^l6 [Proc. B. N. F. e., 



which in places were fringed with aquatic plants, among which 

 the common water Ranunculus, with its pretty white flowers, 

 was in great luxuriance. The water, owing to the long-con- 

 tinued dry weather, was low, and a good idea of the structure 

 of the flat country on either side could be easily learned. The 

 lowest beds seen on the route were the boulder clays, resting on 

 which is a considerable thickness of peat, with immense numbers 

 of tree trunks imbedded in it. From the passing look these 

 appeared to be all oak. Over the peat is a deposit from two to 

 six feet thick of a light-coloured earthy clay. This is the dia- 

 tomaceous earth, so well known to microscopists. Diatoms are 

 the silicious tests of most minute plants which flourished and 

 multiplied here in quiet waters, and their imperishable remains, 

 now cut through by a running stream, testify to changes of level 

 in the country, as well as to the great lapse of time which must 

 have intervened since the oaks in the peat below formed a 

 waving forest. 



Church Island lies near the western shore of Lough Beg. 

 Though termed an island, it can be reached by land in dry 

 seasons. The first impression on visiting its ruined church and 

 silent graveyard is one of solitude, and it was this that probably 

 led to its selection as the site for a monastery at a very early 

 period. Subsequently, the parish church was erected on the 

 same spot, the ivy-clad walls of which now form a picturesque 

 ruin. The tower and spire are apparently of more recent date 

 than even the church. The island is covered with venerable 

 thorns, the extraordinary profusion of bloom on which perfumed 

 the air. Near the old shore line of the island, half-hidden by 

 the thorns, is a large stone, with a hollow, apparently artificial, 

 on its upper surface. Its origin is unknown. Possibly it may 

 have been associated with long-forgotten Pagan rites. Tradition 

 has, however, endowed the water which collects in this cup-like 

 cavity with marvellous healing powers ; and, judging by the 

 well-beaten path leading to it, and by the many offerings in the 

 form of rags affixed to the over-hanging branches, it is still 

 much resorted to by afflicted believers. 



Regaining the boats, the return journey is made with a little 



