1887-1888.] 13 



via Comber. It is soon apparent that the day promises to be 

 one of the hottest of the very hot season, and that the dust 

 caused by the long-continued absence of rain would deprive the 

 journey of much of its pleasure. Some relief is gained when 

 the main road is left ; choice bits of scenery also open up at every 

 turn of the road, and from the summits of the many hills over 

 which the road passes. Ardmillan has not a prosperous air 

 about it. The contrast between its sombre, and rather dilapi- 

 dated buildings, and the painfully white and trim farmsteads is 

 very striking. Its subdued tints, however, prove an attraction 

 to the photographers in the party, and soon half a dozen 

 cameras are at work on it, much to the astonishment of the 

 inhabitants. A further short drive and the lough shore opposite 

 Scatrick Castle is reached. This massive square keep stands 

 close to the water's edge, and commands a rude causeway which 

 connects the Scatrick Island with the mainland. It, like all 

 the other County Down castles, has played some part in history. 

 It is recorded in " The Four Masters " that in 1470 a great army 

 was led by The O'Neill into Clannaboy to assist MacQuillan. 

 O'Neill on this occasion made a prisoner of Art, son of Donnell 

 Call O'Neill, and took the castle of Sgath Deirg (Scatrick), 

 which was delivered into the keeping of MacQuillan. The 

 archaeologists and photographers having done the ruin, which, 

 with its shattered walls reflected in the calm waters, and with 

 distant stretches of sea and rounded hills, formed a pretty 

 picture, the next move is for Mahee Island, distant about a 

 quarter of a mile by sea. Mahee Island, like Scatrick, is joined 

 to the mainland by a causeway ; but this time boats are taken 

 to save the longer journey by road, the causeway being at the 

 opposite end of the island. The crossing of the narrow channel 

 is most enjoyable. The clear quick running water of the 

 incoming tide and the lovely views opened out being much 

 admired. Approaching the island the visitor sees little to 

 distinguish it trom any other of the many islands with which 

 the west coast of Strangford is studded. Its gently-swelling 

 hillocks are cultivated or in pasture. Its greatest elevation — 

 about sixty feet — is however surmounted by a small ivy-mantled 



