1875-1876.] 1 7 l 



is so celebrated, were also found. The popular notion that the 

 water of the lough possesses the property of converting submerged 

 timber into stone has long since been shown to be erroneous, but 

 the idea is still adhered to by many of the fishermen and others 

 residing along the shores. From the fact of the silicified wood 

 being found in detached and somewhat waterworn masses there 

 can be little doubt of its having been derived from some pre-ex- 

 isting formation, and redeposited here. The origin of the wood 

 and also of the nodules before referred to, are interesting subj ects 

 which require further elucidation. During the day the botanists of 

 the party secured, amongst other rarities, specimens of the musk 

 mallow ( Malva moschalaj on Ram's Island, and of the penny-cress 

 ( Thlaspi arvense) near to the mouth of the Glenavy river, the latter 

 in fruit. In addition to these many of the commoner plants which 

 affect lacustrine habitats were also obtained. Returning to the 

 station by a different route a visit was paid to Whiteside's fort,, 

 a short distance from the road. It is a fair specimen of the 

 remains of one of the ancient fortified residences which are com- 

 mon in various parts of the country. Belfast was again reached at 

 a little after seven o'clock, a pleasant excursion having been 

 thoroughly enjoyed by all present. 



On Saturday, 4th September, to 



THE KNOCKAGH. 



The place selected for the sixth and last excursion season was 

 the Knockagh, near Carrickfergus. A large party left by the 1-45 

 train for Carrickfergus Junction, and in less than half-an-hour were 

 slowly ascending to the base of the cliffs. The broken nature of 

 the ground made progress slow; but, as the party were not' pushed 

 for time, a close search was made for the ferns and other plants 

 which affect such habitats. After passing along the base and 

 visiting some of the caves on the way, the party scaled the cliffs at 

 an accessible point near their northern extremity, and reached the 



