i88o-i88i.] 25 



when passing under Carrigan Head, and along the base of the 

 cHfFs. The sea was calm, save the never-ceasing swell from the 

 Atlantic, on which the boats rose and fell with an easy motion — 

 not too easy, however, for some of the party unaccustomed to 

 Neptune's realm. The base of the cliffs is in some places pierced 

 with caves, into one of which the boats entered. As near as 

 could be estimated, the roof was about thirty feet above the sur- 

 face, and is formed of one enormous slab of rock ; its width is 

 about equal to its height, and it runs at right angles into the 

 cliffs for a distance of several hundred yards, where it branches 

 right and left ; the want of lights, however, prevented the fol- 

 lowing it further. Looking seaward from the farthest point 

 reached, the view was at once sublime and novel, while the cool- 

 ness of the air was most agreeably refreshing. One of the boats 

 being supplied with sounding lines and dredging tackle, a series 

 of soundings were taken in the cave ; 3 fathoms touched bottom 

 at the farthest point, about midway the line showed 6 fathoms, 

 and at the entrance 8^ fathoms ; outward the water deepened 

 to 40 fathoms and upwards. Dredgings were taken at various 

 points and depths along the route. The result, however, so far 

 as the larger forms of life were concerned, was disappointing, 

 the dredge being filled with sand, which was carefully reserved 

 for microscopic examination. All having landed and partaken 

 of luncheon on the grass at Malinbeg, the cars, which were 

 in readiness, were again brought into use, and the road taken 

 for Glencolumbkille, by Malinmore. Shortly after passing 

 the latter place, the magnificent point of Glen Head came into 

 sight. A short halt was made near the residence of the rector 

 of Glencolumbkille, the Rev. David Thompson, who, with a 

 heartiness never surpassed among the many kindnesses to which 

 the Club has from time to time been treated, asked the party 

 into the Glebe, where he and Mrs. Thompson vied with each 

 other in their attentions to their unexpected company. 



An active section of the party, anxious to visit the shrine 

 and well of St. Columbkille, set out on foot in light marching 

 order, divested of coats, collars, ties, &c., to the no small surprise 



