1900-1901.] 6oi 



ensure thai the sample is as concentrated as possible. He also 

 described the apparatus needed, and the treatment of the 

 samples with a view to the isolation and determination~of the 

 various crystals composing it. A list of some of the rare 

 minerals which had been isolated by the writer of the paper 

 was given, and photo-micrographs of the actual specimens were 

 thrown on the screen. Some of the crystals were almost 

 ideally perfect, and much more so than is usually the case with 

 larger specimens visible to the naked eye. Amongst other 

 rare minerals found by Mr. Seymour in the sea sands of 

 County Wicklow was gold. Some of the sands were so rich in 

 this metal that at least one speck could be isolated from every 

 handful. Though he stated that it did nut now occur in pay- 

 ing quantities, he saw no reason to doubt that it was capable 

 of profitable extraction by our early predecessors. Mr. Sey- 

 mour pointed out the bearing its proved wide distribution in 

 Irish sands would have on the vexed question as to the origin 

 of the gold from which our famous ancient gold ornaments 

 were made, and urged the members of the B.N.F.C. to take up 

 the study of sands on the lines indicated, which might lead to 

 some interesting and unexpected results. Samples of the sands 

 before and after treatment were exhibited, the apparatus neces- 

 sary for research, and mounted specimens of the minerals ob- 

 tained in the form of perfect crystals. 



The President exhibited and described in a most interesting 

 manner some old sun dials, and suggested that all that is known 

 of the existing old sun-dials in the North of Ireland should be 

 collected and recorded. With this view he invited descriptive 

 particulars from the members and friends of the club who may 

 have, or can procure, information about sun-dials of any form 

 still existing throughout the country. 



After a discussion on the two papers submitted, the election 

 of new members closed the meeting. 



