,1895-96.] 28l 



that marvellous ruin of Firbolgian times, which altogether 

 outdates history, and remains the wonder and admiration of all 

 who are fortunate enough to see what is one of the most 

 remarkable of the old-world monuments of Western Europe. 

 J. Johnston, the local magistrate, considerately opened his 

 house and spread his table for the visitors. After thoroughly 

 inspecting and photographing the triple rampait and chevaux- 

 de-frise, the dun was left behind, many turning back after a 

 short distance to see, what one hardly realises at first, that the 

 cliff on which it is built is so steep that the natives fish into 

 deep water, a distance of over 200 feet, while sitting within the 

 enclosure ! During the day the geologists noticed five or six 

 species of coral, Euomphalus loxonema y a large Orthoceras, 

 Bellerophon, and other fossils, but the rock is too hard to get 

 satisfactory specimens. Botanists gathered the samphire in 

 quantity, and also obtained a rare Sedum. A rare beetle, the 

 rosechafer, was also in some numbers. 



The numerous antiquities, including churches, cloghauns or 

 beehive huts, carved crosses, holy wells, &c, were all visited by 

 most of the party, under the guidance of the Rev. Father 

 Colgan, P.P., but space admits of no description thereof, 

 especially as they have all been so well tabulated on numerous 

 previous occasions. The rare Allium Babingtonii perfumed the 

 air in places with its strong and to most people unpleasant 

 smell ; but the crowning find of the day was the exceedingly 

 rare grass known by the formidable name of Calamagrosiis 

 epigejos, of which quite a quantity was collected by energetic 

 members. A smart shower of rain served its purpose in 

 exhibiting the speed with which the pretty helix virgata 

 swarms out in such weather, giving rise to the numerous 

 stories of showers of snails. 



As the evening drew on members gradually collected near 

 the steamer at Kilronan, where a most ample lunch was spread 

 out upon the rocks by Miss Gardner, of Dublin, and her 

 assistants, who did so much throughout the excursion for the 

 inward comfort of one and all. Here the different members 



