502 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



A pleasant walk brought the party to Helen's Tower, where 

 they were joined by those who had preferred to drive round, 

 and by several photographic friends who had come via Clande- 

 boye. The view from the top of the tower was most beautiful, 

 and was highly appreciated. In the foreground were the woods 

 of Clandeboye demesne, now clad in all the verdure of early 

 summer, with here and there the bright surface of a sheet of 

 water. To the north and east stretched a broad expanse of sea. 

 A summer haze rendered the more distant objects indistinct, 

 but the coast of Scotland was plainly visible, and far to the 

 southward rose the dim forms of the Mourne Mountains. At 

 the foot of the tower a photograph was taken of the party, 

 after which the route was taken for Clandeboye House, which 

 was reached after a very pleasant walk. The banks of the lake, 

 which was passed on the way, yielded the mare's tail {Hippuris 

 vulgaris)^ and abundance of that beautiful flower, Menyanthes 

 trifoliata^ the marsh buckbean ; also the moss, Hypnum- 

 dendroideSj with abundant fruit. It was noticed that the whole 

 surface of the lake was rendered brown by myriads of the tiny 

 flowers of the water milfoil {Myriophyllum spicatum). Growing 

 among trees in one place, a very rare plant, Symphytum 

 tuberosum^ was found. This plant can hardly be considered 

 native, but still the find was a very interesting one, as there are 

 very few localities in Ireland where it is certainly known to 

 exist. Shortly, all were assembled at the mansion, and in 

 readiness for the homeward journey, well satisfied with a 

 glorious and varied day's work. A further pleasure was, 

 however, in store. Clandeboye House, with its art treasures, 

 its trophies, and its choice collections, historical and natural, 

 was thrown open to view, and it was sincerely regretted that 

 the time at the disposal of the party proved much too short for 

 more than a cursory glance at the more prominent objects in 

 the hall and principal rooms. Leaving Clandeboye House, the 

 party drove to Crawfordsburn, where a substantial tea was 

 provided, after which, a new member having been elected and 

 judges appointed to examine the collections of flowers, a visit 



