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previous to the departure of the last train for Belfast. As re- 

 garded the collecting of botanical specimens it was rather unfortunate 

 that this excursion was taken so soon. Mountain plants in general 

 are later than those of the plain ; nevertheless, the herbaria of some 

 of the party were enriched by several rare species. Salix herbacea 

 was found in full flower on the summit of Slieve Donard. The 

 size of this little willow when full grown is usually one to three 

 inches ; specimens of the latter height are considered luxuriant. 

 The dwarf juniper (Juniperus nana) was found at high altitudes, 

 covering the otherwise bare rocks with its prostrate branches, which 

 were covered with a profusion of flowers. A number of other plants 

 were collected, among which may be mentioned the starry saxifrage 

 ( Saxifraga stellaris) and Car ex pihdifera. Near the base of the 

 mountain, Myosotis repens was met with, and the sea spleenwort 

 ( Aspleniam marinum) was found in abundance at the cliffs south of 

 Newcastle. Thalictrum flexuosum, one of the meadow-rue family, 

 is recorded by Mackey in his Flora Hibernica as occurring on 

 Slieve Donard. Specimens were gathered on this occasion of the 

 Thalictrum minus, var. calcareu?n ; it very closely resembles the 

 Thalictrum flexuosum, and is doubtless the plant recorded by 

 Mackey under that name. To the collector of mosses the Mourne 

 mountains offer a splendid field ; no special search was made for 

 these plants on this occasion, but, nevertheless, some bryological 

 rarities turned up. TetraplodoJi nmiodes occurs on the very summit 

 of Slieve Donard, close to the great cairn, and also on Bingian. 

 Hypnum undidatum, another rare moss, was also found on Slieve 

 Donard. On the whole, the energetic botanist, who values his 

 herbarium more than his ease, will have no cause to regret a visit 

 to the mountains above Newcastle. On this occasion, as well 

 as throughout the visit, nothing could surpass the kindness and 

 attention of the proprietors of the hotel, or the courtesy of 

 the attendants. The naturalists were made to feel quite at home. 

 Their every comfort was amply administered to. Many were sur- 

 prised at the extent, excellence, and even elegance of this beauti- 

 fully situated establishment, so tastefully furnished and liberally 

 provided with all that is necessary to contribute to the convenience 



