496 I prw - B.N.F.C., 



March, 1897. One member who collected Lichens handed in a 

 good list. Large collections of Centipedes, Millepedes, Spiders, 

 Mites, Harvestmen, as well as Insects of various sub-orders, were 

 taken for examination. The four common species of Woodlice 

 were seen, but searchers in the hot-houses were rewarded by the 

 finding of Trichoniscus roseus, Metoponorthus pruinosus, Cylisticus 

 convexus, and Armadillidium ?iasatum, none of which species are 

 known to be native in County Tyrone. The recent long spell of dry 

 weather militated against a large list of Mollusca, but most of the 

 local species, with the exception of Helix hortensis, were obtained. 

 In the woods Zonitoides excavatus, Acant lunula lamellala, and 

 Acicula lineata were the best finds, the last-named being a new 

 record for Tyrone. The fresh- water species were not well 

 represented, but Planorbis crista added another species to the 

 county list. 



The cars were mounted at 3-40, and the return drive to 

 Newtownstewart made under ideal weather conditions. On arrival 

 at the Abercorn Arms Hotel, all dismounted, and were soon 

 busily engaged on a welcome tea, which Mrs. Marshall, the 

 proprietress, had in readiness. After tea a brief business meeting- 

 was held — the President (Mr. R. J. Welch) occupying the chair. 

 On the motion of the ex-President (Mr. N. H. Foster), seconded 

 by Mr. S. A. Bennett, a vote of thanks was passed to his Grace 

 the Duke of Abercorn for the permission given to visit and explore 

 his beautiful demesne. Immediately after the members made 

 their way on foot to the railway station, examining hurriedly on 

 the route the battlemented gable of the old castle, the old six-span 

 stone bridge over the river, and having a distant view of the 

 remains of Henry Awrey O'Neill's Castle, perched on the bare 

 hill top to the south of the town. The river has long been noted 

 for its pearls, which are found in the Pearl-Mussel ( Margaritana 

 margaritifera ), but few of value have been got in recent years. 

 This is probably due to the ruthless destruction of the shells by 

 the more ignorant pearl-fishers. 



