Address delivered at Coldstream, on the 29th September, 1870. By the Rev. GEORGE SELBY THOMSON, A.M., Rector of Acklington, President. GENTLEMEN, I must throw myself on your kind and lenient judgment, as I feel myself utterly unworthy of the high honour you did me in electing me your president for this year. It was entirely unexpected, and it was with some trepidation that I received the announcement. When I look back on the distinguished men who have preceded me, bright lights in various fields of science-Dr. Johnston, Sir William Jardine, my revered and dearly loved relative, Mr. Selby, Mr. Baird, Mr. D. Milne Home, Mr. Embleton, Mr. Tate, and last, though not least, one who has served his Queen and country, with such great ability and efficiency, as to win the knightly cross of the most exalted Star of India, Sir Walter Elliot-I feel that the mantle of these eminent men has most unworthily B.N.C.-VOL. VI. NO. II. N fallen on so humble an individual as myself. But as the rules of the Club are somewhat akin to the inexorable laws of the Medes and Persians, I accepted the honour which I could not decline, hoping that the members would be "to my failings ever blind," and to the imperfect performance of my duties "ever kind.” Our field meetings, this year, have been most successful. The weather, on which enjoyment so much depends, has been beautiful on every occasion. Our rambles over hill and dale, and the charming beauties of Nature have been most enjoyable and conducive to the health and benefit of both body and mind; we have had the pleasant interchange of thoughts and ideas, in friendly discussion, and social harmony, and altogether we have enjoyed, to a great extent, the "feast of reason, and the flow of soul." I was not present at the meeting in Berwick, in September last, but Mr. Tate has kindly sent me notes of that meeting, of which I will avail myself, and I must express my sincere thanks and obligations to him for his great kindness in sending me notes of the other meetings during this year. The last meeting of the year 1869 was held at Berwick, on September 30th, when there were present-Sir Walter Elliot, president; Mr. Geo. Tate, secretary; Messrs. D. Milne Home, J. C. Langlands, James Tait, Robt. Douglas, James Heatley, J. E. Friar, Archd. Jerdon, A. Borthwick, Wm. Stevenson, Robt. Graham, Thos. Allan; Drs. C. Brown, R. Fluker, R. Hood, H. Fawcus, Francis Douglas, David Cahill; Revs. P. G. McDouall, David Donaldson, J. Irwin, W. Darnell, W. L. J. Cooley, P. McKerron, and J. G. Rowe; Mr. Matt. Young, Mr. Geo. Young, Mr. James Purvis, Mr. Chas. Darnell, and Mr. Thos. Brown. After breakfast at the King's Arms, the accounts were audited and passed, and the following members were elected :-Rev. A. R. Ashwell, Principal of the Training College, Durham; Dr. Gracey, and Mr. George Allen, of Berwick; Rev. James Middleton, Mr. R. Romanis, Mr. Thos. Broomfield, and Dr. W. B. Robertson, Lauder; Mr. John Brown, Earlston; Mr. John Bolam, |