1906-1907.] 483 



a beautiful nest with four eggs was found. A single 

 Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carho) was seen, and innumerable 

 Coots. 



A spirited competition for the special prize offered by the 

 President, for the best collection of flowering plants, resulted in 

 a win for Miss Steele, with ninety-nine different species, all in 

 flower. 



DONEGAL. 



(LONG EXCURSION). 



The usual long, or three-day, excursion took place this 

 year to the town of Donegal and surrounding district. The 

 party left Belfast on Thursday morning, the 12th July, by the 

 7-30 train, and arrived back again on Saturday evening, the 

 14th July, by the train due at 8-15. Several members joined at 

 intermediate points, making a total of 48 present. The Erin 

 Temperance Hotel, Donegal, was made the headquarters during 

 the trip. After a pleasant run, changing at Strabane Station 

 for the narrow-gauge, the ride down Barnesmore Pass, with a 

 glimpse of Lough Eske and the Eske Valley, and the beauty of 

 the scenery, was thoroughly enjoyed. Donegal was reached 

 shortly after mid-day. Here the party were welcomed by Mr. 

 Robert Patterson, M.R.LA., who kindly went the day before to 

 make the final arrangements for the comfort of the party. An 

 excellent luncheon was in readiness, to which full justice was 

 done, after which wagonettes and cars were mounted for a drive 

 round Lough Eske, with visits to Ashdoon Waterfall and Ardna- 

 mona Demesne. The Botanists paid a visit to Ashdon Waterfall 

 to secure specimens of that rare fern Aspleniu7n viride, and the 

 Royal Fern Osmunda regalis. On reaching Ardnamona, the 

 members were welcomed by Sir Arthur and Lady Wallace, and 

 kindly entertained to^ tea. The gardens and woods were ex- 

 plored and the ferns and orchids, for which the district is 

 famous, were noted, including: — Hymenophyllum hinhridgense, 

 H. unilaterale, Cystopteris fragilis, Lastrea spinulosa, L. ccmula, 



