i88o-i88i.] 31 



The beds of bauxite occur in a similar manner ; and a large 

 dyke was seen and traced for a considerable distance, cutting 

 through the layer of bauxite, the part adjacent being hardened 

 by contact with the dyke into a porcellanous substance, thus 

 conclusively proving that the bauxite must have attained its 

 present condition before the overflow of the more recent volcanic 

 lava sheets of Antrim. A bed of lignite, from one to two feet 

 thick, is also met with ; and possibly investigation would bring 

 to light plant remains at least equal in interest to those of the 

 adjacent works of Ballypallady, so well known to geologists. A 

 lengthy journey in this manner into the bowels of the earth 

 brought the company to the spot where the bauxite is being 

 excavated, and here, leaving the trucks, climbing a few steps cut 

 in the rock to a higher level, and going along a subterranean 

 gallery to where part of the workings had been cleared, a trans- 

 formation scene presented itself ; lights were hanging all round, 

 a table was seen spread with various creature comforts, and Mr. 

 Sutherland and his hospitable lady were soon engaged in doing 

 the honours of an entertainment which, 150 feet perpendicular 

 below daylight, constituted an experience novel to all or most 

 of those present. Lieutenant-General Smythe, R.A., F.R.S., 

 the vice-president of the club, having occupied the chair, a vote 

 of thanks was passed to the host and hostess, who certainly well 

 deserved the acclamations with which the motion was greeted. 

 The trucks were then once again entered, and the stalwart 

 miners soon bowled the party once more to daylight and the 

 outer air. 



After a drive of a mile or so, Wiley's Fort was reached. 

 This is a remarkably fine specimen of the earth ring to be seen 

 in various parts of the country, having a rampart, still of con- 

 siderable height, a deep fosse or ditch, and a well-defined ram- 

 part. It also contains one of the souterrains, or underground 

 dwellings, which Mr. Wylie has made several attempts to 

 explore, but it appears some of the roof-stones have fallen, and 

 rendered it impassable. Though some of the earthen forts are 

 probably older than the great stone forts, or cashels, yet, doubt- 



