1901-1902.] 23 



imprinted on our minds, and we surely learn more than ever 

 to appreciate the efficiency of the seemingly insignificant 

 forces that are sculpturing and moulding the landscape, which 

 everyone, be he field naturalist or tripper, can enjoy in pro- 

 portion as he brings a mind prepared to appreciate the sub- 

 ject. But the interest is not confined to past history. The 

 banks and fields are gay with flowers; in the proper season 

 we have observed the Bladder Campion, Sea Pink, Lady's 

 Fingers, Venus' Comb, and many other wild flowers. Bird life 

 is abundant among the eeries on the cliffs; the Peregrine 

 Falcon and the Herring Gull find a home in the fastnesses of 

 the rocks. Butterflies, too, are in abundance through the 

 fields, one member noting the rare Peacock Butterfly 

 (Vanessa io.) 



The members returned to Ballycarry, where the evening 

 train for Belfast was taken. 



CASTLEWELLAN. ' 



The last excursion of the Summer Session was held on 

 7tli September. Lord Annesley had kindly granted permis- 

 sion to visit the demesne and gardens attached to his fine 

 country seat at Castlewellan. The party which assembled at 

 the County Down Railway was a small one, as some were 

 deterred by fear of rain, but what was wanting in numbers 

 was made up by the zeal of those who were present. 

 Arriving at Newcastle, we proceeded immediately by cars to 

 Castlewellan. Heavy clouds capped the heights of Slieve 

 Donard, but the summit of Thomas Mountain and many of 

 the other prominent peaks of the Mournes were visible. 

 Passing through the town of Castlewellan, we soon reached 

 the gates of the fine park lands in which the residence of Earl 

 Annesley is situated. A few minutes' pause at the gate 

 allowed us to approach the picturesque entrance lodge, 

 which was covered with a blaze of colour, produced by the 

 scarlet flowers of TroycEolum speciosiim. Driving along the 



