326 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



morning. The passengers and their luggage were being trans- 

 ferred as rapidly as possible to Belfast en route to their various 

 destinations. 



"While disposing of luncheon at the Antrim Arms, the party 

 discussed the important question of how best to employ the 

 remainder of the day, which, according to the programme, 

 was " free to the members to spend as they wish," several 

 interesting places being named for their selection. A small 

 party was soon organised for Carrick-a-Rede, and the only con- 

 veyance in town not engaged in bringing the passengers of the 

 unfortunate Sarnia, and their luggage, from the shore to the 

 railway station, was hired for the ladies of the party to visit that 

 well-known island, and its swinging bridge. Kinbane Head and 

 Castle attracted a second section, while a third, found genial 

 employment in examining and sketching Bunnamargie Abbey, 

 and the ancient tombstones in its surrounding graveyard. 

 The evening was admirably suited for out-door work. The 

 rains of the past few days had freshened the vegetation and 

 gladdened the hearts of the farmers, who were with some reason 

 beginning to fear for their crops under such a long continuance 

 of dry and hot weather as had prevailed during the past month. 

 The walk along the headlands was most enjoyable ; the heat 

 was tempered by a refreshing breeze, which ruffled the sea, 

 causing it to sparkle in the bright sunshine. From some of 

 the higher points the views are very fine ; the coast of Cantire 

 appeared close at hand ; Islay and the Paps of Jura were dis- 

 tinctly visible to the north, while Rathlin Island lay like a map 

 below. Many of the bold and inaccessible headlands along this 

 part of the coast were formerly used as places of retreat and 

 safety, against incursions from unfriendly neighbours ; and 

 powerful leaders, who had, perhaps, most to fear and risk, 

 frequently went to great labour in further fortifying their 

 natural strongholds against the enemy. The Castle of Kinbane, 

 or Kinbaun (the White Head), is one of those defences. The 

 headland is a huge chalk rock, which rises abruptly to a height 

 of above 100 feet, and projects beyond, and in striking contrast 



