34^ [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



quarries. Some very perfect specimens of coral were obtained 

 by nearly all the members of the Club. Those present were 

 very thankful for the able assistance of their co-member Mr. C. 

 Bulla, and the studious paper which he read. After the treasures 

 of the quarries had been ransacked, the wagonette was again 

 filled (with members and specimens), and a start was made for 

 Emania, the palace of the kings of Uladh (Ulster). The circum- 

 vallations of Emania surround about twelve acres, and a smaller 

 fort (the survivor of two) remains upon the centre. At the 

 present time the entrenchment around one side is nearly perfect, 

 but the other side has almost disappeared under the in- 

 fluence of an enterprising farmer. Seeing that this royal 

 residence has a written history of six centuries, ending a.d. 300, 

 surely it is of sufficient importance to be conserved by the 

 Government, and thus prevented from the total destruction 

 which will undoubtedly take place in a few years unless those 

 in authority step in and preserve what the late Sir Samuel 

 Ferguson described as the most historical remains north of the 

 Alps. Thirty-five kings, all of the Irian race, reigned succes- 

 sively within the halls of Emania, and of these twenty-four 

 became ardrigh (supreme kings). King Connor MacNessa and 

 the Knights of the Red Branch long held revelry within the 

 palace, and many are the stories recounted of their deeds of 

 valour and daring courage, and some also of their works of 

 charity. The classical writings of the late Sir Samuel Ferguson, 

 particularly Congal, beautifully describe this portion of our 

 country's history. Upon the destruction of Emania by the Clan 

 Colla, a.d. 332, the Royal residence was removed first to Rath- 

 Celtchar (Downpatrick), then to Rath-Mor of Maghline, near 

 Dunadry. After the scene of these departed glories had been 

 duly contemplated, the party returned to Armagh, where the 

 beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral was much admired, and 

 the details of architecture carefully inspected. It was observed, 

 however, that this building is not built in the canonical position, 

 as the chancel does not face the east. Doubtless the natural 

 features of the ground may account for this anomaly. Through 



