I 9 



difficulty be found. However, sufficient still remains to amply 

 compensate the collector who boldly defies the thousands of fero- 

 cious "claggs" and the clouds of irritating gnats which are sure to 

 assail him. Some of the party plunged resolutely into the swamp, 

 where the leech and the dragon-fly make their homes, and, regard- 

 less of wet and mud, bad smells, and the inquisitive attention of 

 swarms of insects, returned with a well-stocked vasculum, which, 

 in addition to plants gathered elsewhere, made a very fair collection 

 for the day. Among the rarer species found may be mentioned 

 the greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua). This is our finest 

 British ranunculus, and magnificent specimens are found near 

 Portmore. The lake margin and ditches, were studded abundantly 

 with cowbane (Cicuta virosa), and the horsebane ( CEnantJie phel- 

 landrium), two of the most virulently poisonous of our native plants. 

 The common names attached to them are indicative of the evil 

 results to cattle when they eat the young leaves, which they some- 

 times do. The cowbane has been even fatal to human beings, 

 being in some cases mistaken for wild celery. The water drop- 

 wort ( ' (Enanthe fistulosa) and the small spike rush — a rare plant — 

 were also found. 



Walking back to the station, the party visited Mr. W. H. Sefton, 

 of Ballinderry, who kindly allowed them to see his garden, rockery, 

 old oak furniture, and collection of pictures ; and thus closed the 

 day's work, which proved to be of far more interest, and afforded 

 far more pleasure, than any one of the party could possibly have 

 anticipated. 



On 24th, 25th, and 26th July, 1872, 



ENNISKILLEN, FLORENCE COURT, AND UPPER AND 

 LOWER LOUGH ERNE. 

 This was the principal excursion in this year's programme, and 

 was arranged to occupy three days. Starting by the nine o'clock 

 train, the party arrived at Enniskillen about one o'clock, and im- 

 mediately embarked on board the well-appointed steamer Knock- 



