The geologists will be under the charge of Mr. R. H. Tiddeman, M.A., F.G.S., Mr. J. W. Davis, F.S.A., F.G.S., &c.

Mr. C. P. Hobkirk, F.L.S., will lead the botanists and zoologists purposing to investigate the immediate neighbourhood of Malham, including Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet's Force, &c. Distance to walk, about three miles.

Good pedestrians desirous of investigating the natural history of Malham Tarn and the neighbouring portions of the moorland will accompany Messrs. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and Edgar R. Waite, F. L. S. Distance to walk about five miles. The boats on the Tarn will be at the disposal of this party, for the purpose of collecting the mollusca, &c.

Messrs. J. Backhouse, junr., F.Z.S., C. Brownridge, F.G.S., Thomas Bunker, W. Norwood Cheesman, J. Cordeaux, M.B.O.U., John Emmet, F.L.S., Rev. E. P. Knubley, M.A., Rev. H. Annesley Powys, M. A., W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., J. H. Rowntree, Edgar R. Waite, F. L.S., and other officers and members of the Union will also take part in the excursion.

All parties will return to the Buck Hotel for Tea at 4 p.m.

Books and Maps.

The district is all included in Sheet 60 (or 92 N.W. of old series), One-Inch Ordnance Map, which is not published geologically coloured. For geological information see Phillips' Mountain Limestone, and his Rivers, Mountains and Sea Coast, Davis & Lees' West Yorkshire, the Handbook for the Leeds meeting of the British Association, &c. For Botany, see the Flora of West Yorkshire, and L. C. Miall's valuable papers in the Naturalist for 1864-67 ; also Windsor's Flora Cravoniensis, and Miall's Geology and Natural History of Craven (reprinted from Whitaker's Craven). For Conchology, see Roebuck's paper in current number of Naturalist. For Vertebrata, see Clarke & Roebuck's Handbook of Yorkshire Vertebrata, and H. B. Booth on Malham Ornithology in current number of Naturalist.

Physical Geography and Geology.

Mr. J. W. Davis, F.S. A., F. G.S., writes: The great Craven Fault exposed at Malham and Gordale runs in a direction nearly E. and W. from Ingleton to Pateley Bridge. From Ingleton the line of fault makes a sweep round Austwick and Feizor and thence along the magnificent escarpment of Giggleswick to Settle; thence proceeding eastwards the grand series of scars at Attermire and Langcliffe, perhaps the finest along the whole line of dislocation, extend towards Malham. The scars to the north of the fault are composed of Mountain Limestone; whilst southwards the Yoredale Rocks and Millstone Grits form a series of rounded hills, which extend far southwards. Where the interior of the rounded hills is exposed in natural or artificial sections, the limestones and shales are found to be contorted and bent on themselves, sometimes at very sharp angles. That so hard and brittle a substance should be thus folded, without being broken, indicates a long-continued lateral pressure, and this being clearly due to the powerful action producing the fault, it follows that the latter was the result of a force prolonged over an indefinite period. From Langcliffe Scars the fault extends between the dry limestone hills of Kirkby Fells on the north, and the wet boggy surface of the Millstone Grit of Kyeloaf Hill, and thence to the valley of the Aire; forming the highly interesting escarpments of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, the latter unequalled for wild grandeur in the country. The limestone has been cut back by a stream descending from the moorlands above, forming precipitous cliffs on each side, 300 feet in height. Below the limestone at the foot of the gorge, Silurian Grits may be seen; whilst southwards the grits of the Carboniferous age flank the cliffs. From Gordale the fault proceeds eastwards through Skirethorns. A northern branch of the fault extends across Malham Moor, near the Tarn; its exact line is much obscured by drifts but there is a throw of several hundred feet. From Malham Tarn this branch of the fault proceeds to Kilnsey, where striking evidence of the upheaval may be seen in Kilnsey Crag. At the foot of Gigglewick Scar is the Ebbing and Flowing Well and in Attermire Scar the Victoria Cave, the ancient habitat of the hyena and bear, and more recently of man, is situated. The River Aire has its source in several small streams which rise in the moorlands at the foot of Fountains Fell and Hard Flask. The streams converge in Malham Tarn, and the water empties from it in a river which runs about half a mile southwards, and then sinks through a large opening in the limestone pavement, filled to the surface with large rounded blocks of stone. Nothing more is seen of the water until it emerges at the foot of Malham Cove. It is recorded that the stream at one time tumbled over the face of the Cove in a fine cataract. From the Cove the Aire passes through the village of Malham and half a mile below is joined by the stream from Gordale.

Botany.

Messrs. W. West, F.L.S., H. T. Soppitt, and C. P. Hobkirk, F.L.S., state: Malham is botanically one of the richest places in the British Isles, and abounds in rare plants, some of which will be past flowering but may be gathered in fruit. The following list includes some of the rarities that can be obtained. Hardly any Fungi are recorded, as the district has not been worked for Agarics, although a large number of the epiphyllous species have been collected, many of which are rare. Owing to the comparative absence of woodland &c. the district is deficient in fungi, especially the larger species (Hymenomycetes), yet there are many pastureloving species as well as some few choice Discomycetes. The Uredines are fairly well represented, a list of the most interesting being appended. There is also plenty of room for work amongst the Lichens.

Flowering Plants, &c.-Thalictrum montanum, Actea spicata, Cochlearia alpina, Draba muralis, D. incana, Thlaspi occitanum, Viola lutea, Alsine verna, Hypericum montanum, Geranium sanguineum, G. sylvaticum, Hippocrepis comosa, Rosa tomentosa, R. pimpinellifolia, Poterium Sanguisorba, Alchemilla montana, Potentilla alpestris, Rubus saxatilis, Geum intermedium, Pyrus rupicola, Ribes petræum, Saxifraga hypnoides, Sedum villosum, S. Telephium, Galium sylvestre, Scabiosa Columbaria, Carduus heterophyllus, C. nutans, Taraxacum erythrospermum, T. palustre, Antennaria dioica, Hieracium Gibsoni, Vaccinium Oxycoccos, Polemonium cæruleum, Pinguicula vulgaris, Calamintha Acinos, and a mountain form of Myosotis sylvatica, Primula farinosa, Salix phylicifolia, Taxus baccata, Potamogeton densus, P. lucens, P. perfoliatus, Orchis incarnata, Gymnadenia albida, Convallaria majalis, Polygonatum officinale, Blysmus compressus, Scirpus pauciflorus, Eriophorum latifolium, Carex capillaris, C. vesicaria, C. disticha, C. paludosa, Sesleria cerulea, Koeleria cristata, Asplenium viride, Polypodium calcareum, and Selaginella selaginoides.

Mosses.-Sphagnum deflexum, Gymnostemum curvirostium, G. tortile, Dicranum calcareum, Seligeria pusilla, Trichostomum tophaceum, T. mutabile, T. crispulum and v. elatum, Barbula recurvifolia, B. intermedia, Zygodon viridissimus. 2. Nowellii, Ulota Bruchii, Orthotrichum Lyellii, Splachnum sphæricum, S. ampullaceum, Funaria calcarea, Philonotis calcarea, Breutelia arcuata, Zieria julacea, Bryum roseum, Cinclidium stygium, Mnium cuspidatum, M. affine, M. serratum, M. subglobosum, Fissidens crassipes, Cinclidotus fontinaloides, Fontinalis gracilis, Antitrichia curtipendula, Anomodon viticulosus in fruit. Pseudoleskea catenulata, Cylindrothecium concinnum, Orthothecium rufescens, Brachythecium rivulare, Eurhynchium pumilum, Rhynchostegium murale, Hypnum rugosum, H. virescens, H. giganteum, H. stramineum, and H. scorpioides.

Hepatics.-Marchantia polymorpha, Asterella hemisphærica, Lejeunia echinata, L. serpyllifolia, Porella rivularis, Cephalozia sphagni, Chiloscyphus polyanthus, Scapania aquiloba, and Jungermannia riparia.

Fungi.-Pleurotus hypnophilus, and many common species, such as Peziza granulata, P. stercorea, Ascobolus furfuraceus, Agaricus (Clitopilus) prunuius, A. (Crepidotus) alveolus, Boletus luridus, Phragmidium fragariastri, P. sanguisorba, P.`subcorticatum, Uromyces fab, U. po, Puccinia sessilis, P. poarum, P. coronata, P. prenanthis, P. valantiæ, P. albescens, and Ecidium grossularia.

Lichens. Leptogium lacerum, Ramalina calicaris, R. fastigiata, Peltigera polydactyla, Parmelia perlata, P. olivacea, Squamaria crassa, S. gelida, S. saxicola, Placodium murorum, Physcia tenella, Solorina saccata, S. limbata, Ramalina farinacea, Evernia prunastri, Lecanora rupestris, L. calcarea, Lecidea cupularis, L. concentrica, L. exanthematica, L. cæruleo-nigricans, Endocarpon miniatum and v. complicatum, E. fluviatilis, E. rufescens, and Graphis scripta.

Algæ.-Pediastrum angulosum, Calastrum microscopicum, Hormiscia zonata, Spirogyra nitida, Zonotrichia calcarea, Scytonema myochrous, Calothrix mirabilis, Nostoc rupestre, Arthrosiphon alatus, Chroolepus aureum, Meridion circulare, Melosira arenaria, Synedra ulva, Pleurosigma lacustre, Amphora ovalis, Encyonema caspitosum, Pinnularia viridis, Nitzschia linearis, N. tenuis, N. Brebissonii, and many species of Desmids, including the following:-Gonatozygon Kinahani, G. Brebissonii, Sphærozosma vertebratum, Staurastrum inflexum, S. polymorphum, S. gracile, S. tricorne, S. punctulatum, S. pygmæum, Euastrum pectinatum, E. elegans, Cosmarium Meneghinii, C. conspersum, C. Backii, C. homalodermum, C. pseudopyramidatum. C. granatum, C. crenatum, C. undulatum, C. ochthodes, C. botrytis, and C. bioculatum.

Entomology.

Mr. J. W. Carter writes that perhaps there is no part of the Aire basin less known entomologically than the limestone districts of Malhamdale, consequently there is a wide field for investigation. With the exception of a very limited number of

universally distributed species, the following are all that are known to him to occur in the neighbourhood of Malham :- Vanessa atalanta and V. io, Nudaria mundana, Chelonia plantaginis, Venilia maculata, Selenia illunaria and Herbula cespitalis. The only known existing Yorkshire specimen of Larentia ruficinctata was taken at Malham, near the end of August, 1876, and this is one of the most likely localities in our county to produce the species in abundance. Of the other orders of insects we know nothing, and full lists of species noted, however common, will be gladly

received.

Conchology.

Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., observes that conchologically Malham is a productive district, its limestones yielding abundance of such species as Helix rupestris, H. arbustorum, H. lapicida, H. ericetorum, Balea perversa, and Clausilia dubia. The white variety of Ancylus fluviatilis is found in the river Aire just where it issues from Malham Cove, and a small marsh by the side of Malham Tarn, at about 1250 ft. elevation, has yielded Pisidium fontinale and P. pusillum, Planorbis spirorbis, Limnæa peregra and L. truncatula, Succinea putris, Zonites crystallinus, &c. Of the three slugs reported. Limax arborum, is the most interesting. The other species of land shells found include Vitrina pellucida, Zonites cellarius, Z. alliarius, Z. glaber, Z. purus, Helix nemoralis, H. hortensis, H. rufescens, H. hispida. H. rotundata, Bulimus obscurus, Pupa umbilicata, P. marginata, Vertigo pusilla, Clausilia rugosa, Cochlicopa tridens and C. lubrica, in addition to which a few varieties have been recorded. The Mollusca of Malham Tarn are worthy of remark. The altitude (1250 feet) at which it stands is a great one at which to expect to find many species, yet it yields Limnæa stagnalis var. fragilis, Bythinia tentaculata, Valvata piscinalis, Planorbis nautileus, P. contortus, Spherium corneum, and some of these, especially the L. stagnalis, display alternations of opaque white and transparent horn colour which have been regarded as indicative of the wide change of temperature to which the shells are exposed in so bleak a situation.

Vertebrate Zoology.

Mr. Edgar R. Waite, F.L.S., writes:-The Malham district has never been systematically worked under this section, consequently members should keep a sharp look out and record all species they fall in with. Embracing as it does a varied character, the district under investigation should prove a fruitful one. From Bell Busk the conveyances go up the valley of the River Aire to its source, and among other birds the Dipper, Pied. Grey, and Yellow Wagtails, Kingfisher, Heron, and Common Sandpiper should be seen. In the woods which line the route the Nightjar and Barn and Tawny Owls occur, as does also the Pied Flycatcher, a nest of which was found by Mr. E. P. P. Butterfield. The date of the excursion is, however, late for many of the warblers and other migrants. On reaching Malham Cove, (a large scar of limestone blocking the valley), innumerable Jackdaws and an occasional Stockdove will be noticed, and nearer the summit of the cliff, the Kestrel will probably be seen. This huge face of limestone is ornithologically interesting as being one of the few natural breeding places of the House Martin. A stiff climb will bring the party on to the moor where the Golden Plover, Snipe, Dunlin, Redshank, and Curlew are common. The Wheatear is to be seen on every wall, occasionally accompanied by the Ring Ouzel. Red Grouse are common on the moor, and the Partridge and Lapwing on the lower ground. The Mallard, Teal. Waterhen, Coot, Redshank, and Little Grebe nest regularly in the vicinity of Malham Tarn; the Tufted Duck has done so, on at least one occasion. The Wood Wren is found in the wood behind Malham Tarn House at a height of 1300 feet.

But little appears to be known of the Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians. The fish which inhabit Malham Tarn are of interest as illustrating the effect of interbreeding in bringing about malformation. One out of every fifteen trout found is deficient of the operculum or gill cover, and the perch are subject to blindness. Micro-Zoology and Micro-Botany.

There appears to have been no work done in respect of the micro-zoology, but the Alga will be found treated of under Botany.'

4-0. Meat Tea

5-0.

Programme of Meetings.

Sectional Meetings

5-15.-General Meeting

6-20.-Conveyances leave Malham.

All at the Buck Hotel, Malham.

7-22. —Special Train leaves for Leeds, arriving at 8-17 p.m.

President:

PROF, A. H. GREEN, M A., F.R.S., F.G.S., Oxford.

bon. Secretaries :

WM. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S., Sunny Bank, Leeds.
REV. E. P. KNUBLEY, M.A., Staveley Rectory, Leeds.
EDGAR R. WAITE, F.L.S., Philosophical Hall, Leeds.

THE NINETIETH MEETING

WILL BE HELD AT

BRAFFERTON,

FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF

LECKBY CARR,

BALDERSBY PARK AND WOODS, CUNDALL,
DISHFORTH, &c.,

On WHIT-MONDAY, May 18th, 1891.

RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS.-Through return tickets at pleasure party fares will be issued at all Yorkshire stations on the G. N., H. & B., L. & Y., L. & N. W., M. S. & L., Mid., and N. E. Railways, which have booking arrangements for Brafferton, to Members and Associates of the Y.N. U. producing their signed card of Membership.

Members and Associates starting from stations which have not through booking arrangements, should book to the most convenient junction, and re-book to their destination; the reduction of fare will be granted for both portions of the journey.

PERMISSION is kindly granted by Mr. Basil T. Woodd. J. P., D. L., for Leckby Carr, and by the Dowager Lady Downe for Baldersby Park and Woods.

The permission is given, however, subject to the provisoes that nothing be done which would interfere with the game, and that rare plants, ferns, &c., be not taken up by the roots. In both respects members are desired to maintain the good reputation which the Y. N. U. has always enjoyed.

ROUTES. Members leave Brafferton Station on the arrival of the 10-31 train from Pilmoor and will be met by Mr. T. Carter Mitchell, F.S.A., at Leckby, and under his guidance work down the right bank of the Swale to Brafferton.

BOOKS AND MAPS.--The whole field of the Excursion is included in Sheet 96 S. W., One-inch Ordnance Map (also published geologically coloured; both solid and superficial geology) and in Sheets 103 and 120 of the Six-inch Map. See also the accompanying Memoir ‘On the Geology of the Country around Northallerton and Thirsk,' by Messrs. Fox-Strangways, Cameron, and Barrow. Botanical reference may be made to Grainge's Vale of Mowbray,' and to Baker's North Yorkshire' (ed. i., 1863, p. 118, and ed. ii., 1888, p. 157) for short lists of rarer plants at Leck by Carr and about Cundall.

·

EXPLANATION.-The Map is divided into square miles by horizontal and perpendicular lines. Brafferton Station will be found in the lower right-hand corner, and the general line of route is indicated by arrows. The shaded areas are woods and plantations. The two lines of fault are shown which are referred to in the geological paragraph opposite.

THE DISTRICT.-The river Swale is here the division between the vicecounties of North-East and North-West York, and as this Excursion is planned for North-West Yorkshire, members are requested to confine their investigations to the country lying south and west of, and on the right bank of, the river. Not that there is any objection to interesting records being made for North-East Yorkshire, but simply that for sake of accuracy it be clearly understood for which division the records are made.

Between Asenby and Leck by on one hand, and Dishforth on the other, is a boggy low-lying piece of country with slow-running ditches, which seems a likely place to reward the naturalist.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.-Mr. T. Carter Mitchell, F.S.A., writes:-Leck by Carr is a wood situated in a swampy hollow within a few hundred yards of the right bank of the river Swale, but separated from that river by a ridge of hills. Originally, in all probability, this hollow had a natural drainage into the Swale. During the Ice period, a glacier, having its