I92I 



Irish Societies. 



133 



for as no oaks were seen of acorn-bearing age, the question suggested 

 itself whether these acorns must not have been carried by birds from 

 the mainland. The excursion concluded with a visit to the Castle, where 

 the large party was most hospitably entertained by Mr. Baring and his 

 family. The return to Howth was effected by about 8 p.m. 



September 10. — Excursion to Glenasmole. — For this excursion 43 

 members and friends assembled at Terenure tramway terminus at 

 1 1. 1 5 a.m., favoured by a remarkably fine morning after a night of heavy 

 rain. The majority then proceeded in three good-sized brakes (others 

 preferring to cycle), to the entrance to the Rathmines waterworks, 

 dismounting at Mrs. Hely's, whence the walk round the lakes was begun. 

 The lateness of the date was unfavourable for chances of seeing many 

 of the rare plants for which the glen is so remarkable, but Galium 

 uliginosum was seen in flower, and among those plants of interest that 

 had passed the flowering stage both Eriophorum lati folium and Car ex 

 aquatilis were pointed out to the party while the Sweet-briar called 

 attention to itself by its remarkable fragrance after some showers of 

 rather heavy rain had descended. Mr. Stelfox, who conducted, also 

 drew attention to two remarkable hybrid roses, of which it would appear 

 that the parents are in one case Rosa spinosissima and R. tomentosa, 

 and in the other R. spinosissima and R. ruhiginosa — the latter, as he 

 pointed out, being of special interest as indicating that the Sweet-briar 

 has been for some time in possession of this habitat, where it also looks 

 quite wild. Several interesting water birds — Wild Duck, Heron, Little 

 Grebe, and one Cormorant — were seen during this walk. The party 

 returned to Mrs. Hely's for tea at 4.30, and reached Dublin a little 

 before 1 . 



BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



August 27. — Excursion to Monlough. — A party of 39 drove from 

 town in motor char-a-banc and taxis as far as Carryduff, thence walking 

 to Monlough. On reaching the lake side the botanists dispersed, meeting 

 with a considerable amount of success. Among the birds noted may be 

 mentioned the following : — Swan, Wild Duck, Heron, Coot, Grebe, Stone- 

 chat. The party reached the house of Mr. M'Williams at the foot of 

 the lake about 4.30 p.m., glad to take shelter there from the persistent 

 rain which had first met them on their arrival at the lake side. Mr. 

 M'Williams and family had made every arrangement for their comfort, 

 and the members of the party were appreciative of their kindness. After 

 tea the usual business meeting was held, when six new members were 

 elected. Reference was also made to the recent losses the Club had 

 sustained in the deaths of Mr. Joseph Galloway, a member for 30 years ; 

 and Mr. Barton Sefton, a member for 18 years. The route to Ballygowan 

 was resumed about 5.30 p.m., the programme being somewhat altered on 

 account of the heavy rain, and in due time the members reached town 

 again. 



