1882-1883.] ^57 



remains of the actual volcanic necks, or, in other words, the 

 mass of lava which once filled up the ancient craters, and which 

 was consolidated when the subterranean fires at last died out. 

 Of course, all the parts which are generally associated with the 

 idea of a volcano— the thick beds and cone of ashes, the lighter 

 and more porous streams of lava, &c.— have long since been 

 swept away by ice, and the various denuding agencies to which 

 the district has been exposed during its subsequent submergence, 

 and during the so-called Glacial Period. Slemish, or Slieve 

 Mis, is much identified with the life and acts of St. Patrick ; it 

 was the scene of his early captivity, and of much of his sub- 

 sequent remarkable missionary labour. The ancient church of 

 Skerries or Skerry, in the parish of the same name, to the 

 north of the Braid, also one at Rathcavan, are said to have 

 been founded by him. Again assembling at the foot of the 

 mountain and reseated on the cars, a hurried visit is paid to a 

 cashel or stone fort, in good preservation, about half a mile 

 from the road. Flint implements are often found in proximity 

 to ancient structures of this class, and in this instance a very 

 slight search was rewarded by the finding of worked flints in 

 the fields adjoining. On returning to the main road it was 

 evident time would not permit the visiting of any more of the 

 interesting objects in the neighbourhood. Passing under the 

 rugged height upon which the old church of Skerry is situated, 

 no farther halt is made till reaching the residence of our guide, 

 Canon Grainger, who very kindly asked the party to partake 

 of luncheon before parting for the return journey. Canon 

 Grainger's residence is well known as the repository of valuable 

 and extensive collections of objects of antiquity and natural 

 history. Few of the party were, however, prepared for the 

 treat in store for them, as the kind host hurriedly went from 

 one object to another, pointing out peculiarities, beauties, or 

 probable uses. Luncheon having been announced, all were soon 

 engaged in the equally earnest discussion of a sumptuous repast, 

 with an appreciation enchanced by healthy exercise, mountain 

 air, and the attention of our kind host. After luncheon, the 



