i885-i886.] 455 



And, so far, intelligent bee-masters have been partially 

 successful ; indeed, there is every reason to expect that the 

 honey-bee of the future will be as different from, and as much 

 more valuable than, "the little busy bee" of the past, as an 

 English Shorthorn excels an Irish brindled cow. 



It is to be hoped that before the modern bee-breeders have 

 obliterated the old distinct varieties, those who have the oppor- 

 tunities will make careful coloured drawings, measurements 

 of queens, drones, and workers, and further observations of all 

 their peculiarities. It will be too late to attend to this branch 

 of natural history when Apis Americana^ as we are told the 

 new and improved bee of the "good time coming" is to be 

 called, has taken possession of the hives of the world. 



Both papers were listened to with great attention, and 

 elicited an interesting discussion. Mr. Andrew's paper was well 

 illustrated by a series of specimens, beautifully mounted on 

 cards, and of parts of the various species set up for microscopic 

 examination. 



THE OLD NORTH GATE OF CARRICKFERGUS. 



TheSECRETARiESthen announced that a most important matter 

 had been brought under their notice, that was, that an effort 

 was being made to have the only remaining gate — the old North 

 Gate — of Carrickfergus removed. It was stated that the subject 

 was brought forward at a late road presentment sessions for the 

 district, and that it had apparently been approved of by the ma- 

 jority of that meeting. The matter still, however, required the 

 confirmation of the Grand Jury of the county, and it was sincerely 

 hoped the motion would not meet with their sympathy. 



The Chairman and several members spoke with regret that 

 such a thing as the removal of the " old gate " should be for a 

 moment thought of, and the hope was expressed that the loyal 

 inhabitants of the ancient borough would not allow such a sad 

 event to take place, and that Carrickfergus would not be at 

 variance with other ancient cities, whose worthy fathers were 

 using every endeavour to preserve such remnants of architecture 

 as still remained to remind them of their past honourably 

 histories. 



