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



its place at the very base of the great series of stratified rocks. 

 Resting on these ancient rocks an interesting patch of con- 

 glomerates and sandstones of Old Red Sandstone age extends 

 in an oblong form from Retreat Castle to Cushendun, at which 

 latter place it forms the rock in which the ocean has hollowed 

 out the caves that are so widely known. On the south side of 

 Cushendall, extending in a wedge-shaped tract from Glen- 

 ballyemon to the sea, occurs a mass of intrusive porphyry, and 

 it is in this igneous rock, in the form of thin and irregular 

 veins, that the jasper mentioned above is met with. The rock 

 is extremely hard, and it put to the test the hammers and picks 

 of the party, who made a vigorous onslaught on the stubborn 

 material, and were rewarded with some fine specimens of bright 

 red jasper. After a hearty breakfast, the machines were 

 mounted, and a start was made for Cushendun. The first halt 

 was made at Glendun Viaduct, whence a lovely view was 

 obtained both up and down this fine glen. Turning seaward 

 now, a visit was paid to the " Altar in the Wood," where, in 

 the absence of a chapel, mass was formerly held, and which was 

 found prettily decorated with moss and ferns. The next point 

 of interest was the caves of Cushendun, which were thoroughly 

 explored and photographed from various points of view. The 

 picturesque appearance of these arches and grottoes in the high 

 cliff of coarse conglomerate must be seen to be appreciated ; 

 they form an object of at the same time artistic and geological 

 interest. Again getting under weigh, a heavy shower was 

 encountered, but after the experience of the previous day the 

 party were quite waterproof, and treated the rain with but 

 scant ceremony. Cushendall was again reached at one o'clock, 

 where a hearty dinner was provided, and then bidding adieu to 

 their hospitable host the coast road was taken en route for 

 Larne. On Garron Point a half hour was spent in examining 

 the outcrop of Liassic beds, and several species of fossils were 

 obtained, the best being a vertebra of an Ichthyosaurus. 

 Rounding Garron Point, and passing Garron Tower and 

 Drumnasole, one of our loveliest wild flowers, the grass of 



