1*93-94.] 2I 



that hung about the hills and distant points. Upon reaching 

 the extreme southern point of the Ards a large number made 

 for the rocks under the guidance of William Gray, M.R.I.A., 

 and the Rev. C. S. Greer and James Shanks, two local natu- 

 ralists, who had here joined the party, while the others botanised 

 and collected shells upon the sea-shore and otherwise engaged 

 themselves for about an hour. The rocks here are well exposed, 

 being at some places half a mile wide between the tides ; 

 the top surfaces are glaciated, and planed down nearly level, 

 consisting of thick and thin beds of grits and slates. These 

 beds are also penetrated by a large number of dykes, mostly 

 felstones and minettes, some of which contain red felspar and 

 flakes of black mica. Here also can be traced the terraces of 

 the raised beach where worked flints can be procured in 

 abundance. Some difficulty was found in coaxing the " readers 

 of the rocks" from this happy hunting ground, and the 

 secretary's whistle was sounded repeatedly without effect before 

 an onward movement could be made past the drift hill crowned 

 by the fine fort of Tara at a height of 180 feet above the sea, 

 still bearing the Irish name, meaning the elevated place. 

 Other fine forts on similar heights were seen, thus giving 

 unmistakable proof of the ancient importance of this peninsula 

 as a place of residence. 



A short halt was made near the sea-shore at Tara to inspect 

 a small stone circle there, which is doubtless the last resting- 

 place of those who occupied the overlooking forts on the 

 adjoining hills. Upon arriving at Quintin Castle, the meadow 

 by the sea -shore was at once recognised by the numerous 

 photographers present as a view not to be passed without some 

 records. The flanking towers and heavy bastioned central 

 keep, with the battlemented walls overhanging the sea, en- 

 hanced by the sloping sunbeams, afforded every opportunity 

 for the " black art " ; but the scene was doubly enhanced 

 by the kindly courtesy of the Anketell family, who placed 

 their grounds and castle at the service of the Club, whilst 

 the ladies provided tea on the lawn for the thirsty visitors, 



