1875*1876.] l6 5 



again mustering the party. At length all were gathered together, 

 and the wells were visited. The beneficial effects of the waters 

 of the Spa are well known, but an acquired taste seems necessary 

 to enable one to derive the full advantage of their virtues. It 

 was a matter of observation that with a few exceptions a small 

 quantity of the waters satisfied the curiosity of the members of the 

 party. That they possess valuable medicinal properties there can 

 be no doubt, the fact having been attested by eminent competent 

 authorities, and by those who resort to the district to imbibe 

 them, and enjoy the salubrious climate and delightful scenery 

 of the locality. Tea at the Spa Hotel prepared the party for the 

 return journey, and, driving back by the county road, the site of 

 the celebrated battle of Ballynahinch was passed. Again assembled 

 in the comfortable saloon carriage, which had been provided by 

 the Railway Company for the party on both journeys, the judges 

 commenced the examination of the specimens presented in com- 

 petition for the prize offered. This was awarded to Mr. O'Brien, 

 who had succeeded in finding two exceedingly fine " sports " of 

 fronds of Lastrea Filix-?nas, on one of which almost all the pinules 

 were bifurcated ; the other possessed peculiarities equally marked. 

 Belfast was reached at 8.25, after a most enjoyable and profitable 

 afternoon's excursion. 



Oil 20th, 21st, and 22nd July, to 



THE COAST ROAD AND GLENS OF ANTRIM. 



What about the weather ? This is the anxious inquiry of most 

 excursionists as the time for their trip draws near, even the Belfast 

 Naturalists, who profess to be independent of the weather, have 

 sundry misgivings prior to their annual "three-day" field meeting; 

 particularly, as on this last occasion, when the weather for days 

 before was cloudy, wet, and stormy. 



Although the rain fell thick and heavy on the morning of the 

 excursion, and there was every indication of bad weather, the 



