History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Instituted September 22, 1831 (Volume 6)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872. Excerpt: ... PKOCEEDINGS OP THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB. Address delivered at Coldstream, on the 29th September, 1870. By the Rev. George S'elby 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 chaiming 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 f...