1894-9*-] 2 75 



the baking sun, and few fossils were taken. Botanists did not 

 get anything worth speaking of, except the Adder's tongue 

 {Ophioglossum), of which quite a large patch was seen. Tea at 

 6-30 on the cliffs at Hill's Port was the finale to a most 

 delightful day's outing. Over these cliffs were driven in 1641 

 some of the natives by the heated soldiery from Carrickfergus, 

 in retaliation for barbarities committed elsewhere in the name 

 of religion. 



Many thanks were due to B. D. Wise, C.E., for his kindness 

 and courtesy to his fellow-members in making arrangements 

 for this visit, and it was the only regret expressed that he has 

 not as yet succeeded in his laudable efforts in making the path 

 around the Gobbins. Its proximity to Belfast would make it 

 of double value to the citizens as a half-day holiday resort. 

 After tea, a pleasant walk through the fragrant bean fields of 

 Islandmagee brought the party to Ballycarry and home by train. 



10 July. 

 FIELD CLUB UNION CONFERENCE, GALWAY. 



The Irish Field Club Union was inaugurated in the most 

 successful manner by the joint excursion of which this report 

 is a brief summary. The Union is the outcome of the various 

 clubs holding excursions to the same places during the last two 

 years, so it was thought that an excursion to some place of 

 general interest might with advantage be taken by all together. 

 This plan gradually crystallised out into the present arrange- 

 ments, by which the following main points are carried out Y — 

 First, that a joint excursion be held yearly ; second, that 

 lectures on various subjects be interchanged ; and third, that 

 members of one club may be honorary members of all the rest. 



The place selected for the excursion was Gal way, for two 

 main reasons ; partly because it is one of the richest and most 

 varied fields in Ireland for scientific work, and partly to try 

 to form a Galway field club. The party of combined clubs 



