20 [Proc. B.N.F.C. 



from the Glauconitic Sands with their Brachiopods and fish 

 remains at the base to the compact white Limestone at the top. 

 Near Hillsport the character of the Chloritic sands was well 

 seen in the slipped masses of the underclifif, some abounding in 

 Inoceramus bands, and in some four places yielding spines of 

 an extinct urchin {Cidaris), sponges (VentricuUtes, Camero- 

 spongia, and Etheridgki), shells such as Bhynchonella and 

 Pecten, and many others of species now extinct. 



A short way ahead appeared the hospitable cottage of 

 Mrs. Hill, where tea is to be obtained. Close to this is a well- 

 marked pathway leading round the foot of the Gobbins cliffs. 

 This path has been carried round the foot of the headland well 

 above high water mark along the ledges of basalt, and where 

 walls of rock used to meet the traveller in former visits he 

 will now find short tunnels cut through the solid rock. Where 

 a gaping chasm yawned there is now a hanging bridge con- 

 structed of bearers of rolled iron girders with a footway of solid 

 plank; even the nervous need not fear to pass, for the sides 

 of the path are furnished with a wire railing to stout uprights 

 of iron, which have a sure foundation deep in the rock. Our 

 party was conducted by Mr. B. D. Wise round this path till 

 we reached the first of that great series of caves that are to 

 be found at the foot of the Gobbins cliffs. In the cool shelter 

 of the caves we found the rocky walls covered with the most 

 delightful sap greens — a closer inspection revealed ferns and 

 liverworts of many varieties. Asplenium marinum and 

 Scolopendrium vulgare var. crispum were growing in the 

 greatest perfection on the sides of the cave and also from 

 parts of the roof. Some members proceeded a considerable 

 distance into the cave, but did not succeed in reaching the 

 end. Mr. Wise, the engineer of the Northern Counties Rail- 

 way, explained the intention of the Company to carry the 

 path further round the cliffs to reach some more of these 

 famous caves,'^ and ultimately they hope to provide access to 

 the group of seven caves further along the coast. 



* This has now been carried out almost as far as the first of the "Seven Sisters' 

 Caves. 



