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(Botrychium Lunarid) grows very sparingly. Seemann's figure of 

 the plant was shown to all present, and seven members engaged 

 in the competition. This rare little fern only grows to a height of 

 2 to 4 inches, and is usually hidden by the grass and other larger 

 plants ; consequently, the contest was a pretty severe test of keen- 

 ness of sight and powers of observation. In a short time the 

 rain commenced again to pour down in torrents, accompanied 

 with thunder and lightning, so that the search had to be continued 

 under shelter of umbrellas. Ultimately, Mr. F. A. Lockwood 

 was declared the winner, and the prize (Seemann's " British Ferns 

 at One View") was handed to him by the Chairman of the day, 

 Rev. George Robinson, A.M. The Adder's Tongue Fern was 

 plentiful in the same field, and also the Yellow Oat Grass (Tri- 

 sctum flavescens). Specimens were also collected here of the 

 Frog Orchis {Habenaria viridis), and of the greater Butterfly 

 Orchis {Habenaria chlorantha). The party now pursued their 

 course to the summit of the mountain, visiting the well-known 

 M Art's Fort and the caves. A rare species of Hawkweed 

 ( Hieracium anglicum) was found plentifully on the cliffs, as also 

 the Red Broom Rape, already noticed. The filmy Fern (Hymeno- 

 phyllum) is said to have been found on this part of the hill, but 

 time did not allow of any search for it. Notwithstanding the very 

 severe character of the day, the rain cleared off in the evening, 

 and afforded the party an opportunity of enjoying the magnificent 

 view from the summit of the hill. On leaving the caves, they pro- 

 ceeded to the Deer Park, and, after an examination of the exterior 

 of Belfast Castle, which has been built for the Marquis of Donegal, 

 and which is now rapidly approaching completion, they were cour- 

 teously shown through the interior by Mr. Finnie, the clerk of 

 works in charge. This concluded the day's programme, and the 

 party returned to town fully satisfied with the results of the excur- 

 sion, and fully compensated by them for any inconvenience caused 

 by unfavourable weather. 



