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



ornamental inscription, high up on the rocks, which excited 

 some little discussion among the antiquarians of the party. To 

 decipher it was a task of some difficulty, but, as usual, scientific 

 perseverance triumphed, and it was found that it was in the 

 English language, and consisted of a eulogistic reference to the 

 goods of a certain enterprising hatter in North Street. 



Commencing now the descent, the grounds of the Deerpark 

 were entered, and, through copses of hazel and fir, the party 

 proceeded past the Castle and through the picturesque grounds 

 of the Countess of Shaftesbury, and made their way along the 

 Antrim Road to Ardrie, where, on the hospitable invitation 

 of Mrs. Bigger, the entire party were entertained at a most 

 substantial and sumptuous tea, to which, after their exertions 

 of the afternoon, the members did full justice. At the con- 

 clusion of the repast the business meeting of the day was held. 

 Mr. John Vinycomb, Vice-President of the Club, who occupied 

 the chair, said his duties were very short and very pleasant. 

 He moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Armstrong, for kind 

 permission to pass through the grounds of Thronemount ; to 

 the Countess of Shaftesbury, for the privilege of passing 

 through the Deerpark ; and especially to their hostess, Mrs. 

 Bigger, for her kindness and hospitality. The motion was 

 seconded by Mr. Mann Harbison, and supported, on behalf of 

 the visitors, by Mr. F. A. Porter, and carried amid applause. 

 After the election of some new members, the examination of 

 the botanical collections sent in for the prize was undertaken, 

 Messrs. S. A. Stewart and R. Lloyd Praeger acting as judges. 

 The competition was very keen, no fewer than seventeen 

 collections being entered, and it resulted in a double tie, 

 Messrs. Richard Hanna and Harold Malcolmson being equal 

 first, with 75 species each, and Miss Mary Phillips and Miss 

 Hamilton equal second, with 61 species. On account of the 

 closeness of the competition, the judges awarded four prizes, 

 two first and two second ; and the Chairman expressed his 

 pleasure at the amount of observation and enthusiasm shown by 

 the many competitors. The best plants collected were the red 



