1901. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 211 



Everything being of value from these high grounds, a miscellaneous 

 collection was made — plants, beetles, spiders, shells, moths, butterflies. 

 The most important discovery of the day was a colony of Herring Gulls 

 breeding beside one of the lakes, being the first inland breeding-place 

 known in Ireland, although thousands breed on our sea-cliffs all round 

 the coast. For this and other reasons the walk took longer than was 

 anticipated ; but fatigue was banished on meeting the first section at the 

 teahouse in Glenariff. Here the party was increased by the addition of 

 some members staying in Cushendall, and the drive down Glenariff was 

 begun. Red Bay castle and caves gave rise to an animated discussion 

 At Cushendall a very pleasant evening was spent. 



The following morning (Saturday) some of the members were making 

 ornithological notes by 5 o'clock, while the photographic section was 

 again early astir, and visited Waterloo t in search of artistic snapshots. 

 After 8 o'clock breakfast, the party again mounted vehicles and drove to 

 " Ossian's Grave." The "grave" was photographed, and the drive to 

 Cushendun resumed. 



On arriving here the celebrated caves in the Old Red Sandstone were 

 visited and thoroughly explored. After inspecting the remain's of Garra 

 Castle, the steep ascent of Tornamoney Hill was undertaken, in order to 

 visit Tornamoney cashel. The large circle of stones is between 50 and 

 60 feet in diameter, and has a chamber in the thickness of the walls. 

 Another cashel on the opposite side of the hill was next visited, but it 

 was found to be in bad preservation and hardly worth the climb. De- 

 scending the hill, Cushendun was again reached, and soon the drive back 

 began ; it was with regret that Parkmore was reached. After a quick 

 run to Belfast the party separated. 



August 24. The Gobbins It is now some thirty-three years since 



the B.F.N.C. visited and explored the district of Islandmagee known as 

 " The Gobbins." On Saturday, 24th August, the Field Club again visited 

 the district. About one-half of the party of seventy started by the 12.50 

 train for Ballycarry Station. Arriving there, the majority of the party 

 soon reached the high ground overlooking the North Channel. Here they 

 descended from the cars, and proceeded on foot to the shore. In former 

 years it was somewhat difficult progress, but on this occasion it was 

 easily undertaken by everyone, as convenient stiles and footbridges have 

 been erected by the Northern Counties Railway Company. Passing the 

 first headland, a fine comprehensive view of the coast was obtained. 

 As soon as the features of the landscape had been grasped the " Smugglers' • 

 Cave" was explored. 



Passing onwards, the path by the shore was followed. The railway 

 company has now built a pathway leading round the foot of the Gobbins 

 cliffs. This path has been carried round the foot of the headland well 

 above high-water mark along the ledges of basalt, and where walls of 

 rock used to meet the traveller in former visits he will now find short 

 tunnels cut through the solid rock. Where a gaping chasm yawned 

 there is now a hanging bridge constructed of bearers of rolled iron joists, 

 with a footway of solid plank. The party was conducted by Mr. B. D. 



