1902. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 319 



of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, Mr. John 

 Brown, F.R.S., met the party at the Ring, and his invitation to visit his 

 house was gladly accepted. Under his guidance they had the pleasure of 

 inspecting the fine gardens at Edenderry House ; then they were piloted 

 across the Lagan by Mr. Brown in his private ferryboat. On reaching 

 lyonghurst the hospitality extended by Mrs. Brown to the, party was 

 generous, and they proceeded, guided by Mr. Brown, to inspect his 

 electric workshops. It has been a tradition of the Club from its earliest 

 days to adhere to arrangements made and announced, and those who, 

 notwithstanding the unpromising weather, went through the programme 

 on this occasion, were much gratified by the result. The Editors' 

 thanks are due to Mr. S. A. Stewart 'for drawing attention to their 

 mistake, and supplying them with this report of the excursion. 



DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



November 4. —The Annual Conversazione was held in the Royal 

 Irish Academy Rooms, and was well attended by members and visitors, 

 the number being slightly larger than last year. The President, W. F. 

 DE V, Kane, D.L., occupied the chair, and after a few" words of welcome 

 to the visitors present, and to the members of the Belfast and Cork Clubs 

 who attended the meeting, called on the Hon. Secretary to read the report 

 of the judges in reference to the Prize Competition No. 7, for which one 

 entry had been received. The judges recommended that the full prize 

 be awarded to "Errigal." The President then announced that the 

 prize winner was Mr. E- Gallagher, and while congratulating him, he 

 expressed the hope that more members would compete next year. 



Mr. D. Houston, F.L.S., then gave an interesting lantern demonstra- 

 tion, entitled "Photographic Study of Trees." The trees selected for 

 illustration included only the commonest species. Each selected tree 

 was first of all shown in its winter condition, in order to demonstrate 

 its skeletal form and detailed branch ramifications. Then after showing 

 a single leaf to give an idea of its shape, a photograph of the same tree 

 taken from the same position as in winter, but in full summer foliage, 

 was presented on the screen for comparison. Finally, photographs of 

 the flowering and fruiting sprays of the tree were given, thus completing 

 the cycle of the year. Particular attention was directed to tree-form, 

 and to the chief factors that, in nature, influence the final shape of a tree. 

 Incidental references were made as to the most suitable localities for 

 particular species, and to the relative powers of adaptation among trees 

 — the Scotch Fir being specially referred to as having the latter quality 

 most wonderfully developed. At the conclusion of the demonstration 

 several nominations for membership were formally read out. The re- 

 mainder of the evening was spent in examining the interesting exhibits 

 contributed by the members, A meeting of the Field Club Union Com- 

 mittee took place during the evening at which some important matters 

 were fully discussed ; these will be formally brought to the notice of 

 the Field Clubs by their representatives at a later date. 



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