136 



[Proc. B.N.F.C., 



nature of the upper portions of these beds at Irish Hill gives 

 strong evidence in support of such a theory. The exact chemical 

 processes involved in the decomposition of the basalt and the 

 rhyolite, producing iron ore and bauxite, i.e., oxide of iron and 

 hydrated oxide of alumina, have given rise to much conjecture. 

 The rocks generally weather into clays (silicates of alumina) con- 

 taining more or less iron as hydrate and oxide, and the removal of 

 the silica indicates complicated chemical reactions which are only 

 now beginning to be understood by geologists. It is most 

 probable that the organic matter produced by the decay of the 

 luxuriant vegetation of the interbasaltic period played an important 

 part in bringing about the chemical alterations which resulted in 

 the formation of bauxite. 



Prior to leaving Irish Hill for the return drive to Ballyclare, 

 Mr. W. J. C. Tomlinson, on behalf of the members, conveyed the 

 cordial thanks of the party to Mr. Furniss for his kindness in 

 permitting the visit, and for his invaluable guidance during the 

 progress of the inspection. The latter suitably replied, and 

 expressed the pleasure it gave him to receive the Field Club 

 geologists. 



After a visit to Wiley's Fort and partaking of tea together at 

 Ballyclare, the party returned to town by the 8-5 p.m. train. 



BELVOIR PARK. 



The second excursion of the Summer Session took place on 

 Saturday, 13th June, when a large party of members and friends 

 visited Belvoir Park. About one hundred members braved the 

 inclement weather, and, marshalled by Mr. W. J. Fennell, entered 

 Belvoir Park by the Galwally gate, where the party was received by 

 Mr. Alec Wilson, who guided the visitors through the picturesque 

 grounds. The site of the old Knockbreda Church is in a wood 

 near the garden, but no trace remains of the building, although a 

 woodcut of the ruins is given in Hall's Ireland (1841). There is 



