1884-1885.] 331 



rather a difficult piece of path, or rather scramble for want of a 

 path, the old workings of the collieries are reached, and several 

 traces of fossil plants are found in the debris. Near here was 

 also found the willow herb {Epilobuim angustifolium\ a locality 

 long since recorded by Templeton for the plant. The party 

 eventually again combining, and the vehicles being at hand, 

 the road is taken for Cushendall — not that dreary stretch over 

 the high moorland known to the regular tourist, but the old 

 Cushleake road, along which, we are told by the natives, a 

 four-wheeled machine has not travelled for the last twenty 

 years. Truly these old rpads have the advantage in variety 

 and scenery; they are, however, better suited to the pedestrian, 

 and great was the surprise and alarm of the driver of the wag- 

 gonette, when brought face to face with the abrupt hills and 

 windings of this, to him, new route to Cushendall. Ample 

 time had been allowed for this part of the journey, and it was 

 all required. 



Growing profusely in some spots along the hedge banks was 

 found the hay-scented fern {Lastrea oreopteris)^ and near Col- 

 raney the dwarf elder was seen filling the corner of a field. 

 With patience and some help the last hill, which had been 

 frequently announced, was really descended, and the better and 

 leveller line of road reached. It was regretted that so much 

 time was occupied on the way, as it was intended to visit the 

 ancient stone cashel near Cushendun. This, however, was 

 only accomplished by an advanced party. It consists of a cir- 

 cular wall of about ten feet high, by almost as many thick, 

 regularly built of local stones. There is but one entrance to 

 the erection, and a semblance of rude steps remain, leading 

 from the enclosure to the top of the wall. There appears also 

 to have been a chamber built in the thickness of the wall, hav- 

 ing access from inside the circle. Adjoining the cashel a large 

 number of the common blue iris was found in what appeared to 

 be a natural unbroken meadow. It is curious how such an 

 " escape" could get so firmly established in this unlikely place. 

 Arriving at length at Cushendall, and dinner being in readi- 



