5 8 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



Blow, in 1763. It was mentioned that Mr. Quaritch had 

 informed Mr. Lavens Ewart that for a similar volume, belong- 

 ing to the latter gentleman, entitled " Valentine and Orson," 

 the cuts were probably obtained from London. Through the 

 kindness of Mr. Govan, of the Northern Whig, and Mr. Boyd, 

 of Messrs. Alex. Mayne & Boyd, a large number of illustrations 

 — woodcuts — were shown, some of which were undoubtedly 

 executed in Belfast. Many of these dated from the commence- 

 ment of this century or a little earlier, and represented rude 

 renderings of coats of arms, titles to ballads, broadsheets, and 

 advertisements. Some of the original wood blocks were also 

 shown. The lecture was concluded by a brief description of 

 some of the leading local printers of the early part of the 

 century, special mention being made of the fine work executed 

 by A. Mackey, jun., in the beautiful History of Belfast, 1823, 

 and illustrated by the well-known local engraver, John Thomp- 

 son, whose merits as an artist deserve wider recognition. 



The second communication of the evening was by Mr. W. 

 H. Phillips, on " Variations observed in the growth of the 

 Mistletoe." Mr. Phillips was perhaps the earliest, as he has 

 also been the most successful, grower of Mistletoe in the 

 neighbourhood. Growing it, as he does, within easy reach, he 

 has enjoyed special opportunities of studying its habits. After 

 a brief but interesting review of the position the plant occupies 

 in the natural system, the traditions and legends associated 

 with it, the lecturer exhibited specimens from his garden in 

 Holywood in flower and fruit, and with various modifications 

 of foliage. An examination of specimens and the election of 

 members concluded a most interesting evening. 



CONVERSAZIONE 



On 27th March, the members of the Club celebrated its 

 twenty-fifth anniversary (the Club having been founded in 

 March, 1863) by a Conversazione, in the Museum, College 

 Square North. An unusually large number of members and 



