100 



The Irish Naturalist 



August, 1 92 1. 



The next halt was at Lough Money cromleac, a structure which 

 differs from the type, inasmuch as the cap-stone rests on two stones only, 

 which stand parallel on edge, all the stones being of Silurian grit. From 

 hence the motors took the members to Ballyalton stone circle, a much- 

 ruined monument. From Ballyalton the members were driven rapidly 

 into Downpatrick and to the Cathedral, where the courteous verger (Mr. 

 M'Williams) acted as a very efficient guide. 



Tea was served at Denvir's Hotel, English Street, at 5.45 p.m., after 

 which, at the business meeting following, the President made feeling 

 reference to the loss the Club had sustained in the recent decease of Mr. 

 W. J. C. Tomlinson, a member of 20 years standing, and a botanist of 

 great repute. The President proposed that a vote of condolence be for- 

 warded to Mr, Tomlinson 's family. This was seconded by Mr. N. Car- 

 ruthers and passed in silence, the members standing. After three senior 

 and one junior member had been elected the meeting terminated. 



DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



June 4. — Portrane, — A party o thirteen members and visitors 

 travelled thither, under the conductorship of J. de W. Hinch. The road 

 across the fields to the southern martello tower was taken, and when the 

 shore was reached, the volcanic origin of the andesites was explained and 

 its relation to the intrusive porphyry discussed. From this point the 

 party proceeded northwards and examined the glacial deposits of the 

 district. The earth-movements were then brought under notice and the 

 " thrust-conglomerate " of the Priests' Chamber excited much interest. 

 Mrs. Gregg was elected a member of the Club at a meeting held in ihe 

 sand dunes during the excursion. 



July 2. — Lucan. — Leaving Kingsbridge at 12.30, a party of eleven 

 proceeded first (by kind permission of Captain Colthurst) to Lucan demesne, 

 and were shown by the steward (Mr. Early) through the extensive gardens 

 and grounds, special attention being called to some of the older and more 

 interesting trees. An alien plant (Acaena Sanguisorbae) which was seen 

 growing in some quantity in the demesne forms the subject of notice 

 elsewhere (p. 98). The party afterwards visited Mr. Shackleton's 

 demesne, and were very kindly guided by the proprietor to the rath and 

 subterranean chamber for which this demesne is celebrated. After 

 tea at the Spa Hotel the party caught the 5.25 tram home. The best 

 botanical find made — apart from Acaena Sanguisorbae — was a flourishing 

 colony of Mimulu- guttatus on the river Griffen, in Mr. Shackleton's 

 demesne. This would seem to be the first instance of its occurrence in 

 District 6 of Mr. Colgan's Flora of Dubhn, where the range of the plant 

 is given as 5, 7, 8. 



