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



examination the judge awarded the prize to Mrs. Ferguson, 

 whose collection numbered fifty-six species ; other members 

 followed with forty and thirty-seven respectively. These 

 results, when compared with former forays, indicate an un- 

 favourable season for the growth of these lowly plants ; possibly 

 the excessively dry summer may in some measure be responsible 

 for it. It is remarkable also that no species of unusual rarity 

 had been observed, and as the woods had been frequently 

 searched by Mr. Lett, previous to his completing his list, it is 

 needless to say that nothing was added to it. The Secretary 

 read a letter from a member — a prominent medical gentleman — 

 requesting that any specimens of the large puff ball {Ly coper don 

 giganteum) that might be found would be reserved for him, as 

 a former gift of a giant specimen, some two years past, had 

 been instrumental in his hands of alleviating much suffering. 

 It was regretted that this species was remarkable for its absence 

 on the present foray, and it would be interesting to ascertain if 

 this holds good this season in other localities. 



The President (Mr. Hugh Robinson, M.R.I.A.), before the 

 close of the meeting, drew attention to the fact that in March 

 next the club will have completed the twenty-fifth year of its 

 history, and he was happy to be able to say that several of the 

 members who enjoyed the present excursion had also taken part 

 in its initiatory meetings, and its first organised field meeting 

 which was held in Islandmagee, in 1863. 



The photographers having fired off their last plates, and 

 having packed up, the road is taken at an easy pace for New- 

 castle, and not the least enjoyable portion of the day's pro- 

 gramme was spent round the well-provided tea tables in 

 Lawrence's refreshment-rooms. Few places can boast of such 

 suitable accommodation and hearty attendance as is there 

 obtainable, and but one opinion was expressed — that with such 

 varied natural attractions and such an establishment, and with 

 perhaps a little acceleration of train service, Newcastle should 

 take the foremost place in Ulster with health-seekers and 

 holiday-makers. The train journey was relieved of part of its 

 monotony by the exhibition by one of the members of a 



