246 The Irish Nahiralist. [ Sept., 



attention from the spoils of the deep, in order to gaze at the beautiful 

 picture, with the blue sk}-, now fast clearing of clouds, as a brckground. 



No time was lost, however, but another haul was made in fourteen 

 fathoms, at about a quarter of a mile from the cliffs, bringing up a great 

 mass of small pebbles, among which, however, two Terebraiulce were 

 found, to the delight of many (or indeed most) of the party, who had 

 never previously seen a living one. The hopes of getting more rarities 

 in the deeper waters of this locality induced the party to try a 

 fisherman's mussel-dredge of large mesh, in twenty-five fathoms, close 

 by the last station. This appliance brought up very little in bulk, but 

 among its contents was a very large and perfect sponge, measuring 

 nearly four inches across ; there were also two sea-urchins in splendid 

 condition, whose movements in one of the large belljars on deck provided 

 much interest to many of the members. Several crabs of different quaint- 

 looking species {Hyas, Fortunns) also disported themselves in an adjoin- 

 ing jar to the detriment of a fine worm, which rapidly disappeared, and 

 to the amusement of the watchers. Meanwhile, the gallant little tug 

 was making all possible speed outwards towards the " Maidens," but 

 owing to the roughness of the water where unprotected by the land, the 

 project of taking a netful from the deep w^ater of mid-channel had to be 

 abandoned for fear of losing the tackle ; fate however was adverse, and 

 on trying to make a haul off I/arne, one of the dredges was carried away 

 altogether, and the other, a brand new one of novel make, came up with 

 its frame bent, and quite empty. This so disgusted members, that full 

 speed was at once made for Whitehead, under whose sheltering cliffs tea 

 was quickly prepared and most thoroughly enjoyed. 



Clearance of tea-things having been made, it was suggested that the 

 next trial should be made off the centre of the mouth of the lough ; 

 which proposal being acted on, resulted in another empty net. The 

 increasingly rough water, on the southern side of the lough, made it 

 advisable not to risk the remaining dredges, so orders were given to 

 return in Kilroot direction, where a haul resulted in an enormous 

 number of dead Vemis shells being brought up. 



Time now began to run short, and no time was lost in making 

 for Belfast again. On nearing the jetty at Queen's Bridge, Mr. Alec. 

 G. Wilson (Hon. Sec.) proposed briefly that a hearty vote of thanks be 

 given to Mr. Waterson, the owner of the "Storm I^ight," for his invalu- 

 able assistance in making the trip the success it proved to be. This was 

 passed without further ceremony by a hearty round of applause. Three 

 new members were then elected. During the trip, the Club was pleased 

 to entertain four members of the Dublin Club, who availed themselves 

 of the invitation to the other Club, and whose services during the day 

 proved of great value. Prof. Johnson and Dr. C. H. Hurst being specialists 

 in their respective lines of marine botany and zoology. Prof. Johnson's 

 notes on the Algse collected and Dr. Hurst's list of the animals observed 

 will be published next month. 



