152 [I'roc. B.N.F.C, 



generally low whale-backed islets, this island rises from the 

 water witli precipitous sides, and the steep scarp has been 

 artificially completed to form a high circular rath. Tradition 

 informs us that here the Kings of Ulster kept safely the 

 hostages obtained in their many battles; and a layer of 

 blackish earth exposed in the face of the steep bank, in which 

 are embedded fragments of bones and shells, points to its 

 having been inhabited in early times, but the only observable 

 occupants as we passed apj^eared to be Sheld-ducks, Red- 

 breasted Mergansers and Oyster-catchers, for which this island 

 affords a tolerably secure breeding-place. Passing up through 

 the archipelago, we raised large numbers of Common and Arctic 

 Terns and Ringed Plovers, which, with the birds above 

 mentioned, nest freely on these islands, and the graceful 

 flight of the Terns frequently elicited expressions of admiration 

 when contrasted with the heavier aj^pearance of the Common 

 and Herring Gulls, which were also flying about and resting 

 on the rocky islets in considerable numbers. Two boat-loads 

 landed on the peninsula of Ringhaddy {rinn-fhada, the long 

 point) to inspect the ruins of the castle (which like most 

 of the Strangford Lough castles, appears to be of Anglo- 

 Norman origin, but to have been inhabited up to a much later 

 date than many of the others), and of the old church on the 

 hill above it, the cameras being soon busy at both ruins; the 

 botanists and zoologists meanwhile finding much to interest 

 them along the shore. But Mahee Island, the Mecca of our 

 pilgrimage, was now in the near foreground, and all efforts 

 were put forth to effect our landing, which was at length 

 accomplished, and, after the long sail, the lunch baskets were 

 requisitioned and their welcome contents partaken of on the 

 shores of this historic island. Soon the shore collectors were 

 busy at work, and many specimens of the stalk-eyed and 

 sessile-eyed Crustacea were added to the contents of the 

 collecting bottles; among the latter section the amphipod, 

 Orchestia Jittorea, was observed to be very plentiful, and many 

 fine specimens of the largest of our British isopods, Ligia 

 oceanico, were obtained. In the water by the landing-place 



