372 The Irish Naturalist. December, 1907. 



foliage, having made its appearance there in the ordinary course of 

 cultivation and without artificial inoculation. The plants on which the 

 blight was growing were raised from tubers of the variety directly im- 

 ported this season from France. 



BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



Jui/y 11 TO 16. — Thirty-three members and friends attended the fifth 

 Triennial Conference of the Field Clubs of Ireland at Cork, an account 

 of which appeared in the September number of this Journal. 



Juey 27.— Excursion To Greyabbey. — The fifth excursion was to 

 the familiar ruins of Greyabbey, when 47 members and friends attended. 

 At the usual business meeting a resolution was passed recording the 

 regret of the Club that S. A. Stewart had resigned the Curatorship of 

 the Belfast Museum. 



August 10. — Excursion to Geendun. — A party of 26 left Belfast by 

 the 9.15 train for Parkmore, and drove to Glendun by the new road. 

 Two hours were allowed for collecting at the viaduct, when the Presi- 

 dent's prize was won by Miss A. M'Connell. The party returned to 

 Belfast by the 6 train. 



August 24.— Excursion to Larne Harbour. — More than 60 

 members and friends attended, leaving Belfast by the 2.15 train. On 

 arrival at Larne Harbour the party broke up into several groups ; some 

 visited the laboratory of the Ulster Fisheries and Biology Association, 

 where a large number of living specimens were on view; others went 

 out on short trips in the Association's steam launch, while a large party 

 visited the site of the Larne gravels, and a few made their way across 

 the lough to visit the cromleac known as the Druid's Altar. At 6.3o all 

 met at the Laharna Hotel, where the President entertained the party to 

 tea. One new member was elected, and the members returned to town 

 by the 8. 10 train. 



September 7.— Excursion to Baeeycastee.— 51 members and 

 friends went on this excursion, which was specially organised for an 

 inspection of the new coal mines and fire-clay mines at Ballycastle. On 

 arrival at Ballyvoy the manager conducted the party over the extensive 

 works, while several members descended to the bottom of the mine. 

 The geological members were much interested in all they saw, and the 

 whole party wished the undertaking every success. Leaving the mines 

 at 1 o'clock, the drive was continued as far round as the coast road per- 

 mitted, when members alighted, and proceeded to search the sandstones 

 and shales for the plant and fish remains which are numerous there, 

 many specimens being secured. At five o'clock all met for tea in the 

 Antrim Arms, when a business meeting was held, at which the President 

 briefly reviewed the work of the Summer Session, and drew attention to 

 the lectures to be delivered during the winter mouths. The average 

 attendance at the eight summer excursions was 52. The party left 

 Ballycastle by the 5.45 train, arriving in Belfast at 8.25. 



