Free Death in the Burren by John Kinsella Page B

organisation to enter into the spirit of McAllister’s little joke.
    The minibus driver had other journeys to make but because of the somewhat unstable weather they arranged for him to return as soon as possible, for support, in case of heavy rain.
    McAllister however had planned a long day at Poll Salach and, if conditions permitted, they would be there until early evening, at least.
    Patsy ensured that all bags and packed lunches were unloaded from the minibus and then departed with it, as she had to make a trip to Ennis during the day.
    McAllister began by producing a rough map of Poll Salach on which he had marked four areas. He divided his group into four teams and appointed a leader to each, whose task was to ensure that the allocated area was systematically examined and all identified plants listed. The locations of unidentified plants were to be marked for subsequent reference to McAllister. He himself would move from group to group during the course of the day to assist them with their research.
    The result of their labours would be a chart of the Poll Salach area showing the pattern of plants there at that time. He himself would compile this chart from their day’s findings and use it as the basis of a lecture later in the week.
    Having given a final briefing on the range of plants they would expect to find, McAllister exhorted his students to proceed with care and respect for their unique surroundings and sent them on their way.
    He then crossed the low stone wall on the landward side of the road and walked up the slope until he found a vantage point from where he could follow the progress of all four teams. He watched in some amusement at the different degrees of thoroughness which they displayed and made mental notes for comments when he rejoined them.
    McAllister then leaned back against a rock outcrop and resumed his reverie while his eyes drifted out over the ocean, with the Galway coast and distant mountains to his right.
    As he mused on this scene he noticed out of the corner of his eye a sudden movement far up on the hill behind him. He turned sharply but there was nothing to be seen. Perhaps an animal of some sort, he thought. Resuming his daydreaming he surveyed the scene, but again became aware of a movement behind him to his right. This time it was more distant and there was a momentary flash of reflected sunlight.
    He rose to get a better view but, again, there was nothing to be seen.
    McAllister stared intently for a few moments, but nothing moved.
    He then decided to rejoin his students and made his way carefully over the uneven ground back down to the roadway, and onto the limestone slabs, which led to the water’s edge.
    The first group he encountered was led by Paul Schmitt, the American father of three.
    “Hi! Glad to see you. I think we’re in all sorts of trouble here trying to figure out what we’re looking at. We’ve got some orchids, okay, and maybe you’d check them out for us to be sure.”
    He pointed out examples of Spiranthes spiralis and McAllister was particularly pleased with this , and the correct identification, which Schmitt gave him.
    He also confirmed their finding of Solidago virgaurea, a common plant in the Poll Salach area called Golden rod.
    “The Burren version of the Golden rod is shorter than it’s relatives, which are commonly found elsewhere. It’s reputed to have been used in snuff making at one time.”
    “Snuff! What the hell is that?” Schmitt’s son exclaimed.
    McAllister was slightly taken aback by this question, but it was a sign of the times that a member of the younger generation hadn’t heard of snuff.
    “It’s made from the stem of the tobacco leaf ground into a fine powder, with added flavouring, and sniffed in small amounts. It was used commonly in Ireland, and many other countries, as an alternative to smoking, until recent times. It’s still used but I’m fairly certain it can only be obtained from specialist shops.”
    “Gees!”,