9^ [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



vigour, and enabled them to spend an interesting twilight hour 

 in visiting the pier and outside of the castle ; and the new harbour 

 works, with their blocks of concrete. The stone on which the 

 foot of King William III. is said to have first touched Irish 

 soil, and which was brought from Kilroot, is now built into the 

 quay wall below the castle. Hurrying to the train, a short run 

 to Belfast^brought the day's work to a close, all parting with 

 the unanimous feeling that the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club 

 had most successfully commenced the nineteenth year of its 

 existence. 



On 4th June, to 



DOWNPATRICK AND STRANGFORD. 



Though the steady rain of the day preceding frightened a good 

 many, yet a fair number met at the County Down station, and 

 were rewarded with a calm, grey summer's day, free alike from 

 dust or glaring sunshine. Downpatrick, though so full of 

 interest, only figured in the programme as a starting point, so 

 the party left at once for Saul, the ruins of which were, a century 

 ago, very extensive, though carelessness and cupidity have left 

 now only two or three shapeless fragments to mark the original 

 extent of the abbey, founded by St. Patrick, of which St. Modun 

 was the first abbot. The stonework now remaining being built 

 with mortar, must be of a much later period than St. Modun's 

 original church, of which no trace now exists. Built into the 

 wall near the churchyard gate is a very fine tombstone, having 

 the emblem of St. Peter's keys, or key, carved upon it. It is a 

 great pity this should be left in so exposed a situation, where it 

 is fast hastening to decay, and in a few years will be completely 

 effaced. Could it not be procured for the Belfast Museum ? 

 The Rev. Bernard M'Cann, of Saul, here met the party, and 

 pointed out a number of interesting relics, of which the vicinity 

 of Downpatrick is so prolific. Amongst others is St. Bridget's 



