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



flower • on a sandy bank near at hand the pretty Cerastium 

 arvense was already in full bloom. Close by was seen the last 

 resting-place of the unfortunate insurgents who fell at Antrim 

 in 1798 ; whilst along the beach the fishermen's nets waved in 

 the breeze, and Moore's beautiful words had a present meaning — 



On Lough Neagh's bank, as the fisherman strays 

 When the clear cold eve's declining, 

 He sees the round towers of other days 

 In the wave beneath him shining. 



With reluctance the pleasant scene was left behind, and the 

 road taken for Boghead, which was a rich one for the 

 botanists. On moist banks two uncommon sedges (Carex 

 strigosa and C. paniculate?) were obtained ; the latter were 

 magnificent plants, some of them measuring six feet across. 

 The hybrid Avens (Geum intermedium) was found, and in 

 meadows abundance of the curious little Adder's-tongue Fern 

 (Ophioglossum vulgatum). 



W. S. Sloan, the genial resident, had a fine souterrain open 

 and prepared for the inspection of the Club. After a careful 

 examination by both ladies and gentlemen of this interesting 

 subterranean dwelling of a long bye-gone age, not unattended 

 with some excitement during the traversing on hands and 

 knees of the narrow passage connecting the two chambers 

 of the cave-dwelling, a pleasant relaxation in the shape of 

 lunch was provided by Mr. Sloan. The Rev. W. S. Smith, of 

 Antrim, then read a paper on the historical and antiquarian 

 features of the district, that doubtless added much to the 

 knowledge of those present, and tinged the different features 

 of the landscape with a double interest, and wedded the story 

 of the past to the beauty of the present. (This paper is given 

 ai; the end of the present report.) After a few complimentary 

 remarks from the President (Wm. Swanston, F.G.S.), Wm. 

 Gray, M.R.I. A., moved, and G. B. Coulter seconded, a resolu- 

 tion giving the best thanks of the Club to Mr. Sloan for his 

 hospitable entertainment. The photographers took views of 

 the lunching group on the lawn prior to commencing the walk 



