1907-1908.; 



23 



channel which divided Mahee from that of its neighbour, Reagh 

 Island. The two islands are now connected by a causeway. The 

 party now mounted the hill, and having a short time to spare, 

 soon scattered, each bent on his or her particular hobby, some 

 shore-collecting, some botanising, while others examined the 

 geological aspects of the islands and lough, and speculated on 

 their formation. Mr. D. E. Lowry kindly enlightened the party 

 on the history and antiquities of the lough and islands in a concise 

 and able lecture. 



The Secretary's whistle announced, all too soon, the time for 

 departure, and seated again in the brakes the party were driven to 

 Ringneill, prettily situated on Strangford Lough, the residence of 

 Mr. D. E. Lowry, of Donegall Place, Belfast, who had kindly 

 invited the members to tea. On reaching Ringneill a number of 

 other friends, who had cycled from Comber, joined, and, with 

 those who travelled from Belfast, made a total of one hundred and 

 ten members and visitors. The party were welcomed by Mr. 

 Lowry and Miss Lowry, and were quickly seated round the tea- 

 tables, enjoying the good things provided. 



Afterwards a business meeting was held in front of the house, 

 Mr. Nevin H. Foster, M.B.O.U., Vice-President, announced that 

 the President of the Club, Mr. Robert Patterson, F.L.S., who was 

 unavoidably absent that day, had been elected a Fellow of the 

 Linnsean Society, and in one of his happiest speeches Mr. Foster 

 formally proposed that the heartiest congratulations of the Club 

 be given to Mr. Patterson on the honour conferred upon him, 

 which motion was ably seconded by the Rev. C. H. Waddell, B.D., 

 and right loyally supported by the whole meeting. Mr. W. H. 

 Patterson, M.R.I. A., then moved that the best thanks of the 

 meeting be given to Mr. and Miss Lowry for the splendid 

 hospitality accorded the members and their friends that evening. 

 Dr. Sheldon supported the motion in a characteristically humorous 

 speech, the vote being carried with great enthusiasm. Mr. Foster 

 having conveyed the vote, Mr. Lowry suitably replied, giving all 



