1877-1878.] 297 



Copelands to the County Cavan, and evidently form part of the 

 Llandovery group, the passage formation between the Upper and 

 Lower Silurians, their exact equivalent being the Gala beds in 

 Scotland, with which they correspond fossil for fossil. The force 

 of dynamite was here experimentally shown by several explosions, 

 Many specimens of the slate, in the form of slabs, hearths, tomb- 

 stones, &c, were also examined. Whilst returning to the cars the 

 brilliant blossoms of the Yellow Broom, Sarothamnas scoparius^ 

 were particularly noted. The ride home was as enjoyable as the 

 earlier portions of the day had been. 



On Saturday, 30th June, to 



TARTARAGHAN AND LOUGH NEAGH. 



The district selected for the third excursion was Loughgall, 

 Tartaraghan, and Lough Neagh. On arrival at Armagh the party 

 were met by the Rev. George Robinson, who very kindly undertook 

 to conduct them to the best localities, both botanical and geo- 

 logical. Conveyances were in waiting, and a start was at once 

 made for Loughgall, a highly-interesting botanical locality. The 

 fragrant Gymnadenia ( ' Gymnadenia conofisoea ) was collected on the 

 way, though scarcely in flower yet, and some limestone quarries 

 were examined, from which a few of the common fossils of the 

 Carboniferous period were obtained. In one quarry a large trap 

 dyke was exposed. The igneous rock, penetrating the limestone, 

 had considerably indurated the latter, and a good opportunity was 

 thus afforded of studying the metamorphism thus effected." . By 

 the kind permission of R. B. Templar, Esq., J. P., the fine old 

 demesne of Loughgall was visited, and proved highly interesting 

 by reason not only of its charming sylvan scenery, but also because 

 it affords habitats for some rare plants. The drive was continued 



