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



read by one of the members on the geology of the neighbourhood, 

 with special reference to the sandstones. The reader gave it as 

 his opinion that the entire sandstones of the Scrabo district were 

 of Carboniferous age, rocks of which age were unmistakably repre- 

 sentated at Cultra and Castle Espie. Several members spoke on 

 the subject of the paper, and expressed opinions differing from 

 those of the raader as to the geological age of the rocks, but all 

 agreeing with him as to the economic value of the Ballyoran stone, 

 and the desirability of substituting it for the expensive Scotch and 

 other sandstones introduced into Belfast, the character of which is 

 often very unsatisfactory with respect to their endurance. 



John M'Whinney, Esq., proprietor of the quarries, then invited 

 the party to a substantial luncheon which he had kindly provided, 

 and to which full justice was done. A vote of thanks having been 

 passed to him for his hospitality, and hopes expressed that the 

 undertaking so energetically carried on would continue to prosper, 

 the party again mounted the conveyances and proceeded to Sum- 

 merfield, the residence of R. A. Gordon, Esq., J. P. These grounds 

 are beautifully situated, and contain some fine trees, particularly 

 beeches and sycamores. Before leaving the grounds a short visit 

 was paid to a remarkable chalybeate spring which was once in 

 great favour, and famous for its remedial properties. This well 

 was referred to by Richard Dobbs, Esq., as early as 1683, who 

 states that it was then much resorted to.* 



After leaving Summerneld the party divided, a section proceed- 

 ing to visit West Dunledy Glen, interesting to geologists as 

 exhibiting the contact of the sandstone with the underlying Silurian 

 rocks. The main party left the Newtownards Road near Dun- 

 donald village, and proceeded by a narrow old road in the direction 

 of the Kempe stones, passing on the way, the moat, and a fine 

 example of a " standing stone " in a field near the railway station, 



* The Macdonnels of Antrim— Hill. (Appendix). 





