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



river, is a large square enclosure, with earthen ramparts. The 

 fort is one of the finest and most conspicuous in the county. 



On June 23rd, to 



STONEYFORD. 



An extra excursion was made on 23rd June to Stoneyford, to 

 examine the new works in progress there for the Belfast Water 

 Commissioners. Although the special circular announcing the 

 excursion gave but very short notice to members, a large party 

 assembled at the Linen Hall at two o'clock, and, mounted on 

 brakes and cars, rattled at a rapid pace through the town. The 

 day is hot and sultry, and in the streets rather oppressive ; but 

 when the Borough Cemetery is passed, and the road, rising by 

 degrees, runs through green fields over which a gentle breeze is 

 blowing, a decided sense of relief and pleasure is experienced. 

 The eye wanders from the dull yellow cloud which overhangs 

 the busy, noisy town, to where the richly-wooded Lagan valley 

 lies sleeping in the afternoon sun, and beyond, where over the 

 undulating extent of County Down the peaks of the Mourne 

 Mountains rise through the summer haze. The road winds 

 steadily upward along the slopes of the Black Mountain ; Colin 

 Glen is crossed, and, rounding the fir crowned Colin Mountain, 

 Castle Robin, the first halting-place, is reached. Here the 

 party is met by an advanced guard from Stoneyford, consisting 

 of a detachment of the engineering staff of the Water Commis- 

 sioners. 



Castle Robin is now but a fragmentary ruin, hung with 

 clinging ivy, and tenanted by chattering sparrows. Its erec- 

 tion is ascribed to Roger Norton, an officer in the army of the 

 Earl of Essex. Its name appears to have been derived from the 

 rath close to which it stands, and which in old days was called 

 Lis-ne-robin. Both rath and castle have now to bear the try- 

 ing ordeal of being the target for a whole battery of cameras, 

 after which the vehicles are once more mounted, and crossing 



