1877-1878.] 3°3 



A short drive brought them near Ballyoran, where a halt was made 

 to visit an ancient rath or fort. It is in very good preservation, the 

 circular trench around it being nearly perfect, and the farmer on 

 whose land it is has made no attempt to level or labour it. 



The party next proceeded to Ballyoran House, the residence 

 of Samuel Symington, Esq. The house is delightfully situated, 

 and has been erected with a view more to internal comfort and 

 convenience than mere outward show, and has a site remarkable 

 for its mildness — a fact indicated by the luxuriance of the trees 

 around it, one of which, an Auricaria, near the terrace on which 

 the house is built, is perhaps one of the finest in the north of 

 Ireland. The vehicles were put up here, and the party went on 

 foot to visit the Kempe stones, which are close by, and where they 

 were soon joined by the contingent who had been visiting Dunledy 

 Glen. This remarkable monument — one of the largest cromlechs 

 in the North, and so well worthy of a visit — is probably unknown 

 to nine-tenths of the inhabitants of our modern Athens. The 

 massive block forming the table, and weighing upwards of twenty 

 tons, is perhaps unique in the manner in which it it supported. 

 In the adjoining hedges a number of large stones were observed, 

 which probably formed part of an extensive circle characteristic of 

 erections of this class. It is to be hoped that this interesting relic 

 of a bygone age will long survive the hand of the improver (? ) who 

 has helped in too many cases to remove such valuable remains. 

 The party then adjourned to Ballyoran House, where all were soon 

 seated around a sumptuous table, and for a time natural science 

 and archaeology gave way before the more stimulating cup of tea. 

 After tea, the formal business meeting of the Club was held, a num- 

 ber of new members elected, and a vote of thanks passed to". Mr. 

 Symington for his hospitable kindness. Some time was then spent 

 in examining the extensive flower garden and grounds, which are 

 laid out with exceeding neatness and taste. A fine specimen of 

 Eschalonia macracantha completely embowers an extensive summer 



