1904-1905.] 271 



lacings of the Celtic work, the delicate, subtle weaving of the 

 stony strings into mazey traceries suggesting ease and repose- 

 ful harmony without the slightest effort or straining after 

 effect — a perfection of design which marked the Irish work 

 not alone in stone, but in the now priceless illuminated manu- 

 scripts and jewellery which that cultured age has bequeathed 

 to us. Only a portion of the third cross remains, its destruc- 

 tion being ascribed to CromwelFs soldiers. A full-sized cast 

 of Muredach's Cross can be seen in the Grainger Room in the 

 Municipal Museum, Royal Avenue, and it is well worthy of 

 the closest study. 



We had now practically reached the end of the long 

 day's work, but, so many objects of interest being presented 

 for examination, the time had passed quickly, and the large 

 party, full of life and go, had not noticed any signs of fatigue 

 till the return journey to Drogheda commenced, when might 

 be heard wishes for the " cup that cheers " that the members 

 knew would be waiting their arrival at the White Horse 

 Hotel, as the intervening space was quickly traversed by our 

 sturdy horses, and soon nought was to be heard save the 

 rattle of plates and cups. 



A short business meeting was held — the President (Mr. 

 W. J. Fennell, M.R. I.A.I.) in the chair — when Mrs. Wood- 

 side, Mrs. Rankin, Miss Jefferson, Miss Jones, Messrs. John 

 Woodside, A. W. Stewart, and W. H. Wood were elected 

 members, and it was announced that members would have 

 time to visit St. Laurence's Gate and some of the remains of 

 the ancient town, whose history is marked by many stirring 

 events. Most of the party availed themselves of the oppor- 

 tunity ere assembling at the station, where the 6-40 train was 

 taken for Belfast, and prompt to time, arrived there at nine 

 o'clock, and the members separated, delighted with the day's 

 proceedings. 



It had been announced that the President and Vice-Presi- 

 dent offered prizes for the best collections of plants and lepi- 

 doptera made during the day, but it was found that none of 

 the members had made any captures of butterflies or moths, 



