I885-I886,] -^ 427 



beds and interrupted the series, to the confusion of him who, 

 with book in hand, attempts to trace the succession, and corre- 

 late the rocks he sees, with typical sections. Such difficulties, 

 however, when once mastered, are of the greatest value, and he 

 who can tell the reason why it is that, in Colin Glen, Triassic 

 rocks may be seen above, and Cretaceous rocks below the Lias, 

 has made a fair start in the interpretation of geological pheno- 

 mena. On the present occasion, owing to the short time avail- 

 able, but little geological work was done, but information was 

 accorded conversationally, and a few of the characteristic fossils 

 were collected. The botanical section of the party was active 

 in pursuit of the rare woodland plants known to occur in the 

 glen, and were rewarded by obtaining specimens of several 

 which are not often seen. The birds nest orchis (Neottia nidus- 

 avis) may be mentioned as perhaps the rarest plant collected. 

 On the invitation of a member of the Club (Geo. Kidd, Esq.), 

 the party repaired to the Glen Cottage, and were entertained 

 with a refreshing tea. Finally, the usual business meeting was 

 held — W. H. Patterson, M.R.I. A, in the chair. On the motion 

 of Mr. Mann Harbison, seconded by Dr. John Moore, the cor- 

 dial thanks of the Club were tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Kidd for 

 their kindness. Mr. Kidd having responded, a move was made 

 for Dunmurry, and the party returned, with the feeling that 

 they had been privileged to study more or less of nature's ways 

 in a social manner, with all the advantages of delightful weather, 

 beautiful scenery, and considerate hospitality. 



On 29th August, to 



GREYABBEY. 



The fifth excursion of the season was to Newtownards and 

 Greyabbey, starting from the Ulster Hall about ten o'clock, in 

 one of Mr. Johnson's well-appointed brakes. As they passed 

 Dundonald the lofty dun or sepulchral mound near the church, 

 and from which the village derives its name, claimed a moment's 

 attention. Descending the long hill into Newtownards is to 



