250 The Irish Naturalist. [October, 



some of the botanists and couchologists pluuged out in search of 

 treasures, wliilst the majority preferred to skirt along the edge of the 

 wood. Retracing their steps, the stragglers were picked up, and the 

 united party entered the woods, and wound their way round in a circle. 



Hollymount House was again reached after an absence of a few hours, 

 and the members walked down the drive to inspect Ballydugan Lake — 

 a small piece of water which lies nearly opposite to the entrance of the 

 demesne. A few fresh-water shells w^ere collected at the lake margin, 

 but little else was observed. 



A discussion on the results of the day showed that the finds had 

 not been so interesting as had been expected. The botanists had 

 noted the Water Violet {Hottonia pahistris) in the drains at Hollymount ; 

 the Small Knot-weed {Polygomini mimes) and the Least Marsh-wort [Apiinn 

 immdattini) in the marshes ; whilst in the woods the Guelder-rose, 

 {Viburnum. Opulus) in berry formed a pretty sight. The coleopterists were 

 disappointed in the small number of forms noted, none of the longi- 

 cornia being met with. A fair number of land-shells were obtained in 

 the marshes and in Ballydugan Lake. Among other common species 

 were Limncca pahistris, a small thin form ; Physa fontifialis, Planorbis 

 marginatus, P. a/bus, P. contortus, Ancylus lacusiris, a sub-sclariform variety 

 of Va/vata piscina// s, probably var. antiqua^ Sow., mostly dead specimens ; 

 Sphcerium laaistre, one fall grown specimen, this latter is a new record for 

 the North of Ireland (it was also found in quantity the same day by two 

 members of the Belfast and Dublin Clubs who were dredging in Lough 

 Neagli, near Antrim). In Dr. Scharff's list {Irish Naturalist, 1S92), it is 

 only noted from four districts in the south and east, where he states it is 

 decidedly rare. A prize had been offered at the beginning of the day 

 for the largest collection of botanical specimens. The President (Rev. 

 C. H. Waddell, B.D.), acted as judge, and it was announced that Miss 

 Finlay was the winner with 87 specimens. 



The minor part}^ visited Bailee old church, Bright, and Ballynoe, and 

 rejoined their fellow-members at Downpatrick, where tea awaited them. 

 There was still some little time left, and visits were made by some to 

 the great rath, on the north side of the city. The old cathedral was also 

 visited. Lastly, the high cross of Downpatrick received a share of 

 attention, and perhaps with some degree of justifiable gratification by 

 the members of the Field Club who had assisted in its restoration. 



Dubinin Naturai^ists' Fiei.d Ci.ub. 

 August 13.— Excursion to Enniscorthy.— A very small party 

 travelled to Enniscorthy by the morning train, where they were joined 

 by a good contingent from Ferns, and by Capt. Perceval from Wexford. 

 Vinegar Hill was visited, and Spcrgularia rubra noted growing among 

 the rocks on its summit. A marsh lying to the southward was next 

 explored, and then the banks of the Slaney. An interesting crop of 

 aliens were found growing luxuriantly on rubbish heaps of the river, 

 including Solanum nigrum, Matricaria Chamomilla, Cannabis sativa, Lapidium 

 rudcrale^ &c. 



