I So The Irish Naturalist. September 



Lunch was served at i.o by the shore below Glen Ivodge. Subse- 

 quently the party divided. About one half ascended past the end of the 

 glen to climb Knocknarea, while the others kept westward along the 

 road, under the great cliff- wall of Knocknarea, towards Strandhill, where, 

 on the shore, a rare beetle of southern range, Bryaxis Helferi, occurred 

 under stones, an addition to the Counaught records. A harvestman of a 

 species {Phalangium saxatile), hitherto known in Ireland only from County 

 Dublin, was also discovered near the beach. The mountain party had an 

 enjoyable time, not marred by a misty shower that slowly drifted across 

 from the Ox Mountains. It cleared off as the summit (1,078 feet) was 

 reached, allowing a glorious view of all the surrounding country, from 

 Nepliin and Keshcorran northward to Rathlin O'Byrne. The gigantic 

 earn which crowns the hill measures about 80 feet across the top, and 

 is 34 feet high, and occupies one of the most commanding sites in the 

 county. The position is worthy of being the resting place of the Boadicea 

 of Ireland, Queen Maev of Connaught, round whose life legendary lore 

 has weaved many a delightful fairy tale — while Shakespeare has com- 

 pleted the charm wdth her as Mab, the Fairy Queen of Mercutio in 

 " Romeo and Juliet." Descending the steep western side of the hill, the 

 two sections reunited on the extensive sand dunes below Strandhill. The 

 clear Atlantic water proved an irresistible attraction, and for a time 

 bathing and w^ading were the order of the day. Then, after a cup of tea 

 at Strandhill, the return drive was commenced. On the way the house 

 was pointed out where the coronation chair of the O'Neills was kept in 

 a garden rockery for many years. It is now in the Belfast Museum. 

 Sligo w^as reached punctually at 7.0. 



In the evening a general exhibition of the scientific results of the 

 excursion was given in the Town Hall. In addition to the whole party, 

 a large number of local friends attended, and from 8.0 till 10.30 the room 

 presented a very animated appearance. Towards the close of the evening 

 the Chairman of the Conference (W. J. Fennei.1., President B.N.F.C). 

 mounting the platform, made a few valedictory remarks. He especially 

 dwelt on the friendly and hospitable reception that the party had received 

 from the residents of Sligo and neighbourhood. On behalf of the Clubs, 

 he returned hearty thanks for kindnesses conferred, and he especially 

 mentioned the names of the Mayor of Sligo, by whose kindness they had 

 met each evening in that room ; of Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth, Capt. Owen 

 Wynne, Col. Wood-Martin, Mr. Owen Phibbs, Miss Cochrane, Mr. Alex. 

 MacArthur, and Mr. White; also to the members of the Constitutional 

 Club, for admitting the party to the club as visitors during their sta}' in 

 Sligo, He went on to speak of the arrangements and management of 

 the excursion, and proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary. 



W, F. DE V. Kane seconded the motion, which was spoken to by 

 John Jaffe on behalf of the visitors, and Mrs. Henry Thompson on behalf 

 of the ladies of the party. The motion was passed. 



R. LirOYD Praeger briefly replied. 



The Chairman announced the judges' decision with regard to the 

 prize which he had offered for the best find made during the excursion. 



