1898.] Prakgkr. — Field Club Conference. ^65 



higher portions being often occupied bj- extensive bogs ; and from these 

 eminences splendid panoramic views of the many mountains which 

 stretched along the southern skjMine, were obtained, the Reeks standing 

 clear above all others. Dismounting at the cross-roads beyond Gneev- 

 gullia, the party were called together near the site of the luckless Con 

 Donelly's house while Mr. Praeger gave a brief lecture on the catastrophe, 

 its cause, and its effects- Then a visit to the great depression caused by 

 the outflow of the lower la3-ers of the bog, to the limestone quarry which 

 was filled up, and to the valley down which the flood poured, allowed 

 members to see these effects for themselves. Returning to Quarry Lodge 

 at 2.0 the party found lunch prepared under the welcome shade of a belt 

 of trees — for the day was finer and hotter than ever — and subsequently 

 the cars were again mounted and a move made to Aunagli Bridge, three 

 miles down stream, where the full effect of the flood in covering up land 

 was seen. The sense of desolation caused by the scene was dispelled by 

 songs and dances performed by the assembled peasantry for the benefit 

 of the visitors, and after this interlude the party drove to Headfort 

 Junction, where a train was in waiting to convey them again to 

 Kenmare. 



Tuesday, Jui,y 13th.— As usual, the whistle sounded for breakfast at 

 8.0 sharp, and at 9.0 the party, reinforced by a number of local friends, 

 were off on cars for the mountain ridge that separates Cork from Kerry. 

 Clouds that had gathered on the higher peaks gave glorious effects aa 

 they rose and dispersed under the influence of the brightening sun. The 

 route lay across the suspension bridge and up the Sheen River. At 

 Drumanassig Bridge a halt of two hours was called, and the party were 

 soon widely scattered among the rocks of the fine waterfall close by, or 

 by the deep quiet reaches of the river above the bridge, or along the 

 heathery hill-sides. The botanists were well pleased to discover a good 

 colony of the American " Blue-eyed grass," Sisyrinchium atigustifoliums and 

 some good photographs and sketches were obtained by others. At nootl 

 the journey was resumed. The road runs up the narrowing valley for 

 several miles, and, where the valley branches, it climbs round a rocky 

 wooded spur, and, ascending steepl}^ runs up a high, narrow ridge, and 

 sweeping round the head of the glen in a semicircle, plunges into the 

 tunnel which runs under the crowning ridge, which forms the boundary 

 between Kerry and Cork. On this long climb a number of characteristic 

 plants and animals were taken. Just on the Cork side of the tunnel Miscj 

 Gardiner had a tempting lunch spread ready on the grass, to which the 

 party devoted themselves with serious industr}-. Then a couple of hours 

 were devoted to exploring the high grounds adjoining, for the tunnel is 

 at an elevation of 1,022 feet. P'rom the summit of Turner's Rock (1,393 

 feet) a very fine view of Glengarriff and the upper portion of Bantry Bay 

 was obtained, which was improved rather than obscured by drifting sea^ 

 fog, that now and then swept over the higher hills— the onl)' thing 

 approaching a shower that the party experienced during the entire Week* 

 At 5.30 the last car started for home, and at 8.0 the whole party were again 

 assembled at Keninare. 



