482 [Proc. B.KF.C, 



concise account of the O'Neill family, and a history of the 

 Castle, from the lips of the Rev. W. S. Smith. Having explored 

 the old Castle and the interesting graveyard adjoining, the party 

 left the park at 6 o'clock, and walked into' Antrim, where tea 

 was served in the Protestant Hall at 6-30. After tea, a brief 

 business meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr. W. H. 

 Phillips, who warmly congratulated the members on the great 

 success of the excursion. All met at the railway station at 7-50, 

 in time to- catch the train for Belfast, which was reached at 8-40. 



The Entomologists had made some good captures, including 

 a moth, whose identity was uncertain. The Botanists noted the 

 following plants: — Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus penicillatus, 

 Sisymbrium Alliaria, Viola canina, Lychnis diurna, Arenaria 

 trinervia, Sedum Telephium, Galium boreale, Valerianella olitoria, 

 Eupatorium cannabinum, Lycopus europceus, Scutellaria galeri- 

 culata, Lamium album, Lysimachia vulgaris, L. Nummularia, 

 Neottia Nidus-avis, Epipaciis latifolia, Briza media, and 

 Sisyrinchium angustifolium. The last is, however, a doubtful 

 native, although it has been recorded from Galway, Cork, and 

 Kerry. Ranunculus sceleraius was found growing profusely near 

 Antrim Station. 



The Ornithologists observed forty-eight species of birds 

 during the day. The Chaffinch was the dominant bird of the 

 Demesne, and the Golden-crested Wren was also very common. 

 A single Kingfisher was seen on the river. The Dipper was also' 

 seen, besides a Grey Wagtail, and a pair of common Sandpipers. 

 A large family of Long-tailed Tits and a Tree-Creeper were 

 busily engaged in searching the same tree for insect food. 

 Nine adult Great Crested Grebes were seen together, and many 

 Tufted Ducks, evidently breeding, resented the invasion of their 

 ground. Mallards were common, while a male Red-breasted 

 Merganser {Mergus serrator), accompanied by twO' females, gave 

 rise to interesting speculation as to where they might be breed- 

 ing. Black-headed Gulls were numerous, and two other species 

 of Gulls were seen, while Common Terns were fairly abundant. 

 Sandpipers {Tetanus hypoleucus) fluttered about the shingle, and 



