1898-99.] 477 



for Holymount demesne, the chief object of the excursion being 

 to explore the extensive woods which lie behind and around 

 the manor house. These woods have never been visited by 

 the Club, nor, indeed, by any of our local naturalists, and the 

 members eagerly looked forward to establishing some new 

 records. A drive of two miles brought the party to the en- 

 trance of the demesne, and another mile up the long avenue 

 revealed the house itself— a solid-looking structure, bearing 

 marks of decay, but prettily set in a background of fine trees. 

 Holymount House is of considerable antiquity, and once be- 

 longed to the Cromwell Prices, Lords of Ardglass. It now 

 belongs to Mr. D. G. M'Cammon, whose courteous permission 

 enabled the Club to wander all over the estate. A narrow lane 

 brought the members out to the marshes, which fringe the 

 demesne. There some of the more ardent botanists and con- 

 chologists boldly plunged out in search of treasures, whilst the 

 majority preferred to skirt along the edge of the wood, enjoying 

 the blackberries, which were just at their best. The site of 

 some ruined cottages perched on a slight eminence offered a 

 tempting place for a halt, and here a frugal lunch was partaken, 

 washed down by water obtained from an adjacent cottage. An 

 energetic member photographed the luncheon party, and also 

 " snapped " an aged pedlar who was passing, much to the latter's 

 dismay. Retracing their steps, the stragglers were picked up, 

 and the united party entered the woods, and wound their way 

 round in a circle. The undergrowth here was very thick, but 

 a sort of path had been cleared, which made progression fairly 

 easy, only a few of the more energetic naturalists deviating 

 from the path in search of treasures. 



Holymount House was again reached after an absence of a 

 few hours, and the members walked down the drive to inspect. 

 Ballydugan Lake — a small piece of water which lies nearly 

 opposite to the entrance of the demesne. A fresh breeze 

 blowing over the surface of these waters was very grateful after 

 the sultry atmosphere of the woods. A few fresh-water shells 

 were collected at the lake margin, but little else was observed, 



