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



were soon passed, with Portora castle frowning in picturesque 

 decay at their entrance. Next, Devenish Island came in 

 view, surmounted by its interesting abbey ruins, behind which 

 rose the lofty form of the finest round tower in Ireland. 

 This spot, celebrated in archaeological literature, was fully 

 inspected by the Club on their visit to Lough Erne last year, 

 so no halt was now made, and the steamer sped onwards among 

 the thickly- wooded islands around Ely Lodge. The secretaries 

 pointed out on one of the islands, the site of their camp, beneath 

 a group of tall Scotch firs close to the lake shore, where the 

 arrangements for the present expedition had been made a 

 fortnight before. 



Inishmacsaint next appeared in view, with its ancient church 

 and cross, and then, when the fine ruin of Tully Castle was 

 passed, the broad expanse of the lower portion of the lake 

 opened out. The couise lay close along the southern shore, 

 where limestone hills lowered over the lake in long cliff-ranges 

 to a height of over a thousand feet, while on the distant 

 northern shore the low Fermanagh meadows were backed by 

 the dim blue hills of Donegal. Gradually the lake narrowed 

 again, till it once more assumed a river-like aspect, and at 

 length the steamer's shrill whistle warned the peaceful 

 inhabitants of Belleek to prepare for an invasion of the 

 Northerners. Regret was expressed that time did not permit 

 of a visit to the celebrated pottery, but the train had 

 already waited for the party fifteen minutes beyond its usual 

 time. A glimpse was obtained of the river Erne, foaming amid 

 rocks on its rapid descent to the sea, and soon Ballyshannon 

 was passed, and the sandhills of Bundoran rose into view ; and 

 a short walk through the whitewashed village street brought 

 the party to Sweeny's Hotel, where dinner was served in excel- 

 lent style. This important part of the day's work completed, 

 the party started off to explore the neighbourhood. The tide 

 was unfortunately just full, and the strand and rockpools con- 

 sequently covered, which prevented search being made for the 

 interesting sea-urchin Echinus lividus, or the extremely rare 



