422 [Proc.B.N.F.C^ 



is pronounced clear of impediment, and the first dredges are 

 put down in five fathoms, the steamer is slowed to allow of 

 their proper working, and time is allowed. Meanwhile the 

 company is not an idle one. Towing nets of muslin and 

 bunting had been provided, wherewith to capture such swim- 

 ming creatures as are to be found near the surface, and these 

 are plied with more or less success until orders are given to 

 haul the dredges. Many willing hands soon bring them on 

 board, when their contents are emptied on the tray, which 

 now forms a convenient sorting table, round which an eager 

 crowd is gathered, intent on bottling novelties. It is somewhat 

 amusing to note the cool indifference with which the ex- 

 perienced amateur can look on the excited crush round the tray. 

 Five-fathom material has lost its exciting attractions for him. 

 The contents — ascidians and starfish, hermit crabs and spider 

 crabs, nullapores, and all their varied associates — are to him 

 quite familiar objects. A short steam ahead, and the dredges 

 are down again, this time in seven fathoms, again to be hauled 

 in with slightly varying results ; and so the work proceeds, the 

 tray being eagerly examined after every haul, and swept clear 

 afterwards for new material. Between each haul of the dredges 

 specimens are freely handed round in bottles or otherwise for 

 examination. The comparatively shallow water had yielded 

 but few of the sertularian zoophites, several, however, were 

 exhibited with their polypites extended, and were exceedingly 

 interesting and pretty objects under a lens. The larger speci- 

 mens were put into pails of clear water, the better to watch 

 their movements. 



On consultation with our Carrickfergus advisers it is decided, 

 as the tides will soon be setting south, and as it is impossible 

 to dredge successfully against them, to steer northward next 

 the Maiden Lighthouses, and work homewards in deeper water 

 in the direction in which the tides are running. All steam is 

 accordingly put on, and soon we pass Blackhead, and come in 

 view of the bold headland forming the southern end of the 

 Gobbin cliffs. Early breakfasts had been a necessity with all 

 on board, and, the keen sea air being a good appetiser, orders 



