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



Two of the prizes offered by the Club have this year been 

 competed for. The following is the report of the Judges : — " The 

 first, a collection of Liassic Fossils, was sent by Mr. William Gault, 

 in competition for Prize 8. This collection fairly represents the 

 fauna of this formation, from the various exposures in the im- 

 mediate vicinity of Belfast, some of the specimens being very good 

 examples of characteristic forms. It is, however, noticeable that 

 the zones occuring at Ballintoy are not represented, and in conse- 

 quence the number ot species is less than those which gained 

 prizes on previous occasions ; but taking the collection as a whole, 

 we consider it worthy of the prize, and have pleasure in recom- 

 mending that it should be awarded." " The second collection is 

 a series of mounted Microscopic Objects, prepared by Mr. W. A. 

 Firth, for Prize 14. This collection includes specimens illustrating 

 minute structures of several groups of the animal and vegetable 

 kingdom — the Diatomacese, represented by some beautiful and 

 rare forms, each slide showing a group of these minute organisms 

 arranged with consummate skill. We cannot too highly speak of 

 the manner in which these objects have been prepared. They 

 might be taken as models of careful and skilful manipulation, and 

 would compare favourably with any microscopic work which we 

 have hitherto seen by the most eminent mounters in Britain. We 

 have great pleasure in recommending that the prize be awarded." 

 The prize offered by Mr. Swanston for the two best Studies from 

 Nature illustrative of Geology was awarded to Mr. F. W. Lockwood, 

 for two coloured sketches of remarkable trap dykes in the north 

 of County Antrim. Mr. Lockwood also sent in a series of four 

 water-colour drawings of Irish Antiquities, in competition for the 

 prize offered by the President, but owing to there being less than 

 three competitors, this prize could not be awarded. 



HUGH ROBINSON. | 

 WILLIAM SWANSTON. J ° U ' **' 



