178 [Pi-oc. E.N.F.C, 



pleasure of the day was largely owing to Mr. Lloyd, who was 

 assisted by Messrs. Mills and Haldane. 



On dismounting from the brakes, the members visited tlie 

 Estate Office, where a most interesting and quaintly illus- 

 trated volume dealing with the ancient history of Benburb 

 was on view, and was kindly explained by Mr. Lloyd, wno 

 then conducted the party over Mr. Bruce's magnificent 

 mansion, a privilege which was much enjoyed. Opposite one 

 of the entrance gates a fine old sundial, surmounting what 

 was once a sentry-box, was examined and photographed. The 

 view from the roof of the Manor House is particularly fine, 

 the towers of Armagh in the middle distance being backed by 

 our familiar and majestic Mournes on the horizon, while on 

 another side can be seen SessiamagarroU Fort, with the 

 crannoge of Curran Lough close by. Leaving the house, the 

 exquisitely-kept grounds were visited (proving a veritable 

 paradise to the botanists) and the greenhouses. In one of 

 these is a beautiful fern grotto, formed of tuffa or Lancashire 

 spar, with water dropping down, and the ferns most luxuri- 

 ant; among them Asplenium hidhiferuni and Cyrtomium 

 jaicatuTYi being very fine. It was delightful to see everything 

 so well cared for and in such good condition. A .visit was 

 then paid to the celebrated Castle of Benburb, on the River 

 Blackwater, which flows through the grounds. It occupies 

 a remarkably strong position on the summit of a limestone 

 cliff, rising perpendicularly from the river to a height of 120 

 feet, the date of its erection being uncertain. Here in 1597 the 

 English were defeated by O'Donnell of Tyrconnell. In 1619 

 one thousand acres were granted by James I. to Sir Robert 

 Wingfield. Previous to this he had built a castle and the 

 present church, and had founded the village. In 1641 the castle 

 was surprised by Sir Phelim O'Neill and all the inmates put 

 to death. The battle of Benburb was fought 5th July, 1646, 

 when Owen Roe O'Neill and the Irish army defeated General 

 Munroe, inflicting disaster on him and his men, and capturing 

 their artillery and baggage. The castle was soon after 

 dismantled and has ever since remained in ruins. These 



