1888-89. 93 



pass under the ancient Tholsel, which has lost its antique 

 character by an improved roof. In the street a castellated 

 buiding with quaint window tracings attracts attention, and 

 there is another further on of larger dimensions. Both are 

 evidently dwellings of the Elizabethan age. King John's Castle 

 should, perhaps, have been named first, for certainly it is the 

 most conspicuous and important feature in the town. Its 

 history, too, has been an eventful one. It was occupied as 

 early as ad. 1210, and it played a most important part in the 

 changeful history of the place between that early date and its 

 final ruin early in the seventeenth century. The modern town 

 is a clean, tidy, crooked little place, the inhabitants much given 

 to whitewashing, and altogether it wears a cheerful, contented 

 air, which the London and North -Western Railway, passing its 

 doors, has not altered in the least degree from its quiet old 

 ways. The surroundings from any point of view are simply 

 charming. The sheltered lough, across which the well-wooded 

 Rostrevor mountains, backed by the more distant Mourne 

 range, form an outlook few places possess ; while Slieve Foy, 

 with its dark serrated ridge rising immediately behind the 

 town, makes a fitting background to the bright houses and 

 ancient castles, nestling along the shore. Viewing the sights, 

 botany, and photography soon sped away the best part of the 

 day. Several of the party had scaled the mountain ; but the 

 approach of train time assembled all on the railway platform 

 well pleased with the trip. A few good plants were secured by 

 the botanists. The Horned Poppy {Glaucium Jlavum) was 

 found near Greenore, the Columbine was found at the base of 

 the mountain, the Beech Fern among the crags higher up, 

 while the Red Valerian ( Centranthus ruber) has seized on every 

 piece of old wall or suitable rock exposure, and with its huge 

 tufts of crimson flowers has lighted up their otherwise grey 

 tints. The photographers were happy. A total of about fifty 

 plates were exposed, which will no doubt be brought into re- 

 quisition during the winter session. Leaving Carlingford by 

 train, a short halt was made at Newry, where, after a welcome 



