1 8 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



spent in a quarry in search of graptolites, but with only medium 

 success, and the party then proceeded along the scarp of a fine 

 raised beach, to near Ballyquintin Point, a spot very seldom, 

 indeed, visited by tourists. Great notice was taken of the fine 

 crops of wheat and other grain with which this district abounds, 

 and which apparently had not suffered much harm from the 

 recent drought. A halt was next called at the site, close to the 

 beach, of Templecowey old church, of which the foundation 

 only remains. On the east side of the graveyard were three 

 holy wells — the washing well, the eye well, and the drinking 

 well. The latter only is now noticeable, which still runs on — a 

 stream of deliciously cold water, acceptable after some hours of 

 sun and wind to all the party. On a broad rock on the margin 

 of the sea St. Cowey is stated by tradition to have spent most 

 of his time in prayer. Of course the marks of his knees are 

 still visible. The fort of Tara, on the highest summit of the 

 district, was next climbed to. It is a very complete specimen, 

 with well-marked vallum and rampart ; the view from it in a 

 clear day is magnificent. There does not appear to be any 

 mention of the fort in the early records. This is not, by any 

 means, the only pre-Christian monument in the neighbourhood. 

 Not far below it is the stone circle of Keentagh. Of this eleven 

 stones are still to be seen forming a circle about 6oft. in 

 diameter. Doubtless some of the chieftians who dwelt at Tara, 

 or some of their battles, are here commemorated, but tradition 

 even is now silent. After a hasty glimpse of Quintin Castle, 

 a picturesque modern structure on the site of a relic of Sir John 

 Montgomery's, which was itself a relic of earlier times, a 

 hurried drive was made back through Portaferry to Bally white, 

 the hospitable residence of J. Warnock, Esq. Here a friendly 

 host and hostess entertained the party at lunch, at the con- 

 clusion of which a meeting was held, under the presidency of 

 the Rev. George Robinson, at which new members were 

 elected, and thanks were voted to Mr. and Mrs. Warnock and 

 others to whom much of the success of the excursion was due. 

 A climb was then made to the hill behind the house, where, as 

 the party gazed around upon the varied apd extensive scene^ 



