2 5 



vided with such a supply of umbrellas, rugs, and oilcloths, as to 

 defy any threatened storm ; but, as soon as the party left town by 

 the special conveyance for the purpose, the day cleared up, and 

 the weather for the entire day was all that could possibly be 

 desired for such an occasion. 



A pleasant drive by Sydenham, and for several miles through a 

 succession of beautiful villas, ornamental plantations, well-kept 

 gardens, and picturesque residences, brought the party to Holy- 

 wood, which is daily coming nearer and nearer to Belfast by the 

 extension of its streets, terraces, and public buildings. Prominent 

 among the latter was noticed the beautiful church of St. Collumkille, 

 in course of erection for the Rev. James O'Laverty, the new Town 

 Hall, the Wesleyan Church, &c. 



When King John was on his way from Carrickfergus to Down- 

 patrick, in 1 210, he halted " apud sanctum boscum." At that time it 

 was only remarkable for a small Franciscan Priory, that probably 

 occupied the site of the old church. 



A century ago, or even later, Holy wood was only a small fishing 

 village ; whereas it is now a flourishing town. Formerly it had a 

 good sandy beach, well adapted for bathing, but this has become 

 covered with a deposit of mud, brought down from the polluted 

 channel at Belfast. Even this mud is interesting to the naturalist, 

 as it is the home of the Synapta, a curious worm-like creature, a 

 blood relation to the well-known sea urchin. The Synapta is re- 

 markable for its curious epidermal appendages. They are anchor- 

 like, spicular, or thorny, and are really beautiful when seen by 

 polarised light under the microscope. 



Before leaving the town a visit was paid to the old church, which 

 still retains a few mouldings and carvings that show the character 

 of its original architectural embellishment. They are chiefly wrought 

 in the local magnesian limestone found at Cultra, and which seems 

 to have been a favourite material with ancient builders, as it is also 

 used at the church of St. Nicholas and the castle at Carrickfergus. 



Leaving the old church, the party passed Cultra, where from 

 time to time members of the Club have collected some fine 

 varieties of ferns, including some very good examples of Athyrium 

 Filix-fcemma, var. crispum, &c. 



