1879-1880.] 39 1 



members of the abundant and varied Cretaceous fauna. The 

 vigorous use of the geologist's hammer enabled the party to secure 

 fair specimens of characteristic fossils of several genera, as 

 Ananchytes, Terebratula, Rhynchonella, Pectin, Belemniies, &c. The 

 Lias clays of this place are also fossiliferous, but the specimens 

 obtained were badly preserved and not at all numerous. As is 

 well known to most members of the Club, the seas of the Liassic 

 period swarmed with Foraminifera, the calcareous tests of which are 

 found even yet in the rocks of that formation. A small portion of 

 the clay was brought away on this occasion, which yielded those 

 little organisms in profusion. Marginulina, Rameri and Poly- 

 moiphina compressa were especially abundant, those species having 

 hitherto been but rarely met with in the Antrim Lias. 



Geological studies did not entirely engross the attention of the 

 party. The flora of the district, which possesses much attraction, 

 was also attended to, and specimens of much interest were secured. 

 Exceedingly luxuriant examples of some of our most beautiful 

 ferns were met with, especially Asplenium adiantum- nigrum ; but 

 the best prize of the day consisted of magnificent plants of Poly- 

 podium semilacerum. Several roots of this fine specimen of the 

 polybody were brought away, in which the fronds were very 

 luxuriant and highly characteristic. Of flowering plants several 

 interesting specimens were collected, though not of special rarity. 

 It was noted that although in the present season the wild plants 

 are much later than usual, yet they are of unusual luxuriance. 

 Specimens of Carex pilulifera were gathered twenty inches in 

 height, being twice the average height of this sedge. The magni- 

 ficent basaltic cliffs of the Gobbins were reached in due time, and 

 were seen to advantage under the bright sunshine of the afternoon. 

 The very fine weather which now prevailed had the effect of 

 sending forth the butterflies in profusion. The unpromising 

 character of the morning had deterred several lepidopterists from 

 attending ; this was unfortunate, as the small blue, Polyommatus 



