34 2 [Proc B.N.F.C., 



corallines of various species, with much other material, all of 

 which was emptied out* into large flat trays and distributed 

 about the after end of the vessel, for purposes of examination. 

 Hitherto the weather had been getting steadily worse, until at 

 this point the collecting of specimens was eagerly being carried 

 on amid a downpour of rain. Meanwhile the '' Storm Light '' 

 proceeded at full speed to the second station, three quarters of 

 a mile from Whitehead, where a scrape in 9f fathoms brought 

 up a most miscellaneous haul, which kept the collectors of 

 ascidians, crustaceans, seaweeds, worms, &c, occupied until the 

 vessel was well under the great cliffs of the Gobbins. Here, 

 sailing close under the precipitous face, the steam whistle's 

 blast raised from their ledges a cloud of sea-gulls, whose 

 screaming cries and wheeling flight distracted the scientists* 

 attention from the spoils of the deep, in order to gaze at the 

 beautiful picture, with the blue sky, now fast clearing of clouds, 

 as a background. 



No time was lost, however, but another haul was made in 

 fourteen fathoms, at about a quarter of a mile from the cliffs, 

 bringing up a great mass of small pebbles, among which, 

 however, two Terebratulce were found, to the delight of many 

 (or indeed most) of the party, who had never previously seen a 

 living one. The hopes of getting more rarities in the deeper 

 waters of this locality induced the party to try a fisherman's 

 mussel-dredge of large mesh, in twenty-five fathoms, close by 

 the last station. This appliance brought up very little in bulk, 

 but among its contents was a very large and perfect sponge, 

 measuring nearly four inches across ; there were also two sea- 

 urchins in splendid condition, whose movements in one of the 

 large belljars on deck provided much interest to many of the 

 members. Several crabs of different quaint-looking species 

 (Hyas, Portunus) also disported themselves in an adjoining jar 

 to the detriment of a fine worm, which rapidly disappeared, and 

 to the amusement of the watchers. Meanwhile, the gallant 

 little tug was making all possible speed outwards towards the 

 " Maidens," but owing to the roughness of the water where 



