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Full text of "History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, instituted September 22, 1831 [Vol. 1 of proceedings, corr. and reprinted]"

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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( 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. 



( 169 ) 



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1837. 
Months. 


January, 

February, 

March, 

April, 

May, 

June, 

July, 

August, 

September, 

October, 

November, 

December, 







( 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