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Irish Societies 147 



the radiating structure of a sponge was examined. Calcite was fairly 

 common, and at one place good examples of dolomite crystals were found. 

 On leaving Ballydown, the walk was continued to Ballylumford, where a 

 local development of iron-ore beds, in the interbasaltic series, was ex- 

 amined with interest. The pisolitic ores, formerly mined here, yielded 

 from 30 to 65 per cent, of metallic iron, and some of the beds contained a 

 good percentage of free alumina. The party crossed to Larne Harbour 

 by motor boat, and after tea, left the Harbour Station for Belfast by the 

 8.10 p.m. train. 



June 17. — Excursion to Killard Point, Kilclief Castle, and 

 Strangford. ^Notwithstanding the heavy rain on Friday night and a 

 falling barometer, fifty members and friends travelled to Downpatrick 

 by the twelve o'clock Newcastle express, which, by the courtesy of the 

 railway officials, was stopped at Crossgar to allow the party to change 

 into the Downpatrick train, which followed a few minutes later. Brakes 

 were in waiting, and the party proceeded to Ballyhornan Bay and the 

 promontory of Killard, where they were timed to arrive at 2.15. On the 

 way the holy wells of Struell, attributed to St. Patrick, were pointed out, 

 also the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. The absence of dust, owing 

 to the previous night's rain, made the drive most enjoyable, and the air 

 was fragrant with the perfume of wild roses and honeysuckle. Arrived 

 at Killard, the party dispersed over the promontory for lunch and natural 

 history work, the botanists especially meeting with good success. At 

 3.30 the drive was continued to Kilclief Castle, which was entered and 

 examined by a number of the party, while a short paper supplied by 

 W. Gray, M.R.I. A., describing the ancient fortress, was read. Strangford 

 was reached about 4.30, where the party was entertained to tea by the 

 Rev. Charles K. and Mrs. Pooler, of Downpatrick. Afterwards a short 

 business meeting was held. Dr. Dwerryhouse occupying the chair, and 

 expressing the thanks of the Club to Dr. and Mrs. Pooler on this the second 

 occasion of their kindness to the members. He was ably seconded by 

 the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University, Belfast, 

 and after the election of five new members and an announcement regarding 

 a new rule of the Club by which a junior branch is to be inaugurated 

 for younger members, with special features and facilities for natural 

 history study, the meeting terminated.- Before starting on the return 

 journey a number of the party visited the garden and demesne of Oldcourt, 

 the seat of Baron de Ros. On the return journey to Downpatrick, the 

 very old church of Raholp was passed, believed to be the second oldest 

 church in the county. 



Among the plants noted on the excursion may be mentioned Calystegia 

 Soldanella, Houndstongue, and the Sea Holly, Eryngium maritimum, 

 The four common species of woodlice and Aymadillidium vulgare were 

 abundant at Killard, while Trichoniscus roseus and Cylisticiis convexus 

 occurred in the greenhouse at Oldcourt. The common snail Helix 

 aspersa was present everywhere, and Pupa muscorum and Helicella barbara 

 were taken at Killard Point. 



