1 68 



[Proc. B.N.F.C., 



sandstone cliffs by the side of the road. Here also was obtained 

 another rather rare plant — the hemp agrimony ( Eupatorium 

 mnnabinum). Arriving at the pier, a special train, which had 

 been very kindly provided for the party by J. J. Gardiner, Esq., 

 C.E., the resident engineer of the company, was awaiting their 

 arrival : and under his personal superintendence they were con- 

 veyed by the mineral railway up Glenariffe, tracing the mountain 

 side overlooking the valley. The train was made up of mining 

 trucks, but they were so fitted up with seats under Mr. Gardiner's 

 directions, that all were most comfortable, and the steady motion 

 of the waggon proved the superior construction of line, over which 

 thousands of tons of iron ore are intended to be conveyed to the 

 pier at Red Bay. 



This railway ride was one of the most interesting features of 

 the excursion. The magnificent valley looked exceedingly beauti- 

 ful, and the railway train seemed to run along the face of the 

 mountain, up a quick ascent, sweeping round projecting cliffs, 

 past falling waters and over deep ravines, and then plunging into 

 the deep plantations at the head of the glen, pulled up on the 

 open hill-face to allow the party to pursue their investigations 

 through the rocks, glens, waterfalls, and wild scenes of this 

 remarkable place, which for extent, variety, and picturesque 

 grandeur, are equalled by few of the more familiar and more 

 frequented resorts of summer tourists. In and around Glenariffe 

 several rare insects were captured, and among the ferns collected 

 was the beautiful beech fern (Polypodnnn Phegopteris), which was 

 secured after a very close search over the almost precipitous sides 

 of the glen. Several rare flowering plants were also obtained here, 

 among which were the golden rod (Solidago Virgaurea), the bog 

 pimpernel (Anagallis tenella), and the frog orchis (Habenaria 

 Viridis). A few hours were thus spent through the plantations, 

 and then the whole party resumed their places on the cars, on the 

 north side of the valley, and returned to Cushendall by way of 

 Glenballyemon. 



Frequent stoppages were made to explore the various points 



