T904' Proceedings of Irish Societies. 247 



eight members and friends were present. After a close inspection of the 

 ruins of Bun -na-Margie Abbey, which were described by the President, 

 W. J. FENNKiyi., cars were taken to near Fair Head, and the ascent was 

 made on foot. After lunch, Wm. Gray, M.R.I.A., described the geological 

 features of the district, and the cars were taken to Ballycastle, where the 

 President and Mrs. Fennell entertained the large company to tea. Two 

 new members were elected, and after a vote of thanks to the host and 

 hostess the 6 20 train was taken to Belfast. The best plants found were 

 Pyrola fneciia, Vjcia lathyroides^ an(\. Cystopteris fragilis. The President and 

 Vice-President had offered prizes for the best collections of plants and 

 shells ; the former was awarded to Miss May Porter (117 species), and the 

 latter to George Donaldson (20 species). William Gray obtained a finely 

 fossiliferous slab of Middle lyias rock. This is a verification of Mr. Gray's 

 discovery of fragments of this geological formation in Ireland. 



Jui,Y 30. — The fifth excursion (half-day) was to Roughfortand Temple- 

 patrick, over sixty members and friends leaving Belfast in brakes at 2.45. 

 On arrival at Roughfort all dismounted to examine the earthen fort and 

 kistvaen, which were described by W. H. Patterson, M.R.I. A. Heavy 

 rain here somewhat marred the proceedings, but after tea at Temple- 

 patrick the rain ceased and the members were able to explore Castle 

 Upton demesne, thrown open by Capt. Chichester. Origanum vulgare 

 was found growing plentifully in the old graveyard within the demesne, 

 and a few plants of Ceterach officinarum obtained. Three new members 

 were elected, and at 7.45 the brakes were entered for the drive home. 



August 13. — The sixth excursion was held to Ardglass, twenty-four 

 members and friends attending. On arrival at Ardglass brakes were 

 entered and the party drove to Benderg Ba}^, where lunch was partaken 

 of under the steep cliffs of conglomerate. The geology of the dis- 

 trict proved very interesting. Botanists found Calystegia Soldanella 

 Thalictriim dtinense, Malva rottindijolia, Caucalis nodosa^ and Crithnium 

 mariti7mim. Thirty-seven species of birds were noted. On returning to 

 Ardglass tea was served in the Castle Hotel, and one new member elec- 

 ted. The President's prize for the best collection of plants was won 

 b}' Miss Kidd with 102 species. The Vice-President's prize for the best 

 collection of shells was Vv'on by George Donaldson with 45 species. The 

 members returned by the 6.35 train. 



SepTRMBER 3. — The last excursion of the season (half-day) brought 

 fifty members and friends to the 2 o'clock train for Bangor, where 

 brakes were taken on arrival for Helen's Tower. The party were 

 received by the Dowager Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava, who wished 

 the members a pleasant afternoon. After inspecting the tower and 

 admiring the beautiful view from the summit, the members separated 

 to indulge in their various pursuits, some visiting Conlig lead mines and 

 obtaining specimens of minerals. At 5.45 the return drive was com- 

 menced, and Bangor was reached in an hour. After tea, the President 

 announced that the excursions for the season were now over, and that the 

 average attendance on the seven which had been held was seventy-five. 

 After a vote of thanks to I^ady Dufferin and the election of four new 

 members, the party returned to Belfast by the 7.45 train. 



