and 26th October, about a fort- 
 night before the average time of their accustomed arrival. — W. J., 14th Nov. 1836. 
 
SIB, WILLIAM JAEDINE's ADDRESS. 105 
 
 occurred in May and June, and wliicli was equally unfavourable to the 
 development of the flowers and foliage of many of our native and 
 generally hardy plants. But notwithstanding this unpropitious season, 
 from the sketch that I have just now read, you will have seen that 
 some subjects have been added to our Fauna, and some new plants to 
 our Flora, besides considerable additions to our local knowledge of the 
 district, within the boimdaries of oiu' range. 
 
 But I have another subject on which the Club has my warmest con- 
 gratulations. Our little Proceedings tell more decidedly how much the 
 value of such an institution is esteemed. Humble as they seemed at 
 first, and printed and circidated without display, it must be gratifying 
 to us all, that they have been already quoted in works which bear a 
 high rank in zoology and botany, and that they may be now said to 
 hold a place in the literatu.re of the naturalist. Let me then entreat 
 you to continu.e your perseverance ; you have now to retain the emin- 
 ence you have gained ; much yet Kes before you, particularly in the 
 lower forms of our various departments ; there is abundance which 
 will bear to be re-examined, while one path, which was formerly 
 recommended in an admirable address from this chair, still stands 
 nearly clear, — that of the physiology and internal structure of the beings 
 and plants which we have already been attempting externally to 
 characterize. I would also hint at another object which the Club 
 might now endeavour to attain : You are all- well aware how much 
 Berwickshire is indebted to one of our number for the illustration of 
 its Flora, and it appears to me that if a sketch of a Fauna was made 
 out, including all the vertebrata and invertebrata, so far as the notes 
 in our possession would admit, that it would much facilitate the addition 
 of species as they were discovered, and would be a guide by which 
 members might direct their researches to the vacant parts, and finally 
 fill the gap in the natural history of the county. 
 
 Leaving these hints for your consideration, it only now remains for 
 me formally to resign my seat to one whom I trust will prove a more 
 worthy successor, and I must express my regret that circumstances 
 should have compelled me to be so frequently absent from our meetings, 
 and to take so little share in the duties of the situation in which your 
 partiality placed me, and at the same time I would offer my acknow- 
 ledgments for your indulgence. From the time of my admission into 
 the Club, I have felt a lively interest in its prosperity, convinced that 
 if similar institutions were formed, we should soon learn, how much we 
 had to learn of the natural history of our county. Neither is their any 
 association more Hkely to lead to the discovery of objects of commercial 
 or individual importance, while they may attain a stiU higher end ; for 
 by bringing individuals to a peaceable and rational converse, they 
 point out what wiU ever become a healthy and useful recreation, — what 
 wiU gain upon the mind, and will be a wholesome relief from the more 
 severe studies incident to the necessary professions of the world j and I 
 
106 CONTErBTJTIONS TO THE FLOBA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 have not yet met witli the person who, from the casual observance of 
 some beautiful natural object, or the example of some friend, has 
 entered into our pursuits, who has not been led to enquire Who it is 
 that hath gilded the insect's wing, and painted the blossoms of the 
 wild flower, and ultimately to think of his presence 
 
 -That diffuses charms 
 
 Unspeakable, o'er mountain, wood, and stream." 
 
 List of Members, continued from p. 69. 
 
 Eev. Dr Gilly of Norham, . . . May 4, 1836. 
 
 Matthew Culley, Esq. of Eowberry, . . June 15, 
 
 Eev. E. Mitford Taylor, .... July 27, 
 
 Sir David Milne, K.C.B., . . . Sept. 21, 
 
 David Milne, Esq. of Milne-Graden, . 
 
 Contributions to the Flora of Berwickshire. 
 
 1. ADDITIONAL SPECIES. 
 
 AaARicus ruber, With. Bot. Arrang. iv. 210. Woods at Anton's-hiU, 
 
 Miss Hunter. 
 Agaricus odorus, Grev. Crypt. Fl. tab. 28. Woods at Anton's-hiU, 
 
 Miss Hunter. 
 Agabicus radicatus, Grev. Crypt. Fl. tab. 217. Woods at the Hirsel, 
 
 and at Anton's-hill, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. 
 Cyathus vernicosus, Bot. Gall. ii. 865. Nidularia campanulata, With. 
 
 Bot. Arrang. iv. 356. On decayed sticks, both at Anton's-hiU and 
 
 the Hirsel, Miss E. Bell and Miss Hunter. 
 Yerbena officinalis. Gathered in a corn-field near Cockburnspath, by 
 
 the Eev. A. Baird, and undoubtedly introduced with seed corn. 
 
 2. Additional Habitat. 
 
 Mentha piperita. In a ditch on the estate of Belchester, in great abun- 
 dance, and at a great distance from any garden or cottage. Miss 
 Hunter. 
 
( 107 ) 
 
 A Catalogue of the Zoophytes of Bcnviclcshire. By Dr Johnston. 
 
 Class.— ZOOPHYTA, Solander. 
 
 Section.— POLYPIFEEA. 
 
 Order. — Helianthoida. 
 
 Fayn. 1. Actiniadse. 
 Lxicernaria auricula. 
 
 convolvulus. 
 Actinia mesembryanthemum. 
 var. — A. viduata. 
 genunacea. 
 
 Order. 
 
 Fayn. 1. Pennatuladee. 
 Pennatula j)L.osplLorea. 
 
 variety — A. crassicornis. 
 variety — A. equina. 
 variety — A. coccinea. 
 Dianthus. 
 
 Tuediee. 
 
 -ASTEROIDA. 
 
 Fam. 2. Lobulariadse. 
 Lobularia digitata. 
 
 Order. — Hydroida. 
 
 I. GtEMMIPAROUS. 
 
 Sertularia pumila. 
 
 Fam. 1. Corynidae. 
 
 operculata. 
 
 Coryne glandulosa. 
 
 argentea. 
 
 squamata. 
 
 ■» * 
 
 Fam. 2. Hydi'oidse. 
 
 thuja. 
 
 Hydra viridis. 
 
 Tboa halecina. 
 
 grisea. 
 
 Antennularia antennina. 
 
 Fam. 3. Tubulariadse. 
 
 var. — A. indivisa. 
 
 Tubularia indivisa. 
 
 var. — A. ramosa. 
 
 ramosa. 
 
 Plumularia falcata. 
 
 var. — T. ramea. 
 
 pinnata. 
 
 
 setacea. 
 
 II. Vesiculiferous. 
 
 Catharina. 
 
 Fam. 4. Sertulariadse. 
 
 > Fam. 5. Campanulariadae, 
 
 Sertularia rugosa. 
 
 Campaniilaria dichotoma. 
 
 polyzonias. 
 
 geniculata. 
 
 abietina. 
 
 volubilis. 
 
 filicula. 
 
 s)T.'inga. 
 
 nigra. 
 
 dumosa. 
 
 rosacea. 
 
 
 Order.- 
 
 — AsciDiAoroA. 
 
 Fam. 1. Tubuliporidae. 
 
 Crisea luxata. 
 
 Notamia loriciJata. 
 
 cornuta. 
 
 Crisea ebumea. 
 
 
108 
 
 DB JOHNSTON ON THE ZOOPHYTES OF BERWICKSHIBE. 
 
 Tubulipora patina. 
 
 
 riustra truncata. 
 
 serpens. 
 
 
 carbasea. 
 
 Fam. 2. Flustraidse. 
 
 
 avicularis. 
 
 Cellepora Skenei. 
 
 
 var. — -flustroides. 
 
 ramulosa. 
 
 
 var. — avicularia. 
 
 pumicosa. 
 
 
 pilosa. 
 
 Berenicea inimersa. 
 
 
 membranacea. 
 
 trispinosa. 
 
 
 lineata. 
 
 variolosa. 
 
 
 unicornis. 
 
 cHiata. 
 
 
 Fmn. 3. Alcyoniadse. 
 
 coccinea. 
 
 
 Alcyonium gelatinosum. 
 
 nitida. 
 
 
 hirsutnm. 
 
 * * 
 
 
 ecbinatum. 
 
 CeUularia scruposa. 
 
 
 * * 
 
 reptans. 
 
 
 ? parasiticum. 
 
 ciliata. 
 
 
 Fam. 4. Lymnophylli. 
 
 FarciTiiia salicornia. 
 
 
 Cristatella mirabilis. 
 
 Flustra foliacea. 
 
 
 Plumatella Sultana. 
 
 
 Section.- 
 
 -POEIEEEA. 
 
 
 Oeder.- 
 
 — Amorphozoa. 
 
 Grantia compressa. 
 
 
 Halicbondria palmata. 
 
 botryoides. 
 
 
 ramosa. 
 
 ciliata. 
 
 
 papillaris. 
 
 pnlverulenta. 
 
 
 var. — panicea. 
 
 nivea. 
 
 
 var. — cristata. 
 
 abnormis. 
 
 
 Spongilla fluviatilis. 
 
 Spongia pulcbella. 
 
 
 
 
 Okdek.- 
 
 — LlTHOPHYTA. 
 
 Corallina officinalis. 
 
 
 Millepora liclienoides, var. 
 
( 109 ) 
 
 Notice of the Capture of Pernis apivorus (Honey Buzzard), a rare species 
 of the British Falconid<z ; and of the Wry-neck. By P. J. Selby, 
 Esq. 
 
 This individual was caught in a steel spring- trap on the 28tli of 
 August last, under circumstances wHcii, as illustrative of the peculiar 
 habits of the species, I think it may not be altogether uninteresting to 
 detail. On the afternoon of the 27th August, a large bird, apparently 
 of the hawk species, was observed by Mr B. Atherton in the grounds at 
 Twizell, to rise from the ground beneath the decumbent branches of a 
 Platanus. Upon going to the spot, he observed a number of wasps 
 (Vespa vulgaris) flying around, and part of a nest and broken comb 
 scratched out of a large hole at the root of the tree, in which it had 
 been built. The fact was mentioned on his return to the house, and 
 from the circumstances detailed, I conjectured it might possibly be the 
 work of a honey-buzzard ; an inspection of the place an hour or two 
 afterwards strengthened this supposition, as it was evident the aggres- 
 sor had again been there, having nearly torn the whole of the comb to 
 pieces, and cleared it of the wasps, grubs, and immature young with 
 which it had been filled. At the suggestion of Mrs Selby, two steel- 
 traps were set in the evening, close to the site of the destroyed wasp- 
 hive, and baited with two large pieces of comb taken from another 
 nest, destroyed a few evenings previously. Upon looking at them 
 early the following morning, they appeared undisturbed, but during 
 the course of the forenoon, the bird was again observed upon a tree 
 within view of the traps, and apparently reconnoitering the place, and 
 it then allowed of a near approach. It would appear, that whatever 
 suspicions it might have entertained, it had not long been able to resist 
 the cravings of its appetite, as it was found in the evening secured by 
 its leg in one of the traps. From its size, I conjectured it to be a 
 male, and such it proved upon dissection, and an adult bird, from the 
 difference of colour, as contrasted with two birds of the year in my 
 possession, as weU as from the pure yellow of its cere and legs, those 
 parts in the young being of a greenish grey. It measured 21 inches 
 in extreme length, and 3 feet 7 inches in extent of wing ; the cere was 
 of a fine lemon-yeUow, the top of the biU bluish-black, the iris dark 
 bluish-grey ; the tarsi about If inch in length, feathered in part about 
 half-way down, the naked part and feet yellow. The claws very little 
 arched, but sharp ; the tail long, fan-like, and extending beyond the 
 closed wings about 2^ inches. The exterior plixmage is of an uniform 
 dark or umber brown, including the close-set feathers around the eyes, 
 which, from their tiled disposition and firmness, appear weU adapted 
 to protect the face of the bird from the stings of hymenopterous 
 insects. The bottom or lower part of the plumage is white, and a 
 thick clothing of down closely invests the whole of the body. The tail 
 
110 MB 8ELBT ON THE PERNIS APIYORtrS. 
 
 hair-trown, with bars of a deeper colour. Tlie skin I foimd to be 
 tough and thick. Upon opening the body, the craw and stomach 
 were found filled with wasps, as well full-grown as in the nymph and 
 grub state ; no remains or feathers of birds, or bones and fur of mam- 
 malia were to be seen, so that, at this season at least, its food would 
 ajipear to consist entirely of insects, and particularly the hymenoptera 
 and their larvse. The trunk and gently curved bill, as well as the 
 straight claws of this bird, shew its departure from the typical 
 Falconidse, and its decreased predatorial habits. It was in tolerable 
 condition, though not in the fat state of the individual killed at 
 Thrunton, and described by the Honourable Mr Liddell in the Trans- 
 actions of the Northumberland Natural History Society. While aKve, 
 it shewed no irascibility of disposition, and did not attempt to strike 
 with its talons, and made no outcry. It was infested with that un- 
 pleasant looking parasite Sippomya vindis, several specimens of which 
 were secured. 
 
 I have also to notice a beautiful specimen of the Yunx torquilla 
 (wry-neck) shot by our associate Captain Mitford on the 1st of Septem- 
 ber, near Lucker. It was seen by him, threading in various directions 
 a thickset hedge, and frequently exhibited the gesticulations and 
 twistings of the head and neck peculiar to this pretty bird. It was in 
 high condition, and loaded with fat, and, upon dissection, proved a 
 female. The stomach was filled with ants, of the species Formica fiisca, 
 Steph. ? mixed with their pupse : no other insects, or food of a different 
 kind, was observable. The tongue of this bird, as in the woodpecker 
 tribe, is extensile, and, except the tip, in the form of a cylindrical 
 sheath, composed of elastic rings ; it is kept moistened with a gluey 
 saliva, secreted by large and appropriate glands ; and, as in that 
 family, the fumee of the os hyoides are greatly prolonged, and after 
 extending down to the nape of the neck, are then bent upwards, and, 
 crossing over the crown of the head, above the orbit of each eye, are 
 brought in contact immediately above the base of the bill. 
 
 The wry-neck is a very rare bird in this district, and this is the second 
 instance only of my having met with it north of Morpeth. In the 
 spring, when it first arrives, it is easily recognised by its loud and 
 piercing cry, which somewhat resembles that of some of the small 
 Falconidee. It breeds in the holes of trees ; but its soft fan-Kke tail 
 shews that its scansorial powers are confined, and that its zygodactyle 
 feet, like those of the cuckoo, are rather calculated for firm prehension 
 in certain attitudes, and when the centre of gravity is frequently 
 thrown considerably forwards, than for ascending the trunks or arms 
 of trees. 
 
( 111 ) 
 
 Holy Island Priory. By Henry Clarke, M.D. 
 
 I HAVE been induced to draw up the following sketch of the Priory 
 of Holy Island, from its being the most beautiful fragment of antiquity 
 in the district to which our researches are confined, as well as from its 
 presenting one of the most remarkable architectural remains of the 
 period to which it belongs in the kingdom. 
 
 It need scarcely be mentioned, that, in the earlier periods of Chris- 
 tian history, the choice of so unattractive a site was in obedience to 
 the idea which indicated the remote and scarcely accessible island, and 
 the lone and unfrequented desert, as spots peculiarly fitted for that 
 contemplative life, and withdrawal from the world, in which the per- 
 fection of rehgion was supposed to consist. 
 
 When the monastic system was introduced into the West, this was 
 its leading and characteristic feature, and the same spirit which had 
 selected the inhospitable island of lona, induced the monk who issued 
 thence for the conversion of Northumberland, to prefer the bleak sands 
 of Lindesfarne to the pleasant valleys of the adjacent continent. 
 
 It woidd be needless also to dwell upon the advantages derived from 
 monastic establishments during the darker periods of history — their 
 preservation of literature and religion — the solace they afforded to the 
 wayfarer and the pilgrim — the asylum they furnished to the poor, the 
 sick, the impotent, and the aged — the influence which they exerted in 
 alleviating, where they could not prevent, the various evils incident to 
 a barbarous age — the peaceful arts which they cultivated, and especially 
 that which enabled them to raise those ai;gust and sumj)tuous edifices, 
 which still remain the grandest examples of architectural skiU, and 
 defy all approaches of the moderns to a parity of excellence. 
 
 The exercise of these and kindred virtues ought to redeem the 
 monastic institution, when reviewed in a candid and equitable spirit, 
 from the unmeasured obloquy and censure which the license and 
 misrule of some of its branches in later times have drawn down upon 
 it. 
 
 There is no doubt, however, that the very virtues, which originally 
 inspired awe and attracted esteem, tended, by a natural process, fre- 
 quently renewed, and always with similar results, to the gradual 
 corruption and final overthrow of the monastic system. 
 
 Long before the Eeformation the elements of discontent had been 
 at work, and the clamour against the monasteries had been gradually 
 acquiring force and fixedness, when in the person of 
 
 "the majestic lord 
 Who broke the bonds of Rome," 
 
 was found a fitting instrument for the expression of the popular wiU. 
 In the year 1536, the lesser monasteries were doomed to destruction 
 
112 DE CLAEKE ON HOLT ISLAND PRIORY. 
 
 by the execrable tyrant who then wielded the sceptre of England, and 
 the Priory of Holy Island was included in the general wreck. 
 
 From that hour it dates its gradual decay and present state of irre- 
 trievable ruin. Sir Walter Scott has thus described it in "Marmion." 
 
 " In Saxon strength that abbey frown'd, 
 With massive arches broad and round, 
 That rose alternate row on row, 
 On pondeions columns short and low, 
 
 Built ere the art was known. 
 By pointed aisle and shafted stalk, 
 The arcades of an alley' d walk, 
 
 To emulate in stone." 
 
 The latter part of the stanza is a complimentary allusion to the 
 fanciful theory of Sir James Hall concerning the origin of the pointed 
 arch. The application of the term Saxon, it would be impossible to 
 verify or substantiate. 
 
 There are no buildings in this country with the characteristic forms 
 of this church, or the distribution into nave and aisles, that belong to 
 so early a period. A few rude structures there certainly are which 
 may have been erected by Saxon architects, one of which occurs in our 
 own district — the tower of Whittingham Church, Northumberland — 
 characterized by a peculiar sort of quoining — consisting of long and 
 short stones, placed alternately over each other — small round-headed 
 apertures divided by a rude baluster, and the absence of buttresses. 
 The term Norman may be safely used, if it be understood simply to 
 designate a style which appeared in this country at the conquest, and 
 prevailed for 125 years, during the Norman rule ; but it is in reality 
 Eoman, and was derived from the Imperial city by the architects who 
 diffused it over Europe, with the religion to which these structures 
 were consecrated. It flourished during the first thousand years of the 
 Christian era, with long interruptions during the dark ages, but its 
 rudiments may be discerned at this day in the Temple of Peace at 
 Pome, erected during the first century, and in the Halls of the Baths 
 — those colossal structures in which the grandeur of thought and mag- 
 nificent aims of the Poman people are most conspicuously combined. 
 In these edifices we perceive the general arrangement of our Norman 
 and Grothic churches — a wide central space arched over at top, with 
 the vaults resting on pillars corresponding to our nave ; between these 
 pillars lofty arches open into as many vaulted apartments on either 
 side intercommunicating b}' similar archways and constituting side- 
 aisles. The roof of the side-aisles being considerably lower than that 
 of the central vault, admits the insertion of lights in the main wall 
 looking into the nave, which corresjiond with our clerestory windows. 
 
 The general character of Holy Island Priory is Norman, or to speak 
 more corectly, Eomanes^ue. The west front is almost perfect — 
 
DR CLARKE ON HOLT ISLAND PRIORY. Il3 
 
 remarkably so wlien we consider, that, in buildings of tliat period, 
 this part has generally imdergone a change, by the insertion of 
 windows of a later style, leaving only the Norman door below to point 
 to the real date of the structure. Here, we have a door of great depth 
 and richness of effect from the number and boldness of the ornaments. 
 On either side are plain semicircular blank arches — but not intersect- 
 ing — and the whole was flanked by towers, one of which still exists. 
 Of the nave, the southern portion as well as the south aisle is entirely 
 gone, but that on the north is tolerably complete. The piers, with 
 their capitals, which bore up the arches, are of various patterns, 
 channelled, lozenged, shafted, and shewing in their sculptured sur- 
 faces, and the various fretwork of the arches, that is, in the only 
 decoration which the style admitted — the germ of that inexhaustible 
 variety and miiltiplicity of ornament which was in the sequel to charac- 
 terize the Gothic. 
 
 The nave as well as aisles, has been vaulted in stone, as is evidenced 
 from the vaulting shafts, and commencing springers still seen at the 
 junction of the nave and transepts, and from the curve of the vault 
 itself, yet traceable at the west end, but denuded of its ribs. This is 
 a remarkable and almost singular instance of the centre aisle of a 
 Norman building receiving a vault of stone. Both in England and on 
 the Continent, the nave was covered simply by a flat boarded roof, to 
 which were in a great degree owing the frequent and destructive fires 
 of our early churches. 
 
 There are six arches in the nave, but the last is of smaller dimen- 
 sions than the rest. This peculiarity is not unfrequent in Norman 
 and Gothic churches, as if the architect had not previously calculated 
 the space to be occupied by his arcade. The effect here has been to 
 produce a horse-shoe instead of a semicircular arch, from its being of 
 the same height, but lesser span, than the others. This arch is very 
 rare, even in Norman buildings. 
 
 Above the pier -arches there has existed a trif orium, of which the 
 only remains are a single shaft at either end of the nave, the beginning 
 and termination of the arcade. The Norman triforium is in England 
 simply a row of openings or pannels in the wall, to fill up, ornament- 
 ally, what would otherwise have been a blank space. In Germany it 
 is a real gallery, and appropriated to the young men, and called the 
 Manner-chor. 
 
 Of the vaulting of the north aisle one arch still remains, but flattened 
 at top, and only retained in its position by the wedge-form of the 
 stones which compose it. This will soon fall, and yet might be easily 
 preserved. The vaulting was quadripartite — the piers, with their 
 cushioned capitals, and transverse ribs, are yet seen. In one or two 
 places, the vaulting from pier to pier yet remains, though the ribs 
 which woiild have appeared to support it are gone. This is a proof 
 that the ribs used in vaulting were introduced merely to satisfy the 
 
114 DR CLABKE ON HOLY ISLAND PRIORY. 
 
 mind by appearing to support the arches above, and that the eye, which 
 had been accustomed to strong lines in every other part of the build- 
 ing, should not here rest in a blank surface. 
 
 We now reach the intersection of the nave and transepts. Here in 
 the strong and massive piers, we have slender circular shafts set in 
 square recesses — a style of transition from the short and heavy Norman 
 to the loftiness and exility of the Gothic, by which the weights above 
 being distributed to different and independent props — an air of light- 
 ness and grace is produced without any diminution of security or 
 strength. 
 
 Above,^ arose the tower which crowned the whole structure, but of its 
 existence the only remaining evidence is the most singular and beauti- 
 ful feature of the ruin. It is the great cross rib traversing the vault 
 diagonally from N.W. to S.E., and spanning the mid-air free and un- 
 connected with the building but at its spring. Had this been a pointed 
 arch, it would have fallen with its superstructure, but the pressure of 
 the round arch being only at the sides, it is likely to endure as long as 
 the parts which buttress it up. 
 
 The chancel beyond the transepts had originally a semicircular ter- 
 mination, as is still discernible on the floor, — a feature retained in all 
 the Norman churches abroad. In this part of the edifice, it is to be 
 regretted, is a departure from the u.nity of style which pervades the 
 rest of the fabric — the circular apse has given place to a rectangular, 
 lighted by pointed windows, in compliance with the fashion of the day, 
 and in violation of the grave simplicity of the rest of the structure. 
 
 Buttresses of slight projection run all round the building. They 
 were scarcely needed by the Norman architects, from the enormous 
 thickness of their walls, and their inferior height ; bu.t in them we 
 may trace the rudiments of what became, in the hands of the Grothic 
 builders, so beautiful and necessary a member, shooting up into airy 
 pinnacles and spires, and impressing a lofty and majestic character 
 upon the whole. 
 
 Of the conventual buildings the traces are few and indistinct. The 
 most important to their comforts — the vast kitchen chimney yet remains 
 in all its original strength and completeness. The large walled space 
 adjoining was probably the Refectory, with which the kitchen would 
 communicate by the buttery-hatch. 
 
 The building is now secured from violence and wanton dilapidation, 
 and as it has only to contend against the silent erosion of lichen and 
 wallflower, we may hope that it will long continue to adorn our district 
 — a monument of a far distant age and far different state of society, 
 and a beautiful and affecting link between the past and the present. 
 
( 115 ) 
 
 Remarhs on the Sea Tree. By Mr "William Baied. 
 
 Every person, the most unlearned even in tlie science of meteorology, 
 it may be observed, pretends, by looking at tbe clouds, to be able to 
 foretell the changes of weather ; and many whose occupations lead 
 them -to be much in the open air, have attained a very considerable 
 degree of knowledge in the matter. From observing that under 
 certain states of the clouds a change of weather has taken place, the 
 weather-wise can with considerable confidence predict a similar change 
 to take place, upon certain circumstances occurring again. Such ob- 
 servations may be duly authenticated, but it is more difiicult to assign 
 a satisfactory reason for the change taking place. 
 
 The object of this paper is to lay before the Club a few observations 
 upon a variety of one of the modifications of clouds, as connected with 
 the weather, which I have made at various times and places ; and 
 though I shall not j)erhaps be able to assign a satisfactory reason why 
 such a connexion should exist, I hope that the establishing the fact, 
 that there is such a connexion, will be more valuable, and perhaps 
 better suited for this Club, than an ill-contrived theory to support the 
 assertion. The great object of this Club is to collect facts; and we 
 should always bear in mind, that whilst the finest spun theories have 
 been swept away, like the gossamer web, or the morning mist, before 
 the fii-st breeze of wind that has blown, or have vanished "like the 
 Borealis race, that flit e'er ye can point their place", the hardier and 
 more stubborn facts iipon which they have rested, have withstood the 
 hardest gales — as the mighty oak, "the monarch of the wood," only 
 rises stronger from every blast that blows, and strikes its roots the 
 deeper in the ground, the more the tempest strives to overwhelm it, — 
 so they have only gained more strength and stability from the rude 
 assaults that have overthrown the superstructures which have been 
 built upon them. 
 
 Of the seven modifications, or species, into which Howard and other 
 meteorologists have divided the clouds, three are simple and primary, 
 the others are compound. One of these primary species, called the 
 " Cirrus or Curl-cloud," is perhaps the most beautiful and diversified, 
 and is certainly the highest of all the modifications. Every person 
 must be acquainted with it in some one or other of its varieties 
 — those beautiful white, almost transparent, and finely formed tufts, 
 like locks of silken hair, which we so often see in fine weather pencilled 
 high up in the clear blue sky, especially when we have the wind in 
 the east, and from which shape the cloud takes its name of "cirrus or 
 curl-cloud " — the wild, dishevelled, streaming, poetical-looking 
 appearance, which the same lock of hair puts on at times, called the 
 grey-mare's tail, proverbial as a forerunner of a gale — the beautifidly 
 reticulated and scale-like cloud, which we often see at an amazing 
 
Ii6 MR BAIRD ON THE SEA-TREE. 
 
 distance in tlie cerulean sky, and wMch gives us some faint idea of the 
 i m mensity of space, since our familiar friends the clouds are at such a 
 distance, — a cloud which is well known to seamen as a prelude to a 
 stiff breeze, and called the mackerel back * — these or some other of 
 its varieties are known to almost every one. The way in which this 
 cloud perhaps most generally makes its appearance, is a milkiness, 
 or turbid whiteness diffusing itself over some part of the heaven. This 
 gradually either descends in the atmosphere, or becomes more con- 
 densed, and takes on some more decided appearance, such as one of 
 those I have already mentioned, or without taking on any of those 
 decided forms, stretches itself in long lines over the sky, and passes 
 gradually into one of the compound forms, " cirro-cumulus " or " cirro- 
 stratus." The "cirro-cumulus" has been finely described by the 
 poet Bloomfield, "the beauteous semblance of a flock at rest," and 
 may be considered the cloud of fine weather. The " cirro-stratus," 
 however, figures in many a sad change, and it is frequently in combi- 
 nation with this compound form, that the " cirrus " is seen a mark of 
 bad weather. In variable and showery weather, when the shower has 
 passed away, and all appearance of rain is gone, when a few rocky 
 "cumuli," or some detached portions of "cirro-stratus" are only to 
 be seen lingering in the sky, we often perceive, shooting up between 
 two or three of these clouds I have mentioned, a light fleecy almost 
 transparent cloud, branching out at one side into fine radiations, like 
 the down upon a feather, and hence called "plumose cirri ;" when 
 such are seen, we may almost certainly conclude that the weather will 
 continue changeable, and showers will again prevail. This modifica- 
 tion or variety is generally met with in showery weather ; but there is 
 another somewhat resembling this one which is very frequently only 
 to be met with during a continuance of fine settled weather, and which 
 may be understood when I describe it as two of these " plumose cirri " 
 united, rendering it plumose on each side, or giving somewhat the 
 appearance of a tree, and called, I believe, by the natives of Norfolk, 
 the " Sea-Tree." It is this variety that I have selected as the subject 
 of this paper, and which, with few exceptions, I have generally found 
 as a sure sign of approaching rain. The weather has been fine and 
 settled-looking for some time, the sun rises clear and unclouded, his 
 mid-day ardour is moderated perhaps somewhat by those elegant 
 shaped parasols of heaven, — the beautiful fine weather cumuli ; whilst 
 he sinks in the evening to his western pillow in a fiood of glory. Day 
 after day the same succession of weather takes place, and a long con- 
 tinuance of such is predicted, till at last, on some warm or sultry day, 
 we perceive the " sea-tree " make its appearance, perhaps isolated and 
 waving its branches at an immense distance in the heavens, perhaps 
 
 * " Mackerel backs and mares' tails, 
 Make lofty ships carry low sails," 
 ia an adage well known at sea. 
 
MB, BAlllD 0:\ XilE SEA-TREE. 1L7 
 
 its stalk rising out of a bank of " cirro-stratus," its feathery or arbore- 
 scent summit flickering' aloft and pointed towards the wind, and 
 immediately the meteorologist acquainted with its appearance, foretells 
 a change. I have observed this cloud in many different parts of the 
 world, and I have watched with great interest the change from dry to 
 wet weather take place, and found the same change produced between 
 the tropics, under the equator, in the burning climate of India, in the 
 cooler latitudes of a southern zone, as well as in our northern clime, in 
 the midst of the trackless ocean, as well as on land in our own county 
 of Berwick. From a meteorological journal I kept some years ago, 
 during a period of fifteen months in various parts of the world, I could 
 produce many instances to prove the connexion which seems to exist 
 between the appearance of this cloud, the "sea-tree," and wet 
 weather. T could shew it uninfluenced by climate, and independent of 
 previous weather — and producing the same effects when isolated from 
 other clouds, as when connected with, or rising out of "cirro- 
 stratus." — I shall, however, select the notice of a cloxid of this 
 description as seen very lately in Berwickshire, and the appearances 
 of which were marked at the time. The unusual diy weather which 
 has prevailed this last summer, renders perhaps the appearance of this 
 cloud and the results more remarkable than it would have been, had 
 the weather been wet and showery. 
 
 On the 3d of September, during a warm day, and after some con- 
 tinuance of dry weather, the prevailing clouds being "cumuli," I 
 observed a bank of " cirro-stratus " hanging over the northern horizon, 
 but at some considerable height from the horizon. The wind was very 
 gentle and almost due south. "When looking up some little time after 
 to the " cirro-stratus," I observed, near the eastern part of the bank, 
 two distinct "sea-trees" shooting out of it; their stalks, as it were, 
 rising out of its substance, but at the same time distinguished from 
 the body of the cloud by being darker in colovir. They shot up into 
 the sky, and their arborescent heads pointed and waved in the direc- 
 tion from which the wind was blowing. Whilst the " cirro-stratus " 
 moved northwards with the breeze, the sea-trees rose up against it, 
 and some less well defined clouds of the same description appeared 
 rising out of the bank at its western portion also. These threatening 
 clouds continued visible for some time, but gradually disappeared. As 
 the afternoon wore on, however, "cirrus and cirro-stratus " blended, 
 the one passing into the other, took possession of the sky, and shewed 
 that some change in the atmosphere was already going on. About 
 seven p.ir. this stratum of cloud had partly disajDpeared, and I did not 
 observe the appearance of the sk}' again that evening, which, however, 
 was rather cold and chilly. In the morning, however, about six or 
 seven o'clock, the sky was again seen to be covered with a pretty 
 dense stratum of " cirro-stratus." " Cimiuli " were mixed with it — 
 the wind began to whistle— the stratum of cloud became denser — and 
 
 H 
 
118 MR BAIKD ON THE SKA- TREE. 
 
 soon after " nimbus " formed, covered tlie wliole sky, and rain began 
 to fall, continuing tlirougliout the forenoon. It cleared up during the 
 afternoon to line weather, which lasted till the 8th. In the evening of 
 the 7th, about ten p. m., a bank of '• cirro-stratus " was observed hang- 
 ing over the eastern horizon, with the same kind of cirri, the "sea- 
 trees " shooting out of its upper edge and pointing towards the south- 
 west. No particular appearances had been observed, as indicating 
 rain during the day, but the moment I observed this arrangement of 
 clouds, as lighted up by the moon, which had just about eighteen 
 hours before completed her full, I prognosticated that we should have 
 rain next day. An hour afterwards I observed that the whole of the 
 bank of "cirro-stratus," with its accompanying "sea-trees," had 
 passed away, and the night looked still and clear. At seven a. m. of 
 the 8th, however, the sky was already covered with a pretty dense 
 stratum of cloud, very much resembling the passing of " cirro-stratus" 
 into nimbus, and soon afterwards rain fell. The rain continued, with 
 short intervals of fair weather, during the whole day and for most of 
 the night ; and for several successive days, we had abundance of the 
 plumose variety of "cirrus" already mentioned, appearing in the 
 intervals of large " cimiuli," and accompanied, as I have also stated 
 above is usually the case, with showery unsettled weather. 
 
 One of the great uses of the " cirrus," according to nephulologists, 
 is the conducting electricity from one portion of the sky to another, 
 and thus keeping vip the electric equilibrium of the atmosphere — a 
 purpose for which it is exceedingly well adapted, by the fine, tapering, 
 needle-like points, in which cirrose clouds are generally seen to ter- 
 minate. The passing a stream of electricity through a portion of 
 water, produces a rise in the temperature of the water, for " in the 
 transmission of the electric force," says Dr Murray,* " the transmitting 
 medium, under a certain degree of electric intensity conveyed through 
 it, sustains elevation of temperature." The clouds being water in the 
 form of vapour, will in all probability sustain an increase of tempera- 
 ture also, when a current of electricity is passing through them, and 
 thus most likely increase the temperature of the surrounding atmos- 
 phere as well. Even when no clouds are visible, there is stiU. a 
 quantity of watery vapour in the sky, which will be heated by the 
 electric stream. The " sea-tree " being a cloud, the greater part of 
 which consists of a body of fine points, will in aU probability be very 
 intensely active in distributing electricity, and will no doubt, during 
 the time it remains visible, have conveyed a large s portion of this 
 mysterious power through the aqueous vapour, in that portion of the 
 heavens where it is situated, and thus not only have increased the 
 temperature of this vapour, but also of the atmospheric air surrounding 
 it. In the description of the " sea-tree " in the former part of this 
 
 * Mun'ay's Chemistry, vol. i. p. 383. 
 
THE PROVEKBS AKD TOPULAU SAYINGS OF BERWICKSUIKE. 119 
 
 paper, I have stated tliat tlie arborescent head of tlie cloiid pointed 
 towards the quarter from wliieh the wind blew, and from which the 
 rain afterwards came. Now, if the cloud be situated in the northern 
 part of the sky, the air and aqueous vapour will in that quarter have 
 sustained an increase of temperature — becoming thus more elastic, and 
 rising up in the atmosphere, a greater or less degree of vacuum will 
 be produced — the colder air from the south will rush in to supply its 
 place — condensation of the aqueous vapour will be the effect — and 
 rain in all probability will fall. 
 
 Tlie Troverbs and Popular !Sa//in(/s of Jjerin'clis/iirc. By Mr IIexdersox, 
 Surgeon, Chirnside. 
 
 In laying before the Club the following proverbs, with th^ few 
 remarks thereto appended, mj' motive is to preserve, as far as possible, 
 some scattered remnants of the " rude forefathers of the hamlet " and 
 the shieling ; and I hope I will be excused in this humble attempt to 
 illustrate these faint traces of the spirit and manners of the men of 
 other times, seeing that the immortal Eay himself did not think it 
 beneath his notice, to collect the apophthegms of bygone ages. The 
 most of these sayings and proverbs may still be occasionally heard 
 among our aged peasantry, but it is probable that in the course of one 
 or two generations more, the}' will be entirely forgotten, and hence 
 the necessity of giving them a permanent form in the Transactions of 
 this Club. In other districts of the county, it is possible that other 
 sayings may still be in common use among the people, as several of 
 those noticed are of a very local nature, and seem to be confined to 
 the eastern part of the shire : they are all, however, which I have 
 been able to collect. 
 
 1. " Jle lias a conscience as wide as Coldincjluun Common." 
 
 Before the year 1777, Coldingham Common was an extensive and 
 undivided waste, containing about 6000 acres. Since that period, 
 some portions of it have been planted and improved, and during the 
 last ten years, several feiiars have taken up their residence upon it, 
 and there protracted an uncomfortable existence on the scanty crop 
 which it produces ; but the greater proportion still remains covered 
 with heath, interspersed with bogs and mosses. In ancient times, 
 this Common constituted part of the forest belonging to the Abbe}' of 
 Coldingham ; and it seems to have been then partially covered with 
 trees and brushwood — the roots of oak, birch, and hazel being still 
 fi-equently found in the soil, and the peat-mosses being fuU of their 
 decayed trunks and branches. This moor has a singularly wild, bleak, 
 and dreary aspect, and extends several miles in extent in every direc- 
 
120 MR HENDERSON ON THE PROVERBS AND POPULAR SAYINGS 
 
 tiou : hence the proverb is with great appropriateuess applied to those 
 persons of lax principles who can accommodate their consciences to all 
 circumstances, and who can stretch it to any extent to suit their selfish 
 Xmrposes. 
 
 2. " The third and last of Aytun Fairy 
 
 As the pleasant and thriving- village of Ayton is well known to all 
 the members of the Club, it would be a waste of time to give any 
 description of it here. When the good housewife has brought forth 
 the last of her stone of meal, potatoes, &c., it is usual with her to 
 repeat the above saying. How it originated, it is not easy to say. 
 
 3. " This is lihe Hilton Kirhy 
 
 The ancient parish of Hilton now forms the eastern part of Whitsome. 
 The kirk is in ruins, but its burial-ground is still used. The Eev. 
 Daniel Douglas was minister here in Scotland's persecuting times, and 
 he had to flee to Holland to escape the fury of his enemies. He seems 
 to have been a man of apostolic simphcity, sincere piety, and every 
 way endowed as becomes a minister of the Gospel. After the Revolu- 
 tion he returned to his charge at Hilton, and died there on the 24th 
 July 1705, in the eighty-sixth j^ear of his age, and his Through is still 
 pointed out in the church-yard. A certain laird of Hilton, who had 
 been freely reproved by Daniel Douglas for his licentiousness, so far 
 forgot what was due to decorum, as to drag the reverend gentleman 
 from the pulpit. Such a scene would naturally excite great disorder 
 and confu.sion in the congregation, and hence may have arisen the 
 proverb, — as it is commonly applied to a noisy assembly of village 
 politicians, or when things are in great disorder about a house. 
 
 4. " Tliis is like Cranshaw Kirk, there^s as many dogs as folk." 
 
 In a wild pastoral region like that of Cranshaws, lying in the midst 
 of the Lammermuir Hills, it is usual for the shepherd dogs to accom- 
 pany their masters to the church, and, in times of severe stormy 
 weather, it may have happened that few people, except the shepherds, 
 who are accustomed to be out in all seasons, could attend divine 
 service ; and in such circumstances, it may have occurred that the dogs 
 may have equalled in number the rational hearers of the Word, and 
 hence has probably originated the saying, which I have often heard 
 applied by bustling servant-girls to a scene where three or four dogs 
 were lying abovit the fireside, and impeding her in her work. 
 
 5. " He's as bold as a Lammermoor Lion.'''' 
 
 A Lammermoor lion is a sheep, and the proverb is applied in a sar- 
 castic way to a boasting and assuming person. " As fierce as a lion of 
 Cotswold," is an English proverb, and bears the sam. meaning. 
 
OF BER-WICKSHIRE. 121 
 
 6. " We'll gang «' together, Me the folic o' tlie Shieh:' 
 
 I have heard tliat Lammerton Shiels is the place here referred to. 
 Others say it ig r; Shiels somewhere in the Merse, but the name is so 
 common in Scotland, that we have some doubts whether it ought to be 
 admitted as a p ouliar proverb of this county. It is, however, very 
 common in the mouths of the peasantry, when any party of them ^ ish 
 to accompan}^ another to their homes from hirns and other social 
 meetings. 
 
 7. " Go to Birgham anil luy lichers.^' 
 
 This is said to a person whom one is desirous to get rid of. Birgham 
 is a small but ancient A'illage on the north bank of the Tweed, a few 
 miles below Kelso. The Scottish competitors for the crown, in the 
 time of King Edward I., met here in 1291 to acknowledge that ambi- 
 tious king as their supreme lord and master ; and hence the place 
 became odious to all true patriots of the Scottish nation, and was 
 associated in their minds with the abominable transaction of those who 
 bartered away the independence of their country for a precarious 
 crown ; and it is supposed that this popular sapng originated in the 
 contempt with which the common people viewed the ignoble transac- 
 tion of their superiors. 
 
 8. " Wc''re lihe the foil: o' Kennetside-heads, ice hae it «' lefore its." 
 
 Kennetside-heads is a farm in the western extremity of the parish 
 of Eccles. The occasion which gave rise to this proverb, is said to 
 have been the following : — A person passing the place on an afternoon, 
 about the end of harvest, found a band of reapers taking their ease by 
 the road-side. lie asked them. Why were they resting so long, when 
 they had so much corn to cut ? One of the band answered, "It is our 
 kirn day, and we hae it a' before us, before the sun is down," — mean- 
 ing thereby, that the}^ had it fuUy under their command. But when 
 the traveller returned pretty late in the evening, he found the " folko' 
 Kennetside-heads " still shearing bg moonlight ; and hence the saying 
 is fi'equently used by the labourers in the time of harvest, in a sort of 
 mock waj', to indicate that they need not work too hard, becaiise they 
 have it all lefore them. Or it is applied as a warning to those who are 
 too confident in their own powers, and who are hence rather lax in 
 their exertions — "not to be like the folk o' Kennetside-heads." 
 
 9. '•'•lie's failierh letter, eooper o' FogoP 
 
 The village of Fogo, which at one time seems to have been of con- 
 siderable size, has now dwindled down to a few houses, and all its 
 coopers have become extinct. This proverb is very common in Ber- 
 
122 MR HENDERSON ON THE PROVERBS AND POriTLAR SAYINGS 
 
 wicksliire, and is applied to the son wlio equals or surpasses his father 
 in any handicraft or profession, althoiig'h it is oftencr used in a bad 
 sense. Who the far-famed cooper was, we have no account, but the 
 following rhyming commentary, which I have once or twice heard, so 
 far explains the mystery «7/// he was so celebrated. 
 
 " He's faither's better, cooper o' Fogo, 
 At girding a barrel, or making a coggie, 
 Touming a stoup. or kissing a rogueie." 
 
 10. '' I)inif:r (liiujs rt'." 
 
 For what no one can tell. May it not have originated in conse- 
 quence of the encampment of General Leslie on Dunse Law, with his 
 20,000 men, in May 1639 ? Dunse might then have been said to beat 
 all the country. 
 
 11. " Ilka lannoch had its maike (epial) but the bannock o' ToUishill.'''' 
 
 Tollishill is a farm in Lauderdale, and its bannock was unequalled, 
 because gold was baked in it for the purpose of being conveyed to John, 
 first Duke of Lauderdale, a loyal adherent of Charles II., and remark- 
 able in after times for his political power and rapacity, when he was 
 confined in the Tower after the battle of Worcester, in 1651. The 
 heroine who baked the bannock and conveyed it to her landlord, for 
 which purpose she went up to London, was Margaret Lylestone. wife to 
 Thomas JIardie, tenant in Tulloshill. There were anciently three farms 
 of TuUos in Lauderdale, and from her abode, by way of distinction, she 
 was called Midside Maggie. For further information on this matter, we 
 refer to the late John M. Wilson's " Tales of the Borders ;" a tale on 
 the same subject b}^ Miss Margaret Corbett, in Chambers's Journal, No. 
 146 ; and to a ballad, entitled " The Gudewife of Tulloshill," by James 
 MiUer, author of " St Baldred of the Bass." 
 
 12. " YoxCil hae your a in wag like the miller o' BiUymill, although the 
 
 Merse should sink." 
 
 "WTiat the particidar way of the miller referred to was, we cannot 
 learn, but we have heard it (and that only once) applied to those who 
 are particularly headstrong and self-willed. Billgmill stands upon a 
 small stream in the parish of Buncle, and is a lonely place, quite out 
 of the thoroughfare of any road. 
 
 13. " Yoxi're like the Miser &' Reston, youUl rather he droicncd than pay for 
 
 a theeker.'''' 
 
 It is said that a person of considerable property, who died in lieston 
 about forty years ago, was so parsimonious, that rather than give a 
 few shillings to a thatcher to mend the roof of his house, he allowed 
 
OF BER-WICKSHIRE. 123 
 
 tlie rain to descend upon him at his own fii'o-sido, only warding it off 
 as well as he could with a large ivecM and the girdle; and hence the 
 saying is applied to those who are excessively niggardly and economi- 
 cal in their habits. 
 
 14. " Ye'' re like the lady of Bemerside, ye'll ho sell your hen m a rainy 
 
 day:' 
 
 This is a common saying in the south of Scotland. — Chambers'' s Po- 
 pular Rhymes of Scotland^ p. 162. 
 
 15. " In Edencraiv, cohere the tvitches hide r<'." 
 
 This is a common saying in all the eastern parts of Berwickshire, 
 and is often uttered as an expression of contempt for the place. 
 Auchencraiv, or as it is usually pronounced, Edencraiv, is a small decayed 
 village in the south-west extremity of the parish of Coldingham, con- 
 taining about 200 inhabitants. How the proverb arose, we have no 
 means of ascertaining ; but we well remember of an old friendless 
 woman called Margaret Girvan, dying in an old smoky hut, about 
 twenty-five years ago, on a very ivindy day, and she was said to be the 
 last of the Edencraw witches. It was anciently a poj)ular belief, that 
 when the witches departed this life, there was always a very high 
 wind ; and on the day in question, this belief was confirmed beyond a 
 doubt, the wind blowing down the house formerly possessed by James 
 Bonner, author of a work on Bees. It has been suj^posed that the 
 greater number of the seven or eight unfortunate women, whom Home 
 of Eenton, then Sheriff of Berwickshire, some time previous to the 
 Revolution, caused to be burned for witchcraft at Coldingham, belonged 
 to this village, and perhaps if search was made in the proper quarters, 
 the names of those unhappy victims of a dark and Superstitious age 
 might yet be discovered. That the women of Auchencraw were sus- 
 pected, long after the above mentioned period, of exercising the black 
 art, we have the following instance occurring in the Session-records of 
 Chirnside : — In May 1700, Thomas Cook, servant in Blackburn (in Billy 
 Myre), was indicted before the Kirk-session of Chirnside "for scoring 
 or scratching a woman in Auchencraw, above the breath (?'. c. on the 
 brow), in order to the cure of a disease that he laboured under." Of 
 course he imagined that the woman had inflicted the disease upon him, 
 by her power with the Evil One ; and it was believed, if a witch could 
 be cut upon the brow, carving thereon the sign of the cross, that her 
 compact with the devil was instantly dissolved. 
 
 16. " You are like the dead folk of Arsiltotvn (Earlston), no to lippen to.'''' 
 
 I know nothing of the origin of this singular saying, but we hear it 
 often applied b}' the peasantry, in a jocular way, to those whom they 
 are not altogether sure of trusting. 
 
( 124 ) 
 
 Account of the Produce of the Fishery of Sandstell, from the earliest Infor- 
 mation contained in my Father's booh, that have been preserved. By 
 William Waite, Esq. 
 
 1736 
 
 1737 
 
 1742 
 
 1743 
 
 1744 
 
 1745 
 
 1746 
 
 1747 
 
 1748 
 1752 
 1753 
 1754 
 
 1755 
 
 1756 
 
 1757 
 1758 
 1759 
 1760 
 
 1761 
 1762 
 1763 
 
 1764 
 
 1765 
 1766 
 1767 
 1768 
 
 1769 
 
 1770 
 1771 
 1772 
 1773 
 
 1774 
 1775 
 1776 
 1777 
 1778 
 1779 
 1780 
 1781 
 1782 
 1783 
 1784 
 1785 
 1786 
 1787 
 1788 
 1789 
 
 1790 
 
 Salmon. 
 
 1486 
 
 2694 
 
 1582 
 
 1666 
 1940 
 
 52 
 
 1206 
 3836 
 
 7024 
 4372 
 6386 
 4476 
 
 4682 
 
 4558 
 
 1846 
 4714 
 5988 
 8934 
 
 4812 
 
 11216 
 
 17484 
 8538 
 6552 
 6826 
 
 6006 
 
 8970 
 12852 
 8308 
 9238 
 3008 
 7176 
 8388 
 3736 
 2836 
 5374 
 5496 
 6878 
 2904 
 1922 
 2498 
 1906 
 2800 
 3856 
 1477 
 2577 
 
 2498 
 
 No 
 
 account- 
 
 Do. 
 
 300 
 
 606 
 
 No. 
 
 account. 
 
 Do. 
 
 840 
 5150 
 
 2042 
 560 
 922 
 
 5710 
 
 1914 
 
 No. 
 account. 
 
 Do. 
 3354 
 3816 
 1020 
 
 1153 
 2880 
 2226 
 
 No. 
 accoimt 
 
 Do. 
 2486 
 1688 
 2046 
 
 No. 
 account 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Do. 
 4400 
 
 640 
 4419 
 1513 
 
 3068 
 
 Trouts. 
 
 398 I 
 
 400 3 
 1002 
 
 402 
 
 500 
 
 No. 
 account. 
 
 960 
 1030 
 
 634 
 
 420 
 512 
 392 
 
 350 
 
 634 
 
 654 
 366 
 122 
 106 
 
 128 
 446 
 592 
 
 782 
 
 1300 
 
 954 
 
 988 
 
 1140 
 
 370 
 
 1702 
 
 1144 
 
 1848 
 
 3408 
 
 2574 
 
 2280 
 
 1.544 
 
 808 
 
 1938 
 
 2536 
 
 864 
 
 730 
 
 258 
 
 1346 
 
 986 
 
 769 
 
 1224 
 
 2558 
 
 14.54 
 
 1465 
 
 No. 
 
 account. 
 
 Notes of any thing eeiiarkable eelating to the 
 
 FiSHEET. 
 
 The account of tlie first of these seasons only comes 
 down to 31st July ; the second to 13th Aug-ust ; the 
 remainder lost. No account to be found of Sand- 
 stell of 1738-39-40-41, but all these seasons were 
 good in Blakewell. 
 
 N. B. Sandstell, in 1745, had on the 13th April pro- 
 duced 52 salmon, but her ground was then thought 
 so bad, that the fishermen deserted her and went 
 to Scotland, though I have often heard Mr Lambert 
 saj% had they continued, they would have fished 
 as well as usual. 
 
 N. B. Caught in Sandstell, on 10th July 1747, in one 
 tide, 170 salmon, 630 gilses — in all 700 fish. 
 
 No account of 1749-50-58 to be found. 
 
 j-V. B. In 1754, caught in SandstiU, in one tide, 300 
 salmon and 900 gilses — in all 1200 fish. 
 
 In 1757, Hallowstell a great year, 
 had likely been bad. 
 
 Sandstell grouiad 
 
 /V. B. 1760. Believed the most plentiful season ever 
 known in the Tweed. A great quantity of salmon 
 sold at 9d., 8d., and one day at 4d. per stone. One 
 flood on a Monday siipposed to produce 10,000 
 salmon. — N.B. In all these years, very few trouts. 
 
 X. B. The greatest year that ever was in Sandstell. 
 
 N. B. i?Lbout this period, the Bull commenced fish- 
 ing, and had some very great years. 
 
 In July 1770, my father died. For years after that, 
 the gilse books either lost or mislaid. 
 
 N. B. AV)out this period, the hole in the Meadow 
 Haven began to increase, and lowering the beacon 
 rocks for smugglers' ballast, — both certainly inju- 
 rious to the Tweed, but Sandstell particularly. 
 
 N. B. In 1782, two most remarkable floods in May, 
 which injured Sandstell grounds excessively, and 
 certainly hurt the Tweed fishing generally. 
 
 Sandstell ground not so good for many years after 
 the Floods in 1782. 
 
 X. B. In 1787, a great salmon season, but few gilses. 
 Terrot's, and the Tweed generally, much better in 
 proportion than Sandstell.— iV. B. In 1787 and 1789, 
 great quantities of salmon in both seasons, but 
 from badness of Sandstell ground, and constant 
 floods, did not get our proportion in either season. 
 
ACCOUNT OF THE PRODUCE OP THE FISHERY OF SAXDSTELL. 
 
 125 
 
 Year. 
 
 Salmon. 
 
 Gilses. 
 
 Trouts. 
 
 1791 
 
 2732 
 
 5318 
 
 5828 
 
 1792 
 
 6900 
 
 4111 
 
 2336 
 
 1793 
 
 2532 
 
 4526 
 
 5050 
 
 1794 
 
 4236 
 
 10534 
 
 3484 
 
 1795 
 
 7380 
 
 7046 
 
 3499 
 
 1796 
 
 4715 
 
 3253 
 
 2221 
 
 1797 
 
 5494 
 
 4792 
 
 3038 
 
 1798 
 
 4640 
 
 4801 
 
 1726 
 
 1799 
 
 5235 
 
 6075 
 
 2843 
 
 1800 
 
 2863 
 
 5264 
 
 1055 
 
 1801 
 
 4524 
 
 15365 
 
 2263 
 
 1802 
 
 3332 
 
 2634 
 
 1324 
 
 1803 
 
 2206 
 
 4851 
 
 1327 
 
 1804 
 
 2660 
 
 3342 
 
 2312 
 
 1805 
 
 1958 
 
 4074 
 
 1876 7 
 1742 5 
 
 1806 
 
 2050 
 
 3000 
 
 1807 
 
 3048 
 
 6356 
 
 2192) 
 2198 3 
 
 1808 
 
 4376 
 
 4410 
 
 1809 
 
 2510 
 
 3294 
 
 1296 
 
 1810 
 
 3080 
 
 3975 
 
 1719 
 
 1811 
 
 3798 
 
 3154 
 
 1674 
 
 1812 
 
 2219 
 
 7682 
 
 2653 
 
 1813 
 
 3558 
 
 6997 
 
 3181 
 
 1814 
 
 6299 
 
 9123 
 
 4408 
 
 1815 
 
 4944 
 
 12442 
 
 5458 
 
 1816 
 
 5108 
 
 13464 
 
 7306 
 
 1817 
 
 2976 
 
 5922 
 
 3930 
 
 1818 
 
 4040 
 
 7830 
 
 4624 
 
 Notes of ant inirfG kf,m\ekable relating to the 
 Fishery. 
 
 iV. B. 1792. The first good year in Sandstell since 
 the floods in May 1782. but still not in proportion 
 to the river generally. 
 
 JSf. B. In 1794, a great gilse time, between 3000 and 
 4000 gilses in one week. A most tinoommon absence 
 of fish from beginning of June till end of Jiily, 
 after that great fishing, particularly gUses. 
 
 1795. A great year. 
 
 N. B. A great year in the Tweed, but too many 
 floods for Sandstell. 
 
 ..Y. B. This year Sand.stell ground still bad, as Terott's 
 fishings more tlian doubled her. The Bull particu- 
 larly great — L.500 worth of salmon in one week. 
 
 X B. A most promising year and far advanced, but 
 in August, and to conclusion, ruined with large 
 and constant floods. 
 
 A'. B Terott's this year again better than Sandstell 
 in i^roportion. 
 
 X. B. The greatest gilse year ever was in the Tweed. 
 In all our concerns, 50,.JS8 gilses. 
 
 N. B. A middling year. 
 
 iV. B. The worst and scarcest spring fishing ever 
 recollected : almost nothing down to very end of 
 June. Excellent fishing after that, but Sandstell 
 not good. One of the best years in Terrot's. 
 
 X. B. Much hurt with floods. 
 
 Two poor seasons, but worse in Sandstell than in 
 Terott's &c. 
 
 N. H. Improving, biit both seasons hurt with frequent 
 thunder-storms and floods. 
 
 N. B. A tolerable year in Sandstell, but from per- 
 petual floods, the worst year ever known in the 
 Tweed in my time. Lost considerably on the 
 leases. 
 
 A^. B. Half Blakewell included this year and after- 
 wards. 
 
 N. B. A good gilse season. 
 
 An excellent fishing season. 
 
 A capital gilse season. 
 
 Good fishing, but depressed prices. 
 
 Good in Sandstell compared with other fishings. 
 
( 126 ) 
 
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( 127 ) 
 
 Remarls on the Aurora Borealls, as it occurred at Berwick on the Evenings 
 of Tuesdaij 1 7th and IFedHesday I8th November, 1835. By Mr 
 AViLLiAM Bated. 
 
 In a paper which I read to the Chib this time two years, I there 
 stated that the appearance of especially vivid displays of the Aurora 
 Borealis, seemed generally to have a decided connection with the 
 weather, and that wind, or rain, or hoth generally, followed the occur- 
 rence. The appearances, which I then, with a feehle pen, essayed to 
 describe, I mentioned had been followed by violent storms of wind and 
 rain, and that the disastrous effects of these had been felt on all our 
 shores. In Loudon's Magazine several short notices may be seen 
 of these phenomena, accompanied with journals of the weather 
 succeeding, all of which support the opinion I had also attempted to 
 establish. 
 
 Since the time of my last notice, opportunities have again offered of 
 observing these phenomena in this district, and the succeeding storms 
 of wind and rain which have desolated oiir coasts, have fully borne out 
 the opinion of their intimate connection with the weather. The 
 remarks which I shall now submit to the notice of the Club, corrobor- 
 ative of my former paper, I shall throw together in the form of a 
 journal, kept for a short period about the time of their appearance. 
 
 Smiday, 15th Wovemher 1835. — The weather was this day remarkably 
 fine and mild. 
 
 16th, Weather extremely fine, mild, and calm throughout the day, 
 the sun shining out with all the warmth of a day in spring. Wind 
 westerly. 
 
 17th, During the day the weather was fine and mild ; wind westerly ; 
 a gentle breeze during the day, but increasing a little as evening began 
 to set in. During the evening, the cloiids which had obscured the sky 
 during afternoon, partly cleared away, and a fine display of Aurora 
 was observed. I unfortunately did not see them myself this evening 
 but they were described as being very vivid here, and were observed 
 the same night at Cockburnspath, being described there as producing 
 such a degree of light as if the moon were near her full. At Berwick 
 they were observed at times shooting up in pencils of light, while at 
 Cockburnspath they were seen in the form of bright white cloudy-like 
 masses of light, not possessed of much motion. During the display of 
 these phenomena the wind was moderate, blowing from the westward ; 
 but about two or three o'clock of the following morning, the 18th, it 
 rapidly increased, and soon blew a gale from the south-west, unaccom- 
 panied with rain. As morning advanced it took a north-westerly 
 direction, and at ten A. m. it blew a fierce storm, which continued 
 during the forenoon, but gradually abated about two or three o'clock in 
 the afternoon. Several fishing boats belonging to Coldingham had 
 
128 MR BAIRD ON THE AURORA BOREALIS. 
 
 gone out early in tlie morning upon their usual avocations. They were 
 caught in tlic storm while out in deep water, and were obliged to take 
 refuge from the gale by attempting to run for Eyemouth and Burn- 
 mouth harbours. Several of them reached the desired havens in 
 safety ; but one poor boat, less luclcy than the rest, and manned by a 
 gallant crew of six men, some of them the flower of their village, while 
 struggling with the tempest, was hidden by a mighty wave from the 
 eyes of their comrades, and swallowed up by the roaring ocean. The 
 Aurora of Tuesday night, it appears, was observed simultaneously at 
 great distances from Berwick. At Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Banff, it was 
 seen very vivid, and the storm which succeeded its display, it also 
 appears, has raged all along the north-east coast of Scotland. Every 
 succeeding day brought in from the more distant quarters of the 
 country tidings of still more fatal disasters. At Peterhead, St Comb's, 
 Grardenston, Collin Bay, Johnshaven, Banff, and other places on the 
 coast, fishing-boats, all intent upon their perilous avocations, were 
 caught in the storm, which, veering round from south-west to north- 
 west, took them at unawares, and, in too many instances, at all the 
 places I have mentioned, produced the most fatal results. Many were 
 but too surely swallowed up by the raging sea, while others have been 
 amissing, some of which, it is feared, have shared the same melancholy 
 fate. Coasting-vessels all along the north-east shore have experienced 
 shipwreck, and the most fearful devastation has taken place. Nor did 
 its fury make itself be felt at sea alone — on the dry land houses were 
 unroofed, trees blown down, and tiles and slates driven about by the 
 force of the gale, like chalf or feathers At Berwick the gale abated 
 about two or three o'clock in the afternoon, decreasing to a moderate 
 breeze, whilst, in the evening, the most splendid display of Aurora 
 took place that I had ever on any occasion witnessed. It seems to 
 have commenced at half-past seven p. m., and to have attained its 
 greatest brightness about eight. At this hour the scene presented by 
 their appearance was magnificent beyond description. An immense 
 concourse of beautiful pencils of light, varying in intensity from the 
 most vivid brightness to a mild effulgence, shot up from the east, north 
 and west, now flickering, then blazing, shortening and lengthening 
 themselves alternate^, till they reached the zenith, and there converg- 
 ing together in a flood of light. The beautiful appearance thus 
 presented, was said by one poetic, imaginative spectator, to resemble 
 an angel's wing — but it would require a pen snatched from the plumes 
 of that angel's wing itself, to describe with justice the amazingly mag- 
 nificent scene that then was unfolded to our wonderii-g and admiring 
 eyes. This truly astonishing display continued visible for some time — 
 then changed its appearance, and during the rest of the evening 
 assumed at intervals almost every possible variety of configuration. 
 At one time the whole sky, even far to the southward, was covered 
 with bright, white, cloudy -like thin masses, in constant motion — now 
 
MR BAIED OX THE AUllORA BOBEALIS. 129 
 
 flickeriug over the whole heavens, then suddenly withdrawn like a veil 
 from off the sky, hut only for a moment, having their places almost 
 immediately supplied hj a fresh host in amazingly rapid motion. 
 When watching these bright visitants in their rapid career over the 
 sky, it was almost impossible not to be convinced that the ear could 
 distinctly trace their quick sound as they passed over. The wind, 
 however, was blowing at the same time in short quick gusts, the sea 
 was to be distinctly heard in the distance, and the hum and noise of the 
 town came also by fits upon the ear, so that it was impossible to ascer- 
 tain, with any 'hing like precision, whether or not the sound was 
 imaginary, or a portion, as it Avere, of some of the various noises I 
 have mentioned. At another time, after these fairy clouds had van- 
 ished, a bright broad arch of light would form over the northern 
 horizon, with thousands and tens of thousands of short rays proceeding 
 out of its upper edge, disappearing after they had shot up a few 
 degrees, in a narrower arch extending over the other, from whose 
 upper edge longer and brighter pencils flashed np to the zenith. After 
 continuing thus for some time, these arches might be seen themselves 
 in rapid motion, moving with all their bright rays issuing from them, 
 .vay to the west ; a host of short coloured rays at times dancing, and 
 iping, and skipping along their edges with fantastic motions, well 
 1 1 serving the name so appropriately applied to them, the Mernj 
 Dancers. Soon after the arches became in motion, they might be 
 observed to be formed altogether almost in the west, but it appeared 
 to me that, though the southern quarter of the sky, at various times 
 during the evening, was more covered with these meteors than I had 
 ever seen before, the arch never moved its western limb farther south- 
 ward than a point or two beyond due west. Once, while watching 
 this arch in motion, it seemed to stop with one of its limbs about due 
 west, while the other continued still to move steadily on from the 
 north, and, as it shortened the distance between the two limbs, and 
 contracted the space contained within the arch, the centre of the arch 
 rose higher up into the sky, and increased apparently in brightness. 
 This almost circidar arch continued visible only for a short time, and 
 was truly beautiful. The arch itself, as I have said, increased in 
 brightness as it rose higher up in the heavens, and continued to shoot 
 out from its upper edge immense cj^uantities of bright rays which con- 
 verged in the zenith, while it appeared to be bounded on the south- 
 west and north-west by immense pyramidal-shaped pillars of living 
 fire, which shot out directly from the horizon, and extended up to the 
 zenith in huge jets of startling brightness, giving to the imaginative 
 mind the idea of watchful sentinels, waving their swords of flame in 
 protection of their weaker and more timid comrades. The meteors 
 continued visible thus, constantly varying in appearance, till a late 
 hoiu' in morning, having been observed still prett}' bright at three 
 o'clock. During the whole time they lasted, they gave out a great 
 
130 MR BAIRD ON THE AUKOEA BOREALIS. 
 
 degreo of light, and tlioiigli, at the time of their commencement, it only- 
 wanted thirty-six hours of now moon, the niglit was fully as light and 
 clear as if she had been at her full. At all times, and during every 
 variety of configuration, the stars could be distinctly seen shining 
 through them with scarcely any diminution of their brightness. The 
 brightest exhibitions, during the evening, were very evidently from the 
 westward, and what struck me as remarkable, the greater part of the 
 southern hemisphere at times was covered with them also. The 
 morning of Thursday the 19th was clear, with slight frost ; but as the 
 day advanced it became cloudy ; the frost gave way, and rain suc- 
 ceeded in the evening. The rain increased as evening advanced, and 
 continued all night, and all the morning of next day, the 20th. In 
 the forenoon, however, it cleared up, and continued fair, though 
 frequently threatening rain, all the rest of the day. 
 
 '21st, Clouds continued to cover the sky, and collect in great quanti- 
 ties in the forenoon, at 1 p. m. passing into nimbus, which soon 
 extended all over the sky, and descended in continued heavy rain dur- 
 ing the whole day. In the evening the wind, which all along had been 
 from the westward, began to rise, and soon increased to a smart gale, 
 with much and heavy rain all night long. The wind fell, and the rain 
 abated in the morning of the 22nd, which commenced fine ; but during 
 the forenoon the clouds again collected from the westward. Extensive 
 nimbus again formed, and spread over the whole sky about 1 p. M., 
 and descended in torrents of rain during the rest of the day, and 
 during the whole night. Early in the morning the Tweed was 
 observed, from the previous day and night's rain, to be swollen to top 
 flood, and all the streams were flooded throughout the neighbourhood. 
 As the rain, however, came from the west, it was in the western parts 
 of the country that the greatest damage was done. A reference to the 
 newspapers of the period will shew a constant succession of fatal 
 accidents, where, from the swollen state of the streams, considerable 
 loss of life took place, both men and horses being in many cases swept 
 away and overwhelmed by the torrents. But it was at G-reenock that 
 the most fearful devastation took place, and the dreadful event that 
 occurred there during the night and morning of the 21st and 22d, 
 whether considered in the view of the mere damage done to property, 
 or the more frightful loss of human life, will long be remembered in 
 that quarter with feelings of dismay. The very large reservoir which 
 collects the water destined for the supply of the various mills and 
 public works about Cartsdyke, and which is situated on high ground 
 about a mile above that suburb of Grreenock, was so immensely filled 
 by its overflowing feeders, that the embankments, though said to be 
 150 feet thick, became no longer able to bear the huge pressure of 
 water, and gave way with dreadful fury. The torrent of water which 
 now escaped, rushed into another dam a little below it, which also 
 gave way, and, increased thus to a frightful extent, bore death and 
 
MR BAIRD OX THE AUROEA EOREALIS. 
 
 131 
 
 destruction before it ; the older houses and buildings -which opposed 
 its course were swept away like gossamers' webs before the morning 
 breeze, and men, women, and children, while warm in their beds and 
 fearing no danger, were in a moment buried in the ruins of their frail 
 tenements, and hurried by the raging torrent along with the wreck of 
 their property, into immediate destruction. Onward with its victims 
 flowed the fearful mass of water, and when it reached the newer and 
 more strongly built houses, it raged and roared at finding itself im- 
 peded in its headlong fury, and rose in sheets of spray over the tallest 
 buildings. It still, however, notwithstanding these short checks, con- 
 tinued its path of destruction, and taking some of the streets in its 
 course, plowed up the pavement as if it wei-e a bed of sand, and forcing 
 its way into the lower parts of the houses on each side, swept away 
 their furnitiu-e, and committed the most dreadful destruction. Up- 
 wards of forty human lives were lost in this fearful night, and some of 
 the most extraordinary and almost miraculous escapes took place that 
 can well be conceived. It is not the object of this paper to give the 
 details of this sad calamity ; but it will long be remembered in the 
 neighbourhood of Grreenock as one of the most appalling events that 
 has ever occurred there. 
 
 2'3d, The forenoon was fair, but cloudy. Nimbus formed, however, 
 at about 1 p. m., and it rained heavily all the rest of the day and 
 evening. 
 
 24th, Was fine and mild all day. 
 
 25th, Forenoon fair, but cloudy. Nimbus forming again about 
 mid -day, and considerable rain falling during afternoon and evening. 
 26th, Forenoon fine and clear. Towards noon cirri began to form 
 aloft, in some places assuming the plumose figure. In afternoon they 
 descended in atmosphere, and gradually condensing became cirro- 
 stratus. In evening the wind rose to a fresh breeze, nimbus formed, 
 spread over sk}-, and heavy rain took place. 
 
 It is unnecessary to continue the Journal farther. The storms and 
 floods which I have attempted to give some idea of in the above pages, 
 will, I think, when taken in connection with such exceedingly vivid 
 displays of the Aurora as I have attempted to describe, fully bear out 
 the opinion which has been so frequently adopted, of their intimate 
 relation with these bright, beautiful, and interesting phenomena. 
 
( 132 ) 
 
 Habitats for Plants, cither not mentioned in Br Johnston^ s Flora of Ber- 
 ■ivic/c, or rarely met with within its limits. By Eeaxcis Douglas, 
 M.D. 
 
 ZosTEiiA marina. H0I3' Island. 
 
 Veronica scutellata. Smaillioliu Bog. 
 
 Fedia olitoria. Stitchell Lynn. 
 
 ScHOENUS nigricans. Learmoiitli Bog. 
 
 SciRPL's maritimus. Month of Warren Water, abundant. 
 
 Bkomtjs secalinus. Field near Suiailholm. 
 
 HoRDEUM murinum. Home Castle, and abundant about Kelso. 
 
 Parietaria officinalis. Old AValls at Ford, Crookliani, Etal, &c. 
 
 Anchusa semper vir ens. Polwartli Churcli. 
 
 Anagallis tenclla. Holy Island, near the Snook. 
 
 SoLANUM BuUamara. Hedge, Learmouth. 
 
 Gentiana amareUa. At Holy Island. Fl. invariably white. 
 
 (Ex^^JS'THE pimpinelloides. Mouth of Warren AVater, plentifid, — but 
 ■with the characters also of Oil. peucedanifolia, having lin- 
 ear radical leaflets, and frequently wanting the universal 
 involucre. 
 
 JtJNCTJS coenosiis. Holy Island. 
 
 Epilobium alpiiniiii. On the sides of College Water, Hen-Hole, 
 Cheviot, sparingly. 
 
 Vaccinium oxycoccus. Yeavering Bell. Learmouth Gorse. 
 
 Pyrola minor. Wood near SmaiDiolm. 
 
 DiANTHUs deltoides, var. |S With pure white flowers on Nenthorn HiU. 
 
 Aeenaria peploides. Bay, Holy Island. 
 
 PoTENTiLLA aryentect. StitcheU Lynn. 
 
 NuPH-\R lutea. Eden, near Mellerstain. 
 
 Ranunculus Lingua. Banks of Eden, near Mellerstain, with the above. 
 
 Trollius europ(xus. Hen-Hole, Cheviot. 
 
 Betonica officinalis. Bradford Dean, Belford ; and Dean at Kyloe. 
 
 Scrophularia aquatica. Eden, at Nenthorn, 
 
 Lepidium campesfre. Lowick Quarries. 
 
 Cochleaeia officinalis. Hen-Hole, Cheviot. 
 
 Nasturtium terrestre. Lithtillum Loch. 
 
 Sisymbrium Sojjhia. Learmouth. 
 
 Geranium lucidum. StitcheU Lynn ; Dryburgh Abbey. 
 
 Malva Moschata. Birgham. Mertoun, with occasional white flowers. 
 
 Genista anylica. Greenlaw Moor. 
 
 Astragalus Qlycyplujllos. Sea-banks near Bamborough. 
 
 Medicago sativa. Holy Island Links. 
 
 Hypericdm humifusum. Nenthorn. 
 
MR SKLBY ON THE FAUNA OF TWIZELL. 133 
 
 HiERACiUM umhellatum. Hen-hole, Cheviot. 
 
 Caelina vulgaris. Bamborough Links. 
 
 Erigeron acris. A solitary specimen found on Holy Island, in August 
 
 1835. 
 Inula dysenterica. Holy Island Links. Confined to a small spot. Not 
 
 in flower either in 1835 or 1836. 
 Chrysanthemum Segetum. Fields at Gordon. 
 LiSTERA ovata. Holy Island Links. 
 
 cordata. Wood near Smailholm. 
 
 Euphorbia exigiia. Eoad-side near Smailholm. 
 
 Typha latifolia. Eden, above Nonthorn. Lithtillum Loch. 
 
 Caeex curta. Learmouth Gorse. 
 
 limosa. Bog near Smailholm Tower. 
 
 Mrta. Birgham, with smooth herbage. 
 
 Arum maculatum. Stitchell. 
 Ehodiola rosea. Hen-hole, Cheviot. 
 
 First Report on the Fauna of Twizell. By P. J. Selby, Esq. 
 
 Having commenced, a short time ago, what is intended (when com- 
 pleted) to form a Fauna of Twizell, the following is a list of the verte- 
 brate animals, which have already come under my notice. 
 
 MAMMALIA. 
 
 QuADRUMANA. Sorex araneus, Linn. 
 Vespertilionidce. fodiens, Gmel. 
 
 Yespertilio pipistrellus, Desm. Erinaceus europseus, Linn. 
 
 emarginatus ? Geoff. 
 Plecotus auritus, Geoff. Olires. 
 
 Mus sylvaticus, Linn. 
 Ferce. musculus, Linn. 
 
 Mustela putorius, Linn. decumanus, PaU. 
 
 erminea, Linn. Arvicola amphibia, Desm. 
 vulgaris, Linn. agrestis, Flem. 
 
 Lutra vulgaris, Desm. Lepus timidus, Linn. 
 Canis vulpes, Linn. cuuiculus, Linn. 
 
 Talpa europeea, Linu, 
 
 AVES. 
 
 Eaptores. Falco tiununculus, Linu. 
 
 Falconida. .ffisalon, Gmel. 
 
 Haliaetus albicilla, Sav. Accipiter fringillarius, Ni^. 
 
 Falco peregrinus, Gmel. Buteo vulgaris, Bechst. 
 
 Buteo ipgopus, Flem. Eegulus auricapiUus, iSelb. 
 
 X 
 
134 
 
 MR SELBY ON THE FAUNA OF TWIZELL. 
 
 Pernis apivorus, Cuv. 
 Circus rufus, Briss. 
 
 cyaneus, Flem. 
 
 Strigidee. 
 Otus vulgaris, Flem. 
 
 brachyotos, Flem. 
 Strix flammea, Linn. 
 Ulula stx-idula, Selby. 
 
 Insessoees. 
 Fissirostres. 
 Hirundo riparia, Linn, 
 rustica, Linn, 
 urbica, Linn. 
 Cypselus murarius, Temm. 
 Caprimulgus europseus, Linn. 
 Alcedo Ispida, Linn. 
 
 Dentirostres. 
 Muscicapa grisola, Linn. 
 
 luctuosa, Temm. 
 Lanius excubitor, Linn. 
 Merula viscivora, Selb. 
 pilaris, Selb. 
 musica, Selb. 
 Iliaca, Selb. 
 vulgaris, Ray. 
 torquata, Selb. 
 Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst. 
 Saxicola (Enanthe, Bechst. 
 rubetra, Bechst. 
 rubicola, Bechst. 
 Erythaca rubecula, Swain. 
 Phoenicura ruticilla, Swain. 
 Salicaria locustella, Swain. 
 Phragmitis, Selb. 
 Curruca atricapilla, Bechst. 
 hortensis, Bechst. 
 cinerea, Bechst. 
 Sylvia hippolais Lath, (ruia, Temm) 
 sibilatrix, Bechst. 
 trochilus, Lath. 
 Easores. 
 Columba Palumbus, Linn. 
 Phasianus colchicus, Linn. 
 
 Parus major, Linn. 
 
 cceruleus, Linn. 
 
 palustris, Linn. 
 
 ater, Linn. 
 
 caudatus, Linn. 
 Accentor modularis, Cuv. 
 Motacilla alba, Linn. 
 
 boarula, Linn. 
 Anthus pratensis, Bechst. 
 arboreus, Bechst. 
 Bombycilla garrulus, Bonap. 
 
 Conirostres. 
 Alauda arvensis, Linn. 
 
 arborea, Linn. 
 Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer. 
 Emberiza miliaria, Linn, 
 citrinella, Linn, 
 schoeniculus, Linn. 
 Passer domesticus. Pay. 
 Fringilla coelebs, Linn. 
 
 montifringilla, Linn. 
 Carduelis spinus, Steph. 
 
 elegans, Steph. 
 Linaria cannabina, Swain. 
 
 minor, Pay. 
 
 chloris. 
 Loxia curvirostra, Linn. 
 Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temm 
 Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. 
 Corvus corax, Linn. 
 
 corone, Linn. 
 
 cornix, Linn. 
 
 frugilegus, Linn. 
 
 monedula, Linn. 
 Pica melanoleuca, Vieill, 
 Garrulus glandarius, Flem. 
 
 Scansores. 
 Picus major, Linn. 
 ,Certhia familiaris, Tann. 
 Troglodytes europseus, Selb. 
 Cuculus canorus, Linn. 
 Crex porzana, Selb. 
 Gallinula chloropus. Lath. 
 Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. 
 
ME, SELBY Olf THE FAUNA OF TWIZELL. 
 
 135 
 
 Tetrao Tetrix, Linn. 
 Lagopus Scoticus, Selb. 
 Perdix cinerca, Briss. 
 
 GraUatoreH. 
 Ardea cinerea, Lath. 
 Numeniiis arquata, Latli. 
 Totanus ochropus, Temm. 
 
 hypoleucos, Temm. 
 Scolopax rusticola, Linn. 
 
 Gallinago, Linn. 
 
 Galliniila, Linn. 
 Ealliis aquaticus, Linn. 
 Crex pratensis, Bechst. 
 
 Charadrius pluvialis, Linn, 
 morinelliis, Linn, 
 hiaticula, Linn. 
 
 Natatores. 
 Anser ferns, Flem. 
 Anas Boschas, Temm. 
 
 crecea, Linn. 
 Claugula chrysophthalmos, Stepli. 
 Podiceps minor, Lath.. 
 Lams ridibundus, Linn. 
 
 canus, Linn. 
 
 fuscus, Linn. 
 
 EEPTILIA. 
 
 Sauria. 
 Lacertidce. 
 Lacerta agilis, Flem. 
 
 Ophidia. 
 
 AnguidcB. 
 
 Anguis fragilis, Linn. 
 
 SerpentidcB. 
 Pelias Berus, Bonap. 
 
 Acanthopterygii . 
 LoricaU. 
 Gasterosteus aculeatus, Linn. 
 
 Ma lacopter ygii . 
 Ahdominales. 
 
 Ctjprinida. 
 Leuciseus phoxinus, Yarr. 
 
 The list of the mammaHa, as might be expected, is limited, and 
 offers little for observation. Among the bats, is one I take to be the 
 Ves. emarginatus, Geoff., described by Mr Jenyns in his Manual, and 
 considered a rare species. Sovex fodiens^ though not frequently seen, 
 owing to its retired habits, is pretty common about the brooks and 
 ditches, but its nearly allied congener, the S. remifer of Geoff., has not 
 yet been met with. The otter also now rarely occurs ; and no recent 
 instance of the badger {Meles Taxus) frequenting his former burrows, 
 has for many years past been observed. The ornithological list 
 
 Amphibia. 
 Caducibranchia, 
 Ranidce. 
 Rana temporaria, Linn. 
 Bufo vulgaris, Flem. 
 
 SalamandridcB. 
 Triton palustris, Flem. 
 aquaticus, Flem. 
 
 PISCES. 
 
 Cobitis barbatula, Linn. 
 
 Salmomdce. 
 Salmo Trutta, Linn. 
 Fario, Linn. 
 Eriox ? Linn. 
 
136 ME SELBY ON THE FAUNA OF TWIZELL. 
 
 exhibits a considerable number of species belonging to the first three 
 orders, particularly that of the Insessores, which may be attributed to 
 the variety of the ground, and the extensive plantations upon the 
 property, so congenial to the habits of the majority of its members. 
 Among the Falconidse, is the cinereous sea-eagle {Hal. alblcilla), as I 
 have twice had the gratification of seeing this noble bird wing his way 
 across the fields, on his rovite from the coast to the higher parts of the 
 country. The honey-buzzard {Pernis apivorus) one of our rarest rap- 
 torial birds, has already been noticed and exhibited to the members of 
 the Club. BomhyciUa (larrula, the lonely wax- wing chatterer, I have 
 twice seen at distant intervals ; and the Loxia curvirostra (common 
 crossbill) is not an unfrequent visitant. The Picus major (greater 
 spotted woodpecker) is the only species I have noticed : its visits are 
 short and uncertain, and generally confined to the period of its autum- 
 nal migratory movements. The creeper ( Cevthia familiar is)., is however 
 abundant, and resides with us the whole year. That delightful song- 
 ster the wood-lark, Alauda arborea, has only once been met with. 
 Among the Grallatores, the lofaniis ochropus (green sandpiper) and the 
 Crex Porzana (spotted crake) are the only species of rare occurrence. 
 In the class Eeptilia, the Anguis fragilis (blind or slow-worm) is fre- 
 quently seen in the dens, as is also the common viper or adder of the 
 country, which upon examination I find to be the Pelias Berus of 
 Bonaparte, the Vipera communis of Jenyns. The red and dark brown 
 varieties are sometimes met with, which in a great measure I believe 
 depend upon the state or age of the epidermis, as well as the sex of 
 the reptile. 
 
( 137 ) 
 
 Address to tlie Members of the Berwiclshire Naturalists'' Club, after the 
 Sixth Anniversary Meeting, held at Norham, Sejjtember 20th, 1837. 
 By the Eev. Jouy Baird of Yetholm, President, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 CiECTJMSTANCES, whicli formed only too sufficient an apology for my 
 absence, having denied me the pleasure of meeting you at the last 
 Anniversary of our Club, and of returning you thanks in person, not 
 only for the honour you formerly did me, in electing me to the chair of 
 President ; but for the forbearance also shewn me while I held that 
 office ; I have now only farther to solicit your indulgence, while I 
 endeavour, after the example of my predecessors (and, as I believe, is 
 still expected of me), to take a short retrospect of the doings and dis- 
 coveries of the Club during the last twelve months, ending the third 
 Wednesday of September last. Before doing so, however, I perceive 
 it has been customary to congratulate the Club on the prosperity which 
 continues to attend us, and I am happy to be able, after a Sixth Anni- 
 versary Meeting, to address you in the same cheering language. The 
 success of our experiment, indeed, has far exceeded, I believe, the 
 expectations of the most sanguine of our members. We were among 
 the first, and I believe the very first, in Scotland, to attempt the for- 
 mation of a society like the present, whose object should be, minutely 
 to examine and illustrate the Natural History and Antiquities of a 
 particidar district or locality ; to meet frequently together for this 
 purpose in different places within the appointed limits ; to spend the 
 day in a personal investigation of its various objects of interest; and 
 to record our observations and discoveries in papers read at our meet- 
 ings. The design was not more simple than admirable, and it has 
 prospered beyond our ho^Des. Many interesting discoveries have been 
 made, — much valuable information accumulated, — and several new and 
 important additions have been made to the Flora and Fauna of Great 
 Britain. Our hst of Members too, is not only numerous, but includes 
 several names of eminence ; and, what is not the least interesting 
 feature of our Club, we continue, after an existence of six long j'ears, 
 to meet with the same zeal, and with the same anticipations of enjoy- 
 ment, as we did at our first formation, when our Society possessed all 
 the freshness and interest of novelty, — and it was yet an untried experi- 
 ment. The harmony of our meetings has scarcely ever for one moment 
 been interrrupted ; and we have, at this moment, the same prospect of 
 pleasure and prosperity before us, as we had at the commencement of 
 our Institution. I cannot help thinking, that one of the principal 
 causes of our success, and of the harmony which pervades our meetings, 
 is the short and simple character of our laws and regulations ; if indeed 
 we can be said to have any laws at all : for, certainly, the rules by 
 which we are guided, are rather certain understood principles and feel- 
 
138 THE REV. ME. BAIRD's ADDKESS. 
 
 ings, wliicli education, the object which brings lis together, or some- 
 thing better than either, has implanted in the bosom of gentlemen, than 
 any complicated or compulsory code of enactments. The motives which 
 induce our attendance are, not the fear of pecuniary penalties, nor of 
 any disgrace attached to non-attendance ; but the pleasure, gratification, 
 and instruction we derive from our meetings, — the pleasure of social 
 intercourse, — the gratification of beholding and admiring the beautiful 
 scenery of nature, — and the instruction, moral and intellectual, which 
 are to be derived from the study of the works of the great Creator, 
 whose goodness, and wisdom, and power, are conspicuous in them all. 
 In the discoveries which are made, we all feel a common interest ; and 
 though all cannot be equally fortunate, the least successful has the 
 same enjoyment as the happy discoverer himself. And though, as we 
 might naturally have expected in so variable a climate as our own, 
 clouds and tempests have occasionally darkened our days of meeting, 
 and some of us have had many a weary mile to travel, yet have we 
 never failed, except, I believe in a single instance, to have a respectable 
 attendance of members. 
 
 The contributions which have been made to the Flora and Fauna of 
 the district and country during the past year, have been more scanty 
 than, I believe, during any preceding year of our existence as a Club. 
 This, however has arisen, neither from any lack or decay of zeal among 
 our members, nor from our past discoveries having exhausted the limited 
 sphere of our observation ; for a vast unexplored field still lies before 
 us; but from the extremely unpropitious weather of the autumn of 1836, 
 and of the spring of the present year, — weather so ungenial and so re- 
 markable for cold in particular, that the oldest inhabitant of the country 
 scarcely remembers a parallel to it. Yet, that our labours and researches 
 have not been altogether in vain, will be seen from the following short 
 notices of our meetings. 
 
 Our Anniversary Meeting in September 1836 was at Yetholm, a vil- 
 lage, or two small villages, embosomed among the lower hills of the 
 Cheviot. The day was most unlike the season, being one of great 
 beauty, and the excursion, though productive of no discovery of im- 
 portance, was by no means destitute of interest. Our walk was first 
 over Yetholm Law — a hill cultivated to its summit — down to Yetholm 
 Loch, — a handsome sheet of water of about 40 acres in extent. Here 
 were observed in considerable abundance, — Ranunculus Lingua, Typha 
 latifolia, Nuphar lutea, Cicuta virosa, Scutellaria galericulata, Lytlirtim 
 salicaria, &,-c. Linton Loch, or what at least is so called, a few deep, 
 dark, mossy pools of a few yards in diameter, being the only water 
 visible, was next visited. Here, besides the greater number of the 
 plants observed at Yetholm Loch, the Lycopus evropceus, &c. and a few 
 specimens of Hieracium denticulafum, were gathered ; and several insects 
 and larvae of some rarity were obtained in both situations. Ascending, 
 then, the lofty and classic hills of T^ldeopen and Crookedshaws, the 
 
THE REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. 139 
 
 scene of the snow-storm in Thomson's "Winter," and memorable from 
 the occasioual residence of the poet himself, in a small cottage 
 situated in a little glen on the former hill, we descended into the vale 
 of Bowmont Water. Mentha gentilis was gathered in wet ground by 
 the margin of the river near to Primside Mill, and on the roadside 
 Cardmis nutans sparingly. 
 
 The rocks of the district walked over were exclusively trap, the pre- 
 vailing, almost the only one being the felspar porphyry. Numerous 
 large boulders of the pitchstone porphyry were observed; this rock 
 being known to occur among the lower hills of the Cheviot. 
 
 After dinner, and the excellent address of our late President, Sir 
 William Jardine, several other valuable aud interesting communications 
 were read. 1. A notice of the Effect of the root of the Monk's-Hood 
 {Aconitum napellus) on the Horse, by Mr Henderson. 2. Notice of 
 Scolopax major (Great or Solitary Snipe) by Mr Selby. 3. A List, by 
 the same gentleman, of some of the rarer nocturnal Lepidoptera, taken 
 during the season at Twizell House. 3. A Notice, by the Rev. A. 
 Baird, of an Ancient Sea-Beach recently exposed by a violent storm on 
 the coast near Dunglass. 5. An Analysis of Lithomarge from Maxton, 
 by Dr Eobert Thomson ; also an Analysis of Puller's-earth from the 
 same situation ; and some remarks by the same member on Potamogeton 
 oUongus. 6. A List of Day-flying Lepidoptera, captured during the last 
 summer by Mr M'Laurin, junior. Some other communications were re- 
 ceived, but the reading of them was postponed to the meeting of the 
 Club in December. 
 
 At the meeting in December, held as usual at Berwick, (for any noti- 
 ces of which I must be chiefly indebted to our Secretary's minutes), 
 a considerable number of members appear to have been present ; and 
 though, in consequence of the state of the weather, and other circum- 
 stances, the excursion was short, and produced nothing of interest ; 
 yet there appears to have been no lack of in-door occupation and enter- 
 tainment. Several long and interesting papers were read, — one by Mr 
 Henderson, on the Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire ; another, by Mr 
 Darling, on the black-turnip Caterpillar ; a third by Mr Donaldson, 
 received from Sir Thomas Macdougall Brisbane, entitled "Practical 
 Observations on the Par, by James Kerse, fi.sher, Bowhill;" a fourth, 
 by the Eev. Mr Parker, from the Eev. Mr Cook, regarding a Skeleton 
 and Stone-Coffin dug up in Chatton church-yard, for which Mr Parker 
 was requested to convey to Mr Cook the thanks of the Club. 
 
 The Eev. A. Baird also exhibited a specimen of the Plain Eed Mul- 
 let taken in a herring-net some months previously on the coast of 
 Berwickshire, by one of the Cockburnspath fishermen. It was a full- 
 grown individual, and may be regarded as the only authentic specimen 
 hitherto taken in the Scottish seas ; for, though it has long obtained a 
 place in the British Fauna, its title to be considered as a Scottish fish 
 has hitherto rested on a vague report. A large map of Berwickshire 
 
140 THE REV. MR RAIRD's ADDRESS. 
 
 was presented to the Chib, tliroiigli Mi* Donaldson, from Messrs J. and 
 C. AValker, for which Mr Donaldson was requested to return the 
 thanks of the Club. A specimen of the Pholas crisjjafa, found sparingly 
 in Berwick Bay, an addition to the bivalve shells of Berwickshire, was 
 exhibited b^^ Dr Johnston ; who also announced the following contribu- 
 tions to the Flora of Berwickshire, made by Miss Hunter of Anton's 
 Hill :— 
 
 Agaricus granulosus. Thelephora incrustans. 
 
 sulphureus. Helvella crispa. 
 
 peronatus elastica. 
 
 squarrosus. Peziza tuberpsa. 
 
 variabilis. hemisphterica. 
 
 JSistotrema confluens. fructigena. 
 
 Thelephora laciniata. 
 
 Of all these Fungi, some of which are rare, specimens were shewn, as 
 also of Agarmis cocMeatus, Elapliomyces gramdatus, and Torula antemmta, 
 which the Doctor had himself discovered in plantations about Foulden. 
 
 Of the meeting in May at Houndwood, there is extremely little 
 worthy of record ; for, though it was a very pleasant one, the day also 
 delightful, and the attendance of members respectable, yet, owing to 
 the exceedingly backward and unpropitious state of the season, nothing 
 new or interesting in any department of Natural History was observed. 
 While some of the members sought the amiisement of angling, another 
 party, in a different direction, proceeded first through a thick and 
 tangled bank of natural wood rising above the river Eye, in the hope 
 that it might afford something interesting ; but, though the ground 
 seemed favourable, in this they were disappointed. With the same 
 object in view, they next proceeded to thread the mazes of a wooded 
 and romantic ravine, formed by a little streamlet called Atton-Burn. 
 The day and scenery being delightful, there was much enjoyment in 
 the walk ; but with the exception of one or two rare insects captured 
 by Mr Selby,* and the discovery of the nest of the Dipper ( Cmdus 
 aqiiaUcus) on the edge of a little precipice overhanging a deep pool at 
 the bottom of a waterfall, a most inaccessible situation, nothing was 
 found meriting particular notice. Chrysosplenium alternifoUum was 
 afterwards found growing sparingly on a wet bank by the river Eye, 
 about a mile and a-half above Houndwood; and on the higher wooded 
 
 • Mr Selby gives the following List of tliose taken on this occasion: — 
 
 1. 
 
 Helobia brevicollis. 
 
 6. 
 
 Paecilns cnpreus. 
 
 2. 
 
 H. Marshallana, 
 
 7. 
 
 Omasens nigrita. 
 
 3. 
 
 Loricera pilicomis. 
 
 8. 
 
 Amara lata. 
 
 4. 
 
 Anchomenns alhipes. 
 
 9. 
 
 Harpalus limbatus 
 
 5. 
 
 Agonum parumpunctatum , 
 
 10, 
 
 Tachys binotatns. 
 
THE BEv. MR baird's adduess. 141 
 
 banks above tlic road, large patcbes of tbe Anemone nemorosa and Primula 
 veris growing together in full and magnificent blossom, attracted general 
 admiration. 
 
 The geology of tbe district was very partially observed. Tbe only 
 rocks wbicb presented themselves were the greywacke and greywacke 
 slate, principally the latter, exhibiting its usual variety of colour and 
 structure. The same rocks seem to occupy a very considerable portion 
 of this part of Berwickshire, composing the greater part of the Lam- 
 mermoor range in the neighbourhood, and extending from tbence to 
 the sea-coast. 
 
 After dinner a specimen of ArvicoJa pratcnsis, taken at Twizell, an 
 addition to the quadrupeds of the district, was exhibited by Mr Selby. 
 No papers were read ; notwithstanding a most agreeable evening was 
 passed. 
 
 The meeting of the Club in June was perhaps the most delightful 
 of the year. A few weeks previous to it, the cold wintry weather we 
 had experienced in the months of spring had been succeeded by the 
 most brilliant tiiimmer. There being much moisture in the soil, the 
 warm suns brought forward vegetation in the most rapid and luxuriant 
 manner. Serious apprehensions had been entertained only a short 
 time before, of a general failure of the crops ; but a week or two of 
 the splendid weather which followed soon banished all fear on this 
 subject ; and we have once more experienced in this instance the truth 
 of the Divine promise, that while the world endures, seed-time and 
 harvest and day and night shall not cease. Grod has at length crowned 
 the year with his goodness, after we had almost begun to despair that 
 any harvest, with its golden treasures, would gladden our fields. 
 
 After breakfast at Dunse, the members proceeded to the appointed 
 scene of the day's excursion, the banks of the Whitadder, in the 
 neighbourhood of Preston Bridge, a description of scenery from which 
 not a little was expected, nor did it disappoint our hopes. While 
 some of the party amused themselves with fishing, the remainder pro- 
 ceeded to examine the banks of the river above Preston Bridge, which 
 they were able to do to the distance of several miles. The day was 
 most beautiful, the scenery interesting, and the vegetation splendid ; 
 
 11. Peryphns Httoralis. 19. Aphodius prodromus, 
 
 12. Peiy. tibialis. 20. — terrestria. 
 
 13. Helophorus granulans. 21. — seratns. 
 
 14. Sitona nlicis. 22. Quedins picicornis. 
 
 15. Sitona spartii. 23. Gabrius pallipes, 
 
 16. Apion — 24. Eugilns immnnis, 
 
 17. Phaedon tnmidnla. 25. Aleochara — 
 
 18. Thyamis ■— 26. Oxytelus opacus. 
 
 A very rare dipterous fly was also taken. It was found in a small haugh by 
 the side of a rivulet, where potatoes had been grown the preceding June. Four 
 or fiye specimens were captured. I have not yet ascertained the name. P.J.S, 
 
142 THE REV. MR BAIRd's ADDRESS. 
 
 but tliougli many interesting plants wore noticed, no addition was 
 made to the Flora of the county or district. 
 
 The cherry and the gooseberr}'- were both found in tolerable abun- 
 ance on the wild and precipitous side of Stainsheil Hill, a situation 
 which may be regarded as interesting in reference to the question, 
 whether or not these are to be considered indigenous plants. Perhaps, 
 however, the most interesting plant observed during the excursion 
 was the Littorella lacustris, growing in great abundance on the side of a 
 pond at Primrose Hill, the second time only the plant has been 
 gathered in Berwickshire. It would be endless, however, to eniimerate 
 the other plants observed and admired. Many of those most beautiful, 
 though common plants, but not less beautiful on that account, which 
 adorn our wooded banks and sunny glades, our verdant meadows and 
 marshy grounds, were here scattered in great jorofusion, Menyanthes 
 trifoliata, Cistus Helianthemum, Geranium syhaticum, and G. pratense, 
 different species of the beautiful genus Hypericum, and many others, 
 "But above all," as our Secretary adds in the minutes, " the glorious 
 forest of whins on the side of Stainsheil Hill," then in full bloom, was 
 no doubt a noble sight, and "will long be remembered with delight 
 by those who witnessed it ;" nor will it be less memorable on account 
 of the severe penance endured in forcing a painful and thorny passage 
 through them. 
 
 But if nothing new was added to the Flora or Fauna of the district 
 by this day's walk, an interesting addition was made to our knowledge 
 of its geology, scarcely any other part of Berwickshire, perhaps, pre- 
 senting, in so small a compass, so many geological appearances, 
 interesting in themselves, and important to illustrate the geology of 
 the county. As the result of the observations made on that occasion, 
 however, with a more extended geological survey of the neighbouring 
 district, has been promised to be laid before the Club in the shape of 
 a regular paper, it is needless at present to do more than to notice the 
 subject in the most general manner. The prevailing rocks at Preston 
 Bridge, and for about a mile and a half above it, are merely slates, 
 sandstones, and other rocks, apparently belonging to the coal forma- 
 tion ; — not that the general aspect of the rocks themselves, which are 
 exceedingly unlike those of the coal formation in other parts of the 
 country, still less any appearance or any probability of coal being 
 found among them, indicate them as belonging to this class of rocks, 
 but the position they occupy with reference to other rocks, which will 
 be noticed immediately, and the difficulty of regarding them as mem- 
 bers of any other formation, seem to forbid us from arriving at any 
 other conclusion. After travelling over these strata upwards of a mile 
 above the bridge, in which distance we find them frequently traversed 
 by dykes of claystone, porphyry, and basalt, they are succeeded by 
 what is undoubtedly the old red sandstone formation, and this again, 
 at no great distance, is succeeded by the greywacke and greywacke- 
 
THE REV. MR BAIRd's ADBRESS. 143 
 
 slate, the principal rocks of the transition series. Thus, in the course 
 of less than two miles, the three great formations of Berwickshire maj' 
 not only be observed, but their junction — the junction especially of 
 the old red sandstone with the greywacke, may be very beautifully 
 and distinctly seen — even more distinctly, if that were possible, than 
 the same appearance at the celebrated Siccar Point. The hill of 
 Stainsheil is a huge mass of a very beautiful rock, the transition 
 granite or sienite, subordinate apparently to the greywacke. I shall 
 not at present, however, farther anticipate the fuller details, which 
 may, ere long, be read to the Club. 
 
 The insects captured or observed were neither mimerous nor inter- 
 esting, and the only communication of any importance which was 
 submitted to the Club at this meeting, was a summary of observations 
 of the barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, &c. for the preceding 
 year, by the Rev. Mr AVallace, which, for the fulness and accuracy of 
 its details, called forth unanimous approbation. 
 
 At our meeting in July, at the Lamb Inn, near to Haggerston, we 
 were favoured, as at all our preceding meetings of this year, with a 
 beautiful day, and a large party of members and visitors had assembled 
 to enjoy the excursion. There were here two objects ot: attraction, the 
 sea-coast and Kyloe Crags, and the members were divided in their 
 choice. One party, therefore, took the direction of the former, another 
 of the latter, and fortune smiled upon them both. The former party, 
 in the salt-marshes at Beal, met with in abundance Scirpus maritimus, 
 Artemisia maritima^ Chenopodium maritimiim, Poa procumbens, CEnanthe 
 crocata, Air a aquatica, and a plant new to the district, BIysmus rufus, 
 growing in abundance from four to eighteen inches in height. Eeturn- 
 ing from the coast, they observed near Kyloe Church Ranunculus 
 arvensis, Solanum dulcamara, and in Kyloe Dean Betonica offici^ialis, 
 Carex remota, Erythrcea centauria, JEupatorium cannabinum, and a rare 
 British species, the Kieracium molle. 
 
 The other party was not less successful. On Kyloe Crags they 
 observed in great profusion Thalidrum minus, Cynoglossum officinale ; 
 and a plant new to the district, Asjilenium septentrionale, was gathered 
 in some abundance on the precipitous cliffs, where also, and in the 
 debris below, ^were seen Euonymus eiiropxEus, and our familiar friends 
 the holly and honeysuckle. On the moors Listera orata and Nartliecium 
 ossifragum were gathered, and returning by Fenwick Wood and the 
 village of that name, many of the plants already noticed, gathered by 
 the other party, were observed, besides a specimen or two of Trifolium 
 officinale, and of Vicia cracca, with j)ure white blossoms. 
 
 The Kyloe Crags are a bold rocky hill, of no great altitude, with a 
 precipice to the west, from which descends a steep slope, composed of 
 the debris of the hill. It is now in great part clothed with wood, and 
 being seen from a considerable distance, forms rather a conspicuous 
 object in the landscape. It is composed of trap, as most of the other 
 
144 THE REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. 
 
 hills and rising grounds in tlie neighbourliood, and rises tlirougli the 
 coal formation, of which class of rocks the surrounding country is 
 composed. 
 
 No papers were read at this meeting. Dr Francis Douglas announced 
 the discovery which he had made of Cladium Martscus, in abundance 
 in Learmouth Bog ; Dr Johnston of the Cerastmm atro-virens, on old 
 walls in the immediate vicinity of Berwick ; and the Rev. A. Baird of 
 Adoxa moscJiatelUnn, in DuDglass Dean, additions to the Flora of the 
 district, which, together with Jjl^s»>vs rvfus and Asplenium septentrion- 
 ale, discoveries of the day, were gratifying proofs of progress towards 
 completing the botany of the district. Several very fine specimens of 
 fossils (the property of the E,ev. Mr Jenkinson of Lowick), from the 
 limestone quarries of this part of the county, were exhibited at this 
 meeting. Dr Johnston added to the catalogue of Berwickshire bivalve 
 shells, Listera compress'/, Cardium elongatum, and Nucula tenuis. 
 
 Such, Gentlemen, is a brief outline of the transactions of our Club 
 during the past year. I will make no apology for its numerous defects. 
 It may, however, help to recall to your minds some happy days spent 
 amid the fair scenery of nature, and in the study and admiration of 
 some of the beautiful productions of the Almighty and Beneficent 
 Creator, who called this universe at first into existence, and who still 
 preserves it by the word of His power. "Great and manifold are 
 His works: in wisdom has He made them all." "All His works 
 praise Him." They display His glory : they proclaim His goodness. 
 They invite us to examine them, and it is an employment most siiitable 
 to man, the tongue of this mute but lovely creation, which requires his 
 intelligent services to make them sjpeak His praise. 
 
 List of Members, continued from p. 106. 
 
 Bev. William Thomson. June 21. 1837. 
 
 Contnlutions to the Flora of BerwichsJiire, Sfc. 
 
 Blysmus rufics. Salt-marshes at Beal, abundant. 
 
 Asplenium septentrionale. Kyloe Crags. 
 
 Cladium Martscus. Learmouth Bog, abundant. 
 
 Cerastium atro-virens. Old walls in the neighbourhood of Berwick. 
 
( 145 ) 
 
 The Popular Rhymes of Benoiclcshite ; to which are added, a few lllustra' 
 tions. By Mr Hexdersoi^, Surgeon, Cliirnside. 
 
 Pebhaps there are few counties in Scotland which possess so many 
 rhjTnes of a popular nature, as that of Berwickshire. "Whether it be 
 owing to the circumstance that " Thomas the Ehjoner " was a native 
 of this district, and to whom the authorship of several of these rhymes 
 is attributed, — or whether the people of the Merse are in general 
 disposed to encourage this species of ancient lore, we will not waste 
 time in a vain endeavour to determine. The fact of itself is sufficiently 
 obvious from the following collection, and perhaps it might still be 
 enlarged. The memory of " Thomas the Rhymer " is still highly 
 honoured in his native county, and the people hitherto have placed 
 undoubted confidence in his prophetic enunciations, although these 
 are certainly now beginning to be numbered among the "wreck of 
 things which were." 
 
 As Sir Walter Scott, in his " Border Minstrelsy," &c., has, with his 
 usual pleasing and happy mode of illustration, brought together all 
 the facts that can now be discovered of the Minstrel of Ercildoune, it 
 would be superfluous for us to enter here into any discussion relative 
 to the history or merits of that singular being, who lived so long with 
 the Elf Queen (according to rhyme and tradition), and who yet " dreos 
 his weird " in Fairy land. All that we have set ourselves to do is to 
 collect, into one place, all the popular rhymes connected with this 
 county, as far as we are acquainted with them, and append thereto 
 such notes as an explanation of them seems to demand ; and if we 
 can hereby be the means of preserving these curious relics of a former 
 day from falling into utter oblivion, the little trouble which we have 
 taken in collecting them will be amply rewarded. 
 
 In the fii'st place, we shall introduce those Rhymes which have been 
 for many generations attributed to " True Thomas," and then add the 
 others, which are imclaimed by any author. 
 
 1. " The hare shall kittle on my hearthstane, 
 
 And there never will be a Laird Learmont again." 
 
 Thomas here prophesies the ruin of his own house. It appears that 
 he had granted his property to the Hospital of Soltra, and that none 
 of his descendants ever after inherited his patrimony at Earlstoun. 
 About a century ago, it is said, that a hare actually took up her resi- 
 dence in the "Rhymer's Tower," and produced her young upon the 
 hearthstone of the dilapidated tenement. About this time a person of 
 the name of Murray inhabited this ancient edifice. According to 
 Chambers he was " a kind of herbalist, who, by dint of some knowledge 
 in simples, the possession of a musical clock, an electrical machine, and 
 a stuffed alligator, added to a supposed communication with Thomas 
 
i46 
 
 THE POPULAR RHYMES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 the Rhymer, lived for many years in very good credit as a wizard." * 
 The person here so ludicrously introduced appears to be no other than 
 Mr Patrick Murray, surgeon in Earlstoun, who details a case of an 
 *' Uncommon tumour of the hell}^, and a dropsy cured," in the " Medi- 
 cal Essays and Observations, by a Society in Edinburgh." vol. vi. -p. 
 133, and published in 1747. The ruins of the Rhymer's Tower may 
 still be seen near the Leader, at the west end of the village of Earls- 
 toun, and a stone iu the wall of the church bears the following 
 inscription — 
 
 " Auld Rymer's race 
 Lyes in this place." 
 
 2. " This thorn tree as lang as it stands, 
 Earlstoun shall possess a' her lands." 
 
 This Rhyme was very popular about Earlstoun some years since. 
 The tree referred to was a very large one, and stood near the east end 
 of the village. It was blown down by a high wind during the night 
 in the spring of 1821. The lands, originally belonging to the com- 
 munity of Earlstoun, were from time to time alienated by the magis- 
 trates, till there is scarcely now an acre left. What gave additional 
 weight to the prophecy was, that, at its fulfilment when the tree fell, 
 " the greater part of the shopkeepers in the town happened to be then, 
 on account of a tissue of unfortunate circumstances, in a state of 
 bankruptcy."! 
 
 3. *' A horse sal gang on Carrolside brae. 
 Till the girth gaw his sides in twae." 
 
 This refers to some period of desolation in the history of our country, 
 which we fondly hope has been fulfilled long since. Carrolside lies on 
 Leader "Water, and is the property of an enterprising proprietor, 
 James Home, Esq., who has much improved and ornamented his 
 estate, so that the former sterility of Carrolside Braes is no longer 
 proverbial. 
 
 4. " There sal a stane wi' Leader come, 
 
 That'll make a rich father, but a poor son." 
 
 The small river Leader, of classic celebrity for its '■'■sweet Jiauffhs,^' 
 and the "Homes that dwelt on Leader side," takes its rise near the 
 quarry, which supplies the district of Lauderdale with lime, and the 
 prophecy is supposed to refer to those agricultural improvements 
 which have in part resulted from the use of lime; the " stane that 
 came wi' Leader,' which in many instances enriched those who were 
 the first improvers, but which also unfortunately engendered an 
 
 * Chambers' Popular Rhymes. t Chambers. 
 
 I 
 
THE POPULAR RHYMES OF BER-WICKSHIRE. 147 
 
 expensive style of living in their immediate successors, whioh. led to 
 their ultimate ruin. 
 
 5. " Vengeance I vengeance ! when ? and where ? 
 
 Upon the house o' Cowdenknowes, now and evermair." 
 
 The proprietors of Cowdenknowes were in the days of the Covenan- 
 ters, of a persecuting disposition, and several traditional stories are 
 related of their cruelty ; hence these lines are often in the mouths of 
 the common people to indicate that vengeance will yet come upon that 
 house, for the evils which it inflicted on the godly in former times. Cow- 
 denhiowes, so celebrated in song for its "bonny broom," lies near the 
 village of Earlstoun, and is the property of Professor Home of Edin- 
 burgh. Part of the present mansion-house is very old, and in this part 
 of it the unfortunate Queen Mary lodged for a night or two. We 
 observed that this estate was lately advertised for sale. 
 
 6. "Betide, betide, whate'er betide, 
 
 There'll ay be a Haig in Bemerside." 
 
 The ancient family of Haig have been in the possession of Bemerside 
 for many hundred yeai's. " The grandfather of the present proprietor 
 of Bemerside had twelve daughters before his lady brought him a male 
 heir. The common people trembled for the credit of their favourite 
 soothsayer. The late Mr Haig was at length born, and their belief 
 in the prophecy confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt." * 
 
 7. "At Threelurn Grange on an after day, 
 There sail be a lang and bludy fray ; 
 Where a three-thumbed wight by the reins sal hald 
 Three kings horse baith stout and bauld. 
 And the Three hums, three days will rin 
 Wi' the blude o' the slain that fa' therein." 
 
 Thirty years ago this rhyme was very popular in the east end of 
 Berwickshire, and about the time of the French Revolution a person 
 of the name of Douglas was born in the parish of Coldingham, with 
 an excrescence on one of his hands, which bore some resemblance to a 
 third thumb. Of course the superstitious believed that this was to be 
 the identical "three-thumbed wight " of the Rhymer, and nothing 
 was looked for but a fearful accomplishment of the prophecy. Three- 
 hum Grange, or Grains, is a place a little above the Press, where three 
 small rills meet and form the water of Ale. 
 
 We now proceed to another class of Rhymes, the most of which are 
 still floating about among the peasantry. 
 
 * Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, vol. iv. p. 150 
 
148 THE POPULAR RHYMES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 8. "I stood upon Eyemouth fort, 
 
 And guess ye what I saw, 
 Pairneyside and Flemington, 
 
 Newhouses, and Cocklaw ; 
 The fairy folk o' Fosterland, 
 
 The witches o' Edencraw, 
 The bogle bo' o' KUy Myre 
 
 Wha' kills our bairns a'." 
 
 It would be a useless waste of time to form theories and conjectures 
 as to the origin of the above Rhyme, for nothing certain is known 
 concerning it, but that il has been in circulation for time immemorial. 
 Were a person at the present day to stand upon the site of Eyemouth 
 forti with the expectation of seeing all the places, not to say persons, 
 enumerated in the Rhyme, he would certainly be disappointed, as 
 from its situation it is impossible to see several of the places named. 
 Fairneyside, Flemington, and Cocklaw, are farm places in the parish of 
 Ayton. Of Newhouses we know nothing, and there is no place, we 
 believe, in the neighbourhood now known by that name. Fosterland 
 was an old farm place, its site, like many other old steadings, being 
 marked out by a few ash trees near the eastern extremity of the 
 parish of Buncle. A small stream which rises on the moor, above 
 that range of hills called Buncle Edge, is still called Fosterland burn, 
 and is one of the numerous rills that discharges itself into Billy Myre. 
 On the east side of this stream, where its banks are steepest, there 
 formerly existed an extensive British encampment, the traces of which 
 have been nearly obliterated of late years by the operations of the 
 plough. The banks of this stream formed a favourite haunt of the 
 fairies in bygone days, and I once knew an old barn-man, by name 
 David Donaldson, who, although he never saw one of these aerial 
 beings, constantly maintained that he had frequently heard their 
 sweet music, in the silence of midnight, by Fosterland Burn, on the 
 banks of the Ale, and on the Fyperhiowe.^ Fosterland is said to be a 
 contraction of Foresterland, the name being derived from the forester of 
 Buncle wood, who had his dwelling here, when all the hill side, from 
 the Whitadder on the west, to this place, was covered with oak and 
 hazel. 
 
 Of the witches of Auchencraw or Edencraw, we have not been able 
 
 to glean many particulars. We have heard, indeed, one or two other 
 
 rhymes regarding them, which would shew that, among other things, 
 
 . they delightedinhorrid and wicked transactions; but the lines are hardly 
 
 such as to be fit for hearing. 
 
 * PyperTcnoioe, so called from the pipings of the fairies heard on it, is a large 
 knoll lying on the south bank of Billy Myre, behind the present farm-honse of 
 Causewayhanh. It consists principally of gravel, and less than twenty years ago 
 it was covered with a luxuriant crop of broom. It is now cultivated. 
 
THE POPULAE RHYMES OF BERWICKSHIBE. 149 
 
 With regard to the last mentioned personage in the above rhyme, it 
 is only necessary to say, that the passage over Billy Myre, between 
 AucheHcraw and Chirnside, was long infested with a ghost, the " Bogle 
 bo' " of the Ehyme, which bore the cognomen of " Jock o' the Myro." 
 
 9. " The Eye kail o' Eeston 
 Gar'd a' the dougs dee ; 
 The browster gied us a' a glif£ 
 
 Wi' his barley brce, 
 And gar'd Meg o' the Gurl hole 
 Awa' wi' Bawtie flee." 
 
 This rhyme has been often confounded with one of those alluded to. 
 We are convinced, however, that it is altogether distinct from it, and re- 
 fers to a totally different subject. It is, however, apparently imperfect. 
 The village of West Eeston is pleasantly situated upon the south bank 
 of the Eye, in the parish of Coldiugham, and contains between two and 
 three hundred inhabitants. In old time it was the seat of a baronial 
 castle, and a chapel dedicated to St Nicolas, to which the beneficent 
 Davidde Quixivood granted a yearly allowance of some harts from his 
 territory in Lammermoor. The disaster to the dogs, which the rhyme 
 relates, may have been caused by diseased rye, or rye infected with the 
 Secale corniitum. The latter part of the rhyme is rather obscure. It is 
 probable that the person indicated by " Meg o' the Gurl hole" shared 
 the same fate of the dogs, as Baivtie is well known to be a sort of generic 
 name for a colly or shepherd's dog, among the peasantry of Scotland. 
 There is still a house in Eeston known by the name of " the Gurl." 
 What is the meaning of the term we know not, and a field on the farm 
 of Greenhead, in the immediate neighbourhood of the village, is still 
 called "the Browster butts." 
 
 10. " St Abb, St Helen, and St Bey, 
 
 They a' built kirks whilk to be nearest the sea. 
 St Abb's upon the nabs, 
 St Helen's on the lea, 
 St Bey's upon Dunbar sands 
 Stands nearest to the sea." 
 
 '*8t Abb or StEbba, St Helen, and St Bey, were, according to the 
 country people, three princesses, the daughters and heiresses of a king 
 of Northumberland, who being very pious, and taking a disgust at 
 the world, resolved to employ their dowries in the erection of churches, 
 and the rest of their lives in devotion. They all tried which should 
 find a situation for their buildings nearest to the sea, and St Bey or 
 St Ann succeeded, her church being built upon a level space, close to 
 the water mark ; while St Abb placed her structure upon the points 
 or nabs of a high rock overhanging the German Ocean, and St Helen 
 
 K 
 
150 THE POPULAR RHYMES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 pitclied hers upon a plain near, but not exactly bordering upon tbe 
 shore. It is obvious that the situation of these churches suggested 
 the popular belief."* There are now no remains of St Bey's chapel: 
 the ruins of St Helen's are still conspicuous in the parish of Colbrands- 
 path, and the church-yard surrounding them is still used as a burial- 
 ground ; but scarcely a vestige of St Abb's remains on the high and 
 lonely point, to which she has bequeathed her name, and not a single 
 grave-stone is now to be seen raising its grey head from among the 
 nettles and thistles which cover the deserted spot, although some aged 
 people remember to have seen it used as a place of sepulture about 
 sixty years ago. 
 
 11. " Grisly Draeden sat alane 
 
 By the cairn and Pech stane ; 
 Billay wi' a segg sae stout. 
 Says — ' I'll soon turn Draeden out' — 
 Draeden leuch, and stalk'd awa, 
 And vanish'd in a babanqua." 
 
 This rhyme, which I picked up when a boy from an old man (David 
 Donaldson, referred to above), who possessed a rich collection of old 
 sayings, songs, and rhymes, which I never heard any where else, 
 evidently relates to a large cairn which was situated about half-way 
 between two streams (Draeden and BiU3'burn), on the farm of Little 
 Billy, in the parish of Buncle. The cairn was siuTounded, except on 
 the south-west side, by a circle of large whin stones, many of which 
 would have weighed several tons. At a distance of about 200 yards 
 to the east of this cairn stood a large block, of a reddish sort of granite, 
 which the old man ali-eady mentioned used to call " The Altar." The 
 cairn is now removed, but this stone still stands in its original situation. 
 It is probable that the circle of stones surrounding the cairn had con- 
 stituted, in remote times, a place of Druidical worship ; and it is also 
 probable that the small stream, a little to the north of the site of the 
 cairn, derives its name, Draeden, from this circumstance ; the affix 
 draed being similar in sound to Druid, and de^i, a dean or vale — The 
 Druid's Vale. When a moss which skirted this stream, was begun to 
 be drained about twenty years ago, many pieces of oak were dug out ; 
 and I recollect of being shewn, near its northern extremity, a quag- 
 mire or hahanqua, with a slit or opening in the middle of it, on which 
 no grass or any other plant grew, owing to the constant oozing of the 
 water from its bottom, into which, it was said, a horse and his rider 
 had sunk, and were never more seen. This story rests upon tradition 
 only; but I have seen places of this description, into which, if a person 
 had sunk, he would have been in imminent danger of losing his life ; 
 but, since the incalculable improvement of draining commenced, few of 
 * Chambers' Popular Rhymes, p. 45. 
 
THE POPULAR RnYMES OP BERWICKSHIRE. 151 
 
 these shaking quagmires are to be seen in this part of the country. 
 It is probable, I think, that this curious rhyme has some distant 
 allusion to the introduction of Christianity into our island, to the dis- 
 comfiture of a dark and horrid superstition, which formerly held in 
 bondage the souls and bodies of our Pagan progenitors. 
 
 12. " Huntly wood — thy wa's are down, 
 Bassendean, and Barrastoun ; 
 Heckspeth wi' the yellow hair, 
 Gordon gowks for ever mair." 
 
 ' ' The people of Gordon were recently a very primitive race ; some 
 of them having lived in the same farms from father to son for several 
 centimes. It was perhaps on this account they were stigmatized as 
 the ' gowks o' Gordon ' in the above pox^ular rhyme." — Chamhers. The 
 other places mentioned in the rhyme lie in the neighbourhood of 
 Gordon, but we know not to what circumstances the rhyme refers. 
 In fact, it is a rh_yTXLe without any obvious meaning — a rhyme tvithout 
 a reason. 
 
 13. " The hooks and crooks o Lambden Burn, 
 Fin the bowie,* and fill the kirn."t 
 
 Lambden is in the parish of Greenlaw, where there was anciently a 
 chapel. The rhjmie relates to the fertility of the banks of " Lambden 
 Burn," remarkable for its many sudden turnings and windings. It 
 is a tributary of the Leet. 
 
 14. '■'■ Bughtrig and Belchester, 
 
 Hatchet-knows and Darnchester, 
 
 Leetholm and the Peel : 
 If ye dinna get a wife 
 In ane o' thae places, 
 
 Ye'll ne'er do weel." 
 
 The places enumerated in this rh;yTne are all within four or five 
 miles of Coldstream. The rhyme should be widely disseminated, for 
 the especial benefit of all bachelors and widowers. 
 
 15. " Little BiUy, BiUy MiU, 
 
 Billy Mains, and BiUy HiU, 
 Ashfield, and Auchencraw, 
 BuUerhead, and Pefferlaw, 
 There's bonny lasses in them a." 
 
 The first five places enumerated in this rhyme are in the parish of 
 Buncle. BuUerhead and Pefferlatv lie in the parish of Chirnside. 
 
 * Bowie — a wooden shallow vessel for holcliiig milk. f Kirn — a churn. 
 
152 NOTICE OF AN ANCIENT SEA BEACH, 
 
 About forty years since, all these places wore separate farms ; but 
 Little Billy^ Billy Hill, Ashfield, Bulhrhead, and FeJ/erlmv, exist now 
 only in name, their farm-houses and cottages being levelled with the 
 soil ; and the rhyme is worth preserving, if it was for no other pur- 
 pose but to keep the names from perishing also. 
 
 IG. " Hutton for auld wives, 
 
 Broadmeadows for swine, 
 Paxton for drucken wives, 
 
 And salmon sae fine. 
 Crossrig for lint and woo', 
 
 Spittal for kail, 
 Sunwick for cakes and cheese, 
 
 And lasses for sale." 
 
 This rhyme was taken down only a few weeks ago, from the recita- 
 tion of a girl of eight years of age in Chirnside. All the places 
 mentioned are in Hutton parish ; but whether they are now famous 
 for the articles enumerated in the rhyme, we have no means of ascer- 
 taining. 
 
 17. "I, WiUie Wastle, 
 
 Stand firm in my Castle, 
 A^id a' the dogs in your town. 
 Will no pull Willie Wastle down." 
 
 This is said to have been sent by T. Cockburn, Governor of Home 
 Castle, as an answer to a summons of surrender by Colonel Greorge 
 Fenwick, under the Protectorate of Cromwell, in 1650. It is very 
 popular among boys, who repeat it in a sort of game. 
 
 Notice of mi Ancient Sea Beach, near Dunglass. By the 
 Eev. Andeew Bated. 
 
 Every one now present must remember the tremendous gale of the 
 17th February last, a gale which raged with great fury throughout a 
 large extent of Scotland, but which was felt nowhere more severely 
 than on the coast of the parish of Cockburnspath and its neighbour- 
 hood. The wind being from the north-east, and the moon about full, 
 a very high tide was the consequence, — the highest, it was alleged, 
 which had been known for half a century. The effects of this extra- 
 ordinary tide are stiU very visible in many parts of the coast ; but 
 nowhere, as far as I am aware, was a more ctu'ious or interesting 
 disclosure made "by it than on that part of the coast betwixt the mouths 
 of Dunglass Dean and Billsdean, immediately on the confines of Ber- 
 wickshire. This was a bed or deposit of gravel, about four feet in 
 
NOTICE OF AN ANCIENT SEA BEACH. 153 
 
 thickness, mixed with shells, bones, &:c., and firmly cemented by 
 calcareous tuffa. It occurs at the base of a lofty and precipitous bank, 
 the lower half of which is moist, and covered with a thick coarse turf, 
 on the removal of which, by the unusual violence and height of the 
 waves on the day alluded to, the appearance which I am now about to 
 describe was opened to view. All that has been laid bare of this 
 curious bed or deposit is about fifty feet in extent ; and it occurs at a 
 distance of about the same number of feet from the present high water 
 mark, the base of it being about twelve feet above the highest present 
 level of the sea. It is composed of the same general fragments of 
 rocks which form the present sea-beach ; and the imbedded shells are 
 the same as those which are still most abundant on that part of the 
 coast. On examining this bed, the conclusion seems at once to force 
 itself on the observer, that it has at one period, and that for a con- 
 siderable length of time, been subject to the influence and action of 
 the waves : in other words, that it is neither more nor less than an 
 ancient sea-beach ; and having arrived at this conclusion, the interest- 
 ing question which next suggests itself is. Has the sea receded, or has 
 the land risen, so as to accoxmt for the elevation of this gravelly bed 
 above the present level of the ocean ? a question which, in the present 
 state of geological science, and especially when other ascertained facts 
 regarding the same coasts (the Firth of Forth at least) are taken into 
 consideration, it will not, perhaps, be diificult to answer. From these 
 facts, the plain and natural reply seems to be, that the land has risen 
 on this part of the coast, though how long it may be since this change 
 took place between the relative level of sea and land, it is not so easy 
 to determine. From several circumstances, however, it would appear 
 to have been recent, «'. e. after the district was inhabited by the sam.e 
 animals, terrestrial as well as marine, which now exist in it. The shells, 
 as ah-eady mentioned, included in the cemented gravel, are all of 
 presently existing species ; and the bones which were found in it 
 appear to be equally recent. Several of these bones I picked up in 
 company with D. Milne, Esq., who, on shewing them to well known 
 anatomists in Edinburgh, ascertained that they belonged to the 
 common cow or ox, but a variety greatly smaller than that which is 
 now to be seen in the Lowlands of Scotland. Some of these bones, I 
 may farther mention, appear to have belonged to a species of the 
 genus Cervus. On a siibsequent occasion, I found various and well 
 defined teeth ; fi'om all which facts, the discovery of this ancient sea- 
 beach may be regarded as one of no small interest, being one of the 
 few facts yet recorded or observed, which would tend to prove that 
 the present race of land animals existed before the change of levels 
 took place. To establish the correctness of this inference, one thing 
 seemed to be especially desirable, viz. to ascertain whether these bones 
 were actually imbedded in the gravelly mass, or merely adhering to 
 the surface of it, as, in the latter case, very little information regarding 
 
154 LIST OF THE PTTLMONIFEEOUS MOLLITeOA 
 
 tho point now alluded to could bo drawn from their occurrence. I 
 have since ascertained, however, from personal examination, that they 
 were imbedded (many of them in the very centre of the mass), which, 
 combined with other appearances which the limits of a notice will 
 not allow me to detail, tends to confirm the idea, that the elevation of 
 this part, at least, of the coast of Berwickshire, must have taken place 
 at a comparatively recent period. 
 
 I may farther mention, in connection with this subject, that on the 
 coast of Fife, immediatel}^ opposite to this, a rise of the land, to the 
 height of about fourteen feet above the present high water mark, has 
 recently been observed by an eminent geologist ; and, probably, the 
 appearance I have now attempted to describe may be considered of 
 the same date. The subject, however, may be recurred to, and more 
 fuUy. 
 
 A List of the Pulmoniferous Mollusca of Berwickshire and North Durham. 
 By G-EOEGE Johnston, M. D. 
 
 MOLLUSCA. 
 Class.— GASTEEOPODA, Cuv. 
 
 OeDER — PULMOBRANCHIA, BlaiuV. 
 
 Family L— LIMACID^E. 
 
 1. Aeion atee, Flem. The Arion circmnscriptus is a variety or imma- 
 
 ture state of this species. Common. 
 
 2. Aeion subflavus. Woods and shaded places. Frequent. 
 
 3. LiMAX cinereus. Frequent. 
 
 4. LiMAx cELLAEius, ListcT. In wine cellars in Berwick. 
 
 5. LiMAx AGEESTis. Very common, and in some years vory destructive 
 
 to early crops. 
 
 6. LiMAX BEUNNEUS, i)r«/j. This differs from every variety of L. 
 
 agrestis, in its darker colour, its colourless mucus, in the abrupt 
 termination of the tail, in the position of the shield, which is 
 nearly central when the animal is fully extended, and in the size 
 of the shield, which is as long as the posterior half of the body ; 
 nor is there any keel on this part. It inhabits shady woods, and 
 is comparatively rare. As a native, its discovery is due to my 
 friend, Mr J. Alder of Newcastle, who pointed out its peculiar 
 characters to me on specimens taken in Dunglass Dean. 
 
 Family II.— HELICID^. 
 
 7. ViTEiNA PELLTJCiDA. Not uncommon. Our Berwickshire shell is 
 
 smaller, and less tinged with green than specimens from England. 
 It is probably the V. Mulleri of Jeffreys.. 
 
OF BETl"WICKSHIRE AND NORTH DURHAM. 155 
 
 8. SucciNE A AMPHIBIA. Common. A small variety, about throo-tentlis 
 of an inch long, is also common in BerwicksMro. It seems to be 
 a perfect shell ; and, in the places where it abounds, the larger 
 shell is not found. 
 
 8. StJCCiNEA GRACILIS. Amongst hypna in spongy places, or in trick- 
 ling rills. Sea banks below Kedhexigh, and about the coves at 
 Cockburnspath. 
 
 10. Helix aspersa. Common. 
 
 1 1 . Helix arbustorum. Common near Berwick, and in the eastern 
 parts of the county. 
 
 12. Helix nemoralis. Very common. The numerous variations in 
 colour to which this species is subject, may be classified thus : 
 
 I. Pure yellow or cream-coloured. 
 
 A. Yellow banded with brown. 
 a. Bands narrow. 
 
 h. Bands broad, often confluent. 
 c. Bands mottled. 
 
 II. Uniformly flesh-coloured. 
 
 B. Flesh-coloured, banded with brown. 
 
 a. Bands narrow. 
 
 b. Bands broad, often confluent. 
 
 13. Helix hortensis. Not uncommon. 
 
 14. Helix trochulus. — H.fulva, Ttirt. In woods frequent. 
 
 15. Helix scarburgensis. In the dean at Twizell House. I have a 
 
 single small specimen found near Berwick. 
 
 16. Helix aculeata. Pease Bridge dean. Pare. 
 
 17. Helix fusca. In Dunglass and Pease Bridge deans abundant, 
 where it was shewn me by Mr J. Alder. 
 
 18. Helix granulata, Alder. — H. Mspida., Mont. Not uncommon. 
 
 19. Helix hispida, Jeffreys., in Lin. Trans, xvi. 388. Not uncommon 
 under stones in shaded places. 
 
 20. Helix concinna. Alder. Frequent. 
 
 21. Helix caperata. — K. striata, Brap. Common. 
 
 22. Helix ericetorum. Roadside between the village of East Ord 
 and Longridge Lodge. Plentiful in several spots. 
 
 23. Helix nitidula. Common. 
 
 24. Helix cell aria. Not uncommon. 
 
 25. Helix alliaria. Common. 
 
 26. Helix luoida. The specimen of this shell in my collection was 
 found in the Hirsel plantations. I believe it to be rare in our 
 district. 
 
 27. Helix radiatula, Alder. Frequent. 
 
 28. Helix crystallina. In moss. Not rare. 
 
 29. Helix pygm^ea. In a boggy X3iece of ground, on the banks 
 between Eedheugh and Fast-Castle, Mr Alder and Q-. J. 
 
 30. Helix rottjndata. — II. radiafa, Mont. Common. 
 
156 LIST OF THE PULMONIFEROITS MOLLUSCA 
 
 31. Helix pulchella. Langton Woods. Apparently rare in Ber- 
 wickshire, where we have seen only the smooth variety. 
 
 32. Helix tura, Alder. On the sea banks between St Abb's Head 
 
 and Fast-Castle. Rare. — The Helix ericetorum occurs abundantly 
 on a bank at the roadside between Spindlestono and Gloweroer- 
 him, and H. virgata on the links at Bamborough Castle ; but 
 these localities are without the limits to which this catalogue is 
 confined. 
 
 33. BuLiMTJS OBSCURUs. Eare. Dunglass dean, in the dean at Twizel 
 Bridge, and at Twizcll House. 
 
 34. BuLiMus LUBRious. Frequent. 
 
 35. Balea eragilis. Frequent, though rarely abundant in any one 
 place. On Smailholm Tower, plentiful. 
 
 36. Clatjsilia RUGOSA. Common. 
 
 37. Pupa umbilicata. Common. 
 
 38. Pupa marginata. Holy Island, plentiful ; Spittal Links ; on the 
 shore at the mouth of the Pease-Burn. 
 
 39. Pupa anglica. Dunglass dean, Mr Alder ; under stones at the 
 mouth of the Pease-Burn ; sea banks between Boss and Lamberton 
 Shields. 
 
 40. Vertigo palustris, Turt. 
 
 41. Vertigo substriata, Jeffreys. 
 
 42. Vertigo pygm^a, Brap. These three species were found together 
 in a piece of boggy ground, on the banks between Pedheugh and 
 Fast-Castle. Mr Alder and G. J. 
 
 Family III.— AIJEICULIDiE. 
 
 43. Carychium minimum. Under decaying leaves in woods, and in 
 moist places, not uncommon. 
 
 Family IV.— LYMNEID^. 
 
 44. Plai^orbis vortex. Not uncommon. 
 
 45. Planorbis contortus. Not uncommon, 
 
 46. Planorbis albus. Common. 
 
 47. Planorbis l;evis, Alder. Holy Island Lough. 
 
 48. Planorbis nitidus. Eare. Coldingham Lough. 
 
 49. Planorbis imbricatus. Eare. Near the mouth of the Whiteadder. 
 
 50. LiMN^A sTAGNALis. In a small pond on Halydown Hill, and in a 
 pond at the base of the hiU near the field grieve's house. 
 
 51. LiMN^A PEREGRA. Very common. 
 
 52. LiMN^A PALUSTRIS. Not uncommou. 
 
 53. LiMN^A FossARiA. Frequent. 
 
 54. Physa fontinalis. Common. 
 
 55. Physa hypnorum. Eare. In a ditch below Jourdan Field, near 
 Dunse, Mr W. Dunlop. 
 
 56. Ancylus fluviatilis. Frequent. 
 
 57. Ancylus lacustris. Eare. In small ponds near the mouth of 
 the Whiteadder. Coldingham Lough, Mr Alder. 
 
( 157 ) 
 
 Notice of the Effect of the Root of Monkshood fAconitum Nai)cTlxis) on the 
 Horse. By Mr Henderson, Chirnside. 
 
 Four years ago, I dried aud powdered for some purpose a quantity 
 of the root of this plant, and having kept about half an ounce till I 
 imagined it quite inert, I threw it out upon the top of a wall, near 
 which I used frequently to tie my pony. In this situation, she one 
 morning licked up about one-half of it when I had occasion to ride 
 about eight miles. Ere long, however, she began to chew incessantly, 
 and saHva to flow from her mouth in great abundance. Her debility 
 also became such, that she could scarcely carry me, and she was 
 covered with a profuse perspiration. After reaching with difficulty 
 the place appointed, the salivation continued for six hours ; not less 
 than three gallons of a watery and frothy mucus being discharged 
 from her mouth. After this it gradu.ally subsided, and I rode her 
 homo in the evening, apparently nothing the worse, though at one time 
 I had given her up as lost. The situation admitted of no other remedy 
 than a little oatmeal and water ; though perhaps a little linseed or 
 salad oil might have been of advantage, had it been tried. "While 
 suffering under the poison, she worJd neither eat nor drink ; nor did 
 she taste anything till the day after. No permanent ill effects, how- 
 ever, followed. If properly administered, might not this root be of 
 service in some diseases of horses, such as colds, &c., in promoting a 
 free discharge from the salivary glands ? Might it not also be tried in 
 the severe disease called glanders? 
 
 Analysis of Fuller'' s Earth from Maxton. By Eobebt D. Thomson, M.D. 
 
 This mineral is found in round masses larger than the fist, in the 
 bed of a stream at its junction with the Tweed near Maxton, imbedded 
 in claystone porphyry, spec. grav. 2.394. Before the blowpipe, with 
 nitre, carbonate of soda, and salt of phosphorus, it fuses into an 
 opaque mass. With borax, fuses into a transparent bead, — pale 
 amber-coloured when hot, colourless when cold. Colour, yellowish- 
 white or chalky. Fracture earthy, soft, soiling the fingers ; scratched 
 by the nail, tuesite and gypsum. Adheres to the tongue like Halloy- 
 site. Contains crystals of decomposing felspar interspersed through 
 the mass. Its constituents I found^to be. 
 
 Silica, . 57.105 
 
 Alumina, . 31.850 , 
 
 Magnesia, . 2.615 
 
 Water, . 7.280 
 
 98.850 
 Now, this is equivalent to silica, 4 atoms ; alumina, 2 atoms; water. 
 
 1 atom. 
 
158 ANALYSIS OF LITHOMAEGE FROM MAXTON. 
 
 Hence tlie formula representing its composition is, 
 
 2 Al. S2 + Aq ; 
 
 the formula for those specimens hitherto examined being 
 
 Al. S2 + 2 Aq. 
 
 Berthier has included a mineral possessing the same composition 
 under Halloysite, and another under Kaolin, as exhibited in the 
 following table : 
 
 Halloysite, Fahlun. Kaolin, Normandy. 
 
 Silica, 
 
 46.8 
 
 50. 
 
 Altimina, . 
 
 26.7 
 
 28. 
 
 Peroxide of Iron, 5. 
 
 5.5 
 
 Magnesia, . 
 
 0.4 
 
 .7 
 
 Lime, 
 
 3. 
 
 5-5 
 
 Potasli 
 
 
 2.2 
 
 Water, 
 
 13.5 
 
 9.5 
 
 
 95.4 
 
 101.4 
 
 Berthier considers these two specimens as affording instances of 
 felspar in different states of decomposition ; and although he adduces 
 no circumstances which tend to confirm his supposition, yet it is possible 
 his conjecture may be correct. I could observe no fact, however, 
 which could give coimtenance to the idea, that Tuesite, or Fuller's 
 earth, was in any way connected with felspar in masses. 
 
 Analysis of Lithomarge from Maxton. By Robert D. Thomson, M.D. 
 
 Foe this specimen, as well as for the preceding, I am indebted to the 
 kindness of the Eev. John Thomson of Maxton. It occurs in veins in 
 the old red sandstone near the school. It is a soft yellowish substance. 
 It is smooth, jdelding to the finger ; contains greenish streaks and 
 answers to the description of Lithomarge or rock-marrow, spec. grav. 
 2.457. "With carbonate of soda, fuses before the blowpii^e in the outer- 
 flame into an opaque brown bead, becoming colourless on cooling. 
 Does not fuse with borax. With biphosphate of soda, fuses in the 
 outer flame into a transparent colourless bead. Its constituents by my 
 analysis are 
 
 Silica, 
 Alumina, . 
 
 56.850 
 25.000 
 
 
 Potash, 
 
 6.178 
 
 
 Lime, 
 
 3.492 
 
 
 Magnesia, 
 
 2.640 
 
 
 Water, 
 
 5.840 
 
 
 
 
 100.000 
 0.5 atoms. 
 
 refore 
 19 Atoms. 
 
 Lime, 
 
 7.5 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 , 0.5 
 
 1.0 
 
 Water, 
 
 4.0 
 
 Its composition is therefore 
 
 Silica 
 Alnmina, 
 Potash, 
 The formula to represent its composition will be 
 
 8^ Al. S2 + K S3 4 Aq. 
 Under this mineral we may, perhaps, include Berthier's Kaolins 
 from St Tropez and Mende. 
 
( 159 ) 
 
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 1836. 
 Months. 
 
 January, 
 
 February, 
 
 March, 
 
 April, 
 
 May, 
 
 June, 
 
 July, 
 
 August, 
 
 September, 
 
 October, 
 
 November, 
 
 December, 
 
 CD 
 
 
( 160 ) 
 
 ^oiice of 8colo2)ax Major, Lin. &c. (Great or Solitary Snipe.) By P. J. 
 
 Selby, Esq. 
 
 On tlie 8tli of September, I killed a beautiful specimen of this rare 
 British bird upon the moor within a mile's distance of Twizoll House. 
 It was first flushed by the setters when its peculiar flight attracted 
 attention. Upon rising the second time when it was shot, the same 
 difference of flight from that of the common snipe [ScoIojmx Gallinago) 
 was observed. Upon dissection it proved a female. It was in high 
 condition and very fat ; its weight six ounces. It measured 11^- inches 
 in length ; in extent of wing 18 inches ; the bill short in comparison 
 to that of the common snipe, 2 s inches in length ; tarsi 1 J inch. AVhen 
 flushed it uttered no cry. 
 
 The following are some of the Rarer Nocturnal Lepidoptera taken 
 this season at Twizell House : 
 
 Deilephila elpenor. Apamea nictitans. 
 
 porcellus. Miana literosa. 
 Macrogiossa stellatarum. strigilis. 
 
 Hepialus vellcda. minima. 
 
 Tripha)na fimbria. Scotophila porphyrea. 
 
 Mythimna grisea. Xanthia Grilvago. 
 
 Caradi'ina alsines. Miselia compta. 
 
 glareosa. Polia herbida. 
 Hadena adusta. serena. 
 
 genista). chi. 
 
 Euplexia lucix^ara. Acronycta menyanthidis. 
 
 Contrilutions to the Fauna of Twizell and neio to the Distriet. 
 Aevicola pkatensis . Mr Selby. 
 
 SOEEX EEMIGEB, 
 
 Contrihution to the Bivalve Shells of Bcrwiclishire. 
 Pholas ceispata, Berwick Bay, . Mr Selby. 
 
( 161 ) 
 
 Address to the Members of the Berwickshire Naturalists'' Club, delivered at 
 the Anniversary Meeting, held at Ford, \9th September, 1838. By Dr 
 Claeke, President. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 In the following summary of our transactions, I regret to say that 
 our meetings have not been so fertile in new or interesting results as 
 in former years, but they have continued to be, as heretofore, scones 
 of cheerful and rational enjoyment, animated by the same genial spirit 
 — marked by the same friendly interchange of thought and opinion, 
 and never, even for a moment, clouded by the shadow of angry or 
 intemperate discussion. But though the Club, as an associated body, 
 has fallen short of the reputation of other years, I rejoice to say, that 
 her members individually have not slackened their efforts in the cause 
 of Science. I mention, with especial pleasure, the description of the 
 Berwick and North Durham Coalfield, given by Mr Milne at the meet- 
 ing of the British Association, which Dr Buckland noticed in a strain 
 of high panegjTic ; — an elaborate account of the Salmonidce by Sir. W. 
 Jardine, pervaded by a spirit of philosophic and dispassionate inquiry ; 
 and a systematic work on British Zooph}i;es by Dr Johnston, whose 
 name is a sufficient -^'arrant for fidelity of description and accuracy 
 of induction, and which the scientific world will hail as filling up a 
 blank in the Natural History of Britain. 
 
 The last Anniversary was held at Norham. The members, of whom 
 there was a strong muster, after breakfasting with the Eev. Dr Grilly, 
 proceeded to investigate the neighbourhood. One party examined 
 the geological structure of the district, as disclosed by the banks of 
 the Tweed, an account of which Mr Milne has forwarded to the Club. 
 Drs Johnston and Douglas followed the windings of the river as far as 
 Milne Graden, and obtained the following plants : — Asplenium Euta- 
 Muraria, an addition to the cryptogamic Flora of Berwickshire ; 
 Asplenium marinum, on rocks near Lady-kirk, three miles above tide- 
 mark, and above ten from the sea ; Cistopteris fragilis, from Lady's 
 Bridge, Milne Graden ; Galium boreale, from the Scarth Crags ; 
 Thalictrum majus ; Euonj-mus europEeus ; Lysimachia nummularia ; 
 Lactuca virosa ; Viola hirta, &c., on the rocky and woody banks of the 
 Tweed. 
 
 The Christmas Meeting took place as usual at Berwick, and was well 
 attended. Mr Henderson of Chirnside sent specimens of Melalontha 
 vulgaris, and Ehagium bifasciatum, taken in his neighbourhood. Mr 
 Selby mentioned that the dipterous fly, taken at Houndwood last May, 
 was Tachina ursina. Dr Douglas exhibited specimens of Trochilium 
 crabronif orme, in its different stages of caterpillar, chrysalis, and moth, 
 together with a specimen of Salix caprtca, perforated by the caterpillar, 
 from the Hirsel. 
 
162 DB. Clarke's address. 
 
 After dinner a long and interesting communication from Mr David 
 Milne was road concerning some lenticular shaped stones, which, were 
 found imbedded in soft and slaty shale on the high and precipitous 
 banks of the Tweed, near Norham, on the north side of the river. 
 These stones on being fractured presented also a lenticxdar arrange- 
 ment, and were found to consist partly of arenaceous, partly of argil- 
 laceous, matter. Mr Milne likewise mentioned the occurrence of 
 similarly shaped stones in a red sandstone quarry in the grounds of 
 Ladykirk House, about three-quarters of a mile above the spot where 
 the stones were situated in the shale. Mr Milne added some observa- 
 tions on the frequent occurrence and probable formation of these 
 stones ; the latter he attributed to a peculiar process of crystallization 
 excited among the particles of the stratum where they were imbedded ; 
 the predisposing cause he attributes to the presence of a quantity of 
 iron (which they all contain) impregnating the particles, andgivingthem 
 the tendency to arrange themselves in this particular form. This pro- 
 cess, he observes, must have taken place previous to the consolidation 
 of the strata in which they were imbedded. Mr Milne further observed, 
 that he had proceeded to the bank below Norham Castle, where an old 
 quarry was situated, in search of certain pyriform stones. Owing, 
 however, to the quarry being filled up with rubbish, he was unable to 
 procure any, but he shewed several which had been obtained several 
 years ago by Sir David Milne when the quarry was worked. They 
 vary in size from two inches to two feet in diameter. Mr Milne con- 
 cluded his paper by proving from the different strata of sand and gravel 
 at and near the village of Norham, that the Eiver Tweed had at some 
 former period flowed in a channel about twenty-five feet higher than 
 that which it now occupies. 
 
 The Club met for the first time this year at Eyemouth. " After 
 breakfasting with the Eev. Mr Turnbull, the members took their walk, 
 which lay along the sinuous rocky coast between Eyemouth and Col- 
 dingham. The day was favourable, and as the locality is a fijie one, 
 the Club had often occasion to halt that they might leisurely examine 
 and admire many little creeks, basins, and promontories, rendered 
 interesting by their geological structure, or their rugged picturesque- 
 ness. One place exhibited a very plain overlying of the sandstone above 
 the trap, and gave rise to much speculative conversation, which was 
 interrupted and deleted by the unexpected appearance of a fine 
 Q-rampus, sporting in the sea below. He moved, at measured pace, 
 along the coast northwards, and was so near as to afford a full view of 
 him, that no doubt was left of his character and designation. The 
 zoologists saw little else worthy of notice. A Wheat-ear, which Mr 
 Selby remarked was the second only he had seen this season, — a Solan 
 Groose, — a green Cormorant in his spring plumage, — and an Eider Duck, 
 were, amongst others, of common occurrence. Mr Selby captured a 
 few insects, whose names he will communicate at another meeting. On 
 
DR. Clarke's address. 163 
 
 the shore iiotliing novel occurred, excexoting a Planaria, picked up by- 
 Mr Eiddell, allied to the PI. Aretkusa of Dalyell, but differing in being 
 a denizen of salt-water. 
 
 " In Botany nothing new was seen. The banks, in many places, 
 were covered with the Cochlearia officinalis, now in full flower ; and 
 about mid-way between Eyemouth and Coldingham, the Primrose, 
 Cowslip, and Oxlip, were observed ; the Primrose and Oxlip growing 
 intermixed, and shewing too many features of a common resemblance, 
 to be considered descendants of distinct and separate stocks. Where- 
 ever the Primroses grew, the bank was, as usual, enamelled with its 
 never-failing consorts — the Pile-wort (the lesser Celandine of "Words- 
 worth) — the Dog-violet — the barren Strawberry — and the Pield-Eush, 
 now all in flower and beauty. 
 
 " After dinner the minutes of last meeting were read and approved 
 of. The Eev. Thomas Eiddell, PeUow of Trin. CoU. Cambridge, on 
 the nomination of Dr Johnston, seconded by Dr Clarke, was admitted 
 a member. 
 
 "Mr Milne exhibited part of the stock of an anchor, which, after 
 having been sunk in the entrance of Eyemouth Harbour for about 
 eight years, had been taken up and removed, in consequence of being 
 rendered useless by the decay of the stock. It was very satisfactorily 
 proved that this decay was the effect of the Limnoria terebrans — the 
 first instance of the occurrence of this noxious insect on the Berwickshire 
 coast. 
 
 "The Eev. Andrew Baird was instructed to draw up a Eeport for 
 next meeting, on the effects of the past winter, as shewn in plants and 
 shrubs, &c., as well as on animals ; and members were invited to com- 
 municate any facts that might assist him in this work. 
 
 " It will be observed, then, that at this meeting of the Club there 
 was no paper read — no discovery made — no business prepared — and 
 none to leave behind it a permanent trace — and yet your Secretaries 
 would instance it as a proof of the utility and rationality of your 
 Society. It led, let it be remarked, to the detection of an insect in Eye- 
 mouth harbour, which may be of advantage ; for knowing, as they 
 now do, its existence and nature, the managers of that port will need 
 to keep a careful eye on its wood-works ; and it will prevent disappoint- 
 ment and useless expenditure of money, if, in future, they adopt means 
 to protect whatever wood is used from its ravages. Kyanized wood 
 may probably be unsuitable to its taste ; and, we believe, that to cover 
 the ivood with broad-headed nails, has been found a good remedy or 
 preventive. 
 
 " But, independent of this, the meeting was not the less valuable to 
 the members individually. A day was spent by them agreeably, if not 
 in high, at least in conversation relating to interesting topics, which, 
 though not necessary to a man, are ornamental and improving. 
 Eelaxation, too, at stated intervals, is to the mind what some periodical 
 
164 DR. Clarke's address, 
 
 discharges are to the body, giving it fresh elasticity and health ; and 
 a relaxation of a better character than what our meeting afforded, it 
 will not be easy to procure. The mind was set at ease, and the 
 imagination was left to roam, but not unchecked ; for, by the society of 
 congenial minds, and by the influence of the outward scenes, its wan- 
 derings was limited to objects all of a pleasing character, and that had 
 a direct tendency to lead it to the contemplation of the omniscience and 
 providence of our Maker, as made visible in these his lower creations. 
 That these are the results of our association is not imaginary ; — they 
 were shewn to be real not merely in the pleased contentment which 
 every member's countenance and conduct evidenced, but in the whole 
 tenor of the conversation that passed, — a conversation that knew no 
 pause — that went from theme to theme with every possible variety — 
 and yet, which never needed an apology to propriety, nor left a wish 
 that a word might be recalled." 
 
 In these remarks I hope the Club recognise "the sweet Eoman 
 hand" — the genial spirit of our worthy Secretary Dr Johnston, de- 
 lighted to refer everything to the Deity, and looking abroad in Nature, 
 only to find evidences of his goodness. 
 
 The next meeting took place at Lauder, June 13, when the only 
 members present were the ofiice-holders of the Club. Few objects of 
 interest presented themselves. The season had been ungenial, and 
 flowers and insects, those children of the Sun, appeared in slender 
 numbers. Dr Douglas explored a marshy hill about 2 miles to the 
 north-west, covered with natural wood, willows, oaks, and elms. To- 
 wards the summit, the juniper and great bill-berry were observed 
 sparingly. The banks of the Leader, above Lauder, seemed remark- 
 ably barren ; but in the gravelly channel of the stream, Lepidium 
 Smithii, a phenogamous plant, new to Berwickshire, was gathered 
 abundantly by Drs Johnston and Douglas. Salix Forbiana was the 
 only other rare plant gathered. The remoteness of Lauder, lying at 
 the western extremity of Berwickshire, sufiiciently accounted for the 
 scanty attendance of members ; and it was resolved that, in future, 
 without especial reason to the contrary, the stations should be fixed at 
 more accessible distances. 
 
 In July, the Club assembled at Greenlaw. After breakfast, the 
 members proceeded to Greenlaw Moor, which, together with the ad- 
 joining boggy ground, occupied their attention during the day. The 
 following plants were gathered ; Lycopodium clavatum ; Genista 
 anglica, which had stood the winter's extreme cold unscathed, while 
 the apparently more robust whin had died under its severity ; Helioscia- 
 dium inundatum ; Habenaria viridis ; Hippuris vulgaris ; Hydrocotyle 
 vulgaris ; Polypodium dryopteris, fringing an old earth wall ; Listera 
 ovata ; Sphagnum acutifolium and obtusifolium, the latter only in 
 fruit ; Veronica scutellata ; Uredo Lini ; and several species of Carex, 
 
DR. Clarke's address. 165 
 
 Gentlemon, — Whilst the rapid progress of the sciences of late years 
 — the light which they mutually shed upon each other, and the nearer 
 relationship which they manifest as we trace them to their source — 
 must have been contemplated with pleasure by the members of this 
 Association, they must also have observed, with pain and regret, a 
 spirit of misguided zeal arraying itself against the results of Physical 
 inquiry, as if the discovery of facts and laws in the material world 
 could weaken the authority or invalidate the truths of Scriptiire. It 
 may not be irrelevant or unimportant to advert to this subject for a 
 moment, to shew that, however well-intentioned the parties may be 
 who maintain this controversy, they have entirely misconceived the 
 spirit and mistaken the objects of Revelation ; and rather than be 
 drawn out of their accustomed circle of thought, are willing to close 
 their eyes to the clearest demonstrations of natural truth. 
 
 The dread of finding the Book of Nature at variance with the Book 
 of Eevelation is vain and groundless. They both alike proceed from 
 the Author of all truth, and, when rightly interpreted, cannot contra- 
 dict each other. But there is this grand difference between them : the 
 one contains the moral history of our species — our relation to the 
 Deity — the conditions of salvation, and the great mystery of the 
 Atonement ; the pages of the other lie patent to our view, and require 
 only the use of our reason and senses to decipher them. The truths 
 and mysteries of the one are disclosed to us, because they are, from 
 their nature, beyond the reach of our faculties. We make ourselves 
 masters of the knowledge revealed in the other, by the powers of our, 
 understanding, and the evidence of our senses. The one was freely 
 given to us, as it embodied information necessary to our happiness, 
 yet unattainable by our reason. The other was unrolled as an ample 
 volume to be studied and decyphered by successive generations of 
 mankind with increasing wonder and delight, as every page continued 
 to disclose fresh evidences of the wise and beneficent purposes of the 
 Almighty Author. The one is a storehouse of moral and religious, 
 the other of physical truths. They both concur in affirming the unity 
 of the Godhead. They both declare that this glorious world is His 
 work, and that it is neither the result of chance, nor has existed for 
 ever. They are both embodied expressions of his Will, and manifest- 
 ations of his Power. Further than this, they have nothing in common. 
 The attempt to strengthen and confirm the authority of revelation by 
 the aid of science, and, in turn, to frame theories in accordance with 
 pre-conceived notions of the intent and purport of Scripture, has 
 operated to the serious injury both of natural and revealed truth. For 
 some have been deterred altogether from scientific investigation, lest 
 they shoiild discover anything to shake their reliance on Scripture ; 
 others, having seen one mode of interpretation confirmed by the con- 
 clusions of science in a certain state of knowledge, have had their faith 
 shaken, and their religious feelings jarred, by the disclosure of new 
 
166 DR. Clarke's address. 
 
 facts which stood in opposition to the former theory. The Mosaic 
 account of the creation was simply intended to lift the grovelling 
 imaginations of the early inhabitants of the earth, from the vain objects 
 of their idolatry, to one God — the great Pirst Cause and author of all 
 things. It was necessary, in this representation, not to contradict the 
 prevailing notions of the time, else the revelations would have been 
 rejected as monstrous and incredible. The Deity is described through- 
 out as man, though with infinitely superior powers, as being occupied 
 in the work of creation for a certain definite period of time — 6 days, 
 as if the thought and act of an omnipotent Deity were not simultaneous 
 and coincident ; and as if the term of a day, by which we measure a 
 revolution of our planet, could have any relation to Him, of whose 
 will the law which governs the motions of our system is but a single 
 expression. He is represented as accessible to human feelings, and 
 swayed by human passions. We know that, in reference to Him, 
 time can have no meaning — that a thousand years are but as one day, 
 and one day but as a thousand years — that He is incapable of change, 
 ■the same to-day, yesterday, and for ever, and without any variableness 
 or shadow of turning. But so thought not the simple Fathers of our 
 race ; and all these particulars which imply a limited, and, therefore, 
 incorrect idea of the Godhead, are evident accommodation to the state 
 of knowledge at the time, and, accordingly, as we proceed, we find 
 juster and more exalted notions of the nature and perfections of the 
 Deity begin to oi^en upon the sacred writers. 
 
 Again : if the revelation of Moses had included all the physical 
 truths which now obtain universal credence, from the infallible evidence 
 on which they rest, one of two results must have taken place — either, 
 that Man must have been endued with an intuitive power of appre- 
 hending these truths, and have been a passive recipient of the know- 
 ledge communicated, the use of his reason precluded, and every 
 discovery in science forestalled — or, belief in such sublime disclosures 
 must have been impossible ; and so must it have been at any period 
 of the world's history, for science changes its character as it advances, 
 and, oven now, the extent of our survey only discloses to us a horizon 
 of proportionate magnitude beyond, over which hang clouds and 
 darkness. If, for example, the quiescence of the Sun in the centre of 
 system, and the mobility of the Earth, had then been enunciated, the 
 dogma would at once have been rejected as a manifest falsehood. 
 But this grand truth, resting on infallible demonstration, is now 
 recognised throughout the civilized world, and the authority and 
 integrity of Scripture, as to its essential truths, remains intact and 
 unassailable. Yet the same spirit which would have kept back the 
 truth in the case of Galileo, and deterred him from announcing or 
 following up his discoveries, is now arrayed to decry and impugn the 
 truths revealed by geology — a science which has opened up a new 
 field for the display of the beneficent providence of the Deity. It is 
 
DK. Clarke's address. 167 
 
 lamentable to think that the same delusion, how often soever refuted 
 and exposed, shows itself ever and anon in undiminished vigour, as if 
 the lessons of experience, and the monitions of history, included 
 within them no voice of warning. 
 
 We can only hope that this unhappy spirit of dogmatism which 
 would lay prostrate our reason, and reject the evidence of sense — 
 which would erect a spiritual despotism within the realm of thought, 
 will gradually fade and disappear before the increasing light of truth 
 and knowledge. The sum of our argument, then, is, that revelation 
 and science are totally different in their nature — essentially distinct 
 and dissimilar in the subjects of which they treat — and must each be 
 studied without reference to, and independently of, the other. Indeed, 
 after the ordinance of Virtue, there is nothing so repeatedly and 
 urgently enjoined in the Divine writings as a spirit of inquiry and 
 the acquisition of knowledge ; and it hath pleased Him who adapted 
 our mental constitution to the visible world around, to annex pleasure 
 both to its pursuit and acquisition, and, it is certain, that, next to 
 piu'ity of life, knowledge is its own great and self-sufficing reward. 
 
 It would be superfluous to show how much our enjoyment of the 
 
 external world is enhanced by the study of Natural Science. A 
 
 thousand avenues of enjoyment lie patent to the cultivated man, from 
 
 which the ignorant is shut out. He comes in contact, as it were, with 
 
 Nature, at a thousand points. He sees her under an infinitude of 
 
 aspects, and, instead of stupid wonder or superstitious di'ead, the 
 
 magnificent phenomena of the material world offer to him only a 
 
 theme of enlightened admiration and love. "Nature," to adopt the 
 
 language of the great Poet of oiu' age. 
 
 " Nature never did betray 
 The heart that loved her ; for she can so inform 
 The mind that is within ns, so impress 
 With quietness and beauty, and so feed 
 With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues, 
 Eash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men. 
 Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb 
 The cheerful faith, that alJ which we behold 
 Is full of blessings."* 
 
 Let me, in conclusion, be permitted to observe, that to collect facts 
 and observe phenomena, though the first step and only sure basis of 
 science, yet does not constitute Science itself. The genuine votary of 
 Natiire will not rest satisfied with her outward and visible revelations, 
 but will seek to penetrate the mysteries of the sanctuary. He will en- 
 deavour, by observation and experiment, by the classification of pheno- 
 mena, and the tracing of analogies and relations, to rise from effects to 
 causes, and to discover those principles and laws which constitute the 
 highest aim, as well as the chief privilege of Philosophy. It is by this 
 process of induction that the System of the "World, instead of presenting 
 a confused assemblage of unconnected facts and unexplained pheno- 
 
 * Wordsworth. 
 
168 DR. Clarke's address. 
 
 mena, is converted into a beautiful and consistent sclieme, of which 
 symmetry, harmony, and order, are the unvarying and essential attri- 
 butes. It is this principle which distinguishes modern science from the 
 labours of the ancients — which deposes from their usurped authority 
 the powers which Ignorance raised up to direct, control and preside 
 over the phenomena of the world. It is this principle which, as Science 
 advances, gathers fresh proofs of the profound mechanism of the uni- 
 verse, and which, amid all the seeming discrepancy and real dissimi- 
 larity — the vast complexity and inexhaustible variety — the infinitely 
 minute and inconceivably great — shews all nature to be interpenetrated 
 and pervaded by Laws whose operation is constant, unvarying, and 
 universal ; and as the discovery of truth almost necessarily implies the 
 exposure of error, it is by this principle that the human mind is disen- 
 thralled from the baneful influence of superstition, and the road to truth 
 disencumbered of the impediments which retard our progress. 
 
 Lastly, and certainly not the least important consequence of the in- 
 ductive philosophy it is, that as the bounds of our knowledge are ex- 
 tended, the single Personality of the Deity becomes a more convincing 
 and unimpeachable truth, and our views of the Divine perfections grow 
 more exalted and sublime as they become more just and rational. 
 
 And when we contemplate the magnificent array of science — the 
 accumulated wisdom of the world — the reflection which is forced on our 
 minds is — not any shallow boast of knowledge — not any overweening 
 pride of reason — but a humble yet confident hope, a deep and influ- 
 ential conviction, that the being who has thus lifted up the veil from 
 the seeming mysteries of Nature — who has penetrated, as it were, the 
 counsels of the Deity, and brought to light countless proofs of his 
 wisdom, goodness, and power, must be with Him an object of care and 
 favour ; and that we are not only thereby raised in the scale of moral 
 intellectual existences, but permitted, in some degree, a foretaste and 
 anticipation of that state of being when we shall no longer behold His 
 image darkly shadowed forth in His works, but shall see him "face 
 to face " in the fulness of knowledge. 
 
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( 170 ) 
 
 A List of the Fishes of Benvickshire, exclusive of the Salmones. 
 By George Johnston, M.D. 
 
 1. Perca fluviatilis, Zinn. The Perch. Coldingham Lough; 
 
 Hirsel Lough ; in still parts of the Tweed, descending to within 
 two miles of its moxith. 
 
 2. Peroa labrax, Zinn. The Basse, Yarr. Occasionally taken in 
 
 the salmon nets at the mouth of the Tweed. 
 
 3. Trachinus Draco, Zin7i. The Great Weaver, Fenn. Pare, but 
 
 a few specimens are annually taken in our hay during the summer. 
 
 4. TRAoniNus viPERA, Cuv. Lesser Weaver, Yarr. Stang-fish, Frov. 
 
 Not uncommon in our hay, and believed to inflict a venomed 
 wound by its strong fin rays. 
 
 5. MuLLUs BARBATTjs, Zinu. Plain Ped Mullet, Yarr. A specimen 
 
 taken on our coast in the autumn of 1836, and presented to ifle by 
 the Pev. A. Baird. 
 
 6. Trigla gtjrnardus, Zinn. The Grey Gurnard, Yarr. The Gurnett 
 
 or Crooner, Prov. Common on our coast, and a good fish for the 
 table, though rarely brought to market. Subject to great variety 
 in colour ; and I have seen a specimen which was coloured and 
 marked on the dorsal fin like the Hed Gurnard. The provincial 
 name may have reference either to the ' hard and somewhat 
 peculiarly shaped head of this fish, from croo7i — the top of the 
 head ; or it may be derived from the verb croon, viz. to hum an 
 air in an unmusical tone, because of the pecviliar noise which the 
 fish sometimes utters on being taken from the water. It some- 
 times reaches the length of 15 inches, but it rarely exceeds 9 or 
 10. Spawns in spring ; and is fittest for the table in winter. 
 
 7. Trigla Pini, Block. Ped Gurnard, Yarr. A rare species on the 
 
 coast of Berwickshire. 
 
 8. CoTTUS ScoRPius, Bloch. Sea Scorpion, Yarr. Frequent in pools 
 
 of water between tide marks, and under stones at low water-mark. 
 
 9. CoTTUs bubalis, Om. Pather-Lasher, Yarr. Tuck, Prov. With 
 
 the preceding, with which it is confounded by our fishermen. 
 
 10. AspiDOPHORUs CATAPHRACTUS, Jenyns. The Armed Bullhead, Yarr. 
 
 Miller's Thumb, Prov. Frequent at the mouth of the Tweed. 
 
 11. ScoRPJENA NORVEGicA, Cuv. Sea Perch, P^?^?^. The Bergylt, Yarr. 
 
 In 1832, I procured a specimen in our bay, which was sent to Mr 
 J. E. Gray of the British Museum. 
 
 12. Gasterosteus aculeatus, Zinn. The Three-spined Stickleback, 
 
 Penn. Bainstickles, Prov. Of this common fish we have the 
 following varieties : 
 
 {a.) Pough-tailed Stickleback, Yarr, 
 
LIST OF THE FISHES OF BEIfWICKSHlBE. 171 
 
 (h.) Half-armed Stickleback, Yarr. 
 {c.) Smooth-tailed Stickleback, Yarr. 
 (d.) Four-spined Stickleback, Yarr. 
 
 Dr Parnell, in May 1836, took two specimens of the last in the 
 pools left by the tide on Yarrow-haugh, Berwick ; and he is of 
 opinion that it is different from the four-spined Stickleback of 
 Yarrell, but the only difference I can perceive is, that the 2d ray 
 of the dorsal fin is shorter than the 1st or 3d, while in YarrelFs 
 they appear to be nearly all of the same size. Dr P. agrees with 
 those authors who consider all the varieties as properly constitut- 
 ing distinct species ; but becaubC they are to be always met with 
 in the same pools, living and mixing freely together, and because 
 it is not seldom difficult to refer a specimen to its supposed species, 
 from an obscurity or commixture of characters, I have preferred 
 following the example of Mr Jenyns, in his Manual of our Native 
 Vertebrate Animals. 
 
 13. GrASTEROSTEUS spiNAOHiA, Zttin. Fiftecu-spined Stickleback, Fenn. 
 
 Of not uncommon occurrence in the Tweed, at its mouth, and 
 occasionally taken in the bay. I have had this fish brought me 
 as the young of the Sturgeon ! 
 
 14. Spabus aueata, Zmn. Gilt-head, Yarr. Eare. A specimen 
 occasionally taken, during the summer, at the mouth of the Tweed. 
 
 15. Sparus centrodontus, Jenyns. The Sea-Bream, Yarr. Not un- 
 common. 
 
 16. Brama RAii, Ctw. Toothed Gilt-head, Fenn. Eay's Bream, Yarr. 
 Eare. I have seen two specimens only cast on shore after a storm; 
 and the Eev. Mr Baird has seen another, which had suffered a 
 similar wreck, on the shore below Cockburnspath. 
 
 17. Scomber scomber, Finn. The Mackerel, Yarr. Common. 
 
 18. Caranx trachurus, Cuv. The Scad, or Horse-Mackerel, Yarr. 
 
 Of occasional occurrence during the herring season. 
 
 19. Zeus faeer, Finn. The Dory, Yarr. Eare. 
 
 20. MuGiL CHELO, Cuv. The Thick-lipped Grey Mxillet, Yarr. The 
 
 Mullet, Frov. Of frequent occurrence in the bay in autumn, 
 
 21. Blennius phoeis, Lhm. The Shanny, Yarr. Common, lurking 
 under stones between tide marks. 
 
 22. Blennius yarrellii, Valenc. B. Palmicornis, Jemjns. The 
 Crested Blenny, Yarr. Very rare. In pools between tide marks. 
 My specimen was taken on January 27. 1833. 
 
 23. Blennius gunnelltjS, Xwm. Spotted Blenny, Peww. The Spotted 
 Gunnel or Butterfish, Yarr. Common under stones between tide 
 marks. 
 
 24. ZoARCES viviPARus, Cuv. The Viviparous Blenny, Yarr. Barber 
 Eel, Frov. Frequent, especially in the river near its mouth. 
 
172 XIST or THE FISHES OF BEEWIOKSHIRE. 
 
 25. Anaerhiohas lupus, Linn. "WoK Fish, Yarr. Sea-Cat, Prov. 
 Not uncommon. " An uglie fish, to sight, and yet verie delicat 
 in eating, if it be kindlie dressed." It is seldom or never brought 
 to market, but the few who know its good quality, buy the fish 
 when offered to them. A fisherman having cut off the head of 
 an individual, attempted to remove the hook from the mouth 
 upwards of an hour afterwards, when the jaws closed so forcibly, 
 that the teeth were thrust through his thumb, and he was incapa- 
 citated for work for a week after. The head of a skate will snap, 
 and give evidence of life the day after it has been removed from 
 the body, 
 
 26. GoBius BiPUNCTATus, Yarr. The Doubly-spotted Q-oby, Yarr. In 
 pools left by the recess of the tide. 
 
 27. Cailionymus lyra, Linn. Gemmeous Dragonet, Penn. The 
 Goldie, Prov. This remarkable and beautiful fish is not uncommon 
 on our coast. 
 
 28. CALLioirvMUS DRACUNOULUS, Linn. Sordid Dragonet, Penn. Less 
 
 common than the preceding. It appears to be now nearly 
 established that this is distinct from the preceding. 
 
 29. LoPHius piscATORius, Linn. Common Angler, Penn. The Fish- 
 ing Frog, Yarr. The Sea Devil, Prov. Not uncommon. 
 
 30. Labrus maculatus, Bloch. Ballan Wrasse, Yarr. Sea Sow, Prov. 
 
 Frequent, living near low- water mark in rocky places. 
 
 31. Labrus RUPESTRis, Selhj. Jago's Groldsinny, Selhy. After a very 
 
 severe storm in February 1836, numerous specimens of this pretty 
 fish were thrown ashore, of which five came into my possession. 
 Our fishermen considered it the young of the Sea Sow. 
 
 32. Cyprinus TiNCA, Zm». TenGh., Penn. Hirsel Lough, — an artificial 
 piece of water, first filled in the month of December, 1716, — Lord 
 Some.* 
 
 33. Leuciscus phoxinus, Cm. The Minnow. Common. 
 
 34. CoBiTis barbatula, Linn. The Loach, Yarr. Beardie Loche, 
 Prov. In the Tweed, and in several of our hums. 
 
 35. Esox LUCIUS, Linn. Pike. Hirsel and Lithtikn Lochs, Tweed and 
 Whiteadder, though rare in the latter, the Leet, Eden Water, &c. 
 In the Hirsel Loch, "the Pike run to a great size — one of them 
 weighed 35 pounds, but fi'om 10 to 20 pounds is the average 
 weight of those caught in the nets." — Earl of Home. 
 
 36. Belone VULGARIS, FUm. The Garfish, Yarr. Greenbone, Prov. 
 A few s^jecimens are annually taken during the herring season. 
 When a paragraph in a provincial newspaper announces the cap- 
 ture of a Sword Fish on our coast, the naturalist may register the 
 
 * I am not aware that the Carp (Cyprinus Caipio) is met with in any part of 
 Berwickshire, Gold and Silver Fish (C. auratus) are favourite ornaments vs a 
 room, but seldom live long with us. 
 
LIST OF THE FISHES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 173 
 
 latter among the synonyms of the Garfish. The bones are grass- 
 green naturally, and the colour is not the effect of boiling, as is 
 usually stated. 
 
 37. Belone saurits, Jenyns. The Saury Pike, Tarr. Eare. 
 
 38. OsMERUs EPERLANTJS, Fleming. The Smelt, Penn. Very rare in 
 the Tweed, where, indeed, I have heard of only one specimen 
 being taken, and which was readily recognised by a fisherman to 
 whom the fish was familiar, as he had often taken them in the 
 Tay. 
 
 39. Clupea pilchardus, Block. Pilchard. Pare, but a few specimens 
 are generally taken during the herring season. 
 
 40. Clupea harengus, Linn. The Herring. Visits our bay during 
 the harvest months in great numbers. In "VVallis' time (1769), 
 " enough for export " were not taken. 
 
 41. Clupea sprattus, Bloch. The Sprat. Common. A favourite 
 food of the salmon tribe. 
 
 42. Clupea alosa, Cuv. The Shad or Rock Herring, Prov. The 
 Allice Shad, Yarr. Frequently taken at the mouth of the Tweed 
 in autumn, and sold in the market, but held in no estimation. 
 The true Shad I have not found on this coast. 
 
 43. Gadus morrhua, Linn. Morrhua vulgaris, Cuv. The Cod. 
 Common. The young are called Codlings ; and when the fish is 
 of a red colour, which it assumes after lying some time among 
 weedy rocks, it is then called Roch Cod or Codling. A fisherman, 
 on whose word I can rely, told me that he once caught a cod with' 
 a hare in its stomach ; and in the stomach of another he found a 
 white turnip. 
 
 44. G-ADus^GLEFiNUS, imw. Morrhua seglefinus, (7m». The Haddock. 
 
 • ' Taken in such abundance as to furnish all tables, and to reward 
 the toil of the hardy fishermen." Wallis. 
 
 45. Gadus luscus, Linn. Morrhua lusca, Flem. The Bib, Pout, and 
 Whiting-pout, Yarr. The Mailed, Prov. Not uncommon. 
 
 46. Merlangus VULGARIS, Flem. Whiting. Common. 
 
 47. Merlangus carbonarius, Flem. Coal-fish, Penn. When young 
 it is called with us the Podlie ; when somewhat larger the Podler; 
 and when full grown the Coal-sey, or Black Coal-sey. 
 
 48. Merlangus pollachius, Cuv. Pollack, Penn. Lythe, Prov. 
 Common. 
 
 49. Merluccius vulgaris, Cuv. The Hake, Penn. Rare. 
 
 50. Lota molva, Jenyns. The Ling. Common, though much less so 
 than the Cod. 
 
 51. MoTELLA mustela, NUss. Gadus mustela, Linn. Five-bearded 
 Cod, Pe7in. The five-bearded Reckling, Yarr. Not uncommon 
 in rocky pools, near low water-mark. 
 
174 LIST OF THE FISHES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 52. Eaniceps trifurcatus, Flem. Trifurcated Hake, Penn. Tadpole 
 fish, U. Lavies. Earo. I have already stated my reasons for 
 believing that the Eaniceps Jago of Fleming is not distinct from 
 this, and the opinion has been generally adopted. 
 
 53. Platessa vulgaris, Flem. Plaice, Penn. Common. 
 
 54. Platessa flesus, Flem. Flounder, Penn. The Fluke, Prov. 
 Common. Ascends the Tweed as far as the Till, which river it 
 also enters. Found in the Whiteadder, and in our other burns 
 which have a communication with the sea. 
 
 55. Platessa limanda, Flem. The Dab. Common. Its favourite 
 food appears to be the pretty Pecten obsoletus. 
 
 56. Platessa microcephala, Flem. Smear-Dab, Penn. Lemon Dab, 
 Jenyns. Bastard Sole, Prov. Not common. 
 
 57. Platessa limandoides, Jenyns. Long rough Dab. Yarr. Not 
 rare. 
 
 58. HipPOGLOssTJS vuLGARi.«, Flcm. Halibut, Penn. The Turbot of 
 
 our market. Common. 
 
 59. Pleuronectes maximus, Lmn. Turbot, Pe7in. By our fishermen 
 
 called the Tvu-brat or Eoddams. There is a fisherj' for this prized 
 fish at Burnmouth ; and it is occasionally taken on all parts of 
 our coast. 
 
 60. Pleuroistectes megastoma, Don. The Whiff, Yarr. I believe 
 
 this is very rare. My specimen was named by Mr Yarrell. 
 
 61. Pleuronectes rhombus, Venn. Pearl, Penn. The Brill, Yarr. 
 
 Eare. 
 
 62. Pleuronectes hirtus, Hull. Muller's Topknot, Yarr. Eare. 
 
 63. SoLEA VULGARIS, Flem. The Sole. Not uncommon. 
 
 64. Cyclopterus LDMPUS, iw?i. Lump-Sucker, Peww. Cock and Hen 
 Paidle, Brov. Not uncommon. The Paidle spawns towards the 
 end of March, and in April. At that season the Hen approaches 
 the shore and deposits her spawn among the rocks and sea-weed 
 within low water-mark, and immediately afterwards returns to 
 deeper water. The male then covers the spawn with his sperm, 
 and according to the testimony of our fishermen, remains covering 
 it, or near it, until the ova are hatched. The young soon after 
 birth fix themselves to the sides and on the back of their male 
 parent, who sails, thus loaded, to deej)er and more safe retreats. 
 He is only one-half the size of the Hen, and at the breeding 
 season his belly becomes of a reddish colour. The spawn of a 
 single female will fill a large basin, and is of a beautifid j)ink 
 colour : the eggs globular, and about the size of swan-shot. Not 
 in use as food, but the Cock especially is reported to be excellent 
 when fi-ied or baked. 
 
 65. Cyclopterus ltparis, Lhm. Lij)aris vulgaris, Flem. Unctuous 
 
 Sucker, Fenn, Not common. 
 
LIST OF THE FISHES OF BEEWICKSHIRE. 175 
 
 66. Cyclopterus Montagui, Don. Liparis Montagui, Flem. Mon- 
 tagu's Sucking-fish, Parr. Eare. 
 
 67. Anguilla acutieostris, Yarr. Common Eel, Penn. Sharp-nosed 
 Eel, Yarr. Common. 
 
 68. Anguilla latirostris, Yarr. The Broad-nosed Eel, Yarr. Dr 
 Parnell gave me a small specimen taken in the Tweed, where I 
 believe it is not uncommon, and is distinguished from the others 
 by the name of Silver-Eel. 
 
 69. Conger vulgaris, Cuv. Anguilla Conger, Jenyns. Conger, Tenn. 
 The Conger-Eel. Not common. Attains a large size. 
 
 70. Ammodytes tobianus, Bloch. Sand-Launce, Penn. The Sand-Eel. 
 
 On sandy parts of the coast, whence it is dug with an old hook at 
 low tide. 
 
 71. Ammodytes lancea, Cuv. The Sand-Launce, Yarr. More com- 
 mon than the preceding, from which it is not distinguished by our 
 fishermen. 
 
 72. Syngnathus acus, Linn. Pipe-fish, Penn. The Great Pipe-fish, 
 
 Yarr. Not common. 
 
 73. Syngnathus jequoreus, Linn. The .^quoreal Pipe-fish. Yarr. 
 Eare. A fine specimen, taken in our Bay, was brought to me 
 alive ; and Mr Embleton has also had it from near Dunstanborough 
 Castle. According to M. Fries the Syng. ophidion of Jenyns and 
 Yarrell, (not of Linn.), is the male of this species. See Annals of 
 Nat. Hist. ii. p. 103. 
 
 74. Syngnathus lumbriciformis, Yarr. (not of Jenyns according to 
 M. Fries). Little Pipe-fish, Pe7in. The Worm Pipe-fish, Yarr. 
 Apparently not rare, lurking among the coarser wracks (Fuci) 
 between tide marks. 
 
 75. AoiPENSER Sturio, i?Vm. The Sturgeon. One or more specimens 
 are almost annually taken in our bay or river. 
 
 76. Squalus canicula, Linn. Scyllium Catulus, Flem. The Small- 
 spotted Dog-fish, Yarr. Eare. 
 
 77. Squalus cornubicus, Gmel. Lamna cornubica, Flem. Porbeagle 
 
 Shark, Yarr. I have seen several specimens of this Shark taken 
 in our bay from five to eight feet in length. It is undoubtedly of 
 this species that Wallis gives the following account : — " An exotic 
 and singular-coloured Shark was taken in a salmon-net at the 
 ostium of the Tweed, a little above the bridge, in September 1757. 
 It was six feet long, and of a greenish colour ; the mouth armed 
 with teeth large and formidable. The fishermen, on first hauling 
 the net, were in rapturous expectation of an extraordinary and 
 unusual draught of salmon, but on di-awing it near to the shore, 
 great was their consternation and surprise on the sight of this 
 dangerous creature, which made the water fly about their ears to 
 a prodigious height. It is supposed to have followed the East 
 
176 ADDITIONS TO THE FLOEA OF BEE-WICKSHIRE. 
 
 India fleet to Edinburgh. Firth, and to have directed its course 
 southwards, in forward and eager pursuit, after the salmon." 
 Nat. Hist, of North, i. p. 378. 
 
 78. Squalus galeus, Linn. Galeus vulgaris, Flem. Tope, I'enn. 
 The Common Tope, Yarr. Occasionally taken in the bay from 
 five to six feet in length. 
 
 79. Squalus MUSTELUs, Zw???. Mustelus la^vis, i^/em. Smooth Hound, 
 Penn. Not uncommon. 
 
 80. Squalus Acanthias, Linn. Spinax acanthias, Flem. The Picked 
 
 Dog-fish, Yarr. Dog-fish, Prov. Very common. The young 
 are spotted with white along the back."^' 
 
 81. Eaia BATis, i^w?^. The Skate. Common. 
 
 82. Raia oxyrhynohus, Mont. The Sharp-nosed Eay, Yarr. Not 
 
 uncommon, and attains a very large size. I have measured one 
 which was seven feet nine inches in length, and eight feet three 
 inches in breadth. 
 
 83. Eaia clavata, Linn. Thorn-Back. Common. 
 
 84. Eaia eadiata, Don. The Starry Eay, Yarr. Not rare. 
 
 85. Petromyzon marinus, Linn. Sea-Lamprey, Penn. The Nine- 
 
 eyed Eel, Prov. Not uncommon. 
 
 86. Petromyzon fluviatilis, Linn. Lesser Lamprey, Penn. The 
 Lampern or River Lamprey, Yarr. I have seen two or three 
 specimens which were taken in the Tweed. 
 
 87. Petromyzon planeri, Cuv. The Fringed-lipped Lampern, Yarr. 
 
 " I am indebted to the kindness of Sir William Jardine for two 
 specimens of the young of this species, which were sent from the 
 Tweed." Yarrell. I have been told that it is not uncommon in 
 the Tweed at Melrose. 
 
 88. Myxine GLUTiNosA, L*mj. Glutinous Hag, Pm?i. Not uncommon. 
 
 An Account of some Additions to the Flora of Berwickshire, by 
 CO. Babington, Esq. 
 
 (In a letter adclrosscd to Dr Johnston.) 
 
 St John's Coll. CAMBEir.GE, 
 Nov. 21. 1838. 
 
 Dear Sir — According to your request, I now propose giving a short 
 notice, for the Berwickshire Club, of the more interesting plants 
 
 * I have been told by a fisherman, that he has seen an Angel-fish (Squatina 
 angelus, Cuv.) which was taken in our bay many years ago. 
 
ADDITIONS TO TnB FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 177 
 
 which I gathered during my visit to you at Berwick-upon-Tweed in 
 September last. The district included in your flora has been so 
 carefully examined, by yourself and other excellent botanists, that it 
 was not to be expected that any new plants woidd be found within it, 
 except such as are included in genera which have been almost totally 
 neglected in Britain. I refer to Atriplex, Chenopodium, and, perhaps, 
 I may be allowed to add, Potamogeton ; for, although more attention 
 has been paid to this latter genus than to the two others, yet it has 
 never been studied with sufficient minuteness until very recently. 
 
 1. Atriplex rosea, Linn. (Sp. pi. 1493). Stem herbaceous spread- 
 ing, the branches patent, leaves ovato-triangular, unequally sinu- 
 atodentate ; calyx of the fruit rhomboid, acute, dentated, the 
 back with a double series of tubercles ; clusters of flowers axillary 
 and terminal. Mert. and Koch., ii. 307 ; Host. Fl. Aust., i. 320 ; 
 Fries Nov., 286 ; Ledelour Fl. Alt., iv. 314 ; Koch. Syn., 611. A. 
 alba Reich. Fl. Excurs., n. 3735. A. patula /3. Sm. Fl. Brit., iii. 
 1092. 
 
 This plant is most nearly allied to A. laciniata, from ?7hich it is 
 distinguished by the shape of its enlarged fruit-bearing calyx, which 
 in that plant is irregularly rhomboid, or rather three-lobed, the two 
 lateral lobes being truncate, the intermediate acute. 
 
 This plant is in profusion on the SW. side of Holy Island, a little 
 above high water-mark, and it also occurs in several spots on the 
 coast and river banks near Berwick. When it grows within reach of 
 the water, and in muddy ground, it becomes much larger and more 
 fleshy, having totally lost the elegance for which it is remarkable in 
 its more typical state when growing on gravelly and sandy places, 
 and would hardly be known as the same plant, but probably be taken 
 for a state of A. patiila. This latter state is frequent above the bridge 
 at Berwick. I have noticed the present plant in Guernsey, at Shore- 
 ham, near Liverpool, and near Newhaven, Edinburgh. It has also 
 been foxind on other parts of the coast. 
 
 2. A. ereota, Euds. FL Any. ed. i. 376, Eng. Bot. 2223, Eng. Fl. 
 iv. 294. EooTc. 379. 
 
 ^. STRiOTA, Bah. Mas. Stem herbaceous, erect, the branches 
 ascending ; lower leaves ovate-oblong, cuneate at the base, irregu- 
 larly sinuato-dentate, upper ones lanceolate entire ; fruit-bearing 
 calyx rhomboid, acute, denticulated, submuricated on the back, 
 scarcely larger than the fruit ; spikes compound, many-flowered ; 
 seeds smooth and shining. 
 
 The A. erecta of Hudson is known only by a single very imperfect 
 specimen in the Smithian Herbarium, and which differs from our 
 plant by having smaller fruit, and the enlarged calyces strongly 
 
1^8 
 
 ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 tuberculated. The present species differs remarkably from both A. 
 paticla and angustifolia^ by its densely flowered comj)ound spikes ; those 
 plants having long simple interrupted spikes. It is also distinguished 
 from the former, by its smooth, shining, and much smaller seeds, and 
 the shape of its leaves ; from the latter, by its denticulated calyx and 
 great difference of habit. 
 
 This plant is not uncommon throughout England and the south of 
 Scotland. I noticed it in Holy Island, and also near the Town of 
 Berwick, in great plenty. 
 
 3. Chenopodium botryoides. Sm. Eng. Bot. t. 2247. 
 
 I gathered this plant in Holy Island, in company with Dr Johnston, 
 in September last, and have compared the specimens with others from 
 Lee Pool, Cornwall, with which they exactly agree. 
 
 4. SiLENE NOCTiFLORA. Limi. — Eng. Bot. t. 291. 
 
 We also found a few specimens of this plant during the same visit 
 to Holy Island. 
 
 5. PoTAMOGETON PLANTAGiNEUs. Bu Croz {in Gaud. Fl. Held. i. 471, 
 tab. 3.) Leaves all membranous, stalked, rather opaque, blunt, 
 entire, lower ones oblong, upper elliptical ; nuts minute, obliquely 
 ovate, rounded on the back (when fresh) ; spike slender, cylindri- 
 cal, densely flowered, on a long terete peduncle. Roem. and Sch. 
 iii. 504. Reieh. 24. Bert. Fl. ltd. ii. 232. P. coloratus, Sorn. 
 in Fl. Ban. 1449, Cham, in Linncea, ii, 194, t. 5, f. 15 ; P. Horne- 
 manni ^^ Meyer Flor. Hmiov. 521 ;" Koch Syn. 674. 
 
 Differs from P. natans by its beautifully diaphanous reticulated 
 leaves, none of which are coriaceous, and its much smaller fruit ; from 
 P. ohlongus by its leaves, and the acutely heeled back of its dry fruit ; 
 in that plant it is always obtuse. 
 
 A specimen of this species exists in Dr Johnston's Herbarium, 
 gathered by Dr E. D. Thompson, at Ferney Eig marsh, Berwickshire. 
 It has been found in several parts of England. 
 
 Hoping that these few notes may be acceptable to your Club, believe 
 me, &c. 
 
 Charles 0. Babington. 
 
( 179 ) 
 
 Address to the Members of the Berwiclcshire Naturalists' Chib, delivered at 
 the Anniversary Meeting, held at Milljield, 18th September 1839. By 
 the Rev. T. Knight, Vicar of Ford, President. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I believe the rules of this Club, and the example of those who have 
 before been honoured with the office which I now unworthily fill, leads 
 you to expect from me, before resigning this chair, some account of 
 the transactions of the Society during the last twelvemonth; and this 
 I have much pleasure in proceeding to do, more especially as I shall 
 have to speak of the laboiu-s of others, not of my own. 
 
 The last Amiiversary was held at Ford 19th September 1838, when 
 the following Members attended : Dr Clarke, President ; Dr Johnston, 
 Dr F. Douglas, Eev. T. Knight, Eev. John Baird, Mr Embleton, and 
 Mr Darling. Messrs. Blackden and Knight, jun. were present as 
 visitors. 
 
 The day was clear and cloudless, and the party, after breakfasting 
 at the Eectory, sallied forth in high spirits to enjoy, from the hill 
 above the village, the extensive prospect, rendered peculiarly interest- 
 ing by the solemn towers of Ford Castle immediately below them, and 
 the more distant view of Flodden Field, — that spot so famed in History, 
 and so memorable — once the scene of deadly strife, and stained with 
 the best and bravest blood of two hostile nations, — now covered with 
 peaceful flocks and golden corn-fields. The ruder times of oui' fore- 
 fathers, thank Heaven ! have passed away ; and now parties, fi-om the 
 two countries, can meet for other purposes than that of bloodshed — 
 to contemplate and admire together the works of the Great Creator 
 and Father of them all. 
 
 The first point to which attention was particularly directed was a 
 sandstone quarry, situated in Ford Hill, where numerous specimens of 
 Lepidodendron were observed, some in situ, lying in a nearly horizontal 
 position, but with a slight inclination to the south east. The Lepido- 
 dendron was surrounded by a ferruginous crust, which had partly 
 mouldered away, — The walk of the members thence was across Ford 
 Common, in the direction of Woodend copse. Gentiana campestris 
 was observed abundant^ on the Common, some specimens of which 
 were gathered in flower, which did not exceed half an inch in length. 
 At the top of the Hill, previous to entering upon the natural wood at 
 "Woodend, there is a peat-bog, where the usual denizens of such spots 
 were observed, but none of such rarity as to require a record here. 
 
 Woodend consists of about 150 acres of natural wood, situated on a 
 declivity facing the north. The wood is mossy and full of springs. 
 Here was a large field for the obsei-ver of nature to explore. Plants, 
 insects, &c., were numerous The following among others were ob- 
 
180 EEv. T. knight's addkess. 
 
 served: — Betonica officinalis, Bromus asper, Myosotis caospitosa, Eubus 
 f ruticosus, corylif olius, and idseus ; Veronica montana; Viburnum opulus; 
 and Cantharellus cibarius. The latter esculent fungus was collected 
 in considerable abundance. A portion was dressed for dinner, and 
 was perhaps relished by those who partook of it. The flavour of the 
 apricot was distinctly marked. 
 
 After leaving Woodend, the party proceeded towards the Routing 
 Lynn, across Ford Moss, which is an extensive tract of peat-bog covered 
 with heather, Myrica gale, &c. A beautiful lizard fZootoca vimimra) 
 was taken. The day being now far advanced, the party were reluct- 
 antly obliged to return to the Inn without visiting the Routing Lynn, 
 whither they had intended to go in quest of the Eoyal Fern, which had 
 been reported to have a habitat in that sequestered spot. On return- 
 ing, a variety of Calluna vulgaris, with densely pubescent foliage, was 
 observed in very large patches, intermingled with the common heather. 
 The flowers of the pubescent variety were of a paler cast, and less 
 withered than the other. Aspidium dilatatum ; Euphorbia exigua ; 
 Gnaphalium minimum ; Cistus helianthemum ; Juniperus communis ; 
 Solidago virgaurea, &c., were noticed ; and Artemisia absinthium, in 
 considerable abundance in the vicinity of the village. 
 
 After dinner, Dr Clarke read the Annual Address, and the Eev. T. 
 Knight was elected President for the ensuing year. The evening was 
 spent as usual in interesting conversation, until the approach of darkness 
 reminded some of the party that they had many miles to travel before 
 the labours of the day were over. 
 
 At the December Meeting, which was held at Berwick, nothing was 
 done beyond transacting the usual business of the Society, and fixing 
 upon the places of rendezvous for the ensuing summer. 
 
 The next meeting of the Club was at Chirnside, May 1. 1839 — as 
 beautiful a morning as ever ushered in that month. The number of 
 members present, notwithstanding the loveliness of the morning and 
 the beauty of the spot selected for the meeting, were only Mr Selby, 
 Eev. T. Eiddell, Dr Johnston, Dr Clarke, and Dr F. Douglas, The 
 party were afterwards joined by the Eev. Mr Wilson, and Mr Hender- 
 son, surgeon, and felt much indebted to the latter gentleman for 
 conducting them to the most favourable ground for observation. 
 Their course was along the romantic wooded banks of the Whiteadder, 
 where all the early spring flowers were in profuse blossom. Insects 
 were tolerably abundant, and Mr Selby was successful in capturing 
 several rather rare species — of which the following is a list : — 
 
 Elaphms cnpreus. Stenus bimaculatns. 
 
 Byrrhus sericeus. Coccinella 5-pnnctata. 
 
 Cassida rubiginosa, Helophorua Fennicus. 
 
REV. T. knight's ADDRESS. 181 
 
 Helophonis granulans. Haltica rufipes. 
 
 Hydroporns alpinus ? Tachys pusilltis. 
 
 Peryphus tibialis. Lesteva caraboides. 
 
 Peryphus saxatilis. Stenus oculatus. 
 
 Peryphus littoralis. Stenus pusillus. 
 
 Notioijhilus biguttatus. Stenns laavis. 
 
 Hydrobius bipunctatus. Lathrobium rufipenne. 
 
 Hypera nigrirostris. Philonthus rubripennis. 
 
 Anthonomus Ulmi. Tachinus apicalis. 
 Phaedon concinna. 
 
 Several Planariae, and ova, or spawn, of various fishes and insects, were 
 procured from beneath the stones in the shallow channel of the river. 
 Viola hirta was found in full and luxuriant blossom, thereby adding 
 another to the already numerous localities of this species in Berwick- 
 shire ; which had been considered by Sir W. Hooker as of very rare 
 occurrence in Scotland. S}Tnj)hytum tuberosum was likewise observed 
 in considerable quantity, but not in flower. A rather singular twist, 
 resembling in shape the top of a saddle, was observed in the limestone 
 rock about a mile above Ninewells House, on the east side of the 
 river. Beneath a projecting slab of this rock, a considerable quantity 
 of acicular crystals of saltpetre was collected. — After dinner, Dr F. 
 Douglas read an account of the recent drying up of the river Teviot, 
 and explained, to the satisfaction of the party, the probable cause of 
 such a singular phenomenon. 
 
 The Eev. Mr Wallace forwarded his annual summary of observations 
 of the barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer, made at the manse 
 of Abbey St Bathan's, in 1838. By this table it appeared that, not- 
 withstanding the unusual severity of the months of January and 
 February in that year, the mean temperatiu'e for the year only aver- 
 aged about 1^° F. lower than the previous year. 
 
 Mr Selby read a very interesting paper on the effects which the 
 winter of 1838 had produced upon animal and vegetable life. Mr 
 Selby also read an account, and shewed a drawing, of a curious 
 aquatic Larva found in a water jug at Twizell. It was chiefly curious 
 on account of the unusual means which it employed to convey food to 
 its mouth. On each side of the mouth extends a number of bristles, 
 which diverge and open like a fan, and which appeared to be put in 
 motion by two small clickers at their base. In this manner the food 
 is brought to the mouth of the Larva. It unfortunately died previous 
 to undergoing a metamorphosis. 
 
 On the 19th June the Club met at Coldingham. There were present 
 Rev. T. Knight, President ; Eev. T. Riddell ; Dr Johnston ; Eev. J. 
 Tixrnbull — who were joined by the Eev. Mr Tough ; Eev. Mr Eobert- 
 son ; Mr M'Laurin, jun., and the Eev. Andrew Thomson as visitors. 
 The latter gentleman was subsequently admitted a member on the 
 nomination of the Eev. Mr Tui-nbull, seconded by Dr Johnston. 
 
 M 
 
182 REV. T. knight's address. 
 
 The morning walk was directed to and over St Abb's Head — tbence 
 to the Loch — and homewards to Coldiugham. The excursion was a 
 most agreeable one, from the loveliness of the weather, and the beauty 
 and grandeur of the scenery, which, though often visited by various 
 members of the Club, was viewed with new and undiminished admira- 
 tion. It is unnecessary for me to give any description of it, as this has 
 been done on a former occasion by Dr Johnston. Nothing new was 
 observed in the coiu'se of the walk, but the sight of many and familiar 
 friends gave rise to a varied, and it is hoped not an unentertaining 
 conversation. The flowers which constitute the enamelled turf of the 
 Head were in great beauty, but no additions to its flora were made. 
 The Polyommatus Alsus, and P. Ai-taxerxes, two pretty and rare 
 Butterflies, were observed flying in considerable numbers on the Head, 
 as well as on the banks of the Loch ; and a few specimens were 
 captured for the gratification of our Entomologists. Balea fragilis and 
 Pupa marginata, with other more common shells, were found in great 
 profusion in the crevices of the rocks on the Head which overhang the 
 sea. 
 
 Dinner being over, the minutes of the preceding meeting were read ; 
 after which Dr Johnston laid on the table a descriptive catalogue of 
 the Berwickshire Cephalopods ; and the Eev. T. Piddell read an essay 
 on the early stages and development of the common Balanus, confirm- 
 ing, in a great measure, the statement of the metamorphoses of the 
 animal published by Mr Thompson. There was also exhibited a living 
 specimen of Uria Grylle or Black Gruillemot, which had been shot two 
 days previously on St Abb's Head, and which probably had come from 
 the Isle of May, where it is known to breed. 
 
 The members, then, in company of the excellent minister of the 
 parish, visited the old church, so celebrated in history ; and having 
 partaken of tea at the Inn, separated, apparently gratified with the 
 day's work. 
 
 The July meeting was at Birgham ; members present, Eev. T. 
 Knight, President ; Eev. J. Baird ; Eev. G-. Cunningham ; Dr Johnston; 
 Eev. Andrew Baird, and Mr Knight, jun. of Ford, as a visitor. The 
 day was unfavourable, but after breakfast, the members, as usual 
 made an excursion with a view of gaining some acquaintance with the 
 neighbourhood. Their course was first directed to Birgham Haugh, 
 where, it was said, that Euphorbia Esula grew in abundance, and 
 perfectly wild, bvit the members soon satisfied themselves that this was 
 a mistake, and that the place on which it grows had been, at no remote 
 period, the site of a garden or shrubbery, and where still "many a 
 garden flower grows wild." After this the members traced the course 
 of the river downwards, and although several plants of comparative 
 rarity were noticed, the only one which had not been registered as a 
 native of the county was Sanguisorba officinalis, that grew, very 
 sparingly, on a piece of ground liable to be overflowed by every flood 
 
KEY. T. knight's ADDRESS. 183 
 
 of the river, and hence an uncertain and mutable station. Having 
 nearly reached Fireburn MiU, the party returned to Birgham, in order 
 that they might pay their respects to the Misses Bell, but they were 
 disappointed of that pleasure, as neither of those ladies was at home. 
 
 The walk was now directed northwards to Ferney-rig Marsh, where 
 the only plant of rarity noticed was the GEnanthe PheUandrium. 
 
 After dinner, the minutes of the preceding meeting having been gone 
 over, a list of plants new to, or of rare occurrence in Berwickshire, 
 found by Mr Hardy of Penmanshiel was read ; and the Eev. Mr 
 Cunningham gave orally a sketch of the early history of Professor 
 Eobertson, which he was requested to put upon paper for the use of 
 the Club. 
 
 Specimens of Centaurea scabiosa, gathered at Sprouston, Eoxburgh- 
 shire, but on the very limits of the county, and close to Berwicksiiire, 
 were exhibited by the Rev. John Baird. 
 
 Such is a slight sketch of the proceedings of the Society during the 
 last 3'ear, so far as the minutes of our worthy secretaries have made me 
 acquainted with them. And now, in conclusion, I trust I may be per- 
 mitted to express a hope that those distinguished members of the Club, 
 who were the chief instruments in bringing it into existence, and have 
 since continued its useful operations, will persevere in their interesting 
 researches. With respect to many amongst us, indeed, it may be said 
 that we are living on the labour of others — that the advantage is all 
 on our side, as we have as yet done nothing towards extending the 
 information of the Society : this we feel to be indeed too true. But 
 still we trust those gentlemen whose taste and talents qualify them in 
 an eminent degree for pu.rsuiug the object of the Club in a scientific 
 manner, will neither grudge us the pleasure we derive from the meet- 
 ings, nor the instruction we gather from their conversation. 
 
 To them, however, there is every encouragement held out — in the 
 success of their labours hitherto, and in the wide and diversified field 
 which Nature has spread before them. We doubt not that in Natiiral 
 History, as in every other branch of science, much remains yet to be 
 explored, and who knows what fresh wonder it may be the lot of some 
 member of this little society to bring to light. But, however this may 
 be, the study of Natural History, and the pursuit of it in the manner 
 adopted by this Club, is not only a source of innocent and rational 
 amusement, but a useful and delightful exercise of our reasoning 
 faculties. And the great Creator of the Universe never spread his 
 works around us in such varied abundance that we should pass them 
 by without observation, or without endeavouring to draw from them 
 lessons of wisdom, and fresh motives to adoration and praise. He 
 seems indeed to have stored his works with treasures on purpose that 
 the mind of man might explore and' develope them ; and he seems ex- 
 pressly to have concealed many wonders from the view of his creatures, 
 
184 DR DOUGLAS ON THE CESSATION OF THE 
 
 in order that their curiosity might frona time to time be enkindled, their 
 vigilanco awakened, and their mind restless, ti]l they have improved 
 its powers, and thoroughly investigated the great and mighty whole. 
 Only let us keep carefully in mind that the advancement of science is 
 not our sole object, but that we have a nobler result in view — the 
 praise and glory of the Almighty Framer of the Universe ; — then we 
 shall have the satisfaction of feeling that we are not forgetting duty in 
 the midst of pleasure ; that even in our hours of relaxation from the 
 graver callings of life, we are walking piously with our Grod. 
 
 Notice regarding the Cessation of the Flow of the River Teviot^ Tlth 
 November 1838. By Db Douglas, Kelso. 
 
 The temporary cessation of flow and drying up of the Eiver Teviot 
 in November last, excited very considerable interest amongst the scien- 
 tific world generally, but more particularly in the South of Scotland, 
 where the phenomenon occurred. Unfortunately for my description, I 
 was not an eyewitness to the occurrence, but the following facts were 
 gathered with the greatest care, and their correctness ascertained. 
 
 The first intelligence which I had of the drying up of the river, was 
 a paragraph in a local newspaper announcing the fact, and likewise the 
 contemporaneous occurrence of the phenomenon in the Elvers Clyde 
 and Nith. My first impression was that no common cause could 
 account for the phenomenon, and that, in all probability, it could be 
 produced by nothing short of an earthquake extending over a large 
 surface of ground, so as to comprehend all the springs which fed those 
 rivers. In the sequel we shall see what evidence exists in support of 
 such a theory, and what other conclusion the following facts would 
 lead us to adopt. 
 
 I shall first, then, state the facts which I have ascertained, and 
 secondly, endeavour to give the proper solution of them. 
 
 1. The scantiness of the stream of water in the mill-lead above 
 Maxwellheugh Mill, situated about 50 yards above the confluence of 
 the Teviot with the Tweed, was first observed by the miller at 6 a.m., 
 Nov. 27. 1838. His attention was directed to it in consequence of the 
 stopping of the wheel from a deficiency in the volume of water which 
 was required to keep it in motion. The supply nearly ceased altogether 
 at 8 A.M. On examination, the whole of the water in the river was 
 found to be diverted into the mill-lead by means of a cauld or wear, 
 stretching across the body of the stream, but the whole of this quantity 
 was insufficient to keep the mill-wheel in motion. Between the hours 
 of 8 A.M., and 12 mid-day the bed of the river was perfectly dry. 
 Many individuals walked across without wetting even the soles of their 
 shoes. The trouts were scarcely covered in the small pools which re- 
 mained, and were easily captured by the hand. About 12, the flow of 
 
FLOW OF THE RIYER TEVIOT, 185 
 
 water began to increase, and at 1 p. m. was so completely established 
 that the river assumed its ordinary size. The miller informed me that 
 the supply increased gradually, and did not come in a rush. The miUs 
 at Eoxburgh, Heiton, and Sunlaws, situated from two to three miles 
 above Maxwellheugh, were similarly circumstanced. The following 
 fact is curious. At Ormiston, five miles from the mouth of the river, 
 there is a cauld, facing the north-east. Against this cauld, a keen 
 cold wind blew directly, and by the combined influences of the wind, 
 and a tolerably intense frost, a regidar wall of ice, consisting chiefly of 
 ice attached to the stones and grew, was formed behind it across the 
 river, which completely obstructed the flow of the water over it, which 
 consequently rose to the height of nearly two feet in a pool above, 
 nearly a mile in length. The mill at Ormiston never ceased to revolve, 
 as the miller broke the ice communicating with the sluice, and the ice 
 coUeeted against the cauld. Near mid-day, partly by the enormous 
 pressure a tergo, and partly by means of the solar influence, this 
 barrier gave way, and permitted the flow of the water downwards. 
 
 A mill at Nisbet, three miles higher than Ormiston, also stopped 
 from want of an adequate supply of water. 
 
 At Minto, fourteen miles from Kelso, the river was observed in the 
 morning to be nearly dry. During the forenoon, there was a partial 
 rise above its usual level, which, however, soon subsided. 
 
 I regret that I have not been able to investigate fully the particulars 
 respecting the state of the river at this point. 
 
 At Hawick, six miles farther up, I am informed by a correspondent, 
 that, during the morning and forenoon, the mills were stopped for 
 want of their usual supply of water, and that near mid-day the supply 
 was established, and the mills again at work. For several miles above 
 Hawick, the river was remarkably small, and the same appearances 
 were observed in its tributaries. 
 
 The bed of Rule water, near its junction with the Teviot opposite 
 Minto, was perfectly dry. Several mills upon this stream were obliged 
 to cease their operations for several hours ; but the mill highest on the 
 river, about a mile from its sluice, never was interrupted from any defi- 
 cient supply. My friend in Hawick mentions, that during a severe frost, 
 the river there is frequently as small as on the late occasion, that it 
 excites no surprise, and is imiversally attributed to frost. The thermo- 
 meter, during the night of the 26th, and morning of the 27th November, 
 fell rapidly to 27° F. The river Tweed at Kelso, was nearly frozen 
 across, and an immense quantity of grew, incompact ice, floated down 
 throughout the whole day. The wind was very high from the north- 
 east. The barometer 30°. 5. 
 
 The drying up and cessation of the current of rivers, is not a new 
 occurrence in the south of Scotland. The same thing has been 
 frequently observed and recorded during the last century, and has 
 happened, I find from inquiry, several times since the commencement 
 
186 DB DOUGLAS ON THE CESSATION OF THE 
 
 of the present. In January 1748, March 1785, and January 1787, the 
 same phenomena were observed in the TeAdot ; and on the two former 
 of these occasions, the drying up took place near the mouth of the river. 
 The following extract from the Grentleman's Magazine, for March 1748, 
 will be read with interest. 
 
 "Letter from a gentleman in Scotland, February 29th. — Mr Urban, 
 we have had- some extraordinary events in our neighbourhood, which 
 can't as yet be accounted for. On January 25th the river Teviot, for 
 two miles before it joins the Tweed, stopped its current, and its channel 
 became dr}', leaving fishes, &c. on dry ground, many of which were 
 taken up by the country people, and sold at Longtown, and other places. 
 It continued in this condition for nine hours, and when it began to 
 resume its course, it began gradually until it ran as usual again, but 
 in no greater quantity from its stopping as might be expected. How 
 to account for the phenomena we know not, for there are no mines of 
 any sort, nor any cavities in the whole country ; and, if the waters had 
 been stopped by any rising of that part of the ground, by an earth- 
 quake, they would have been heaped up in such quantities in a minute's 
 time, that upon the ground's descending, the whole country must have 
 been overflowed. 
 
 On February 19. the river Kirtle was dry for six hours. 
 
 On February 23. the river Esk stopped its course, and the channel 
 was quite dry for the space of five hours, to the admiration of the whole 
 country." 
 
 But similar phenomena have occurred in much more recent times. 
 A gentleman informed me that during the winter 1803 — 4, the river 
 Teviot was dry; and on Eastern's evening 1824, I was assured by the 
 miller at Roxburgh that the river was even drier than on the 27th of 
 November. The previoiis night's frost having been intense, about 
 eleven in the forenoon when the sun got out, the river began to flow 
 as usual. On the 27th November the Tweed was scarcely perceptibly 
 smaller than usual. An enormous quantity of grew floated down during 
 the whole of the day. On the 28th of January last, after a frost of 
 considerable intensity, another stoppage occurred in the Teviot, but 
 not to the same extent as on the 27th of November. 
 
 A few observations will now be necessary to attempt an explanation 
 of the above phenomena. 
 
 Running water is always in the lowest ground in the district, and 
 its tendency is uniformly to cut into the earth as deep as its level will 
 permit. From this it may be inferred, that it will frequently interfere 
 with the course of springs, or in other words, that many springs must 
 have their vent on the very verge, or in the bed of the stream.* In severe 
 drought or in sharp frost, the open springs at any distance from thelowest 
 level never reach it, and the supply of the stream is altogether kept up by 
 the water rising within its own bed. In a lake, where there is no outlet, 
 
 * The epringa being universally directed towards the latter. 
 
 I 
 
FLOW OF THE KIYER TEVIOT. 187 
 
 the common laws of heat and cold influence its freezing, and deep water 
 never congeals until the whole mass is brought to the freezing point. In 
 our most northern settlements, Hudson's Bay for instance, stagnant water 
 is known to freeze to the depth of ten or twelve feet, and all the fish are 
 fi'ozen along with it : — not so in the rivers — the surface is frozen indeed, 
 but the ice thenbecomes a protection to the running water beneath^ from 
 the greater cold of the atmosphere. It is quite evident that in all run- 
 ning streams, the falling down of the colder, and the rising of the 
 warmer water cannot take place with any uniformity, for the movements 
 of the current prevent the regular action of heat and cold, and the 
 discharge of the springs into the channel of the river from a greater 
 depth than the frost penetrates, keeps the water still moving freely 
 below the surface of the ice. 
 
 To explain the singular phenomenon of the stoppage of mountain 
 streams, it is necessary to consider how they usually flow. Where rocks 
 abound and the channel is alluvial gravel, every one, conversant with 
 Highland scenery, is aware how the rivulet meanders almost in circles, 
 forms a succession of streams and pools, and at every turn creates a 
 natural weir, extending from side to side at oblique angles. The pools 
 discharge themselves at their lower extremity, over these natural weirs, 
 which again forms the head of the streams below, and the streams 
 again terminate in pools, and so on in succession, till the enlargement 
 of the stream renders the natural weir less observable. 
 
 Let the wind come from any point of the compass, it must blow 
 directly in the face of a great number of these banks of sand and 
 gravel, will stop the descent of floating ice, and materially assist in 
 freezing it into a more solid mass. It will make the stoppage more 
 easy in the natural weirs below, by diminishing the current of water 
 until it ceases to flow altogether. To produce this, it is possible that 
 frost alone may be sufficient, but to do it more effectually, wind in 
 addition wovdd appear to be requisite. Now this actually was the 
 case during the night of November 26-7. The phenomenon which 
 occurred at Ormiston cauld shews, in a remarkable manner, how far 
 the effect may be carried ; but the stoppage of the rivers must be 
 sought for in the natural weirs, where the frost, fixing on the shallow 
 bottom, forms a ground-ice, and then catching the light floating grew, 
 makes a chain of obstructions, while the stream being stopped, there 
 is time for the ice to form a covering on the surface of the pools. After 
 a time, which will be longer or shorter according to circumstances, the 
 springs will force these barriers, and the flowing water will resume its 
 course. If there is a tendency to fresh weather, the stream will be 
 increased in volume according to the duration of the previous stoppage, 
 as was the case on the afternoon of November 27. and the following 
 day, in the Kale and the Teviot. If the frost continues, the waters 
 again flow beneath the ice, although ciit off from any other supply 
 than what the natural channel of the hrook receives from the springs 
 
188 MR SELBY ON THE WINTER OF 1838. 
 
 wliicli open into it. This kind of obstruction can scarcely take place in 
 a very flat country, because the waters have higher banks and fewer 
 streams, and of course few natural weirs, and because the boggy 
 ground through which they flow, affords a natural protection to the 
 springs upon their banks from the roughness of the herbage. This 
 accounts for the rivers Eden and Leet not being subject to such a 
 stoppage. This principle is well known and acted upon by gardeners 
 and farmers — the former putting rough grass or straw over his tender 
 vegetables in winter, and the latter in frosty weather ploughing his 
 roughest pasture, when bare ground is quite impenetrable. This 
 appears to be the most probable explanation of the phenomenon, but 
 at any rate there can be no doubt of frost being the agent ; and the 
 dryness of the channel can only be occasioned by the water running 
 off while the supply from above is withheld. 
 
 On tJiP Effects prodxiced npon Animal and Vegetahle Life^ ly the Winter 
 of 1838. By P. J. Selby, Esq. of Twizel House. 
 
 The severity with which the year was ushered in hy the long con- 
 tinued frost during the months of January, February, and a part of 
 March ; the cold and long retarded spring, succeeded by a chilly and 
 ungenial summer, as well as a late and deficient harvest, place the 
 year 1838 upon our records as one of peculiar, though happily of 
 unwonted character. Under circumstances of such a nature, and 
 which it is more than probable, may not again occur during the limit 
 of the present generation, a few observations upon the effects of so 
 severe a season, as connected with animal as well as vegetable life, 
 more particularly as affecting our own district, may perhaps prove 
 not altogether uninteresting to the members of the Club. It will be 
 in the recollection of those who attended to the weather, that, up to 
 the 5th of January 1838, the season, with the exception of the first 
 week of the previous November, when we experienced a severe but 
 cursory snow storm, had upon the whole been temperate and mild ; 
 this was particularly the case on Christmas, and two or three following 
 days, when the thermometer ranged from 52° to 55°, at which time, I 
 may remark, many of the thrushes which still remained inland, were 
 heard recording in distinct and audible key, thus flattering us with the 
 hope that winter had divested herself of her characteristic garb, and 
 that these sweet carols were to be the prelude of an earty spring. 
 These halcyon days, however, were of short duration, as, on the 6th 
 of January, frost set in, accompanied in this district by showers or falls 
 of snow and hail, which, in consequence of the calm state of the atmos- 
 phere, fell level upon the surface. It thus continued falling at 
 frequent intervals, more or less, for nearly a fortnight, when the snow 
 
ME SELBY ON THE WINTER OF 1838. 189 
 
 had accumulated to the depth of ten or twelve inches over the whole 
 surface of the country, the frost, at the same time continuing to 
 increase in intensity, till every brook and pool was locked up in ice 
 and frozen snow. In consequence of this deep covering the birds, 
 particularly those of the insectivorous tribe, or whose chief pabulum 
 consists of wonns and insects, soon began to feel the effects of famine ; 
 and blackbirds, redbreasts, hedge-sparrows, &c., were reduced, at a 
 comparatively early part of the storm, to a deplorable state of weak- 
 ness, and were daily found dead or dying from the combined effect of 
 hunger and cold. Many fieldfares also perished at this early stage 
 of the frost, though the great body of this migratory species, soon 
 after the commencement of the storm, moved southwards ; the thrushes 
 also, which I have previously observed were singing at Christmas, 
 entirely disappeared, a precaution I have observed for man}' years to 
 take place in regard to this species, whenever a storm or frost of any 
 continuance has occurred. I may remark, that, previous to the 
 commencement of the storm, all the haws and other berries which are 
 the occasional food of the thrush tribe, had been devoured by them, 
 so that no resource of this nature was left them to fly to when the 
 frost fii-st set in. About this period of the storm, that is, after a 
 fortnight's continuance, the arrival of a great variety of the rarer kinds 
 of water-fowl along the line of coast proclaimed the intensity as well 
 as the wide extended range of the cold. "Wild swans then made their 
 appearance in flocks, and for two or three weeks several of these birds 
 took up their residence in Budle Bay, when, as viaj be supposed, their 
 imwonted presence caused an active pursuit, and many individuals 
 were shot. Among them, I may mention two that were taken alive, 
 having been wounded, but only so as, in conjunction with their reduced 
 condition, to incapacitate them for flight ; these soon became very 
 tame, and were afterwards placed by W. B. Clark, Esq., of Belford 
 Hall, in a piece of water, where one of them continues to thrive, 
 and now associates with a common goose ; the other died during 
 the course of the summer, apparently from the effects of some 
 internal wounds it had received. Both of these were of the common 
 or elk species ( Cygims ferus), nor did any specimen of Cygnus 
 BeivicHi come under my observation, though I am aware that 
 a few individuals of this species were taken in other parts of 
 the kingdom. In other districts of the country, and in the south 
 of England, the destruction of these beautiful and noble birds was 
 very great. Among the rarer species of water-fowl killed upon our 
 coast, the following are deserving of notice. Larus mimitus (little gull) 
 near Embleton, the first instance, I believe, of its occurrence upon the 
 Northumbrian coast; this is now in the possession of our brother 
 member, Mr E. Embleton. Several specimens also of the Mergus 
 alheUus (Smew), in the adult male plumage, in which state it is con- 
 sidered a rare bird, were killed upon different parts of the coast ; and 
 
190 MR SELBY ON THE WINTER OF 1838. 
 
 of Podicej)s rubricollis, far from a common species, I saw several 
 instances. Many specimens of the different Colymbi (divers) were 
 also shot, and wild-ducks, wigeons, brent geese, scaup-ducks, pochards, 
 tnf ted-ducks, and golden-eyes, were very plentifid. Upon the southern 
 coasts of England an equal or even greater influx of water-fowl took 
 place, and the destruction as may be conceived, was comparatively 
 great. In Hampshire, I am informed, that a noble sportsman, who 
 rented a small part of the coast expressly for the shooting of wild-fowl, 
 killed during the storm, the extraordinary number of 515 head of 
 various kinds, among which were thirty-seven swans. This warfare 
 upon the aquatic tribe continued for six or seven weeks, and it was 
 not till the middle or latter end of March, that the wild-fowl began to 
 shift their quarters, or yield to that influence which directs their 
 migratory movements to the higher latitudes on the first approach of 
 spring. Before a thaw took place, many of our hardy indigenous and 
 resident land birds also suffered from the intensity of the frost and 
 the want of food ; partridges and pheasants were found dead in every 
 direction, and even the hardy muirfowl upon the higher grounds were 
 many of them frozen to death. In Edinburgh, I am informed, that 
 for weeks, after the first ten days of the storm, baskets full of partridges 
 and other game were brought to the poulterers, which had died or 
 had been caught in a dying state, and when taken into the hand were 
 found so reduced as to be a mere collection of bones and feathers. 
 Eour-footed game also did not escape with impunity, and during a 
 great part of the storm, their only food, in this district, was the bark 
 and twigs of such underwood and young trees as appeared above the 
 snow. But it was not in those districts alone in which the snow lay 
 deep upon the surface, that animal life suffered from the severity of 
 the season, for I find that in Dumfriesshire and other parts along the 
 western coast where the fall of snow was very trifling, and scarce 
 whitened the surface, great mortality nevertheless prevailed amongst 
 the feathered race, all access to food having been as effectually pre- 
 vented by the stony hardness of the earth, as it was where the hoary 
 covering hid every thing from view. 
 
 We now turn to tlie effects of the frost upon the vegetable fibre, 
 and here we find evidences of its intensity equally striking, and as 
 fatally injurious to certain plants, as it was to animal life. In this 
 district its severity was plainly demonstrated by the appearance of our 
 hardy native, the common whin ; this shrub, wherever fidly exposed, 
 or in so far as it remained uncovered by the snow, was completely 
 destroyed, for a proof of which I have only to evidence its unsightly 
 appearance at the present moment. Tlie common bay and Portugal 
 laurels also suffered severely whenever exposed to the south-east blast, 
 and many of them still remain in a dubious state of existence. The 
 laurustinus, which had fiowered and grown luxuriantly for many 
 years past in this district, has most of it been destroyed to the root j 
 
MR SELBY ON THE "WINTEE OF 1838. 191 
 
 and, I find, that even sucli plants as remained partially green during 
 the last summer, in consequence of some slight nourishment from the 
 stem, are now all withered and dead, a result, however, I had antici- 
 pated from the appearance of the bark when it was examined last 
 spring after the melting of the snow. In the midland and southern 
 parts of England, where a still greater degree of cold prevailed, as 
 indicated by the thermometer, and where no protection was afforded 
 by a deep covering of sno {V, the destructive effects of the frost were 
 more extensive, and few, except the hardiest evergreens, escaped with- 
 out more or less injury, some being killed outright, others destroyed 
 to the root, or totally denuded of their leaves ; and it so happened that 
 many shrubs and trees, which in the north of England and Scotland 
 shewed but trifling symptoms of injury, were, farther to the south, 
 unable to resist the rigour of the cold. Thus, in a few short days, or 
 perhaps hours, perished most of those beautiful evergreens and other 
 ornamental shrubs which add so essentially to the elegant appearance 
 of our country residences, and which form so prominent and peculiar a 
 feature in English ornamental gardening ; many of these had attained 
 a growth of thirty or forty years, and were floiu-ishiug in the greatest 
 perfection, having braved our usual winters without suffering any 
 material injury. The loss, I may add, is still more severely felt, as 
 time alone can repair it ; and it is only the young and rising genera- 
 tion who can, even under the most favourable circumstances, again 
 expect to behold a new succession equal to that which perished in the 
 winter of 1838. Among the evergreens which shewed an aptitude to 
 bear an unwonted degree of cold uninjured, or only injured to a 
 trifling extent, the Holly, the Rhododendrons Ponticmn, Cataivhiense, 
 fernigineum, &c., the Yew, Box, Arbor Vitte, and the Eed Virginian 
 Cedar, stood conspicuous ; the Portugal Laurel also, except in very 
 exposed situations, was not materially injured, and the common or 
 large bay-leaved Laurel, in our own premises, escaped in most in- 
 stances with the loss of the tender part of the shoot of the preceding 
 season. Of the degree of cold experienced during the continuance of 
 this storm, we have authentic accounts of the thermometer having 
 descended to 4° and even 7° below zero, or 36° and 39° below freezing, 
 in the midland and southern parts of the Island. In this and adjacent 
 districts it does not appear to have reached this intensity, the following 
 being observations on which dependence can be placed. At Kelso, 140 
 feet above the sea-level, it fell to 3° F. on the night of the 21st January 
 1838, and during the continuance of the storm was frequently observed 
 at 5° and 8° F. At Mellerstein, about cOO feet above the sea, a self- 
 regulatiug thermometer of Adie's marked it at 2° F. during the nights 
 of January 20 and 21, 1838. At Greonknow, near Gordon, and con- 
 siderabl}' higher than Mellerstein, 3° F. on the night of 21st January. 
 AndatMertoun House about the 14th or loth January, a common 
 thermometer was observed 2" F., and again on the morning of 
 
192 MR SELBY ON THE WINTER OF 1838. 
 
 January 21. at 2° F. Early in March the frost abated in rigour, and 
 a slow thaw began to melt the vast accumulation of snow which had 
 been drifted into the lanes, hollows, and hedge banks by the severe 
 and oft-repeated gales that had occurred during the two months 
 frost. Up to this period none of those indications which we had 
 been accustomed to hail as the harbingers of spring had been 
 observed, such as the song of the missel-thrush and the mavis, the 
 cooing of the ring-dove, or the pipe of the golden plover, which 
 in usual seasons seldom fail to greet our ears with their welcome 
 notes before Februarj^ has advanced into the second week. On 
 referring to my notes I find it was not till the 5th and 6th of March 
 that the peawit and golden plover were first seen, or the carol of the 
 lark heard ; on the 7th the thrush and missel-thrush were in song, 
 being a period later by nearly a month, than any I can find in a 
 register kept for many j'ears past, and it was not till the 20th that the 
 congregated flocks of the ring-dove began to disperse, or that they 
 were heard cooing and exhibiting that peculiar flight which distin- 
 guishes the species at the time of pairing, and which in ordinary years 
 seldom fails to occur before the 8th or 10th of February. It was now 
 that the effects of this long-continued storm, so remarkable for the 
 great degree of cold that accompanied it, became fully apparent ; for 
 instead of the host of birds that were wont to resort to our groves and 
 plantations at this season, and whose " wood-notes wild " used to greet 
 us in every direction, a few individuals or a solitary pair alone were to 
 be seen, and where, a season or two before, a united concert of a 
 multitude of thrushes might have been listened to on a calm mild 
 spring evening, not more than two or three at far distant stations 
 could now be heard ; of our familiar attendant the red-breast, few 
 survived to pour forth their impassioned lay, as the diminished num- 
 bers of this favourite bird, even after the increase of the year, clearly 
 demonstrates. The same may be said of the blackbird, whose mellow 
 whistle was scarcely recognised during the spring and summer ; and a 
 like falling off was observed in regard to the wagtails, wrens, and 
 indeed all the indigenous insectivorous species, which suffered to a 
 much greater extent than the Conirostrse or Finch tribe, which, sub- 
 sisting upon seeds and grains, found, if not ample, at least a sufficient 
 quantity of food to support life in the stack and fold-yards where the 
 others were perishing from the effects of hunger and cold. But the 
 deficiency of the feathered tribe this year, I afterwards ascertained, 
 was not confined to our indigenous or permanent residents : it extended 
 to all those species which we call summer visitants, or which make our 
 island their breeding resort and habitat during their Polar migration ; 
 for as the time of the arrival of the various species successively 
 occurred, I found that throughout this district their numbers scarcely 
 averaged a third of the usual supply, and this falling off not confined 
 to a few particular forms, but extending to all the migratory species. 
 
MB SELBY ON THE WINTER OF 1838. 193 
 
 The same was observed to prevail in the south of England, as in a 
 communication from Mr Yarrell, he mentions that the paucity of 
 summer visitants had been generally remarked by those Avho interest 
 themselves in ornithology and observations connected with it. The 
 cause of this deficiency I attribute to the very cold and ungenial 
 weather which prevailed not only throughout Britain, but over a great 
 portion of the European Continent, at the time these birds usually 
 undertake their periodical flights, and which, I imagine, stopped 
 many on their com-se, and prevented that extended movement which, 
 in ordinary years, permits their reaching our own and even higher 
 latitudes. That their lessened numbers arose from causes which 
 affected them during their winter sojourn can scarcely be supposed, as 
 that portion of the year, it is now well ascertained, is passed by most 
 of them in the warm region of the African Continent or in those parts 
 of Southern Europe, where frost is scarcely known. Some few may 
 undoubtedly have perished on the way, or from having advanced at 
 too early a period into the north of Eiu-ope, where, in consequence of 
 the chilling cold that prevailed, no approj)riate food could be found, 
 and thus died of hunger ; but the more probable reason is, I think, 
 that ah-eady assigned, viz. that they were stopped on their advance by 
 the peculiarity of the season, and were compelled to remain and nidi- 
 ficate in lower latitudes than they are generally accustomed to do. Of 
 the few which did arrive, it was observed that their first appearance 
 was nearly a fortnight later than has generally been the case, upon an 
 average taken from a register of some twenty years past. Thus I find 
 that the Willoio Wren (Sylvia trochilus), instead of the 16th or 18th of 
 April, was not seen or heard before the 3rd of May ; the same in 
 regard to the Blackcap (Curruca atricapilla), the Tree Pipit (Anthus 
 arboreus), the Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) ; and the 13th of May had 
 arrived before an individual of the Fly-catcher (Muscicapa grisola) was 
 observed. Of the species just enumerated, a deficiency, such as I have 
 already mentioned, was remarked ; but I think it was even more 
 striking in others, among which I may particvdarize the Sedge-warhhr 
 (Salicaria phragmitis). Greater Petty-chaps (Curruca montana), Tlliite- 
 throat (Curruca cinerea). To this cold and long-retarded spring, 
 succeeded a short and, with the exception of a few days in July, a 
 moist and chilly summer, circumstances which affected not only the 
 increase of animal life, but produced the more serious calamity of a 
 deficient harvest. Fruits also did not ripen at all, or very imperfectly, 
 and were devoid of their proper taste and flavour. In conclusion, I 
 may add, that a great deficiency of the insect tribes was generally re- 
 marked, and, from having given a considerable degree of attention to 
 the entomology of this district for some years past, I can confidently 
 say, that in most of its great families or divisions the remark is correct, 
 more particularly as it applies to the Coleopterous and Lepidopterous 
 insects, upon a comparison with what was observed in 1835 and 1836, 
 as well as years previous to that date. 
 
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 00 
 
 
 1838. 
 Months. 
 
 January, 
 
 February, 
 
 March, 
 
 April, 
 
 May, 
 
 June, 
 
 July, 
 
 August, 
 
 September, 
 
 October, 
 
 November, 
 
 December, 
 
 
 
REV. T. RIDDELL ON THE BALANUS. 
 
 195 
 
 For the 
 Year. 
 
 Mean height 
 of Thermo- 
 meter. 
 
 Mean height 
 
 of B."ii-ometer 
 
 at 32« Fahr. 
 
 Menn point 
 of Deposi- 
 tion. 
 
 Mean rela- 
 tive Humi- 
 dity. 
 
 Quantity Of 
 Rain in 
 inches. 
 
 1835 
 1836 
 1837 
 1838 
 
 45.2 
 43.9 
 43.9 
 42.7 
 
 29.309 
 29.23S 
 29.351 
 29.246 
 
 38.5 
 40.0 
 41.4 
 39.2 
 
 818 
 883 
 926 
 895 
 
 32.56 
 37.21 
 31.82 
 36.83 
 
 Means. 
 
 43.9 
 
 29.2^6 
 
 39.8 880 34.6 
 
 Mean barometric height at the level ) ., t t <i- i- 
 
 of the sea^29.82 inches, ) ° 
 
 Log. 29.286 =1.4667 
 
 .0078 
 
 1000.0. 
 
 Height of the place of observation must be , 
 somewhere about ' 
 
 78 fathoms, or 468 ft. 
 
 On the Metamorphosis of the Balnniis ptmctafus of Montagu. By the 
 Eev. T. EiDDELL, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. 
 
 Among all the facts recently brought to light in Animal History, 
 there is, perhaps, none more wonderful than the discovery made by 
 Mr Vaughan Thompson, and published in his Zoological Researches, 
 respecting the transformation of the Balani. An account of Mr T.'s 
 observations, together with a statement of the opinions of several 
 eminent naturalists respecting the correctness of his views, may be 
 found in the Penny Cyclopaedia, Art. Cirripeda. That an animal 
 should be furnished, in the first stage of its existence, with organs of 
 motion and swim about freely like a shrimp, and afterwards become 
 immovably fixed to a rock and clothed with a hard stony shell, seems 
 at first sight so highly improbable, that persons might be expected to 
 suspend their belief till the fact should be fully proved. 
 
 Having heard from Dr Johnston in the beginning of June that he 
 had found Balani in all their stages, near the mouth of the river at the 
 fishing bat opposite Spittal, I went down the first favourable day to 
 the place he had mentioned, and succeeded in obtaining several of the 
 animals in the earliest stage of their growth, as described by Mr 
 Thompson. They were spread in countless numbers over the stones, 
 but none of them were free ; all were found adhering, seemingly by a 
 short fine pedicle or stalk, to some object, either stone, shell, or sea- 
 
1^6 BEV. T. RIDDELL ON THE BALANUS. 
 
 Treed. In the course of the day (14th June) I sketched several figures 
 with pen and ink ; the annexed (Figs, a and h) are a side and back 
 view. Under a high magnifier the skin which covers the globules 
 (near the blunt end) has a granulated appearance. 
 
 On the following morning, when I examined the saucer containing 
 the animals, I was surprised to see some of the eggs (as I had supposed 
 them) moving swiftly about and swimming through the water. When I 
 had taken one out and placed it in a hollow glass under the microscope, 
 the rapidity of its movements was such as to prevent my examining 
 it ; shortly afterwards it was seen to move more leisurely along the 
 bottom of the glass, putting forth a sort of tongue which it fixed on the 
 glass in front of itself, and then retracted so as to draw itself forward* 
 My first thought was, this is evidently an entomostracous animal, a 
 C}^ris or something similar ; but having a small creature of that kind 
 (some species of cythera probably) under the microscope at the same 
 time, there appeared a marked difference between them, the limbs of 
 the latter being evidently much more perfect. 
 
 In the course of the day having obtained a loan of Mr Thomj)son's 
 work, I was enabled to compare his figures with my own observations. 
 
 Respecting Fig. 1, Plate IX. which is intended to represent the natu- 
 ral size of the young animal, it must be observed that this is fuU twice 
 as long as it ought to be, and more than twice as broad. This remark 
 is not so unimportant as it may at first appear. The size of the 
 young Balanus, as given by Mr T., has been alleged as a strong 
 argument against the correctness of his views, because perfect animals 
 are frequently found much smaller. Perhaps the enlargement of a 
 minute figure in the process of copying and engraving is not uncommon. 
 
 Fig. 2 represents an indentation at the top of the case, corresponding 
 to the cleft in the animal. This has not been observed either by Dr 
 Johnston or myself. 
 
 The annexed figure (Fig. c.) answers to Mr T.'s 3d figure. The 
 eye (Fig. 4.) I did not see ; of the tail I have only seen the two long 
 bristles, which are much longer than in Mr T.'s drawing. Fig. 6 I 
 have not been able to verify, but I have no reason to judge it other- 
 wise than correct. 
 
 As yet I have not been so fortunate as to ascertain the actual change 
 of the above animal into a Balanus ; but the circumstances of their 
 being found together, and the great similarity between the Balanus 
 
DR JOHNSTO:^ OX THE CEPHALOPODA OF BERTVaCKSHIRE. 197 
 
 clothed witli its first shell and the animal in question, tend very strongly 
 to confirm Mr Thompson's obsei'vations. It seems to me highly pro- 
 bable that, previous to the decisive change, the animal turns half 
 round in its case so as to be nearly at right angles to its former 
 position. 
 
 The organ by -which the young animal fijses itself is the fore-foot > 
 this part, therefore, is liable to be injured in detaching it ; and this 
 may be the reason why I only saw one fore-leg, though Mr Thompson 
 gives two in his figure. 
 
 May and June seem to be the months when the young Balani are 
 most numerous. Those who wish to observe the singular transforma- 
 tion should be on the watch at that time ; and it is certainly very 
 desirable to obtain as many and as complete observations as possible 
 on such an interesting subject of inquiry. 
 
 A Description of the CEPHALOV OB A ivhich inhabit the coast of 
 Berwiclishire. By Dr Johnston^. 
 
 CEPHALOPODA DIBEiVNCHIATA. 
 
 * Head surrounded with eight nearly equal arms. 
 
 1. Octopus. Body enclosed in a sub-globular sac, rounded at the 
 base, unfurnished with fins ; arms connected at their origins by a 
 broad membrane ; suckers sessile, toothless. 
 
 ** Head surrounded with eight arms and two long tentacula. 
 
 2. LoLiGO. Body enclosed in an elongated cylindraceous sac, pointed 
 at the base, and winged below, separate behind from the neck ; 
 suckers pedunculate, the rim strengthened with a horny denticulated 
 ring ; dorsal plate thin and horny. 
 
 3. Sepiola. Body enclosed in a short sac, rounded at the base, 
 furnished with rounded fins attached to the sides ; dorsal plate 
 horny, minute and very slender. 
 
 4. Sepia. Body enclosed in an oval sac rounded at the base, furnished 
 on each side throughout its whole length with a narrow fin, and 
 strengthened dorsally with a calcareous lamellated cellular oval 
 plate, lodged in a peculiar cavity ; suckers irregularly scattered, 
 with horny toothless margins. 
 
 1. Octopus. Lamarck. 
 
 1 . 0. ventricosus, scentless ; body ovate, smooth or granular, profusely 
 sprinkled with reddish-brown dots ; arms straight, taper, longer 
 
198 DR JOHNSTON ON THE CEPHALOPODA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 than the body, winged ; suckers uniserial. Grant in Edin. New 
 Phil. Journal, January 1827, p. 311. Oct. octopodia, Flem. Brit. 
 Anim. 254. Sepia octopodia, Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. 116. tab. 30. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, frequent. 
 
 Body ovate, rounded at the base, contracted below the eyes, smooth or rather 
 minutely granulated on the back, which is slightly convex, clouded, closely 
 sprinkled over with small reddish-brown dots ; sides rounded, lighter 
 coloured, dotted : belly flattened, bluish-white, also sprinkled with dots, 
 which, however, are larger, more distant, and arranged in almost regular 
 lines. The arms are fully one-half longer than the body, finely tapered, 
 connected together at their origin by a membrane which runs up the exterior 
 edge, giving it a winged aiDpearance ; the suckers are in a single row, large, 
 saucer-shaped, with a central hole crenulated on the rim, and the rim plaited 
 in a radiating manner ; towards the base of the arm they are larger and not 
 in contact, but they soon become approximate, and gradually lessening in size 
 they become very minute at the tips ; there are about 100 on each arm. 
 Eyes rather small, of a beautiful orange colour, resembling those of the toad, 
 often concealed by the skin being drawn over them ; the eyelids white, sil- 
 very, profusely dotted like the skin. Length of the body, in the largest 
 specimen M-e have seen, 6^ inches ; breadth 4 inches ; length of the arms 12i 
 inches. 
 
 Pennant confounded this species with the Octopus vulgaris, nor was it properly 
 distinguished and characterized until Dr Grant gave an excellent history of 
 it in the Journal quoted above. The specific name octopodia, even had it the 
 claim of priority, cannot be retained, since it is synonymous with the generic 
 one. 
 When at rest this octopod lies prone on his belly, the arms spread out in front 
 with their extremities disposed in spirals on the sides. It has in this position 
 considerable likeness to a toad, and often raising the back and head, its 
 aspect is really repulsive and threatening. The changes of colour fiom red- 
 dish-brown to a dull greyish-white, and frequently clouded or spotted with 
 different shades, are made with remarkable \elocity, and without any obvious 
 cause. The respiration is regular, and in one specimen of medium size, re- 
 spiration was performed eleven times in a minute, at each time a strong 
 current of water being propelled through the funnel, while water flowed in at 
 all sides of the sac in every inspiration. Sometimes the creature would sud- 
 denly expel from its funnel a stream of water with unusual force, and lance 
 it forth three or four feet. It moves quickly, and always retrograde, playing 
 its arms in a regulated graceful manner which no one can contemplate with- 
 out wonder in so grotesque a body and apparently so unapt for locomotion. 
 When it swims, the arms are all drawn together and lanced straight out from 
 the head in a column, the body being thus, by successive strokes, driven 
 backwards. Though our specimen was subjected to much irritation it did 
 not eject any of its inky fluid. 
 
 2. LoLiGO. Lamarck. 
 
 1 . L. vulgaris, the fins, together with the tail, forming a rhomboidal 
 expansion ; margin of the sac three-lobed ; dorsal -^Inie narrowed 
 anteriorly, the edges thin. Lam. Anim. s. Vert. \\\. 662. Flem. 
 Brit. Anim. 2.52. Sepia Loligo, Linn. Penn. Brit. Zool, iv. 115. 
 tab. 29. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, not uncommon. 
 
 Body subcylindrical, gradually tapered to the tail (which is drawn in by the fins 
 being continued round it), profusely sprinkled with small reddish-brown dots, 
 which are not perceptible about the mouth, on the inner surface of the ten- 
 
DR JOHNSTON ON THE CEPHALOPODA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 199 
 
 tacula, and on the under surface of the fins ; eyes large, without lids ; lips 
 plaited ; surrounding the mouth and attached to the. base of the arms, there 
 is a thin membrane with six angles, produced and armed in the central aspect 
 with very small suckers ; suckers of the arms biserial, of the tentacula quad- 
 riserial, and placed only on the enlarged tips ; sac trilobate ; dorsal plate 
 large, like a pen, the shaft being towards the head. Length of the body six- 
 teen inches, of the tentacula fourteen, of the arms about six, but they are un- 
 equal, and some of them do not exceed four, of the bone fourteen and a half 
 inches. Makes an excellent bait for cod, but does not occur in sufficient 
 numbers to be used by our fishermen. The ink is jet black. I have found 
 the beaks of a small individual in the stomach of a large one, so that it cer- 
 tainly feeds occasioniilly on its own race. 
 
 2. Z. sagittata, the fins, with the tcail, forming a triangular expansion; 
 margin of the sac even ; dorsal plate narrow, three-ribbed, widest 
 at the apex and lanceolate, the inferior end saccate. Lam. Anim. s. 
 Vert. vii. 663. Flem. Brit. Anim. 253. Sepia Loligo, Monro Phy. of 
 Fishes, 62. tab 41 and 42. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay. 
 
 This is commonly less than the preceding, and, from the shape and position of the 
 fins, the outline of the body is considerably different. The sac is smooth, 
 cylindraceOLis, tapered to a point below, the upper margin free, even or only 
 obscurely pointed in the middle of the back. The dorsal j^late is thin, narrow, 
 strengthened with a rib down the centre and a stronger one along each mar- 
 gin, widest and lanceolate at the top, whence it gradually grows narrower 
 until within an inch or so of the end, whore the ribs seem to unite in one, and 
 the plate is again dilated and formed into a pouch at the termination. The 
 lip encircling the beaks is furnished with numerous suctorial papillae ; and the 
 membrane at the base of the arms is more or less distinctly divided into eight 
 angular pointed segments. Arms unequal in size, tapered, straight, with two 
 rows of suckers ; tentacula as long as the body, covered with suckers to 
 within an inch and a half of their origins, but at first tlie suckers are very 
 small, and become suddenly larger towards the extremities ; all of them hang 
 from a short peduncle that has a lateral insertion, and small suckers, on 
 longer peduncles, are intermixed with the larger ; these are cnp-like, and 
 have the margin armed with a horny denticulated ring. The ink is of a 
 blackish-brown colour, or dark olive-gi-een. The stomach of a large specimen 
 I found filled with fragments of Alaria esculenta, on which the ci'eature had 
 been feeding when taken, for pieces of the same were found between the beaks 
 half swallowed. It appears, therefore, that this species feeds occasionally at 
 least on sea-weed. 
 
 3. Sepiola. Leach. 
 
 1 . 8. vulgaris, suckers in two alternate rows ; tentacula without suc- 
 kers. Grant in Trans. Zool. Soc. i. 77. tab. 11. fig. 3 — 13. Sepiole 
 commune, Cuv. Eeg. Anim. iii. 15. Loligo sepiola. Lam. Anim. s. 
 Vert. vii. 664. i^/^w. Brit. Anim. 253. Sepia sepiola, Z«Vm. Penn. 
 Brit. Zool. iv. 117. tab. 31. fig. 2. 
 
 Hob. Berwick Bay, very rare. 
 
 Body one inch long, smooth, irregularly and closely spotted with red and brown, 
 and the spots appear and disappear at the animal's pleasure, assuming various 
 forms ; head large ; eyes large, without lids ; iris black, the conjunctiva 
 white ; suckers biserial ; the arms unequal ; tentacula as long as the body, 
 
200 ON THE NESTS OF THE FIFTEEN- SPINED STICKLEBACK. 
 
 filiform, slightly dilated at tho tips ; fins small, rounded subdorsal, and 
 reflected backwards ; funnel white. Although kept alive, in a basin of sea 
 water, for about twelve hours, and repeatedly irritated, it never ejected any 
 inky fluid, with which it is nevertheless amply provided. I have taken a 
 perfect specimen from the stomach of the Lythe. 
 
 4. Sepia. Linn^us. 
 
 1. S. officinalis, " body smooth. ; feet as long as the body ; dorsal plate 
 elliptical." Linn. Fenn. Brit. Zool. iv. 117. Flem. Brit. Anim. 
 252. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay ? 
 
 The cuttle-fish itself I have never seen, but its dorsal plate is frequently cast on 
 our shore, more particularly on Holy Island, and as it is little injured, even 
 the thin membranous border being generally entire, it seems evident that it 
 cannot have been brought from a distance by the tides, and is probably the 
 remains of native individuals. (For a description of this singular jDroduction, 
 reference may be made to Cuvier's admirable work " Sur les Mollusques," 
 Mem. i. p. 47 ; to Dr Fleming's Philosophy of Zoology, vol. ii. p. 436 ; or to 
 the Magazine of Natural History, vol. v. p. 612.) 
 
 On the JVesfs of the Fifteen-spinecl Sticldehach, or Gasterosteus spinachia 
 
 of Linnceus. 
 
 In an early volume of the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, there is 
 a slight notice of fishes' nests found on the coast of Berwickshire by 
 Admiral Milne, but the species of fish by whom they are constructed is 
 not mentioned. Mr Duncan of Eyemouth has ascertained that they be- 
 long to the Fifteen-spined Stickleback, — a fact confirmed by the Eev. 
 Mr Turnbull, to whom the Club is indebted for specimens. 
 
 These nests are to be found in spring and summer on several parts 
 of our coast, in rocky and weedy pools between tide-marks. They oc- 
 cur occasionally near Berwick, but seem to be more common near Eye- 
 mouth and Coldingham. They are about eight inches in length, and 
 of an elliptical form or pear-shaped, formed by matting together the 
 branches of some common Fucus, as for example, of the Pucus nodosus, 
 with various confervse, ulvte, the smaller florideae, and corallines. 
 These are all tied together in one confused compact mass by means of 
 a thread run through, and around, and amongst them in every con- 
 ceivable direction. The thread is of great length, as fine as ordinary 
 silk, tough, and somewhat elastic ; whitish, and formed of some album- 
 inous secretion. The eggs are laid in the middle of this nest in several 
 irregular masses of about an inch in diameter, each consisting of many 
 hundred ova, which are of the size of ordinary shot, and of a whitish or 
 amber colour according to their degree of maturity. The farther ad- 
 vanced are marked with two round black spots, which are discovered 
 by the microscope to be the eyes of the embryo, at this period dispropor- 
 
ON THE NESTS OF THE FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 201 
 
 tionally large and developed. Masses of eggs, in different stages of 
 their evolution, are met with, in the same nest. It is evident that the 
 fish must first deposit its spawn amid the growing fucus, and afterwards 
 gather its branches together around the eggs, weaving and incorpor- 
 ating at the same time all the rubbish that is lying or floating around 
 the nucleus. 
 
 For the safety of its nest and spawn, the fish is apparently very 
 anxious for a time. Some individuals were watched, by Mr Duncan 
 and the Rev. Mr TurnbuU, for some weeks, and it was observed that 
 the same fish was always in attendance upon its own nest. During 
 the time of hope and expectation, they become fearless, and will allow 
 themselves to be taken up by the hand repeatedly. There can be no 
 doubt that their object in remaining near the nest is to guard it 
 against the attacks of such animals as might feel inclined to prey upon 
 its contents. 
 
 Note. — Since the preceding notice was read to the Club, the 2d 
 volume of Mr Swainson's Natural History of Fishes, &c. has been 
 published : and I find that in it these nests are said to be constructed 
 by the Gobies, on the authority of Olivi. The question is worth further 
 inquiry ; but on mentioning this statement of Olivi's to Mr Maclaurin 
 of Coldingham, he assured me that he had seen and watched the 
 stickleback in the act of making the nests we have just described, 
 
 a. J. 
 
 Note on Dr Douglas's paper on the Cessation of the Floio of the River 
 
 Teviot. 
 
 The drying up of the northern rivers in 1748, is similarly accounted 
 for in the Gentleman's Magazine for April, p. 152, by a correspondent 
 at Carlisle. He says, " although the snows of February were heaped 
 on the mountains, by strong winds, intensely cold, yet there was a 
 groimd thaw in the plains. This constant drift of snow on the 
 mountains, and intense cold of the air, consolidated the flakes in their 
 descent " (meaning, I suppose, as they floated down on the surface of 
 the water), " and a long succession of these congealed every standing 
 pool, or mill-dam in the channel, to the bottom. So that the inter- 
 mediate channel became dry. 
 
 "The different courses of the freezing air, and the situation of the 
 mountains, with respect to the several rivers, were the cause why this 
 circumstance did not happen to all on the same day. And that several 
 adjoining rivers did not freeze must be attributed to their running 
 through a more level, and, therefore, a warmer country ; and for the 
 same reason some parts of the Esk might have little ice, as it is not all 
 Burrounded by moujitains." T. B. 
 
( 202 ) 
 
 Notice of a curious Aquatic Larva, found in a Water Jag at Twizell, 6th 
 March, 1839. By P. J. Selby, Esq. of Twizell-House. 
 
 In length, it measures about three lines, and is of a peculiar shape, 
 being anteriorly slender, and bidging posteriorly into an oval or flask- 
 shape. The posterior extremity is furnished with a small central 
 sucker, and three lateral fleshy protuberances, which also act as suck- 
 ers, and by means of which it adheres to the glass or sides of any 
 vessel in which it is placed ; it also possesses two fleshy tubercles or 
 pro-legs on the convex surface of the first segment ; and its mode of 
 progression is something similar to that of the geometrical caterpillars, 
 as, when wanting to change its situation, it extends its body to its full 
 length, and then &xes its anterior legs, after which it draws up the 
 hinder part of its body to where they are placed, and securing itself 
 by the suckers, thus advances by alternate movements, each step 
 covering a space nearly the length of the whole body. The head is 
 of a square form and large, and the eyes, which are black, are situ- 
 ated towards the margin of the hinder angle. On the forehead, two 
 pellucid bristle-like antennae are visible, and the mouth is furnished 
 with a curious apparatus, the parts of which, however, are too small 
 and delicate to be distinctly made out, without the aid of the micros- 
 cope. Under a considerable power, these parts exhibit a beautiful 
 and highly-curious conformation ; but are admirably adapted to its 
 mode of life and predacious habits in this its larva state. To convey 
 an accurate idea of these cibarian instruments by verbal description, is 
 almost impossible ; for, to be properly understood, they ought to be 
 seen in action, and under the power of a high magnifier. The 
 following description, however, may serve to give some general 
 notion of their structure and mode of action : — On each side of the 
 superior part of the mouth, and below the insertion of the antennse, 
 an instrument (which I take to be one of the palpi), of extraordinary 
 configuration, and which, when fully developed, and the animal is 
 engaged in search of prey, projects to a distance on each side of 
 the head or face : the basal part of this instrument is composed of 
 a large and powerful clavate-shaped joint, the apex of a number 
 of bristles, or rather fine laminae, which diverge or open like a fan ; 
 only, that being bent, they form, when thus expanded, a concave 
 or hollow trap. These vibrissse, — except in so far aa the whole 
 of the apparatus can be opened or shut, or placed in a state of 
 rest over the mouth, — possess no vibratory motion, nor do they 
 appear to be furnished with ciliee ; but to produce a current, and 
 bring the animalcule upon which the larva feeds within the vortex 
 of this curious and delicate trap, two other members of the mouth, 
 and which I consider to be the mandibles, are constantly engaged 
 in alternately catching at a small projection, which is placed 
 
CASE OF ANDREW MITCHELL. 203 
 
 Upon the upper part of the large joint of the extended palpus. This 
 catching, or sudden jerk, gives to the delicate hairs or laminse a rapid 
 motion, and creates a current, by which its prey is brought within the 
 concavity they form. The mandibles above mentioned are stout, and 
 furnished with a small hook at the end, which catches at each move- 
 ment the projection u,pon the palpi above noticed. The moment an 
 animalcula touches the internal surface of the vibrissse, they close upon 
 it, and it is forthwith conveyed to the mouth and devoured. When at 
 rest, the fan-like portions of the palpi are folded, and brought into 
 contact or alongside the basal joint, in which position they cover the 
 upper part of the mouth. The body of the creature is pellucid and 
 diaphanous ; and the internal parts are plainly visible through the in- 
 teguments. One of the most striking peculiarities of this animal is the 
 mode in which the motion is communicated to the fan-like process of 
 the palpi, in order to create a current ; for in this instance, it is not 
 effected by the movement of the hairs themselves, nor by the rapid 
 motion of ciliae attached to them, as is seen in various Crustacea and 
 other insects, but by the mechanical intervention of another oral 
 instrument. The animal was kept for some time in a glass of water, 
 but died before undergoing a metamoi'phosis. 
 
 Case of Andrew Mitchell, aged ten years, son of Robert Mitchell of North 
 Charlton, in the parish of ElU^igham, Northumberland, Shepherd, and 
 Ann his Wife. 
 
 Fkom about the 1st of March 1839, the patient complained of pains 
 in the head, particularly on each side above the ears, and of what he 
 termed "gumbles," which shifted to different parts of his head; and 
 expressed his belief of something moving about in his head. These 
 pains and/ee/s continued and increased till between nine and ten of the 
 night of the 14th June following, when, whilst patient was in bed, an 
 insect, as hereafter described, was discharged from his left nostril. 
 Some blood followed on the day after the discharge of the insect. 
 
 The pains and feels continued with some interruptions till between 
 five and six p. m. of July 5. following, when, whilst patient was sitting 
 in the cottage, a second insect, exactly similar to that above mentioned, 
 was discharged from the same nostril. For the first fortnight after 
 this second insect was discharged, the pains in the head, particu- 
 larly on the sides of the face above the ears, were very severe and 
 distracting. 
 
 A third discharge of a similar bu.t somewhat smaller insect took place 
 on Saturday the 10th of August, while the patient was playing with 
 other children in an out-house, being exactly five weeks and a day 
 from the discharge of the second. A slight discharge of a tough 
 
204 CASE OF ANDREW MITCHELL. 
 
 mucus, sometimes tinged with blood, takes place occasionally from tlie 
 o^iposite nostril from that from which the three insects have been dis- 
 charged. All the insects proceeded from the same nostril. 
 
 August 24. 1839. — Great discharge of blood, followed by much pain 
 at night. 
 
 Septemher 2. 1839. — Painful at times, with lumpy discharge. The 
 pain has been for the most part on the left side of the face until a 
 mercurial plaster was put there, when it partially shifted to the right 
 side, " Gumbles " are felt in the head when he runs or takes any 
 sharp exercise. 
 
 He is supposed to find some relief from sweet-oil dropped into the 
 ear, as he frequently desires this to be done. 
 
 On the sixth of September the boy was brought to Twizell by his 
 mother, and their statements tallied in every respect with the written 
 account produced, and furnished by the Eev. Mr Perigal of Ellingham. 
 The boy still continues to feel unpleasant sensations in the left side of 
 the head behind the temporal region, and he complained much this 
 morning after taking some quick exercise, of the pains in the head and 
 left ear, and of the "ywwiJ/es," or peculiar sensations already noticed, 
 from which symptoms, it would apj)ear, that some larvce exist in the 
 passages or ethmoid cells. The larvae excluded, two of which I ex- 
 amined (and one is now produced), are evidently those of a coleopterous 
 insect, and they approach very closely to the figure of that of Blaps 
 mortisaga in Westwood's Insects. Oases are upon record of vast 
 numbers of the larvse of this beetle, as well as the pupa, and, in one 
 or two instances, the imago, having been ejected from the stomach. 
 (See Westwood, who mentions one case of an Irish woman, supposed 
 to have originated from drinking daily water mixed with earth from 
 the graves of two Roman Oatholic priests.) No case, however, similar 
 to the present, or where they have existed in the head or nasal 
 passages, is mentioned. The query is, How did the eggs or larvae get 
 there ? The boy appears to be in delicate health from the effects 
 produced by these insects, as, previous to this attack, he was quite 
 healthy and strong. He has never felt any uneasy sensation in the 
 stomach, or any other part, the head alone having been affected. 
 
 P. J. S. 
 
 P. S. Wohlfahrt has written a paper with the title " De vermibus 
 per nares excretis." A scolopendra has been found in the frontal 
 sinus, and in the nostrils. Kilgour gives a case of larvce in the nose 
 destroyed bj' infusion of tobacco ; Heysham another of a larva in the 
 antrum maxillare. Mr Olark supposes, without sufiicient reason, that 
 in these cases the larvae were those of an oestrus. See Young's Med. 
 Literature, p. 418 ; and Lin. Trans, iii, p. 323. Gr. J. 
 
( 205 ) 
 
 Notice of Myliobatis aquila of Cuvier, or Eagle Ray of Tarrell, 
 ly Dr Johnston. 
 
 "Mr Trayis, surgeon at Scarborough," says Pennant, "liad, in the 
 summer of 1769, the tail of a ray brought to him by a fisherman of 
 that town ; he had taken it in the sea off the coast, but flung away the 
 body." To what species this tail belonged has never been satisfact- 
 orily determined. Pennant himself believed it to belong to the species 
 called by the Brazilians laberete, but the editor of the edition of his 
 work published in 1812, referred it to the Eaia aquila of Linnaeus, 
 which is said to be a native of the Mediterranean. Dr Turton omitted 
 it in his catalogue of the British Fauna ; and in the works of Dr Plem- 
 ing, and of Messrs Jenyns and Yarrell, it stands among the doubtful 
 or undetermined species, the two latter expressing a belief that the 
 tail might be referred to the Raia Griorna, with as much probability as 
 to E. aquila ; and, consequently, Mr Yarrell has given a figure of both 
 these species to enable future inquirers the more readily to determine the 
 question, should an opportunity occur to any of his readers of doing so. 
 
 Aware of these particulars, it was, with no ordinary delight, that I 
 received a perfect specimen of the Raia aquila, on Wednesday last 
 (September 11), which had been found that morning on the shore of 
 our bay near Spittal. It was quite fresh, and in fine preservation ; 
 and proves, as I think, that the conjecture of Mr Travis's fish being 
 the aquila is perfectly correct. There is, at all events, now no doubt 
 that this species is a native of our seas. 
 
 The following is a description of my specimen. Body rhomboidal, 
 expanded laterally, flat, thickish, and raised in the middle, which 
 gradually passes into the thin sides or fins, of a uniform dusky olive- 
 green colour, smooth and even. Head depressed, with a square vertex, 
 or we may compare it to the figure of a horse's hoof, having an oblong 
 space in the centre that represents the hollow part of the hoof ; the 
 front suddenly lowered, round and entire. Eyes lateral, wide apart, 
 roundish, dark grey, overhung by a bony ridge. Behind them there 
 is a large elliptical hole leading to the gills. There is a series of 
 punctures on each side of the head, becoming most distinct and visible 
 on the occiput. Each fin forms a wide triangle with entire plain 
 margins. Posterior fins square, and very small proportionably. Tail 
 once and a half as long as the body, flagelliform, tapering to a point, 
 quadrangular, smooth, furnished with a small fin within two inches 
 of its root, and immediately under this fin the aculeus or string is pro- 
 truded, which is upwards of three inches in length, linear-lanceolate, 
 long, serrated on both sides, the serratures reflected. Yentral siu"face 
 whitish, duskier at the sides, smooth. Teeth transverse, linear-oblong, 
 with a small open piece between the ends of every pair on each side. 
 
 Extreme breadth 21 inches. From the snout to the insertion of the 
 tail 13 inches. Length of the tail 21^ inches. 
 
( 206 ) 
 
 Contributions to the Flora of Berwickshire. 
 By Mr Jakes Hardy. 
 
 1. HiPPtrais VULQAEI8. In a moss on the farm of Redheugh, called 
 
 Penmanshiel Moss. 
 
 2. Veronica scutellata. Marshes on Penmanshiel Moor ; Bowshiel 
 Dean ; by the side of the water Eye ; above and below Blackburn 
 MiU. 
 
 3. Veronica Anagallis. Marshes near Blackburn Mill. 
 
 4. Veronica officinalis. A dwarf variety with flesh-coloured flowers ; 
 
 on dry rocks in Winden Dean. Under the shade of fir trees the 
 flowers of the plant are almost white. 
 
 5. Utricularia minor. In old peat pits in Penmanshiel Moss and 
 
 Langstruther Bog, abundant. 
 
 6. SciRPUs sETACEUs. Plashy spot in Akieside ; on Ewieside ; and on 
 the farm of Penmanshiel. 
 
 7. Eleocharis pauciflora. Langstruther and Braid Bogs, and Ewie- 
 
 side, abundant. 
 
 8. Eleocharis c^spiTOSA. One plant viviparous ; Penmanshiel Moor. 
 
 9. IsoLEPis FLUITANS. In deep pools in Penmanshiel Moss-Burn. 
 
 10. Ammophila arttndinacea. Sea-shore at the foot of the Pease 
 
 Burn. 
 
 11. Melic A NUTANS. G-rows along with M. uniflora ; in two or three 
 tufts near each other on a cliff overlooking the small rivulet that 
 intersects the wooded dean of Blackburn-rigg. 
 
 12. Glyceria maritima. Between the Cove shore and Dunglass burn; 
 on the sea banks near Pastcastle ; growing from the dung of sea 
 fowl, by whom it has been introduced. 
 
 13. Festuca ovina, var. vivipara. A single panicle of a plant in this 
 state, the other stalks having brought seeds to perfection, occurred 
 in an upland field on the farm of Blackburn. 
 
 14. Festuca elatior. Inland in the Pease and Tower Deans ; in 
 
 Winden Dean; Braid Bog; and by the side of the water Eye, 
 above Butterdean Mill. 
 
 15. Bromus qiganteus. Pease and Cockburnspath Tower Deans ; 
 
 deans in Penmanshiel Wood ; Eed Clues Cleugh ; Blackburn-rigg- 
 dean, abundant. This plant appeal's to connect the genera Festuca 
 and Bromus. The awn is inserted above the bifid point, as in 
 Festuca, not below it, as some authors state. In the most common 
 state of the plant, the number of florets in the spike varies from 
 three to four, with one rudimentary floret. Very luxuriant 
 specimens have eight perfect florets. 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 207 
 
 16. Bromus racemosus. Fields at Penmansliiel, and near the Cove. 
 
 The spikes frequently bear stiff, appressed bristles. 
 
 17. Triticum caninum. Cockburnspath Tower Dean. Joints, and 
 
 the cidni a little below them, hairy. 
 
 18. Triticum Junceum. Shore at the foot of the Pease Burn; and 
 
 between the Cove shore and Dunglass burn. 
 
 19. Scabiosa succisa. On the sea banks between Dowlaw and Eed- 
 heugh (the rock being greywacke), this plant is remarkably 
 luxui'iant, the foliage of a light-green hue, and almost always 
 glabrous ; while the claw of the florets is more developed than in 
 the usual state of the plants. On red sandstone rocks, in a similar 
 situation, the plant is ordinarily luxuriant, the light-green colour 
 of the leaves is retained, but the pubescence is resumed. 
 
 20. Galium falustre var. B. Witiieringii. In bogs on Penmanshiel 
 Moor, and in Bowshiel Dean, passing into the common state of the 
 plant. I have met with only one specimen of Gr. palustre having 
 the stems smooth. 
 
 21. Galium uliginosum. Bogs in Penmanshiel Moor; and on the 
 Lammermuirs. 
 
 22. Plantago coeonopus ; a variety with the leaves and scapes very 
 hispid, and almost hoary. On rocks between the Cove shore, and 
 the Pease burn. 
 
 23. Potamogeton compressus. Large pool in Penmanshiel Moss. 
 
 24. Sagina apetala. Foot of Dunglass Dean. 
 
 25. LiTHosPERMUM MARiTiMUM. In Considerable abundance among 
 the shingle, on a low part of the shore between Dowlaw and Eed- 
 heugh. 
 
 26. Cynoglossum officinale. Sea-banks at the mouth of Lumsden 
 Dean. 
 
 27. Primula vulgaris. Variety with pink flowers. In the Pease 
 Dean. Varieties at times occur having the flowers edged or 
 blotched with pink. 
 
 28. Primula veris. Only two plants met with in Penmanshiel "Wood. 
 
 29. SoLANUM DULCAMARA, Side of the Peaseburn, in a haugh, at the 
 foot of Penmanshiel Wood. 
 
 30. Viola lutea. Hill above Ecklaw. 
 
 31. Gentiana oampestris. Old pastures above Blackburn mill ; in 
 
 Edmonsdean : on Coldingham Moor, near Penmanshiel Moss, in 
 a spot that has at some former period been cultivated. 
 
 32. Helosciadium inundatum. In the burns on Penmanshiel Moor ; 
 in Bowshiel Dean ; and by the side of the water Eye, above and 
 below Blackbiu-n Mill. 
 
 33. Viburnum opulus. Sisterpath Dean, below Penmanshiel onstead ; 
 
 Harelawside "Wood ; Blackburn-rigg-dean ; and Winden Dean. 
 
208 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 34. Peplis portula. In a pool, and by the side of a ditch, in Lang- 
 
 struther Bog. 
 
 35. JuNCUs coENOsus. In a marsh, within the sea-mark, between the 
 Cove shore and Dunglass burn, growing along with Glaux mari- 
 tima, &c. 
 
 36. EuMEx CRISPUS. When the plant is littoral, as along the sea-shores 
 
 of the parish of Cockburnspath, and in the chinks of greywacke 
 rocks near Redheugh, there is a large tubercle on each petal ; 
 while the plants growing on the sea-banks, and inland, have 
 generally only one perfect tubercle. 
 
 37. Trientalis europ^a. About ten years ago there was a station 
 for this elegant plant on Penmanshiel Moor, but it has been 
 ploughed up. About two years ago, I found a small patch of it 
 on Ooldingham Moor, between Oldcambus Moss, and the Drone 
 Moss. This year I have found it in a very large patch, and 
 scattered in another place, under fir-trees in Blackburn-rigg 
 Wood. It also occurs on the boggy moor adjacent to the wood. 
 
 38. Epilobium angustifolium. Exceedingly abundant on the sea- 
 
 banks between Eedheugh and Dowlaw. 
 
 39. Polygonum lapathifolium. Not uncommon near Penmanshiel, 
 
 and Cockburnspath Tower. 
 
 40. Adoxa moschatellina. In Sisterpath Dean, below Penmanshiel 
 
 onstead : abundant by the side of the Pease burn, above and below 
 the forester's house. 
 
 41. Pyrola MEDIA. Eed Clues Cleugh; Blackburn-rigg-dean; Birchy- 
 
 bank, and Kitchen Cleugh. Also on the moors near Dowlaw, but 
 never in flower. This plant flowers in its greatest beauty under 
 long heather. 
 
 42. Pyrola minor. In Blackburn-rigg Wood, perhaps introduced, 
 this being a wood of recent date. It abounds under fir-trees, in 
 the older parts of the wood, which have once been ploughed. In 
 the newer parts where it is rarer, it prefers a similar situation ; 
 being never found where the shade has not yet extirpated the 
 aboriginal plants (Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, &c.) In 
 the newer parts of the wood the occurrence of Hieracium syl- 
 VATicuM is diminished or increased in dependence on similar 
 circumstances. 
 
 43. Chrysosplenium alternifolium. Sisterpath Dean ; side of the 
 Pease burn, above the forester's house ; abundant in Blackburn- 
 rigg-dean. 
 
 44. DiANTHUs deltoides. Sea-bank near the foot of Dunglass Dean. 
 
 45. Arenaria verna. Sea-bank between Dowlaw and Eedheugh. 
 
 46. Sedum villosum. Langstruther Bog ; Greenside Hill ; Pease 
 Bridge Woods. 
 
 47. Lychnis diurna. A variety with a white flower occurs in Lums- 
 
CONTRIBTJTIONS TO THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 209 
 
 den Dean, and in Edmond's or Edmer's Dean. This state of the 
 plant may have led to the confounding of L. diurna Avith L. 
 
 VESPERTINA. 
 
 48. Cerastium atrovirens. Plentifully on rocks near the sea-shore, 
 betweed Eedheug-h and Fastcastle. 
 
 49. Cerastidm arvense. Eield at Penmanshiel ; and on the farm of 
 Eedheugh. 
 
 50. Spergula subulata. Old road-sides on Penmanshiel Moor. 
 
 51. Prunus Padus. Eed Clues Cleugh, and Bowsheil Dean. 
 
 52. Prunus cerasus. Pease dean, probably planted; in course of being 
 introduced by birds into Blackburn-rigg AVood. 
 
 53. EosA spiNosissiMA. A variety with rose-coloured or pink flowers, 
 the flower-stalks hispid, and the leaflets obovato-retuse, grows 
 among whins in Bowshiel Dean. \_Rosa Ciphiana of Sir E. 
 
 SiBBALD.] 
 
 54. EuBus suberectus. Blackburn-rigg Dean, tolerably abundant • 
 
 Birchybank, Penmanshiel AVood, and Akieside, sparingly. 
 
 55. EuBUS c^sius. Sea-banks between Eedheugh and Dowlaw 
 advancing among the shingle, even to high- water mark, and then 
 of the same size as E. saxatilis. 
 
 56. EuBus saxatilis. Plentiful in Blackburn-rigg Dean, on the 
 north side ; sparingly in a shady ravine in Bowshiel Dean. 
 
 57. Pap AVER dcjbium. Apparently the commonest species in the corn- 
 fields in the parish of Cockburnspath. 
 
 58. Thalictrum jiajus. In shady situations on the rocks between 
 
 Eedheugh and Dowlaw. 
 
 59. Trollius europ^us. Moor near Penmanshiel Moss ; Howpark 
 
 Dean ; Blackburn-rigg-dean. 
 
 60. Stachys ambigua. Side of the Pease burn, near the foot of Grlen- 
 
 fyn Dean. 
 
 61. Pruxella vulgaris, a dwarf variety with white flowers, and 
 the spikes of a green colour, occurs in barren marshy spots, in a 
 field near Blackburn-rigg AVood. A^arieties with pink flowers are 
 not rare. 
 
 62. Scutellaria galericulata. Side of the Pease burn, in a haugh 
 
 at the foot of Penmanshiel AVood. 
 
 63. Dlgitalis purpurea. AVith white flowers on Ewieside, in the 
 
 Pease dean, and on Penmanshiel Moor. 
 
 64. Lepidium campestre. In Lumsden Dean. 
 
 65. CocHLEARiA DANicA. On the sea-banks between Dowlaw and 
 Eedheugh, tolerably abundant. Flowers purjjlish. 
 
 66. Camelina sativa. A single plant among corn at Penmanshiel. 
 
 67. Cardamine sylvatica. Kitchen Cleugh; Bowshiel Dean; and 
 Blackbui-n-rigg Dean. Frequent. 
 
&10 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FLORA OF BER-W10K8HIRE. 
 
 68. Cardamine amara. Pease burn, above the forester's house , 
 Blackburn-rigg-dean. 
 
 69. Arabis traliana. Sea-banks near Eedheugh. 
 
 70. Geranium sanguineum. Sea-banks behind Biirnmouth. 
 72. Geranium columbinum. In a field near Penmanshiel. 
 
 72. Orobus tuberosus, var. /S tenuifolius. Penmanshiel "Wood and 
 Moor ; in Blackburn-rigg "Wood. On the sea-banks the leaflets 
 of this plant are remarkably broad. 
 
 73. YiciA SYLVATicA. Red Clues Cleugh, very abundant on the north- 
 ern exposure ; deans in Penmanshiel Wood ; abundant below the 
 forester's house. 
 
 74. ViciA LATHYRoiDEs. Poot of Duuglass-deau. 
 
 75. Astragalus glycyphyllus. On the sea-banks at the Ewelairs ; 
 
 between the foot of the Pease burn and the Cove shore. 
 
 76. Trifolium arvense. Pease-dean ; Siccar-Point ; near the Cove 
 
 shore ; on greywacke rocks on the sea-banks below Dowlaw. 
 
 77. Hypericum humifusum. Fields on the farms of Penmanshiel and 
 Butterdean. 
 
 78. SoA^CHUS oleracetis. a peculiarly marked variety of this plant 
 occurs in the vicinity of the sea along the coast of Berwickshire, 
 It is characterized by having the flower-stalks very downy when 
 young ; involucre usually bearing a number of glands ; leaves 
 lyrato-pinnatifid, the terminal lobe angled and largest, generally 
 destitute of spines ; of a glaucous-green colour ; in texture thin 
 and flexible ; achenia minutely wrinkled. In rocks near Ped- 
 heugh, this variety is almost stemless, and the leaves spread 
 around the root in the manner of a star. This plant is the var. |S 
 of Smith, Eng. Plor. and var. y of Koch Flor. Germ. For the 
 synonyms I am indebted to the kindness of Dr Johnston. 
 
 79. Leontodon Taraxacum, with the leaves hispid on both surfaces ; 
 
 on the sea banks near Dowlaw. 
 
 80. Hieracium molle. Blackburn-rigg-dean, on the north bank, rare. 
 
 81. CiCHORiUM Intybus. Fields at Penmanshiel. 
 
 82. Carduus nutans. In a field near Blackburn-rigg Wood, 
 
 abundant but local. The musky smell appears to reside most 
 powerfully on the under surface of the leaves. 
 
 83. Cnicus hetehophyllus. In mai'shy spots on the top of the sea 
 banks between Pedheugh and Dowlaw. The leaves of this species 
 emit a strong musky smell. 
 
 84. Senecio vrscosu^s. Very abundant in Glen-Fyn-dean, on the 
 southern exposure ; rare and dwarf on the northern exposure ; in 
 the Pease dean, and at Pedheugh shore. 
 
 85. Senecio Jacob^ea. A variety without the ray, grows by the side 
 of the Pease burn, above the forester's house. 
 
( 211 ) 
 
 Ail Address to the Berwichshire Naturalists' Club. By the Rev. Thomas 
 E.IDDELL, President, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, 
 {Read at the Anniversary Meeting held at Holy Island, September 
 29, 1840.) 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 The meetings of our Club have always been marked with, so much 
 that is delightful at the time, and agreeable in retrospect, that you 
 will readily believe me when I express my regret that I am prevented 
 by engagements at a distance from attending and addressing you in 
 person, when resigning the office in which your kindness has placed 
 me. 
 
 It may be remarked, in reference to the pleasure we have enjoyed 
 in our periodical excursions, that we have very seldom found the wea- 
 ther so unfavourable as to prevent us from sallying forth and obtaining 
 some reward for our exertions. As the days of meetings are fixed 
 long beforehand, this strongly attests the great preponderance of 
 favourable weather in our part of the island — a circumstance which 
 persons are not generally inclined to admit till it be thus forced on 
 their conviction. I proceed to the minutes of our transactions during 
 the past year. 
 
 The Anniversary was held at Milfield (18th September), and was 
 well attended. Present, Rev. T. Knight, President, Mr Selby, Mr 
 Darling, Drs Johnston, Clarke, and F. Douglas, Eev. Messrs J. Baird, 
 H. Parker, and T. Eiddell; and Rev. H. S. Templeton, a visitor. 
 For several days previous the weather liad been very showery, and 
 remarkably cold for the season. On Saturday and Sunday the 14th 
 and 15th, a very great quantity of rain fell, accompanied by an east- 
 erly wind. On the 15th, all the rivers and streams in the country 
 were swollen much beyond their usual bounds. In many places the 
 banks were overflowed, and the water rushed with great impetuosity 
 over the haugh lands, and did much damage by sweeping away entire 
 fields of corn in some places, and in cutting up and otherwise destroy- 
 ing the pastures in others. The new bridge in progress of erection 
 near Norham was carried away by the weight of the water and of corn 
 pressing upon it, while the centering was still standing. This circum- 
 stance will serve to distinguish the flood in the memory of the 
 neighbouring inhabitants for many years to come. The 18th was not 
 very favourable for the pursuit of objects of natural history. The 
 weather was showery, but at intervals the sun shone brightly. Few 
 or no insects were on the wing ; most of the wild flowers had ceased 
 to blow ; and nothing remarkable was observed among the feathered 
 tribes, with the exception of a redstart seen at a farm-onstead at a 
 short distance from Milfield village. The party directed their course 
 
212 EEV. THOMAS KIDDELL's ADDEESS. 
 
 along the liigli road as far as Akeld Bridge, where they ascended a deep 
 wooded ravine, abounding with mosses and fungi. In consequence of 
 the wetness of the season, the latter were particularly abundant, and 
 a few rare ones were picked up. The members then ascended the 
 ridge of hills in the direction of Yevering Bell, where an extensive and 
 varied prosi3ect presented itself to our view. The spire of the Town 
 Hall of our good town of Berwick-upon-Tweed was descried in the 
 distance, and further westward Dunse and Dirrington Laws bounded 
 the landscape. The river Grlen winded through the vale at our feet, 
 and recalled to the mind the days of Edwin and Paulinus, when that 
 zealous bishop spent thirty-six entire days from morning to evening, 
 in instructing the Northumbrians, and baptizing converts in the river. 
 The names of Adgehrin, Mehnin, and Gleni, which are found in the 
 pages of Bede, leave no doubt of the locality of this interesting portion 
 of history ; though both Yevering and Milfield have long since ceased 
 to be abodes of royalty. 
 
 On Yevering Bell nothing was observed except a number of familiar 
 faces, with which the members had become acquainted on a former 
 visit. The remains of a circular entrenchment occupies the summit of 
 the hill, and fortifications seem likewise to have existed on some of the 
 neighbouring hills ; but the position of this circle on sloping ground 
 seems rather to mark a place of meeting, probably for worship or for 
 sacrifices, than a British or Pictish encampment, as some have judged 
 it to be. 
 
 The party, on descending the hill, were greeted with a very heavy 
 shower of rain, which put an end to their excursion. We returned to 
 Milfield to dinner, and after a comfortable repast, the Eev. T. Knight 
 proceeded to read the Annual Address, which was listened to with 
 interest, and warmly applauded. The Eev. T. Eiddell was then 
 appointed President for the current year. The communications made 
 at this meeting, though few, were highly interesting. 
 
 Mr Selby read a curious account of a boy who had at various times 
 discharged caterpillars (the larvae of the Blaps mortisaga) from his 
 nose. This paper has appeared in our Transactions, accompanied with 
 a notice of similar cases by Dr Johnston. Since last year no additional 
 caterpillars have been discharged, and the boy's health is improving. 
 
 Dr Johnston announced the capture of the Eagle Eay (Myliobatis 
 Aquila) at Berwick, the first undoubted instance of the fish being 
 caught on the British coast. A very excellent drawing of this fish was 
 made by Mrs Johnston, and a figure taken from the specimen wiU 
 appear in the forthcoming edition of Mr Yarrell's British Fishes. 
 
 The Winter Meeting was held as usual at Berwick (18th December), 
 and the attendance was not numerous. Present, Eev. T. Eiddell, Dr 
 Johnston, Dr Clarke, Mr Selby, Eev. Mr Turnbull ; and Mr Maclamdn, 
 
REV. THOMAS RIDDELL's ADDRESS. 213 
 
 a visitor, well kuowu to the members by Lis valuable contributions to 
 our Transactions. 
 
 Aiter tlie ordinary business bad been transacted, and tke stations 
 fixed for the ensuing year, several communications were read. 
 
 The Eev. J. Baird sent a notice that a specimen of the Bohemian 
 waxwing had been taken at Yetholm in the beginning of December. 
 
 The Rev. E. Cowe (of AMiitsome) presented the Club with a descrip- 
 tion of the various modes of taking white-fish, &c. on the coast of 
 Berwickshire, for wliich the Secretary was directed to write him a 
 letter of thanks in the name of the Club. 
 
 Mr Maclaurin gave in a list of bivalve shells taken at Coldingham, 
 new to Berwickshire.'^' This communication, therefore, is supplement- 
 ary to the Catalogue given at p. 77 of the Transactions. 
 
 Mr Selby read a paper descriptive of a hybrid between the black- 
 cock and hen pheasant. The bird was a male, and exhibited in a very 
 striking manner the peculiarities of both jiarents. A female, probably 
 belonging to the same brood, was killed the jeav before, and is pre- 
 served in the Newcastle Museum. 
 
 Mr Eiddell read a notice of the scenes enacted in the neighbourhood 
 of Yevering when Christianity was first introduced into that part of the 
 country, under Edwin, King of Northumbria ; and another on the 
 prices and consumption offish in England previous to the Reformation. 
 The materials were chiefly those furnished by the publications of the 
 Surtees Society, especially the excellent index annexed by Mr Eaine 
 to the volume containing the yearly accounts of Finchale Priory. 
 Many sorts of fish were then used as food which no one would now 
 think of eating. 
 
 Dr Johnston laid before the Club the fii'st part of a descriptive 
 catalogue of the Berwickshire Grasteropodous Mollusca. 
 
 The first meeting of the present year, held at Cornhill on the 6th 
 May, I was prevented from attending. The members present were, 
 Mr Selby, Dr Johnston, Dr Clarke, Dr F. Douglas, Eev. Mr Cunning- 
 ham, Eev. John Baird ; Mr J. Langhorne, Dr Wilson, and Mr Melrose, 
 attended as visitors. 
 
 After breakfast, the party proceeded to the old tower and village of 
 Wark, where parts of that ancient border fortress are still standing. 
 On leaving Wark, the members directed their wallc for nearly a mile 
 along the river side towards Carham, and met with a few good plants, 
 
 * Terehratula psittacea. — A dead specimen, got ou the lines of the Coldingham 
 fishermen. 
 
 Pectunculus pilosus. — Not uncommon; but only dead specimens have occiuTcd, 
 
 Donax ? — Coldingham. This is probably a new species. 
 
 Cryptodon flexuosus. — Exceedingly rare. 
 Lucina radula. — Common. 
 
214 REV. THOMAS RIDDELL's ADDRESS. 
 
 as Myosotis sylvatica, and several of the willow tribe, which beautified 
 the banks of the river with their rich inflorescence and fresh-coloured 
 foliage. During the months of March and April, the season had been 
 remarkably forward ; little more than the hundi'edth part of an inch 
 of rain had fallen during those months, and for several weeks the heat 
 of the sun was fully equal to that in high summer weather. In con- 
 sequence, vegetation had correspondingly advanced : many trees were 
 in full foliage, the hawthorn had expanded its beautiful and fragrant 
 blossoms, and the clear musical note of the thrush brought delight to 
 the ear of the attentive natural observer. While on the subject of the 
 earliness of the season, it may not be uninteresting to remark, that, 
 while the cuckoo's plaintive note was not heard last year till the 10th 
 of May, in the present year it was observed as early as the middle of 
 April. After leaving the river, the members walked to Learmouth 
 Bog, an extensive morass, containing a number of wild fowl, and a 
 very considerable quantity of rare plants ; but, at the present season 
 of the year, vegetation had not there made much progress. A few 
 shells (Helix, Planorbis, &c.) were collected, but none new to the 
 district occurred ; and no insects were obtained. In consequence of 
 the prevalence of an easterly wind, accompanied with occasional 
 showers, none of those beautifully delicate inhabitants of the upper 
 regions were on the wing. 
 
 After the minutes of the last meeting had been read, Dr F. Douglas 
 proposed Mr Collingwood of Glanton Pyke, and Mr Jonathan Melrose 
 of Coldstream, and Dr Clarke proposed Mr John B. Langhorne, as 
 members of the Club. These gentlemen were elected unanimously. 
 
 Mr Selby presented a list of insects taken by Mr Hardy in the 
 neighbourhood of the Pease Bridge. 
 
 Dr Johnston announced the occurrence of the Arvicola riparia at 
 Mayfield in Berwickshire ; and of the Tusk in Berwick Bay. 
 
 Our June meeting (Wednesday, 17th) was at Head Chesters, in the 
 parish of Cockburnspath. Present, Eev. T. Eiddell, Eev. A. Baird, 
 Dr Clarke, Mr Selby, Mr Melrose, Dr Johnston ; and Mr Tancred, a 
 visitor. 
 
 After breakfast, we proceeded southward in the direction of DoR^law. 
 A few beetles were found sheltering under stones, but a very strong 
 westerly gale, which blew all day, attended with smart showers pre- 
 vented almost every other insect from appearing. 
 
 From the farm at Dowlaw we walked down to the Dean, and entered 
 it near a small rough plantation, just opposite to a tiny waterfall, 
 which trickled down in front of a perpendicular rock. Leaving the 
 higher part of the Dean unvisited, we scrambled downwards to the 
 sea, through a very rude and desolate region, with more stones than 
 plants in it. Here, however, we met with the Eose-root, Ehodiola 
 
REV. THOMAS RIDDELl's ADDRESS. 215 
 
 rosea, 'in great profusion and luxuriance,' as Dr Johnston had 
 previously noticed. 
 
 Having descended to within a short distance of the place where the 
 Dean opens to the sea-coast, we went up the bank on the north side, 
 and soon came in view of the curiously-shaped rocks which form pro- 
 jecting headlands, one of which is known as 'the cobbler,' from the 
 resemblance it bears to a shoemaker sitting at his work. Skirting 
 along by the high ground, we arrived at the heights above Fast 
 Castle, and went down to view that remarkable relic of ancient times. 
 It was possessed in the days of James VI. by Logan of Eestalrig, 
 and is said to have been the place to which the Euthvens, if successful, 
 intended to have carried their sovereign ; and is also memorable as 
 the spot where Napier of Merchiston, the mathematician and theologian, 
 expected to find hidden treasures : of this latter fact there can be no 
 doubt, as the agreement between Logan and Napier respecting the 
 division of the money is stiU extant. 
 
 After dinner, Mr Riddell read a short notice of the Balanus in its 
 first stage, supplementary to a former paper. The additional obser- 
 vations made this year tend to confirm still more the correctness of Mr 
 V. Thompson's statements. The two fore-legs, and the six pair of hind 
 legs, were distinctly observable ; and each of the bristles forming the 
 tail appeared furnished at their base with a comb, which the creature 
 used to clean its hind-feet. It was kept alive for a fortnight, from 
 the 5th to the 1 7th June ; but it died at last without proceeding to its 
 change. 
 
 The next meeting was at Dunse (29th July). Present, Rev. T. 
 Eiddell, Dr Johnston, Dr F. Douglas, Dr Clarke, Eev. Mr Cunningham, 
 Eev. A. Baird, Mr Selby, Mr CoUingwood, Mr Embleton, Mr Melrose. 
 
 After partaking of Mr Cunningham's hospitality at the Manse, the 
 members divided their forces, one party proceeding to try the " gentle 
 art" in the Whiteadder, while the other perambulated the beautiful 
 grounds surrounding Dunse Castle. In the lake a very rare and 
 beautiful aquatic plant, Villarsia Nymphseoides, was observed to grow 
 and blossom abundantly. This is the first instance of its occurrence 
 within the limits of the Club.^' It has probably been introduced, but 
 now appears quite natiu-alized. The lake seemed to be abundantly 
 stocked with tench. 
 
 After viewing the striking exterior of Dunse Castle, the party 
 directed their steps towards Langton Lees Clench, in search of Saxi- 
 fi'aga hirculus, but they were not so fortunate as to discover its 
 habitat. 
 
 * Mr Henderson of Chirnside has since found it in a large pond or dam- 
 head behind the fai'm onstead of Foulden New-mains. 
 
216 HEV. THOMAS riddell's adbeess. 
 
 Aftei* dinner, Mr Embleton exhibited a speciuieu of the Short Sun- 
 fish, taken in Embleton Bay some years before, which he had examined 
 when it was just caught : and another of Larus minutus, the little gull, 
 shot on the same locality in March 1838, the plumage of which indi- 
 cated that it had only attained its second year. Mr Embleton likewise 
 exhibited a specimen of Comatula rosacea, taken in Embleton Bay, — an 
 interesting discovery, which will probably lead to that of the Pentac- 
 rinus Europseus, now believed to be the same animal in its earliest 
 condition. 
 
 Mr Selby read a paper by Mr W. Forster of Newton, on the habits 
 of the mountain sparrow ; and gave notice that several specimens of 
 the pied fly-catcher (Muuicapa luctuosaj, had been killed in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Twizell in May of the present year. 
 
 I ought not to omit noticing a continuation of Mr Henderson's 
 paper on the popular rhymes of Berwickshire, in which I am confident 
 that more than one of us must be interested. A variation, character- 
 istic of the locality, occurs in the Roxburghshire version of one of 
 these rhymes, which a friend of mine heard from a little g-irl. ' If you 
 wish to know what the lark says', said she, ' you must lie down on 
 your back in the fields and listen, and you will hear him say, 
 
 ' Up in tho lift we go, 
 
 Tehee, tehee, tehee, tehee ! 
 
 All the sntors in Selkirk can't make a shoe to me. 
 
 Why so ? Why so ? 
 
 Because my heel is as long as my toe.' 
 
 The weather generally on our days of meeting, though far from 
 unpleasant, was yet very unfavourable for the entomologist, and there- 
 fore I regret the less that it is not in my power to lay before you an 
 account of the insects which were observed. The arrangements of the 
 animals of the district in catalogues, which has been carried on for 
 several years b}' the most scientific members of our Club, must be very 
 conducive to a complete knowledge of the natural treasures it contains ; 
 and if, in a few years, when they have been completed, they were 
 published as a fauna, with notices of the more remarkable localities, 
 especially in the case of rare species, they would furnish at once an 
 incentive and a guide to the researches of future labourers in the same 
 field. The known fiora of the district has received great accessions in 
 consequence of Dr Johnston's excellent publication, and there are now 
 materials accumulated for a more complete exhibition of the botanical 
 riches of the neighbourhood. It is most desirable that every means 
 should be employed likely to spread the knowledge and the love of 
 Natural History. 
 
 The pleasure derived from such pursuits will not be questioned by 
 any one who has ever engaged in them, however slightly. But the 
 
REV, THOMAS RIDDELL's ADDRESS. 217 
 
 benefit to be derived from them, does not terminate in the feelings of 
 admiration and delight. They conduce to the growth of a healthy- 
 frame of mind ; especially Avhen the naturalist sees in himself merely 
 the interpreter of Nature, and is content in sincerity and humility to 
 follow out the evidence of facts. The polemical and personal disputes 
 which have in turns disgraced theology, literature, and science, arise 
 from the pursuit of selfish aims, and those who have been involved in 
 them have seldom attained the highest grade. The most brilliant 
 discoveries and the largest views have generally rewarded the modest 
 and simple-minded. Science especially must be loved for its own sake, 
 and communicated from a desire to make others sharers in the 
 pleasures and benefits it confers. 
 
 But I ought to apologize for stating truths with which you must 
 ah-eady be well acquainted. In this spirit of sincere, unadulterated 
 love of knowledge, the Club was founded, and on these principles its 
 proceedings have hitherto been conducted. While, therefore, I ask 
 your indulgence for my own deficiencies in discharging the office of 
 President, I cannot do better, as regards yourselves, than exhort you 
 to persevere in your usual course of patient observation, praiseworthy 
 exertion, and the friendly interchange of scientific information. 
 
 Additions to the Popuhr Rhymes of Berwickshire. By James Hardy. 
 
 As one gentleman connected with the Berwickshire Naturalists' 
 Club takes an interest in the popular sayings of Berwickshire, I sub- 
 join a few that occur to me for his consideration. Although their 
 literary merit may be no higher than Mother Shipton's Prophecies, 
 and similar productions, yet they may cast a light on the manners of 
 past ages, preserve the memory of obsolete superstition, and be the 
 sole records of events of which " a peasant's plaint prolongs the dubious 
 
 date." 
 
 " The oak, the ash, the elm tree, 
 The laird can hang for a' the thi'ee ; 
 But fir and saugh are but a weed. 
 The laird may flyte, bnt make naething becd." 
 
 This rhyme is interesting, both as it may bear incidental evidence 
 to what were the indigenous and most valuable trees of the country, 
 and as it may be connected with history. It is well known that the 
 greater part of the south of Scotland was at one time overgrown with 
 forests, which, from various causes, became thinned and wasted, and 
 in many cases wholly extirpated. In the reign of James the Second 
 of Scotland, the Legislature made a vigorous effort to repair the 
 damage. A law was passed in 1457, " Anent plantation of woodes and 
 hedges, and sowing of broome," which ordains that the "tennentes 
 
218 MR haedy's additions to the 
 
 plant woodes and trees, and make hedges, and saw broome, after the 
 faculties of their maillinges, in place convenient therefor, under silc 
 paine as law and unlaw of the barone or lord sail niodifie." Whether 
 in this act there be any "pains and penalties " annexed for injuring 
 wood, I have no means of knowing ; but in various subsequent acts of 
 the Scottish Parliament, rigorous punishments were inflicted, " toties 
 quoties,''^ (against) any person (who) should " contravene " the law, 
 and " cut, break, or pull up any tree, or peel the bark off any tree." 
 They extended "the punishment for destroying green wood, even to 
 death, for the third offence." Probably the rhyme may perpetuate 
 some cruelties exercised by the strong hand of power upon the 
 peasantry, while they yet groaned under a state of villanage. For 
 the facts in this illustration I am indebted to a paper on the " Laws 
 of Scotland for protecting woods, trees, and enclosures," given in the 
 Farmer's Magazine for November 1815. 
 
 " You're oure near the Water E'e." 
 Often said by a mother to a peevish child ; but whether it refers to 
 ih.Q'WQ.ie-a: 'EijQ jjar excellence, or to the water of the eye, " non nobis 
 tantum componere litem." 
 
 " Loudon loots, Merse brutes, Lammermuir whaps." 
 
 This is the satirical effusion of some nameless Pasquin. The follow- 
 ing extracts from Eay's Itineraries may be appropriate. "August 
 the 17th [1661], we travelled from Berwick to Dunbar, a town noted 
 for the fight between the English and Scots." On the journey, the 
 author remarked that "the women generally to us seemed none of the 
 handsomest. They are not very cleanly in their houses, and but 
 sluttish in dressing their meat." "The Scots cannot endure to hear 
 their country or countrymen spoken against. They have neither good 
 bread, cheese, or drink ; they cannot make them, nor will they learn. 
 Their butter is very indifferent, and one would wonder how they could 
 contrive to make it so bad." When he appears to have arrived in the 
 vicinity of Dunbar, he says — "We observed little or no fallow grounds 
 in Scotland; some layed ground we saw, which they manured with 
 sea wreck. The people seem to be very lazy, at least the men, and 
 may be frequently observed to plough in their cloaks." Why the 
 Lammermuir people are designated whaps (curlews), I cannot deter- 
 mine. It probably relates metaphorically to their being still more 
 uncivilized than their brethren in the low countries. 
 
 " The bat, the bee, 
 The butterflee, 
 The cuckoo and the swallow, 
 The kittiwake. 
 And the corn crake, 
 Sleep a' in a little hoUie." 
 
POPULAR RHYMES OF BERWICKSHIRE. 219 
 
 In these verses, I believe, yve may trace the germs of an opinion, 
 long prevalent even among the most eminent naturalists, against the 
 migrations of certain animals. Those especially commemorated in the 
 rhyme are termed the "seven sleepers." Hay gives a parallel triplet 
 concerning the birds " which nestle in the Basse." 
 
 " The scout, the scart, the cattiwake, 
 The soland ^oose sits on the laik, 
 Yearly in the spring." 
 
 The magpie has in this country been always deemed a bird "of 
 omen foul." The following is its portentous character : 
 
 " One is mirth, two is birth, 
 Three is a wedding, four is death, 
 Five is heaven, six is hell, 
 Seven is the devil's ain sell."* 
 
 This is a record of a dark age, and was averted by spitting four 
 times on the ground. The following is more spirited, and in unison 
 with better feelings. It is the song of the lark done into Scotch verse 
 by some rustic rhymster. 
 
 " There is not a shoemaker on the earth, 
 Can make shoe to me, to me. 
 Why so ? why so ? why so ? 
 Because my heel is longer than my mnckle toe." 
 
 JVote. — In Chambers' Picture of Scotland, there is a saying regard- 
 ing Chooslie which I do not find in Mr Henderson's collection. It is 
 " There's as good cheese in Choosly as ever chafts chewed, and the 
 cheese of Chesliire is nae mair like the cheese of Choosly than chalk 
 is like cheese." Chambers gives the illustration. J. H. 
 
 TJte White- Fisher 1/ on the Coast of Bencichshire. By the Eev. 
 EoBERT Co WE of A^Tiitsomc. 
 
 1. The mode of talcing Herrings. — Early in the season, before the 
 nights are sufficiently dark for the fish to take the nets, a few herrings 
 have been caught for several years by white hooks, at Burnmouth 
 and Eyemouth. But the process is so tedious, and the number taken 
 
 * A parallel rhyme to this, is one that denounces the pretty yellow-hammer. 
 I had it from a gentleman who passed his youth in the hills between Berwick 
 and Roxburgh shires, where it may still linger. These three last rhymes are, I 
 believe, not confined exclusively to Berwickshire. 
 
 " Yellow, yellow yorlin. 
 Drink a drap o' the deil's bhide 
 Ilka Mondav morning." 
 
220 REV. R. COWE ON THE "WHITE-FISHERY 
 
 SO very small, seldom exceeding a hundred or two in a night, that the 
 fishermen are not likely to adopt this method very generally. The 
 Tvay of taking them is as follo\A's : Several white hooks, without an}'- 
 halt, are attached to each side of a piece of whale-bone, or of any 
 other material that will answer the purpose, and so secured that they 
 project nearly at right angles to it ; this, which is called a jigger, is 
 let down as quickly as it will descend through the water, by the weight 
 of the lead fastened to it ; and after letting out several fathoms of line, 
 it is jerked up and down, when the fish are taken. Sometimes the 
 herrings take the hooks when the line is running out. The fishermen 
 think that the fish mistake the white hooks for sand-eels. 
 
 But the usual mode of taking herrings is by nets. The nets are 
 from fifty to sixty yards long when stretched out at full length ; but 
 when put upon the ropes to be ready for fishing, they are six yards 
 shorter, as they require to be so arranged as to allow the meshes to 
 open when suspended in the water. Each net is three hundred 
 meshes in width, and has about thirty-two meshes to each yard in 
 length. The average number of nets to a boat is eighteen. Each 
 net is suspended by six buoys, which are composed in some cases of 
 dog-skins, but usually of bladders, one when large, and two tied 
 together when small. The tow or cords between the buoys and the 
 rope of the nets are generally three fathoms long, which is found 
 necessary to allow the ships to pass over the nets without getting 
 entangled, and also to be a good average depth for successful fishing. 
 AVhen, however, the shoal comes so very near the shore that the nets 
 would be torn by the rocks, if let down three fathoms below the 
 surface of the water, and there being little danger from ships so near 
 the land, two fathoms are used, and sometimes only one. The nets 
 are securely fastened to each other by their respective ropes, when 
 arranged in the boat, the buoys being put in at regular distances ; 
 and wlien the ground is reached where the crew mean to shoot or put 
 out their nets, they throw the first buoy over the boat's stern into the 
 water ; and the boat that does this first is understood to be entitled to 
 that berth for the night. The boat is then put right before the wind, 
 way being kept on her sometimes by a part of the sail being allowed 
 to stand, and sometimes by the use of two oars. The nets are put out 
 in a straight line, unless when the nets of the next boat, in the hope 
 of keeping among the fish, causes them to deviate from this course. 
 The newest and best nets are kept next the boat, as being least 
 exposed to danger in this situation ; and the one immediately next the 
 boat is fastened to it by a long and substantial ride rope, technically 
 called the sicing, which lets down this net to the level of the rest. 
 After this is done, the mast is taken down to make the boat ride 
 steadily. The boats and nets, thus secured to each other, drift with 
 the tide during the whole night. In spring-tides, they are frequently 
 
ON THE COAST OF BERWICKSHIRE. 221 
 
 driven six miles in one direction. About an hour or so after the nets 
 are shot, part of the net next the boat is pulled up and drawn in, to 
 see whether any herrings are going in. Those found in it are taken 
 out, and the net and swing let out again. By clearing this portion of 
 the net, if more fish are found in it when they look again, they know 
 off which place they have taken the net. When the fishing is not 
 very abundant, if the nets keep clear, this is the only portion examined, 
 which is done several times till the morning, when the whole are 
 drawn in, in order to go on shore. The abundance of herrings some- 
 times renders it necessary to draw in the nets almost immediately after 
 they are put into the water. They pull in their nets and change their 
 berth when the nets take the ground, or, by the irregularity of the 
 tide, are drawn together into a body, or when the nets of another 
 boat drive upon them and become entangled. This last case occurs 
 when the boats do not take wide enough berths from each other, or 
 when one ^^^^ of nets has less buoy-string, and is nearer the surface 
 than those next them ; for in this situation they drift faster, the tide 
 being stronger near the surface than at a greater depth. The take 
 for the night is not unfrequentlj^ lost in this way ; for if the fish 
 happen to rise towards the surface of the water^ the prospect is marred 
 for the night, an hour being sometimes sufficient for the purpose. 
 
 The herring not unusually rise to the surface, when they produce a 
 motion something like a gentle shower of rain. Generally, they take 
 the nets very gently, without deranging them in the least ; but, when 
 very abundant, they often rush into them with such violence that they 
 raise them up and carry them over the ropes, twisting them round 
 about two or three times ; and when the bottom of the sea is very un- 
 equal, and the tide rapid, the nets often go down to the bottom at such 
 a time, and considerable loss is sustained. The nets are often very 
 xmequally fished ; and sometimes the herrings in one x^art of the nets 
 are spawned, and those in the rest are not so. 
 
 The nets are stretched out half the length of the boat as they are 
 drawn in, the herrings hanging by the head on the lower side, and 
 most of them are shaken out, and fall into the bottom of the boat, as 
 the work proceeds. "When the fish are so plentiful as to render the 
 boat too deep aft, if all taken into the stern, part of the nets are 
 pulled in nearer the bow, to put her into proper trim. AVhen the 
 wind is violent and the sea high, the getting in of the nets is very 
 hazardous, especially when they are well fished. The waves and wind, 
 acting on the boat at the same time, overpower the strength of the 
 crew, and sometimes compel them to let part of the nets already 
 secured run out of their hands, to permit the boat to rise freely to the 
 waves. The sea dashes into the boat with great fury, threatening to 
 fill her ; so that it is not uncommon, in such cases, for the fishermen 
 to cut away their nets, and make with all possible speed for the 
 
222 REV. R. C0"V7E ON THE WHITE-FISHERY 
 
 nearest harbour. The danger is increased in stormy weather, when 
 the nets of two or more boats arc entangled together. The plunging 
 of the boats and the dashing of the waves render it very dangerous 
 for the men to stoop over the boats to clear the nets ; and the risk of 
 collision prevents the boats from coming near each other to assist in 
 clearing away the entangled j)arts. The nets are seldom got after- 
 wards when thus cut away ; or when found after the storm, they have 
 been so much torn as to be almost useless. Nets are also frequently 
 injured or lost by the buoys being maliciously cut off, when the nets 
 go to the bottom and get fast to the rocks. 
 
 Instances have occurred, though not very lately, of boats deeply 
 laden with herrings being, before reaching the shore, overtaken by 
 wind, and going down. In one case, an accident of this kind near 
 Holy Island was occasioned by the boat getting stern way through 
 mismanagement, when she immediately filled and turned bottom up. 
 Two of the men clung to the boat till they were rescued by another 
 boat ; other three who were in the boat perished. About twenty years 
 ago, a Buckhaven boat went down about half-way between Berwick 
 and Burnmouth from having too large a cargo. The night had been 
 fine, but a brisk breeze sprung up in the morning, which was too 
 much for the overburdened boat. A fisherman, from whom the writer 
 had the account, was in a boat a Kttle farther out at sea at the time, 
 and he says, that the fears of himseli and his companions were first 
 awakened by seeing different articles, such as a hat and an oar, drift- 
 ing past them. On sailing in the direction from which the floating 
 materials came, the boat was found bottom up, but not one of the crew 
 was to be seen. Weighed down by their heavy boots, and exhausted 
 by previous fatigue, they had sunk to rise no more. But serious 
 accidents sometimes happen at this fishing from mere stress of weather. 
 Twelve years ago, a Greenses boat was upset in taking Berwick harbour 
 during a heavy sea, occasioned by a violent north-east wind. Two 
 men were drowned. The other two kept themselves afloat by the aid 
 of the oars till they were rescued. A very affecting occurrence took 
 place off North Sunderland six years ago, when the boats were fishing 
 there. When about twelve miles from the land, they encountered a 
 very high sea and violent wind, which compelled them to return. On 
 their way back to the shore, one of the Eyemouth boats was struck by 
 a heavy wave, and filled with water. The next boat tried to aid them : 
 the steersman of it had a brother in the disabled boat, who was seen 
 sitting on one of the thwarts immersed in the water, with his son, a 
 boy, in his arms. The rest of the crew cried out to the skipper as they 
 approached, "Will! mind your brother;" but in spite of aU that he 
 could do, the bow of the boat, tossed by the waves, pitched on the 
 back of the unfortunate man, and then the one boat was driven over 
 the top of the other. The blow, it was thought, broke his back, for 
 
ON THE COAST OF BERWICKSHIRE. 223 
 
 he made no effort to save liimself after that. The assisting boat drove 
 to leeward, and could give no farther aid. The next boat that came 
 up, by throwing a rope, saved one man ; the rest of the crew, to the 
 number of four, perished. 
 
 Sometimes the nets are anchored in very shallow water, when the 
 fish come so near the shore that they cannot be taken in the usual 
 way. This is called ground fisJdng. They are anchored in the direc- 
 tion of the tide, to render the pressure as light as possible. As many 
 as thirty barrels have been taken out of a single net in this way. The 
 nets do not drive out among the fish by the tide as in the other way, 
 so that by far the heaviest takes have been realized in this manner. 
 But whether from the shoals being more assiduously sought out and 
 broken in upon by our fishermen before the herrings reach the shore 
 than formerly, or from some other cause, they do not come into small 
 creeks among the rocks so frequently as in earlier years. 
 
 A much greater quantity of herrings is taken by each boat on this 
 coast than formerly. This arises in part from the greater number of 
 nets used by the fishermen, fully a third more than twenty years ago, 
 and partly by greater diligence and activity in seeking out the fish, 
 as well as by fishing on ground formerly thought so dangerous from 
 the existence of shoals as to be carefully avoided. The portion of the 
 bay between Berwick and Holy Island was one of these dreaded spots ; 
 whereas, for several years, the most abundant fishing has been realized 
 there. 
 
 A much superior class of boats is now in use to those employed 
 twenty or thirty years ago. They are much larger, carry nearly double 
 the burden, and sail much faster. Some of them are thirty-seven feet 
 long. The crew consists generally of four men and a boy, sometimes 
 of five men. And what shews the improved circumstances of the 
 fishermen, most of these boats are their own property, one shared in 
 common sometimes by two and sometimes by three men ; whereas, at 
 an earlier period, it was common for them to hire the herring boats, 
 and allow each boat a fifth or a sixth share of the money realized 
 durino- the season. 
 
 I 2. Mode of talcing Raddochs. — Haddocks are taken with hooks. The 
 
 I lines used for the purpose contain each from six to seven hundred 
 
 I hooks, which are arranged at the distance of a yard and a quarter 
 
 I equally along the whole line. The hooks are suspended from the 
 
 I hach or principal part of the line by a snood and wij) fastened together 
 
 j the former a little thinner than the back, and made like it of hemp 
 
 I cord ; the latter of hair, to which the hook is attached. When the 
 materials are very strong and bulky the line does not fish well. The 
 
 I line, when baited, is carefully coiled into one end of a basket, about 
 
224 REV. K. COTVE ON THE WHITE-FISHERY 
 
 tliroe and a half feet long, and the hooks are laid in separate rows at 
 the other end, wliich is of a jflattish form for the purpose, with fog 
 beneath them, and generally also between the rows. The bait used 
 at Berwick is limpet and lug-worm. Mussels were once very much 
 used, but they are not now to be had in sufficient numbers for the 
 purpose. The limpets are taken out of the shell about two hours 
 or so before being put upon the hooks, when they are put into clean 
 milk-warm water to render them soft. If put on the hooks imme- 
 diately after being taken out of the shell, the fish will not take them. 
 They are also not very fond of them when they lie so long in the 
 water before being put on as to swell too much and burst. When 
 only three or four miles from the shore, the lug-worm is so much 
 sujierior to the limpet, that double the quantity of fish is taken by it ; 
 but at a much greater distance out at sea, the difference is scarcely 
 perceptible. The fish off there do not seem to be so nice as those 
 which are near the land, and which pick up some of the crumbs that 
 fall from the table of that cooking animal man. At Burnmouth and 
 Eyemouth, from the scarcity of limpets, and having no lug- worm, they 
 use a good deal of bullock's liver for bait, which is found to do very 
 well. When the bait is old and stinking, very few fish are taken ; 
 and accordingly, the fishermen are in the habit of baring their lines, 
 and putting on fresh bait, when the Aveather prevents them from get- 
 ting out while the bait is in proper condition. In winter, the bait 
 will keep on the lines a whole week, but in warm weather, a single 
 day is enough to damage it. 
 
 When the fishing-ground is reached, a large stone is let down with 
 a small rope fixed to it, to which the line is fastened, aod a buoy 
 floats above it, that they may know where to find it after the lines are 
 all out. The basket is so put that the end which contains the hooks 
 rests on the boat's gunwale, and the line is thrown out in regular 
 order by the skipper, while the rest of the crew row the boat with the 
 necessary speed, and in the right direction. Each man has a line, and 
 when the first one is nearly out, the next is fastened to it, and cast out 
 in like manner, and so on till the whole lines are out. A stone and 
 buoy are put at the end of the last line, as with the first. The line 
 next the boat to-day is second to-morrow, and so on in rotation, to 
 make the risk equal. The lines, when shot by the oars, as is the case 
 with cobles, are made to form the figure of an ellipse ; so that nearly 
 one-half of them are put out in opposite directions. When the last 
 lino is out, they immediately proceed to the first, being directed by the 
 buoy, and forthwith pull them all up in succession, taking whatever fish 
 happen to be on them ; and then go on shore. The lines literally fish 
 themselves. When the weather is hazy, and the buoy cannot be seen, 
 they do not leave the last line at all, but tide their lines, as it is called, 
 that is, they wait tiU the lines last shot have been so long in the water 
 
ON THE COAST OF BERWICKSHIRE. 225 
 
 as to have time to pick up tlie fish on the grouud, and then the lines 
 are drawn in the reverse order to what they were put out. In large 
 herring-boats, such as those used at Eyemouth and Burnmouth at the 
 haddock-fishing, as they are not manageable by oars like small 
 cobles, the lines are shot in one direction with the sail, and are pulled 
 in the same manner. The direction which thej^ take is determined by 
 the way in which the wind is blowing, that they may be able to sail 
 both in shooting and hauling their lines. In such boats the lines are 
 never shot right before the wind, for the reason assigned. When the 
 wind shifts before they have secured them all, and blows violently, 
 they frequently lose them, being unable to get them in. 
 
 The skipper or steersman is the person whose office it is to shoot and 
 haul in the lines. It is a ticklish office for the fingers, as they come 
 very frequently in contact with the hooks. It belongs to the man 
 who sits next the skipper to take the fish off: the hooks as they come 
 into the boat. This is very dirty work, and requires considerable 
 expertness when the fish are abundant. 
 
 Cod-fish are taken on the same lines, but when they are plentiful 
 the fishermen put in stronger haddock-lines, as they easily break the 
 hooks and wips of the finer lines. Codlings also are taken on the same 
 lines, but they generally are found much nearer to the shore, and on 
 hard rocky ground. Besides the kind of bait mentioned above used 
 on these lines, herrings cut into pieces fit for the size of the hook are 
 found very attractive for the fish ; but they are seldom to be had at the 
 time of the cod and haddock-fishing. 
 
 Another class of lines is in use, of a much stronger description than 
 the above, for taking cod-fish, Kng, halibut, and skate. They are used 
 in summer, in addition to those already described, and are called great 
 Hnes. The hooks are large and strong, and set at a distance of four 
 fathoms from each other. These lines are not brought on shore every 
 day, but are baited in the boat, and remain out the whole season. 
 The bait consists of haddocks cut in two, flounders, and other small 
 fish. 
 
 A great many skate are generally got on these large lines during 
 the first few days after they are set, till the ground is cleared, and then 
 they become much less abundant ; a fact which shews that they are 
 not of a roving disposition. And so prodigious is the power of these 
 monsters, that, on the occurrence of a storm, which prevents the lines 
 from being pulled in for a few days after they are first set, they 
 frequently drag the lines to a considerable distance in their attempts 
 to disentangle themselves. All the fish have a different tug or pull, 
 so that the fisherman can distinguish at once if more than one is on 
 the line between his hand and the bottom of the sea. The large fish 
 are hooked when they reach the surface of the water, and drawn into 
 
^26 REV. 11. COWE ON THE WHITE-FISHERY 
 
 the boat by meaus of a clippet or largo hook fastened to the end of a 
 stick. 
 
 In prosecuting the herring-fishing, the fishermen are often directed 
 by the appearance of whales, solan-geese, gulls, and the oily appearance 
 of the water ; but no such indication guides them in the haddock- 
 fishing. They try hero and there till they fall in with them. Some- 
 times they are very abundant immediately after the herring-fishing 
 at those spots where the herring-spawn is deposited. The haddocks 
 and cod eat it voraciously, and are sometimes got on every hook on 
 such grou.nd while the food lasts, when hardly one is to be got any 
 where else. 
 
 The Berwick boats do not generally go so far out to sea at the 
 haddock-fishing as the Eyemouth and Burnmouth boats, their market 
 being so early that they would be too late for supplying it with fresh 
 fish were they to go very far off. They employ, accordingly, a lighter 
 and much smaller class of boats than the others, such as they can row 
 with considerable rapidity in calm weather. The crew consists gener- 
 ally of four men, never more than five. They are a very unsafe class 
 of boats in stormy weather. 
 
 The boats in use at the other places just named, are the same as 
 those employed at the herring-fishing, and manned by six men. 
 Though they seldom return earlier than three o'clock in the afternoon, 
 it is a matter of little moment to the sale of their fish, as most of them 
 are smoked and sent to the London, Edinburgh, and Griasgow markets. 
 These boats are fi-equontly taken with very heavy storms at the 
 distance of twelve or fifteen miles from the land, and are seen plying 
 to the shore with a head- wind when decked vessels .are drifting to 
 leeward. One of them beat the Mermaid Cutter under a reefed trysail 
 a few years ago. The Cj[uantity of water thrown into them at such 
 times is very great, which the men for safety are constantly employed 
 in throwing out. Sometimes the yard breaks, sometimes the mast 
 snaps like a carrot by the violence of the wind, in which cases, the 
 boat must roll and drift at the mercy of the elements, till a spare one 
 is put in the place of the broken one. Serious accidents occasionally 
 occur in the hazardous employment. About five years ago, a Colding- 
 ham boat in a dreadful westerly wind went down under sail, when all 
 hands perished. Many of the other boats despaired of reaching the 
 shore that day, but they all got in safely with the above exception, 
 though not without torn sails and broken masts. They get the 
 haddocks in great numbers, in spring, on banks or shoals about fifteen 
 miles from the shore ; and the fish taken there are always larger than 
 those caught nearer the land. A thousand is a good take ; sometimes 
 two thousand are taken at once ; but this seldom happens. 
 
 Three persons are employed at Berwick for every line in use, unless 
 when the bait is hired out, and one person undertakes two or more 
 
ON THE COAST OF BER-WICKSHIRE. 227 
 
 lines ; in this case, ninepence is paid for each line every day it is fresh 
 baited. There is first the fisherman, secondly, a boy or g-irl to gather 
 the bait and put it on the line, and, thirdly, a woman to go to market 
 and sell the fish. Sometimes the whole earnings go to defray the 
 expense of bait. The limpets have become very scarce of late, from 
 the Eyemouth bait-gatherers coming to the rocks in the neighbourhood 
 of Berwick, and even sometimes to the rocks south of Spittal, and 
 filling their creels with the limpets upon them. The difficulty of pro- 
 curing necessary bait is from this cause increasing every year. 
 
 It may here be noticed, that both the herring and haddock fishings 
 sometimes suffer very considerably from the ravages of dog-fish. 
 These pirates are seldom abundant when the herrings are in a compact 
 body ; but not unfrequently they occasion great destruction when a 
 shoal is first drawing in near the land. The havoc they make is such, 
 that they have been found to consume a dozen of barrels out of one 
 boat's nets in the course of an hour. They also are very destructive 
 to the nets when they get entangled. By their efforts to get free, 
 their hard fins tear the nets : there is reason to think that they also 
 use their teeth for this purpose. In like manner they make sad work 
 among the haddocks. Occasionally half of those that take the hook 
 have only the head left when they reach the boat. Sometimes the 
 tail is stumped awry ; sometimes a bite is taken out of the belly, and 
 at other times out of the back. A cod-fish sometimes comes up a mere 
 skeleton, stripped to the bone on both sides. They have their tastes, 
 too, like other creatures. A haddock is preferred by them before a 
 codling. 
 
 3. Tiirlot. — Turbot is taken with nets. The nets are 150 yards 
 long, are corked along the ropes, have very large meshes, and are 
 set on sandy ground, such as the fish is known to frequent. They are 
 allowed to stand two or three days before being drawn up and taken 
 on shore. The nets are let down to the bottom, as the turbot, like all 
 flat fish, swims low, having an anchor or large stone at each end, 
 with a buoy floating above. The turbot is rolled in the net when 
 taken. This fish is not abundant about Berwick, but more would be 
 taken if the price continued good, when brought regularly to marlvct. 
 The fishermen naturally employ themselves in the way that paj^s them 
 best. 
 
 4. Lobsters and Crabs. — Lobsters and crabs are taken in two ways. 
 The most common method is to employ a sort of case covered with 
 net, with a heavy stone in the middle to keep it steady on the ground, 
 and two round holes at each end. They are generally about three feet 
 long, and a foot and a half high. These are let down to the bottom, 
 pretty near the shore, with a string attached to each of them, which is 
 
228 REV. R. COWE ON THE WHITE-FISHERY. 
 
 floated by a cork. The bait is put in the middle of the inside, and the 
 fish enter by the holes at the ends. These creeves or cases are drawn 
 lip once a-daj^ the fish taken out, and fresh bait put in, when they are 
 let down again for another take. The fishermen sometimes lose the 
 whole when a storm comes away during the night, or so suddenly that 
 they have not had time to get them ashore. They are placed so near 
 the land that a high sea almost invariably breaks and scatters them, 
 when they happen to be in the water at the time. 
 
 Lobsters seldom enter a case in which crabs are. The black coats 
 do not sefem fond of the company of red coats. Perhaps the crabs eat 
 all up and give them no tithe. They also prefer different food. The 
 crab likes a showy mess, such as skate-heads and tails, cod-heads and 
 guts, and gills ; but the lobster seems to know that it is not all gold 
 that glitters ; he has a predilection for flounders and haddocks, and 
 other dainties. 
 
 Another way of taking lobsters and crabs is called truuking. A 
 smaller case than the one described, and with a hole at the top, is 
 used more especially for lobsters ; or an iron hoop, with a net fastened 
 to the rim of it, falling down like a land net, and leaving the upper 
 part open. The bait is fastened in the middle, and after being a half 
 an hour or so in water, they are quickly drawn up, the fish taken out, 
 and then let down again. This method is used at night only. 
 
 The crab and lobster fishing has been much more attended to since 
 the London market was opened to this part of the coast by steam com- 
 munication between London and Berwick. But the lobsters will soon 
 be harried if the fishermen continue to take them when full of eggs, as 
 they have been doing for three years past. They should cease fishing 
 at a certain season, as the Holy Island fishermen do. 
 
 List of Coleopterous Insects collected in the neighhoiirliood of the Pease 
 Bridge. By Mr James Hardy. 
 
 COLEOPTERA. 
 
 No. 1. Clivina fossor. No. 10. Poecilus cnpreus. 
 
 2. ... coUaris. 11. Anaara siinilata ? 
 
 3. Cychrus rostratas. 12. Harpalus asnens. 
 
 4. Carabus arveiisis. 13. Agonum parurapunctatmn. 
 
 5. Helobia brevicollis. 14. Trecliiis dorsalis. 
 
 6. Steropus madidus. 15. Anchomenns prasinus. 
 
 7. Calathus melanocephalas. 16. Notiopliilus biguttatus. 
 
 8. Omaseus melanarius. 17. ... aquations. 
 
 9. Amara trivialis. 18. Elaphras cupreus. 
 
MR JAMES hardy's LIST OF INSECTS. 
 
 229 
 
 .. 19. 
 
 Colymbetes bipustulatus. 
 
 No. 55. 
 
 Hypera polygoni. 
 
 20. 
 
 fuliginosus. 
 
 56. 
 
 Notaris acridulns. 
 
 21. 
 
 Gyriuus uatator. 
 
 57. 
 
 bimaculatus. 
 
 22. 
 
 Necrophorus humator. 
 
 58. 
 
 Merionus obscurus. 
 
 23. 
 
 Necrophorus vespillo. 
 
 59. 
 
 Otiorhynchus notatus. 
 
 24. 
 
 Byturus tomentosus. 
 
 60. 
 
 ater. 
 
 25. 
 
 Ips feiTuojinea. 
 
 61. 
 
 Strophosomus coryli. 
 
 26. 
 
 Necrodes littoralis. 
 
 62. 
 
 Sitona canina. 
 
 27. 
 
 Oiceoptoma rugosa. 
 
 63. 
 
 Polydrusus undatus. 
 
 28. 
 
 Sili^ha atrata r* 
 
 64. 
 
 Phyllobius c^sius. 
 
 29. 
 
 Byrrhus pilula. 
 
 65. 
 
 argentatus. 
 
 30. 
 
 Byrrhus t'asciatus. 
 
 66. 
 
 Apion lisematodes. 
 
 31. 
 
 Dermestes lardarius. 
 
 67. 
 
 Deporaus betulae. 
 
 32. 
 
 Heloi^horus aqnaticns. 
 
 68. 
 
 Attelabus curculiouoides. 
 
 33. 
 
 Aphodius limetarius. 
 
 69. 
 
 Apoderus Avellan^ (rare). 
 
 34. 
 
 terrestris. 
 
 70. 
 
 Luperus flavipes. 
 
 35. 
 
 rafipes. 
 
 71. 
 
 Donacia sagittarise. 
 
 36. 
 
 luridus. 
 
 72. 
 
 proteus. 
 
 37. 
 
 merdarius. 
 
 73. 
 
 Crioceris cyanella. 
 
 38. 
 
 inquiuatus. 
 
 74. 
 
 Haltica uemorum. 
 
 39. 
 
 nigripes. 
 
 75. 
 
 Phffidon tumidula. 
 
 40. 
 
 Ptinus germanus. 
 
 76. 
 
 VitellinEe. 
 
 41. 
 
 Anobium striatum. 
 
 77. 
 
 marginella. 
 
 42. 
 
 Hylurgus angastatus. 
 
 78. 
 
 polygoni. 
 
 43. 
 
 Elatei- balteatus (neiv to Be. 
 
 nvickshire) .79. 
 
 f astuosa. 
 
 44. 
 
 Cataphagus obscurus. 
 
 80. 
 
 Chrysomela staphylsea. 
 
 45. 
 
 Hypnoidus riparins. 
 
 81. 
 
 Cocciuella variabilis. 
 
 46. 
 
 Ctenicerus cupreus. 
 
 82. 
 
 Endoniychns coccineus. 
 
 47. 
 
 Aplotarsus rufipes. 
 
 83. 
 
 Tacliinus apicalis. 
 
 48. 
 
 Rhagium inquisitor. 
 
 84. 
 
 Creopbilus maxillosas. 
 
 49. 
 
 bif asciatum . 
 
 85. 
 
 Stapbylinus Eeneocephalus. 
 
 50. 
 
 Pogonocerus nebulosus (rare). 86. 
 
 pubescens (rare) 
 
 51. 
 
 Necrobia quadra. 
 
 87. 
 
 Goerius fuscatus ? 
 
 52. 
 
 Ceutorhynchus quercus. 
 
 88. 
 
 Philonthus laminatus. 
 
 53. 
 
 Nedyus geranii. 
 
 89. 
 
 Othius fulgidus. 
 
 54. 
 
 Hypera punctata. 
 
 90. 
 
 Gyroliypnus rufipennis. 
 
 P.J.S. 
 
 The Mountain Sparrow. By Mr William Forster. 
 
 In the year 1834, I first discovered the Tree Sparrow at Tuggal 
 Hall, being then in company with my friend Mr J. Hancock of New- 
 castle. Since then I have been almost a constant observer of the 
 habits of this lively little bird. Tuggal Hall and the village of Tuggal 
 were the two places where it generally inhabited ; but since the pro- 
 prietor of Tuggal Hall has cut down most of the plantation around it, 
 there is now only a solitary bird to be seen occasionally. In the year 
 1836, I discovered a nest very neatly made in a hole of an ash tree j 
 
230 MR J. p. selby's notice of a curious hybrid. 
 
 it was composed of nearly the same materials as that of the common 
 sparrow, but proportionably smaller, as were also the eggs and the 
 spots upon them. The eggs were four in number. During the period 
 of hatching, the male kept constantly attending upon the female, 
 chirping, hopping about, and making a variety of motions nearly the 
 whole of the day. 
 
 The tree sparrows commonly associate with the common sparrow, 
 and may be easily detected from that bird by their mode of flying, 
 their flight being invariably lower than that of the other, and accom- 
 panied by a shrill note. It also differs from the house sparrow in 
 preferring always the thicket to the open branch or top of the bush 
 on being approached. 
 
 Newton by the Sea, July 26, 18-10. 
 
 Notice of a curious Hyhrid^ killed at Chevington Wood, Northumberland. 
 By J. P. Selby, Esq. of Twizell-house. 
 
 Hybrids, in a wild or natural state, are so rarely met with, that 
 every well authenticated instance of such an anomaly ought to be 
 recorded, not only as a mere curiosity or lusus-naturee, but as tending 
 to elucidate the laws of reproduction, and shewing to what extent, 
 under certain circumstances, prolific intorcoarse is permitted between 
 beings belonging to different species, genera, or groups of even greater 
 extent. It is only under adventitious and peculiar circumstances that 
 we can expect to find such anomalies in a natural state, as when a male 
 or female of any species is left alone, and unable to find a mate. In 
 such a case, the individual is inclined or driven to court the society of 
 some nearly allied species that may chance to haunt the same neigh- 
 bourhood, and intercourse, in consequence, sometimes takes place. 
 Such, we conceive, to be the case in those well authenticated instances 
 where the grey-lacked crow (Corvus comix), has been known to pair 
 and breed with the common carrion crow (Corvus corone). In a con- 
 fined or domesticated state, hybridism is more easily effected as the 
 subjects of experiment can be kept together, and separated from all 
 intercourse with other individuals of their respective species, and thus, 
 as it were, compelling an intercourse. In such experiments, however, 
 it has always been deemed necessary, in order to insure success, that 
 the intended parents should be nearly allied, both generically and 
 specifically, as in the case of the wolf and dog, horse and ass or zebra, 
 among quadi-upeds ; the pheasant and domestic fowl, the Muscovy and 
 common duck, the canary and other nearly allied finches, among birds. 
 In the present instance, however, which is that of a hybrid between 
 the black-cock (Tetrao iQixis.,Auct.) and pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), 
 
MR J. P. SELBT*S NOTICE OF A OUBIOUS HYBRID. 231 
 
 this near affinity is wanting : in fact, according to the views of the 
 first ornithologists of the day, the respective parents belong not only 
 to different genera, but to distinct groups of greater value or extent, the 
 one belonging to the family PavonidcB, Swainson, the other to the 
 TetraonidcB of the same author ; and we may farther remark, that the 
 habits of the two differ considerably from each other. This interesting 
 and remarkable hybrid was shot on the 2d of December, by Lord 
 Howick, at Chevington Wood, a large cover belonging to Earl Grey, 
 .two or three miles to the east of Felton. It proved a male, and 
 partakes of the characters of both parents in nearly an equal degree. 
 Its length, measuring from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, is 
 two feet one and a-half inch in breadth ; with wings extended, two feet 
 six and a-half inches. The tail, which is considerably rounded, is 
 upwards of eight inches in leigth. The bill is intermediate in size and 
 form between that of the black-cock and the pheasant. The upper 
 mandible blackish-horn colour, the under paler. It possesses the 
 naked papillous skin of the pheasant around the eye, but not to so 
 great an extent ; and the superciliary comb of the black-cock is fully 
 developed. The tarsi are about two and three-cjuarter inches in 
 length, feathered anteriorly like the black-cock for more than half 
 their length. The feet partake of the character of both parents. 
 The whole of the head and neck is of a deep purplish-black, with 
 a rich metallic gloss. The breast and lower parts black, with several 
 of the feathers upon the breast and sides shewing, upon being turned 
 up, the arched cross-bar of the cock pheasant ; thighs and legs yellowish- 
 white, barred with black. The mantle or upper back is of a purplish- 
 brown, the feathers partaking of the markings of the pheasant ; the 
 wing-coverts the same. The lower back is of a rich purplish-black. 
 The tail, which is rounded, has the basal part of the feathers marked 
 like those of the pheasant ; their tips, with the exception of the two 
 middle feathers, black for nearly two inches. It has no projecting 
 spur like the pheasant, but a scale considerably larger than the rest 
 on each leg, indicates the place where they project in that bird. 
 Chevington Wood is within a short distance of Acklington Park, where 
 the female hybrid of the same cross, presented to the Natural History 
 Society, Newcastle, by the Duke of Northumberland, was killed about 
 sixteen months ago. In all probability these two birds belonged to 
 the same hatching. Upon dissection, the lobes covering the nostrils 
 were observed to be not more than half the size of those of the 
 pheasant ; the processes at the root of the tongue larger than those of 
 the pheasant. The general form of the body thicker than that of the 
 pheasant ; the exterior pectoral muscles much darker in colour than 
 in the pheasant. Length of the crest or keel of breast-bone in the 
 hybrid fom* inches and three-fourths; that of a middle-sized cock 
 pheasant nearly four inches. Gizzard large ; proventriculus thick and 
 
232 MB R, embleton's notice of tue little gull. 
 
 slightly corrugated ; gizzard filled with pebbles, the shells of nuts, 
 and several seeds of the haw or holly berry. Testes about the size of 
 a small pea, greyish and reniform ; coecal apjjendages two, originating 
 about four inches up the cloaca, sixteen inches in length, and filled 
 with excrementitious matter. 
 
 Notice of the Little Gull, Zarus (Xema) minutus. By Robert Embleton, 
 Surgeon, Embleton. 
 
 Of all the gulls which frequent the British shores, the present species 
 is by far the smallest, as well as the rarest : nor is it much more 
 common in the western part of the European continent, its native 
 habitat being more especially the eastern portions of Russia, Livonia, 
 Hungary, and the shores of the Black and Caspian Seas ; and although 
 it has been considered as identical with a species common to America, 
 we have the best reasons for affirming it to be entirely distinct. It 
 was first noticed as occurring in our island by Colonel Montagu, since 
 which period examples have been killed at different times ; and we 
 have ourselves had the pleasure of receiving it in a recent state. 
 
 Like the other species of the present genus, the Little Gull is a bird 
 which exhibits a remarkable disparity of colouring in the winter and 
 summer states of plumage, as well as from youth to maturity. All the 
 examples killed in our island have been either in their immature or 
 winter plumage. In summer it is characterized by a black head, 
 which colouring it loses before the approach of winter ; but in all the 
 winter-killed specimens we have had an opportunity of examining, 
 traces of this summer-plumage remained ; and in this state an adult 
 is figured in " Selby's Illustrations," which is represented by the fore- 
 most bird in the plate. Its flight is as light and buoyant as can well 
 be imagined, and its general actions and form resemble those of the 
 rest of the genus. 
 
 The colouring of the adults in their winter-plumage is as follows : 
 The whole of the upper surface is of a beautiful bluish-ash ; the quills 
 and secondaries tipped with white ; the throat and under surface pure 
 white, with a slight tinge of rose colour ; bill brownish-red ; tarsi 
 bright red ; irides brown. In summer the whole of the head and 
 upper part of the neck become of a brownish-black. The young, when 
 a year old, resemble the adult in the winter-plumage, with this excep- 
 tion, that the shoulders, scapulars, quill-feathers, and tip of the tail, 
 are deep brownish-black, and that the beak and legs are not so red. 
 My specimen proved on dissection to be a male, a young bird, and 
 was shot on the beach at Embleton during the severe weather in the 
 beginning of the present year, 1838. 
 
( 233 ) 
 
 A Descriptive Catalogue of the GASTEROPODOVS MOLLUSC A of 
 Bencichhire. By Gteorge JoH^^STO^r, M.D., F.E.C.S.E. 
 
 Part I. 
 
 Class— MOLLUSCA GASTEEOPODA. 
 
 Order .— PECTINIBE ANCHIAT A . 
 
 Division— SIPHONOSTOMATA. 
 
 Animal trachelipode, shelled ; the shell spiral or convolute, with the 
 margin of the aperture channelled or emarginate at the base. 
 The genera are all zoophagous, dioecious, and inhabitants of the 
 sea. 
 
 Synopsis of the G-enera. 
 
 * 8hcll turbinate, operculate. 
 
 Outer lip much expanded, . . . . ■ . Chenopus. 
 Outer lip normal, the rim not ribbed. 
 
 Siphonal canal elongated, .... Fusus. 
 
 Siphonal canal very short. 
 
 Pillar rounded, ..... Buccinttm. 
 
 Pillar flat, Purpttra. 
 
 Oiiter lip with a thick rib or varix, . . . Nassa. 
 
 *^ Shell convolute, non-operculate. 
 
 Aperture linear with toothed lips, . . . Cype^a. 
 
 1. Chenopus. f Philippi. 
 
 Shell turreted ; aperture oblong, a shallow canal leading from each 
 extremity along a produced process or beak ; lip greatly dilated, entire 
 or digitate, with a sinus contiguous to the canals ; operculum horny. 
 
 1. Ch. pes pelecani, shell pale brownish flesh-colour, finely striated 
 spirally; the spire tapered, of 10 whorls, raised and nodulous 
 round the middle ; the body with three nodvdous bands, the two 
 inferior approximate and small ; aperture white : lip dilated, 
 sinuated above and below, and furrowed with 4 channels, of which 
 one is up the spire ; canal short, bent. Length l-rVths ; breadth 
 1 inch. Philip. Moll. Scil. 214. Eostellaria pes pelicani. Lam. 
 Anim. s. Yert. vii. 193. Flem. Brit. Anim. 359. Strombus pes 
 pelicani, Linn. Billw. Eec. Sh. 656. 
 
 + It seems to be now agreed that the shell which forms the type of this genus 
 ought to be separated from the Rostellaria of Lamarck. Mr Swainson gives the 
 new genus the name of Aphorrais, borrowed from Da Costa (Malacology, p. 309); 
 but Da Costa's genus was ill defined, and was rather coequal with Pteroceras of 
 Lamarck than with Chenopus of Philippi. See his Elem. of Conchology, p. 230. 
 
234 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogue of the 
 
 Sah. Berwick Bay, in deep water, frequent. 
 
 Animal with two long cylindrical slightly tapered tentacnla of a scarlet colour 
 spotted with pale yellow, yellowish on th.? under side : eyes at the base, 
 external, promineut, sessile : mouth at the end of a loupf cylindrical snout, 
 scarlet, speckled with pale yellow; the tongue slender, cartilaginous, jointed, 
 invested in a sheath : body whitish, freckled with scarlet : margin of the 
 cloak plain, reflected, with a very shoi't canal in jjlace of a syphon ; penis 
 placed under the opposite tentaculum, i-etroflexed, curved, flattened : rectum 
 opening above the penis with a narrow orifice : foot somewhat pedunculate, 
 oblong, truncate anteriorh^, tapered behind, rather short, plain, white : 
 operculum flxed on the back of the foot, horny, elliptical, and rather small. 
 Creeps very sloM^ly, the tentacula being widely extended, and used as feelers. 
 The faeces are in the form of small egg-shaped pellets, and are deposited 
 in heaps. The intei'ior of the shell is piirplish. 
 
 2. Fusus. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell fusiform, ventricose at the middle, the spire produced ; aper- 
 ture oval, with an elongated straight canal ; pillar smooth ; outer lip 
 even, acute. 
 
 1. F. antiquus, shell ovate-fusiform, white, thick, plain, obsoletely 
 striated in a spiral direction; whorls nine, rounded and angidated 
 in the middle ; aperture oval, dilated, yellow with a white rim ; 
 pillar with a thick fold at the base ; canal short. Length about 
 6 inches. Lam. Anim. s. Vert. vii. 125. FJem. Brit. Anim. 348. 
 Murex antiquus, Linn. Dillw. Eec. Sh. 724. 
 
 Hob. Berwick Bay, in deep water, frequent. 
 
 I have a specimen of this shell, found near Alemouth, and presented to me by 
 Miss Is. Forster, which is eight inches in length, and three and a half in 
 breadth, but it rarely exceeds six inches. It is sometimes partially 
 covered with the remains of a thin brown epidermis, but more commonly 
 this is worn off. The body-whorl of the female is more bellied than that 
 of the male, the shell of the latter being beautifully proportioned. " The 
 shell, suspended horizontally," says Dr Fleming, "is employed in the 
 Zetland cottage as a lamp, the cavity containing the oil, and the canal the 
 wick." I have seen it used in the same manner, and for the same purpose, 
 by the fishermen on this coast. 
 
 Animal white : tentactila dorsal, flattened, much dilated at the base, the small 
 eyes seated in an incisure on their outer edge near the middle : margin of 
 the cloak plain : syphon canalictilate, plain, speckled with black exteriorly; 
 mouth furnished with a long cylindrical exsertile proboscis containing a 
 slender filiform cartilaginous tongue marked with numerous cross strise, 
 and surrounded with a sheath of brown muscular fibres : branchife in two 
 very unequal plume-like adnate processes laid along the syphonal side of 
 the branchial cavity, and on the opposi e side there is an elevated ridge 
 produced by the course of the rectum, which opens on the margin of the 
 cavity with a plain orifice ; the interior of the intestine yellowish-brown, 
 and strongly plaited in a longititdinal direction : penis retroflected, large, 
 linear, flattened, obtuse and truncate : foot oval, rugose, straw-coloured : 
 operculum brown, horny, pyriform, marked with concentric strias. 
 
 The nidus of this molluscum is a very curious object. It is firmly attached to 
 rocks in deep water by a broad base, and forms an obtuse cone about three 
 inches high and two in diameter, made up of a number of large cells or 
 pouches joined together by a strong cartilaginous band or skin. Each 
 cell is shaped something like the human nail, convex outwardly and con- 
 cave on the inner side, the outer coat strong and cartilaginous, with a 
 slit on the upper edge. Within this, and only loosely connected with it, 
 
GASTEROPODOUS MOLLU80A OF BERWICKSniRE. 235 
 
 there is a bag of a similar form, but the coat of which is thin and pellucid, 
 and contains at first a fluid granular matter, clouded at places, and ulti- 
 mately from two to four young. Previous to exclusion these are perfectly 
 formed : the eves, lentacula, and operculum of tlie animal are very distinct, 
 and the shell, which is of a uniform flesh-colour, has three or four whorls, 
 and is fully four lines in lengtli. They ultimately make their escajje by a 
 dissolution or rupture of the cells, for there is no aperture in the inner 
 coat, and the slit in the outer one seems intended merely to admit the 
 water necessaiy to their airing. 
 
 2. F. corneus, shell fusiform, plain, covered with a brown epidermis, 
 
 sti'iated spiivilly ; whorls nine, somewhat rounded ; aperture 
 oblong, pure white, with smooth lips ; canal rather short, bent, 
 wide. Length 3 ; breadth 1 inch. Flem. Br. Anim. 348. F. 
 islandicus, Lam. Anim. s. Vert. vii. 126. Murex corneus, Zinn. 
 Dilhc. Eec. Sh. 733. 
 
 Sah. Berwick Bay, iu deep water, frequent. 
 
 Animal white, unspotted ; eyes black and rather large ; foot short, very obtuse 
 behind, the margins plain. 
 
 3. F. Bamfias, shell fusiform, dirty white, with seven convex whorla 
 
 ribbed across ; ribs numerous, acute or lamellar ; aperture oval, 
 white, with a bent canal shorter than its length, the outer lip 
 thiekish and everted. Length -1^5-ths ; breadth iVths. Flem. Br. 
 Anim. 351. Murex Bamffius Perm.. Brit. Zool. iv. 284, tab. 82, 
 fig. 5. 
 Hah. Bei'wick Bay, in deep water, rare. 
 
 4. F. Barvtcensi-f, shell fusiform, white, with six rounded whorls 
 
 separated by a flattened space at the suture, and crossed with 
 numerous furbelowed ribs ; aperture roundish, white, the canal 
 rather long, slightly ascending ; outer lip thin, smooth. Length 
 i^ths; breadth r.rths. Juluisfon, in Edin. Phil. Journ. xiii. 225. 
 F. asperiimus, Brou-ii's Conch, pi. 47, fig. 2. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, in deep water, rare. 
 
 There are thirteen ribs on the body-whorl, finely furbelowed, projecting a little 
 at the suture, and terminating on the beak, wliich is produced antl smooth 
 towards its extremity. In the space between the ribs there are some 
 obsolete spir;il elevations. The ribs do not terminate at the sutures, but 
 are continued across the Haftened sj^sico by elevated strife. 
 
 Mi J. E. Gray informs me, that this shell is not distinct from the Murex muri- 
 catus of Montagu ; and relative to this opinion, Mr J. Alder of Newcastle 
 has favoured me with some remarks, which I shall give in his own words. 
 He says — " They are very nearly, if not exactly, similar in form, but in 
 none of the specimens of F. mnricatns, is there any appearance of the 
 beautifully nndiiliiHng bilaminatod ribs which are so consjn'cuotis in your 
 shell. These may ]i()ssil>ly wear off, like the imbricated scales of the 
 young Purpura hipillus; but Moutagtt dredged up M. muricatus, covered 
 with an orange-coloured epiilermis or crust, and probably fresh ; and it 
 has been ofteu found since his lime, but nobody has ever described it with 
 undulated lamellar ribs, which f think must have been observed had they 
 existed. The tuherculated appearance, from the strong spiral stria) cross- 
 ing the riVis, seems to be a general chai-acter of M. muricatus, but can 
 scarcely apply to yours. Indeed, F. Barvicensis cannot properly be said 
 
236 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogxte of the 
 
 to have any spiral striae, as they are merely vindulations of the ribs, which 
 nearly disappear in the hollows, and on the left side of the ribs, the latter 
 lying over in that direction. The striae of F. mnricatus are more distinct, 
 numerous, and regular, particularly toward the base of the shell. The 
 outer lip of F. muricatus is strongly tuberculated within : your Berwick 
 shell is smooth in the specimen sent, which however is young." I may 
 add, that I have now examined six specimens, in all of which the lips of 
 the aperture are smooth, and two of the specimens at least appeared to be 
 full-grown. 
 
 5. F. Turricula, shell white, turreted with eight gradually decreasing 
 
 whorls flattened at the sutures, crossed with many thickish 
 straight ribs, and spirally striated ; aperture oval, with a very 
 short wide canal. Length I'Vths ; breadth fgths. Flem. Br. 
 Anim. p. 349. Murex Turriciila, Mont. Test. Brit. 262. tab. 9. 
 fig. 1. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, very rare. 
 
 There are fifteen ribs on the body-whorl, which disappear on the back of the 
 canal. The whorls are flattened, and rise perpendicularly from each other, 
 becoming suddenly plane on the top, the ribs being continued across this 
 flattened space. 
 
 6. F. linearis, shell fusiform, ribbed transversely and crossed with 
 
 elevated stri8e nodulous on the ribs, the interstices smooth ; whorls 
 
 six or seven, convex, the ribs about ten, and the cross lines eight 
 
 on the body ; aperture oval, the beak shorter than its length, 
 
 straight, the outer lip thickened, the pillar plain. Length i%ths. 
 
 Flem. Brit. Anim. 350. Murex linearis, Mont. Test. Brit. 261. t. 9. 
 
 fig. 4. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, in sand, not uncommon. 
 
 Our specimens are dead shells, procured from among sea-sand. They are whitish, 
 
 with a purplish apex, and marked spirally with reddish-brown lines, for the | 
 
 spiral striae are of this colour. 
 
 7. F. costatus, shell fusiform, slender, of a yellowish-brown colour, 
 
 smooth ; whorls six, transversely ribbed, the ribs nine on the body, 
 slightly waved, obtuse, continuous ; aperture oval, with a short 
 wide canal and plain lips. Length Aths ; breadth -fVth. Flem, 
 Brit. Anim. 348. Murex costatus, Mont. Test. Brit. 265. 
 
 Hah. In shell sand, very rare. 
 
 The apical or primary whorls are not ribbed. The shell is very smooth, and 
 somewhat glossy. 
 
 8. F. nelula. Mont. Test. 'Brit. 267, pi. 15, fig. 6. F. pyramidatm. 
 
 Brown's Conchology, pi. 48, fig. 19, 20. 
 
 Hah. Coldingham Bay, Mr Robert Maclaurin. " Found by me at St Abb's Head," 
 Brown. 
 
 Mr Maclaurin's specimen is an old and worn one, nine lines in length, and three 
 in diameter where broadest, of a dull brownish colour, stained with ex- 
 traneous matter, opaque and thickish, and appears to have been coated with 
 a yellowish-brown epidermis, minutely reticulated in its fresh condition. 
 The description must consequently be imperfect. Shell turreted, with 
 nine ribbed whorls tapering gradually to a point : whorls very slightly 
 
aASTEBOPODOUS MOLLUSC A OF BERTVTCKSHIRE. 237 
 
 raised, with nine or ten obtuse smooth ribs, obsolete at the suture, which 
 is a distinctly impressed line. Bodj'-whorl moi-e than twice the breadth 
 of the second, the lower part not ribbed : aperture oval, with a wide effuse 
 short canal bent to one side, the pillar smooth, the lip thin and even. 
 The Berwickshire specimen is considerably larger than any seen by Mon- 
 tagu, but Mr Edward Forbes tells me that he has seen it as large in several 
 collections. Mr Forbes is of opinion, that Brown's F. 'pyramidatus is 
 founded on a worn specimen of this species, — an opinion to which I give a 
 willing assent. 
 Captain Brown, in his Conchology, figures three new species, which, he says, 
 were found at Holy Island. These are : 
 
 Fusus minimus, pi. 48, fig. 35, 36. 
 
 Fusus punctatus, pi. 48, fig. 56, 57. 
 
 Murex craticulatus, pi. 48, fig. 60. 
 
 3. BucciNUM. Lixx^Etrs. 
 
 Shell ovate, "with, a produced spire ; aperture oval, effuse at the base, 
 not lengthened into a beak ; pillar rounded, smooth ; outer lip plain : 
 operculum horny. 
 
 1 . B. tmdatiim, shell ovate-conical, thick, white more or less tinged 
 ■with brown, marked with spiral ridges and strife, and transversely 
 ribbed ; ribs waved, oblique, obtuse, crossing only the upper 
 hali of the body ; whorls eight, rounded ; aperture white, roundish, 
 the pillar smooth, with a thick fold on the outer side of the short 
 canal ; outer lip somewhat sinuated, thick. Length 4|-, breadth 
 2 inches. Linn. Billw. Eec. Sh. 632. Pen. Brit. Zool. iv. 272. 
 tab. 76. Mull. Zool. Dan. tab. 50. fig. 1-4. 
 
 Var. 2. Shell thin, covered with a horn-coloured rough epidermis, 
 the spiral ridges and the waved ribs of the body- whorl less distinct. 
 Length 3-iVths ; breadth 2 inches. Buc. striatum. Pen. Brit. Zool. 
 iv. 272. tab. 77. Buc. br. magnum, tenue, leviter striatum. List. 
 Conch, tab. 962. fig. 15. Tritonium ciliatum. Fabric. Faun. 
 Groenl. 401. 
 
 Hob. Berwick Bay, about low-water mark, and in deep water, common. 
 
 The throat of some of the immature shells is yellow, with the rim thin, 
 crenulate, white or tinged with pink ; and I have seen specimens in our 
 bay with a dark purplish-brown aperture, which some have suspected to be 
 a distinct species. These varieties were nearly two inches long. 
 
 Our var. 2. Lister has described with accuracy in his Hist. Anim. Anglias, p, 
 157. tab. 3. fig. 3, where he says it differs from the B. undatum-1. because 
 it is very thin and smooth, while the latter is strong and heavy ; 2. in 
 having a more ample ajDertnre ; and, 3. in the almost total want of the 
 waved lines or ridges on the large whorl. These reasons many naturalists 
 have considered valid; and it has consequently been introduced as a 
 distinct species into our latest Fauna, under the name of B. Anglicanum, 
 which again Dr Fleming considers to be identical with the B. Humphrey- 
 sianum of the Zool. .Journ. v. i. p. 398. tab. 22. But, as Mr Gray has very 
 properly remarked, "the shells of the Buc. undatum and B. striatum of 
 Pennant have no other difference than that the one has been formed in 
 rough water, and is consequently thick, solid, and heavy ; and the other 
 in the still water of harbours, where it becomes light, smooth, and often 
 coloured." 
 
238 DR Johnston's descriptive oatalogite of the 
 
 Animal : tentacula two, triangular, compressed, non-retractile, lateral and su- , 
 perior, abruptly dilated at the base: eyes two, external, small, on the 
 dilated part of the tentacula: proboscis cylindrical, upwards of an inch.] 
 long, composed of circular fil)res, containing fibro-muscular sheath, within j 
 which lies the filiform rough tongue : margins of the collar and foot plain : 
 penis large, club-shaped, compressed, with a subterminal macro : opercu- 
 lum oval, corneous, concentrically striated. 
 
 The nidus (Alcyonium, sen Vesicaria marina, Ellis, Corall. 84. tab. 32. b. B.), ' 
 is composed of numerous cartilaginous vesicles or pouches, united by a j 
 strong ligament into a roundish mass, which, in size and general appear- 
 ance, may be aptly compared to the nest of the humble bees. The pouches ! 
 are essentially the same in structure as those of Fusus antiquus, and each 
 contains about four young, which, when about to be hatched, have four 
 whorls, and exhibit all the characters of the shell in perfection. Some 
 authors have supposed that they constitute the Murex decollatus of Pennant 
 (Br. Zool. iv. 286. tab. 82. fig. 3.) ; but the latter ia really the fry of Fusus 
 antiquus. 
 
 At the enthronization feast of William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, on 
 the 9th of March 1504, there were provided 800O whelkes, at 5s per 1000. 
 They are not eaten on this coast, but are still exposed in large quantities 
 for sale in the markets of the metropolis. Our children amuse themselves 
 with the shell, which they apply to the ear, and, by attent'.vely listening to 
 its murmurings, they tell whether the tide flows or recedes ! 
 
 " I have seen 
 A curious child, who dwelt upon a tract 
 Of inland ground, applying to his ear 
 The convolutions of a smooth-lipp'd shell ; 
 To which, in silence hush'd, his very soul 
 Listen' d intensely, and his countenance soon 
 Brighten' d with joy ; for murmurings from within 
 Were heard, — sonorous cadences, whei'eby, 
 To his belief, the monitor express' d 
 Mysterious union with its native sea." 
 
 2. Buc. hreve, shell ovato-ventricose, whitish, faintly banded with 
 reddish-bi'own, ribbed transversely, and spirally striate ; whorls 
 five, rounded, the three apical sinooth, apex obtuse ; aperture 
 oval, the lip plain, the pillar twisted. Adams. 
 
 Hah. In sand. Berwick Bay. 
 
 There is a faint brown band on tlie upper and lower margins of the body- 
 whorl. The shell resembles the fry of Buc. undatum, but is different ; for 
 there are five distinct whorls in this, which is not more than a line in 
 length, whereas there are four only in Buc. undatum, when it is three or 
 four times of greater size. This shell is also more transparent, with the 
 ribs better marked, and the striro less so. 
 
 4. Nassa. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell ovate, with a produced spire ; aperture roundish or oval, with 
 a short canal; pillar rounded; outer lip thickened with a strong 
 external rib or varix : operculum liorny. 
 
 1 , iV. mcrassata, shell ovate-conical, brown, with seven whorls ribbed 
 across and spirally grooved ; ribs obtuse ; aperture white, the 
 pillar concave, outer lip toothed within, canal very short, oblique, 
 with a black spot at the end, and a furrow between the body and 
 
GASTEROPODOTTS MOLLUSCA OF BER-WICKSHIRE. 239 
 
 the outer fold of the pillar. Length -j^j-ths. Flem. Brit. Anim. 
 340. Buccinum macvila, Dillw. Rec. Sh. 638. 
 
 Kah. Berwick Bay, at and within low water mark, frequent. 
 
 " The shell has frequently a red band on the centre of the body-whorl ; and a 
 beautiful variety is sometimes found entirely red." — iU>- J. AlcLer. 
 
 Animal straw-coloured, speckled with black ; teutacula setaceous, bulged at the 
 base, the eyes placed half-way up on their outer side ; syphon long brown 
 speckled and black near the base, either straight and projected, or retro- 
 verted and laid on the back of the shell when in motion ; foot and collar 
 plain : mouth with a long proboscis, thicker towards the apex, and, aa 
 usual, furnished with filiform striate tongue. The animal is active, and 
 tolerably quick in progression. 
 
 5. Purpura. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell oval, thick, ribless ; aperture dilated, ovate, with a short -wide 
 canal ; pillar flattened ; outer lip without a varix : operculum horny. 
 
 1 . P. Lapillus^ shell ovate-acute, white, obsoletely ridged in a spiral 
 direction ; whorls six, those of the spire small, the suture obscure ; 
 aperture oval, tinged with purple, the outer lip thick, toothed 
 within ; pillar plain, with a thick fold at the base. Length 1 births, 
 breadth vo-ths. Lam. Anim, s. Vert. vii. 244. Flem. Brit. Anim. 
 34L Buccinum lapillus, Linn. Billw. Kec. Sh. 613. Purple 
 Fish, Cole in Phil. Trans, xv. ann. 1685, p. 1278, tab. 3. fig. 3-8. 
 
 Kdb. Berwick Bay, between tide marks, abundant. 
 
 Immature shells are often marked with bands of brown or yellow, and the 
 spiral ridges or ribs are roughened with scales, a variety which constitutes 
 the P. imbricata of Lamarck. 
 
 Anim;il; tentacula 2, dorsal, tapered, flattish, dilated below the eyes which are 
 inserted in an incisure near their middle nnd on the outside : mouth with 
 a short proboscis : margin of the cloak plain, marked with a brown band • 
 foot short, plain, oval, the brown liorny operculum placed on its back • 
 branchico in two very unequal pectinated processes adnate to the syphonal 
 side of the respiratory cavity ; penis flat, curved, retroflexed, obtuse with 
 a terminal mucro. 
 
 The nidus of this animal is very different from that of Fusus or Buccinum • 
 and we may add from the typical Purpura3, from which our shell has been 
 separated by Mr Swainson, and placed in his now genus Pohjtropa. It ia 
 descriljed by Ellis (Corall, p. 87. tab. 32. fig. c. c.) as an " Alcyonium sea 
 cyathus marinus," and is in the form of a wine-glass or vase, adherino- by 
 a broad base, and hanging in general from the roof of shelvincr rocks in 
 considerable chisters. " When they are first taken out of the sea, they are 
 of a bright semi-transparent yellow colour, of a horny tough natui'e con- 
 taining a viscid substance, with many orange -coloured seed, or egg-like 
 particles, in the upper part of each cup," and in which the little shells 
 completely formed, are soon to be detected with the magnifier. Each 
 nidus is distinct or separate, with a short narrow neck, and the upper part 
 oval, containing the ova or young covered by a convex lid, which at length 
 opens to admit of their escajie. 
 
 On the back of the snail there may be observed a pale-coloured vessel winding 
 obliquely backwards, and filled with a liquor of the colour and consistence 
 of cream. This liquor affords an indelible dye of a fine purjjle colour 
 analogous or perhaps identical vrith the Tyrian purple of antiquity. The 
 
240 GASTEROPODOUS MOLLTJSCA OF BERWICKSHII^E. 
 
 Tenerablc Bode, who died A.D. 735, mentions the fact in a manner which 
 proves it to have been familiarly known in his time, when, in all pro- 
 bability, it was reallj' used as a pigment. " There are," says he, " on the 
 English shores an abundance of the Cochleae which yield a scarlet dye. 
 Its beautiful tinge neither fades by the heat of the sun nor by the 
 weather, but the older it is, the more rich and elegant." The knowledge 
 of the fact appears soon to have become confined to a few individuals who 
 handed down the manner of marking linen with it as a family secret ; nor 
 was it again made public until 1684, when Mr William Cole of Bristol, 
 having been informed that "there was a certain person living by the sea- 
 side, in some port or creek in Ireland, who made considerable gain by 
 marking with a delicate durable crimson colour, fine linen of ladies, 
 gentlemen," &c., and which was "taken out of a shell-fish," discovered 
 after various trials, that it was procured fi'om the P. Lapillus. 
 The fluid, when in the vessel, as already mentioned, is of the colour and con- 
 sistence of cream. As soon as it is exposed to the air, it becomes of a 
 bright yellow, speedily turns to a pale green, and continues to change 
 imperceptibly, until it assumes a bluish cast, and then a purplish-red. 
 Without the influence of the solar rays, it will go through all these changes 
 in the course of two or three hours ; but the process is much accelerated 
 by exposure to the snn, which also causes the cloth tinted to exhale a very 
 strong fetid smell, "as if garlic and assafcetida were mixed together." 
 We strongly recommend," says Montagu, "the use of this secretion for 
 the purpose of marking where an indelible dye is desirable ; letters marked 
 on linen or other articles of wearing apparel, from the recent animal, 
 appear indestructible, bidding defiance to chemical process." 
 
 6. CYPE.a;A. LlNN^US. 
 
 Shell convolute, ovate, bellied, the spire minute or concealed ; aper- 
 ture linear, parallel with the length of the shell, effuse at both ends, 
 toothed on each side, the outer lip thickened and involute. 
 
 1 . C. europcea, shell ovate-globose, ash or flesh-coloured, crossed by 
 numerous smooth ribs ; spire obsolete ; base white ; the aperture 
 linear with equal teeth ; outer lip thickened, rounded. Length 
 five lines, breadth under three. Dillw. Eec. Sh. 467. Gray in 
 Zool. Jour. iii. 366. C. pediculus. Pen. Br. Zool. iv. 252. tab. 73. 
 fig. sup. C. coccinella. Lam. Anim. s. Vert. vii. 404. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, at low water mark. 
 
 " The variety found on our coast is the C. artica of Montagu, Test. Brit. 201." 
 Mr J. Alder. The shell is frequently cast up in our bay, and gathered by 
 the children, who call it sea-cradles or blackamoor's teeth. 
 
 Animal : tentaeula two, filiform or slightly tapered, inferior, orange-yellow 
 with pale dots, white and incrassated at the base, the eyes being placed 
 just above and on the outer side of this basilar portion ; mouth furnished 
 with a ribbon-like membranous tongue roughened with minute prickles 
 set in close transverse lines ; syphon projected forwards, tubulous, cleft 
 underneath, white tipped with yellow ; cloak covering the shell more or 
 less completely, pellucid, white spotted with yellowish-brown, the edges 
 plain and spotted with black; foot oblong, extended beyond the shell 
 when in progression, broad and truncate in front, produced into two short 
 processes at the anterior angles, rounded posteriorly, sometimes white 
 tinted with yellow on the sides, and sometimes entirely orange-yellow. 
 The snail can withdraw entirely into its shell. It creeps slowly, and 
 exudes a large quantity of a clear colourless jelly during its progress. 
 When kept in a glass of sea-water, its favourite position was near the 
 
MR ROBERT MACLATJRIN^S LIST OF SHELLS 
 
 241 
 
 surface at the edge, round which it crawled, with the shell reversed, and 
 the foot fixed obliquely to the glass, partly supported by the pellicle of 
 jelly it had excreted. The syphon is projected forwards, the tentacula 
 expanded, and the shell covered with the cloak which, when thus expanded, 
 seems impressed with striae like the shell itself. It sometimes left the 
 water altogether, and seemed nowise incommoded by the change. 
 The immature shell (Cypra^a bullata, Ment. Test. Brit. 202, tab. 6, fig. 1) ia 
 milk-white, smooth, thin and pellucid, with a wide aperture effuse at the 
 base, and a small spire projecting at the top, having exactly the form of a 
 volute. The animal differs from the adult merely in the less evolution 
 of the cloak. 
 
 List of Bivalved Shells found in Coldingham Bay. By Mr Eobert 
 
 Maclaurin. 
 
 Fam. OsTRACEA. 
 Anemia ephippium. Anomia undulata. 
 squamula. 
 
 Fam. Pectenid^. 
 Pecten maximus (not commoii) Pecten varius {rather common) 
 
 opercularis {not common) — 
 
 lineatus {rare) Lima fragilis {rare) 
 
 Fam. Arcacea. 
 
 obsoletus {very com,mon) 
 
 Area fusca {very rare) 
 Pectunculus pilosus {not rare) 
 
 Nucula margaritacea (common) 
 miuuta (not common) 
 
 Fam. Mytilacea. 
 
 Mytilus edulis (very common) 
 var. incurvatus (rare) 
 var. pellucidus (common) 
 
 Fam 
 Cardium ciliare (not common) 
 
 echinatum (common) 
 
 lasvigatum (not conmon) 
 
 edule (not common) 
 
 Donax trunculus (very rare) 
 
 nova species ? (very rare) 
 
 Tellina tenuis (co7nmon) 
 
 solidula (common) 
 
 crassa (very common) 
 
 Amphidesma compressa (not com.) 
 Cryptodon flexuosus (very rare) 
 Lucina radula (very common) 
 
 undata (commoji) 
 
 Cyprina islandica (common) 
 Mactra subtruncata (not coimnon) 
 elliptica (common) 
 
 Modiolus vulgaris (common) 
 
 discors (common) 
 
 discrepans (rare) 
 
 CONCHACEA. 
 
 Kellia suborbicularis (common) 
 Crassina Danmonia (common) 
 
 Scotica (common) 
 
 sulcata (rare) 
 
 — solida (very common) 
 
 — stultorum (very rare) 
 
 Cytherea exoleta (very common) 
 Cytherea lincta (convmon) 
 
 ovata (rare) 
 
 Venus cassina (rare) 
 
 fasciata (co^nmon) 
 
 gallina (very common) 
 
 virginea (jiot common) 
 
 decussata (not com7non) 
 
 perforans (very common) 
 
 Corbula striata (common) 
 Lutraria elliptica (very rare) 
 
 hyans (very rare) 
 
 Mya truncata (rare) 
 
 arenaria {not common) 
 
242 MR ROBERT MACLAURIn's LIST OF SHELLS. 
 
 Sphenia Swainsonii {common) Solen ensis (common) 
 
 Anatina pubescens (very common) pellucidus (rare) 
 
 Psammobia ilorida (not cominon) Hiatella rugosa {not rare) 
 
 Ferroeusis (common) arctica (not common) 
 
 Solen siliqua (cominon) Pliolas crispata (very rare) 
 
 Of the Pholas crisjjata I have seen a living specimen, which is now 
 in the possession of Mr J. Duncan, Eyemouth. The whole of the 
 shells in the preceding list have been found in a living state, with the 
 exception of Area fusca, Pectuuculus pilosus, Cardium hevigatum, 
 Mactra stultorum, Venus cassina, and Mya truncata. They have 
 been procured principally from the fishermen's lines. The coast 
 where they live is very rugged, and very unfavourable to the growth 
 of such sj)ecies as prefer quiet and sheltered sandy shores. We thus 
 find, that the distribution of the Mollusca is quite characteristic of the 
 district. Donax trunculus, Tellina tenuis and solidula, Mactra stul- 
 torum, and Amphidesma compressa, which are abundant on every 
 sandy beach in the kingdom, are of comparatively rare occurrence 
 with us. A stripe of sand, a mile from the shore, runs east and west, 
 from St Abbs. This abounds with Mactra solida and elliptica, Cras- 
 sina compressa, Lucina radula, Tellina crassa, Pecten obsoletus, 
 Cardium edule, Cytherea exoleta, Solen siliqua and ensis. 
 
 Beyond this, and extending many miles in breadth, the bottom of 
 the sea consists entirely of >nud, or of mufl and sand. This habitat, 
 though far from being so rich in species as the'former, is preferred by 
 Venus decussata and perforaus, Mya truncata, Lutraria elliptica, and 
 Modiolus vulgaris, which last obtains a great size, frequently growing 
 seven inches long. 
 
 As we go farther from the shore the mud disappears, and we come 
 to a rocky bottom which is adjacent to the cod banks. In this situ- 
 ation we find Cardium echinatum, Cyprina Islandica, Venus cassina, 
 &c. The cod banks are the abode of Pecten maximus and opercularis, 
 together with many species which abound in the first mentioned bed. 
 
 EoTTBOLLiA INOURVATA, Yax. fiUformis. This grass has been found 
 on the Links beyond Groswick, N. Durham, plentifully, by Miss E. Bell 
 and Miss Hurt on. 
 
 Erratum in last JSfo. of Transactions of Berwickshire Naturalists^ 
 
 Cluh. 
 Page 180, line 3 and 4 from top, for perhaps read pai'ticularly. 
 
( 243 ) 
 
 The Anniversary Address to the Berwickshire Naturalists'' Club, delivered 
 at Kelso, 15th September 1841. By Francis Douglas, M.D., 
 President. 
 
 G-ENTLEMEN, 
 
 Previous to resigning the honourable situation to which I was 
 elevated at the last Anniversary Meeting of the Club, I must discharge 
 the usual duties of your President, by giving an account of the trans- 
 actions of the Club, during the year which has now expired. 
 
 The 10th anniversary meeting of the Club took place at Holy Island 
 on the 30th of September, when the following members attended ; Dr 
 Johnston, P. J, Selby, Esq., Dr Clarke, Captain Mitford, Mr Melrose, 
 and F. J. W. CoUingwood, Esq. The Club were honoured with the 
 company of the Rev. J. Dixon Clarke, Messrs Hubback and Heath, 
 Barristers, and Mr Alexander Douglas, from Kelso. 
 
 After breakfast, a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Club from 
 Chevalier Michelotti of Turin was read. It conveyed an offer of the 
 Fossils of Italy, belonging to the Tertiary period. It was a matter of 
 regret that this handsome offer could not be accepted, in conse- 
 quence of one of the fundamental rules of the Club forbidding the 
 acquisition of any property ; " but it was a flattering unction to their 
 consequence and importance to know, that their name and fame had 
 spread beyond the land of brown heather, and was cherished even in 
 the land of the vine and the myrtle." The walk of the Club was 
 directed towards the Coves, where an hour or two was busily devoted 
 in searching out and noting the various marine animals which lurk 
 beneath the flat stones in " Coveshaven.'^ The Coves are excavated in 
 a very picturesque sandstone clilf, of about 200 yards in length, and 
 35 feet in height : three of them are of considerable size and interest ; 
 their walls are covered with a dense coat of the Polysiphonia stricta, 
 which gives them the appearance of being papered with a rich scarlet 
 cloth. In former times, they were the resort of numerous flocks of 
 seals, which took, in those cool recesses, their repose without fear of 
 surprise ; but they have now forsaken their ancient haunts, expelled 
 by the too frequent visits of lovers of the picturesque or of poaching, 
 and by the revels of pleasure parties and Picknickians. A few rari- 
 ties were found in the haven, of which the following may be specified. 
 — Of Algse, the only one worth notice is Zonaria deusta, which spreads 
 like a lichen over the rocks in great profusion. The Millepora 
 lichenoides, the Melobesice, and Corallina officinalis, occurred in every 
 pool; and it was easy to demonstrate by the different staged 
 
244 
 
 DR DOUGLAS S ADDRESS. 
 
 specinieus there, that these productious were merely different 
 states of one species. The Halisarca of Dujardin, perhaps the lowest 
 of animal organizations, was noticed in much abundance and perfection ; 
 and we could easily imagine, that, by the addition of siliceous spicula, 
 immersed and crossed in its texture, it might become the Halichondria 
 panicea of Fleming, which grew alongside of it in several varieties. — 
 Of the calcareous sponges, there were met with Grantia coriacea, hotry- 
 oides, foliacea, and a singular variety of G. ciUata. — Of Zoophytes, 
 Coryne sqiiamata, Laoinedea yelatinosa^ Sertularia pumila^ Lepralia coc- 
 cinea, Actmea mesemhr yanthemum, abounded, and in especial perfection 
 and beauty. — Of the Echinodermata, no other species than Echinus 
 esculentus, Ophiura fragilis and neglecta, occurred. The Bcliinus was 
 generally hidden by broken pieces of sea- weed, with which it covered 
 its shell. — Of the MoUusca tunicata, there were many species remark- 
 able for their beauty, but we can only specify the Ascidia rustica, 
 Phalliisea intestinalis, and Aplidium ficus, for of the others the names 
 could not with certainty be determined. The calcareous stones were 
 often found perforated with Pholas crispata, and one stone was found 
 by Captain Mitf ord, with many of the shells still living hidden in their 
 excavations. In one of these holes, a good specimen of Venus per for ans 
 was found ; and the Saxicava rugosa was not uncommon. A great 
 number of specimens of Lamellaria tentaculata of Montagu were taken, 
 shewing that the species is liable to considerable variation in colour, 
 and in the degree of roughness of the mantle. — Several very minute 
 individuals of the Boris tuberculata were taken up unnoticed, until after 
 our return home, and it is remarkable that in these, some of which 
 wer*' an eighth of an inch in length, there was no appearance of 
 branchiae. Another member of the family Doridae occurred, which is 
 without exception the most beautiful naked gasteropode we have seen ; 
 its name remains for future investigation. 
 
 Passing from the Haven, the party next crossed over a formation of 
 limestone, consisting of three beds, from three to four feet each in 
 thickness, which, at the point to the eastward of the north sands, assume 
 a singularly undulated appearance. Mr Skafe has given a very brief 
 description of these, and a figure, illustrative of their undulations, in 
 Eaine's History of North Durham, p. 172. Thence we walked to the 
 Snook, to the spot where Mr Donaldson Selby is boring for coal. Here 
 the party separated, one division walking towards the village in as 
 direct a line as possible, that they might have leisure to examine the 
 Priory, Church, and Castle ; another set, bent on the murder of rabbits 
 and partridges, wandered over the links and fields in many a devious 
 track ; while a third set wandered leisurely round by the loch in search 
 of rarities in any class or kingdom of animality, but they were as 
 little successful as their murderous or sporting colleagues. At dinner 
 the party were reunited, and afterwards, as is our wont, the Secretary 
 
DR Douglas's address. 245 
 
 read the address of the President, who was prevented from attending 
 by absence from home. On the nomination of Mr Selby, Dr F. 
 Douglas was elected President for the ensuing j-ear. A notice of the 
 occiiiTence of the HalicJucrus gryphus on the coast, by Dr Douglas, was 
 next read, on which Mr Selby was requested to report at the next 
 meeting. Dr Johnston Avas appointed Secretary for the year. 
 
 At the AVinter Meeting at Berwick, held on December 16, the 
 following members attended : Dr Douglas, president ; Dr Johnston, 
 secretary ; Eev. Thos. Eiddell, Mr Melrose, Dr Clarke, Mr Selby, Mr 
 Good, Eev. J. Turnbull, and Mr Laughorne. Mr Tancred, Mr Wm. 
 Tancred, and Mr "VVilkie of Fouldeau, attended as visitors. The mem- 
 bers of the Club having pai'taken of Dr Johnston's hospitality at 
 breakfast, the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved of. 
 Mr Selby then reported that the seal described by Dr Douglas, in a 
 communication read to the Club in September last, was, as Dr Douglas 
 supposed, the Halichcerus gryphus^ and that he had since procured three 
 specimens of the heads of the same species from the Fame Island, 
 where Mr Selby now believes the Phoca barhata, for which the Hali- 
 cheerus had been mistaken, is not to be found. 
 
 On the motion of Mr Selby, the Eev. J. D. Clarke, and on the 
 motion of Mr Eiddell, Mr David M'Beath, were admitted members of 
 the Club. It was next agreed that the Club should meet in 1841, at 
 the following places in succession, Ayton, AVooler, Bank House, and 
 Kelso. 
 
 Mr Selby presented the Club with a list of the dipterous insects in 
 the collection of Mr Hardy, made in the neighbourhood of the Pease- 
 bridge, and with a notice of Larus mimitus, killed at Holy Island. Mr 
 Selby subsequently read an elaborate report on the ornithology of Ber- 
 wickshire, which was ordered to be printed. Dr Johnston gave in a 
 few ornithological notices of the occurrence of some rare birds in the 
 neighbourhood of Berwick. 
 
 The Club then took their walk along the sea-banks as far as the 
 Needle-Eye ; but nothing to attract their special attention occurred, 
 beyond what arose out of the beauty and picturesqueness of the sea, 
 and many points in the rocky shore. 
 
 After dinner, the party again assembled at Dr Johnston's, who ex- 
 hibited his collection of British Sponges, and gave a short explanation 
 of the views of Grant, relating to their physiology and functions, and 
 of whose con'ectness and accui-acy in observation he has fiilly satisfied 
 himself. 
 
 The Spring Meeting of the Club was held at Ayton on the 5th of 
 May, and was attended by the following members : The President, the 
 
 Q 
 
246 UK DuLHiLA« S AUJJKKS.s. 
 
 Secretary, P. J. fSelby, Esi]^., Et-v. A. liaird, Dr Clarke, Eev. Gr. Cuu- 
 uing-ham, and tlie liev. J. Turubull. The Eev. Mr Tougli of A}i;on 
 liuuoured the Club with his company at dinner. 
 
 After breakfast, the party took tlie nsual walk, strolling first through 
 the grounds in front of Ayton House, and following the course of the 
 river Eye, until they reached Mill-Bank paper- works, which they were 
 permitted to examine. From this they traced up a certain length of 
 the ravine through which the Aleburn winds its tortuous way. During 
 this walk, nothing new, either to the Fauna or Flora of the district, 
 occurred, and nothing very rare. A few fruit-bearing mosses were 
 picked up, a few insects captured, and one or two shells, uncommon in 
 the district, as Bulimus ohncurus and Hdix pygmoea^ taken. The walk 
 was, however, very agreeable ; for, as the day was fine, the glow of 
 spring-ilowers, the rich verdure of the trees, and of the springing grass, 
 the songs of the birds, and the murmuring of the waters of the stream, 
 as it trotted over its gravelly bed, and its deejD stillness as it lingered 
 at the foot of precipitous whin-clad rocks, that I'ose abrupt from the 
 water, came with a healing power on every heart, filling it with a pure 
 feeling which welled forth in peace, and gaiety, and good-will to all 
 men. Chaucer has aptly painted the scene we walked in, but has 
 apparently been as uiuch at a loss as ourselves to describe the feelings 
 it calls forth, just because of their fulness and blended natures. 
 
 " Who sawe cvir so feyr or so glud a day, 
 Aud how sote this seson is entring into May ? 
 The thrustelis and the thrushis in this glad mornyng, 
 The rnddok and the goldfynch, 
 His amerous notis, lo ! how he twynith small ! 
 Lo ! how the trees greuytli that nakid wer, and nothing 
 Bare this month afore but their sommer clothing ! 
 Lo! how Natui-e makith for them everichone ! 
 And as many as ther be he forgettith none ! 
 Lo ! how the seson of the yere and Averell showris 
 Doith the bushis burgyn out blossoms and flowi'is ! 
 Lo ! the prymerosia how fresh they ben to sene ! 
 And many othir flowris among the grassis grene. 
 Lo ! how they sj^ryng and sprede, and of divers hue ! 
 Beholdith, and seith both I'ede, white aud blue ! 
 That lusty bin and comfortabill for mann'ys sight ; 
 For I sey for myself it makith my hert to light !" 
 
 This walk gave us also zest aud appetite to enjoy the very good din- 
 ner that awaited our return to the village ; and, after a talk more 
 pleasant than wise, we separated in the pleasing hope of meeting again 
 together at Wooler on the 16th of June, to talk of the beauties of 
 Nature, and draw, from new and equally agreeable strolls, the best of 
 all arguments of the use of Natural History. At Wooler, accordingly, 
 
DR Douglas's address. 247 
 
 iu Jiiue, the Club luet, aud the ii umber of uieiubers who were present 
 proved that the place of rendezvous was well chosen. Dr Douglas, 
 president, Dr Johnston, secretary, Rev. J. Baird, P. J. Selby, Esq., 
 Dr Clarke, Rev. T. Knight, Fred. Collingwood, Esq., Mr Melrose, Mr 
 M'Beath, and the Rev. J. D. Clarke, attended, and were joined by the 
 Rev. H. Grrey, and H. Knight, Esq., as visitors. 
 
 The morning- walk was towards Wooler Common, which was traversed 
 in different directions ; when the members crossed the moors so as to 
 come down upon Cold-gate Burn. The course of this sweet trouting 
 stream was followed until its entrance into the Wooler water, which 
 the members walked upwards towards Langleyford, loitering away the 
 hours in the fine valley between that place and Middleton. The Club 
 then returned by the usual road to Wooler. During the walk, nothing 
 new for observation was met with. A gentle rain fell during the whole 
 time ; but any inconvenience to which it put the members was uncom- 
 plained of, for they were too sensible of its need to the crops of corn, 
 and too grateful for its certain benefits, to heed a wetting. Many rather 
 i*are plants, which were previously known to be denizens of the district 
 were again noticed, such as Lister a cor data, Genista anglica, Myosotis 
 cmspitosa, &c. and specimens of several mosses, in a remarkably fine 
 condition, were picked. One of these, Bartramia fontana, attracted 
 general admiration, from the beautiful softness of its green foliage, 
 aud the elegance of the round apple-like capsule which surmounted the 
 stem. The insects observed, owing to the unfavourable nature of the 
 day, were remarkably few. The Ring-ouzel was observed in its 
 breeding ground, on the sides of the hills rising from the Cold-gate 
 Burn. 
 
 After dinner, Mr Collingwood exhibited a piece of animal fat or 
 adipocere found in a peat-bog near Old Yeavering, about three feet 
 under the surface. The mass, when found, was 9 inches long, 6 broad, 
 and 6 deep, with an irregular surface. 
 
 On the 28th of July, the Club met at Bank House, when, notwith- 
 standing the fineness of the weather, there was a veiy scanty attend- 
 ance ; the only members present being Dr Douglas, president ; Dr 
 Johnston, secretary ; and Mr Melrose. After a comfortable breakfast, 
 the members sallied forth to take their accustomed walk. The Pease 
 Bridge and Q-len having been visited on former occasions by the Club, 
 the route taken on this occasion was iu the direction of Abbey St 
 Bathans, over moors the greater part of the way. The waters of the 
 Eye were traced for some distance ; but their banks proving very un- 
 interesting, the members proceeded to the extensive moor lying between 
 the Eye and the Whitadder. The Erica cinerea raised its beautiful 
 bell-shaped blossoms above the surrounding turf, the richness of- its 
 
248 DR Douglas's address. 
 
 colours puttiug to the blusli many of our highly prized exotics. The 
 route homewards from Abhoy 8t Bathaus was somewhat varied ; but 
 nothing worthy of notice occurred. Tlic members, however, enjoyed 
 the delight of respiring the fresh air of the hills, and carried on an 
 unceasing conversation, on a variety of subjects, until their return to 
 the inn. 
 
 After dinner, Dr Johnston communicated to the Club that he had 
 received the interesting notice of the discovery of Linnaa horealis in 
 Berwickshire, specimens of which were laid on the table. It was dis- 
 covered seven years ago by Mr Dunn, gardener at Mellerstain ; but 
 for the notice, the Club is indebted to Mr Hislop, "teacher in the Normal 
 (Schools of Grlasgow. "The Linntca occupies a space of about 150 
 yards in a lir-wood near Lightfield Farm, Mellerstain." It was, when 
 Mr Hislop visited the spot, in the middle of July, just going out of 
 flower ; but several specimens in that state were gathered. The time 
 of flowering is stated in our British Floras to be in May and June, but 
 this period would appear to be too early for our district ; "and as a 
 pilgrimage to the habitat of a plant which commemorates the immortal 
 name of Linnaius," says our worthy Secretary, "seems to be almost a 
 sacred duty on the part of our Club, I would respectfully suggest the 
 propriety of fixing our next year's June meeting at the village nighest 
 to it." 
 
 Such, gentlemen, is an account of the proceedings of the Club during 
 the eleventh year of its existence, derived chiefly from the minutes kept 
 by the Secretary. From the preceding report, it would appear that 
 the past year has not been very prolific in discovery ; yet enough has 
 been done to shew that even on ground previously and carefully 
 searched, objects have escaped observation which another and more 
 scrutinizing visit might bring to light ; and as there are yet many 
 localities within the limits of the Club unvisited, it may not unreason- 
 ably be expected that new and important discoveries may be made in 
 the Flora and Fauna of Berwickshire. One very interesting addition 
 to the former has been very recently made by Mr Marshall, gardener 
 at Cheek-Law, near Danse, who has drawn from its lurking place in 
 Dowlaw Dean the Herniaria glahra, a small procumbent plant, not only 
 new to Berwickshire, but to the Scottish Flora, and equally remarkable 
 for its occurrence in one solitary spot in England. The fact that two 
 very interesting additions to the phenogamic Flora of the district have 
 been made during the last year, is an additional incentive, were any 
 such wanting, for continued exertion, which will doubtless not go 
 unrewarded. 
 
 That, as a branch of education, Natural History should not be more 
 taught in our Schools and Academies, is a subject of great regret. 
 
DR Douglas's address. 249 
 
 Teachers would find it liiglily useful in the moral and intellectual 
 training of children to call their ohservant faculties into action, and to 
 point out to their opening minds the beautiful and wonderful adaptation 
 of means to particular ends, which are constantly to be observed in the 
 works of creation. It cannot surely be undeserving the attention of 
 man to investigate and enquire into the nature and uses of objects, 
 which the Almighty has in his infinite wisdom thought fit to call into 
 existence. Habits of observation and discrimination are those which 
 teachers so constantly labour to instil into their pupils, and from no 
 study would they derive more assistanco in forming their minds than 
 from Natural History, a science wholly dependent on accuracy of 
 observation and correctness of discrimination. To many men it has 
 through life been matter of deep regret, that less attention had been 
 paid to their early education in this respect. Men are often placed in 
 circumstances in which such knowledge would not only prove agree- 
 able but highly advantageous to them ; and had Natural History no 
 other charm, it tends to raise the thoughts and exalt the mind of man 
 from grovelling pursuits to a contemplation of the Author, not only of 
 his own existence, but of the whole material universe. 
 
 Note. — The naked nudibranchial moUusk alluded to in p. 244, is described in 
 Dr Johnston's MSS. under the name of Polycera Lindisfaniice, but it is probably 
 a variety of the Polycera crlstata of Alder in the Annals of Natural History, vol. 
 vi. p. 340, pi. ix. fig. 10, 11 ; the description of which was not published at the 
 date of the Club's meeting. 
 
( 250 ) 
 
 Report on the OrnifhoJngi/ of Benriclmhire, and district within the limits of 
 the Benvie/ishire JVutara'ists^ C/ah. By P. J. Sklby, Esq. of 
 Twizell-Honse. 
 
 A DISTRICT so varied as B(^rwicksliiro, and those portions of North. 
 Durham and Northumlxndand included within the limits of our Club, 
 "where a rich productive country, celebrated for the excellence of its 
 agriculture, is intersected by numerous denes and gills, each containing 
 or aifording a channel to a clear and limpid stream of less or greater 
 magnitude, and having their steep sid^^s sometimes fringed with wood 
 of ancient or more recent date, at others, clothed with the rich and 
 golden blossoms of the whin and broom, with tangled copse of briar, 
 black-thorn, and sweetly-scented May ; where extensive woods surround 
 and beautify the numerous seats dispersed throughout its whole extent, 
 and whose holms and liaughs are intersected by fair Tweed, the Till, 
 and the Eye; whose upland districts are of that wild character which 
 suits the habits of that truly British species, the Red Grrouse, and other 
 alpine birds ; whose seaward line, from Berwick to its northernmost 
 extent, is bounded l\y bold precipitous cliffs, which reach their highest 
 altitude at the beetling and far-famed promontory of >^t Abb's Head, 
 affording a secure and appropriate breeding retreat to many of our 
 aquatic summer visitants, while the low and slaky shore that extends 
 from Berwick Bay to Fenham Flats, becomes the resort of our aquatic 
 winter visitants ; — may naturally be expected to present a numerous 
 ornithological list, and to contain a large proportion of the British 
 birds ; and this we think must be allowed, the annexed list exhibiting 
 a return of nearly two-thirds of the birds recorded as British. 
 
 Upon analyzing the contents of the list, and commencing with the 
 Raptorial Order, we hnd twelve species belonging to tlie Falconidre, 
 six of which are residents, the remainder coming under the denomina- 
 tion of occasional visitants : of the latter, several instances of the 
 cinereous or great sea-eagle {Ifalia(''f/(.s alhiciUa) have occurred within 
 our precincts. All the examples of this kind that I have seen and 
 examined have been in immature plumage ; a circumstance, however, 
 not at all remarkable, as the adults, when once paired, rarely leave 
 the immediate vicinity of the eyry they have selected, and the young, 
 after quitting the nest, are always driven from the district in which 
 they have been bred by the parent birds. The frequent appearance 
 of this species in lowland districts, as compared with that of the 
 golden eagle {Aqnila Chrysaetos), may be attributed to its maritime 
 and coasting habits, the latter affecting the mountainous island 
 districts, from which it rarely strays. Of the osprey {Pmidion haliaHus), 
 
THE ORNITIIOLOOV OF liKRWIOKSlIIRK. 251 
 
 a species still more aquatic in its liabits, on\y one instance, within 
 our limits has yet occurred : its rarity, liowever, is sufficiently 
 accounted for from the paucity of the liird throughout Britain. The 
 honey buzzard (Pemis apivorus) and ash-coloured harrier (Circus 
 eineraeeus) are equally rare ; a single specimen only of the latter has 
 yet occurred. The peregrine falcon {Falco peregrinus) is more frequently 
 seen, and one eyry, at least, is known to most of our members, in the 
 lofty precipice a little to the north of St Abb's Head. Of the Strigidte 
 or owls, there appear to be four species, three of which are resident, 
 and one periodical winter visitant : of the former, the Otus vu/ffuns, 
 long-eared owl, and Strix flammea, barn owl, are both well known and 
 abundant ; the thii"d, the Ulula stridula, tawny owl, though formerly a 
 common species, is now rarely met with. The short-eared owl, Otus 
 hrachyotos, arrives in November, and is frequently met with upon the 
 moors or open fields in rushy ground, where it roosts concealed during 
 the day, except in dark foggy weather, when we haA^e frequently seen 
 it hawking at noon. 
 
 Of the Fissirostral tribe, belonging to the order Insessores, the list 
 contains five periodical summer visitants, and one occasional visitant ; 
 of the former, four belong to the swallow family, and one to the 
 goatsuckers. The occasional visitant is the kingfisher, more remark- 
 able for the richness and beauty of its plumage than the gracefulness 
 of its form. The window swallow, or, as it is frequently called, the 
 white-rumped martlet, breeds in great numbers in the rocky precipices 
 north of Eyemouth, and at St Abb's Head ; these appear to be the 
 natural breeding situations of the species, the eaves of houses and 
 corners of windows being only resorted to where the others are 
 deficient. At Tnchnadamff, in Sutherland, vre recollect observing the 
 species breeding in gi-eat numbers about the precipitous face of the 
 limestone or marble mountain of that district. 
 
 Of the Dentirostral tribe of tlie same order, we enumerate fifteen 
 permanent residents, seventeen periodical summer visitants, two 
 periodical winter visitants, and tlireo occasional visitants. Among the 
 residents, the missel-thrush, which in our yoimger days was considered 
 a very rare bird, has now become common, and during spring and 
 summer may be lieard around every residence uttering its broken lay, 
 which, though loud and sonorous, is greatly inferior in compass and 
 sweetness to that of its congener, the gentle mavis. 
 
 Among the periodical summer visitants, the Sylvidpe, or warbler 
 family, not less interesting for their vocal powers than for their active 
 and lively habits, occupy a prominent station. Among the rarer 
 species we reckon the great(>r pettychaps (Curruca Iwrfeusis), whose 
 notes are rich and liquid, many of them emulating those of the night- 
 
252 THE OBNITHOLOOY OF BERWIOKSHIRE. 
 
 ingale; the grasshopper warhlcr (Saliraria JocusfrUa), and the little 
 pettychaps {Si/lvia hippolais). Other species also, we have remarked 
 of late years, do not abound to the extent they formerly used to do : 
 such is the case with the sedgo- warbler {Salicaria phragmitu) and 
 white-throat {Curruca cinerea), and the wliinchat {^axicola rubetra). 
 This defalcation wo are inclined to attribute chiefly to the effect of an 
 improved system of agriculture, which, by draining and reclaiming the 
 marshy spots, and little tangled thickets of sallow, and other rough 
 and rampant herbage that used to be so common in many of our fields, 
 and the attention that is now paid to the cleansing of hedges, which 
 are annually divested of their weeds, has destroyed the favourite and 
 appropriate breeding-places of the birds, and may probably also, in so 
 doing, have lessened the supply of some peculiar insect food, necessary 
 to their own economy, or that of tlieir young. 
 
 Among the occasional visitants is the Lanius exculitor (great butcher 
 bird), which is only seen during the autumnal and winter months ; and 
 that beautiful member of the Ampelida), the Bohemian waxwing 
 {BonihyciUa garrala) ; most of our members will recollect the graceful 
 actions and appearance of the beautiful specimen so long alive in the 
 possession of Dr Johnston. The appearance of this species is very 
 tmcertain, and sometimes many years elapse without the occurrence of 
 a single individual. Of the Pringillidiio, we enumerate nine permanent 
 residents, three periodical winter visitants, and three occasional 
 visitants. Among the periodical winter visitants, the snow-flake 
 {Plectrophanes nivalis) sometimes appears in great numbers, particularly 
 in the upland districts, where they haunt the open grassy tracts as 
 well as the oat-stubbles ; in storms of snow they descend towards the 
 coast, where small flocks of adult males are often seen together, the 
 females and young birds keeping by themselves, and generally in 
 larger bodies. The mountain finch {FringiUa montifringilUi) is another 
 winter visitant from the Arctic Regions, and in some seasons is very 
 numerous. It often associates with the chaffinches, to wliich it is 
 nearly allied ; but may be distinguished from it by its note, call, and 
 superior size. Of the occasional visitants, the siskin ( Carduelis spitius), 
 an elegant little bird, is sometimes very abundant during the winter 
 and early spring months ; it is generally seen where the birch and the 
 alder abound, as the seeds of these trees are its favourite food ; on 
 this account it is most frequently seen on the banks of our rivers and 
 burns, where the latter tree usually grows. The crossbill is another 
 bird whose visits used formerly to be at very uncertain intervals, but 
 which, of late years, has almost assumed the habits of a permanent 
 resident, and has been found breeding in the island ; this change of 
 habit we attribute to the extensive plantations spread over the king- 
 
THE OBNirnOLOOY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 253 
 
 dom, most of wliich contain a large proportion of the fir tribe, the 
 seed of which is its chief subsistence. 
 
 The only member of the Sturnidte* is the common starling, which 
 we note as a permanent resident, for, though it changes its feeding- 
 ground according to the seasons, it never appears to be far distant, as 
 we observe the few pairs that nidificate at Twizell frequently visit 
 their haunt during winter, and when not engaged in incubation. The 
 members of the Corvidfe, or crow family, are eight in number, all of 
 which are permanent residents, except the Eoyston or grey-backed 
 crow [Corvus comix), which is here a periodical winter visitant, its 
 summer retreat being the northern parts of Scotland, Norway, &e. 
 In its form and habits it is intermediate between the carrion crow 
 ( Cor. corone) and the rook ( Cor. frugllegus), though, we believe b}- Dr 
 Fleming, it is still considered as a mere variety of the former, an 
 opinion in which, it is scarcely necessary to say, we do not acquiesce : 
 as a species, it seems to us as well marked as any in the genus. The 
 jay, one of the handsomest members of the family, is thinly dissemin- 
 ated in the district, a few are generally resident in the larger woods, 
 such as those of Detchant, Fenwick, Kyloe, &c. The red-legged chough 
 {Fregilus graciilus) another of the family whose distribution is local, 
 and limited to districts where high and precipitous rocks abound, 
 finds a congenial retreat in the precipices of St Abb's Head and 
 adjoining coast : here it is not uncommon, but being a bird of wary 
 habit, it is very difiicult to approach within gunshot, and specimens 
 are not easily obtained. Of the Scansorial tribe, the Pimis major 
 (^reat spotted woodpecker) is the onl}^ species belonging to the Picidae 
 that we venture to insert in the list, having at different times met 
 with a few individuals, during the period of their migrations, within 
 the limits of the Club, viz., one at Haggerstone, and two or three at 
 Twizell. The wry-neck ( Yunx torquilla) and hoopoe ( Upupa Epops), 
 belonging to the same tribe, are only admitted as very rare visitants, 
 one of the former having been killed at Twizell, and two or three 
 specimens of the latter within our limits. In the numbers of the 
 cuckoo or gowk ( Cuculus canorus) Avhich visit us annually, we think 
 we perceive a great decrease within the last twenty years ; this we 
 also attribute to the advance of agriculture and to the inclosure of those 
 wastes and open lands which, in a natural state, produced a more 
 abundant supply of caterpillars, the favourite food of the cuckoo, than 
 they now do under the system of husbandry to which they are 
 subjected. 
 
 Of the Columbidse belonging to the Easorial order, we possess two 
 permanent residents, viz.; the ring-dove or cushat {Columha pahimlus), 
 
 * Rose-pastor, killed at Tweedmonth and Ladythorn. 
 
254 
 
 TlIK ORXITIIOLOGY OF BERWICKSIIIRK. 
 
 a most abundant species ; hut from the injury it commits on the 3'oung 
 clovers and the turnip-fiekLs, is held as an enemy, and proscribed by 
 the farmer ; tlio other is the rock-pig-eou, the original stock of our 
 dovecot pigeons, which inhabits the cavernous precipices along the 
 coast. As an occasional visitant vre are also able to add the turtle- 
 dove to the list, a small flock having visited the neighbourhood of 
 Berwick this last autumn. 
 
 Of the PhasianidpR, the only member is a permanent resident ; and 
 of the Tetraonideo tliree are permanent residents, and one the quail, 
 which we have met "witli at Cornliill and other parts within our limits, 
 an occasional visitant. 
 
 Of the Otidpe, or bustard family, we have ventured to insert the Otis 
 tetrax (little bustard), a single specimen having been killed within 
 half a mile of Twizell. 
 
 Of the Ardeadee, or heron group, belonging to the order Grallatores, 
 we reckon three species ; one a permanent resident, the other two, viz., 
 the bittern {Botaurus stellaris) and the night heron {Nycticorax euro- 
 pcvus), rare visitants. A fine specimen of the latter was killed some 
 years ago at the Hirsel, and presented to the Edinburgh museum by 
 the Earl of Home. 
 
 Of the Scolopaceous family, there are two permanent residents, one 
 periodical summer visitant, scn^en periodical winter visitants and seven 
 occasional visitants. Among the latter we may mention as rare, the 
 green sandpiper {Totanus ochropus), the greenshank {Totanus glottis), 
 the solitary' snipe (Scolopax major), the rufi {3Iac]ietts pugnax) in its 
 winter plumage, and generally young birds of the year, and the grey 
 phalarope [Phalarupus luhatns) ; the only summer visitant of the family 
 is the Tufanus I/i/jjoleucos (common sandpiper), a neat clean-looking 
 bird, well known to tiie angler, and whose wing-feathers often assist 
 him in taking his finny pre3\ 
 
 Of the Eallidfe there are five members, three of which arn periodical 
 Slimmer visitants, one a permanent resident, and one a periodical 
 winter visitant. To the first belongs the Corncrake, whose well known 
 grating call is first heard towards the end of May, in the meadow- 
 lands, particularly those adjoining the margins of the Tweed, the 
 Whitadder, and other streams. Of the Plovers, or famil}' Chai adriadte, 
 there are three permanent residents, one periodical summer visitant, 
 the well known green plover or pewit, VaneJlus iriatatns ; three 
 j)eriodical winter visitants, all of which are shore birds ; and one 
 occasional visitant, the dottrel, Charadrinft mnrinpllus, which rests for a 
 few days upon the grounds aroimd 8cremerston and TTntliank, in 
 April or beginning of May, when passing to its breeding stations in 
 higher latitxides. 
 
THE ORXITHOLOGY OF BEKWICKSHIRE . 255 
 
 Entering upon the orrlei- Natatores, we enumerate as niemhers of 
 the AnatidfB three permanent residents, one periodical summer 
 visitant, the beautiful piebald sheldrake, which breeds annually in the 
 rabbit-holes upon the links at Holy Island and Ross ; seven periodical 
 winter visitants, and seven occasional visitants. Amongst the latter 
 are the two species of wild swan {^Cygnus fenis, and C. Bewichii), the 
 bernicle or clake- goose {Bernicia leucojysis)^ which I have received from 
 Holy Island ; also that very rare bird tlie Anser ruJicoUis, a specimen 
 liaving been shot near Berwick seA'oral years ago, which found its 
 vray into Bullock's museum, and from thence, we believe, into that of 
 St Petersburg!!. The Shoveller {Sjmthulea chjpeata) has also been 
 killed upon the Tweed. 
 
 Of the true divers or Colymbidfe, tlie list contains eight meml.)ors ; 
 one of which, the little grebe or dabchick ( Podiceps minor), though not 
 niimerous, is a })ermanent resident. Six are periodical winter visitants, 
 four of which belong to the genus Podiceps, the other two arc the great 
 northern and red-throated divers [Coli/mhus glacinlis and ('. septentrio- 
 nalis), botli of which frequent the mouth of the Tweed and Berwick 
 Bay during tlie winter and early spring months ; the eiglitli member 
 is the Coh/mbii'^ rtrcficus, Idack-throated diver, a rare visitant. A fine 
 specimen, caught in a salmon-net in the Tweed, is now in my 
 possession. 
 
 Of the Auk family, Alcadere, there are three periodical summer 
 A'isitants, all of which breed in great numbers in the precipitous cliffs 
 of St Abb's Hpad ; and two occasional winter visitants, viz., the Urin 
 ffn/lle, black gxillemot, and the Ilergulus alee, rotch, a species that 
 breeds in very high latitudes, and is frequrently mentioned in the 
 writings of arctic navigators. 
 
 The Pelicanidee are three in number, two of which, the common 
 cormorant [Phalacrocorax carlo), and the crested shag, {P. cristatus), 
 are permanent residents ; the SuJa hassana, solan goose, we may con- 
 sider as a periodical summer visitant, as it is to be seen almost daily 
 skimming along the surface of the water, or precipitating itself upon 
 its prey within our limits, on its flight to and from the isle of Bass, 
 its great breeding station on the eastern coast. 
 
 Of the Laridpe, or GruU family, there appears to be onl}' one we can 
 properly designate a permanent resident, viz. the Larufi ridihandus, 
 black-headed gull. Within our district this species has several breed- 
 ing stations, tiio principal of which are tlie pieces of water at Pallins- 
 bnrn, Paston, and Dunse Castle. Six species appear as periodical 
 summer visitants, four of which belong to tlie Terns, a genus dis- 
 tinguished from the gulls b}' their swallow-like form and a more 
 rapid and powerful flight ; the other two are the herring-gull (Lams 
 argenfatusj, and lesser black-backed gull {L. fuscus), the first breeding 
 
 k 
 
256 
 
 TIIK ORXITIIOLOOY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 in great numbers in the soa-cliffs. Tliero is also ono periodical winter 
 visitant, the common gull {L. canus), and five occasional visitants, 
 among which are the two largo whito-wingod gulls {L. (/hnicus and L. 
 tslandicus), and the Ledris lii'/iarcLsiJuii, arctic skua, better known, 
 perhaps, by the name of the dung teazer. 
 
 EAPTORES. 
 
 Fa Icon I dee. 
 
 Haliaetus albicilla. White-tailed Sea Eagle. Specimens 
 
 killed on the coast, and at Holy Island. Occas. visit. 
 
 Pandion Halial-tus. Osprey. Occas. visit. 
 
 Accipiter fringillarius. Sparrow Hawk. Perman. resid. 
 
 Falco peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon. An eyry at St 
 
 Abb's Head. Perman. resid. 
 
 tinnunculus. Kestril. Perman. resid. 
 
 JEsalon. Merlin. Not uncommon. Perman. resid. 
 
 Buteo vulgaris. Common Buzzard. A specimen from 
 
 Mellerstain. Occas. visit, 
 
 lagopus. Pough legged Buzzard. Several killed 
 
 last winter within the district. Occas. visit. 
 Pernis apivorus. Honey buzzard. A sj)ecimen in my 
 
 possession killed at Alnwick. Occas. visit, 
 cyaneus. Hen Harrier. Perman. resid. 
 
 Circus feruginosus. Moor Harrier. Now rare. Perman. resid. 
 
 cineraceus. Ash-coloured Harrier. Very rare. 
 Aspecimen in my poss ^ssion, killed nearDetchant. Occas. visit. 
 
 Sfrif/idce. 
 
 Otus vulgaris. Long Eared Owl. Perman. resid. 
 brachyotos. Short Eared Owl. Common during 
 
 winter months, upon moors, in bushy fields, »S:c. Period. "NV. vis. 
 
 Strix flammea. White or Barn Owl. Perman. resid. 
 
 TJlula stridula. Tawny Owl. Now rare. Perman. resid. 
 
 INSESSOEES. 
 
 FiSSIROSTRES. 
 
 Uinindinidce. 
 
 Hirundo rustica. Chimney Swallow. 
 
 urbica. AVindow Swallow or Martlet. 
 
 riparia. Bank Swallow or Sand Martin. 
 Cypselus murarius. Swift. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
THE ORNITHOLOGY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 257 
 
 Capriiiiulgidce. 
 
 Caprimulgiis ouropuus. Couimou Goatsucker. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Haley on idiv. 
 
 
 Alcedo Ispicla. Kingfislier. Rare. 
 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Dentirostres. 
 
 
 Muscicajpicke. 
 
 
 Muscicapa grisola. Spotted Flycatcher. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 luctuosa. Pied Mycatclier. Rare. 
 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Laniadce 
 
 
 Lauius excubitor. Great Butclier Bird or Shrike. 
 
 Occas. W. visit. 
 
 ILerulidcB. 
 
 
 Merula viscivora. Missel Thrush. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 pilaris. Fieldfare. 
 
 Period W. vis. 
 
 Iliaca. Redwing. 
 
 Period AV. vis. 
 
 musica. Thrush. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 vulgaris. Blackbird. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 torquata. Ring Ouzel. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Cinclus aquaticus. Dipper, AVater Crow. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Sylviadce. 
 
 
 Saxicola CEnanthe. Wheatear. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 rubecola. Stonechat. 
 
 Perman, resid. 
 
 rubetra. Whinchat. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Erythaca rubecula. Redbreast. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Phoenicura ruticilla. Redstart. Not common. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Salicaria locustella. Grasshopper "Warbler. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Phragmitis. Sedge Warbler. 
 
 Period. 8. visit. 
 
 Curruca atricapilla. Blackcap. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 hortensis. Greater Pettychaps, 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Curruca cinerea. Whitethroat. 
 
 Period. 8. visit. 
 
 Sylvia hippolais. Lesser Willow Wren. Not 
 
 
 common. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 sibilatrix. Wood AVren. 
 
 Period. 8. visit. 
 
 trochilus. Willow Wren. Plentiful. 
 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Eegulus auricapillus. Golden Crested Regulus. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
258 
 
 THE ORXITIKJLOGY Oi' BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 Parus major 
 
 (xreat Titmouse. 
 
 cceriileus. 
 
 Blue Titmouse. 
 
 palustris. 
 
 Marsh Titmouse. 
 
 ater. 
 
 Cole Titmouse. 
 
 caudatus. 
 
 Long-tailed Titmouse 
 
 Accentor modiilaria. Hedge Accentor. 
 
 Motacilla Yarrellii. PiedAVagtail 
 
 boarula 
 
 Grey AVagtail. 
 
 Hava. 
 
 Yellow Wagtail. 
 
 Antlius petrosus 
 
 Rock Pipit. 
 
 prateusis 
 
 ). Common Pipit. 
 
 arboreus 
 
 . Tree Pipit. 
 
 Perm an 
 Perman 
 Perman 
 Perman 
 Pcu'inan 
 Perman 
 Period. 
 Period. 
 Period. 
 Perman 
 Perman 
 Period. 
 
 resid. 
 
 resid. 
 
 resid. 
 . resid. 
 . resid. 
 . resid. 
 !S. visit. 
 S. visit. 
 S. visit. 
 . resid. 
 . resid. 
 S. visit. 
 
 AmpelidcB. 
 Bombjcilla garrula. Chatterer, or Bohemian AVaxwinj. 
 
 (jccas. visit. 
 
 FringillidoB. 
 
 Alauda arvensis. Skylark. 
 
 arborea. AVoodlark. A specimen taken at 
 Plectrophanes nivalis. Snowflake. 
 
 Corn Bunting. 
 Yellow Bunting. 
 Reed Bunting. 
 Common Sparrow. 
 Chaffinch. 
 
 Emberiza miliaria. 
 
 citrinella. 
 
 sehoeniclus. 
 Pyrgita domestica. 
 Fringilla coelebs. 
 
 montifringilla. Mountain Finch 
 Cardiielis spinus. Siskin. 
 
 elegans. Groldfinch. 
 
 Linaria cannabina. Grrey Linnet. 
 
 minor. Lesser Redpoll Linnet. 
 Coccothraustes chloris. 
 Loxia curvirostris. Crossbill. 
 Pyrrhula vulgaris. Bullfinch. 
 
 Sturnida. 
 
 Stumua vulgaris. Common Starling. 
 Pastor roseus. Rose-coloured Pastor. 
 
 Corvida. 
 
 Corvus Corax. 
 Corvus Corone. 
 
 Raven. 
 
 Carrion Crow, 
 cornix. Hooded Crow, 
 frugilegus. Rook, 
 monedula. Jackdaw. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Twizell. Occas visit. 
 
 Period. AV. vis. 
 Period, resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. AV^. vis. 
 Occas. AV. visit. 
 Occas. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Perman. resid, 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. AV. vis. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 
THE ORNITHOLOGY OP BEKWICKSHIRE. 
 
 25U 
 
 Pica melauoleuca. Mag-pie. 
 Garulus glaiidarius. Ju}'. 
 Fregilus graculiis. Ckougii. 
 
 SCANSOEES. 
 
 Pic idee. 
 Picus major. Great spotted Woodpecker. 
 
 Certhiadce. 
 
 Yunx torquilla. Wryneck. Once near Twizell. 
 Certhia familiaris. Creeper. 
 Troglodytes Europceus. Common Wren. 
 Upupa Epops. Hoopoe. 
 
 CucullidcB. 
 
 Cuculus canorus. Cuckoo. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Permau. resid. 
 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Occas. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Period. 8. visit. 
 
 EASOEES. 
 
 Columhidee. 
 
 Coiumba palumbiis. Eing-dove. 
 
 livia. Eoek Pigeon. 
 Turtiir vulgaris. Turtle Dove. 
 
 PhasianidcB. 
 Phasianus Colchicus. Common Pheasant. 
 
 TetraonidcB. 
 Tetrao Tetrix. Black Grouse. 
 Lagopus Scoticus. Eed Grouse. 
 Perdix cinerea. Partridge, 
 coturmx. Quail. 
 
 OtidcB. 
 Otis Tetrax. Little Bustard. Once near Twizell. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. visit. 
 
 Occaa. visit. 
 
 GEALLATOEES. 
 
 ArdeadcB. 
 
 Ardea cinerea. Common Heron. Perman. resid. 
 
 Botaurus stellaris. Bittern. Now rare. Occas. visit. 
 
 Nycticorax Europteus. Night Heron. Eare. Aline 
 
 specimen killed at the Hirsel. Occas. visit. 
 
260 
 
 THE OKNITIIOLOGY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 ScoJopacidce. 
 
 Nuuieuius avquatus. Coiumou Curlew 
 
 phseopus. Whinibrel. Not common. 
 Tetanus calidris. Eedshanlc Sandpiper. 
 
 ocliropus. Green Sandpiper. Rare, 
 liypoleucos. Common Sandpiper. 
 glottis. Grreenshank Rare. A specimen 
 killed at Holy Island, October 1840. 
 Limosa rufa. Common Grodwit. 
 
 melanura. Black-tailed Grodwit. Rare. 
 Scolopax major. Great Snipe. Rare. 
 Gallinago. Common Snipe. 
 Gallinula. Jack Snipe. 
 Woodcock. 
 
 Ruff. Fenham Slake. 
 Knot. 
 
 Purple or rock Tringa. 
 Dunlin or Parre. 
 
 Grey Phalerope. Very rare. 
 
 rusticola. 
 Macketes pugnax. 
 Tringa canutus. 
 
 maritima. 
 
 variabilis. 
 Phalaropus lobatus 
 
 Rallidce. 
 
 Rallus aquaticus. Common Rail. 
 Crex pratensis. Meadow Crake. 
 
 porzana. Spotted Crake. Not common. 
 
 Gallinula cUoropus. Common Gallinule. 
 Pulica atra. Common Coot. 
 
 Charadriada. 
 
 Hsematopus ostralegus. Oystercatcker or Seapie. 
 
 Strepsilas interpres. Turnstone. 
 
 Arenaria calidris. Sanderling. 
 
 Vanellus cristatus. Lapwing. 
 
 Squaterola cinerea. Grey Plover. 
 
 Charadrius pluvialis. Golden Plover. 
 
 morinellus. Dottrel. At Unthank and 
 Scremerston, in May. 
 
 hiaticula. Ring Dottrel. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. visit. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Occ.vis. in. Aut. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Occ. vis. in Aut. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Occas. W. vis. 
 Occ. vis. in Aut. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Period. "W. vis. 
 Occ. vis in Aut. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Period. "W. vis. 
 Occas. W. vis. 
 
 Period. "W. vis. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 
 Perman. resid. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 Perman. resid. 
 
 Period, occ. vis. 
 Period, visit. 
 
 NATATORES. 
 
 Anatidce. 
 
 Anser palustris. Grey Lag-goose. 
 Anser segetum or ferus. Bean-goose. 
 
 W. visit. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 
THE OHXITHOLOGY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 261 
 
 Anser albifrous. Wlute-footcd Wildg-oo.sn. 
 Beruicla. Bernicle or Clake Goose. 
 Breuta. Breut Bernicle. 
 
 ruficollis. Eed-l)reastod Groose. Yer3' rare. 
 A singli! spec.'iineii shot near Ber- 
 wick, aiterwards in Bullock's 
 Museum. 
 Cjgnus ferus. Wliistling Swaii or Elk. 
 
 Bewickii. Bewick's Swan. 
 Tadorna vulpanser. Common Sheldrake. 
 Spatulea clypeata. ShoA'eller. Rare upon the Tweed. 
 Anas Boschas. "Wildduck. 
 
 Dafilacaudacuta. Pintail. Kare. Tweed & Holy Island 
 Querquedula crecca. Teal. 
 Mareca Penelope. Wig-eon. 
 Oideinia nigra. Black Scoter, 
 fusca. Velvet Scoter. 
 Soniateria mollissima. Eider Duck. 
 Fuligula ferina. Eed-headed Pochard. 
 
 cristata. Crested Pochard. 
 Harelda glacialis. Long-tailed Hareld. 
 Clangula vulgaris. Common Golden-eye Garrot. 
 Mergus merganser. Gooseander. 
 
 serrator. Eed-breasted Merganser, 
 albellus. Smew. Eare. 
 
 Occas. AV. visit. 
 Occas. W. ^'isit. 
 Period. W. vis. 
 
 Occas. AV. visit. 
 Occas. AV, visit. 
 Occas. AV. visit. 
 Period. S. visit. 
 Occas. visit. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. W. vis. 
 Perman. resid. 
 I'eriod. AV. vis. 
 Period. AV. vis. 
 Period. AA". vis. 
 Perman. resid. 
 Occas. AV. vis. 
 Period AV. vis. 
 Period. AA''. vis. 
 Period. AA''. vis. 
 Occas. AV. visit. 
 Period. AA^. vis. 
 AV. visit. 
 
 ColymhidcE. 
 
 Podiceps rubricollis. Eed-necked Grebe. Eare. AV. visit, 
 cristatus. Crested Grebe. In the young state. AV. visit, 
 cornutus. Horned Grebe. In the young state. AV. visit, 
 auritus. Eared Grebe. In the young state. AA'^. visit. 
 minor. Little Grebe. Perman. resid. 
 
 Oolymbus glacialis. Northern Diver. Period. AA". vis. 
 
 arcticus. Black-throated Diver. Rare, 
 Caught in a salmon-not in the Tweed. Occas. AV. visit, 
 
 septeutrionalis. Red-throated Diver. Period. W. vis. 
 
 Alcada. 
 
 Uria Troile. Foolish Gulliniot. Eocks of St Abbs. Period. S. visit. 
 
 Grylle. Black Guillemot. In winter plumage. Occas. AV. visit. 
 
 Mergulus melanoleucos. Common Eotch. Eare. Occas. AV. visit. 
 
 Alca Torda. Eazorbill. Eocks St Abbs. Period. S. visit. 
 
 Fratercula arctica. Puifin. Period. S. visit. 
 
262 
 
 THE ORNITHOLOGY OF BERWICKSHIRE. 
 
 PelecanidcE. 
 
 Phalacrocorax carbo. Cormorant. Perman. resid. 
 
 cristatus. Crested Cormorant. Perman. resid. 
 
 Sula bassana. Solan Goose. Period. S. visit. 
 
 Laridce. 
 
 Sterna Boysii. Sandwich Tern. On coast. S. visit. 
 
 Dougallii. Eoseate Tern. On coast occasionally. S. visit. 
 
 arctica. Arctic Tern. On coast occasionally. S. visit. 
 
 minuta. Little Tern. Breeds near Holy Island. S. visit. 
 
 Larus minntus. Little Gull. Very rare. A specimen 
 
 killed at Holy Island, Oct. 1840. Pare occas. vis. 
 
 ridibundus. Black-headed Gull. Perman. resid. 
 
 canus. Common Gull. W. visit. 
 
 glaucus. Glaucous Gull. Rare. Occas. W. vis. 
 
 islandicus. Iceland Gull. Pare. Occas. W. vis. 
 
 argentatus. Herring Gull. St. Abb's Head. S. visit, 
 fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull. S. visit. 
 
 Lestris parasiticus. Arctic Skua. Autumnal visitant. Occas. visit. 
 Thalassidi'oma pelagica. Stormy Petrel. Occas. visit. 
 
 Memhers Admitted \bth September 1841 : — 
 
 Mr EowE, Surgeon, Coldstream. 
 Mr John Boyd of Cherrytrees. 
 
( 263 ) 
 
 A Descriptive Catalogue of the GASTER0P0D0U8 JWLLVSCA 
 of Berwickshire. By George Johnstox, M.D., F.E.C.S.E. 
 
 Part TI. 
 
 Order— PECTINIBEANCHIATA. 
 
 Division— ASI PHONOBE ANCHI AT A. 
 
 Animal shelled, trachelipode, rarely gasteropode ; the shell spiral, 
 sometimes patelliform, with the margin of the aperture entire or 
 continuous all round. — The genera are dioecious, in general 
 phytophagous, and, with a few exceptions, inhabitants of the sea- 
 shore. 
 
 7. Scalaria. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell turreted, the whorls crossed with elevated subacute ribs ; 
 aperture round, the margin continuous and reflected, the lower part on 
 the side of the pillar formed into a sort of obsolete canal ; operculum 
 horny, spiral. — Zoophagoux. 
 
 1 . S. Trevelyana, shell yellowish-brown or white, with ten rounded 
 whorls gradually tapered to a point, crossed by about fifteen thick 
 plain ribs, interrupted by a separating line, the intermediate 
 spaces smooth ; aperture white, round. Height -roths ; diameter 
 of base -^^ths. Leach in Eaine's Durham, p. 174. 
 
 Sah. Berwick Bay, rare : Holy Island. 
 
 I have seen only worn specimens, so that the natural colour remains to be 
 determined. The shell is strong, and without any gloss in my specimens, 
 and the ribs are obtuse and enlarged at the suture, where, instead of 
 running in an uninterrupted line, they are a little bent, and fall into the 
 intermediate spaces. The species is very like, and nearly allied to Sc. 
 Turtoni, but differs from it in being smaller, and in having more numeroua 
 ribs. 
 
 8. Trochus. Linn^us. 
 
 Shell conical, the body-whorl angulated so as to make a flattened 
 base, on which the shell rests when set on a plane surface ; aperture 
 transversely depressed, subquadrate, the margins disjoined, silvered 
 interiorly; pillar arched: "operculum horny, circular, spiral, with 
 numerous close-set volutions, and having the spiral line external." — 
 Sowerhy. 
 
 * Base imperforate. 
 
 1. T. zizyphinus, shell conical, yellowish-brown or flesh-colour, 
 spirally ridged, the ridges flat and smooth ; whorls eight, flat, 
 
264 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogue of the 
 
 separated by a smooth belt regularly spotted with pink ; apex 
 acute, purple ; base circularly striate, flattish ; aperture subquad- 
 rangular, the pillar concave, pearly. Height -A-ths ; the breadth 
 iVths. Billw. Eec. Sh. 799. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, not common. 
 
 The shell is sometimes of a uniform white colour, when it has been described 
 as a distinct species under the name of " Trochus Lyonsii ;" and besides 
 this there are in onr Bay two varieties ; in one the whorls are slightly 
 concave, and the base is covered with the circular impressed striae ; in the 
 other the whorls are even, and there are only two or three stria) at the 
 pillar, and two near the margin, leaving the intermediate space perfectly 
 smooth. Operculum thin, round, and circularly striate. 
 
 Snail of a more or less deep brown colour, which is often disposed in patches 
 or irregular streaks, covered with small tubercles, and furnished on each 
 side with four slender retractile filaments, originating from a free mem- 
 branous border that garnishes the sides, the back concave and smooth : 
 mouth shoi'tly proboscidiform, furnished with two smnll corneous jaws : 
 tongue long, linear, armed as usual with minute prickles arranged in 
 regular series : tentacula setaceous, pale, quadrangular, with a dusky line 
 along the upper angles, and rough with minute papillae when viewed through 
 a good magnifier : eyes on distinct pedicles at the external bases of the 
 tentacula : margin of the collar crenate or sinuate : foot oblong, tapered 
 posteriorly, the margin crenulate, the disk straw-yellow, more or less 
 tinted with red or flesh-colour. The edges of the foot can be brought 
 together so as entirely to conceal its disk. 
 
 ** Base umhilicate. 
 
 2. Tr. cinerariiis, shell conical, obtuse, yellowish or bluish-grey, 
 ■with numerous narrow purplish stripes ; whorls six, flat, spirally 
 striate ; the base flattish and the umbilicus deep ; aperture white, 
 perlaceous, subquadrangular. Diam. of base -^^ ot iVths ; height 
 the same. Dilhv. Eec. Sh. 779. 
 
 Hah. Between tide marks, veiy common. 
 
 The spire is more or less raised, the suture more or less distinct, the base in 
 some more deeply striated than in others, and the umbilicus in young 
 shells wider than in the old, in which it is almost obliterated ; but among 
 these varieties there are none with characters sufficiently marked to justify 
 their elevation to the rank of species. Operculum circular, horny, thin, 
 concentrically striate, with a membranous border. 
 
 The body and tentacula of the snail are finely marked with black transverse 
 lines, which become reticulated on the sides : tentacala two, slender, 
 setaceous : eyes on distinct footstalks at the external base of the tentacula ; 
 mouth striated with black lines, armed with a pair of oblong pointed car- 
 tilaginous jaws, and a ribbon-like tongue roughened with acute prickles 
 set in transverse curved lines ; sides of the body furnished with a ciliated 
 membrane, underneath which protrude several long tentacular filaments, 
 which issue from tubular sheaths, and are retractile : foot elliptical, 
 yellowish, the margin fringed with veiy short fleshy filaments, visible only 
 with a magnifier. Our childi-en call the shell Silver-hucl-ies or Silver- 
 ' Willies ; they do not eat the snail. 
 
 During the summer we often find a spawn on the fronds of sea-weed deposited 
 in the form of a small ring, and of a cream colour. I believe this to be 
 the spawn of Tr. cinerarius. The ring is gelatinous, firmly adherent, and 
 contains innumerable ova, each separately laid in the centre of its own 
 gelatinous vesicle. 
 
GASTEHOPODOrs MOLLUSCA OF BEKWICK8HIRE. 265 
 
 3. T. tumidus, shell conical, obtuse, greyish-white mottlod with 
 darker spots or lines, spirally striated ; whorls six, flattened on 
 the upper margins, the superior minute ; base convex ; umbilicus 
 small; aperture roundish. Diam. vo'ths ; heiglit -i*i5-th8. Flem. 
 Brit. Anim. 322. Tr. patholatus, BiUir. Eec. 81i. 776. 
 
 Hub. Berwick Bay. rare. 
 
 4. T. Margarita, shell depressed, subglobular, flesh-red and clouded, 
 iridescent, smooth ; spire lateral, ot' four wliorLs, the apex obtuse ; 
 base rounded; umbilicus small; aperture round, perlaceous. 
 Diam. -Jth. Gray, in Zool. Journ. ii. a67. Helix Margarita, 
 Laskey, in Wern. Mem. i. 408. tal). 8. fig. 5. Turbo Margarita, 
 Lowe, in Zool. Journ. ii. 107. tab. .5. fig. 10, 11. Finn. B. Anim. 
 299. 
 
 Hah. On the fronds of sea-weed, not uncommon. 
 
 This pretty shell is glossy, and in some lights reflects metallic colours : it is 
 smooth, or only marked with the striio of growth, but the base has some 
 faint impressed spiral striee. TenCacula two, slender, white, setaceous, 
 with the eyes on a pedicle at their external base : foot ovate with plain 
 margins ; sides furnished with tentacular iilaments, four on each side : 
 margin of the cloak between the tentacula rounded and beautifully crenu- 
 late. When the animal is in motion the shell is placed laterally. 
 
 The snail is active and quick in its progression, moving by very evident undula- 
 tions of the foot. It adheres to smooth surfaces less tenaciously than most 
 snails do, and is easily shook from its hold ; nor does it seem to be so 
 readily alarmed. When in confinement, it rarely leaves the water entirely ; 
 and it swims in a reversed position, but seldom, and with much less than 
 its usual freedom. It lives naturally at low water-mark, and is usually 
 found among the roots or on the frond of Laminai'ia digitata, or perhaps 
 etill oftener on the dulse (Rhodomenia palmata), which is probably a 
 favourite food. 
 
 9. Natica. Ad ANSON. 
 
 Shell globose, smooth, the body-whorl very large, and the spire 
 small ; aperture lunated, the pillar-lip oblique, toothless, with a callus 
 more or less concealing the umbilicus ; outer lip acute, plain ; ojoer- 
 culum horny. — Zoophagous. 
 
 1. N. monilifera, shell subglobular, smooth, greyish tinged with 
 brown, and a row of brown waved stripes along the tops of the 
 whorls ; whorls six, the body very large, obscurely angled on the 
 shoulder ; spire somewhat produced, oblique ; umbilicus deep, 
 open, obscurely striate. Length l-i%ths ; breadth 1 inch. Lam. 
 Anim. s. Vert. vi. ii. 200. N. glaucina, Flem. Br. Anim. 319. 
 Nerita glaucina, Pe7i. Brit. Zool. iv. 344. tab. 90. fig. 1. 
 
 Hob. Ross sands. 
 
 The waved oblong spots which run up the shell at the base of the sutures are 
 concealed or obscured in recent specimens by the thin glaucous epider- 
 moid covering. The umbilicus is not contracted by a deposition of callua, 
 
266 DE Johnston's descriptive catalogue of the 
 
 ami is spirally strifitcd ; i>illar white, thickened ; outer lip thin, even, with 
 a brownish margin ; tliroat brown. Opercnhun horny, thin, ear-shaped, 
 turned spirally at the inferior and inner margin, whence fine striae diverge 
 to the circumference. 
 The animal bui-ies in sand at tlic very lowest recess of the tide, and is dis- 
 covered by th(> little hillocks which it raises above the shell. Dr Gould, 
 in his valual^le and elaborate " Eeport on the Invertebrate Animals of 
 Massachusetts," p. 232, asserts that the Naticne are all very voracious, 
 and play a conspicuous part in devouring the dead fish and other animals 
 which are thrown up by the tide. The small circular holes with which 
 bivalve shells are often drilled are also, according to Dr Gould, the work 
 of these snails, and made by them to gain aii entrance to the animal 
 apparently so well secured against such a foe. Their foot is very large, so 
 as completely to envelope the objects on which they prey. 
 
 2. iV. Alderi, shell subglobulai', smooth, flesh-coloured with a white 
 zone at the sutures and base, the body with five rows of arrow- 
 shaped brown spots, one continued round the base of the lesser 
 whorls ; spire small, slightly produced ; umbilicus partly covered 
 hy callus and brown. Length iVths ; breadth about -iVths. 
 Forbes, Faun. Mon. 31. Nerita glaucina, var. B. Turt. Conch. 
 Diet. 125. Hoffff, in Lin. Trans, xiv. 320. tab. 9. fig. 3-8. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, OL'ca«ionally found in the refuse of fishing-boats. 
 
 Operculum semilunate, horny, with a narrow membranous edge. The white 
 band on the shoulder of the body -whorl, under the suture, is occasionally 
 obscure or obsolete. A brown, narrow fascia always enters within the 
 umbilicus, and the callus, on the pillar above it, is more or less tinted 
 with the sanie colour. 
 
 3. JV. helicoides, shell ovato-conical, smooth, white, immaculate, 
 coated with a yellowish epidermis ; whorls five, rounded, separated 
 by a channelled suture ; the spire produced, rather obtuse ; aper- 
 ture pure white with a small fissure on the pillar. Length -i^ths ; 
 breadth scarcely iVths. Lyell in Phil. Mag. for May 1840, p. 
 365, fig. 12. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, very rare. 
 
 This new species was found in the refuse of one of our fishing-boats. When 
 the epidermis is removed, the whorls appear to be very finely striolate in 
 a spiral direction. 
 
 This shell, which departs from the normal form of the genus, Mr Lyell finds, 
 in a fossil state, in the " Norwich crag," when it appears to have been 
 much more abundant than in our present sea. Mr Lyell has given an 
 excellent figure of it, which will correct the faults of our own. In habit 
 the species is closely allied to the Natica canalicidata of Gould. See his 
 Report, p. 235, fig. 161. 
 
 I found, some time since, among the refuse of a fishing boat, a specimen of a 
 Natica which appears to be identical with the Natica glaucinoidks of my 
 friend Dr Thomas Thomson (Rec. Gen. Science, i, p. 133.) and which Mr 
 Alder tells me is certainly the Nat. clausa described by Mr Smith as a 
 fossil found in the pliocene deposits of the British islands. I cannot, 
 however, affirm that the species still lives in our Bay, for the shell was 
 dead, and presented the same appearance as the subfossil specimens. 
 
GASTER0P0D0U3 MOLLUSCA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 267 
 
 10. TuiuiiTELLA. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell tui-reted, tapered, with numerous whorls, the last not much 
 larger than the penultimate; aperture round, the margin disjoined on 
 the body-whorl, thin ; operculum circular, horny. — ZoopluKjous. 
 
 1. T. terehra, shell white or pale brown, spirally ridged with fine 
 decussated striee in the interstices ; whorls from twelve to sixteen, 
 rounded, tapered to a point ; aperture round, the outer lip very 
 thin. Length \^ inch ; breadth tVths. Flem. Br. Anim. 302. 
 Turbo terebra, Linn. — Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. 308, tab. 84, fig. 4. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, in deep water. 
 
 11. LiTTORINA. FeRUSSAC. 
 
 Shell oval, rarely subglobular, thick, the body -whorl occupying at 
 least one-half of the length, non-umbilicate ; aperture roundish, the 
 margin sharp-edged, disjoined on the body ; pillar flattened ; opercu- 
 lum horn}', with few volutions increasing rapidly in width, its nucleus 
 lateral. 
 
 1 . L. litforea, shell ovate-acute, thick, spirally striated, greyish with 
 numerous brown spiral lines ; whorls six, nearly even, the superior 
 small and ill defined ; pillar white, the throat brown. Length 
 l-i^j-ths ; breadth -iVths. Turbo littoreus, Lin. — Lillw. E,ec. Sh. 
 817. /'/m. Br. Anim. 298. 
 
 Hdb. Berwick Bay, very common between tide mai'ks. 
 
 In oar bay L. littorea is subject to very little variety, but it occasionally occnrs 
 of uniform hyacinth-red colour. The outer lip before maturity is thin, and 
 marked with dark scores, but it ultimately grows thicker and white. The 
 operculum is horny, ovate, pointed above, darker coloured and spirally 
 twisted near the centre, the margin thin membranous. 
 
 The animal is beautifully marked with black spots and lines disposed trans- 
 versely, and forming a sort of network on the sides. Mouth shortly 
 proboscidiform, furnished with a pair of triangular thick subcorneous jaws 
 and a narrow ribbon-like tongue rolled up sj^irally, and when extended 
 upwards of an inch long : it is marked across with numerous denticulated 
 striae, and has a broad membrane at the base. Tentacula two, dorsal, 
 tapered, somewhat compressed, contractile, spotted : eyes small, inserted 
 into an indenture near their dilated bases : cloak with a plain continuous 
 pale-yellow margin : branchiae in a single long pectinate process adnate to 
 the left side : rectum on the opposite side, large, with a prominent narrow 
 orifice. Sexes separate ; the penis of the male orginating under the right 
 tentaculum, large, tapering from a broad base to a point, a little com- 
 pressed, retroflectod. Foot white, oval, short, with plain margins. I have 
 seen a specimen in which the tentacula were divided into two branches. 
 
 The snail, when washed and boiled, is eaten by children, and sometimes by the 
 CDmmon people. Of late years great numliers have been exported from our 
 coasts to the London market, where they find a ready sale : — 
 
 " The periwinkle, prawn, the cockle and the shrimp. 
 
 For wanton women's taste or for weak stomachs bought !" 
 
 Drayton. 
 
268 DR JOUNSTO^j's DESCRIPTIVE CATALOCHJE OF THE 
 
 2. L. radis, bIioU ovato, vontvicose, obscurely striated in a spiral 
 direction ; wlioi'ls fiv^e, rounded, well defined by the suture ; jjillar 
 and margin of the lip whitish, the throat brown or purple. 
 Leng-th -iVths, breadth -iVths Turbo rudis, Fcem. Br. Anim. 298. 
 
 Var. a. Shell of a uniform pale dusky yellow, the spiral stria3 
 impressed. Turbo rudis, JTont. Test. Brit. 304. Muton and 
 Racket, in Lin. Trans, viii. 159, tab. -1, tig. 12, 13. Lam. Anim. 
 8. Yert. vii. 49. 
 
 Var. b. Shell a uniform flesh-red, the spiral strife often raised. 
 Turbo rudissimus. 
 
 Tar. c. Shell a uniform purplish red, the spiral striae raised 
 into sharp ridges. Turbo jugosus, Mont. Test. Brit. p. 586. 
 
 Var. (1. Shell white or with two dusky bands, the spiral stria) 
 elevated into ridges. T. jugosus, var. Mont. loc. cit. 
 
 llab. On rocks at higli-water mai'k or above it, abundant. 
 
 This never attains one lialf the size of the preceding, and is certainly a very 
 distinct species, clustering in myriads in crevices of rocks at or above thb 
 highest tides, and very rarely descending to the zone of the common 
 wrack (Fucns vesiculosus), ■which is the favonrite walk of L. littorea. 
 All the varieties are to be found intermixed, but many excellent naturalists 
 consider those on wliich the striaa rise into ridges as distinct from the 
 smoother kind, an opinion which I do not adopt, believing that this 
 character may be dependent partly on age and partly on differences in 
 the external influences to which they have been exposed. The animal 
 is not streaked and spotted, but of a uniform colour with a dusky line 
 along the outer side of the tentacula ; and it is, as Mr Boys lirst stated, 
 viviparous, the females carrying their innumerable young, immersed in 
 a cluster of jelly and arranged in transverse rows, within the branchial 
 cavity, where they may be found at all seasons. The penis of the male 
 is very large, retroflected, linear-oblong, compressed, serrulate on the 
 outer side. Copulates in November ; and very small individuals may be 
 found in sexual union at this period of the year. 
 
 3. L. sa.vatilis, shell subglobose with a small raised spire, regularly 
 chequered with square spots on a white or yellow ground, spirally 
 striate or grooved ; whorls four, rounded, the body very large ; 
 aperture dark purple with a pale margin. Diam. 2 lines. Bea7i. 
 
 Hah. On rocks near low-water mark, which are bare of weed but covered with 
 Balani. 
 
 Captain Brown, in his Illustrations of Conchology, has given, in plate 46, two 
 figures, No. 7, 8, of a variety of Turbo littoreus, which seem to have been 
 drawn from specimens of this species, but of a much larger size than any 
 I have seen. If a variety, it certainly does not belong to the L. littorea 
 but to L. rudis, with which it is found occasionally intermixed ; but Mr 
 Bean and Mr Alder, both very experienced conchologists, consider it 
 distinct. The latter remarks : — " It is not uncommon on rocks between 
 high and low water mark, and in (wliat 1 take it ro he) its full grown 
 state, has the margin of the aperture nearly continuon.?, with a slight 
 depression behind it. Thei-e is a black variety of it which is verj' similar 
 to T. tenebrosus ; but the latter species, so far as I know, is never found 
 on rocks, bat always in muddy estuaries." 
 
GASTEROPODOUS MOLLUSCA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 269 
 
 4. L. 2ietr(ca, sliell conical, tlio body ventricose and larger tlian the 
 pointed spire, glossy- black, smooth ; whorls five, almost even ; 
 aperture roundish, uniform dark glossy purple, the lip thin, the 
 pillar rounded below, flat, and brought to an edge. Length Aths ; 
 breadth -i^-ths. Turbo petrteus, JJilliv. Eec. Sh. 820. Helix 
 petrfea, 2fo)d. Test. Brit. 403. 
 
 Hah. On rocks at high water mark, not comuiou. 
 
 The colour of the shell is frequently obscnred with extraneous matter, but its 
 total want of spiral stria3 suffices to distinguish it from all the preceding, 
 were the other characters less discriminative than they really are, for 
 this is a very distinct species. 'J'lie base of the body-whorl is often white. 
 Snail black with setaceous white tentacula, the eyes at their swollen 
 bases ; mouth proboscidiform, and, during its progress in water, the animal 
 is continually protruding and retracting the tongue; foot short, broad, 
 plain, very obtiise behind, jielhicid white with a milk-white band across 
 the front. 
 
 5. L. nen'toides, shell subglobular, varioush' coloured, smooth or very 
 faintly striated ; whorls five, those of the spire small and depressed ; 
 throat of the aperture brown, the pillar pale. Length ~i\ths ; 
 breadth -^-oths. Forbes, Faun. Mon. 19. Nerita lictoralis, Fenn. 
 Brit. Zool. iv. 346, tab. 90. fig. 3. Filliv. Eec. 8h. 989. Turbo 
 retusus et neritoides, Lam. Anim. s. Vert. vii. 48. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, between tide marks, cotnmon. 
 
 The colour of the sliell is commonly yellowish-brown, olive, or yellow, plain or 
 banded, but many specimens are purplish-bi'own and prettily tessellated. 
 These are reckoned by some to he a distinct species. The animal is 
 essentially the same with L. littorea, but of a yellowish colour and 
 unspotted, excepting a few minute specks on the sides and under the right 
 tentaculum. Penis with a longish suddenly acuminated point, and the 
 outer side of the broad part is roughened with granulations arranged in 
 three rows. 
 
 On the 26th of November 1835, which was a fine day for the season and 
 rather warm, and which had been preceded by two or three weeks of wet 
 stormy weather, I visited our shore, and found that the animals were very 
 active, creeping about with the head and tentacula more than usually 
 protruded. From their unusual activity, and a certain indescribable bustle 
 about them, mj' curiosity was roused to a more attentive examination, and 
 I soon ascertained that they were busied in the great work of procreating 
 their race. Several pairs were detected in connection, the male resting on 
 the shell of the female : the yellow were coupled indiscriminately with 
 yellow or with the olive coloured, and sometimes a small immature one 
 with one full grown and aged. 
 
 This species is oviparous, and the spawn is deposited in spi'ing on sea-weeds, 
 particularly on Fucus vesiculosus and serratus, in roundish gelatinous 
 masses about half an inch in diameter, and studded over with the imbedded 
 ova. These lie without any certain order in the common mass, bat each 
 has its own separate cell, of a sub-hexangular figure ; and in the centre of 
 the individual eggs, the young are perceptible, like in every respect to 
 their parent. 
 
 6. Z. Uh(e, shell conical, rather thick, yellowish-brown, smooth ; 
 whorls seven, nearly flat ; aperture ovate, reflected on the pillar 
 forming a slight fissure at the base. Length |ths. Turbo Ulvse, 
 
270 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogue or the 
 
 Petm. Brit. Zool. iv. 299, tab. 89, fig. 7. Cingula Ulvse, Flem. 
 Brit. Anim. 308. Paludina UlviB, Forbes, Faun. Mon. 18. 
 
 Mab. Muddy inlets. Shore below Beal, bi-owsing on the Salicoruia. Holy 
 Island. Kear Warren Mill. 
 
 The lip is often reflected on the pillar as in some Rissose. Snail blackish ; 
 month proboscidiform, slightly bilobed ; tentacula tapered with a dark 
 ring at the tips, the eyes near the thickened base and external ; foot 
 rather short, rounded behind, truncate in front ; jDale with a yellowish tint, 
 the margins plane. Can float at the surface in a reversed position. 
 
 12. Lacuna. Tueton. 
 
 Shell conoid or somewhat globular, thin ; aperture roundish or oval, 
 with the lips disjoined; pillar flattened, with a longitudinal groove 
 terminating at the upper end in an umbilicus : operculum horny, thin. 
 
 1. L. jmllidula, shell subglobular, ventricose, thin, subpellucid, 
 yellowish horn colour ; whorls four, the sjiire depressed with 
 minute but well-defined whorls ; ajjerture wide, lunate, the pillar 
 white, and the umbilicus large. Diam. vVths. Turton in Zool. 
 Journ. iii. 190. Nerita pallidula, Dillw. Rec. Sh. 986. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, on the leaves of Fuci near low-water mark, frequent. 
 
 Animal yellowish, unspotted : tentacula two, setaceous, the eyes at their outer 
 base, small, prominent : mouth shortly proboscidiform : foot oval, obtuse 
 posteriorly, plain : operculum horny, lunate, spii'al at the base. 
 
 2. L. vincta, shell ovato-conical, subpellucid, smooth, with six 
 rounded whorls, the lower faintly striated and marked with four 
 brown bands, two of which are continued up the spire ; aperture 
 suborbicular, the pillar rounded, with a narrow groove and per- 
 foration. Length -A-ths, breadth vVths. Turton in Zool. Journ. 
 iii. 192. Turbo vinctus, Mont. Test. Brit. 307, tab. 29. fig. 3. 
 
 Hah. On the leaves of Fuci about low-water mark, common. 
 The following varieties have occurred in our bay : — 
 
 (a) Shell thickish, the spire depressed, the body with only two narrow distant 
 bands. 
 
 (b) Shell with the spire dei^ressed, and three bands of a pine red colour on 
 the body, the middle one broad. These two varieties belong to the L. 
 quadrifasciata of Turton, or Turbo quadrifasciatns of Montagu, Test. Brit. 
 328, tab. 20, fig. 7. 
 
 (c) Shell of a very pale rose colour without bands. 
 
 (d) Shell of a uniform yellowish-horn colour. 
 
 In all the body-whorl is obscurely angulated near the base, and at the suture, 
 which is made more obvious by a whitish band winding up the spire. The 
 snail is of a ijale flesh colour, the proboscidiform mouth reddish-orange, 
 the sides, and sometimes the head, dusky or black : tentacula setaceous, 
 contractile, the eyes on short ])edicles at their base : foot oval, rounded at 
 both ends, widest behind, the anterior end ca])able of being extended con- 
 siderably beyond the head, the margins plain, but there are two very 
 short filaments between the hinder part and operculum. It swims on the 
 surface in a reversed position, and it frequently leaves the water to settle 
 on the sui-face of fuci exposed to the atmosphere. 
 
GASTEROPODOUS MOLLUSCA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 271 
 
 3. L. crassior, shell conical, thickish, covered with a yellowish 
 epidermis raised into mimerous transverse plaits ; whorls six, 
 rounded, ang-ulated at the sutiire and at the base of the body ; 
 aperture white, the pillar narrow, with a slight perforation. 
 Length -Arths ; breadth nearly -^Vths. Turton in Zool. Journ. iii. 
 192. Turbo crassior, Dillto. Eec. Sh. 820. Flem. Brit. Anim. p. 
 299. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, rare. 
 
 13. EissoA. Freminville. 
 
 Shell conical or turreted, the body-whorl larger than the succeeding; 
 aperture round or oval, the margin even, continued round the body- 
 whorl ; operculum horny. 
 
 1. R. striata, shell cyliudraceous, obtusely pointed, light brown, with 
 six rounded whorls strongly striated in a spiral direction ; aper- 
 ture suborbicular, pointed above. Length ^th. Turbo striatus, 
 Adams, in Lin. Trans, iii. 66. tab. 13. fig. 25. 26. Mont. Test. 
 Brit. 312. Cingula striata, Flem. Br. Anim. 307. B. communis, 
 Forbes. Faun. Mon. 17. 
 
 Rah. On Fuci between tide marks, frequent. 
 
 Snail with white filiform tentacuhi, the eyes sessile at their base ; foot linear- 
 oblong, with plain margins. There are often one or two pale yellowish 
 spiral bands on the l)ody of the shell ; and the whorls are frequently I'ibbed 
 across, the ribs on the body disappearing before they reach the middle, 
 and sometimes onlj' to bo traced in a nodulous line along the suture. 
 Worn specimens from shell -sand are smooth and white, with the yellowish 
 bands more distinctly visible. 
 
 2. R. interrupta, shell conical, pellucid, smooth, with five flattish 
 whorls marked with oblong brown spots crossing the upper half, 
 and a spiral band at the base of the body ; aperture suborbicular. 
 Length ith. Turbo interruptus, Mont. Test. Brit. 329. tab. 20. 
 fig. 8. Cingula interrupta, Flem. Br. Anim. 308. 
 
 Hah. Very common between tide marks. 
 
 There is a variety of this shell without any sjiots, but with a white band in 
 the middle of the l)od_v-whorl and winding up the spire, though less dis- 
 tinct there. The snail is an active creature, and can swim on the surface 
 of the water in a reversed position like the aquatic pulmoniferous mollusca. 
 The tentacula are long, filiform, white, the eyes at their base and sessile ; 
 head bilobate ; foot white, linear-oblong, plain, free anteriorly, and capable 
 of considerable elongation, the anterior portion divided from the posterior 
 by a band distinguished by a difference in its colour, and on each side of 
 it there is a sort of fin or fold of an oblong shape. 
 
 3. R. semistn'atu, shell conical, pellucid, white, with two rows of 
 brown spots on the rounded whorls, which are spirally striate ; 
 
272 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogue of the 
 
 whorls six ; aperture suhorbicular. Length iVth. Turbo semi- 
 striatus, Mont. Tost. Brit. 8up. 136. Cingula pulchra, Johnston 
 in Edin. New Phil. Journ. Juno 1828, p. 80. 
 
 Hab. Berwick ]lay, very rare. 
 
 This differs from the preceding in being broader in proportion to its length, in 
 having two rows of oblong spots on the body and second whorls, in being 
 marked spiral!}' with faint impressed spiral strise, and in the whorls being 
 divided by a deeper suture. I have referred the species to the Tarbo sem- 
 istriatns of Montagu on the authority of my valued friend Mr Alder. 
 
 4. R. jMKva, sliell couical, light-})rowii, with six rounded whorls 
 ribbed across, the ribs smooth, obtuse, and rather numerous; 
 aperture roundish, with thin and slightly reflected lips. Length 
 two lines. Turbo parvus, Jfont. Test. Brit. 310. Cingula parva, 
 Fletn. Brit. Anim. 306. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, rare. 
 
 The ribs are strong, equidistant, and scarcely interrupted at the suture, but they 
 terminate abruptly on the body-whorl in a faint spiral ridge. The lower 
 half of the Ijody is smooth, and marked with a brown band. 
 
 5. It. alba, shell conical, whitish, banded with brown, smooth, glossy, 
 ribbed across the whorls, of which there are six, the apical ones 
 plain ; aperture roundish-oval with a slightly everted lip. Length 
 -i\th. Forbes, Faun. Mon. 16. Cingula alba, Flem. Br. Anim. 
 309. 
 
 Hab. Berwick Bay, rare. 
 
 Mr Forbes remarks that this is probably a variety of R. parva. 
 
 6. It. subulata, shell subulate, very smooth, white, with two brown 
 bands on the body winding up the spire at the suture ; whorls 
 nine or ten, flat, scarcely defined ; aperture ovate, pointed above, 
 white with a pellucid rim. Length vy-ths. Turbo subulatus, 
 Billio. Rec. Sh. 881. Phasianella subulata, Flem. Br. Anim. 301. 
 Melania Donovani, Forbes, Faun. Mon. 15. 
 
 Hab. Berwick Bay, rare. 
 
 Besides the two bands about the middle of the body, the base is tinted with the 
 
 same colour. The inner lip is reflected ou tho pillar, and continued round 
 
 to the outer, as in other Rissoee. 
 
 7. R. reticulata, shell conical, strong, opaque, yellowish blotched 
 with brown, cancellated with spiral and transverse strife ; whorls 
 six, rounded, defined by a deep suture, the apical ones smooth ; 
 aperture round with a slight perforation behind the jDillar, the 
 lips plain, thickish. Length -^^ih., breadth one half the length. 
 Turbo reticulatus, Mont. Test. Br. 322. pi. 21. fig. 1. Cingula 
 reticulata, Flem. Br. Anim. 306. 
 
 Hah. In shell sand, rare. 
 
GASTEROrODOUa MOLLUSCA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 273 
 
 8. jR. costata, shell conical, white with a brown tinge, thick, with 
 six rounded whorls strongl}^ striate in a spiral direction and ribbed 
 across, the ribs strong, many, somewhat waved ; aperture roimd- 
 ish, with a thick reflected crenulate rim, and a groove behind the 
 pillar. Length ^th. Turbo costatus, Mont. Test. Brit. 311. tab. 
 10. fig. 6. Cingula costata, Flem. Br. Anim. 305. 
 
 Hah. Berwick Bay, rare. 
 
 14. Odostomia. Fleming. 
 
 " Shell conical ; aperture ovate ; peristome incomplete retrally, and 
 furnished with a tooth on the pillar." — Fleming. 
 
 1. 0. spiralis, " whorls five, the lower part of the largest striated 
 spirally; the remainder of the shell ribbed transversely." Flem. 
 Brit. Anim. 310. 
 
 Hah. In shell sand from Eyemonth. 
 
 Shell conical, white, pellacid, the whorls five, flat, divided by a deep and 
 rather broad suture, transversely ribbed ; the body-whorl angulated 
 towards the base and marked with spiral ridges, the upper half crossed 
 with numerous plain flattish ribs. Length one line ; breadth half its 
 length. 
 
 15. Skenea. Fleming. 
 
 Shell discoid, smooth, the whorls rounded ; aperture circular, the 
 margin united all round ; operculum circular, horny. Littoral. 
 
 1. S. depressa, shell depressed, corneous, flat above, widely umbili- 
 cate beneath ; whorls four, wrinkled across : aperture circular, 
 the margins free. Diam. one line. Flon. 'Brit. Aniva.. 313. Helix 
 depressa, Mont. Test. Brit. 439. tab. 13. fig. 15. 
 
 Hah. On flat rocks between tide marks in Berwick Bay, in great profusion. 
 
 The shell is blackish when alive : operculum horny. Tentacula two, filiform, 
 white, rather short, the eyes at their external base, sessile ; mouth pro- 
 boscidiform ; foot abort, tapered posteriorly, with plain margins. The 
 animal swims with great facility in a reversed position ; and in structure 
 appears to be almost identical with Rissoa. 
 
 ^ 16. VaLVATA, MiiLLEfi, 
 
 '' Shell spiral, homy, the spire discoidal or only slightly elevated, with 
 rounded volutions ; aperture circular, with a continuous sharp-edged 
 rim ; operculum horny, spiral, its volutions numerous and close-set. 
 Fluviatile. 
 I. 
 
 I 1. V. piscinalis, shell globular with an elevated obtuse spire, cor- 
 neous ; the whorls four, rounded, finely wrinkled across ; aperture 
 circular, the margins free ; umbilicus deep. Diam. nearly fths. 
 Flem. Brit. Auim. 28U. Turbo thermalis, Di/Iir. Eec. Sli. 852. 
 
274 DR Johnston's descriptive catalogue of the 
 
 Hab. Slow streams and ponds. In the Tweed and Whiteadder near Berwick, 
 plentiful. 
 
 This shell is plentiful in the marl duj^f out of peat bogs. When living it is of a 
 pale-gi-eenish horn colour, transparent and marked with a few dark lines, 
 whii-h sliew the course of the intestine. The animal is white and vivacious, 
 gliding along the bottom with its tentacula widely spread, the posterior 
 one projecting from under the ujiper angle of the aperture, or swimming 
 with ease in a reversed position on the surface. Month proboscidiform 
 darker: tentacula three, setaceous, lateral: eyes sessile, superior, at the 
 base of the anterior tentacula : near the posterior tentacnlum there ia 
 occasionally extruded an elegant plumose appendage supposed to be sub- 
 servient to respiration : foot transparent white, oblong, wider and rounded 
 behind, in front produced on each side into an acutely triangular process. 
 Operculum horny, with circular strias. 
 
 2. F. cristata, shell depressed, corneous, with four whorls flat above, 
 the base widely and deeply iinibilicate exposing the rounded 
 whorls ; aperture circular. Diam. 2 Knes. Flem. Brit. Anim. 286. 
 Turbo cristatus, Billiv. Rec. Sh. 883. 
 
 Sah. Ponds. In the Whiteadder near Berwick. 
 
 The animal is strictly aqtiatic, and never leaves the water even when confined 
 to a small vessel. It can creep along ths surface with the shell reversed. 
 Behind the two anterior tentaua'a is a third, as in the preceding species, 
 but the plumose appendage I have not seen, though the animal has been 
 kept for several days together to allow repeated examinations. Eyes at 
 the base of the anterior tentacula, rather prominent, with a light areola. 
 Foot bilobed in front, the lobes becoming triangular when fully extended, 
 posteriorly rounded. 
 
 The Paludina achatixa I have occasionally found on the shores of our bay, 
 having been brought in ballast from the Thames. 
 
 17. Tornatella. Lamarck. 
 
 Shell oval or oblong, with a short rather obtuse spire ; aperture 
 longitudinal, elongated, contracted above and widened below ; 
 outer lip simple, acute ; pillar with one or more plaits. 
 
 1 . T. fasciato, shell ovate, pale-purplish red, the body marked with 
 two distant white bands and spirallj' striated ; spire smaU, coni- 
 cal, of six whorls ; aperture white, the pillar with an oblique fold. 
 Length -/oths ; breadth yV^bs. Lam. Anim. s. Vert. vi. ii. 220. 
 T. tornatilis, Flem. Br. Anim. 336. Voluta tornatilis, Billw. 
 Rec. Sh. 503. 
 
 Rah. Berwick Bay, very rare. 
 
 The striee are much stronger and wider apart at the base of the shell. 
 
 18. Stylifer. Broderip. 
 
 Shell thin and transparent, spiral with a produced apex ; aperture 
 somewhat ovate, narrowed above, with an acute sinuated lip : no 
 operculum . — Zo ophagous. 
 
GASTEROPODOUS MOLLUSCA OF BERWICKSHIRE. 275 
 
 1. S. fjflobosus, shell globose, yellowish horn-colour, transparent, 
 quite smooth ; whorls five ; the two lower ones very tumid, the 
 three terminal ones abruptly minute, produced. Length 1 lino. 
 Phasianella stylifera, Ttirton in Zool. Journ. ii. 367, tab. 13, fig. 11. 
 
 ITab. Barwick Bay, attached to the spines of Echinus escnlentas, very rare. 
 19. Velutina. Fleming. 
 
 Shell subglobose, covered with a distinct epidermis, the body-whorl 
 very large and the spire small, lateral ; aperture large, no pillar, the 
 margins acute, entire : no operculum. — Zoophagons ? 
 
 1. V. Icevigata, shell ampuUaceous, horn-coloured, roughish, spii-ally 
 striate, thin and subpellucid ; body- whorl very large, ventricose, 
 the apertui'e roundish ; spire depressed, of three minute whorls. 
 Langth -^oths ; diam. nearly -tVths. V. vulgaris, Fleming in 
 Edinburgh Encyclop. xiv. 625. V. lasvigata, Flem. Brit. Anim. 
 326. Gould's Eepoit, p. 2il, tig. 159. Helix laevigata, Dillw. 
 Eec. Sh. 971. 
 
 Hah. Deep water, not uncommon. 
 
 The shell is cohered with a rough epidermis, and the stri^ constitute properly 
 fine ridp;es which ai'e crossed by others less distinct ; but when the epider- 
 mis is removed by tossing on the shore, the surface becomes smooth or 
 faintly striolate, and the shell itself is then either pure white, or pale 
 rose-colour. 
 
 The animal is white and entirely fills the shell : tentacula two, tapered, short; 
 eyes on an enlarged space at the external base of the tentacula ; foot oblong, 
 short, with plain margins : cloak plain, eutii'e ; above the outer tentaculum 
 the male organ appears in the shape of a short thick obtuse process. 
 
 20. CORIOCELLA. BlAINVILLE. 
 
 Animal naked, gasteropodous ; cloak shield-like, sinuated in front, 
 overlapping and concealing the body ; head quadrangular and de- 
 pressed with the tentacula produced from the outer and anterior angles ; 
 tentacula two, conical ; the eyes sessile at their external bases ; penis 
 extrusile from the left side behind the tentaculum ; foot triangulate, 
 truncate in front, the margins plain. Shell earshaped, white, patulous. 
 
 1. C. tentaculata, "tentacula produced, filiform; the foot pointed 
 behind." Lamellaria tentaculata, Montagu in Lin. Trans, xi, 
 186, pi. 12, figs. 5, 6. Sigaratus tentaculatus, Flem. Brit. 
 Anim. 360. 
 
 Hob. In deep water among corallines, and under stones at low-water mark. 
 It is not uncommon on the shores of Holy Island, and in autumn of 1840 
 was found in abundance in the Coves-Haven. 
 
276 GASTEKOrODOTJS MOLLUSCA OF BER-SVICKSIIIRE. 
 
 The sluri, whon extended, is abont three quarters of an inch loii';, of a circular 
 or oval form, the back convex, roughish or <<ranulous, of a wood-brown 
 colour, speckled with ,a few irrcojular reddish and yellow dots, duskier in 
 the centre, the marg'in of the cloak widely overlajjiiinsj the foot, deeply 
 sinnated in front, and with an obscure emartrination behind. The head is 
 truncate with two white awl-shajied tentacula, which are contractile and 
 originate in the anterior nnglcs, having the eyes, which are black and very 
 distinct, at their external bases. The mouth i>! terminal, furnished within 
 the fleshy lip with small cartilaginous jaws, and a long, narrow, linear, or 
 riband-shaped tongue, rougliened with spinules arranged in regular series. 
 Above the head, and under the cloak, there is a large slit which leads to 
 the branchial cavity and the water of respiration is conducted to this wide 
 orifice by a short canal formed bj- a fold of the cloak ; and it is this fold 
 which produces the frontal sinuation, for there is really no interruption 
 in the margin of the cloak. Within the cavity there lies retroHected the 
 male organ of generation, which seems very large in proportion to the 
 animal : it is somewhat compressed, obtuse, with a long point directed 
 backwards. Foot oblong, truncate in front, where it is opaque milk-white, 
 the rest of it being watery white. The space between it and the cloak is 
 more or less tinted with black or violet. 
 
 The shell is concealed and embedded in the cloak, occupying a dorsal and 
 central position. It is three linos broad and about five long, ear-shaped, 
 convex, milk-white, even and apparently smooth ; but, vehen looked at 
 through the magnifier, it is seen to be wrinkled by the lines of growth ; 
 spire depressed, small, consisting of a single whorl ; aperture very patulous, 
 oblong, the inferior margin somewhat truncate, the pillar lip flattened, and 
 continued in a spiral form within the shell. 
 
 The creature creeps very slowly, and, when in progression, raises itself on the 
 foot, while, at the same time, the tentacula are extended to the utmost, 
 and protrude beyond the margin of the cloak : when at rest, they are kept 
 concealed under this their penthouse. It swims easily in a reversed 
 position at the surface, the foot being then made slightly concave. The 
 form of the foot is variable ; for sometimes the animal will expand it until 
 it becomes almost circular, or extend it until it forms an oblong square 
 obtusely pointed behind. When alarmed, the body is contracted so that 
 the edges of the cloak meet together on the ventral aspect, and the foot is 
 greatly narrowed. The eyes are proportionably large, and are visible from 
 below, shining through the transparent skin. 
 
iriJ!-s>:xzy- 
 
 1/1 
 
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m '' 
 
 2fl 
 
Mate i! 
 
 
 
 
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 W '■ 
 
 
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 ^2r :^H^^ 
 
 XX^^ -'■'-■ J Jj' 
 
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 12 
 
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 ^^^-^ 
 
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 V, 
 
 ^ 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abbey St Bathans, meteorological obser- 
 vations at, 126, 159, 1(>U. 194. 
 Acoaitum napellus, 157. 
 Actinise or animal flowers, 8. 
 Amethyst, brown, 40. 
 Arvicoia pratensis, 140. 
 
 riparia, 214. 
 
 Aspidium Thelypteris, 10. 
 Atriplex erecta, 177. 
 
 rosea, 177. 
 
 Aui'ora borealis, 46, 127. 
 
 Babington, C. C, his additions to the 
 Flora, 176-178 ; his list of Insects, 
 81-82. 
 
 Baird, Rev. A., his address, 12-18; on 
 the formation of Fairy-stones, 73- 
 77 ; on the Sea-beach near Dun- 
 glass, 152-154. 
 
 Baird, Rev. J., his annual address, 
 137-144. 
 
 Baird, W., on Aurora borealis, 46-50, 
 and 127-131 ; on the Entomostraca 
 of Berwickshire, 95-100 ; on the 
 Gordius aquaticus, 23 ; on the Sea- 
 tree, 115. 
 
 Balanus pnnctatus, 195. 
 
 Ball, the game of, 44. 
 
 Berwickshii-e Naturalists' Club, mem- 
 bers of, 2, 33, 69, 106, 144 ; rules 
 of, 3. 
 
 Berwickshire White-fisheries, 219-228. 
 
 Birds, notices of, 4-6, 14, 18-20, 66, 
 250-262. 
 
 Brown, Thos., on the Game of Ball, 
 44-46. 
 
 Cephalopoda of Berwickshire, 197- 
 
 200. 
 Chenopodinm botryoides, 178. 
 Cinclus aquaticus, 20. 
 Cirrhipeda of Berwickshire, 63-64. 
 Clarke, Dr, his annual address, 161- 
 
 168 ; on Holy Island Priory, 111-114. 
 Comatula rosacea, 216. 
 Conchifera of Berwickshire, 77-144, 
 
 213, 241-242. 
 Cowe, Rev. R., on the White-fisheries 
 
 of Berwickshire, 219-228. 
 
 Deilephila Galii, 40. 
 
 Donaldson, J. S., on remains of Red 
 
 Deer, 91 ; on a Tumulus at Cheswick, 
 
 92. 
 
 Dousrlas, Dr, on cessation of flow of 
 
 the Teviot, 184-188. 
 Douglas, Dr F., his annual address, 
 
 243-249 ; contributions to the Flora, 
 
 132-133. 
 
 Entomostraca of Berwickshire, 95-100. 
 Embleton, R., his annual address, 65- 
 
 69 ; notice of Larus minutus, 232 ; 
 
 catalogue of Malacostraca podoph- 
 
 thalma, 69-72 ; notice of Trigla Isevis, 
 
 22-23. 
 
 Fairy-stones, an account of, 73. 
 
 Falco peregrinus, 21. 
 
 Fishes of Berwickshire, 6-7, 170-6. 
 
 Fleminia muricata, 15. 
 
 Flora of Berwickshire, contributions to, 
 
 9-10, 15, 29-32, 55-63, 68, 72-73, 
 
 132-133, 138, 140, 142-144, 145-161, 
 
 206-210. 
 Forster, W., on the Mountain Sparrow, 
 
 229. 
 FuJler's-earth from Maxton, 157. 
 
 Gasterosteus spinachia, 200. 
 Gordius aquaticus, 23. 
 Gull, little, 232, 245. 
 Gurnard, smooth, 22. 
 
 Haddock-fishery, 223. 
 
 Halicheerus gryphus, 245. 
 
 Hardy, James, his contributions to the 
 Flora, 206-210; his Coleoptera, 228- 
 229 ; on the Popular Rhymes of Ber- 
 wickshire, 217. 
 
 Henderson, G., on the Proverbs and Po- 
 pular Sayings of Berwickshire, 119- 
 123 ; on its Popular Rhymes, 145 ; 
 on the Effects of Monkshood, 157. 
 
 Herling, the, 50. 
 
 Herniaria glabra, 249. 
 
 Herring-fishery, 219. 
 
 Hirundo urbica, 18. 
 
 Holy Island Priory, 111. 
 
 Hybrid, curious, 230. 
 
 Insects, notices of, 7-8, 66, 81, 93-94, 
 140-141, 180-181, 228-229. 
 
 Jardine; Sir W., his annual address, 101- 
 106 : on the Herling, 50-52 ; on the 
 Parr. 82-S4. 
 
278 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Johnston, Dr, his annual address, 4-12 
 catalogue of Cirrhipeda, 63-64 ; of 
 Cephalopoda, 197-200; of Conchifera 
 77-81 ; of Gasteropodous Mollusea 
 233-241 ; and 263-276 ; of the Fishes 
 of Berwickshire, 170-176 ; of Pulmo 
 niferons Mollusea, 154-156 ; of Zoo 
 phytes, 107-108; his notice of the 
 Eagle Ray, 205 : of Gasterosteus spi- 
 nachia, 200 ; of Natica helicoides, 69 
 of Roman or rather British urns, 53- 
 55. 
 
 Knight, Rev. T., his annual address, 179- 
 184. 
 
 Larus canus, 19. 
 
 minutus, 232. 
 
 Larva of Blaps in the nose, 204. 
 
 curious aquatic, 202. 
 
 Lepidoptera nocturnal, 160. 
 Lestris Richardsonii, 34. 
 Linnaea borealis, 248. 
 Lithomarge, 158. 
 Lobster and Crab fishery, 227. 
 
 Maclaurin, R., on the Bivalved Shells of 
 
 Coldingham Bay, 241-242. 
 Mitchell, And., case of, 203. 
 James, on the Brown Amethyst, 
 
 40 ; on Shell-marl, 41. 
 Mollusea conchifera, 77, 144, 213, 241- 
 
 242. 
 
 gasteropoda, 233, 263. 
 
 pulmonifera, 154-156. 
 
 Myliobatis aqnila, 205. 
 
 Natica helicoides, 69. 
 
 CEnanthe crocata, 55. 
 Ornithology of Berwickshire, 250. 
 
 Papilionida^, 8, 182. 
 Parr, the, 82. 
 Pernis apivorus, 109. 
 Pholas crispata, 140, 160. 
 Pinguicula vulgaris, 10. 
 Plumularia Catharina, 16. 
 Potamogeton plantagineus, 178. 
 Proverbs and Popular Sayings, 119, 123. 
 
 Reptiles of Berwickshire, 6. 
 
 .Riddell, Rev. Thos. his annual address, 
 
 211 ; on Metamorphoses of the Ba- 
 
 lanus, 195-197. 
 Rhymes, Popular, 145, 216. 
 Rottbolia incurvata, 242. 
 
 Sandstell-fishery, 124. 
 
 Saxifraga hirculns, 9. 
 
 Scolopax major, 160. 
 
 Sea-beach near Dunglass, 152. 
 
 Sea-Tree, 115. 
 
 Selby, P. J., his annual address, 33-39 ; 
 on the Birds of St Abb's, 18-20; notice 
 of Deilephila Galii, 40 ; of the Water- 
 hen, 84 ; of Honey Buzzard, 109-110; 
 of Scolopax major, 160 ; of a curious 
 Larva, 202-203 ; of Andrew Mitchell, 
 203-204; of a hybrid between the 
 black-cock and pheasant, 230-232 ; 
 his Fauna of Twizell, 133-136, 160; 
 on the winter of 1838, 188-193 ; his 
 Ornithology of Berwickshire, 250- 
 262. 
 
 Shells, bivalve, lists of, 77. 144, 213, 241. 
 
 Silene noctifloi-a, 178. 
 
 Sison amomum, 9. 
 
 Sparrow, Mountain, 229. 
 
 Stickleback, 15-spined, 200. 
 
 Teviot, cessation of its flow, 184, 201. 
 
 Thomson, Dr R. D., on a mineral from 
 the Tweed, 26-27 ; the Eccles Regis- 
 ter, 27-28; on Tormentilla officinalis, 
 42-43 ; on the Strata of Berwickshire 
 and N. Durham, 85-90; analysis of 
 Fuller' s-earth from Maxton, 157; of 
 Lithomarge, 158. 
 
 Tormentilla officinalis, 42-43. 
 
 Trigla lajvis, 22-23. 
 
 Turbot-fishery, 227. 
 
 Tusk, the, 214. 
 
 Twizell, Fauna of, 133-136. 
 
 Urns, Roman ? 53. 
 Yillarsia nymphseoides, 215. 
 
 Wallace, Rev. J., his Barometrical, &c. 
 
 observations, 126, 159, 169, 194-195. 
 Waite, W., on Sandstell-fishery, 124- 
 
 125. 
 Water-hen, 84. 
 
 White-fishery of Berwickshire, 219. 
 Winter, 1838, its effects upon animal 
 
 and vegetable life, 188. 
 Wryneck, the, 110. 
 
 Yunx torquilla, 110. 
 
 Zoophytes, Berwickshire, 8-9, 107-108. 
 
MEMORANDUM REGARDING THE REPRINTING OF 
 
 VOL. I OF THE ''HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE 
 
 NATURALISTS' CLUB.'' 
 
 In concluding the re-productiou of the first volume of the Club's 
 Proceedings, I have to state that it is an exact reprint of the original, 
 press errors excepted. Two of the original wood-cuts and one of the 
 plates were supplied by Mrs Barwell Carter ; two plates and one cut 
 have been re-engraved. The reprint is from my own and the Club's 
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 For many years there had been a wish entertained by those whose 
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 The reprint is from a new fount of type, and the printer has 
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 to all concerned. A List of Subscribers is appended. 
 
 JAMES HARDY. 
 
 Oldcambus, by Cockburnspath, 
 September 1, 1885. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 1. The Most Hon. The Marquis of Tweeddale, Tester, Haddington. 
 
 2. Sir George H. S. Douglas, Bart, of S^Jringwood Park, Kelso. 
 
 3. Commander F. M. Norman, E.N., Cheviot House, Berwick. 
 
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 14. John Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton Place, St. Boswells. 
 
 15. Eobert Douglas, Berwick. 
 
 16. Colonel Milne-Home of Wedderburn, M.P., Paxton House. 
 
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 25. John Dunlop, Norham. 
 
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 29. Eev. John F. Bigge, Stamfordham. 
 
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 125. H. E. H. Jerningham, M.P., Longridge Towers, Northumberland. 
 120. Wm. Alder, Hallidon House, Berwick. 
 
 127. "VV. Eliott Lockhart, Branxholme, Hawick. 
 
 128. Eev. W. Stobbs, Gordon. 
 
 129. Eev. J. Mackenzie Allardyce, D.D., Bowden, St Boswells. 
 
 130. Eobt. Hutchison, of Carlowrie. 
 
 131. George Muirhoad, Paxton, Berwickshire. 
 
 132. James Bogie, 5 Marchhall Eoad, Edinburgh. 
 
 133. C. H. Cadogan, Brenckburne Priory, Morpeth. 
 
 134. James Brunton, Broomlancls, Kelso. 
 
 135. P. Thorp Dickson, London. 
 
 136. Eev. Charles E. Green, Howick, Chathill. 
 
 137. John Ereer, Melrose. 
 
 138. Alexander Leitch, Eairneyside. 
 
 139. Middleton H. Dand, Hauxley Cottage. 
 
 140. Eev. Eobt. Paul, Eree Church Manse, Dollar. 
 
 141. T. C. Hindmarsh, 1 Essex Court Temple, London. 
 
 142. Lord Tweedmouth, Park Lane, London. 
 
 143. J. A. Harvie Brown, of Dunipace, Larbert. 
 
 144. Eev. A. Davidson, Yetholm Manse, Kelso. 
 
 145. J. J. Horsley, Bellevue House, Alnwick. 
 
 146. Hon. H. C. Maxwell Stuart, Traquair, Innerleithen. 
 
 147. James Purves, Sen., Berwick. 
 
 148. Sir John Marjoribanks of Lees, Coldstream. 
 
 149. Arch. Buchan-Hepburn, Smeaton Hepburn, Prestonkirk. 
 
 150. A. Cochrane, Jun., Galashiels. 
 
 151. Eev. J. Collingwood Bruce, LL.D., Newcastle. 
 
 152. Edward Bidwell, 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, London. 
 
 153. G. P. Hughes of Middleton Hall, Wooler. 
 
 154. Lt. -Colonel A. Aj^toun, Caledonian United Service Club,. 
 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 155. Eoyal Physical Society of Edinbvirgh. 
 
 156. Eoyal Society of Edinburgh. 
 
 157. Dennis Embleton, M.D., Eldon Square, Newcastle. 
 
 GEOEGE MUIEHEAD. 
 
 Paxton, Berwick-on-Tweed. 
 September 2nd, 1885. 
 
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