I885-I886.3 417 



more toil against the stream, and a landing is effected on the 

 east bank, along which another search is made for flints, and 

 with some success, several good examples having been found 

 Sharp eyes also detected several fragments of the silicified wood 

 for which Lough Neagh is famous, and several members were 

 surprised at the great number of ironstone nodules, some of 

 which, containing plant impressions, were brought away. It is 

 to be regretted that the eel fisheries were not at work, as a view 

 of this valuable source of revenue would have been highly 

 appreciated. Some estimate of their value may be formed from 

 the fact that their annual rental at this place alone amounts to 

 close upon ^2,000, and that it is found necessary for the sup- 

 pression of illegal fishing to employ a staff of men and a steamer 

 on the water, for which, it is to be regretted, there is ample 

 employment in this direction. On the way home a scrutiny of 

 the collections in competition for the prize offered in the 

 early part of the day was made, and Mr. James Forsythe Wilson 

 was declared successful with fifty-one species. No record of 

 special note was made during the day, and the lateness of 

 flowering in many plants was particularly noticeable. 



On 7th and 8th July, to 



THE MOURNE MOUNTAINS. 



The Club had their annual long excursion on the 7th and 8th 

 July, the place selected this year being the Mourne Mountains. 

 A party of ladies and gentlemen, well provided with hammers 

 and plant cases, braved the threatening rain of Tuesday, the 

 7th, and assembled at the Belfast terminus of the County 

 Down Railway, in time to leave by the 7-30 a.m. train for 

 Newcastle. Notwithstanding the threatening appearance of 

 the weather, hopes were entertained that the day would 

 eventually prove fine ; and during the run aneroids were 

 eagerly consulted, particularly when the clouds drifted off, and 

 the rain ceased just as Dundrum was being passed. Arrived 

 at Newcastle, breakfast was speedily discussed in Mr. Lawrence's 



