1901-1902.;i 



ptoceebings. 



SCRABO. 



(Half-day Excuesion.) 



The first excursion took place on Saturday, 25th May, 

 1901. At 2-30 the party started on brakes for the drive to 

 Scrabo. After a spell of dry weather the roads were in a 

 very dusty condition, which added to the picturesqueness of 

 the procession, if not to the comfort of the excursionists. 

 Passing over Queen's Bridge the brakes were soon bowling 

 rapidly along the Newtownards Road. The shelter afforded 

 by the trees at Stormont was appreciated after the glare of 

 strong sunshine on the more open roads at Knock. The 

 mound and church at Dundonald were soon passed on the 

 way to the Kempe Stone. Here the party dismounted, and 

 soon the entomologists had their nets opened in their hunt for 

 specimens. The Secretary announced that a prize would be 

 given for the best collection of flowering plants, which led 

 many of the party to collect with great diligence during the 

 remainder of the afternoon. This they had ample oppor- 

 tunity of doing, as the steepness of the roads necessitated a 

 good deal of walking. 



The party left the brakes at the west side of Scrabo Hill, 

 and, led by Mr. Swanston, proceeded to the summit by 

 devious ways. Some members pointed out the various geo- 

 graphical details and places of archaeological interest. The 

 botanists were deeply engaged looking for rare mosses, while 

 the geologists found ample scope for their investigations in 

 practical geology in the large quarries on the hillside. After 

 spending an enjoyable and in some cases a profitable time 

 on the hill the party drove into Newtownards. Tea was par- 

 taken of, and then the members visited the Priory of St. 

 Columba. At 7-30 the brakes were again taken, and after 



