292 iPtoc. b.n.f.c. 



best collection of shells was won by Mr. George Donaldson, 

 with forty-five species. 



The 6-35 train brought the party back to Belfast, when 

 the members separated shortly after eight o'clock. 



HELEN'S TOWER. 



(Half-day Excursion.) 



The seventh excursion of the Summer Session took place 

 on Saturday, 3rd September, when about fifty members and 

 friends proceeded to Helen's Tower. The County Down 

 Railway Company had reserved for the accommodation of 

 the party a carriage attached to the two o'clock train, and 

 before starting time all were comfortably seated therein, and 

 Bangor was reached in a little under an hour. Here the 

 members were escorted to the brakes in waiting by Mr. W. H. 

 Gallway (who had undertaken the making of all arrange- 

 ments for the comfort of the party in Bangor), and a plea- 

 sant drive through the fertile and well-cultivated district 

 surrounding this fashionable watering-place brought us to the 

 entrance to Clandeboye Demesne. From this the drive con- 

 tinued for nearly two miles through the woods and park 

 lands, until after a sharp ascent, the members stood at the 

 base of Helen's Tower. The Dowager Marchioness of 

 Dufferin and Ava had courteously granted permission for 

 the Club to visit this interesting place, and was present to 

 receive the members. Lady Dufferin having expressed a 

 hope that all would enjoy the visit, the members were con- 

 ducted to the top of the tower from whence the climbers 

 were rewarded with a magnificent view of the surrounding 

 country. Looking northwards, the full extent of Belfast 

 Lough was displayed, beyond which Blackhead, Whitehead, 

 and Carrickfergus were conspicuous in the brilliant sunshine, 

 and backed by the hills of County Antrim. Southwards 

 Strangford Lough, studded with its picturesque islands, pre^ 

 sented a charming picture, the celebrated Island Mahee, con- 

 taining the obscure remains of the ancient ecclesiastical 



