^^■■' ■■■' '■ ' • ■' ►■>»+.,■■>,■., . •-*■■• ^^,^; V< i|iV<«^ ■^i!xii:i^.-.- /■ .. , ■■■■■ .' . 1 •' ' ■'-■■'''»~.v»yV«-'"-f •"*•■''.»■ ■■ .^ii U'll ■»■! ■iJ|l|»il|ir.!ii[IHW]it ;i,c tejLrk THE IRISH NATURALIST ^ Sltontlrhj |LOitvtirtl OF GENERAL HUSH NATUHAL HISTORY ORGAN OF THE Royal Zoological Society of Ireland ; Dublin Microscopical Club ; Belfast Naturalists'' Field Club ; Dublin Naturalists' Field Club ; Cork Naturalists'' Field Club ; Limerick Field Club ; Tyrone Naturalists' Field Club, EDITED BY CxEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc.Lond., M.R.LA., R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E., M.R.I.A., AND ROBERT PATTERSON, F.LS., M.R.LA. VOL. XIX. DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Limited, 80 MIDDLE ABBEY STREET, and 40 LOWER SACKVILLE vSTREET, BELFAST : 17 DONEGAL!. STREET. LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL HAMILTON, KENT &. Co., Ltd. igio* >'^ Prixted v.\ Alex. Thom & Co. (Limited) 87 88, & 89, Abbey-street, Dublin. J CONTRIBUTORS TO THE PRESENT VOLUME. :o:- Adams, J.^m.a., Royal College of Science, Dublin. Agnew, Jean, Belfast. Andrews, Elizabeth, Belfast. Balfour-Browne, F., m.a., f.l.s.. Queen's University, Belfast. Barrett-Hamilton, Major G. E. H., m.r.i.a., Kilmanock House, via Water ford. Barrington, Richard M., ll.b., f.l.s., m.r.i.a., Fassaroe, Bray. Bennett, Arthur, f.l.s., Croydon. Bruce, W. B., Dublin. Campbell, D. C, j.p., Londonderry. Carpenter, Prof. G, H., b.sc, m.r.i.a., Royal College of Science, Dublin. Carrothers, N., Belfast. CoLGAN, Nathaniel, m.r.i.a., Sandycove, Co. Dublin. Comyn, James, b.l. Darling, J. Ffolliott, Tuam. Darling, J. Singleton. Dixon, Prof. Henry H., d.sc, f.r.s.. Trinity College, Dublin. Druce, G. Claridge, f.l.s., Oxford. Elles, Gertrude L., d.sc, Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge. Evans, R, W., ll.b., Doneraile, Co. Cork. Fogerty, Harry, Limerick. Forbes, A. C, Avondale, Co. Wicklow. Foster, Nevin H., m.b.o.u., Hillsborough, Co. Down. Friend, Rev. Hilderic, Swadlincote, Burton-on-Trent. Greer, Thomas, Tullyhogue, Co. Tyrone. Grimshaw, Percy H., f.e.s., Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Halbert, J. N., m.r.i.a.. National Museum, Dublin. Hart, W. E., Kilderry, Co. Donegal. Hartog, Prof. M. M., d.sc, f.l.s.. University College, Cork. Harvie-Brown, J. A., Larbert, Scotland. HiNCH, J. de W., National Library, Dublin. HopKiNSON, John, f.l.s., Watford. Humphreys, George R., Dublin. Jackson, A. Randell, m.b., d.sc, Chester. Johnson,' Rev. W. F., m.a., f.e.s., Poyntzpass. Kennard, a. S., F.G.S., Beckenham, Kent. Kew, H. Wallis, Wandsworth, London, S.W. Lett, Rev. Canon H. W., m.a., m.r.i.a., Loughbrickland, Co. Down. Maberly, F. Hyde, m.d,, Crosshaven, Co. Cork. M'Intosh, Prof. W. C, ll.d., f.r.s.. University of St. Andrews. A 2 iv List of Contributors > Marshall, Rev. Edward S., m.a., f.l.s., Taunton, Moffat, C. B., b.a., Dublin. Moloney, H. J., b.a. MoRLEY, Claude, f.e.s., Framlingham, Sussex. Nichols, A. R., m.r.i.a., National Museum, Dublin. Nicholson, G. W., m.a,, m.d., f.e.s., Elm Park Mansions, London, S.W. Orr, H. L., Belfast. Pack-Beresford, D. R., d.l., m.a., m.r.i.a,, Fenagh, Bagenalstown. Patten, Prof. C. J., m.d., d.sc. University of Sheffield. Patterson, Robert, f.l.s., m.r.i.a., Holywood, Co. Down. Pentland, G. H., Drogheda. Pethybridge, G. H., PH.D., B.sc, m.r.i.a,, Royal College of Science, Dublin. Phillips, R. A,, Ashburton, Cork. Praeger, R. I.loyd, b.a., m.r.i.a., National Library, Dublin. Regan, C. Tate, b.a., British Museum (Natural History), South Kensington, London. RoNAYNE, E. C, b.a. Scharff, R. F., PH.D., b.sc. f.l.s., m.r.i.a., National Museum, Dublin. Sharp, W. E., f.e.s., South Norwood, Surrey. Shaw, Sir Frederick, Bart., Terenure, Dublin. Sherrard, G. O., a.r.c.sc, Cork. Stelfox, a. W., a. R.I. b.a., Belfast. Stephens, N. E,, Rathmines, DubUn, \ Stephens, Victor E., DubUn. Stewart, S. A., a.l.s. (the late), Belfast. Swain, Prof. I., b.a., a.r.c.sc, University College, Cork. Sweeting, A. R., m.a., Liverpool. Tattersall, W. M., m.sc. The Museum, Manchester. Tomlinson, W, J. C, Belfast. Ussher, R. J., D.L., M.R.I.A., Cappagh, Co. Waterford. Waddell, Rev. C. H., b.d., Saintfield, Co. Down. Welch, R., m.r.i.a., Belfast. Williams, Alex., r.h.a., Dublin. Williams, W. J., Dublin. PI.ATES AND II.LUSTRATIONS. File-Fish (Balistes caprisciis), Coiirt- macsherry, Co. Cork, Edward Perceval Wright, Galleries of Hylesiniis crenatus in old ash trunk. Structural details of Irish Spiders, West Town, Tory Island, Lough Salt and Lough Salt Mountain, Contorted Quartzites, Muslac Cliffs, Rosapenna, Melmore Mountain and Kitchen Middens, Murder Hole Bay and Pink Cliffs from Rough Island, Rossgull, . . Horn Head Cliffs from the Sea, North Cliffs, Tory Island, The Tors, Tory Island, Humeri of Great Auk, Rosapenna, North Cliffs, Tory Island, Doe Castle, Sheep Haven, Roche moutonnee at Melmore Head, Tau Cross, Tory Island, Old lint-wheel or flax bruiser, Mulroy Bay, Ramparts of Dun Balor, Tory Island, Kistvaen, Rosapenna Kitchen Middens, Old land-shell deposit in bottom of a dune valley, Rosapenna, , . Samuel Alexander Stewart, Hyalinia cellaria and H. helvetica. To face page 29 „ ,* 61 89 J> >» 169 *) >> U3 >J >f 177 >» J> 177 »» >> 181 JJ »> 181 >> J> 18S >J >» 185 »> 5> 189 »» ;> 193 5> >> 193 »» >♦ 197 »> 197 5> 201 »» 211 INDEX. Aculeate Hymenoptera at Povutz- pass, 48. Adams, J. : Campanula Trachelium in Co. Roscommon, 238 ; Perono- spora grisca, 138 ; Septoria Lepidii, a new Irish fungus, 238. Agnew, Jean : Archeology (Rosa- penna Conference), 195. Allium triquetrum naturalised in Cork and Kerry, 155. Alien plants at Stranmillis, Belfast, 238. American Facies of the British and Irish fauna, 12. Amphipoda and Isopoda (Marine) (Rosapenna Conference), 187. Andrews, Elizabeth : Folklore (Rosapenna Conference), 200. Annelids, Irish, National Museum, Dubhn, 95. Anthoceros punctatus, 254. Apterygota (Rosapenna Con- ference), 185. Arachnida (Rosapenna Con- ference), 186. Archaeology (Rosapenna Con- ference), 195. Arenig rocks, Courtown, Co. Wex- ford, 244. Balfour-Browne, Frank : Aquatic Coleoptera of W. Donegal (Rosa- penna Conference), 180. Balkwill, Frederick Pryor : Obituary notice, 10. Barrett-Hamilton, G. E. H. : American facies of the British and Irish fauna, 12. Barrington, Richard M. : Bird Re- cords from Irish Light-houses, 104; Measurements of Martens, 104 ; Invasion of Crossbills, 13 ; Red- backed Shrike in Ireland, 243 ; Shore Lark in Ireland, 256. Beetles : Grain beetles at Belfast, 139 ; New Irish, 30. Belfast Naturalists' Field Club : 8, 36, 80, 118, 134, 152, 223, 226, 244, 252. Bennett, Arthur : Carex rostrata, var. utriculata, 47. Birds : Bird Migration, British Ornithologists' Club Report, 1908 (reviewed), 86 ; Inch and Upper Lough Swill}', 15 ; Lough Neagh, 256 ; Recent records, 49 ; Recent records Irish birds, 12, 13 ; Records Irish birds, 139 ; Records from Irish Lighthouses, 104 ; Rosapenna Conference, 170. Black water Cavern, 146. Brassica campestris (Swede) and B. Rapa (Rape), 6. Brassica Rapa, 6. Bruce, W. B. : Cnicus pratcnsis in Co. Dublin, 155. Burri's method for the demonstra- tion of Micro-organisms, 134. Bythinia Leachii, Distribution in Ireland, 240, Campbell, D. C. : Birds of Inch and Upper Lough Swilly, 15 ; Greenland Falcons in Co. Donegal, 103 ; Ruffs in Co. Derry, 255. Campanula Trachelium in Ros- common, 238. Carboniferous limestone, Mineral vein in (Cloghran), 14. Carex rostrata, var. utriculata, 47. Carices, Irish, 1 1 . Carpenter, G. H. : Janet's " Sur la morphologic de I'insecte " and "Sur I'ontogenese de I'insecte" (reviewed), 60 ; Rennie's " Aims and Methods of Nature Study " (reviewed), 140 ; Apterygota (Rosapenna Conference), 185 ; Selous' " Jack's Insects " (re- viewed), 226 ; Tutt's " Natural History of the British Lepidop- tera " (reviewed), 101. Carrothers, N. : Alien plants at Stranmillis, Belfast, 238 ; Sisy- rinchium angustifolium at Lough Erne, 227. Carychium minimum near Limerick, 49. Cash, James, and John Hopkinson : " British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa " (reviewed). 86. Cave-hunting, i~ . Cave of Cloyne, 44, 88. Cavern, Blackwater, 146. Caves in Co. Cork, 35. Char, Lough Finn (Salvelinus Trevelyani), 228. Chaster, G. \V. : Obituarv notice, 137- Vlll Index, Chclifer cancroidcs, 138. Cloghran, Mineral vein in Carboni- ferous Limestone, i \. Cloyne, Cave of, 44, 88. Cnicus pratcnsis. Co. Dublin, 155. Coleoptera : Abnormal, 240 ; Aquatic, Donegal W. (Rosapenna Conference), 180 ; Co. Meath, 93 ; Irish, 245 ; Rosapenna Conference, 179. Colgan, Nathaniel : Allium trique- trum naturalised in Co. Cork, 155 ; Lindberg's " Die nordischen Alchemilla vulgaris-formen und ihre Verbreitung " (reviewed), 56 ; National Museum, Dublin, " Hand-list of Irish Flowering Plants and Ferns " (reviewed), 113; Notes on the adaptabilitj^ of certain littoral Mollusca, 127. Colletotrichum lindenmuthianum, "> •>• Corny n, James, H. J. Moloney, E. C. Ronayne and R. W. Evans : Blackwater Cavern, 146. Conocephalus conicus, 134. Copilia quadrata, 35. Cork Naturalists' Field Club, 154. Corydalis claviculata, Derry, 137. Cottney, John : Obituary notice, 2 33-' Cromleac, Submerged, Etel, Mor- bihan, 49. Crossbills : Donegal, 34 ; Invasion of Crossbills, 13. Cryptogams (Vascular) and Phaner- ogams (Rosapenna Conference), 188. Cryptophagus bimaculatus, 55. Curcubitaria Piceae, 10 1. " Cybele Hibernica " and "Irish Topographical Botany " — three new species to, 237. Dading, J. Ffolliott : Stork at Tuam, 33. Darling, J. Singleton : Birds of Lough Neagh, 256. Dasypolia templi in Dublin, 139. Davies, J. H. (late) : Botanical knowledge of, 11. Diptera (Rosapenna Conference), 178. Divers, Great Northern, Abundance of, 255. Dixon, Henry H. : Edward Perceval Wright, Obituary Notice, 61. Draba incana in Co. Antrim, 237. Drosera pygmaia, 134. Druce, G. Claridge : Irish Cariccs, 1 1 ; Three new species to " Cybclc Hibernica" and " Irish Topographical Botany," z^-j. Dublin Microscopical Club, 6, 2>':>-< 55, 79, loi, 120, 134, 254. Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, ^3, 84, 136, 155, 225. Ehot, Sir Charles : " Monograph of the British Nudibranchiate Mollusca " (reviewed), 234. Elles, G. L. : Arenig rocks at Courtown, Co. Wexford, 244. Erica Mackaii (?) in Donegal, 48, Erigone, Irish species of. 141. Evans, R. W. : Cloyne Cave, 88. Evans, R. W., H. J. Moloney, E. C. Ronayne and James Comyn : Blackwater Cavern, 146. Falcons, Greenland, in Co. Donegal, 103. False Scorpions, Kerr}- and Cork, 64. File-fish in Irish waters, 29. Fissidens exsul, 138; F. rufulus, 138. Fogerty, Harry : Carychium mini- mum near Limerick, 49 ; New station for flelix hortensis in Ireland, 243. Folk-lore (Rosapenna Conference), 200. Forbes, A. C. : Economic impor- tance of Scolytidae in Irish Forestry, 89. Foster, Nevin H. : Rosapenna Conference — Isopoda Terrestria , 187. Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa of County Wicklow, i. Friend, Hilderic : Habits of worms. 239 ; Luminous worms in Ireland, 105 ; Worms in pots, 239. Geary, H. : " Bees for Profit and Pleasure" (reviewed), 112. Geaster rufescens in Count^'^ Water- ford, II. Geology (Rosapenna Conference), 166. Gortmore Cave, 146. Grain beetles at Belfast, 139. Greenland Falcons in Co. Donegal, 103, Greer, Thomas : Nyssia zonaria in Co. Mayo, 48. Grimshaw. Percy H. : Diptera (Rosapenna Conference), 178. Halbert, J. N. : Hemiptera (Rosapenna Conference), 185 ; Notes on New Irish Beetles, 30. Index. IX Hart, W. E. : Corydalis claviculata in Co. Derrv, 137 ; Crossbills in Donegal, 34 ; Jay in Ulster, 34. Hartog, Marcus M. : Cash and Hopkinson's " British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa " (reviewed), 86. Harvie-Brown, J. A. : Jays in Ireland, H. Heliozoa, freshwater, of Count\' Wicklow, I . Helix hortensis, New station for in Ireland, 243. Helodes, larvae, 79. Helleborine atroviridis, 138 ; Ire- land, 87. Hemiptera (Rosapcnna Conference), 185. Hepatics and Mosses (Rosapenna Conference), 192. Hinch, J. dc W. : Geology (Rosa- penna Conference), 166. Hoopoe in Co. Down, 243 . Hopkinson, John : Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa of County Wicklow, i. Hopkinson, John, and James Cash : " British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa " (reviewed), 86. Humphreys, George R. : Marten in Co. Gal way, 140. Hyalinia helvetica, is it found in Ireland ? 210, 242, 254. Hydroecia crinanensis in Ireland, 240. Hymenoptera (Rosapenna Con- ference), 185, Ireland, South-west, False Scor- pions and other animals observed in Kerry and Cork, 64. Irish beetles, New, 30. Irish Carices, 1 1. Irish Field Club Union : Accounts 1909,36; Rosapenna Conference, Irish Marine Zoology, Advances in, (3rd report), 74. Irish Society for the Protection of Birds, 85. " Irish Topographical Botany " and " Cybele Hibernica," Three new species to, 237. Irish Whale fishery, 229. Isopoda and Amphipoda (Marine) (Rosapenna Conference), 187. Isopoda terrcstria (Rosapenna Conference). 187. Ivy Berries, Ringdove feeding on, 14. Jackson, A. Randell : Rare Irish spiders obtained in 1909, with notes on the genus Erigonc, 141. Janet, Charles : " Sur la morpho- logic de I'insecte " and " Sur I'ontogenese de I'insecte " (re- viewed), 60. Jays : Ireland, ^ ; Queen's Co., 228 ; Ulster, 13, 34. Johnson, T. : " Die Flora von Irland " (reviewed), 236. Johnson, W. F. : Abnormal Coleoptera, 240 ; Aculeate Hymenoptera at Poyntzpass, 48 ; Coleoptera (Rosapenna Con- ference), 179; Grain beetles at Belfast, 139. Kennard, A. S. : Vitrea (Hyalinia) helvetica. Supposed occurrence in Ireland, 254. Kew, H. Wallis : Holiday in South- western Ireland, 64 ; Irish species of Obisium. 108. Kirkman, F. B. : " British Bird Book " (reviewed), 248. Kingfisher, Dubhn County, 34. Lejeunea flava. Adventitious budding of, 55. Lepidogaster bimaculatus, 6. Lepidospora Braueri, maxillae, 120. Lepralia pertusa, 6. Lett, Rev. Canon H. W. : Mosses and Hepatics (Rosapenna Con- ference), 192. Limerick Field Club, 82. Lindberg, Harald, " Die nordischen Alchemilla vulgaris-formen und ihre Verbreitung " (reviewed), 56. Littoral Mollusca, Adaptability of, 127. Lough Finn Char, 228. Luminous w-orms in Ireland, 105. Maberly, F. Hyde : Notes on the Cave of Clovnc, 44. MTntosh, Professor W. C. : Note on Irish Annelids in the National Museum, Dublin, 95. ^lacpherson, H. B. : " Home Life of a Golden Eagle " (reviewed), 59. ^Marine Zoology, Irish, Advances in (3rd report)," 74. Marshall, Edward S. : Helleborine atroviridis in Ireland, ^j. Martens : Galway, 140 ; Measure- ment of, 104. Metoponorthus melanurus, 92. X Index. Micro-organisms, Burri's method for demonstration of, 134. Mineral vein, Carboniferous Lime- stone (Cloghran). 14. Moffat, C. B, : Autumnal mortality among Shrews, 121 ; Kirkman's " British Bird Book " (reviewed), 248. MoUusca : littoral, Adaptability of, 127 ; Kerry, 240 ; Land and freshwater (Rosapenna Con- ference), 172 ; Roscommon and Longford records, 241 ; Non- marine, of Inishmore, 115. Moloney, H. J., E. C. Ronaync, R, W. Evans and James Comyn : Some notes on a Blackwater Cavern, 146. Morley, Claude : Hymenoptera (Rosapenna Conference), 185. Mosses and Hepatics (Rosapenna Conference), 192. National Museum, Dublin, " Hand- list of Irish flowering plants and ferns" (reviewed), 114. National University : Natural Science in, 28. Nichols, A. R. : Ehot's " Mono- graph of the British Nudibranch- iate Mollusca " (reviewed), 234; Well-shrimp in Co. Westmeath, 103. Nicholson, G. W. : Coleoptera from Co. Meath, 93. Nyssia zonaria in Co. Mayo, 48. Obisium, Irish species, 108. Obituary : Balkwill, Frederick Pryor, 10 ; Chaster, G. W., 137 ; Cottney, John, 233 ; Stewart, Samuel Alexander, 201 ; Wright, Edward Perceval, 61. Odontopera bidentata, wdng-bud dissected out of caterpillar, loi. Orr, Hugh L. : Ring Dove feeding on ivy berries, 14. Pack-Beresford, D. R. : Arachnida (Rosapenna Conference), 186; Zoropsis maculosus introduced at Limerick, 138. Patten, C. J. : Common Tern near Kingstown in March, 156. Patterson, R. : British Ornitho- logists' Club Report, 1908, on Bird migration (reviewed), 86 ; Hoopoe in Co. Down, 243 ; Macpherson's " Home-life of a Golden Eagle " (reviewed), 59. Pentland, G. H. : Abundance of Great Northern Divers, 255. Peronospora grisca, 138. Pethy bridge, G. H. : S wanton's " Fungi and how to know them " (reviewed), 9. Phanerogams and Vascular Crj'pto- gams (Rosapenna Conference), 188. Phascolion strombi, 6. PhilHps, R. A. : Hyalinia helvetica, is it found in Ireland, 242 ; Non-marine Mollusca of Inish- more, 115. Phoca vituiina, Wicklow, 34. Phoma oleracea, 120. Pigeons, Sparrows chasing, 14. Plants, alien, at Stranmillis, Belfast. 238. Plants observed recently in Kerry, 227. Plants of Antrim and Down, 102. Praeger, R. Lloyd : Allium triquc- trum naturalised in Co. Kerry, 156; Erica Mackaii (?) in Donegal, 48 ; Geaster rufescens in County Waterford, 1 1 ; Irish Field Club Union Sixth Triennial Conference and Excursion held at Rosapenna, July 8-13, 1909 — General Account, 157 ; Johnson's "Die Flora Von Irland " (re- viewed), 236; Phanerogams and vascular Cryptogams (Rosa- penna Conference), 188 ; Stewart, S. A., Obituary Notice, 201. Pyrola secunda refound in Antrim, 227. Ravens, Sligo and Leitrim, 286. Red-backed Shrike in Ireland, 243. Regan, C. Tate : Lough Finn Char (Salvelinus Trevelyani), 228. Rennie, John : " Aims and Methods of Nature Study " (reviewed), 140. Reviews : British Ornithologists' Club, Report on the immigration of Summer residents in the Spring of 1908, 86 ; Cash and Hopkin- son's " British Freshwater Rhizo- ]ioda and Heliozoa," '66 ; Eliot's " Monograph of the British Nudibranchiate Mollusca," 234 ; Geary's " Bees for profit and pleasure " (edited by Sanders), 112; Janet's " Sur la morpho- logie de I'insecte " and " Sur I'ontogSnese de I'insecte," 60 ; Johnson's " Die Flora von Irland," 236 ; Kirkman's Index, XI " British Bird Book," 248 ; Lindberg's " Die nordischen Alch- emilla vulgaris -formen und ihre - Verbreitung," 56 ; Macpherson's - " Home Life of a Golden Eagle," 59 ; National Museum of Science and Art, Dublin, " Hand-list of Irish flowering plants and ferns," 113; Rennie's "Aims and Methods of Nature Study," 140 ; Selous' " Jack's insects," 226 ; Swanton's " Fungi and how to know them, an introduction to field mycology," 9 ; Tutt's " Natural History of the British Lepidoptera," loi. Rhabditis brassicae, ^6. Rhinanthus major in Ireland, 87. Rhizoctonia violacea, 35. Rhizopoda, freshwater, of County Wicklow, I . Ringdove feeding on ivy berries, 14- Ronayne, E. C, H. J. Moloney. R. W. Evans and James Comyn : Blackwater Cavern, 146. Rosapenna Conference of Irish Field Club Union, 157; Apterygota, 185 ; Aquatic Coleoptera, W. Donegal, 180 ; Arachnida, 186 ; Archaeology, 195 ; Birds, 170 ; Coleoptera, 179 ; Diptera, 178 ; Folk-lore, 200 ; Geology, 166 ; . Hemiptera, 185 ; Hymenoptera, 185 ; Isopoda terrestria, 187 ; Marine Amphipoda and Isopoda; 187 ; Mollusca, land and fresh- water, 172 ; Mosses and Hepatics, 192 ; Phanerogams and vascular Cryptogams, 188. Rose Mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa, Lev.), 79- Royal Irish Academy, 5. Royal Zoological Society, 5, 35, 50, 79, 100, 118, 134, 225, 244, 252. Ruffs, Co. Derry, 255. Salvelinus Trevelyani, 228. Sanderling, Dublin Bay, 212. Scharff, R. F. : Advances in Irish Marine Zoology (3rd report), 74; File-Fish in Irish waters, 29 ; Irish Whale Fishery, 229 ; Metoponorthus melanurus, 92. Sclerotinia cinerea, 79. Scolytidae, Economic importance of in Irish forestry, 89. Selous, Edmund : " Jack's In- sects " (reviewed), 226. Septoria Lepidii, 238. Sharp, W. E. : Notes on some Irish Coleoptera, 245. Shaw, Sir F. W. : Ravens in Sligo and Leitrim, 256. Sherrard, G. O. : Geary's " Bees for Profit and Pleasure " (re- viewed), 112. Shore Lark in Ireland, 256. Shrews, autumnal mortality, 121. Shrike, Redbacked, in Ireland, 243. Sisyrinchium angustifolium at Lough Erne, 227. Sparrows, Pigeons chased by, 14. Sphaerotheca pannosa, 79. Spiders, Rare Irish obtained in 1909, 141. Stelfox, A. W. : Distribution of Bythinia Leachii in Ireland, 240 ; Hyalinia helvetica, Blum. Is it found in Ireland ? 210 ; Some records of Land and Freshwater Mollusca from Counties Ros- common and Longford, 241. Stelfox, A. W., and R. Welch : Land and Freshwater Mollusca (Rosapenna Conference), 172. Stephens, Norman E. : Chelifer cancroides, 138 ; Dasypolia templi in Dublin, 1 39 ; King- fisher in Co. Dublin, 34 ; Phoca vitulina ofT Co. Wicklow, 34 ; Sparrows chasing pigeons, 14. Stephens, Victor E. : Jay . in Queen's Co., 228. Stewart, S. A. : J. H. Davies as a botanist, 11 ; List of writings, 207 ; Obituary Notice, 201. Stint, Temminck's, 355. Stork at Tuam, 33. Stranmillis, Belfast, Alien plants at, 238. Submerged Cromleac of Rostellan, Parallel found in Etel, Morbihan, 49. Swain, I. : Mineral vein in Carboni- ferous Limestone at Cloghran, 14. Swallows, late, 14. Swanton, E. W. : " Fungi and how to know them " (reviewed), 9. Sweeting, A. R. : Hydroecia crinanensis in Ireland, 240. Tattersall, William : Marmo Amphipoda and Isopoda (Rosa- penna Conference), 187. Temminck's Stint, 255. Tern, Common, near Kingstown in March, 156. xu Index, Tomliiison, W. J. C. : Draba incana in Co. Antrim, 237 ; Plants of Antrim and Down, 102 ; Pyrola secunda refound in Antrim, 227. Tutt. J. W. : " Natural History of the British Lepidoptcra " (re- viewed), 10 1, Uredo Lynchii. 6. Usslier, R. J. : Birds (Rosapenna Conference), 170 ; Cave-hiinting, 37 ; Jays in Ulster, 13 ; Late Swallows, 14 ; Temminck's Stint, 2;=;. Vine root wdth parasitic fungus, loi. Vitrea (Hyalinia) helvetica, Supposed occurrence in Ireland, 254. Waddell, C. H. : Rhinanthus major in Ireland, '^j. Walrus in Clew Bay, 156. Welch, R., and A. W. Stelfox : Land and freshwater Mollusca (Rosapenna Conference), 172. Well-shrimp in Co. • Westmeath, 103. Whale fishery, Irish, 229. Williams, Alexander, Observations on the Sanderling of Dublin Bay, 212. Williams, W. J. : Notes on recent Irish Birds, 13. Worms : Habits of, 239 ; Luminous worms in Ireland, 105 ; Worms in pots, 239. Wright, Edward Perceval : Obituary Notice, 61. Zoropsis maculosus in Limerick. i3«. VOLUME XIX. THE FRESHWATER RHIZOPODA AND HEUOZOA OF COUNTY WICKEOW. BY JOHN HOPKINSON, F.I^.vS., F.G.S., F.Z-S. About forty- five years ago a few members of the Dublin Microscopical Club commenced to exhibit and describe, at the monthly meetings, fresh-water Rhizopoda and Heliozoa, mostly collected in Ireland, occasionally in Wales, and once at least in Scotland. The proceedings at these meetings were reported in the Qtiarterly Joiuiial of Microscopical Science, and the reports were reprinted in the Journal of the Club. The most energetic worker in this field of research and in microscopic pond-life generally was Mr. William Archer, the only other members of the Club who appear to have collected and ex- hibited Rhizopods being Dr. John Barker and Dr. Perceval Wright. Unfortunately these observers did not as a rule state where their specimens came from, and although we may reasonabl}^ assume that they were collected in Ireland when there is no statement to the contrary, we cannot be certain thai such was the case. Occasionall}' however the locality was given, more often the county only. To Mr. Bayley Butler we are indebted for the only attempt yet made to put together the results of these and other in- vestigators of the Protozoa of anv part of Ireland. In the ' Handbook to the City of Dublin and Surrounding District,' . issued to the members of the British Association at the meet- ing in September, 1908, there are lists by him of Rhizopoda and other Protozoa which have been recorded from the province of Eeinster. The lists include eight species of fresh-water Rhizopoda and eight of Heliozoa from Co. Wicklow. These numbers do not tally with his, for he includes under the Rhizopoda six species of Heliozoa; and the names of two Wicklow species are S3'nonyms of others in the same list. At the close of this meeting of the British Association I spent a week at Killough near Bray, on the Great Sugar-loaf Mountain, and although the weather was unfavourable for the collection of Rhizopods, every day being stormy, I obtained A 2 The hish Nainralist. Jaiuiarv fift}- species, most of them new to Ireland and a few new to the British Isles. The names of all but one {CJilamydomyxa vion- tana) were determined b}- the late I\Ir. James Cash, author of the ' British Freshwater Rhizopoda,' a work in course of pub- lication by the Ray Societs^ with my assistance in the litera- ture, etc. Mr. Cash died in Februar}', 1909, and since then I have had to prepare his descriptions and drawings for the press. As it may be some time before the localities of many of the species thus found can appear in this work, I here give a list of all which are known to occur in Co. Wicklow. For the reason above stated it is not possible to give the locality for vSome of the species enumerated ; in such cases "Co. Wicklow" alone apj^ears. The initials are those of Archer and Barker. My own collections were made in Calary Bog, from which small tufts of Sphagnum were taken here and there throughout its extent ; and in a small sphagnous pool on the Great Sugar-loaf, above Killough^ entered in the list as " Killough." All my specimens were obtained from Sphagnum or other bog-moss growing in the water, and the records are entered without initials. RHIZOPODA. AIYICEBINA. Amoeba protcus (Pallas) Leidy.— Rocky Valley (J. E.) : Killough. A. litnax, Duj.— Killough. A. villosa, Wallicb.— Rocky Valley (J. B.). A. fluida, Griiber.— Killough. A. verrucosa, Ivlirenb. — Killough. Cymnophrys comcla, Cienk. — Killough. Blomyxa vagrans, I.eidy. — Killough. Chlaniydomyxa montana, Ray I.ank. — Killough au Pseudodifflugia gracilis and P. fiih'a&vo. his Pleurophiys amphitronatoiJes and P. fnlva. Microgo7nia sociaiis has been removed from Gromia ; it was also recorded b}' Archer as Cystophrys haeckeliana. Diplophrys Archeri wa.Si sub- sequently named by Archer Cystophrys oculea. Hctcrophrys viyriopoda includes//, j/iarina of Baiker's list. Acanthocystis chtctophora is Archer's A. turpocca. . Notable feattire.s in the list are the comparativeh' large number of filose Conchiilina and of Heliozoa fotmd by Archer, my own collection chiefly consisting of lobose Conchiilina. Tlie absence of any Hyalosphenia is remarkable, my collections from similar situations in North Wales nearly always contain- ing species of this pretty genus. H. ctincata^ Stein, and //. inconspiaia, G. S West, are its only species hitherto recorded for Ireland. In conclusion I may point out that a very similar collection of Rhizopods might be obtained from any county in Ireland. These most beautiful microscopic animals abound wherever there is pure water and growing vegetation, and a collection made in the summer or autumn would provide ample material for investigation throughout the winter, for although Rhizopods would not live long in a small quantity of stagnant water, tliey will live for months in wet Sphagnum or other bog-mo.ss. Watford. Herts. ^9^*^ Itish Societies. IRISH SOCIETIES. ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. . Recent gifts include a Maxwell's Duiker, a Crested Eagle, and a Para- doxure Cub. from vSir Philip Crauipton Sniyly ; nine pigeons, from Mr. J- Clifton ; a Common Gull, from Mr. F. W. Powell ; a Magpie, from Mr. W. W. Despard ; two Egyptian Geese, from Lady Dunleitli ; a Merlin from Mr. A. Rohu ; two Turtle Doves, from Mr. H. B. Rathborne ; a Sparrowhawk, from Mr. W. Freeman ; a Kestrel, from Miss Bowles ; and a Slowworm, from the Hon. Mrs. E. Guinness. A number of Pied Wag- tails have been added to the collection of Irish birds. ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY. NovembP-;r 30. — The stated general meeting of vSt. Andrew s Day. 1909 took the form of a Darwin Commemoration, in celebration of the cen- tenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the fiftieth anniversary of the publi- cation of the •' Origin of vSpecies." The President. Dr. F. A. Tarleton, F.T.C.D., opened the meeting with a tribute to Darwin's greatness as a naturalist and the extent of his influence on scientific thought. Prof. G. A. J. Coi^e then spoke on Darwin's geological work, pointing out that geology had been the leading interest of his earlier years, and emphasis- ing the importance of his geological researches during the vo^-age of the Beagle. Darwin's theory of coral-reef formation had been abundantly confirmed b}- the recent deep boring at Funafuti. Dr. R. F. Schari-f discussed Darwin's influence on the study of animal an.l plant distribu- tion, a subject which had appealed to him through his collecting and observation on the Galapagos Islands. The tlieor)' of the permanence of the great oceanic basins was, however, losing ground among modern students of distribution, who are sceptical as to the value of " accidental " means of dispersal. Prof. G. H. Carpenter dwelt on the importance of Darwin's zoological studies in South America as leading his mind to the conception of the principle of organic evolution, and on the immense influence of the theory of Natural Selection over modern zoological study. It was pointed out that Darwin himself was no believer in the '•'ail-sufiicienc}' of Natural Selection,"' and that his disciples should pre- serve an open mind in face of modern advances in the study of heredity and variation. Prof. T. Johnson discussed Darwin's influence on botanical science, gave instances of the light thrown upon the history of the vegetable kingdom by recent discoveries among fossil plants, and elucidated the theory of natural selection with special reference to plant structure. Prof. A. F. Djxon spoke of Darwin's in- fluence on the study of Anthropology, emphasising the presence in the " Descent of Man " of many ideas that have borne fruit in recent dis- coveries and the confirmation afforded to the main thesis of that book by the structure of the most primitive of human remains. The Irish Naiioalist. January, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. XuvKMBKR 10. — The Club UR'l at Leinster House. A. R. NlCHOl^S (,Vice-Presideul) exhibited the Marine Polyzoon, Lcpralia J'ciiusa, Esp., on a shell o{ Pecloi ina.ximus from Roiindstone, Co. Galway. Although Avidely distributed and found at several places on the English and vScottish coasts, this species appears to be rare on the Irish coast, and has only previously been recorded from off Belfast Lough, F. W. Moore showed Uicdo Lyuc/iii, a fungus which is found only on Orchids. It was established on Epidcndriirn viielliniif/i. a ^Mexican Orchid. This species was first noticed growing on a species of Spiranthes from Trinidad, at the Royal Gardens, Kew, in 1885. Since then it has spread to several collections, and this is the second occasion on which it has been found on orchids in the Glasneviu collection. As a rule orchids are particularly free from fungoid pests, probably owing to the thick nature of their epidermis. \V. V. GuNX showed sections of the seed coats of B/ass/ta canipcslris CSwede) and />. rapits (Rape). The seeds of these two species of Brassica so closely resemble one another in their external and naked-eye appear- ance, that it is iuq^ossible to determine by this evidence alone to which species a sample of seed should be referred, and it becomes necessary to resort to other means of identification. Since 1871 quite a number of workers, mostly on the Continent and in America, have investigated the histology of the seed coats, and amongst others Schroder, Sempolowski, Wittmack, and Hohnel have published the results of their work, and mere recently A. J. Pieters and V. K. Charles, of the L"^nited States Department of Agriculture, have carried out an exhaustive enquiry. It is now possible to distinguish between a number of the economic species of Brassica such as Cabbage, Black Mustard. Charlock, Turnip, (Sec, by the structure of their seed coats. The differences between Swede and Rape are less marked than in the other species of this genus, but Messrs. Pieters and Charles claim that by special methods of staining and mounting, distinctive characters are obtained which differentiate them from one another. The slides shown, however, which were made by a professional mounter from commercial seed, were not sufiicieutly characteristic to be of practical value for identification, and we are still without a convenient means, suitable for everyday use, of determining these two species. X. Coi.GAN exhibited living specimens of the Two-spotted vSucker-fish, f.cpadogasier biiiuiiulalits, and of the Gephyrean worm I'hascclion Sliofiibi, which he dredged in ten fathoms off Dalkey sixteen days previously. The worm, which was lodged in an empty Tooth-shell, DcutaliuDi cntalis, one inch long, was kept in captivity in a deep glass bowl the bottom of I9IO- Irish Societies. 7 which \vas covered with a layer of saud an inch and a half deep. Living under these conditions it continued to be quite active for fully a fort- night so that its behaviour could be readily observed. Although the naked Gephyreans usually live buried in sand or mud, it might have been expected that this shell-inhabiting species would have unlearnt its ancestral burrowing habit on adopting the very effective defence of a strong shell. But the observations made did not bear out this expecta- tion. On the night of the 25th October the shell, with its tenant, was left lying flat on the saud at the bottom of the bowl. Next morning the shell was found completely buried. On the morning of the following day the worm was detected at work The slender proboscis was seen to issue rapidly from the shell and bury itself in the sand in a business-like, purposeful way. Then a vigorous tug having reared the shell on its broad or mouth end into a semi-erect position, it began to sway gently up and down so that the wide mouth was gradually forced into the sand. This action was repeated on the evening of the same day, when the shell was found standing almost erect on its broad end, with one-third of its length buried, two hours after it had been laid on its side. Again, on the 31st October, the shell being once more laid flat on the sand was found after five minutes raised at an angle of about thirt}- degrees. From this it gradually declined until the tip had nearly reached the sand, when a vigorous pull from the buried animal dragged the shell for one-fourth of Us length into the sand in an almost horizontal direction. The row of of bristles at the top of the proboscis is no doubt fully expanded when the animal has penetrated the sand, and serves as an anchor or purchase while the shell is dragged down by a vigorous muscular contraction. The Sucker- fish exhibited, which was hardly an inch in length, was seen on three distinct occasions between the 8th and loth November to float belly upwards on the water surface in the vessel in which it had been confined since its capture a fortnight previously. The action was not so much a floating as a sucking on to the water surface, the tip of the snout and the lower rays of the ventrals rising well above the surface, while the pectorals maintained a regular motion. On the first and on the second occasion, when found in this posture, the fish immediately turned over and darted to the bottom on being lightly touched by the finger. On the third occasion it was less sensitive, for after floating for ten minutes, it suffered itself to be gently pushed acro.ss the vessel with- out altering its reversed position at the surface. Gosse appears to have been the first to notice this curious habit, which he describes in one of his beautifully illustrated books, "A Year at the Shore," published in 1865, where (p. 162) he states that the fish while floating remains perfectly still, and that he thinks he has only seen the practice carried on at night. The specimen shown had floated indifferently by night or by day, and seldom remained quite still while floating. Usually it kept revolving by frequent twitchings of the tail ; on one occasion it was seen to move across the water by the action of the tail and pectorals while maintaining its reversed posture and suckiug on to the water surface. 8 Hi c Irish .'\attiralist. Janiiai-y, BELFAST NATURALISTS FIELD CLUB. XOVKMBKR 6. — GK0I,0G1CAL SKCTIOX. — KXCLRSION TO SOUIRE'S Ilii.r,.— The object of the excursion was to examine the Chalk quarries on the side of Squire's Hill. There was a large attendance of members. In the first two visited the chief features of interest were the fine exoo- A sures of hard white chalk, traversed b}* vertical d3'kes of basalt, the chalk in their vicinity being much altered. lu the third quarry a good section was exposed of Chloritic vSanus, passing upwards into Chloritic Chalk, surmounted by hard white chalk. NovKMBKR 24.— Geological vSection.— Lecture by Mr. James Slrachan on " Petrological T\-pes of Basalt in County Antrim.*' The chief portion of the lecture was devoted to a suggested rational classi- fication of the basaltic rocks of Co. Antrim, according to their varying basicity. Three main classes were recognised and sub-divided as fol- lows:—I. Basalts without Olivine (basaltic Andesites). A. Flow type — Basalt of vSpanish Bay, Giant's Causeway. B. Intrusive type — Dolerite of the neck at Carnmoney Hill, 11. Olivine Basalts. A. Flow type— The common olivine basalt of the district, with olivine in- creasing from occasional grains to plentiful porphyritic crystals. B. In- trusive t\pe — The common olivine-dolerite of the district, with varying amount of olivine — e.g. dolerite of the neck at Scawt Hill, and that of Ballygalley Head. III. Basalts rich in Olivine. A. Flow type — Containing excess of olivine in large phenocrysts, minimum of felspar and augite, and colourless interstitial glass ; north side of Carnmoney Hill. B. Intrusive type — Dolerite rich in olivine ; Slieve Mish. These types of basaltic rocks were all illustrated by hand-specimens and numerous microscopic sections. In conclusion, the lecturer referred to several peculiar features of the local basalts, such as the fairly common occurrence of " tube-amygdaloid'" at the basal portion of man}' of the Co. Antrim flows, and the complete inclusion of primary minerals, such as felspar and augite, in uatrolite and other zeolites. November 23 :— Geological Section.— Dr. A. R. Dwerrvhouse, 1\G.S., Lecturer in Geology in the Queen's University, delivered the first of a series of lectures on practical petrology to members of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. The lectures deal with the identification of minerals by means of the microscope, and with the classification of rocks. A noteworthy feature of the course is that each lecture is followed by a demonstration class, in which the subj.^ct of the discourse is treated in a practical manner, so as to give each member an opportunity of gaining experience in the methods employed. By kind permission of the Vice- Chancellor (the Rev. Dr. Hamilton) the lectures are being given in the geological department of the l^niversity. 1*9 lo- Review, REVIEW. A GUIDE TO FUNGI. Fung^l and liow to know them ; an introduction to Field IVIycoIogy. By K. W, Swanton. Pp. xii, and 210, 16 coloured and 32 black and white plates by M, K. Spittal. L,oudon : Methuen and Co., 1909. Price 6i-, With the flowing tide of popular books on natural history subjects arising from the recent development of the " Nature Study" movement comes the present volume to supply a *' long felt want." As the author points out in his preface, the study of common wild flowering plants has perhaps been given an undue importance in present day schemes of nature study to the detriment of most of the other groups of plants. With the appearance of the present book, however, which is intended to serve as an introduction to the larger standard w^orks on the fungi, no excuse can exist for further neglecting the study of this interesting group. The first part of the book deals, in six chapters, with generalities, such as details of structure and development, spore dispersal, habitats, saprophytes and parasites, economic and edible species, and gives hints on collecting, exhibiting, and preserving fungi. A short bibliography follows, and then a much needed glossary of the technical terms used in Part II. This second part, which occupies about three-quarters of the book, is devoted to the classification and description of those "larger fungi " belonging to the Basidiomycetes and the Ascomycetes, which are for the most part common in the British Islands. Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the book from the beginner's point of view is the wealth of good illustrations, many of them being coloured, and most of them drawn by Miss M. K. Spittal. With the aid of these and the clear descriptions given it should be possible for the serious student to attain in a short time that degree of expertness by which he would find that it is (in the author's words) '• no more difficult to identify a fungus than it is to diagnose a flower." Excellent as the plates are, however, a serious inconvenience, which could easily have been avoided, exists in the fact that the explanations of them are printed on the back ot each, necessi- tating a constant irritating lurning forwards and backwards. It is also unfortunate that the names of authors are everywhere omitted after the species, as the book thereb}- loses much of its scientific value, and there is no reason why even a beginner should not learn to give his specimens the full and correct names from the start. A tendency on the part of the author is noticeable in the opening chapters to regard the fructification of the fungus as the fungus itself. Thus to take one instance only out of several, he states . . . . " the activity of the mycelium is con- fined to a certain period. If the fungus is not produced during that time," &c meaning if the " fructification of the fungus " is not produced, &c. There are some other points in the book on which A3 lO The Irish Nai2l?alist, January, differences of opinion might reasonably exist, bnt, bearing in mind the class of readers for whom the bock is produced, it is not necessar}' to enter into a discussion of them here. On the whole the book appears to be admirabl}' adapted for its purpose, and it is to be hoped that it may find its way into the hands of many young naturalists in Ireland. For, while a considerable amount of attention is being paid at the present time in this island to the parasitic and economically important fungi, which this lxx)k does not pretend to deal with, there is a serious lack of workers in the groups of larger fungi which this book treats of so well, and the distribution of which in Ireland, particularly in the west, has been hitherto unfortunately so much neglected, G.H.P. OBITXJARY. FREDERICK PRYOR BALKWILL. F. P. r>alkwill was the eldest child of Joseph Hancock Balkwill, and was born at Plymouth on 24th December, 1S32. A member of the Society of Friends, he was educated at the Quaker Schools of Hitchin audSidcot. Kntering the family business of Balkwill and Co. at Plymouth for ap- prenticeship, he passed to Messrs. Allen and Hanbury's, being registered in the Pharmaceutical Society in December, 1854. Becoming a partner in the Plymouth house, he became a leading man in public affairs in that town. Finding indoor occupation irksome, he retired from the business, and in 1873 removed with his family to Ireland, settling in Dublin. He returned to England in 1883, living successively at Birmingham, Eves- ham, Nottingham, and finally at York, where he died while writing a letter to his daughter. He was long troubled with angina pectoris, and a mental breakdown about 1902 checked his activity in recent years. He died on November 3rd, 1909. Mr. Balkwill was a Fellow of the Linnean Society, retiring in 1874, and devoted much attention to the botany of the West of England. He was a well-known chess player and climber, and his deep religious convic- tions led him often to open-air preaching. F. P. Balkwill's contributions to science were as follows: — The Foraminifera of Galway. lotim. Mtcrosc. Nat. Sci., \'d\. iW., 1884, pp. 19-26, 78-90, 4 pis. (with F. W. Millett.) Recent Foraminifera of Dublin and Wicklovv. Proc. A\ Irish Acad. (2), vol. iii., 1882, pp. 546-550. (with Joseph Wright.) Report on some recent Foraminifera found off the coast of Dublin and in the Irish Sea. Trans. R. Irish Acad., vol. xxviii., 1885, Science, pp. 317-372, 3 pis. (with Joseph Wright.) We are indebted to Miss Margaret A. Balkwill for the above par- ticulars. C. Davies Sherborn. igto- Notes. 1 1 NOTES. The Late J. H. Davies. lu coimection with Canon Lett's obituary notice of Mr. j . H. Davies, I wish to rr.ention, as showing the early attachment of our late friend to botanical science and his competence as a bi'yologist, that on November 2nd, 1857, he was appointed curator for mosses by the Thirsk Natural History Society and Botanical Exchange Club. This was our first medium for the interchange of plants, and Mr. J. G. Baker, then a young man, but now an F.R.S., was appointed at the same meeting curator of flowers and ferns. S. A. Stewart. 342, Springfield-road, Belfast. BOTANY. Geaster rufescens in County Waterford. At the end of September, Mr. Louis Grubb sent to me, from Carrick-on- Suir, a Geaster, which Mr. H. C. Hawley names G. rtifescens, Persoon. He found it at Sheskin, "growing up through the hard coal ashes that formed a walk about 540 feet over river level." Three specimens were seen. The only previous Irish record for this curious and interesting fungus appears to be Monkstown, County Dublin (G. Pirn in " British Association Guide to County Dublin, 1878.") R, Li^OYD Praegj^r. Dublin. Irish Carices. The Pfarrer Kiikenthal has recently examined some critical forms of Sedges which I collected in Ireland; they include the following: — Carex viilptna, L-, var. litoralis, Nolte. — Shore of Strangford Lough. C. caryopkyllea Later., forma 7imbrosaefor?>ns, KUkent. — Glen Cahir, Co. Clare. It is the var. elatior, Bogenhard, Fl. Jena, p. 378, 1850, under C. prauox, and unreported previously from Britain. C. Oederi, Retz, forma canalictdata, Callme. — Toome Bridge, Co. Antrim, by the sides of the lough. Also a new form for the United Kingdom, C. Goodenowii, Gay, var. toniata (Fries). — Near Newton, Co. Galway. New to Ireland. C. Goodcnaivii^ Gay, ad var. s/ricti/o?'fnis, Kiik. vergens. — Toome Bridge, Co. Antrim. C. flava X Oederi. — ^h.oxft of Lough Derg, near Rossmore, Co. Galway. C. ai-enaria, Huds., forma remota, Marss. — Wicklow. C. extensa. Good., var. latifolia^ Boeck. = var. Ecklonii, Kiikent. — Shore of Strangford Lough. High-street, Oxford. G. Ci- friends, Mr. Saniuel Bryson and Mr. Thomas Gibson in May, 1 891 (/. A'., vol. iii... page 185). The Stouechat {P. riibicola, Linn.) is very common. I have seen this species frequenting the shore during frost and seeking its food among the rejecta- menta left h\ the tide. The Robin {Erithacits rubecula, Linn.) calls for much observation. I only mention that I heard a >'Oung bird in the nestling plumage singing in the late summer. The QXAxilcXxTx^ {Phylloscopus rufus, Bech.) is the first warbler to reach us. I once heard the note on 26th March, but the usual date is ist to 4th April. The Willow-Wren {P. trochilus, Linn.) follows a few days later. I invariably heard the first Chiffchaff singing from the same high trees and the first notes of the Willow-Wren were from the same sallows year after year. Does not this point to the savic birds returning to the old haunts ? The Wood- Wren {P. sibilatrix, Bech.) was found by Mr. Hart at Carrablagh, and was observed by me at Derrj* last May. The Whitethroat {Sylvia cincrca, Bech.) arrives about middle of April. These three species are called W^hite Wrens in this district. The Sedge-Warbler {Acrocephalus p/i?aqiuitis, Bech.) is com- mon on the banks of the Inch stream. The Grasshopper- Warbler {Loaisiella iicEvia. Boddaert) has occurred some five miles from Inch and two miles from Derry. My friend, Mr. Bryson, described a song which he heard near Inch which I am confident was of this species. The Goldcrest {Regiilus cristatus, Koch) and Hedge-Sparrow^ {Accentor Diodidaris^ Liun.) are common. I have heard three Hedge-Sparrows singing along a hedge not more than ten to fifteen yards apart and seemingly answering one another. The Dipper (OV/r/?/:.? aqnaiicus, Becli.) frequents the stream at Inch. It is called in some districts the Waterhen. I have only heard the song in September. The Great Tit {Pariis major, Linn.), Coal-Tit {P. alcr, Linn.), and Blue Tit {P. ccenilcus, Linu.) are all common. The Long-tailed Tit {Acrednla caudata, Linn.) occurs in the woods, and during autumn and winter ma}' be seen in flocks of eight to ten. 1 have never seen a better example of protective colour- 19IO. Qa^\vv,v.ij..- Birds of hull a?id Upper Lough Stci/ly. 17 iug than a iiest of this species shown to me by Mr. W. K- Hart, which was built of gre}' lichen among raspberry- canes. The lichen exactly matched the under sides of the raspberry leaves. The Wren {Troglodytes parviihis, Koch.) is of course com- mon. I have noted the great variety of materials used b}^ the Wren in the construction of its nest according to the situation and natural surroundings. T once found a nest built against a brown wall of partially withered iv}', into which a great quantity of brown human hair had been interwoven. A brother workman had performed the part of barber for a ploughman close b}^ ! The Creeper {CertJiia familiaris, Linn.) is common in the woods, the local name is the " Woodpecker." 1 have only heard the song once in April. The Pied Wagtail {Motacilla lugubriSi't^\\\w\\\\Q\C) is very com- mon. The Grey Wagtail (J/, viclanopc, lyinn.) occurs in small numbers. In my experience the Pied Wagtail sings but rarely and then usually in the off season. I have heard its song in January, July, September and October, sometimes when the weather was far from fine. I have found a nest of this species built in an old magpie's nest on the top of a high beech tree. The Meadow-Pipit {A?ith7is prafefisis, Linn.) and Rock Pipit {A. obsnaics, Latham) are common. I have one record of the Waxwing {A7}ipelis garnilus, Linn.) from Inch district. A line specimen was shot by Mr. A. Hutchman on 4th December, 1901. The Spotted Flycatcher {Miiscicapa grisola, Linn.) is common. The earliest record I have for the Swallow {Hirundo rustica, Linn.) is 2nd April, the latest about i6th April. I have seen the Swallows on a warm afternoon alighting in numbers on the mud left bare by the tide, and feeding on the flies which swarmed over the steaming sea-grass. The Martin {Chclidon uj'bica, Linn.) is local, but visits the district. I have noticed that the Martins spread over the country and mix with the Swallows for a short time before they all leave in autumn. I have seen them so in localities where never one was seen at other times. The Sand-Martin {Cotile riparia, Linn.) used to breed in numbers in the sand-bank at Inch station. Then they practically deserted the spot, only one pair nesting in £3 The Irish Natuyalist. January, 1894. Then they returned and built in another bank close at hand. But of late years they have almost deserted the localit}-. It is hard to explain these erratic movements, as the banks are almost unchanged. At Magilligan,. Lough Foyle, I found the Sand-Martins nesting singly for miles along the shore in holes about 50 to 100 yards apart. I had the pleasure of seeing the Swallow, Martin, Sand-Martin and Swift all flying together at same time and place at Inch. The Finches are represented by the usual species. The Greenfinch {Ligtirinus chloris, Linn.), Chaffinch {Ffhigilla civlebs, Linn.)j and House-Sparrow {Passer domcsticiis, Linn.) are of course very common. The Goldfinch {Carduelis elegans, Stephens) used to visit Inch in some numbers, but has almost disappeared. Of the Hawfinch {Coccothra^cstes vulgaris^ Pallas) I have one record, and a most interesting one regarding the date. A fine speci- men was shot by Mr. T. Motherwell at Garsherr}-, a few miles from Inch, on 5th July, 1901 {L N., vol. x., p. 174). It was feeding on cherries in the garden. This species was reported to me as nesting near Derry in 1907, but I could never authenticate the record. The Bram])ling {Fringi/ia monti- fringilla, Linn) visits the district in winter. The Siskin {Chrysomitris spi7iiis, Linn.) is seen in winter, and has been reported by Mr. H. C. Hart as breeding near Rathmullan- T\\Q^l^.\\nQ\. {Aea7ifhis cannabina^ Linn.), called the " Whin Grey," is common, also the Lesser Redpoll {A. rufescens^ Meillot), which is called " Mossy Grey " or •' Mosey Grey." The Tv.'ite {A. flavirostris, Linn.) nests on the moorlands, probably all over the district. It is called locally the " Thistle Grey " or " Thristle Grey." The Bullfinch (Pyrrhula europcca, Vieillot) is not common. It is an increasing specieS; however, in some localities. I have seen three nests within a very small radius — two of them only some 10 to 15 yards apart. The Corn-Bunting {Junberiza miliaria, Linn.), the Yellow Bunting (/f. citrinclla, Linn.;, and the Reed-Bunting (/f. sehienicJvs, Linn.), are all common. The two former visit our city in winter and feed upon the grain about the quays and markets. The Reed-Bunting is called the " Blackcap." The local name in some parts of Co. Antrim is " Ringrash " ( = Ringrush). The Snow Bunting {Plectropheyiax 7iivalis, Linn.) visits the moors and mountains in winter. A flock frequented I9IO. Campbp^i,!,. — Birds of Inch and Upper Lough Swilly. 19 the shores of Lough Swilly one winter, and was seen at Buncrana. The Starling i^Sturnus vulgaris^ Linn.) has increased ver}' much of late years. I can remember thirt3'-five years ago when a Starling's nest was a great prize — now the Starlings breed commonly and in numbers all over the district. On Qth June, 1899, Mr. John Hunter shot a Rosy Pastoi {Pastor 70set(s, Linn.) between Bridge End and Inch. It was an adult female in fine plumage. It had frequented the neigh- bourhood for some days, and was much chased by other birds. The Chough {Pyj-rhocorax gracnhis^ Linn.), although a coast bird, occasionally comes up the Swilly, and has been seen near Rathmullan. I have the following note on this species. The sons of Mr. P. Johnston climbed over the cliffs near Dun- fanagh}" and brought up two young birds from a Chough's nest. Their father was much annoyed, and made the boys take back the birds and leave them on the top of the cliffs. Much to his surprise the parent birds managed to convey the young ones down to the nest. The Magpie {Pica rusiica^ Scopoli), Jackdaw (Corv7is vionc- diila, Linn.), and Rook {C. JnigHegiis, Linn.), are ver\' common : the -Hooded Crow^ (C comix^ Linn.) is fairly so. The Skylark {A/aiida arvensis, Linn.) is very abundant and his exuberant song may be heard from July to August. I have frequent!}' noted the period of song while on the wing and found the average time to be from 2^ to 5 minutes, excep- tionally 5 to 7 minutes, and very rarely up to 10 minutes. The Picarine group is represented by five species. The Swift {Cypselns apns, Linn.) arrives with wonderful regularity usually from 5th to lotli Ma}'. I have noticed that often one or two birds precede the main body. These pioneers seem to wander, as they may frequent a place for a day at time and then dis- appear. The Nightjar {Cap^inndgns cuivpcens^ Linn.) visits different parts of Donegal, and has been shot at Portsalon and heard at Fahan. It has been repoited to me from Burtwoods, Inch. One of the rarest birds found at Inch was the Roller {Coracias gam(h{s, Linn.) : one was shot by Mr John M'Connell on Burt slob in October, 1891. It frequented a field of beans in stooks — but I should think it was searching for beetles rather than beans. Another Roller was shot by Mr. T. Steen at Ture, Co. Donegal, on 27th September, 1900 (/A^., vol. x, p. 23). It frequented the neighbourhood for some days and was 20 The Irish Nafutalist. January, 19 lo. thought to be an escaped parrot. The former specimen is in our Derry Museum, the latter in Dublin Museum. The Kingfisher {Alcedo ispida, I^inn.) occasionally visits the fresh water at Inch, and has bred during some .seavSons in holes at the sluices. It has also been seen at the pier, Buncrana. The Cuckoo {Cicai/us canorus, Linn.) is common. The belief still exists here that " she changes into a hawk in winter." Among the birds of prey, we have the three Owls — the Long-eared Owl [Asia of us, Linn.) is common ; the Short-eared Owl {A. accipit7'i7ius^ Pallas) has been shot once when flying over the Bank at Inch. The Barn Owl {Strix flavnnea, Linn.) is not very common. The Peregrine {Falco peregrinu'i, Tunstall) visits the district regularly. It is called the "big hawk" or " the hawk." A Peregrine visited our cit}' in June, 1892, and took up its abode in the tower of the Guild-hall, from which it emerged from time to time to seize a pas.sing pigeon. It was an escaped bird, for when I examined it on capture I found a small piece of leather attached to one leg. The Kestrel (7^ thuuinadus, Linn.) is very common ; the Merlin {F. acsalo7i, Tunstall), rare The vSparrow-Hawk {Accipiter ?i/s?/s, Linn.) is the commonest bird of prey ; it is ver\' daring. The Shag {Phalacrocorax graculus, Linn.) visits Lough vSwilly, but I have never noted it as far up as Inch. The Cormorant {P. carlo, Linn.) is much in evidence. I have noted it often roosting in numbers on trees. Its marvellous powers of diges- tion were exemplified to me by one kept as a pet by a friend. When fish failed; my friend shot about a dozen sparrows, which the cormorant swallowed with gusto. The Gannet {Svia bassana, Linn.) visits the Swillj' in some numbers, and comes well up the lough. I have seen a flock fishing so close to the shore that the birds were diving almost into the surf, /rl' The Heron (Ardea a'?ie?'ea, Linn.) is common, and nests in some numbers at Falian and Fortstewart. My friend; Mr. W. K. Hart, has noticed how persistently the Hooded Crows persecute the Herons at Kilderry by attacking them when they come to their nests with food for the j^oung, and compelling them to disgorge. The crows carried this .so far in some cases that the young Herons were practically starved, and the parents in con- sequence changed their nesting-place. The Bittern {Boiaurus siellaris, Linn.) has occurred once. One was shot by Mr. D. Deeny on loth January, 1900. CampbkIvI.. — Birds of Inch and Upper Lough S willy. 21 The large expanse of fresh water with great ground growth of w^eeds provides a fine feeding resort for the Anatidae. Swans, Geese, and Ducks abound. The Whooper {Cyg7ius musi- ens, Bechstein)|is very rare. Bewick's Swan (C Bewiekiy Yarrell) is a common winter visitor, flocks coming in during severe weather. During a spell of hard frost in the winter of 1907 a Black Swan came with the Bewicks, and remained at Inch for a few weeks. The Mute Swan (C olor, Gmelin) has increased very much of late. Years ago a few birds frequented the fresh water at Inch. Year by year these increased until now up to 100 birds may be counted. Only two pairs nest at Inch, one pair on the Farland bank or island, and the other on a little grassy mound inside the Burt bank, and just beside the Letter- kenny railway line. The great increase in Mute Swans is clearly due to an influx from other places. The wild geese are represented by five species. The Grey-lag {Ansereinereus, Meyer) is not common. The common wild goose is the White- fronted {A. albifrons, Scopoli). It visits the sloblands in large numbers in winter, and remains until late spring. I have seen a flock on 23rd May, and it has been reported to me even at later dates. These geese become very tame at Inch, and I have seen a flock feeding close to the railway line, not more than 70 to 80 yards from the passing train. I had the pleasure of obtaining the first Irish specimen of the Pink-footed Goose {A. brachyrhynehus^ Baillon) on 21st October, 189 1. Passing the poulterers I noticed a wild goose lying on the counter. The legs looked pink, so I went in and examined the bird, and was delighted to see that I had found A. brachy?hy7ichus. The man told me that he had received the bird from a farmer from Newtowncunningham- side, a few miles from Inch. The Bernacle {Bernicla leucopsis, Bechstein) is not common. A few have been, shot at long inter- vals. The Brent {B. brenia, Pallas) visits the salt water in large flocks. I have never known a Brent to alight on the fresh water, although it is only separated from their salt water resort by a narrow bank. It is very averse to fly over land. It has greatly decreased of late 3'ears on I^ough Swill}^ The ducks are very numerous, and all the common species are found, but some kinds have decreased at Inch, it may be owing to the increase of shooting. The Sheld-duck {Tadorna eor?iuta, Gmelin) breeds in large numbers now, in the holes in the stone embankments and in 22 The Irish Naturalist. February, rabbit burrows. It has increased much in recent 3^ears, not onh" here but on Lough Foyle as Avell. The taking of the young to the water must be an anxious time for the parents. I came across a case where a little nestling wandered and walked through the open doorway into the kitchen ( f a farm- house. I witnessed a wonderful instance of the pluck and perseverance of the ducklings. I came upon a pair of Sheld- ducks leading their brood to the sea. As I came up they w^ere almost at the water's edge, and one of the old birds tossed and tumbled over on the sand to draw me away, while the other hurried the little ones on. But there w^as a vSea on, and the surf rolled the wee birds over and over like balls up the sand. Again they tried and again they were rolled over, till first one and then another managed to get through the surf. After four or five tossings all got safely out. The Ruddy Sheld-duck (Z! casarca^ Linn.) visited Inch in some numbers in August, 1892, when this southern .species came to Ireland. The Mallard (A7ias boscas, Linn.) is common. I have noticed some strange nesting sites. It nests on low fir trees on the shores of Mulroy Ba}'', and I got eggs taken from a nest on the Magilligan sand-hills. A lew specimens of the Gadwall {A. strepera Linn.) have been shot. The Shoveler {SpattUa clypeata, Linn.) is a resident species, and breeds in increasing numbers. In the spring of 1905 fifteen nests were found on one slobland. Twelve to fifteen 3^ears ago it seemed to be decreasing. I have found nests on such bare ground that there was prac- tically^ no cover, and yet b}^ scraping out the ground and draw- ing over the short grass the bird managed to conceal the eggs fairly well. The local name is the " Spoonbill Wigeon " or *' Whiteside." The Pintail {Dafila acuta, Linn.) is called the " Cran Wigeon." It is common, and visits Inch more in the late winter or early spring. The Teal (yQncrquedtcIa crecca, Linn.) is a common resident species. Mr. A. Hutchman reported to me that on 20th October, 1896 he had shot a Garganey {Q. circia, Linn.) at Inch. Unfortunately he has not preserved it, but from his description and his confirmation from the coloured plate I think his identification was correct. The Wigeon {Marcca penelope, Linn.) is one of the commonest winter visitors, and very large numbers frequent the fresh water where there is a thick growth of weeds. The Pochard {Fuligula perina, Linn.) locally called the " Redhead " or " Brownhead " is fairly common in winter. The Tufted Duck {F. crisiata, Leach) is I9IO. C ampb:eli..— Birds of Inch and Upper Lough S willy. 23 not common. The Scaup (/^ marila, Linn.) used to visit Inch in vast flocks, and frequented the salt as well as the fresh water, but of late years it has decreased greatly. It is locally called the '' Black Wigeon." I have seen it at Inch in some numbers as late as the third week in May — a few, probably wounded birds, remain over the summer. The Golden-eye {Clangula glaucio7i, Linn.) is a winter visitor in some numbers. Of the Long-tailed Duck (Harelda glacialis, Linn ) I have noted a few occurrences of females or imma- ture males. I have only seen one mature male. The Com- mon Scoter {Oedemia nigra, Linn.) visits Lough Svvilly, but I have never seen it as far up as Inch. I have only a note of one specimen of the Goosander {Mergns merga7iser, Linn.) shot at Inch by Mr. H. Leebody. The Red-breasted Mer- ganser (y^/. seyrator, Linn.) is common. I have not been able to find its nesting place, but I believe it breeds somewhere in the Lough S willy district, as I have seen it in spring and summer. The beautiful little Smew {M. albellus) visits Lough Svvilly, and I have seen a few specimens. The Ring-Dove {Columba palumbics, Linn.) is common. The Rock-Dove (C livia, Gmelin), visits Inch Island, and comes to feed on the stubbles. The Grouse {Lagopiis scoiicus, Latham) is found in small numbers in the district, and is plentiful on many of the surrounding moors. The Pheasant {Phasia?iics colchicus, Linn.) occurs in the woods at Burt, RathmuUan, and has visited Inch Island. I once received, on ist March, a clutch of twelve eggs taken on Inch Island, from a nest in the heather, surely an unusu- ally early date. The Partridge {Perdix ci7ierea, Latham), occurs, but is not common. The Quail {Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre) visited the district in some numbers in the influx of this species in 1893. For about ten years afteiw^ards I heard nothing of it. Then it came back in 1903, and Mr. Gibson was informed of a nest at Grainan Hill, near Inch. Then again, in August, 1904, a nest with sixteen eggs was found in the same locality. I think, of late years, the Quail has been a regular visitor. The Land-rail {C^ex prateiisis, Bechstein), is, of course, common. During the exceptionally cold spring of 1891, when there was little or no grass in the meadows, I found the Corncrake nesting in a shrubbery close to our house, and on 2ist Maj^ I found a nest in long grass, in semi-marshland beside the water. 24 IJiC Irish Nat2iralist. February Twice I have found the Corncrake in winter, once in December, and once on 3rd January. The Water-rail {Ralhis aquatiais, Linn.) is not common, it used to breed in the marshes round Inch. The Waterhen i^Gallimda chloixpiis, lyinn.)? and Coot (/>^//V^^/?'^, Linn.), are very abundant. An enormous number of Coots nest amongst the sedges. I have known over fifty nests to be found b}^ boys in one stretch of under half a mile. 1 have one record of the Crane {Grus comvmnis, Bechstein). A fine specimen was shot b}^ Mr. John M'Connell on Burt slob on 24th June, 1896 {hish Nahi7'alist^ vol. V.J p. 214.) The birds that attract most of our attention on the sloblands are the waders. The}- are in evidence at all seasons, and the sweet but plaintive calls of Plover and Sandpiper in the spring-time have a wonderful fascination. The Ringed Plover {y^gialitis hiaticula, Linn.), breeds on the shores, and in numbers on the Farland sandbank. The Golden Plover {Charadrius pluvialis, Linn.), is common in winter. The Gre}' Plover iSquatarola helvetica, Linn.), is a winter visitor in small numbers. The Lapwing ( Vanellus vulgaris, Bechstein), swarms on the sloblands in the breeding season. The Turnstone {Strepsilas interpres, Linn.), is a rare winter visitor. The Oyster-catcher {^Hc^matopiis ostralegus, Linn.), is common on the Swilly, and a large flock is always to be seen on the shore by the golf course. The Grey Phalarope (Phala- ropiis fidicarius , Linn.), w^as shot at Inch during the visit of this species in October, 1891, and Mr. John M'Connell shot a specimen on 26th October, 1894. I have never seen one since. The Woodcock {Scolopax riistiaila, Linn.), is a common winter visitor, and a few pairs breed in the Rathmullan woods. The Common Snipe {Gallhiago coclesiis^ Frenzel), breeds in small numbers. The " bleating" may be heard in spring to great advantage from the high banks at Inch. The Jack Snipe {G. galli7iula, Linn.), is fairly common in winter. The Dunlin {Tringa alpina, Linn.), is, to me, one of the most interesting breeding species. At Inch it nests all over the bare slob-lands. The nest is usually nearer the water than the nests of the Lapwing and Redshank, and made in a I9IO. Campbei.1,. — Birds of Inch a7id Upper Lo7igh Swilly. 25 small depression, in the midst or by the side of a small tussock of grass. During the breeding season, the birds are very tame, and will allow one to approach to within a few yards. But I never found them very near the nest or flying round, and showing great anxiety like the Lapwing and Redshank, before incubation commenced. When the young are hatched, the conduct of the parents is entirely different. Then they become even bolder and more heedless of danger than the Redshanks. In June, 1903, when I was searching for a brood of 3'oung, one of the old birds alighted some way off, and walked right up to within five or six yards of me, and then both birds flew, to and fro, a few yards overhead, and one (presumabl)^ the male), gave the peculiar breeding call, the beautiful clear, rippling whistle, which once recognised, can never be mistaken. This whistling call can be heard at Inch all through the nesting season. I have been struck b}* the fact that it is very hard to localise the exact spot from which the call comes ; one can only judge of the direction. I have frequently observed flocks of from twelve to twent)' Dunlins at Inch in Ma3^ The}' appeared to be in full breed- ing plumage, but unlike the nesting pairs, were very wild, and would never admit of a near approach. I have often wondered how it was that these birds at Inch were not nesting. The I^ittle Stint ( T. vmuita, Geisler), has occured once at Inch — a pair were shot at Inch by Mr. John Hime, in the winter of 1890. The Curlew Sandpiper {T. suba?'quata, Guldenstadt), has been reported to me from L, Swilh', but I have never seen a specimen. The Purple Sandpiper {T. striata, I^inn.), and the Sanderling {Caiidris are7iaria, Linn.), both occur on the coast, and I have seen them from time to time. I am confident that they visit Lough Swilly, although I have not yet seen them. The Knot {T. canutus, Linn.) is a fairl}' common winter visitor. A pair of Knots, in full breeding plumage, visited Portsalon, Lough Swilly, in 1898, and one was obtained by Mr. H. Williams (on 13th August). The ^n^ {Machetes pico7iax. Linn.), occasionally visits Inch. I have seen four or five specimens, shot usually at end of September or in October, mostly females, but one male (1892). I have one record of a male in breeding plumage, received by Mr. E. M 'Court, in April. 26 7 he Irish Naturalist. February The Common Sandpiper (7 ^/^?;7/5 hypoleiccus, Ii. Sec. I.F.C.U. CORRESPONDENCE. M.A.— We do not answer anonymous communications. If you will address us in your own name, we shall be happy to help you so far as we can. — Eds. March, 1910. The Irish Nahwalist. 37 CAVE-HUNTING. BY K. J. USSHER, D.I,., J. P., M.R.I. A. Presideutial Address deli^'ered before the Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, iSth January, 1910. It will not be uecessarj^ to explain to this meeting of Irish naturalists that the interest and importance of cave-hunting (or cave exploration) centres not in the cavities themselves, but in the investigation of the records they hold for us of ages of which we have little other trace. Within the last centur}'' a vast number of caves have been explored in many lands, and the work has been found to repay the greatest care, and has become an art in itself, perfected by the labours of many 3'ears of men like Pengelly ; so that these ancient storehouses of information have been largely examined. In Ireland, how- ever, we are behind-hand, for though our country contains such vast extents of limestone with innumerable caves, systematic work has only been done in five or six localities, and the country at large (especially the great central plain) is almost untouched by the cave-explorer. I would therefore bring before the Field Club, which has done such varied and excellent work in many branches, this special field of research of .such engrossing interest and im- portance, and in which any member may help by prospecting for caves, and this may lead to more exhaustive work. The earth-stopper employed by a hunt-committee was my guide in 1878 to my first bone-cave at Bally namintra, Co. Waterford, and wherever limestone is quarried the workmen ought to be en- listed to look out for caves and fossils. I am not of course speaking of those artificial souterrains so common in raths which were constructed by the ancient Irish, nor of caves in sandstone and other rocks such as are excavated by the sea. It is in limestone, so soluble by water, that we find those valuable cavities which may prove to be storehouses of relics for the zoologist and antiquary. Every limestone district is more or less pierced by .subterranean channels, through man}^ of which streams still flow, while elsewhere the ancient river- tunnels were long ago left high and dry when the water found a lower level. In these we find the beds of sand, gravel, or hardened mud deposited by streams aud floods that once flowed there, and surface-earth intruded through fis.sures in the roof A 3$ Ihe Irish Naturalist, March becomes spread out and mixed with the river-borne sediments. Thus we find that caves contain very different strata, indicating the changed conditions of bygone ages. Floors of stalagmite formed by the drip from the limestone roof, not only sheet over the other deposits, but seal them up and preserve them from disturbance, and in some cases a sheet of stalagmite intervening between beds of other materials, supplies a valuable land-mark. Thus the contents of a cave supply several chapters in the history, each of which is illustrated by the bones and other relics it contains. The uppermost bed contains the most modern objects, and the deeper we go the more ancient will be the cave fauna, unless where burrowing animals have disturbed the strata. It is therefore of the first importance that indiscri- minate rooting-up should be avoided, and that the several strata should be distinguished, constant notes, drawings and measurements taken, and all objects found in one bed kept separate from those in the next, with labels and other safe- guards against confusing them. The best illustration I can give is Kent's Cavern in Devon- shire, so carefully worked by Mr. Pengelly for 14 years. He strained a wire from front to back of the principal chamber, and measured all the distances to right or left or below this. He took out the contents in cubes, and assigned to the objects found in each a separate box labelled with its position. Upon the surface were found masses of limestone, blocks fallen from the roof ; between and under these a blackish mould formed of leaves and other rubbish blown in during centuries. In this were found bones of domestic animals and of wild animals that are not extinct, with a great variety of human relics going back to Roman times and earlier. This stratum told of the historic period, and is computed to repre- sent 2,000 years at least. Beneath it was a floor of granular stalagmite, that had in places attained a thickness of five feet. Beneath this was a light red cave-earth, the sediment of ancient floods, and in this were the relics of the Pleistocene fauna — the Mammoth, Rhinoceros, Lion, Hyaena, Irish Elk, and Reindeer, but no domestic animals. With these extinct animals were associated the beautifuUy- furmed spear-heads made from flint flakes by Palaeolithic men, whose hearth-place, a bed of charcoal, was strewn with the chips of flint. We are brought face to face with the home life iQio. USSHER. — Cave-Hunting. 39 of men who hunted the Mammoth and Rhinoceros in Eng- land, and who had to make large fires in the cave to keep out the Hyaenas, Lions, and perhaps the Machairodus, whose teeth occurred in the cave-earth. Beneath this was another stalagmite floor, crystalline from its antiquity, and attaining in places as much as twelve feet in thickness. Below this again was a different deposit, a dark red sandy paste, but of rock-like hardness in places, com- posed of sandstone that had been drifted in from distant hills before the deep valley in front of the cave had been cut out. This rock-breccia, as it was called, contained multitudes of bones of the great Cave-Bear, but no others except twojaws of Lion and a jaw of Fox. Of Hyaenas and Mammoths there was no trace, yet even in this deepest deposit primaeval men had left flint weapons formed of massive cores, showing that they had not arrived at the high art of fashioning spear-heads out of flakes. Of Irish bone caves the first two discovered were in Co. Water- ford. At Shandon, near Dungarvan, was an enormous cavern- In 1859 some workmen found there, as they thought, a lot of mutton bones, and threw them aside, but when they came to the tibia of a Mammoth they .showed it as the bone of an Irish giant. The late Mr. Brenan, to whom we owe our knowledge of the discovery^ went to see where it had been found, and succeeded in finding many more bones of Mammoth, Bear, Horse, and Reindeer. The most abundant were those of the Reindeer. These bones are in the National Museum. In 1875 I found Professor Leith Adams continuing the researches in Shandon Cave, on which he published a report in the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy.^ He incited me to look out for similar caves, and in 1879, in company with him, I started work at a small cave south of the Cappagh station at Ball3mamintra. It was nearly filled up with deposits, only six inches deep of an orifice being visible at first. We found uppermost, a dark brown earth containing the yellow broken bones of domestic animals and man ; with these were charcoal, hand-made pottery, bone implements, an amber bead and a polished stone celt. In the grey earth beneath this, which formed the second stratum, many bones and portions of antlers of Irish Elk. These were split, and 1 Proc. R. Dublin Soc, 1859. Nat. Hist. Rev., 1859^. Trans. R. I. Acad., vol. xxvi., 1876. A 2 40 Tlic Irish Naiuralisi. March, the ends of the marrow-bones broken off, as used to be done by all ancient peoples to the bones of Ox and other large animals. In the same stratum was much burned wood, the charcoal forming a layer in one place, also sea shells and hammer-stones chipped by repeated blows. These facts all point to the cave having been the retreat of the men who hunted and ate the Irish Elk. Under the grey earth was a floor of cr_vstalline stalagmite, which in one place was 3 ft. 6 in. thick ; and under this again, reposing on a floor of gravel or embedded in the stalagmite, were the jaws, teeth and bones of a huge species of Bear, and some bones of Reindeer. The Ballynamintra Cave, therefore, though a small one, gives testimony to three ages ; the Neolithic men left relics in the brow^n earth on top, the elk hunters in the grej- earth, and before the crystalline stalagmite was deposited the Grisly Bear lived on the gravel floor left by a subterranean river. The collections of objects found occupy a separate case in our Museum of Natural History. "• In 1S98 Mr. Plunkett of Ennis- killen described to the British Association the finding in a Co. Fermanagh cave of a Bear's skull, which is also in the Museum.-^ In 1 90 1, accompanied by Dr. Scharff and Mr. Cofiey, I worked a cave in Keshcorran Mountain, Co. vSligo, one of thirteen \vhicli penetrate a range of cliffs about 300 feet above the mountain's base. There were two distinct strata ; the up- permost, like that at Ballynamintra, contained bones of domestic animals and man, a polished stone celt, a bronze- ringed pin, part of a little iron saw, and a large boue needle and comb. But it also contained a metatarsus of Reindeer, beneath which charcoal was found, and this seems fair proof that the Reindeer had been brought in for food by man. The second stratum yielded many bones of Brow^i Bear and of the Arctic Lemming, an animal first found in Ireland by Dr. Scharff, who, while we were digging at the mouth of one of the caves, stooped down and exclaimed : " This place is a mass of little bones.'' This species of Eemming is not now found nearer than Greenland. Some remains of Wolf were found in both strata, as well as those of Red Dter. ' V^;w. R. I. Acad. (2), vol. ii., 1881 (abstract). Sd. Trans-. R, Ditbl. Soc, vol. i., 1881 (full Report). * Brit, Assocn. Report, 1 898, p. 885. 3 Trans. R. /. Acad., vol. xxxii., B, pt. iv.. 1903. igio. USvSHER. — Cave- Him ting. 41 In 1902 we commenced the digging out of a series of caves at Kdenvale and New Hall, in Co. Clare. These occupied me for three summers, and the number of bones and teeth sent up from them were estimated by Dr. Scharff at 70,000. Here again were two strata which had un- fortunately been much mixed by the digging of Badgers, but in the upper one we found numerous human bones, with those of domestic animals and charcoal, and relics of man}^ ages, from the flint scrapers and delicately pointed bone implements to the gold bracelet, objects of bronze and iron, plated buckle and band of bronze. A stone lamp, blackened internally by smoke of the wick, had been used by the cave dwellers. Bones of extinct animals were most abundant in the second or lower bed, but were by no means confined to it, and the cut and roasted bones of Bear, and a canine of that animal rudely cut across, showed 'that this animal had survived until hunted by man. The Arctic Lemming left remains in both strata, some of them looking fresh. Of Irish Elk and Reindeer (as well as Red Deer) great numbers of bones were found, some- times broken as if by man, and from these caves Dr. Scharff has recognised the jaws of a large Wild Cat and of Arctic Fox, both of them new to Ireland. Among the remains of birds of many species ^vere some of Crane, said to have been common in Ireland in the twelfth centur}', and also two bones of Great Spotted Woodpecker, and a large mandible of Hawfinch. These seem to have been members of the ancient fauna, though now rare and accidental stragglers. Elaborate reports on these caves have been published."" In 1904 the Mammoth Cave near Doneraile in North Cork became the scene of our labours, and it has proved to be by far the most important bone-cave in Ireland yet discovered. From it during five summers I have sent to the National Museum 86 baskets of fossil bones. These represent an earlier period than we know from the other caves I have referred to, except that of Shandon, and man and his domestic animals were practicall}^ absent. This cave system consisted of long, deep, narrow galleries worn along main joints by the solution of water. These had coalesced in places, forming large halls. Floors of crystalline stalagmite were frequent, sometimes covering the beds of sand and sometimes forming ceilings overhead, the materials on which they had been deposited ^ Trans, R, I, Acad,, vol, xxxiii., B, pt. i., 1906. 42 The Irtsh NaHc7alist. March, having been washed away. There was practically one deposit, triturated Old Red Sandstone carried by streams from the distant hills into the limestone tract. There was one and the same mammalian fauna, the bones being often admirably preserved except where the carnivora had gnawed and broken them. The prevailing animal was the Reindeer, which must have inhabited the district in enor- mous numbers at a time before the Red Deer existed, as the latter, though so common in other caves, was not found here. Remains of Irish Elk occurred in several places, but were scarce. Mammoth bones, which I had never found before, occurred in all parts of the cave system, and they had plainly been brought in by the Bears and Hyaenas, as the marks of gnawing on them were conspicuous. We found many remains of young Mammoths down to those of the youngest calves, and a fine series of young and old teeth. Of carnivora the Bear was most numerous, and, so far as we could discriminate by position, it was the more ancient, though found throughout. The Hyaena (first discovered here in Ireland) inhabited several of the galleries, left its prey and coprolites there, and in some cases died thereat a good old age. The bones of Hyaenas were not gnawed as those found in English caves were, probably from the abundance of other food. We found remains of Wolves, though not numerously, and also of Foxes, and of a very large description of Hare, w^hich occurred among the very oldest finds. Of bones and teeth of Lemmings there were enormous numbers, which time did not permit us to exhaust, as the process of riddling sand for them was a special and tedious work. In this cave Dr. Scharff has recognised the Scandinavian as well as the Arctic Lemming. The absence of several mammals common elsewhere was remarkable. Besides the Red Deer, the Pig and the Badger were wanting, facts which seem significant of the antiquity of this fauna.^ We hope to report fully ere long on chese extensive finds. A few words upon the methods of cave-work. It is not those caverns which are wide open, and contain abundance of loose wet earth, that are the most promising. Bone-caves are often choked up, almost to the roof, with successive deposits, and the entrance of the Mammoth Cave at first only afforded us access on our hands and knees. A cave that slopes inwards 1 Froc. R. I. AicuL, vol. XXV., P» , No. i., 1904. Irish A\U., vol. xv., 1904 pp. 237, 249. I910- VsswE^,—^Cave-Hu7iting, 43 is very laborious to work, as the materials must be carried up the slope. If level, they can be wheeled out in a barrow upon a line of planks, and the materials brought out should be carefully searched by daylight, if possible under shelter, as rain reduces them to mud. I found it an excellent plan to lay a couple of corn-sacks on the ground, like a carpet, and empty the barrow on these. When the clay or sand was searched the bags could be lifted, and the materials on them thrown out of the shed. Miners' picks were used, which have a point on one side only, as the second arm would hit against the cave-roof. A datum-level should be marked on the walls with paint, and carried through all branches of the cave, and fre- quent sections should be made with measuring-rods, tape and plumb line, showing the strata before removal, the outline of the walls, and the position of any remarkable object. The first thing, after taking preliminary measurements of this sort, is to sink a trench across the mouth of the cave which need not be more than 4 feet deep. If more than one distinct stratum is met with it is best to w^ork the first stratum out in each bench before disturbing the second ; but if no such distinc- tion can be made, the contents should be cut out in benches 4 feet deep from the surface, 2 feet from back to front and from side to side of the cave. The worker should be provided with candles, w^hich he can stick anj^where in the clay (lamps are unmanageable). He should have a hand-basket beside him in which to place the relics, and a small bottle in his pocket for the smaller objects. Care should be taken when a bone is met with not to pull it out of the clay, but dig round and under it so as to save it entire, as fossils are very brittle. The person in charge vshould be notified when a new bench is begun, and then all the objects from the former bench should be placed in a separate bag, with a label indicating the stratum and their position in the cave. They should be allowed to dry, and carefully packed in boxes or covered baskets. Samples of the strata should be kept, and water- worn or glaciated stones should be preserved and labelled. When the contents are removed 4 feet deep, if the cave admits of it, a second series of excavations may be made of the same depth : and finally the rocky floor should be reached, at least in places, as the geological evidence is of the utmost impor- tance even where animal remains are absent. Cappagh, Co, Waterford. ^.4 The Irish Naturalist > March, A FEW NOTEvS ON THE CAVE OF CLOYNE. BV F. HYDE MABERIvY, M.D. The Cave of Cloyne, while low and devoid of spectacular interest, merits more attention than has hitherto been paid it, on account of its extent, which is comparable to that of Mitchelstown Old Cave. Mitchelstown New Cave, according to the map published last year\ is contained within a rectangular area of 400 by 300 yards. Mitchelstown Old Cave according to the same authority would be contained in an area of about 225 by 160 yards. Cloyne Cave so far as the writer has been able to judge from an imperfect exploration, would require an area of about 200 by 200 yards to contain it, and may stretch for a greater distance. The only reference to it I have come across is in Smith's History of Cork, 1893, p. m. *' At the end of the Garden," i.e., the bishop's, ** is what we call the Rock Shrubbery, a walk leading under young trees, among sequestered crags of lime- stone, which hang many feet above our heads, and ending at the mouth of a cave of unknown length and depth, branching to a great distance under the earth, and sanctified l)y a thou- sand wild traditions, and which I have no doubt, sheltered the first wild inhabitants of the town itself, ' Cluain ' being the Irish name for a cave or place of retirement." This account is by Dr. Bennett, Bishop of Cloyne, 1794- 1820. The cave lies beneath a field, on the north side of the road which runs from Cloyne Round Tower, past the old bishop's garden, and about a quarter of a mile from the town. The west side of the field is bounded by the garden wall, that next the road is bordered by an irregular row of trees, and contains some narrow openings, leading into low passages, which doubtless communicate with the remainder of the cave, but are too low to make it advisable to start an exploration from this spot, unless one has plenty of time on one's hands. The north boundary is a hedge standing on a low limestone cliff. Crossing the field from the road, one notices a blocked-up swallow-hole in the middle, one of several former entrances which have been carefully filled up ; there are two smaller 1 Hill, Brodrick. anrl Rule, Proc Foyal Irisfi Academy, vol. xxvii. I9IO. MABERI.Y. — A Few Notes on the Cave of Cloyne. 45 swallow-holes similarly filled up near it ; consequently the present entrance must be sought for in the cliff before-men- tioned, after passing down a wooded slope and crossing a low stone wall. Some fifty yards w^est of this entrance, in front of the cliff before-mentioned, stands a limestone block, known as " The Headless Coach." Local tradition declares this to be an en- chanted vehicle, which formerly, drawn by headless horses, and driven by an acephalic coachman, paid nightly and un- welcome visits to those houses in the town where a death was imminent, and returning to the cave was again turned into stone. Behind this rock is a very narrow entrance to one of the finest galleries in the cave, which also forms the most direct route to the "Altar," of which more hereafter. That part of the cave visited was found to consist of a number of low roofed chambers, together with an apparent maze of connecting passages. I say " apparent," because a short study shows that these have resulted from the widening of fissures in the limestone ; these run at right angles to each other, consequently the maze really consists of a number of passages having an approximately N.N.K.-S.S.W., and E.S.H.-W.N.W. (magnetic) direction. This fact when appreciated helps the explorer considerably, for when progress is barred, one can so to speak, turn down a side lane into the next street, and continue one's original direction. Unfortunately from the sightseer's point of view the cave is disappointing ; here are no lofty vaults, no glittering icicles or translucent veils of stalactite, no marble-like stalagmite shafts, but everything is covered with a dull pall of deposited mud, for Cloyne lies in a valley, the gradient in the caves is ver}^ slight, and the w^inter floods stagnate for lengthened periods, the flood marks standing six feet high on the sides of the cave in places. No part of the cave visited seemed more than nine feet high. The entrance, like those to so man}" of these caves, lies at the foot of a low limestone cliff, and looks like a large rabbit burrow ; it slopes sharply down, and is so low that it must be passed by lying flat and "squirming " through ; once past this point it is possible to stand upright, but another dozen paces reveal a hole, somew^hat larger than a cycle w^heel, and A3 46 The Irish Naturalist. March, about four feet from the ground, through which the explorer must pass. One is now fairly in the cave ; to the west run a number of passages parallel with the face of the cliff; one of them a few yards away contains a large opening correlated to the one we have just emerged from, by its shape, position, and aspect. To the south the passages run in similar groups towards the road. Progressing in this direction and referring occasionally to the compass, without w^hich it is quite possible to execute an unintentional volte Jace while at the same time securing one's retreat by a ball of string, one sooner or later comes across one of the chambers, while a little further exploration will reveal the formation locally known as the " Altar." From the wall of a low but room}^ chamber projects a block of stalagmite-covered material, six feet high, and as man}^ wide ; two short columns descend from the roof to the front of this shelf, while the back-ground and roof are adorned with w^avy festoons of crystalline rock. A little in front of this and standing about four feet high, is a fantastic block, which requires but little imagination in the dim light, to transform it into a seated lion with drooping head. The " Altar" is near the largest vSwallow-hole visible in the field, and faces about north and south ; close to this chamber and to the west of it, is a straight passage nearly forty yards long, and opening to its west side into a network of low and narrow passages having no exit to the west ; there are many small sink-holes in the floor of these, which necessitate careful walking. Travelling in a south and west direction from the " Altar," that is towards the road, the roots of trees are presentl}^ seen to protrude from the roof, and the rumble of vehicles overhead may be heard. In several places hereabouts the rock is intersected by numerous vertical black and brittle laminae which strike east and west. In the vicinity of the road, most of the southerly-trending passages become too low to permit of further exploration, or in summer end in pools of water, while in autumn when one is wading knee deep most of the time, the increasing i9to» Mabkrx,y. — A Few Notes on the Cave of Cloytu, 47 depth of water has probably barred further advance, long before this point was reached. Returning to the "Altar" cave and working from it in a N.E. direction, one reaches another wide chamber, in which, however, one cannot stand upright ; the roof is covered with short pipe-stem stalactites, and supported b}^ a pillar-shaped mass somewhat like a font ; from this, one of the passages parallel with the face of the cliff can be reached, which followed in a west direction crosses one's original track. The gallery opposite the "Headless Coach" runs straight in for about thirty yards, from which point a passage can be picked in a S.E. direction to the " Altar Cave." I have not examined the entrance mentioned by Bishop Bennett in his garden. Given plenty of time I think one might be able to work one's way from the openings by the road to the present entrance, a distance in a straight line of perhaps two hundred and fifty yards. In conclusion, I should like to thank Mr. Creed, owner of the ground for permission to explore, as well as Capt. the Hon. F, G. Hood, R.E., for assistance in doing so. A. W. Walton, son of the Cathedral sexton, has accom- panied me through the Cave on several occasions. ' Crossliaven, Co. Cork. NOTES. BOTANY. Car ex ro strata, var. utriculata. Canx utriculata^ Boolt, in Hooker Fl. Bor. Amer., ii. (1840), p. 221. C. rostrata, With. var. utriculata, Bailey in Proc. Am, Acad. Arts and Sciences, 1886, p. 67. In " Mem. Torrey Bot. Club," i. (1889), p. 59, Prof. Bailey gives this sedge specific rank, saying that a study of much material, in field and herbarium, renders the differences between the European C. rostrata and this plant apparent. Dr.^ Britton, in " Man. PI. Northern States and Canada," keeps it as a species. Boott figures it in his " 111. Genus Carex," i., p. 14, t. 39 (1S58), and specimens are in the herbarium at Kew. Pf. Kiikenthal in * Das Pflanzenreich "^ (" Cyperaceae, Caricoideae," 1909), gives the Irish plant recorded in error as C. rhynchophysa as C. rostrata var. utriculata (Boott). ^ See Ann. Scott. Nat. Hist,, January, 1910. 48 The Irish NaiuralUt. March, Bailej says, " from the European species C. utriailata is separated by- grosser habit, lack ofstoloniferous character, broader and proportionately shorter leaves, heavier and more scattered spikes, of which the lower are less peduuculed, and much sharper scales " {I.e.). Bailey notes that Schkuhr in the index to his '* Nachtrag," (1806) makes " C. rostrata Weith " a synonym of C. atnpullacea. '•' Weith " is undoubtedly meant for " With." In the United States C. idrkulata occurs " In bogs entirel}- across the continent north of Ohio" (Bailey I.e.) In Canada, "Avery common Carex in marshes and streams from the Atlantic to the Pacific "' (Macoun " Cat. Canadian pi.," pt. 4 (1888), p. 171. Arthur Bennett. Croj'dou. Erica MackaiiO) in Donegal. I have received from Miss Lily Croftou, specimens of a Heath, which she found last summer growing in quantity on the shores of a lake near Gweedore. It most nearly approaches E. Maekaii, previously known only from a limited area in Connemara and in Northern Spain ; but it differs from typical Maekaii in some important characters. Miss Knowles and I hope to investigate the plant's standing during the coming summer. R. Ll^OYD PraeGER. Dublin. ZOOLOGY. Nyssia zonaria in Co. Mayo. When on a visit at Bingham Castle last May, I observed this insect abundantly on the sandhills on Blacksod Bay, also on the Atlantic shore, and on sandhills on the adjoining coast. Thomas Greer. TuUyhogue, Co. Tyrone. Aculeate Hymenoptera at Poyntzpass. I took specimens of the following species near Poyntzpass during last year: — Salius exaltatus, F., 9 , in a lane south of [Poyntzpass with high sheltering banks. It seems a favourite locality for Salius, as I have taken S. fuseiis there several times. This species does not seem to have been recorded from Ulster. Pemphredon lethifer. Shuck, ? , taken at the end of July in my own grounds. I have also taken it at Coolmore. This species makes its nest in the stems of the bramble, and like others of the genus provisions them with Aphides. Passaloeeiis corniger, Shuck, 9 , taken in my own grounds in beginning of October. I was much puzzled about this species owing to the scantiness of the hairs upon it, but Mr. E. Saunders very kindly determined it for me. Like the preceding species it makes its nests in bramble stems, also in decaying wood. It does not appear to have been recorded from Ireland previousl}-. Halietus nitidiusculus, Kirby, taken on the roadside a short distance from Poyntzpass ; there was a small colony in a bank. As these Halicti are 19IO. Notes, 49 somewhat difficult to separate I forwarded a specimen to Mr. B. Saunders who confirmed by determination. It appears to be a new record for Ulster. W. F. Johnson. Poj'ntzpass. Carychium minimum near Limerick. In the end of January while walking " cross-country " at Balliuacurra, near Limerick, I came across a deposit of drift of various kinds, and thinking that it might contain some shells I took home just one handful to examine at my leisure. On doing so, I found a few species repre- sented, but Carychium viinimiivi seemed to be rather plentiful, so much so that I started to count them, and from the one small parcel of drift, composed of leaves, grasses, and small twigs, &c., I obtained no less than 217 specimens. The drift had evidently come from an osier plan- tation which during a very high tide in the mouth, had been flooded from a stream which some few miles further on flows into the Shannon, and the water on going down had deposited the debris in pockets on the side of the plantation nearer to the stream. I intend to collect some more of this drift, and if any reader wishes some I will endeavour to supply on receipt of address. Harry Fogbrty. Linierick. > Recent Bird Records. Bi^ACK-TAiLED GODWIT {Limosa belgica). A small flock frequented Cork Harbour in December, 1908, and another flock was seen near Cork and Youghal in the following winter. Mr. Warren, who records these occurrences, adds some notes on Godwits in the Moy estuary [^Zoologist, January, 1910). Crossbil,!, {Loxia curvirostra). One at Donaghadee last October {British Birds, December, 1909). One on coast of Counaugbt {ibid., February 1910). Siskin {Carduelis spimis). Mr. R. Hamilton-Hunter records observations on several nesting pairs in north Wicklow {ibid.. November, 1909.) Rev. Allan KUison supplements these notes with others {ibid.., February, 1910). Gre;eni,and Falcon {Falco candicans). An immature male shot near I^arne, in December, 1909, is recorded by W. C. Wright {ibid., February, 1910). Gi^oSSY Ibis {Plegadis falcinell us). W. C. Wright records an immature bird shot at Bally frenis near Donaghadee, last October {ibid., February, 1910). GEOLOGY. A Parallel to the Submerged Cromleac of Rostellan, Co. Cork. In the Geological Magazine for January, a photograph (plate iv.), appears of a submerged cromleac near Ktel, Morbihan, resembling in its position the Rostellan cromleac, illustrated in Irish Naturalist, xvi. plate 32. 50 The Ifish Naiuralist. March, IRISH SOCIETIES. ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. January 25. — Annual meeting in the lecture theatre of the Royal Dublin Society, the President (Rt. Hon. Jonathan Hogg, D.L.). in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (Dr. R. F. Scharff) read the Report of the Council for 1909. There were 185,758 admissions to the gardens, and the receipts amounted to ^2 245, both figures being very similar to those for T908. The receipts from new members, ;^84o, show, however, a great increase. A special appeal to the members was issued, asking them all to aid the Council in making the aims of the Society better known and in obtaining more subscribers to the Gardens and more members for the Society, The response to this appeal was splendid. Never in the history of the Society have so many new members joined, so that nearly ;^ioo more than in any previous j'ear was realised from this source of income. In response to many representations on the part of members of the Society, it was decided to reduce the admission fee on Wednesdays to sixpence instead of one shilling. This accounts for a great increase in the sixpenny and threepenny takings during the year. Special facilities are also now given to members of the Society who are either heads of schools or large firms. They may obtain cheap tickets for their pupils or employes available on any day of the week. The Society has sustained a great loss in the death of its past President, Prof. D. J. Cunningham. Only a few years fgo the Council had to give expression to their regret for his departure from Dublin when he took up other duties in the Universit}^ of Edinburgh. But, though far removed from the scene of his former activities, he never for a moment lost his keen interest in the welfare of our Zoological Gardens. The Council always felt that their past President and former Secretary followed every step in the gradual development and progress of the Society with the same attention and keen sympathy that he had dis- played when still in Ireland. It is especially during the rebuilding of the old Lion House that the Council were vividly reminded of Professor Cunningham's devotion to the Zoological Gardens in connection with the beautiful " Roberts House," w^hich was built largely after his own ideas as an adjunct to the old house, the latter being only now superseded. On the 24th March, Canon Carmichael kindly gave a lecture on the subject of " Animals that I have known.'' Although no lantern slides were shown on this occasion, the lecture was a splendid success, being attended by crowds of visitors, including His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant. As before, the Council of the Royal Dublin Society lent their fine theatre for this lecture. Instead of having Military Band Performances, the Constabulary Baud played once, on June 12th, while a small ladies' orchestra performed on Saturday afternoons during the months of June, July, and August, on the Haughtou House Balcony. This music seemed to be appreciated by the public. 1910. Irish Societies. 51 Early in the year the Committee which had been charged \ty the City of Dublin Corporation to relieve the distress arising from want of employment, placed a number of the men free of charge at the disposal of the Council. Under Mr. F. W. Moore's direction, the}^ repaired the existing walks, and constructed several new ones which had been urgently needed, so that the men were most useful in carrying out a piece of work which will eventually benefit the citizens of Dublin. The rebuilding of the old Lion House was a great event in the history of the Gardens. The plans had been long and carefully considered by a special Committee, the whole system of new cages con- aining several entirel}- novel features. Every cage in the new house consists of two divisions, one of which is partly above the other and can be used when the first division requires cleaning or when an animal is shifted along to another den. Another improvement is one which has already been successful!}' tried in New York, and which the Committee, charged with the consideration of the plans wisely recommended to the Council for adoption. The difference between the heavy iron bars, which greatly obstruct the views of the Liens, Tigers, and Panthers, and the new steel wire fronts is a most striking one, and the members of the Press, who were invited on the i6th September, when the first section of the new house was opened, were loud in their praises of this innovation. The work, which is now completed, was carried out by the architects, Messrs. Batchelor and Hicks, of Dublin ; an esteemed member of Council, Mr. C.J. M'Carthy, giving, wherever possible, the benefit of his advice. Minor alterations, repairs, and improvements were almost constantly made in other buildings. These included during the past year repairs to the Aquarium tanks, the Giraffe House, Monkey House. Nesbitt Aviar}', the usual extensive painting, and some necessary drainage operations. No new buildings, other than the Lion House, could be attempted. Even as it is, the Society was to some extent in debt at the end of the year. Many new schemes, however, have been mooted as desirable whenever funds are available. More cages for Birds are urgently wanted especially for those requiring heat ; the Rears require better accommo- dation ; the Reptiles and Amphibians want more room and more light. It has been suggested by some enthusiasts that these neglected creatures ought not to share a house with diving birds and fishes, but that they are of sufficient importance to possess a home of their own. In that case a new Aquarium would have to be built. This in itself would be a boon to the Gardens. The existing structure certainly cannot be said to be suitable for the purposes for which it was intended. Some think the Badgers and Foxes should have a proper ornamental enclosure, where they can be seen at all times. Others would spend money on laying out the far side of the lake with large runs for the Deer, and provide mud baths so that the Wild Boar might be seen wallowing in his element. An Ostrich House is considered by some as the greatest desideratum of all. It has often been spoken about. Finally, many members of the Council are agreed that an Hospital, where the sick can be tended, where newly arriving ruminant animals can be deposited during their state- imposed period of isolation, and where every new comer may remain fo 52 The Irish Naturalist. March, a few days" inspection, quarantine, or repose, is one of the most pressing needs of our Gardens. It is to be hoped that some benefactor will come forward and provide the funds to enable the Council to carry out one or more of these useful schemes. All of them are feasible. Money is all that is required to carry them out. Ver\- great difficulties had to be overcome in housing the stock during the building operations. The Lions and Lionesses had to be kept apart» with the result that fewer cubs were born than usual. In fact only two cubs were born, the offspring of Conn and Vesta, which occupy the outdoor den. This is the fourth occasion, therefore, on which cubs have been born and reared entirely in an unheated outdoor cage. A splendid young Lioness was sent to the Zoological Gardens at Sydney in Australia, and a pair of cubs went to Rangoon in Burma. All these Irish-reared Lions reached their destination in excellent health and condition. In spite of the inconveniences arising from the causes alluded to, the number of Lions and Lionesses at present in the Gardens is only one less than last year. Altogether the Gardens possess nineteen Lions and Lionesses, of which fourteen are Irish-born animals. As the Society is now provided with special breeding dens, from the neighbour- hood of which the public can be excluded, it is to be hoped that some of the other large carnivores may be induced to take advantage of these facilities by imitating the example which has been set them by the Lions. Again three Puma cubs were born in the new outdoor Carnivore House. Two of these were females and one was a male. Among other births in the Gardens, a Zebu Bull and two Barbary Sheep, a Mongoose Lemur, Golden Agouti, a Canada Tree Porcupine, a Great Wallaroo, and several prairie Marmots are perhaps the most important. As during the year 1908, so also in 1909 almost all available funds were reserved to defray the cost of the new Lion House. Still a few gaps among the animals had to be filled. The few necessary purchases made were two Coypus, one Hoolock Gibbon, a vSea Lion, several monkeys, and a number of Birds; while a young Lioness, as already stated, was ex- changed with the Sydney Zoological Gardens for several different members of the Kangaroo tribe. During the past year the Council have had to deplore a most serious loss in the sudden death of the 3-oung female Giraffe, which was so generously presented to the Society by General Sir Reginald Wingate in 1903, and which had always been in the best of health. Professor Mettam, who has acted for many years as the Society's prosector, reports that the death of the Giraffe was probably primaril}- due to an attack of colic. This caused the animal to throw herself violently about and she fractured her jaw during a fall. Another valuable animal which was lost during the year was a young female Chimpanzee, popularly known as Jane, which was found to be suffering from a degeneration of the liver. A j^oung Seal died from gastri- tis, and a male Rhea from tuberculosis, while two Kangaroos succumbed to a new disease which has not yet received a name. Almost all other deaths were due to natural causes. Some Birds and an Otter escaped from i.g'^^o. Irish Societies. 53 the Gardens. On the other hand, many ducks and other birds reached the Zoological Gardens of their own free will, determined apparently to settle down there for good. The Society's Bronze Medal for competitors under 18 years of age for the best set of pictures was awarded to JMr. S. M. Linden, on the recom- mendation of the Council's Photographic Committee. The Honorary Officers and Council were elected, Dr. R, R. Leeper Prof. J. Wilson, and Mr. J. M. Colles being chosen to fill vacancies. The cash account shows a balance of ^'2,057 ^^ the commencement of the year, and of ^762 at the close, but there are outstanding liabilities estimated at ^'6co. /'2.360 have been expended'on buildings and repairs during the year. DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. November 9. Conversazione. — The Annual Conversazione was held in the Royal Irish Academy House. It was attended by a large number [of members and visitors. A good series of natural history exhibits were on view during the evening, and included the follow- ing:— C. V. Ball, odoriferous plants. Miss S. Bernard — Lycopodinm anno- tinnni^irom Langdale PikesJ. Bayley-Butler— living Reptiles, Amphibia, etc. ; microscopic exhibit. Botanical Division, Natural History Museum — StereoscojDe. with views of tropical vegetation ; Lentiniis kpidens var. hihsrnicus (from Glasnevin). George H. Carpenter — Photographs and literature from the Darwinian Centenary Celebration at Cambridge. G. Caulfield — Autumn tints, berries, and miniature shrubbery. G. A. J. Cole — Casts of remains of primitive man and his relations. N.C Igan — Various forms oi Senccio albescens. (See //-. Nat. and Jonrn. 0/ Botany, Dec. 1902). H. Gore Cuthbert— Irish insects. A. M. Dingwald — Water-colour sketches of hardy trees. H. W. Dunlop — ^Mounted seaweeds. Mrs. Rspinasse — A fungus from Mauritius ; cone from the silver-leafed tree, Cape of Good Hope. G. P. Farran and vS. W. Kemp — New marine records for Ireland: — CycJosalpa vor^ula^ Porocidaris pnrfiitraia, Poranio- moipJia 7'ilesa, Psiiasieropsis patagiatits, Mimaster Tizardi. N. H. P'oster— Maps to illustrate the distribution of woodlice in Ireland. R. Graham — Ornamental and berried shrubs. W. F. Gunu — Roots of sand-dune plants; experiment illustrating osmosis; parasitic fungi of fruit-trees ; microscopic exhibit. J. N. Halbert, M.R.I. A — Irish dragon-flies, from the National Museum. Thomas Harford — Spores of Equisetum. J. de W. Hinch — Specimens illustrating the geological history of the Burrow at Portrane. J. vStafford Johnson— INIicroscopic mounts, showing features of pond life. T. Johnson — Raffesia from Java. J. N. Milne— Irish non- marine Mollusca. A. R. Nichols— Rare Irish Polyzoa. H. L. Orr — Maps showing geographical distribution of Irish wasps. George H. Pethy- bridge, Ph.D., B.Sc. — Photographs of botanical interest : potato-mites. J. Pollock — VoeW o{ Lacerta vtvipara ; fossils from quarry near Skerries. A. Roycroft— Carboniferous fossils from St. Doulagh's. R. F. Sckarff— Skull and antlers of Reindeer from Ashbourne, Co. Meath ; skull and antlers of Red Deer from Moate, Co. Westnieath : wall map of Irish Elk. H.J. Seymour — Geological exhibit. Thomas Smyth — Microscopic exhibit. 54 1^h(^ Irish Naturalist. March, R. Southern, B.Sc— New Irish marine worms. A.W.Stel fox— European examples of Zrw/Z/VrVr; living specimens of ^(?/z!r w^w^r^/zV var. roseozottata from Fermanagh, and Helix horttnsis from Derry, collected Sept., 1908. Miss J. Stephens — Some Irish sponges. I. Swain, B.A. — Gnathobase of Hurypterus from Kiltorcan beds. R. J. Ussher, M.R.I.A, — Nests of British birds, chiefly from Ireland. Miss E. PI. Wilson — The Bleeding Tooth Shell ; bark cloth ; thorns from African thorn bush, Uganda ; Sahara palm lizard; Sahara sand fish; seed-pods of Martynia and Brachychiton. At 8.30 the chair was taken by the President, G. H. Pethybridge, Ph.D., who called on the Rev. W. vS. GrEEn, M.A.,to deliver his lecture, ' Scenes in the West of Ireland." The lecture was illustrated by numerous lantern slides, and dealt with the experiences of the lecturer during the course of his scientific work on the West Coast of Ireland. January 15. — About 40 members and friends visited the Zoological Gardens, and under the conductorship of the Superintendent, Captain Arbuthnot, examined the many features of interest in the Gardens. The conductor pointed out how a number of sick animals, which had come to the Gardens, either from their homes or from other Zoological Gardens, had quite recovered owing to the great care bestowed on them. January i8.- — The annual business meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Irish Academy House, the President (George H. Pethybridge) in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (J. Bayley Butler, M.A., M.B.), read the annual report for the year. A slight increase of membership was noted. Reference was made to some rare plants found during the summer excursions, noiohly—Fesittca nnighimis and Trifoliiivi glomeratiim at Brittas Bay, and the exceedingly rare Eriophorum latifolitwi at Fassaroe. The Hon. Treasurer (H. Gore Cuthbert) then read his report, which showed the financial position of the Club to be much the same as last year. Both reports were adopted. The list of officers and committee members for 1910, as announced, was — President, R. J. Ussher, D.L., J. P., M.R.I.A. ; Vice-President. W. F. Gunn ; Hon. Treasurer, H. Gore Cuthbert ; Hon. Secretaries, J. Stafford Johnson, B.A. ; Alfred H. Toppin. Committee, C. F. Ball, J. Bayley Butler, M.A., M.B. ; Prof. G. H. Carpenter, B.Sc. ; Miss F. Elmes, M.A. ; Miss Garner, J. de W. Hinch, Miss M. C. Knowles^ C, B. Moffat, B.A. ; George H. Pethybridge, Ph.D ; R. U. Praeger, B.A.,' B.E. ; R. Southern, B.Sc. ; Alex. Williams, R.H.A. Votes of thanks were passed to the outgoing officers, the Academy, and the Dublin Press. On the termination of the business R. J. Ussher delivered his presi dential address on " Cave Hunting," which was illustrated by m&ny fine lantern slides, and dealt with several caves explored some years ago by the President himself, and the many interesting remains found therein. The address is published in our present issue. P'ebruary 5.— a visit was paid by the Club to Bray Head and Kilrud- dery, where, under the conductorship of Prof. G. A. J. Cole, M.R.I.A., a large number of interesting geological features were examined. Some recently uncovered rocks provided excellent examples of the action of ice on rocks, while in places the layers showing the deposition of sand and mud were seen to great advantage. The conductor dealt at great length on the formation of fissures in the rocks and the difficulties they presented to engineers when constructing water-works 19 ro. Irish Societies 55 February 8. — The fourth busiuess meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Irish Academy house, the Vice-President (W. F. Gunn) in the chair. George Ryce, B.A., A.R.C.S., gave an interesting lecture on the mining and uses of Potash Salts. In the course of his lecture he exhibited man}' fine lantern slides, showirg the machinery and methods of work in the potash mines of Germany, from which practically all the potash salts of the world are obtained. The lecturer also dealt very fully with the relation of potash salts to artificial manures, and showed the results of experiments carried out m Ireland on the subject of these manures. W. F. Gunn and H. W. D. Dunlop discussed the lecture with SDecial reference to the value of artificial manures and the action of potash salts on cereals. George Ryce, B.A., was elected a member. DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. January 12.— The Club met at Leinster House. Dr. G. H. Pethybridge (President) exhibited the parasitic fungus Colletotriclmm Lindetnuthianum Briosi et Cavara, growing on bean pods. These had been obtained in the autumn of 1909, from a fruiterer's shop in Dublin, and were doubtless grown in this countrj-. The fungus has not been hitherto definitely recorded for Ireland though enquiry showed that it has apparenth' been noticed occasionally. It is very prevalent in some parts of the United States of America and to such an extent that in some cases beans cannot be successfully grown. Considerable work has been done on the disease produced by it especially at the Cornell University Agricultural Experi- ment Station but no satisfactory method of combating it has yet been discovered. It is interesting as being one of the few cases in which a fungoid disease is transmitted from one season to the next by means of the seed, and when once a crop is infected with the disease it is prac- tically impossible to secure healthy seed from it. J. N. HaIvBERT exhibited a new British beetle Ciyptophagtis biviaculatiis^ Pauz. It occurs, not uncommonly, amongst the large reed beds on the shores of Ivough Neagh at Shane's Castle. The species may be easily separated from the known British Cryptophagi by the black marking on the wing cases, and the structure of the side margins of the thorax. It inhabits northern and central Europe and Siberia. (See Irish Naturalist, 1910, pp. 30-1). D. M'Ardi^e showed adventitious budding in recently collected speci- mens oi Lejeunea flava, Luz., one of the rare foliaceous liverworts. The process was shown in various stages of development, from the early buds with simple cells, to others with the cells divided, further changes show- ing traces of leaves, and lastly a shoot with perfect leaves and stipules or under-leaves formed on the stem. The next stage would be the forma- tion of root-hairs, and the young plant under favourable circumstances, when separated from the parent would develope and bear fertile anthe- ridia and archegonia and also repeat the life history through what is known as the asexual mode. A diagram of the plant highly magnified accompanied the exhibit. Lejeunea flava is also interesting as being a native of the Amazon valley. 36 The Irish Naturalist. March, REVIEWS. PLANT FORM AND MIGRATION. Die nordischen Alchemilla vulgaris-Formen und Ihre Vcrbrcltung", Ein Beitrap; zur Kcntniss der Kimvanderuug der Flora Feuuoscaudias niit besonderer Rilcksicht auf die fiulandiscbe Flora. Von Harat^d Lindberg. Pp. 170 with 20 plates and 15 maps. Ada Soa'efatis Sa'evtianini Fe}inicat\ Tome xxxvii, No. 10. Helsiugfors, 1909. The production of this admirable monograph of the Alcheniilla vulgaris group of segregates has evidently been a labour of love with Dr. Liudberg. He has devoted many years to the work and has not only made himself master of all the literature of the subject but has examined from 8.000 to 10,000 specimens drawn from such widely separated regions as the Dublin Hills, the Greenland coasts, the shores of the White vSea, and the basaltic plains and plateaux of Iceland and the Faroes. The result is to give so complete a presentment of the distribution of the forms through Northern Europe that the author is fully justified in the hope expressed in his introduction that future re-search M'ill not materially modify the conclusions arrived at. The monograph is divided into three .sections, the Historical, the Special and the General, and a brief survey of these will best exhibit the singular thoroughness of the work which is at once .scholarly and scientific. It is, in short, ^^riiudlich, to borrow a word from the tongue in which Dr. Lindberg writes. The first section is made up of an ex- haustive and most interesting survey of the literature of AlcliemiUa vitlgaj-is and its segregates from the appearance of the Kreuterbuch of Brunfels in 1488, where '• unser Frawen mantel" is first fignred, down to C G. Westerlund's Studier i'lfver de Svciiskafornicrim af Alcheniilla 7'ulgaris, published at Norrkoping in rgoj. The first part of this historical survey from Brunfels to Linne is arranged in chronological order, the second from Linne down to the present century is grouped by countrie.s, Great Britain leading, followed by Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Ru.ssia. Hardly any work of importance appears to have been over- looked. Even the .scanty botanical literature of this remote old island of ours has been conscientiou.sly explored, and Mackay's Floia Hibcrniia and the modest Irish Naturalist have been dragged into light. But Mr. Praeger's Gleanings in Irish Topographical Botany has eluded the author's research, with the result that the Irish distributioi: of the three segregates known to occur in our island has been understated by from 6 to 7 county divisions. Passing to Scandinavia, the rich botanical lore of Norway and Sweden, .so far as it bears on the authors theme, is skilfullv condensed and reviewed. The by no means meagre contri- butions of Danish and I'innish botanists are also passed in review, and the result of Dr. Eindberg's polyglot re.searches is to provide the student with the quintessence of all that has been written on the subject of the AUhemilla -.vulgaris group in Northern Europe from the banks of the Liffev to the banks of the Neva. I9IO. Reviews. 57 lu thi.s historical survey the abstract of Svaute Murbeck's important papers on Parthenogenesis in the group is of special value, as showing the permanence of the various forms and the general impiobabilit}- of the occurrence amongst them of those In brid products which are the despair of the monographer in such genera as Salix and Rumex and Kpilobium. The conclusions arrived at b}- IMurbeck after long continued research were published in the Botauiska Notiscr'\\\ 1897 and 1901. Here he shows that amongst the Northern and Mid-European Alcheniilla forms perfect pollen grains are rarely or never produced, so that the embryo is developed out of the ovum without fertilization. The seed in fact must be regarded as a portion of the mother plant which has become independent by a purely vegetative process and in consequence of its asexual or apogamous origin is capable of producing only the distinctive characters of that mother plant. The concluding pages of the historical section pp. 36-38 will probably be read with the greatest interest and with the closest scrutiny b\' Irish botanists who are prone rather to synthesis than to anal3sis; for in these pages Dr. landberg defends the position he has confidently taken up that the various northern forms of the AUJicj)iillavnlga)is group are " good species." He notes the difference of opinion which has ex- isted and still exists amongst botanists as to the constancy and precise value of the distinctions relied on for the separation of these forms, and he frankly admits, too, the variability within the limits of each form of the very characters relied on as distinguishing it from neighbouring forms, such as the lobing of the leaf, the number of teeth in each lobe, and the greater or less degree of hairiness of leaf and stem and inflorescence. And yet there is no trace of hesitation in the final judgment which he pronounces in these words: " lam entirely of Buser's opinion that the northern AlcJumilla forms known to me are as clearly distinct one from the other as any species recognized as 'good' by all botanists." But there is a marked sobriety in Dr. Lindberg's anal3-sis of the old collective species of Linnaeus, He admits to the large north European area of which he treats, an area including roughly all P^irope north of the 55th parallel of latitude, only fourteen segregate species with one sub-species and one variety, and treats as a botanical curiosity M. Gandoger's elaboration of no less than seventy- six species out of the Ivinueau aggregate. In this penetrating analysis of the French botanist {lUora Etiropa^ Tome viii.) eighteen species ad- ditional to those accepted by Dr. Lindberg, from Buser and other authors are allocated to northern Europe ; and it may be of interest to Irish botanists to learn that three of these eighteen, i.e., A. hibcniica, A. omissa and A. piiiilosa, are credited to Ireland. In judging of the validity of the fourteen species accepted by our author, the critic is not left to depend solely on the descriptions in the text, full as they are. He is provided with a series of admirable plates, almost life size, reproduced by process from herbarium speci- mens and representing all the forms dealt with. So accurately and so beautifully are these reproductions executed, even the texture being faithfully rendered, that the student as he pores over them is at times almost beguiled into imagining that he has before him a selectioii of 58 The Irish Natiualist. March, sheets from Dr. Liudberg's herbarium. An honest and careful study of these plates and of the appropriate text will go far towards con- vincing the most confirmed "lumper" that for the majority of the segregates the distinctions are real if not always easy to be graspe dor expressed. The following are the species accepted by Dr. Liudberg for northern Europe — A. viinor Huds., A.alpestris Schmidt, A. /m/^;mi- Schmidt, A. pubescens (Lam.) Buser, A. plicata, A. pastoralis, A. micans, A. s/rigtilosa, A. subcrenata, A. acutangtila, A. glotnerulans and A. obitisa, all of Buser, A. hirsuti- caiilis of the author himself and A. aeiitidens of Buser as amplified b}' the author so as to include three of Buser's species. Of 'these four- teen species only the three first-named are Irish. These also occur in Great Britain, and both in Ireland and in Great Britain the first is by far the most wide-spread and abundant, and the last the rarest. The only form not common to the two islands is the sub-species A. minor Huds, * ;?/zVa«//i- (Buser), Lindb.-fils. This is absent from Ireland, but occurs in Forfar and In\'^rness in Scotland, and in several stations in the Shetlands, The second division of the monograph, the systematic or special part gives the fullest possible description and synonymy of each form with an introductor}' synopsis and an exhaustive list of localities arranged by countries, special prominence being given to the area with which the author more particularly deals, Fenuoscandia or Finland and the adjacent peninsula of Scandinavia to which it is joined by the wide Karelian Isthmus. A set of fifteen well executed outline maps of Northern Europe on a sufficiently large scale (6-in. by 8^-iu.), is given, one for each of the forms dealt with and on these the distribution is clearly marked b)- a red dot for each distinct station, so that the peculiar range of each of the segregates can be seen at a glance. The numerous definite British localities given for these forms are taken from herbarium specimens submitted to the author by Messrs. W. H. Beeby, G. C. Druce, H. and J. Groves, E. S. Marshall, and C. E. Salmon. The Irish distribution is mainly drawn from E- F. Linton's paper on the " Distribution of the Alchemilla vulgaris group in Ireland," published in the 9th volume of the Irish NaUiralist (April, 1900), the names of many well-known Irish botanists, Miss M. C. Knowles, R. Lloyd Praeger, S. A. Stewart and others appearing frequently in Dr. Lindberg's lists of localities. To these are added a few localities drawn from material supplied to the author b)' G. C. Druce, C. E. Salmon and the writer of this notice. Although these records add but one county, Dublin, to the hitherto known Irish dis- tribution of the group it may be well to cite them all here. They are as follows : — A. pratensis Schmidt— Antrim, Sallagh Braes, 1897, C. H. Waddell (h. C. E. Salmon). A. viinor Hudson— Dublin, Ballynascorney, 1881 ; Blanchardstown, 1903 ; Crooksling Glen, 1903, all N. Colgan in Herb. Colgan. Antrim, Sallagh Braes, 1897. C. H. Waddell. A. alpestris Schmidt— Dublin, Ballynascorney 1881 and 1903 ; Kelly's Glen, 1903 ; Glassamuckey Glen, 1905 ; north slope of Seecaun, 375 m., 1903, all N. Colgan in Herb. Colgan.— Sligo, Ben Bulben, 1906 G. icjro. Reviews. "59 C. Druce (hb. Druce)— Antrim, Sallagh Braes, 1897, C. H. Waddell (hb. C. E. Salmon). To touch on a point of nomenclature, it should be noted that the name A. minor Huds, has been substituted in the monograph for A. fiilicaiilis Buser applied by E. F. Linton in the Irish Naturalist in 1900, to what was then and still remains by far the most widely distributed in Ireland of the three forms which occur there. This change is justified by Dr. Lindberg in a passage on p. 22 of which the following is a rendering : — •' I have adopted Hudson's name for A. filkaiilis Buser var. vestita because Hudson meant to refer to the hirsute form. This appears partly from his use of the words /-, and by discovering there specimens of blind springtails, he first showed the interest of the living fauna of Irish caves. In the same year he took his degree, and was appointed Director of the Museum in Trinity College. In 1858 he ^vas appointed Lecturer in Zoology in Trinity College and Lecturer in Botany in Dr. Steeven's Hospital Medical School, and he was chosen Secretary for the Royal Geological Society of Ireland and Secretary for Section D. of the British ^Association. He continued secretary of this section for several years and was always very much interested in the work of the Association. It is a proof of Wright's remarkable energy and capacity for work that while he was discharging all these duties he was at the same time able to keep pace with his undergraduate medical studies and did not give up his work in Natural Science. In 1862 he took his M.D. degree, and determining to practice as an oculist, with characteristic energy he studied this branch of surgery specially in the Medical Schools of Berlin, A'ienna, and Paris. By 1865 he had begun to make a position for himself among Dublin oculists. In this 3'ear he visited the Aran Islands and made a contri- A 62 The Irish JVaturaiist. April, butioii towards the knowledge of their flora. It was duriug the same year that Wright was appointed locuvi teiiais for Harvey, then Professor of Botany in Trinity College — an event which seems to have caused him to determine definitely to take up Science as his profession. Consequentl}^ he gave up ophthal- mological work in 1866. In 1865 his attention was called to the fossils of the Jarrow colliery, and with Huxley he published in the following year an important memoir on the fossil Amphi- bia of the Kilkenny Coal-measures. The greater part of 1S67 was occupied by Wright in a expedition to the Seychelles Islands, which he made with the object of studying the fauna and flora of this group. Notwithstanding the loss of his collecting apparatus and materials by shipwreck on the w^ay out, he brought home importaiAt collections, which were described subsequently by him in a long series of papers published in various journals. These papers in their happy style often reflect some of the southern sunshine of which Wright was so fond, and the story of how he brought home a live leopard, which terrified the custom-house oflicers at Suez, and trans- ported living sjDecimens of the fish Haplochilus Playfairii Gthr. from the Se3'chelles to France possess anecdotal as well as scientific interest. He spent the spring of 1868 in Sicily collecting with Haliday, and the autumn of the same year dredging off the coast of Portugal. The spoils of these tours were also described, and the papers dealing with them form very interesting reading for naturalists, not only on account of the scientific results obtained, but also of the enthusiasm for nature which appears in every line. In 1869 Wright w^as appointed University Professor of- Botany and Keeper of the Herbarium in Trinity College. During the first years of his professorship he was still engaged in work on his Seychelles and South European collections. In 1877 Wright commenced to publish a series of memoirs on the structure and development of Algae, which won the appre- ciative recognition of Bornet in 1879. The value of his work was enhanced by the fact that it was constantl}^ controlled by observations on living specimens, a feature, according to Bornet, then exceptional in the work of British algologists. The work on Algae was put aside to draw up the Report, with Th. Studer, on the Alcyonaria of the Ort//r7/^<:r expedition. This was not completed till 1888. During this time Wright spent a great deal of energy on arranging the Herbarium, and if it had 19IO. Edward Perceval Wright. 63 not been for his devotion and painstaking toil at a critical time, the usefulness of the collection would have been seriously impaired. The history of these events he records in the first number of the " Notes from the Botanical School of Trinity College" — a journal which owes its existence to Wright's energy and generosit}^ He further showed his affection to the department of which he was head by presenting to it his valuable collection of botanical books and journals. In 1S94 Wright visited the Pyrenees, and brought back several ad- ditions to the Herbarium, and the spring of 1895 ^^ spent collecting in Algiers. In 1904 he resigned his professorship after a tenure of 35 3^ears. In addition to his researches on Distribution and on Sys- tematic Biology, Wright bore an active part in many scientific societies and was officiall}' connected with several scientific j^ublications. Among these activities may be mentioned his connection with the " Natural History Review," as founder and editor, as Secretary with the Dublin University Zoological and Botanical Association, with the Royal Geological Society of Ireland, and with Section D. of the British Association. He was an original member of the Dublin Microscopical Club, whose meetings in his rooms at Trinity College are happy memories to man}' naturalists. He was president of the Natural History Society of Dublin in 1872, and in 1874 he became Secretary of the Royal Irish Academy and editor of its publications. He was also editor for some time of the publications of the Royal Dublin Society. In these various capacities he showed remarkable energy in forwarding the welfare of the institutions with which he was connected, and his generosity, when need arose, could always safely be counted upon. He displayed the same activity and generosity towards antiquarian research, and the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland marked its appreciation of his ser- vices in forwarding its aims by electing him President in 1900. Wright had a great interest in his fellow-workers in science, and his desire to help the work of others brought him into personal contact with a large number of his colleagues, not only in the British Isles, but also on the Continent and in America. It was always a pleasure to him to speak of these friends, and anecdotes of them formed a feature of his con- versation. Hknry H. Dixon. A 2 64 The h'ish Naluralist. Apri^ A HOLIDAY IN SOUTH-WESTERN IRELAND. NOTES ON SOME FALSE-SCORPIONS AND OTHER ANIMALS OBSERVED IN THE COUNTIES OF KERRY AND CORK. BY H. WAELIS KEW. The counties of Kerr}' and Cork, with their remarkable fauna and flora, had long exercised on me a sort of magnetic influence ; and it ^va.s thus with indescribable delight that I found nn'self, on August i6th last, already at Kenmare ; comfortably settled at the Southern Hotel — the headquarters of the Irish Field Clubs during their excursions of 1898 — and face to face at once with such a plant as Saxifraga umbyosa on its native rocks. I had read, of course, of the advantages of this place from a naturalist's point of view, of the grandeur of the bay and of the mountains, of Geomalacus-inhabited rocks, and of the woods of Oak and Arbutus that were within easy reach ;^ and it seemed that here, if anj^where in these Islands, one might expect to make discoveries in the much neglected xA.rachnida-Pseudoscorpiones which were — and still are — the principal objects of my care. The first two days were spent in the immediate neighbour- hood of Kenmare, where it was good to see Bartsia viscosa enlivening the road-sides, and delightful to behold Cetcracli officinaruni and all its more numerous kindred in the natural ferneries by the bay ; while in all directions, more in the open, the grand luxuriance of Osinitnda rcgalis surpassed ever}' expectation. Oi wioWw^cs^ Piipa anglica, which I had never seen alive before, was in great abundance ; but of false- scorpions it was somewhat disappointing to find onlv two, Obisium viuscoruDi and ChtJionius Rayi, both common and widely distributed species. It seemed likely, however, that Obisium maritivnim — unrecorded for Ireland — might be await- ing discovery on the shores of the bay. If so, it would be living between tide-marks, and to find it one would have to split open narrow old-standing rock-fissures or overturn large stones lying more or less embedded in permanent resting- places ; and much time was, in fact, devoted to this rather laborious pursuit. The first attempts were made at no great distance from the suspension bridge ; but the fissures opened here were not quite of the required character, being wet and "^ Irish y\^rt'/., yii. (1898), 201-206. igto. Kkw. — Animah of South-Wcsieui Ireland. 65 silted up ; and the}- were oiteii monopolised by a small crusta- cean, a ver}' odd creature, of which the sexes were remarkably unlike, the male having a square head and large mandibles. This animal was, as Dr. W. T. Caiman informs me, Gnathia inaxilJaris, or a species very near that : it was living here in more or less definite channels in the silt with which the fissures were tilled ; and one may inquire perhaps, since the use of the male's mandibles is said to be unknown, whether they are emploved in the formation of the channels which seemed to be used b}' the creatures in common. No trace of Obisijwi viaritimum was found at this place ; h\\\. perhaps it might occur, in more completely marine conditions, less near the head of the bay? Accordingly on August iSth I set out along the road which goes under Mucksna, by the townlands of Killaha, and so to Dawros Point, whence for two miles or more it runs close to the bay almost on the shore itself; and hereabout, on the rather flat shore behind Brennel Island, Obisimn ma7-ifim7cm was found at last.' It was [^living in some plent}^ in half gregarious fashion, under large stones more or less embedded in moderately moist gritt}' mud — never under unstable ones or under those lying in a bed saturated with water — and on that part of the shore inhabited by Littorina rudis and Paht- destrina stagnalis, that is to say between the region of densely seaweed-covered rocks and that of Juncus and Thrift. The stones themselves were w4th or without small growths of sea- weed, and they would doubtless be submerged at every tide. On turning them over, one saw the Obisium, and often several, seated on the moist under-surface of the stones, w^here from their odd figure and from being deeply coloured and intensely glossy they were striking and conspicuous objects ; on the same surfaces one saw, in almost every case, vast herds of the small bluish CoUembolan Anurida maritima^ and generally also, slowly moving about, a few individuals of the white- shelled mollusc Ovatdla bidentaia^ and, running about rather rapidly in all directions, good numbers of the little yellowish carabid-beetle Aepiis Robifiii'^; sometimes, moreover, small blackish staphylinid-beetles jWcralymma brevipomc and Horna- lata halobredha were present ; and of other creatures there ^ Irish Naf., xviii. (1909), 249. 2 For the name of this beetle, and of the others mentioned in these notes, I am indebted to Mr. J. N. Halbert. 66 The Irish Nafifralist. April, were sundry small crabs, and, coiled up in hopeless fashion long sticky nemertines. One saw too on these surfaces white objects recognisable as the moulting and brood-nests of the Obisium. The moulting-nests were in some cases empt}' or contained onh' the moult ; but more often they were tenanted by an animal about to moult or just moulted : while the larger brood-nests, except some old torn ones, contained the im- prisoned female, either with the brood-mass attached or surrounded by the brood of free 3'oung. The 3'oungers at this age are of a beautiful olive-green colour ; and being f ull}^ active they seemed ready at once to make their escape when the nests were opened. Next day I arranged to be put down three miles further on the same road near the Cloonee Loughs, and went over to some of the islands ; of these the Middle Lough has man\% the smaller rock}- ones being of great beaut\', standing as they do with bare sides well out of the water, sometimes with Osmunda more than brow-high about flood-level, and about their tops with dense arboreal vegetation, including Arbutus,^ which I here saw for the first time and with much delight. On one of the larger islands in this lough, the sifting of dead leaves brought to light Obisium ^iiiiscorum ; an animal already obtained, b}' the same method of collecting, in one of the woods at the foot of iVIucksna. Afterwards, by the Kenmare Road, were seen some striking varieties o{ Avion «/^r, with the sides pale and the back reddish-brow^n or blackish, or in one case of a deep distinct olive. The like of this last I never saw before : but it appears that olivaceous varieties of this slug are by no means unknown near the shores and on the islands of the West of Ireland."-^' The principal business of this excursion, however, was a further search for Obisium- viaritiviuvi on the shores of the bay ; and this animal was found eventualh', behind the rather high island called Ormond's, on a rocky shore, and under conditions somewhat different from those of the previous da}'. On higher parts of the shore among Juncus and Thrift, but still within reach of high-tides, many immature individuals occurred in mouitino-nests under stones ; but the main colonies were lower down, and would no doubt be under rather deep water at every tide. The animal was living here, in fact, in narrow vertical fissures of slaty rocks which were densel}' ^ Irish Nat., vii. T.S98. pis. iv, and xii. 2 Sii\ TrauH. Koy. Dub. Soc. (n.s.), iv. (1S91), 555. I9IO. Kew. — Aniinah of South-Wes,ie7ii Ireland. 67 seaweed-covered and studded over with Patella and sea- anemones. On breaking away the layers of rock so as to expose the inner surfaces of the fissures, one saw — as under the stones behind Brennel Island — not only the Obisium and its nests, but also Anurida, Ovatella, and Aepus, the first named in vast assemblages ; and there were here in addition scarlet mites, and larvae and pupae of a beetle, no doubt Aepus. Obisium. luaritiimuu was also found on the opposite shores of the Bay near the quay at Greenane ; a single individual in the act of sucking the juices of Anitrida Diarifima. Here also, and elsewhere, were some marine or half-marine centipedes; those I brought awa}' were — as Mr. R. I. Pocock informs me— Linotaenia mai-itima', but these animals were never imme- diately associated with the Obisium, and the}' seemed to inhabit moister places. This was on the occasion of a rather long walk along the Sneem Road, through Templenoe, as far as Blackwater Bridge ; where, in the small wood near the river, a fourth false-scorpion, CJithojiius tdrachelaUfs^\\2i9> found ; and this animal was found also on two excursions undertaken from Kenmare on the old road to Killarney. This road runs over the hills in a determined manner, taking a remarkabh' direct course, and crossing on its way a sur- prising number of rivers. At about four miles from Kenmare it reaches the crest at 1,063 feet, passing here between Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish ; and hereabout I was much pleased to see a pair of Choughs feeding close to the road- way. Leaving the road at this place, and scrambling to the top of Knockanaguish and over towards the north-west, I came down at length to the shallow Cumnienslaun Lake ; and was rewarded hy finding the greater part of it occupied in charac- teristic extended order by Lobelia Dortma^ina ; a plant I had long wished to see, and which, as I afterwards found, was already out of flower in lower waters. From Knockanaguish are seen towards the north, the famous wooded hill-sides about the Lakes of Killarney ; and even if one keeps to the road, as was done on one of tliese occasions, this long desired countr}* comes into view as soon as the crest is passed ; and after a steep descent and much walking in the Ullauns valley one comes at lavStto Galway's Bridge — a place of much grandeur — where the united Galway's and Ullauns Rivers commence their fall over the rocks into the Upper Lake. All the rocky slopes hereabout are wooded, no doubt in the main natural !>', 68 7he Irish Naliiralist, April, the rich green of Arbutus being conspicuous here and there among oak and holly. It was in these places that I had hoped to find some of the arboreal Chelifers (^..<> feet produced the three spiders just mentioned as well as small beetles and spring-tails in plenty, but no false- scorpions ; and the turning over of fallen pieces of rock was equally ineffective, at least down to 1,500 feet, whereabouts a single Chthonius tctrachelatus was found, which was the only false-scorpion seen on Mangerton. One day only now remains ; and opportunity must be taken to say something of Chtho7iius Rayi, an animal not seen on the mountains, but found in several places about Killarney as well as at Kenmare and Glengariflf, always rather near the towns; it was found to-day, under somewhat di£ferent conditions, where the Kenmare road runs under Tore Mountain close by the Middle Lake of Killarney, the animal occurring here on the rocky naturallj-wooded shore of the lake in some plenty. Some sifting of dead leaves in the woods near Tore New Bridge brought to light only Obisintn niuscorum ; and some further sifting, this time of flood-refuse, on the shore 01 the Upper Lake was entirely unsuccessful ; and thus there is little to record for this last day ; which was nevertheless, with glorious weather, one of the most enjoyable of all. 12, Herndon Road, Wandsworth, London, S.W. ^ /risk Nat., viii. (1899), 216. "^Proc. R. I. A. (3) v., (1898), 165 ; xxvii. (1909), 106. A 4 74 'I he Irish Naturalist. April, ADVANCES IN IRISH MARINE ZOOLOGY. (third report). by r. f. scharff, ph.d., m.r.i. a. Two previous articles on this subject have appeared in the hish Naturalist.^ Since the last date the praiseworthy activity of the zoologists attached to the Fisheries Branch of the Irish Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction has resulted in the production of a large number of valuable reports. Other reports, mainly on the material collected b)'' the Department's cruises, have been contributed by some of the staff of the Dublin Natural History Museum. A few of the many papers dealing with Irish Marine Zoology have already been alluded to in the Irish Naturalist ^ and are there- fore omitted in this brief survey. In my last article I commented principally on the investi- gations during the years 1 905-1 906. I now propose to deal with the reports of the Fisheries Branch of the Department, and other papers up to the end of last year.^ The various notes and essays may be grouped with advantage under different headings, as has been done on previous occasions. The reports on Eel fr}^ and Salmonidae, though not alto- gether belonging to marine zoology, may as well be dealt with here, as they are mostly concerned with these parti}' marine and partl}^ freshwater fishes. General Biology. — Professor Milroy's paper ^ on the occa- sional variations in the quantit}^ of glycogen present in Oysters is not of apparent practical importance, but as ghxogen is a chemical reserve material stored up in all animal tissues, the determination of the quantity of this valuable asset in the body of an oyster at any particular time will help us in esti- mating the nutriment value of this important food suppl)' at different periods. In order to extend our knowledge of the surface drift of the Irish sea, Mr. Cunningham,^ at Professor Gregg Wilson's suggestion, decided to carry out some very useful experiments with artificial floats containing post-cards. Over 1,200 such * September, 1906, and July, 1907. 2 [Including Fisheries, Inland, Set. Invest., 1907. ix. 1909]. ' Mii.ROY, J. A. — Seasonal variations in the quantity of glycogen present in samples of oysters. Fishtries, Ireland, Set. Invest., l^O"], iv. [1909]. * Cunningham, C. xM.— Report on the drift of the Irish Sea. Fisheries, Ireland, Sii. Invest-^ 1907, vii. [1909]. I9IO- SCHARFF. — Advanres hi Irish Marine Zoology. 75 floats having been distributed on the surface of the sea, about one half of them were rediscovered, and the enclosed post-card returned to headquarters. Some of the floats drifted north of Trondjhem in Norway, others went to the coast of Holland and France. The great majoritj- travelled to the British coast, showing that the surface currents are chiefly dependent on the prevailing winds. A very useful index to the scientific literature, published by the Fisheries Branch of the Department, was written by Mr. C. Green.^ Fishes. — The reports on fishes are partly of a systematic nature, but most of them deal with economic problems. In the second report on the fishes of the Irish Atlantic slope, Messrs, Holt and Byrne ^ supply us with very valuable illus- trations of some of the rarer kinds which inhabit the deep water off our west coast. Some species are also figured and described which have not been taken in the Irish area, and it would have been better perhaps if this fact had bten more clearly indicated b}" placing the name of the fish in less pro- minent type or within brackets. The fishes figured belong to the Scorpaenidae and Alepo- cephalidae, but the authors state that 19 species new to the Irish deep sea area have been recognised since the first report was issued. Of these, four were new to science. They have been described and mostly ^%wx^dL\VLW\^ Anjiah and Magazine of Natural History. The type specimens have presumably been deposited in the British Museum, although the authors do not make a statement to this eff"ect So as to enable those who derive financial benefit from the capture of eels, to understand the life history of that valuable fish, Mr. Holt^ supplies us with a useful summary of the latest contributions elucidating this problem. Fresh-water eels 5 Green, Charles. — Index to the scientific publications of the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Technical In- struction for Ireland. Fisheries, Ireland, Sci. Invest., 1906, vi. [190S]. * Holt, E. W. Iv. and L. W. Byrne. — Second report on the fishes of the Irish Atlantic Slope. Fisheries, Ireland^ Set. Invest., 1906, v. [^908]. On a species of Lyconus from the north-east Atlantic. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (7) Vol. xviii. [1906J. New deep sea fishes from the coast — south-west coast of Ireland, Ann. and Mag. Nat Hist. (8), vol. i. [1908]. ■^ Holt, E. W. L. — The fresh-water Eel. Fisheries, Ireland, Set. Invest., 1907, viii. [1909]. 76 The Irish Naturalist. April, breed only once in their lifetime, and for that purpose they must migrate to the sea. The yellow and silver eels are riOt diiilinct forms, the former gradually assuming the silvery tinge before descending to the sea. The eggs and earliest stages of eels are still unknown ; certain flat, ribbon-like, transparent creatures, however, appear towards spring in between 50 and 100 fathoms of water, and develop later on into young eels or "Logues," as they are called in Ireland These ascend the rivers chieflj^ in the spring and summer. It has been defi- nitely ascertained that eels do not breed in the Baltic. They have to go right out into the Atlantic to perform this im- portant function. Two reports^ from the Fisheries Branch deal entirely with the artificial propagation of the Salmon and Trout family, statistical information about Salmon fisheries and kindred matters. A long report by Mr. Farran ^ describes the Plaice-marking experiments on the east coast of Ireland during the years i(^05 and 1906. Hitherto all we knew about ihe migration of such fish as plaice was founded on the opinion expressed by fishermen from time to time. A very large number of plaice were carefully measured and weighed, and then marked by means of vulcanite studs and replaced in the sea. In this manner the size of many plaice and their position in the sea at a certain time of 3'ear could be ascertained. A careful watch w^as now^kept for all fish caught, so that their migration and increase in size and weight could be recorded by means of the marks which had been attached to them. The results obtained so far indicate that nearly all the marked fish have been taken comparativeh^ close to where they have been released. Yet a few specimens have wandered far away from their home. One plaice went from Dublin Bay to Ballycotton Bay, and took sixteen and a half months to accomplish this journey of 140 miles. TuNiCATA. — The Sea-squirts, or Ascidians, have been very little studied in Ireland. The report ^^ by Mr. ^ fisheries, helanJ, Sci. Invest., 1906, vii. [^Kpi] ; 1906, viii. [1908] ; 1907, ix. [1909 "•• 9 P'arran, G. p.— Plaice-marking experiments on the east coast of Ire- land in 1905 and 1906 Fisheries, Ireland, Sci. Invest., 1907. iii- L^909]- 10 BuCHANAN-WoLLASTox, H. J. — Preliminary report on the Simple Ascidians of the Larne district. Fisheries^ Ireland, Sci. Invest , 1902-03, iii- [1907]. I9IO' ScHARFF. — Advavccs in Iri^h Marine Zoology. 77 Biichanaii-Wollaston on these interestins: creatures is there- fore of considerable value. Twenty-one species were obtained in the Ivarne district, some of them being new to the Irish fauna, and one variet}^ viz. : Polycarpa cojuaia, var. nnx, new to science. MoLi/ia-ro- theca pannosa. Lev.) The mycelium is perennial, and, at the end of the season, it forms dense masses of velvety appearance and grey white in colour. In this the small, dark, sub-globose perithecia are imbedded ; one of these perithecia had been opened showing the solitary ascus with spores. So The Irish Naturalist, April, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. August 14. Richhim.. — In this excursion 102 members and friends participated, and under the guidance of Dr. Berr}-. inspected Castleraw and Kilmore church ; afterwards visiting Mr. Lambs jam factory. The party then drove to Richhill Castle where they were received and hospi- tably entertained by Mrs. Berry, in the unavoidable absence of Major Berry. M.R.I. A. Ciood natural history collections were obtained, the best find being a specimen of the rare woodlouse, Porccllio laevis, taken in the garden of Richhill Castle, this being the second recorded locality in Ulster for this species. August 28, Ori.ock Point. — This was the concluding, excursion of the Club's Summer vSession and was attended by 41 members and friends. Leaving Belfast the party travelled to Bangor by the 1.55 p.m. train and there mounted the brakes in waiting and drove to Orlock. Here the coast, composed of Ordovician and Silurian rocks, was ex- amined, the walk being afterwards continued to Portavoe demesne, where a short time was spent in collecting previous to the return drive to Bangor. October 27. Convkrsazione. — The winter vSession was inaugu- rated b}' a Conversazione held in the Assembly Hall. Tea was served from 7 till 8 o'clock, during which time an organ recital was given by Mr. T. H. Crowe. The following is a list of the exhibits: — F. Bai^FOUR-Browne — Living Water-beetles. J. Cottney — Examples of birds of nearly equal size, showing variation in size of eggs. C. M. Cunningham— Coloured plates illustrative of Hawaiian fishes. J. W. Dakin — Development of Plaice, &c. N. H. FOSTER— Maps to illustrate the recorded distribution of Woodlice in Ireland. W. H. Gai^mvay — Living Sea-anemones. W. A. Green — Marine Animals. J. MAXWEiyi. — Exhibit of pond and marine life by aid of microscopes, including living specimens of INIelicerta, Stephanoceros, Limnias and marine Polyzoa and Hydrozoa.- J. N. Milne — Irish non-marine mollusca. H. L. Orr — Nests of Irish wasps and bees, and maps showing geographical distribution of the various species. Robert Patterson— Case of newly-hatched Coots illustrative of "precocious young"; albino Rook; nest of Quaker Parrakeet, MyiopsiUacus vionachiis. A. W, SteIvFOX — Some European examples of Mollusca of the Family ZonitkLe. Living specimens oi Helix nevioralis var. roseozonata from Co. Fermanagh, and Helix hortensis from Co. Derry, collected vSeptember, 1908. R. WeTvCh— Land-shells from Bun- doran. vSeveral species of the genus Succinea. Prof. Gregg Wii^son — Annelids. Joseph Wright — Pleistocene Foraminifera from Crete. N. Carrothers— Plants from Yorkshire; ferns from New Zealand. Rev. Canon Lett — Freshly gathered and mounted specimens of INIosses. Wm. W. MvDDLETON— Photo-micrographs of sections of stems of Rosa canina and CraUrgus Oxyacautha to illustrate structural differences between prickles and thorns ; sporangia ol Polypodiiini vulgare attached to frond and others of germinating spores. W. H. PhilUPS— British Ferns, showing the results of cross-fertilization. W. J. C. Tomi^inson — Some Connemara and other mounted plants. Rev. C. H. WaddEI11., O. boopSy Grav., an occasional specimen. Creophilus maxillosus. L-, a dwarf female of about the size oi o. Philo?ithus splendois. This species was very common in carrion, and about 30-40 per cent belonged to the var. ciliaris, Steph. Although so numerous, most of the specimens were so hope- lessly rubbed, that I onh' killed six individuals of the variety. I observed, however, several specimens in which the pube- scence of the hind-body only was 3'ellow, that of the elytra being entirely grey. Philonthns splendens, F., common in cow- dung. P. aencus, Rossi ; P.proxinius, Kr. ; P. addcndus^ Sharp, common in carrion. Of the latter species, which, to the English collector is a great rarity, I took a fine series ; I was able to distinguisli them from P. aeneus in the field by their more shining head and thorax. P, albipes, Grav., three specimens in dung. P. uvibratilis, Grav. ; P. cephalotcs, Grav. ; a few in stable refuse. P. sordidus, Grav., two specimens. P. lo7igi- cornis^ Steph., in dung. P. piLella, Nord., very common in horse dung, though far less common in cow dung. Othius viyrmecophilus^ Kies., one under a stone. Stilicus orbiculatns, Kr., one. Stcmis crassus^ Steph., one under a fungus in a dry ditch. kS. palpos24S, Zett.^ I took a single specimen of this insect in a small reed-bed. S. bifovcolatus^ Gyll., one in reeds. Necrophorus ruspator, Er., var. viicrocephalns, Thoms., one. Nccrodes littoralis, L-j I saw about 50 specimens of this insect in a dead sheep. I was surprised at the absence of Histers, &c., from the carrion, of which beetles I did not secure a single specimen. Anthaophagus nigricoinis^ F., one on an umbel- lifer. Chrysomela hyperici, Forst., common on Ragweed. Praso- curisjimci, Brahm., a few. Adimonia tajiaceti, L-j one walking across the avenue. A visit to \'irginia, Co. Cavan, produced Cycluus 7'ostratus, L., Melaiiotus lufipcs. Ilerbst., Athous vigcr, L., and a long- series o{ Phyllobroiica iv.-maculata, L,., on Common Skullcap. 135, Elm Park Mansions, Loudon, vSAV. 19IO. M'InTosh. — I}i$h Annelids in the National Musciun. 95 NOTK ON IRISH ANNELIDS IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, DUBLIN. (no. II.) BY PROF. W. C M'INTOSH, M.D., PH.D , F.R.vS. Ill the year 1896 a list' of the Irish Annelids, kiiidh' for- warded for examination b\- the late Prof. Perceval Wright, Prof. Haddon, and Dr. Scharff, and by the late Mr. A. G. More, from the Aphroditidse to the Acoetidae was given, and in the following note the species are entered as far as the Ariciidae. This list is the more necessary as in a few in- stances, by an accident, the Irish localities w^ere omitted in the last part of the Monograph of the British Annelids published by the Ray Society.^ In the following list it has been thought desirable to enter all the Irish specimens examined, though these were not in ever}' case sent from the National Museum in Dublin. Those species entered in the former paper are not in- cluded unless the locality differs. Much remains to be done in regard to the distribution of known forms, and not a few new species may 5^et be obtained in Irish waters. 1 his is apparent from the recent interesting paper by Mr. R. Southern, B.Sc, on the pelagic Ph3-llodocid8e of the coasts of Ireland. ^ In the groups included in the following list a complete blank, fur instance, occurs in the Amphiiiomidae. Paramphi- nome should be found on the southern and western shores of Ireland, and the list of the Polynoidse is capable of further increase. Sigalion Mathildce Aud. and Ed. may also be found along with representatives of the Phyllodocidae not entered in the list. Both Syllids and Nereids are also sure to reward a diligent search of the rich w^aters and shores of Ireland, and the same may be said of the Glyceridse aud Ariciidse. FAM. EUPHROSYNIDi^E. Spinther tniniaceus. Grube.— Belfast Lough, 7-10 fallioms; a female loaded with cva, in October (Prof. Gregg Wilson), Euphrosyne foliosa, Audouin and Edwards. — Birlirbuy Bay, Conuemara, 15 fathoms (Dr. J .Gwyn Jeffreys and Prof A. C. Haddon) ; Aran Isles and Bay of Galway (Prof K. P. Wright). Euphrosyne armadillo, Sars. — In 170 fathoms, 'Porcupine' Ivxped., 1869, amidst sandy mud aud corals off the west coast of Ireland. ^ Sci. Proc. A\ D. S., vol. viii., n.s., part v., No. 50. '' Vol. ii., part i. ^ Fisheries^ Ireland^ Sd. /iivtsL, 1909, No. iii. ij(j 77i£ Irish Naturalist. TVIay, 1AM. APHRODlTIDif 1869, at station 2, ofl the south coast of Ireland, in SoS falhouis, on a bottom of soft, sticky mud. I9I0. M'InTOSH. — Irish Annelids i?i the National Museum. 97 FAM. NEPHTHYDID^. Nephthys coeca, O. F. M.~Bay of Gal way (E- P. W.) ; vSalthill, co. Dublin i^A. C. H.) ; Malahide, R. I. Acad. Exped., 9.9.85. Nephthys Hombergli, LamaLck.— ' Porcupine' Exped. 1869, S. W. Ireland, log. 19, 79 fathoms ; log. 63, 1886, R.I. A. Exped., 2338 fathoms ; and No. 122, Royal Irish Acad. Exped., Berehaven, 1885. vS.W. Ireland, 44-98 fathoms, 1885. Nephthys hystricis, M'Intosh. — Malahide, 1885, R, I.Acad. Exped. ; Berehaven, 1885 ; S.W. Ireland, 44-98 fathoms, 1886. Nephthys Johnstoni, Ehlers.— Porcupine Bank, 85 fathoms, ' Por- cupine' Expedition, i86g. Nephthys cirrosa, Ehlers. — In sand under stones at Galway ; Bere- haven, 1885, R. I. Acad., Exped. Nephthys longisetosa, CErsted, — Nymph Bank, 52^ fathoms, R. I. Acad. Exped., 18S6. Nephthys incisa, Malmgren.— 6-80 fathoms in the 'Porcupine' Expedition of 1S69 ; Conuemara, Galway (A. G. More). Nephthys pansa, Ehlers.— 426-458 fathoms, in the 'Porcupine' Exped. of 1S69, 51'' i' N., 11^ 21' W. FAM. PHYLLODOCIDyE. Notophyllum foliosum, Sars.— Birtirbuy Bay, jo.6.90, Bay of Galway (E. P. W.) Eulalia nelOuIosa, Montagu. — Bantry Harbour, 1885, R. I. Acad. Exped. Eulalia viridis, O. F. M.— Bay of Galway (Prof. E. P. Wright); Rouudstone Bay (Dr. Scharff; ; Salthili, co. Dublin (A. C. H.), 1881 ; Berehaven, R. I. Acad. F^xped., 1885, Eulalia imbricata, Ehlers.— Procured in 664 fathoms, 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869, Stat. 23, 56^' 9' N., 14'' 10 W. Eumida sanguinea, CErsted.— Rouudstone Bay, R. I. Acad. Fvxped., 16.9.90 ; vSalthill, CO. Dublin (A. C. H.) ; Berehaven, R.I.A. Exped., 1885. Anaitis kosteriensis, Malmgren. — Off Buudoran, Donegal Bay, iu 20-35 fathoms, ' Porcupine ' Expedition, 1869, Anaitis Jeffreysii, M'Intosh. — Off Valencia Harbour, west coast of IrelandQ. G. J.) Phyllodoce lamelligera, Gnielin. — 18 inches long, in Roundstoue Bay, Connemara ; Mouth of Bantry Bay, 23, 1885 ; Berehaven, 1885. Phyllodoce g^roenlandlcay (F)rsted.— Connemara, Galway (A. G. More) ; Dunmanus Bay, Roy. 1. Acad. P^xped., 1.2.92. Phyllodoce inaculala, Einnteus. — Berehaven, 5 fathoms, R.I. Acad. P^xped., 1885. Cenetyllis hibernica, M'Intosh.— Coast of Galway (Prof. E. P. Wright). Eteone picta, De (^uatrefages. — Rouudstone Bay, Connemara, R. I. Acad. Exped., 16.9.90; Mouth of Bantry Bay, 1885, R.I.A. Exped. IVIystides Lizzide, M'Intosh. — Berehaven, R. I. Acad. Exped., 1885. qS The Irish Naliiralisl. May, FAM. HESIONID>E. Ophlodromus fFcxuosus, Delle Chiaje. — vSlat. V., J. Whitlaiid, 1885, 80-icx) fathoms, oif coast of Ireland ; ' Porcupine' Kxped., 1869, o" a bottom of muddy sand and pebbles in Bay of Galway ; 90-125 fathoms, about 50 miles off Valeutia (J. G.J.) Castalia punctata, O. F. Mliller.— Bay of Galway (K. P. \V.) ; Bere- haven, R.I.x\. Exped- 1886; north of Bantry Bay, 23, 1885; vS W. Ireland, in 36-37 fathoms, 18S5, R. I. Acad. Exped. Castalia arctica, Malmgreu.— 90-125 fathoms, 50 miles W. of Valeutia. (J. G. J.). Castalia fusca, Johnston.— Off Valeutia (J. G. J.). FAM. SYLLIDVE. Exog°one geminifera, var. ScharfTii, M'Intosh. — Amongst bristles and hairs oi Aphrodite acitleata, log 55, R. I. Acad. Exped., 1886. Xenosyllis Kinbergi, M'Intosh.— Along with Syllis coumta, II. Rathke, Berehaven. R. I. Acad. Exped., 1885. Sphaerosyllls hystrix, Claparede. — In tow-net off Co. Down i^Prof. G. vS. Brady). Eusyllis Biomstrandi, Malmgreu.— »S. W. Ireland, log 8, 20 fathoms, R. I. Acad. Exped. 1S85. Odontosyilis gibba, Claparede.— Kingstown Harbour i^A. C. H.). Syllis armillaris, O. F. M.— S. W. Ireland, 93 fathoms, R. I. Acid. Exped. 18S6. Syllis cornuta, II. Rathke. — Dredged in the ' Porcupine' FyXpeditiou, 1869, at vStation 18, off the Irish Coast in 20-25 fathoms ; Berehaven, R. I. Acad. Exped. 1885. Syllls abyssicola, Ehlers. — Dredged at Station 30, north-west of Ireland, sb*"' 24' N. ii*-' 37' \V., in the ' Porcupine 'Expedition, 1869. FAM. NEREIDS, Nereis pelagrica, L. — Valeutia Harbour (J. G. J.) ; Bay of Galway CE. P. W.) ; Berehaven. R. I. Acad. Exped. 1886. Nereis cultrifera, Grube ,— At low water, Beginnis Island, Valeutia Harbour (J-^.J.). Nereis Dumerilii, Aud. and Ed. — Valeutia Harbour and in 4 fathoms beyond (J.G.J.) ; Aran Islands (E P. W.) ; Lough vSlyne, Co. Cork, R.'l.A. Exped. 1886. Nereis diversicolor, O. F. Miiller.— Coast of Ireland (W. Thomp.son). Nereis long^issima, Johnston. — Ireland (,\V. Thompson ?) Nereis (Nereilepas) fucata, vSavigny. — In 80 fathoms, 18 miles west of Skelligs (J.G.J. >. FAM. EUNICID/E. Lumbriconereis frag^iiis, O. F. Miiller. — jo-30 miles west of Valeutia, in 90-125 fathoms (J.Ct.J.); 18 miles west of Skellig, in 80 fathoms; and in 45 to 50 fathoms, Dingle Bay (J.G.J.) ; Aran I.slands and Bav of Gal way (E. P. W.;. 19IO. M'InTosh. — hish Annelids in the National Mtiscnm. 99 Lutnbriconereis Latreillii* Aulouin and Kdvvards.— Lough Slyne, Co. Cork, 1886, R.I. A. Kxped. Lumbrlconereis iinpatiens, Claparede. — Nymph Bank, S.W. Ireland, 52^ fathoms, R.I A. Exped. t886; Berehaven, R.I.A. Exped. J885 ; and log 17, S.W. Ireland, in no fathoms, 1885 ; Kenniare ; S.W. Ireland, log 55, no fathoms. R.I.A. Exped. 1885. Lumbriconcrcis hibernica, M'Intosh.— Dredged in 90 fathoms, 25 miles W. of the Blaskets, vS.W, Ireland J.G.J.) ; log 55, 23-38. fathoms. R.I.A. Exped. 1886. LumUrlconereis g^racilis, Hhlers.— Bantry Bay, 5^ fathoms; S.W. Ireland, 35-37 fathoms, R.I.A. Exped. 1885: Coast of Kerry (A. G. More); Loch vSlyne, Co. Cork, 1886; in 90 fathoms, 25 miles west of the Blaskets, S.W.Ireland (J.G.J.) ; ' Porcupine' Expedition, 1869, in 370 fathoms off Ireland. Drllonereis longra, Webster- — Log 29, in 40 fathoms, R.I.A. Exped., 1885. Arabella iricolor, Montagu.- Off Gal way, in 15-20 fathoms, 'Por- cupine' Expedition, 1869 ; Bantr}- Harbour, R.I. Acad. Exped., 1885. Onuphis britannica, M'Intosh.— Bay of Galway, (E. P. W.) ; S.W. Ireland, Stat. I., log. 3, 45 fathoms and 80 fathoms, R.I.Acad. Exped., 1885 ; Scat. 7, S-W. Ireland, 22 fathoms, 1890 ; 35-50 miles west of Valentia in 90-125 fathoms. Onuphis brcvibrachiata, Ehlers.— Dredged in the 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869, Stat. 36, 48" 50' N., 11^" 7' W., in 72 fathoms, in sandy mud. Onuphis fragosa, Ehlers.— Dredged in the 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869, in 370 fathoms on sticky mud, oft the coast of Ireland. Hyalinaecia sicula, De Ouatrefages. — Connemara, Galway (A. G. M.); ' Porcupine ' P^xpedition, 1869, in 370 fathoms, on sticky mud, off Ireland { Nymph Bank, S.W. Ireland, in 52* fathoms, R I.Acad. Exped., 18S6. Hyaiinsecla tubicola, O. F. Miiller.— Dredged in 90.125 fathoms, 20-50 miles west of Valentia ; in 80 fathoms, 18 miles west of Skellig ; 70 fathoms in Dingle Bay; 25 fathoms off" Valentia ; 90-100 fathoms 30 miles west of the Blaskets, S. W. Ireland (J. G. J.) Eunice Harass! i, Aud. and Edw.— Log.-56, R.LA. Exped., 1886. Eunice fasciata, Risso. — Dredged in 160 fathoms 55 miles west of Valentia, Ireland (J. G. J.) ; in 75 fathoms on mud with stones and mussel shells, aud in 80 fathoms on muddy sand with pebbles, in the 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869; S.W. Ireland, log 56, R. I.Acad. Exped. Eunice norvegica, Linn, {pennata, O. V. Miiller).— Dredged 55 miles west of Valentia in 160 fathoms. Eunice floridana, Pourtales. — Amongst colonies of Lophophebia prolifera in 200 fathoms, 50 miles off BdIus Head, Kerry (F. Buchanan) ; 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869, in 173 fathoms off Ireland. Lysidice punctata, Risso (/.. niiieita, Audouin and Edwards).— Bay of Gahvay (E. P. W.) ; Connemara (A. G. M.). loo The Irish Aahcraltsl, May, FAM. CONIADI^. Gonlada maculata, (Krsted. — 25 miles west of Valeiitia, iu 75-So fathouis ; S.W. Ireland, no fathoms, off the Blaskets ; Valeiitia Harbour (J. G. J.) ; S AV. Ireland, log. 55, and Bantry Bay, 35 fathoms, R I. Acad. Exped., 1886 ; Dingle Bay, 20-40 fathoms, ' Por- cupine ' Exped , T869 Clycinde Normanni, Malmgreu.— Bay of Gahvay (E. P. W/j ; no fathoms, off the Blaskets (J.G.J); 'Porcupine' Exped., 1869, Dingle Bay, in 30-40 fathoms, and at Stat. 36, in 725 fathoms on a saudv bottom. 1AM. GLYCERIDiy no means confining himself to British examples of those inter- esting sections. Cr. II. C. NOTES. BOTANY. Plants of Antrim and Down. The occurrences of .SV.sjw/'r/ww Thalianitm, in Co. Down, have been so few as to merit the record of a fresh locality. On Easter Monday last year (1909). Mr. N. Carrothers and I met with a fine colony growing on old walls on the Ballykinler sand-dunes facing Dundrum. The more robust plants were already in flower. The only previous county records are Movilla Abbey, Xcwtownards, and on railway ballast between Lenaderg and Scarva, I9IO. Notes. 103 It was my good fortune to come across a fine clump of Carex Pseiuio- cypcrits in August last, in a deep wide drain situated to the south of Portmore lake. The occurrence of this Sedge in this new locality for Co. Antrim is welcome, as the plant is likely to be exterminated soon from the Bog Meadows station, near Belfast, owing to drainage and building operations. I have pleasure in recording the finding last summer of Orchis py'ramidalis, Linn., and Saxifraga tridactylites, Linn., by Mr. Sylvanus Wear, in the vicinity of the golf course between Portrush and the White Recks. Neither of them has hitherto been recorded save from the southern end of the county. Another scarce Antrim plant which he gathered at the same locality was Vicia lathyroides, I.inn., not hitherto noted from the district. W. J. C. TOMIJXSON. Belfast. ZOOLOGY. The Well-Shrimp in Co. Westmeath. A specimen of the Well-Shrimp {Niphargus kockianus, Sp. Bate) was recently sent to the Museum by Dr. M'Weeney, who had found it in water from a deep well nearMuUingar, Co. Westmeath. Two specimens of this interesting blind amphipod from a wellin Co. Clare had previously been sent to the Museum for identification by Dr. M'Weene}-, and are recorded in I)-2sh Naturalist, vol. xvi., 1907, p. 208 ; it has also been recorded from wells in Co. Dublin, and is probably to be found in several of the limestone wells in the central districts of Ireland. A. R. XiCHor.s. National Museum , Dublin. Greenland Falcons in Co. Donegal. I think the exceptionally severe weather which we have had this winter must also have prevailed in the higher latitudes. ' We had ver}' . large flocks of wild geese coming to us in the autumn, and also much more striking visitors in the shape of Greenland V?i\(iQ\\^(^Falco candicaiis). In the past I have only been able to record the occurrence of this species, may be once in three or four years. This wijiter I can report probabh' eight occurrences. On 20th November, Dr. Eardley shot a fine female at Burtonport, and a gamekeeper shot another near Killybegs. Then about same date Mr. J. H. Deegan shot a specimen on Tory Island, and again at the new year he shot another. Both frequented the island for some davs. They frequently alighted upon the gable of the chapel, which is the highest point in the island. On 30th December, a male was shot at Dunfanaghy by Mr. Kelso, and sent to Derry for preservation. Then in the first week of January my friend, Mr. Asshmur Bond and others saw a Greenland Falcon at Inch, Lough vSwilly. (This is an addition to the Inch list.) Mr. Lawrence Nash, of Derry, reported to I04 The Irish Nafuyalist. May, 19 ro. me that he saw a iiiaie bird at the Oaks, seven miles iulaml from Derry, at the new year, and a female at Glenties Co. Donegal, in middle of December. An examination of these dates points, I think, to the probability of two southward flights of these falcons, one about second or third week of November, and another about same time in December. D. C CAMrBEi^rv. Ivondonderry. Bird Records from Irish Lighthouses. I desire to record following occurrences : — ^NIarch 25TH. — Four Black Redstarts were found dead on Fastnet Rock by the light-keeper— two were old males. March 26TH. — A Hoopoe w^as caught alive, Tuskar Rock Light Station. March 28TH — A Hoopoe was caught alive on Small Saltee Island. All the above birds were received by me in the flesh. Both the Hoopoes died— probably from exhaustion — and to this cause may also be attributed the death of the 'our Black Redstarts. RiCHD. 1\I. BaRRINCtTON. Fassaroe, Bray. Measurements of Martens. As the Marten is annually becoming scarcer in Ireland — and as statistics of its weights and measurements are scarce— the following- particulars of six Martens killed near Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, in 1S90, ma}- be worth recording. I am indebted to Dr. R. R. Leeper, late of Rathdrum, and now of St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, for the details. Date. Sex. Length from tip of nose to tip of tail. Girth of body. Girth of forearm below joint. I't. Ins. Inches, Inche.s, Aug. 26, . i 2 3 8^ 3i M 28,. 9 2 I 7 3 Sept. T, . 9 2 24 8 3 >» 5> • • 6 2 3 9 o\ „ 6, . i» 7» • • 6 9 2 4 2 0^ 6 3.^ V 3 I would urge all naturalists to avoid killing or purchasing this interesting wild animal, unless absolutely neces.sary for scientific purposes. Fassaroe, Bray. RiCHD. IM. Barringtox. June, 1910. The hish Nafia-a/ist, 105 IvUMINOUS WORMS IN IRELAND. BY RKV. HILDERIC FRIEND. Are there luminous worms in Ireland ? I believe there are ; and am therefore placing some facts before the readers of the Irish NaUcralist in the hope that they will direct their attention to the subject, and do what they can to prove that my impressions are well founded. In "A Catalogue of British Worms " published in 1865 by order of the Trustees of the British Museum, I find the following entry : — * Of the following I have seen no specimens, L. phosphoreiis, spinets mostly single throughout, tetrastichous ; vulvae on the fifteenth segment ; clitellus with four segments commencing with the 13th ; body some- what flattened behind. Length 15"'. Lumbricus phosphoreus, Diiges in Ann. des sc. nat,^ ser. 2, viii., 17 and 24. Gnibe. Hab. Boggy ground. Obs. The information on which this species is introduced is unsatis- factor}'. At the Meeting of the British Association at Cork, in 1843, Dr. AUnian exhibited "specimens of an annelid which he discovered some years ago in the bogs of the south of Ireland, and which was the cause of a luminous appearance. It was closely allied to the earthworm ; when irritated it gave out a phosphorescent light, which was also much increased when the animal was exposed to the vapour of alcohol. The light was of the peculiar green colour so usual in the phosphorescence of living animals. The Rev. F. B, Clarke had also found these annelids in the bogs of Connaught." {Trans. Brit. Assoc, 1843, p. 76.) At a meeting of the Lit. and Phil. vSociety of Liverpool, Nov, 14, 1853, .Air. Henry Cox exhibited an earthworm which was phosphorescent (^Proceedings, No. viii., p. 57)-' Thus far, then, we have the testimony of Dr. Allman, and the Rev. F. B. Clarke, that luminous worms have been found in the bogs of Connaught, and the bogs of the south of Ireland. Can any light be thrown on these statements ? First let us examine the definition given 2ho\^ oi L. phos- phoreus. A single glance suffices to show (i) that it is inaccurate, and (2) that it is not a I^umbricus. The ' clitellus with four segments commencing with the 13th ' shows that it cannot be placed among the I^umbricidae, and makes it impossible to look for the ' vulvae on the 15th segment/ while no genuine Lumbricus has ' spinets mostly single throughout.' The position of the girdle or clitellus, however, supplies a clue, and we turn from I^umbricus to Microscolex. Here we A io6 The Irish Naturalist, June, find some suggestive facts. In September, 1897, specimens of a phosphorescent worm were discovered in the garden and lav/n of Mr. T. G. Caink (City Engineer), at Fort Royal, Worcester, England. They emitted a luminous light, similar to that of a glow-worm, but fainter. This luminosity appeared to be existent in every part of the bod}^ also in the evacuated grass or passed earth and slime left by the worm. Specimens were examined by Mr. F. K. Beddard, F.R.S.. who replied thus : — ' The small earthworm you sent me proves not to belong to an}' genus that is known to be indigenous to this countr}^ It is, so far as I can make out from external characters onl}^ a species of Microscolex. That genus has been found in Italy, but is characteristically New Zealand and South American in range. I cannot, of course, be absolutely positive about the genus without dissecting it, but I can be positive that it is at least very near to that genus. It is a new fact that Microscolex is phosphorescent.' Here then we have taken a step forward. In 1843, luminous "worms w^ere reported as occurring in Ireland. In 1853, a similar report was made at Liverpool, and in 1897, again at Worcester. Either these luminous worms were indigenous, or they had been introduced from abroad. But it does not seem likely that foreign w^orms w^ould be found in Irish bogs, or on a lawn in the heart of England. And the argument is in favour of their being indigenous. But now arises the question — If they are luminous can they belong to the genus Microscolex? 'It is a new fact,' says Beddard in 1897, ' that Microscolex is phosphorescent.' But the new fact was in reality an old one, as the same writer was shortly afterwards to show in his splendid " Monograph of the Oligochaeta." To go into the whole question of luminosity among annelids would be to write a very long chapter. I have accumulated a vast amount of material on the subject, which will in due course see the light elsewhere. It is sufficient here to say that Microscolex is now known to contain at least one species which is luminous; and there are strong reasons for believing that others are so. Our knowledge of the genus is, however, at present far from being complete, and it is to be hoped that we shall now soon obtain information from Ireland which will help us in our researches. I9I0. Friend. — Luminous Worms iji Ireland. 107 To further this end I am glad to be able to say that Micros- colex or an allied genus is indigenous to Great Britain, and that there is reason to believe that we have more than one species in these Islands. This curious annelid is not easy to find, and I have reasons for thinking that it has often been mistaken for the young of certain species of AUolobophora. May I appeal to my Irish fellow-workers to seek for and send me specimens ? For their guidance I may say one word respecting the appearance of the worm and its probable habitats. Microscolex is a worm of slender build, but of considerable length; say 2 mm. in diameter, and two to four inches long. It is of a fleshy colour, with rich supplies of blood, and vessels which can be easily seen. The girdle may be absent, but is found usually between the 12th and 20th segments, i.e.^ very much nearer the head than in any of our ordinary earthworms. It is said to have been found in the garden and on the lawn of a house in Worcester ; but it is possible that the worm w^as then away from its usual haunts. I have always found it in, under, or near water. It may be taken along wilh Allurus, from which it may be instantly distinguished by the fact that Allurus is short, stout, and quadrangular. If the runnels which feed the lakes and bogs are examined, the worms may be found among the gritty detritus which is being washed down from the higher levels. I have found the worm in considerable numbers in little streamlets on hill-sides, as well as in the loamy soil by the sides of ponds andpools.^ I should be exceedingly grateful for specimens of worms taken in such localities, as well as for a few s^m^\Q.soi Lumbriais papillosziSy Fr. {L. Friendi, Cognetti), which has never yet been taken in England. St. Asaph, Great Malvern. 1 Siuce this article was written three months ago a second species of worm, of the kind here described, has been found in streamlets and pools in Cornwall. Its girdle extends from the fourteenth to the twenty-third segment, or thereabouts, but the worm is several inches in length. This shows that we have not yet by any means exhausted our fauna. It may be added that Hoffmeister's Helodrilus, described in 1845, appears to be related to these worms, and was not a true Lumbricid. Much, clearly, remains to be done before the monograph which I am preparing for the Ray Society can be completed. A 2 loS The Irish Nainralist. June, ON THE IRISH SPECIES OF OBISIUM ; ^VITH SPKCIAI. REFERENCE TO ONE FROM CxLENGARIFF NEW TO THE BRITANNIC FAUNA. BY H. WATXIS KEW. Obishnn imiscorum, Leach, is well known in Ireland (1-5) and two other species have recentl}^ been discovered : Obisium ^naritiinum, Leach, on the shores of the Ba3'S of Kenmare and Bantr}' (5) ; and another species — the one with which we are more especialh' concerned — on a rock}' wooded hillside at GlengarifF. Leach's types of O. imiscorum nnd O. maritiimmi, the former Scottish and the latter English, are preserved in the British Museum, where they have been examined by Cambridge (4) and by the writer ; and thus, with these species, no difficulties of identification arise. The remaining species, how-ever, is in different case ; for it is unknown in Britain — and thus new to the Britannic fauna — and the task of determining it w^as beset with serious difficulties. The genus has many species in Europe ; and i^;, moreover, badly in want of thorough revision. We have a good account of one species by Hansen, and able re-descriptions of several b}^ Ellin gsen, but for the rest w^e have to rel}^ almost entirely on L. Koch (6) and Simon (7), the former without figures and the latter insufficiently illustrated — and both published at a time when the extent of the genus and the critical character of it had not become apparent. It does not seem to have been realised at that time that the species were liable to differences of sex, to individual variation, and to differentiation into geographical races; moreover, the characters relied on, e.g. the development of the hand and relative length of hand and fingers, are now known to be unstable ; and other features which have been found to be of value, such as the character of the teeth of the fingers, are not mentioned at all. In these circumstances, the Glengariff specimens could not be identified from the literature; but the WTiter was fortunately permitted to submit them to Mr. Ellingsen and afterwards to M. Simon ; and was at length favoured by the latter distinguished arachnologist with certain specimens from his collection for comparison, igto. Kew. — /risk Species of Obisium. 109 It had been anticipated that our species might be the one described by Simon as O. vmscoriwi ; and specimens so named received from him — and agreeing fairly well with his descrip- tion (7) — were found to agree in every respect with ours ; so that it was at last established that our third Irish species is the O. nmscorurn (Leach) Simon. That this is not Leach's O. vmscoriun has already- been made clear by Cambridge (4), who long ago pointed out that Simon's species must have its name changed ; and I propose now^ after consultation with Mr. EUingsen, that it be named — in honour of Professor Geo. H. Carpenter — Obisium- Carpe^iteri. Our three species, by no means critical among themselves, are readily separated by good sharp characters. Some par- ticulars of them are given below ; but in this connection it must be remarked that size and coloration can only be approxi- mately indicated — one has to remember also that the colours are quickly altered in spirit — and as regards sex it must be noted that the male is usually a little smaller than the female, with the tubercle of the movable finger of the chelicerae less fully developed, the palps somewhat less stout, with the tibia less broad and slightly longer, the hand less voluminous, and the fingers in proportion to the hand a little longer. All three species are 4-eyed and without galea ; and they thus belong to the sub-genus Obisium s.s. I. Obisium muscorum, Leach. 0. imiscortim. Leach (8). O. simile (L. Kocli) Simou (7) ; iu part.^ Palps clear reddisli-lioniy, cephalotborax and abdominal ter< fulva, Pupa muscorum, or Vcj'tigo aniivertigo, and a careful search in several likely spots failed to reveal the presence of Vertigo mouli^isiaiia or V' Lilljtborgi. The w^eather was very dry and hot, consequently it was difi&cult to find some of the land-shells and slugs, and it was only during a slight mist, which fell on the last morning of my visit and just before leaving the island, that I was able to procure a few specimens of the large Helix 7ie7no7'alis, which secrete themselves during dry weather in the fissures of the liuiestone pavements. Four small freshwater lakes occur on the island, one in a little valley between the rocks about a mile south-west of Kilronan, and one each near Oghil;, Kilmurvy, and Bungowla ; and in these I found Linmaea peregra^ var. Boissyi, L. irzmca- tula, Pla7io?bis spiro7'bis, var. leucosto77ia, and various Pisidia. The following list comprises all the species seen by me or for which I can find any records. Additions to Mr. Stelfox's list are preceded by an asterisk. And here I desire to express my thanks to Mr. B. B. Woodward, who kindly named the Pisidia; and to Messrs. J. W. Taylor, F.L.S., and A. vS. Kennard, F.G.S., for notes on various other species. ii6 The Ifish Nahiralist. Juue, Vitrina pellucida, Miill.-Near Kilrouau, Kilmurv}', and The Seven Churches. Hyallnia cellaria, Miill. — Plentiful throughout the island. All my specimens have been referred by Mr. Kennard to his Vitiea hibcrnica. Some very large shells (one measuring 14 mm. in diameter) at first seemed to me to be Hy. Dmpamaudi, but subsequent examination showed them to be the large Irish form {Vitrea hibernica, Kennard) so frequently mistaken for that species, and I feel certain that all previous records for Hy. Drapaniaiidi on Inishmore should be trans- ferred to the same form. Hy. alliaria, Miller. — Under stones and among moss in several places, and on trees near Kilmurvy. *Hy. nitidula, Drap. — Sparingly by the lake near Kilronan. Hy. radiatula, Alder. — A few specimens by the lake near Kilronan. Hy. crystallina, Miill.— Frequent in damp places. Hy. fulva, Midi. \ Both recorded by Mr. Stelfox (/. iV., 1907, p. Hy. nitida, Miill- J "357.) Arlon atcr, Iv.— Abundant everywhere. *A, subfuscus, Drap. — Near Kilronan and The Seven Churches. A. hortensis, Fer.— Plentiful near Kilronan, Kilmurvy, and The Seven Churches. *A. intcrmedius, Normand.— One specimen by a small stream near Oghil. *Limax marginatus, Miill.— Recorded by Dr. Scharff (/. ^V., vol. i., page 89.) Agriolimax agrestis, L.— Abundant everywhere. *A. Iscvis, Miill.— Two specimens by a stream near Oghil. Atrial ia Sowerbyi, F'er. 1 __Under stones near Kilronan and at The A. gagatcs, Drap. i Seven Churches. Helix rupestris, Drap. — Common throughout the island. The var. viridescenti-alba plentiful in the locality near Kilronan noted by Mr. Stelfox, also near Kilmurvy. H. rotundata, Midi.— Common throughout. H. pulchclla, Miill.— In rejectamenta Irom the lake near Kilronan, also in the extreme west of the island. H. hispida, L.— Frequent throughout. H. rufesccns, Penn.— Abundant by walls and buildings in all parts of the island. H. virgata, Da Costa.— Common, the prevailing forms being albicans, lutescens and the type. The var. alba also occurred, and some very large examples were found on gra.ssy slopes at the extreme west. H. intersccta, Poir.— A few examples only seen near Kilronan. H. cricctorum, Miill.— Very abundant and variable, the small high- spired form (var. Inslabilis) prevailing, though some specimens from the extreme west of the island are large and rather flat. Among my specimens the vars. leucozcna, hyalozonata, Imtiginosa, lutescens, and alba occur, and a few are of a dull opaque pink colour. H. acuta, Miill.— Abundant, but of a rather small form, the type pre- vailing, and var. strigata not uncommon in the west. I9IO. Phiujps. — The Noji- Marine Mollnsca of Inishvwre. 117 H. ncmoralis, L.--The dry weather prevented my seeing as mucli of tliis species as I expected. I obtained a few specimens of the cha- racteristic large form high up on the elevated limestone between Kilronan and Killean}' ; at lower levels and along the coast the specimens are not remarkable for size. Var. libellula, with and without bands, is the commonest colour form, a large proportion of them being white-lipped. The var. rubella, all bandless and some having pink lips, also occurred in fair quantit}', as well as a few specimens of var. olivacca. On the mountain limestone of the main- land between Black Head and Lisdoonvarna, just opposite the Aran Islands, the same large race is widely distributed, its variation in colour and banding being much greater there than on the island. H. aspersa, Mlill. — Common throughout, but mostly hidden for want of moistui-e. I did not see var. exalbida in a living state, but in the little hotel my attention was attracted b^' a home-made picture frame, the corners of which were ornamented with sixteen fine specimens of this handsome vShell. I was informed that the frame was made by a local policeman. Cochlicopa lubrica, Miill. — Occurred in nearly all the damp places examined. Var. viridula was found near Bungowla. *Pupa angelica, Fer. — In moss on rocks by the lake near Kilronan, and with Succiiiea oblonga by a spring at the extreme west of the island. P. cylindracea, Da Costa. — Common and sometimes ver}' large. Vars. ctirta and albina were collected. P. muscorum, L.— Recorded by Mr. Stauden {/ojir. Conch. ^ vol. viii., p. 182.) Vertigo pygmaea, Drap.— Frequent throughout, and variable in size. V. anti vertigo, Drap. — Found sparingly by Mr. Stelfox (/. N. 1907, p. 360.) \v. jHoulmsia?ta, Dupuy.— Recorded by Dr. Scharff (/. Af., vol. i.), but subsequently withdrawn (/. A''., vol. xii., 1903, p. 14.)] *BaIea perversa, L. — On a rock between Kilmurvy and The Seven Churches I found a small portionof this shell, just sufficient to show that the species exists on the island. Clausilia toidentata, Strom.— Common on rocks and stones every- where, and on trees at Kilmurv}'. ♦Succinea oblonga, Drap. — I had almost given up hope of findmg this genus represented on the island, when, to my surprise, this rare species turned up by a small elevated spring at the extreme west. The spot was bare and exposed, but the mollr.sks found shelter in a small fringe of Creeping Willow {Sallx repens) growing on the edges of the spring. I got about fifty adult shells, all dead but in good condition, and saw numerous juvenile living specimens. *CarychiuiYi minimum, Miill.— Common in all damp places. *Limnaea peregra, Mull.- Plentiful m each of the four little lakes. Var. Boissyiy<2L^ the prevailing form, but some specimens from near Kilmurvy have been referred by Mr. J. W. Taylor to var. acuvmiata. *L. truncatula, Miill.— In all the lakes and in the spring near which Sttccinea oblonga occurred. The specimens are nearly all var. elegans. ♦PIsldium obtusale, C. Pfr. *P. nltidum, Jenyus. *P, grass i ess I an um, Dupiiy. ■{ *P, pusillum, Gmel. ♦P. personatum, Maleu. n8 The hish Naturalist, June, ♦Planortols splrorbis, L.— Abundant in the lakes, and all var. Uu. cos to ma . ^ Both occurred in a little brackish lake Hydrob.a ventrosa, Mont.) ,,ear Kilronan, the habitat recorded H. Jenklnsi, Smith. ( ^y Mr. Stelfox. 'This genus is well represented on the island, and occurred in all the freshwater lakes. I did not keep the gatherings from each locality separate, but all were submitted to Mr. B. B. Woodward, of the British Museum, who kindly examined and found these five species among them. P. viiluim, Held. { = P. gas- siessjamwi, Dupuy) has been re- corded also by Mr. R. Standen in the jfournal of Conchology, 1896, page 180. Cork. IRISH SOCIETIES. EOYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Recent gifts include a large Rhesus Monkey from Mrs. Topping, two young Ring-tailed Capuchins from Mr. R. Casement, C M.G. ; a Ring- tailed Lemur from the Marchioness of Waterford, two Hedgehogs from Mr. W. R. Dalton, a Cane Rat from Captain Corsallis, a Collared Peccary from Mr. J. B. Leudrum, a Kestrel from Mr. S. J. Rawson, a Barn Owl from Miss E. Fitchener, a Grass Parrakeet from Colonel J. G. Adamsou, a Ring-Ouzel from Mr. R. M. Barrington, eleven Lesser Red-polls from Mr. W. W. Despard, and a Curlew from Dr. G. B. Crawford. Many animals have been acquired by purchase or exchange, the most noteworthy being a young male Chimpanzee, three Barbary Apes, a Pine-Marten, a Reindeer, a pair of Golden Eagles, and two pairs of Alpine Choughs. The male Chimpanzee, who replaces the lamented "Barney," is an exceptionally handsocie specimen rejoicing in the name of " Mr. James." Neither Barbar\' Apes, Peccarries, nor Reindeer have been on view in the Gardens for several years past, so that the new arrivals will doubtless prove a great attraction to visitors. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. March 2.— Zoologicat^ Section. — R. Welch, M.R.I.A., read a paper on " Variation due to Environment, illustrated mainly by the Mollusca." Mr. Wei 7 » 8 „ Ilydrohia ulvae^ 20 „ t8 „ 9i » Purpura lapilhis, 9tV» 4 , 3 .. Lasaea riibra^ . . 9 .' — Trochus umhilicatus, 7 » 4 days 3 days Littoritia ohtiisata. ■ 6 ., 2 ,, 3 » In the case of the two species, Lasaea 7-ubra and Hydrohia 2dvae, the results above shown are quite unexpected. From its usual habitat, on rocks above high water, where it is frequently exposed to dew and rain, Lasaea might liave been expected to show a large tolerance of fresh water. In no igio. CoLGAX. — The Adaptability of Littoral Molhisca. 129 instance, however, did an}^ of the many specimens tested sur- vive even a twenty-four hours' immersion. As for Hydrobia, there is nothing in its habits to render probable the capacity which a long series of observations proved it to possess of enduring j)rotracted exposure in dry air and immersion in strong brine. Coming to the second branch of the inquiry, it would seem a priori \X\2iX. taking each species by itself those individuals collected from stations at or above high-water mark should shew a greater tolerance of exposure to air than the indivi- duals of the same species collected from lower levels where the}' are dail}' submerged in sea water for lengthened periods. And a priori one might expect, too, that in each species the high-level individuals, accustomed as they are to exposure to dew and rainfall, would show a greater tolerance of fresh water and a less tolerance of water of high salinitj' than the low-level individuals which pass the greater part of their lives immersed in sea water. A series of observations made in Januar}^ last showed con- clusively that these expectations were fully justified. Two species were selected for this purpose, Purpura lapillus and Littorijia rudis, both very common, both occuring freel}^ at and above high-water mark, and both ranging to a greater or less degree below it. The first of these species is best of all adapted to supply the necessary material, since its range extends from above high-water mark to extreme low-water mark. The second species, though abundant at and above high water, has, at all events on the Dublin Bay shores at Bullock and Sandycove, where the specimens were gathered, but a small downward range. The observations as to exposure in air were accordinglj- chiefly made on Purpura. A couple of hours search amongst the high granite rocks along the shore at Bullock yielded some 250 well-grown specimens, all from high-water mark, or well above it; the same number, equally well grown, were taken from low-water mark. All were exposed in air, mouth upward, in a dry room, and after four days, when the animals of all the individuals, both high and low water, had well withdrawn into their shells, they were tested in batches or groups of 10 or 15 or 20 from A3 130 The hish Aattiralist. July, each gathering, higli and low water, care being taken to pit against the high-level groups, low-level groups as closel}' as possible in the same stage of maturity. The results as set out in the following table place beyond doubt the greater vitality or adaptability of the high-level individuals at all stages from the fourth to the eighth day of exposure. TablK shewing the comparative vitality on exposure to air in a dry room oi Parpura lapillus gathered {ii) at or above high-watermark and (/;) at low-water mark. Exposure in days. 4 5 6 6i I 1\ 1 8 Per-centage survival of high water groups. . . Per-centage survival of low water groups,, .. ICG TOO I GO 8g IGG 70 70 40 63 13 15 5 23 3 The figures in the last column of this table are much too high, as by inadvertence the 8-days groups were allowed for revival in sea water twice as long a period, i.e. 24 hours, as the preceding groups. The efi'ect was necessarily to yield a disproportionate number of survivals or resuscitations, so that the fairly regular decline of vitality was interrupted by a sudden jump upwards. The results above tabulated might also have been exhibited in descending and diverging curves or slopes passing from full vitality to total extinction, but in that form would have been less easily grasped. With the second species, L. rudis, no such detailed obser- vations were made, but such as were carried out gave similar results. On two occasions small groups of high-water and half-tide specimens of this species were pitted against each other. On the first occasion all the individuals had been ex- posed in air for 2\\ days, on the second for 22^ days, A 12 hours' immersion in sea water of each of the four groups or batches restored to full vitality 80 per cent, of the high-water groups to but 40 per cent, of the half-tide groups. In com- parative tolerance of fresh water and water of treble the salinity of sea water both species yielded results in full accordance with expectation, as will appear from the following table : — 19^0. CoLGAN. — The Adaptability of Littoral Molhisca. 131 Percentage Survival, of Purpura lapillus from high-water and from low-water mark and oi Littorina ritdts from high-water and from half- tide mark after immersion for equal periods in fresh-water and in water of treble the salinity of sea- water. Survival in fresh water. Survival in water of treble salinity. Purpura lapillus \ — high-water, low -water Littorina rudis: — high- water, low- water, 70 p. c. 10 p. c. 90 p. c. 30 p. c. 75 P c. . , 100 p.C. 20 p.C. 60 p.C. To sum up, the net result of these observations and ex- periments is to show that the high-water individuals of these littoral species have a greater power of endtiring exposure to air and immersion in fresh water than the low-water or lialf- tide individuals, while they have a lesser power of enduring immersion in water of abnormal salinit3^ There is every reason to suppose that in the Q2i^^oi Purpia-a lapilhis, at least a fuller course of experiment would demonstrate for a half- tide group a stage of adaptabilit}- intermediate between those of the high and low-level groups. This species is to a great extent sedentary. The high-level individuals are, no doubt, hatched a little below high-water mark, and pass their lives in this upper zone, as the half-tide and low-tide individuals are born and pass their lives in the middle and lower tidal zones; and the grades of adaptability shown by the inhabitants of each zone probably point to the progress of a slow evolution from a marine to a terrestrial existence. Two questions are suggested by the results set out in the preceding pages. First, are the tests to which the littoral species were subjected during the course of these experiments of greater or less severity than the species are reqtiired to withstand in a state of nature ? Second, what are the pecu- liarities of structure which in each species may be held to favour or to stand in the way of its attaining to a high degree of adaptability to abnormal conditions. Taking the second of these questions first, it would appear that the conditions favouring a high degree ot adaptability are 1^2 TIi€ Iiisli Nahiralisi. J»b'» (a) the possession of a well-developed operculum, capable, when fully withdrawn, of accurately fitting the orifice of the shell, and, in a lesser degree, {b) the amplitude of the shell- cavity as compared with the size of its inhabiting animal. Both of these conditions are contributory to the one effect, the retention in and around the animal of the moistuie indispen- sible to the exercise of its vital functions. Thus the comparative!}' small capacity of enduring exposure to air in a drj" room which distinguishes P7irp2ira lapillus is probably due to the imperfection of its operculum and the smallness of the inner dimensions of its large and heavy shell. Of 170 full- grown specimens of this species collected on granite rocks above high-water mark in Januar}' last, 2, or \\ per cent., were found to be altogether destitute of operculum, uhile the same percentage had very imperfect opercula, covering only half the animal's foot when fully withdrawn. Of 147 specimens collected at the same time at low^ water, while not one was found to be wholly destitute of operculum, 4 individuals, or 2| per cent., had this appendage very imperfectly developed. Speaking generally, the operculum in this species is more or less imperfect, so that it does not completely close up the shell orifice when the foot is withdrawn. It ma}^ be that this incipient degradation of the operculum in Purpura is a first step on the long road towards total extinction of that ap- pendage, as has been suggested in the case of the allied genus Concholepas. Com.ing now to the first question, whether the artificial tests emplo3'ed in the experiments here recorded are more or less severe than the natural tests to which the littoral mollusca may be submitted, it is clear that the question has no reference to one of the tests, immersion in water of treble salinity, since that condition does not occur in nature. As for the other tests, exposure to dry air and immersion in perfectly fresh water, the question is by no means easy to answ^er. All of the littoral Gastropods here dealt with attach themselves b}^ their partially extended foot to the rocks or seaweeds the}' inhabit. While so attached they are obviously deprived of the protec- tion of the operculum, and a considerable portion of the animal's body is necessarily exposed to the air. But the more rapid dissipation of the moisture in and around the animal's I9IO- CoLGAN. — The Adaptability of Littoal Mollusca. 133 body whicl:, other things being equal, would result fmm this exposure, is probabl}^ more than counterbalanced by access of moisture from dew and mist and rain. And moisture of any kind, whether fresh or saline, is probably in their case effective in sustaining vitality. On the other hand, while the individuals submitted to the artificial test of exposure to dry air in a warm room take full advantage of the operculum as a retainer of moisture, the}^ have throughout their exposure no access to fresh supplies of moisture, whether fresh or saline. Again, the artificial fresh-water test ma^^or may not be more severe than any similar test occurring under natural condi- tions. In nature, it is more than probable that heavy rains again and again saturate with fresh water the animals of such individuals of Purpura and Littoiina riidis as dwell above high-water mark, while in artificial immersion the operculum undoubtedly serves as an efficient barrier against anj^ consider- able access to the animal of this fresh water. It is, however, by no means certain that the operculum acts, as Gosse believes it to act, by perfect exclusion of the fresh water. The fact that individuals of mau}^ littoral species exposed for many daj'S to dry air or immersed for long periods in fresh or abnormally saline water, return to activity almost immediately when placed in sea water, is against this assumption. In all these cases the operculum, just before resuscitation, is found to be farwithdraw^n and closely fitting the shell-opening; and unless we assume that the far-retired animal is sensitive to the very slight variations of temperature which ma}^ occur on transfer from one element to the other, we must conclude that the sea water, which appears to exercise an almost instantaneous reviving power, gains access in some wa}^ to the animal. It is probably round the edge of the operculum rather than through it that this access is had, for there is no reason to suppose that its close-grained liorny substance is rapidly permeable by water. Sandycove, Co. DubUn. 1 A Naturahst's Rambles ou the Devonshire Coast, 1853, p. 60 134 "^^^ Irish Naturalist, July, IRISH SOCIETIES. ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Recent gifts iuclude a Badger from Mr. E. M, Arcbdale ; a Squirrel, a Porcupine and an Owl from Dr. Langley ; a Sparrow-Hawk from Mr. G. P. Keating ; a Blue- fronted Amazon from Mrs. Hoffe ; a pair of Jacobin Pigeons from Mr. W. Lane-Joynt ; three Swans from Mrs. Cullinan ; a Long-eared Owl from Mr. W. T. Potts ; and two Black Fan- tail Pigeons from Mr. E. T. Ouirke. Two Ravens, six Flamingoes, and a male Rhea have been acquired by purchase or exchange. The Council have decided to erect a hospital for sick animals and specimens that require isolation. This will be a great convenience in working the Gardens. It is also proposed to build a new aviary for the larger birds of prey — eagles, falcons, and owls, whose present quarters are somewhat confined. DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. May II.— The Club met at Leinster House, Dr. G. H. PkthvbridGE (President) in the chair. Prof. Scott demonstrated Burri's method for the demonstration of micro-organisms. This consists of mixing the infected fluid with a suitable specimen of liquid Indian ink diluted with water. When dry the organisms stand out as white lines on a dark ground ; a close imita- tion of the new dark-ground illuminators. The method has proved of great value in the recognition of some pathological organisms which are rather difficult to stain. D. McArdi^E exhibited the burst capsule, spores and bi-trispiral elaters of Conocephaliis conicus L. ; also spirit material of the male plant, showing the white antheridia, the species bein^ dioicous. This is one of the largest of the frondose Hepaticae, remarkable for its aromatic smell ; the reticulated venation of the thallus and large stomata, which can be seen by the naked eye, separate it from all others of the group. It enjoys a wide distribution, being found in Europe, Asia, Japan, and North America. F. W. Moore exhibited a seedling of Droscra pygmaea, a very minute species from Australia. In the adult the leaves are rotund on long slender stalks. In the seeding state the.leaves are spathulate, with a few scattered tentacles. The structure of the tentacles and glands could be seen very clearly. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. ApriIv 23.— Geological, Section.— Scrabo Hii.l. This was the first excursion of the season. The remarkable sections showing sills and dykes of dolerite, laid open in the quarries of Triassic sandstone, were examined. Fine specimens of sandstone, showing ripple-marks, moulds of sun- cracks, current bedding, and brecciatiou were obtained, also one specimen showing pits of rain-drops. igro Irish Societies, 135 May 7. — GeoIvOGical Section.— Tardree and Sandy Braes. The quarries at Tardree Moiintaiu, and the excavations in the plateau lavas around it, were examined. The members took train to Ballyclare, where they were met by J. Strachan, who acted as conductor. Thence they drove to Sandy Braes where specimens were obtained of banded and fluidal pitch-stones, and of small spherulitic nodules of silicified rhyolite filled with opal. Con- tinuing the drive to the north quarry on Tardree, the conductor pointed out a red, stony rhyolite worked at present, and in the disused main part of the quarry, drew attention to the apparently massive columnar structure. Driving a short way up an adjacent cross-road, a quarry showing a beautifully banded lithoidal rhyolite was examined and photographed. The south quarry on Tardree was then visited, and specimens of the typical lithoidal rhyolite secured. May 21.— Casti^EROCK. — The party, numbering 85, was conducted, by N. H. Foster and W. J. C. Tomlinson. During the day the botanists of the party were busy, and reported the following : — Raniinadus tticho- phyllus^ Erophila vulgaris, Sisyvibrua/i Thaliajiuvi, Cerastiutn seviidecandi-um, Saxifraga tridactylites, Antennaria dioica, Myosotis coUina, Sdlla verna, Asple- nhwi viariman, Draba muralis, Arenaria trinervia and Arabis hirsuta. The deep-wooded ravines at Downhill were found excellent collecting grounds for land mollusca. That member of the northern fauna. Helix hortensis, so rare in Ireland, especially in the south and west, was found to be plentiful under ivy along the top of an old wall. Pupa anglica occurred at the base of the cliffs, and a rather local xerophile. Helix caperata, on the sandhills near Magilligau. In the pond in Downhill demesne, Planorbis coniorhis was common. Some of the conchologists who were collecting on the strand at Downhill cliffs were delighted to find a tidal fringe of a rare pelagic Atlantic shell, Limacina retroversa, which occasionally comes ashore in immense numbers on the west coast. It was the first time any of the party had ever been fortunate enough to find it though looked for for many years ; its only previous record for the district rests on dredgings by the late Dr. Chaster in Rathlin Sound in 1896. On the Downhill strand numbers of CypHna islaitdica, LtUraria elliptica, Area tetragona, Venus fasciata, Solen siliqua, Donax vittatiis. Capuhis hungaricusy Cypraa eicropaa, JVassa incrassata, Ttirrilella conuminis, and Scalaria covuminis were found. The ornithologists handed in a list of forty-three species noted during the day, chiefl}- in the demesne, showing that birds are not molested there. It was noted that the Siskin has increased there as a nesting species. At five o'clock the various groups of workers met by arrangement at the Golf Hotel, Castlerock, where they were entertained to tea by Miss Kidd. A short business meeting was held on the hotel grounds after tea — the president, R. Welch, M.R.I. A., in the chair. Three new members— Miss M. Stewart, Miss Iv. Ivowry, and Mr. Frank Johnston, J. P. — were elected. Shortly afterwards the party took train at 6.57, arriving in Belfast shortly after nine. 136 The I?ish Naitiralist. July. DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. March 5. -Howth.— The Club journeyed to Howth Head under the conductorship of David M'Ardle. Mosses were collected from the north side of the head. As uo full account of the mosses of Howth has been published, these specimens collected were retained for naming, and any species new to the peninsula will be published later in the Irish NaturaUst. March 8.— \V. F. Gunn (Vice-President) in the chair. Nevin H. Foster, M.B.O.U., read a paper entitled " The Feathered World." After describing the different types of birds found in various countries, the lecturer threw on the curtain numerous lantern slides of the most in- teresting birds dealt with during the evening. R. M. Barrington, W. F. de V. Kane, C. B. Moffat, and W. F. Gunn spoke in the subsequent discussion. Miss Tuckey, B.A., and Geo. R. Humphreys were elected members. Aprii, 19. — G. H. Carpenter, B.vSc, in the chair. The Chairman drew attention to the great loss the Club had sustained since the last meeting through the death of Dr. Edward Perceval Wright, its first Pre- sident. In doing so he alluded to the brilliant qualities of the late Dr. Wright as a scientist, and of the esteem with which he was held in scientific circles throughout Kurope. The Chairman also mentioned several instances of his work in connection with Irish natural histor}', particularly his collaboration Mdth the late Prof. Huxley in the examina- tion of the fossil Amphibia of the Kilkenny coalfields. A vote of condolence was passed unanimously. W. J. Lyons read a paper on " Rain," in which the general conditions governing rainfall were described, and the characteristics of the local rainfall were dealt with. Aprii^ 16. — Gi.ENASMOTvE. — Under the care of J. Bajdey Butler, M.A., M.B., a party visited Glenasmole Waterworks, where the spring vegeta- tion and protective adaptations for winter buds were examined. Rain interfered considerably with this excursion, which was otherwise suc- cessful. May 21.— Jobstown.— A number of members and visitors travelled to the Embankment by the 2.40 train from Terenure. The vegetation about Jobstown was then examined. Miss M. C. Knowles, who con- ducted this excursion, demonstrated the more interesting plants found between Jobstown and Tallaght. At the latter place tea was obtained, after which the party returned to town. 19 fo. Obituary. .'•.\ 137 OBITUARY. G. W. CHASTER, M.D. IL is with great regret that we have to record the sudden and unex- pected death, at tlie earl}^ age of 47, of the distinguished conchologist, Dr. Chaster. He was not an Irishman, but his frequent visits to Ireland and the deep interest he evinced in Irish natural history, endeared him to many readers of the Irish Natiualist. Dr. Chaster was not only an en- thusiastic collector, he identified his captures with the most painstaking industry and perseverance. Difficulties of identification gave a special zest to efforts on his part, and he took particular interest in those genera of Mollusca which required minute study and careful scrutiny. As long ago as 1897 he contributed to the Irish Naturalist (vol. vi., pp. 120-125) a noteworthy article entitled 'A Day's Dredging offBallycastle." During his trip he discovered one species new to science {Adeorbis wiisidcattts), and made several valuable additions to the Irish list. In the same volume of 'dxQ Irish Naturalist (y)^. 184-185) appeared also his "Notes on the Marine Mollusca of Rathlin Island " as part of a report on the fauna of the island issued by a party of Knglish zoologists who had explored it under the guidance of our friend Robert Welch of Belfast. In 1898 Dr. Chaster communicated to the Royal Irish Academy his valuable and instructive report on the Mollusca obtained during the various cruises off the West Coast of Ireland. It was printed in the Pro- ceedings (yd\. v ,3), 189S-1900, pp. 1-33. Subsequently Dr. Chaster made several successful collecting trips to Ireland. He joined the Kenmare Field Club Conference in 1898, and subsequently he visited Enniskillen, vSligo, Galway, North-East Donegal, and finally Acliill and Clare Islands. During these excursions his interests graduall}' widened, and instead of confining his attention to the Mollusca he began to make collec- tions of Foraminifera, Coleoptera, and even of prehistoric implements which formed the substance of important discourses delivered to several English scientific societies. He became President of the Concbo- logical Society of Great Britain and Ireland in 1904, and retained this distinguished post for two years. NOTES, BOTANY. Corydalis claviculata in Co. Derry. In the Journal of Botany, in 1874, I recorded the occurrence of Corydalis claviculata at Culmore, Co. Derry. For a good many years past it seemed to have disappeared from the locality. I am glad to be able now to note its re-discovery, but without giving particulars, trusting that it may be able to re-establish itself. W. E. Hart. Kilderry, Co. Donegal. 138 The hish Naturalht. July, Irish Plants. In ihe /ciinial of Botany for April Rev. E. S. Marshall has a note on Hellcborine atroviridis from Killarney. In the same Journal for June H. N. Dixon writes on a new Fissidens {F. exsul) found by I). M'Ardle on pots and tubs in the palm-house at Glasnevin. and on a remarkable variety of F. rnfitlus obtained by the same collector at Finglas. A New Irish Fungus. On the 15th of May, 1908, I found a specimen of Veronica Beccabnnga near Bohernabreena, Co. Dublin, attacked by a parasitic fungus, but time did not permit of its full investigation just then. On the 27th of ]\Iay of this year I came across a specimen of Veronica seypyllifolia in Howth demesne similarly attacked. On examination both species were found to be infected by the parasitic fungus, Peronospo)a grisea, Ung. This species has not hitherto been recorded from Ireland. J. Adams. Royal College of Science, Dublin. ZOOLOaY. Additional record of Chelifer cancroides. I may mention Rathmines in addition to Limerick (/.A^a/., vol. xviii. page 249), as a locality for this species. On October 7, 1908, I took two specimens from the legs of a house-fly {Mnsca domesticd) in this neigh- bourhood. Is this a common species in Ireland .' Norman E. Stephens. 79, Rathmines Road, Dublin. Zoropsis maculosus introduced at Limerick. On March 23rd last I received from Dr. George Fogerty, of Limerick, a handsome adult female specimen of a large spider, which he tells me was given him by Mr. Woodhouse, who found it in a bunch of bananas which had been sent to his firm by a Liverpool broker and imported by him direct from the Canary Islands. The Rev. O. P. Cambridge, to whom I sent the specimen, has kindly identified it for me as Zoropsis macn/osus, Camb., which was first found in this country in 1907, and was described by him in the Proceedings of the Zoological Socitty of London, 1907, p. 822. Mr. Cambridge described the species there from two specimens sent him by Mr. H. Speyer — an immature male and a female, probably not quite mature, which were also taken amongst bananas imported direct from the Canary Islands, Other species of this genus inhabit the Mediter- ranean region. This specimen will be lodged in the National Museum in Dublin. Denis R. Pack-Beresford. Fenagh House, Bagenalstown. I9IO. Notes, 139 Grain Beetles at Belfast. On April 25 Mr. W. H. Pattersou, M,R I A., sent me a niiiiiber of small beetles which he informed me had been taken in a shed at the docks, Belfast. There was in the shed a great pile of sacks of maize, and on the outside of these sacks were thousands of these little insects, most of them either dead or in a torpid state. On examination the beetles sent proved to belong to three species. One was the heteromeron, Triboliitm ferrugineuin, F. ; the other two were weevils, Calandra granaria, L., and C. oryza, \,. The first-named was the least abundant and the last named the most so in the specimens sent to me. All these species are more or less cosmopolitan, but curiously enough we have very few records in our Irish List. The records are as follows: — Triboluun ferrugineiim — Dublin, taken by Mr. Tardy and recorded by Mr. Hogan in the Zoologist, 1854. Calandria granaria — Dublin, in corn stores, recorded by Mr. Hogan in the Zoologist 1854 ; Down, near Belfast, recorded by Mr. Haliday in MS. list published by the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club in the Proceedings, 1885. C. oryzce — Dublin, in corn stores, Mr. Hogan, Zoologist, 1854 ; Custom-house Wall, Haliday MS. That there are not other more recent records is simply because no one has looked for the beetles in their usual haunts. It is probable that a search among the merchandise which comes to the port of Belfast from so many different countries would reveal the presence of many interesting insects. W. F. Johnson. Poyntzpass. Dasypolia templi in Dublin. I caught a female of this moth at a lamp in Kingsbridge station on October 1st, 1906. I believe this to be an unrecorded locality for this scarce species. Norman K. Stephkns. Rath mines. Irish Birds. In the Zoologist for March, R. Warren writes on Black-tailed God wits in Cork Harbour, and in British Birds for March J. W. H. Seppings has a note on the same subject. In the same number of British Birds W. J. Williams records a Snowy Owl shot at Belmullet on January 4, two Greenland Falcons shot on Tory Island in December, one shot and another seen on Achill in November, one shot at Belmullet in January one at Greystones in January, and one at Tralee in February ; a Spoon- bill shot at Dingle in December; a hybrid Mallard x Gadwall shot at Kells in February ; a Corncrake shot at Malahide in January and several Little Auks picked up exhausted in Queen's County, Sligo, Tip- perary, Mayo, and Galway. In the same issue R. Hamilton Hunter writes on the breeding-habits of the Siskin in Ireland. In the April number of British Birds, Major B. R. Horsbrugh records two Crossbills from Newbridge, 140 The Irjsh Nahualist. July, 1910. Marten in Co. Gal way. As the Marten appears to be very rarely met with in the western portion of Co. Galway it might be well to record the lollowing occur- rence of one of these animals in that district :- On the 17th April, 1908, while in Connemara, I was shewn the fresh skin of a Marten which had been killed the day previous. The particular spot where this specimen was taken is well wooded, but the surrounding country, especially on the eastern side, is practically devoid of trees, and for miles consists princi- pally of bare mountains and peat bogs characteristic of that part of Ireland. It is quite evident that this Marten, or its predecessors, must have crossed, not only bare, but also very wet countr}- before reaching the wooded part where it was killed. Geo. R. Humphreys. Dublin. REVIEW. NATURE STUDY. The Aims and Methods of Nature Study : A Guide for Teachers. By John Rennie, D.Sc, F.R.S.E. With an Introduction by Prof. J. Arthur Thomson. London: W. B. Clive, 1910. Pp. xvi. +352. 17S figures. Price 35. (id. One result of the present praiseworthy movement in support of what is called " Nature-Study," has been to flood the market with books — mostly compilations, and by no means praiseworthy, except for their photographic illustrations. The volume before us is a delightful con- trast to books of such a type. It is illustrated by line-drawings, often diagrammatic and sometimes rough, but usually workmanlike and stimulating, to agree with the letterpress. Dr. Rennie is a keen observer, directing attention to important features in the bionomics of animals and plants; he is also a trained naturalist, who introduces enough of structural fact to explain what is learned through observation in the field. The book is addressed to teachers — a class of readers who will surely be attracted by the marshalling of the facts, and the fine literary setting in which they are presented. The subjects chosen by Dr. Rennie for lessons cover a wide range. The erosion of river-valleys, snow-crystals, common flowering plants, insect transformations, snails, frogs and tadpoles, birds and mammals. all furnish material for the teacher, who is guided how to make the best use of the objects for the benefit of his scholars. In an opening chapter the author holds up high " ideals of nature study," and Prof. Thomson in his too-short Introduction, emphasises what these ideals should be. The wise teacher will select from the wide choice of subjects offered to him, what will best suit his own class, and if he catches Dr. Rennie's spirit, he will not present the lesson to his class exactly as he gets it by help ot the printed page. He will become, in his own measure, one who has gone direct to Nature, and who can lead his pupils to the same great source. G. H. C. August, 19 to. The Irish Naturalist, 141 ON SOME RARE IRISH SPIDERS OBTAINED IN 1909 WITH NOTES ON THE GENUS ERIGONE. BY A. RANDEI.L JACKSON, M.B., D.SC. (Plate 3.) ^. Amongst a considerable number of spiders sent to me by Mr. D. R. Pack-Beresford since the publication of his " Supple- mentar}' List of the Spiders of Ireland"^ were two especially interesting forms. These were Erigone capra, Sim., a spider previously unknown in Britain and Ireland, and Lophocaremcvi stra^nineiun^ Menge. Of the latter spider Mr. Pack-Beresford had already obtained males on the island of Lambay,* and near Bagenalstown, but the female is new to the Irish fauna and neither sex has yet been recorded from Britain. Tlie present record is based on two females, lately obtained near Bagenals- town in a locality in which males had previously been found. My identification was confirmed b}' the Rev. O. Pickard- Cambridge. This little species possesses the ordinary Lopho- carenum characters, viz. ; the sternum with the wide truncated posterior termination, the back row of eyes with the strong curve of which the convexity is directed backwards, the four deep impressions arranged in pairs towards the anterior end of the coriaceous dorsal surface of the abdomen, and the short rather thick legs. From the other British species of lyOphocarenum the structure of the vulva separates the present spider. In L. parallelwn, BL, and L. Me?igii, Sim., this is very different, but in L. nemorale, BL, the differences are minute, and the two might easily be confused. I therefore give figures of the epigyne in both species which I hope will facilitate the recognition and separation of these two interesting little animals. Mr. Beresford has lately informed me that the male has occurred in yet a third Irish locality, viz. : — Carrickmacross, in Count} Monaghan. Professor Kulczynski^ states that in his opinion the true L. strami?ieuni of Menge is not the present species, and he has ^Proc, Royal Irish Academy, Vol. xxvii., Sectiou B, No. 7, pp. 87-118. Dublin, 1909. "^Irish Naturalist (Contrib. to the Nat. Hist, of lyambay, Co. Dublin), p' 63, Jan. and Feb., 1907. 3" Araueae Opera, Rev. Schmitz collect, in Ins. Maderianis," p. 61. 142 The Irish Naturalist. August, therefore renamed our spider L. mediocre^ Kulcz. Menge's original figures^ are, however, rather vague and uncertain, and I personally should not like to say that they represented, or did not represent, one spider which is the L. straviincuni^ Menge-Simon. M. Simon- describes both sexes, but onl}' figures the male. He states that the species occurs in the South of France, in Prussia, and in Denmark. To these European localities Dr. de Lessert'^ adds Switzer- land, as he there found this species on the mossy and lichen- covered trunks of lime trees near Lavign}-. Bosenberg* describes the female, and gives a figure of the vulva. I do not think this figure refers to the present species, and indeed Bosenberg states that his knowledge of the species was obtained from Menge and Bertkau. The Rev. O. Pickard- Cambridge^ has already figured one of the I^ambay males. Even more interesting than the above species was the capture of Erigone capra, Sim. These specimens, which Mr. Pack-Beresford sent to me at the beginning of the present year, consisted of four males and a female, w^hich had been found by Mr. R. Welch on the banks of the Ulster Canal, near Monaghau, on October 12th, 1909. The structure of the palpi seemed to me extremely like that of E. capra, Sim., as given by Professor Kulczyn.ski in his excellent monograph,^ and on sending a specimen to him he at once recognized it as belong- ing to that species. This was confirmed by Mr. Cambridge. The species is for all that very close to several others, so I here venture to give some figures which will help arachnologists to diagnose it when found. First, as to Vn^fcinalc. I must confess I can find nothing at all striking about it. The vulva would do very well for that of several other species. I have, however, figured it, and also given drawings of extreme examples of the vulvae of its two nearest allies. In sketching these '" Preussiche Spiuueii," II., p. 199, Pi. xxxviii., fig. 96. -'" Les Arachuides de France," V., pp. 67S, 679. 3"Observatious sur les Araiguees du bassiu du Lemau," p. 314. Geneve, 1904. *•♦ Die Spinueu Deutschlauds,' p. 197, plate xvii., fig. 271. "'"On uew and rare British Spiders." Proc. Dorset Field Club, &c., vol. xxviii., p. 131, 1907. «" Erigonae Europeae addenda ad descriptioues." BiilUtin de V Academic des Sciences de Cracovie, 1902. I9IO. Jackson — Rare hish Spiders obtained in \<:)0(^. 143 vulvae eveo'thing depends on the exact position of the specimen. A very slight tilting either one way or the other jDroduces what appear to be wonderful specific differences. Again, in the same species, there is a wide range of variation, and even amongst specimens taken in the same locality it is sometimes difiicult to find two exactly alike. The same remarks apply to the other species of the genus, and I do not think a good case has yet been made out for the female of the much commoner E. promiscua^ Camb. In E. arciica, White, the posterior border of the epigyne is nearly always rather deeply embayed by a median flexure. This is usually vestigial or absent in E. lofigipalpis, Sund. The vulvae of E. atra, BL, and E. de?itipalpis, Wid., have been figured at least three times ^, -, •\ and I think correctly, only it must be remembered that in each case extreme speci- mens have been selected. In some cases, I think, it is im- possible to be certain of the species, even when the vulvae are very carefully examined. Turning to the males, a much more satisfactory state of things is seen, all the species being recognizable by means of a careful examination of the palpi. The structure of the tibiae of those limbs divides the six species into two groups. In the first, which includes E. de7Uipaipis, Wid., and E. promisaia, Camb., the tibia, viewed from the outer side, shows three processes or apophyses, a superior, an external or inter- mediate (viewed in profile), and an inferior. The superior process is expanded in the horizontal direction, and forms a more or less broad plate on the dorsum of the article, whilst the intermediate one is placed almost on the same level and just on its outer aspect. The inferior process is much more removed from the intermediate one than the latter is from its superior fellow, and is always provided with a strong tooth on its inferior surface. In the second group the superior process is not expanded ; the intermediate process is much separated from it, the dis* tance between the two being not very different from the distance between the intermediate and inferior processes. ^Chyzer and Kulczynski, " Araneae Hungariae," vol. ii., plate iii., figs 38,39- ^Bosenberg, '* Die Spiuueu Deutschlauds," plate xv., figs. 237, 238. ^Pickard-Cambridge, " On New and Rare British Arachnida." Proc, Dorset Field Club^ 1905, plate B, figs. 3-8. i^^ The Irish Naturalist, August, The inferior process never bears a strong tooth on its lower surface ; this is generally qui^e unarmed, but a small vestigial tooth ma}' occur in E* arctica, White, E> capra, Sim., and E» atni, Bl- I have never noticed it in E. longipalpis^ Sund. Of tliese four species, E. atra is easily separated by the shape of the intermediate process, which is rounded evenly. In the other three it is narrow, springs abruptly from the external surface of the tibia, and shows a bifid extremit3\ The lower point of the fork springs, however, from the internal surface of the process, whilst the upper one is the true con- tinuation of the process as seen from the external aspect. In E. aictica and E. longipalpis the intermediate process is slightly nearer the tip of the superior process than of the inferior one. In E. capra the reverse is the case. In the males I examined one shows a vestigial tooth on the inferior process, and the other three do not. These three species are, however, very easily distinguished by the structure of the palpal organs, and especially b}' those processes which Pro- fessor Kulczynski called the deiis vicdius and the deyis posticus. In the figures I have endeavoured to show these in the same position in all three species. Erigone capra, Sim., is recorded from the Department of Isere in France, and from Hungary. The latter examples were described by Professor Kulczynski as the var. oblita. They differed from the French examples sent to him by M. Simon in the stronger angle of the de7is ?}icdius, and in several dimensions. As regards the former, I can express no opinion, as I have never seen French examples. The dimensions of the Irish specimens are, however, practically identical with those of the typical French form. The total length of a male specimen measured was about 2.25 mm. E. atra and E. aixtica^ var. viaritimay seem to average about 2.15 — 2.2 mm. E. arctica in typical forms is larger, an average specimen I measured being 26 mm. E. lo7igipalpis, Sund., is larger yet. I managed to find a huge vSpecimen measuring 3 mm. This is, of course, above the average, which is a little larger than that of typical E. arctica. E. arctica. White, is a spider common in many British and Irish localities, most of them maritime. It likes a niudd}', claye}', grass-grown, salt-marsh such as is found on the Lan- cashire and Cheshire coasts, but also occurs on rocky and stony localities. I here figure the palpus of the typical form iKiiJH Naturalist, Vol. XIX, l^LATE 3. Structural Details of Irish Spiders. I. Erigone capra. 2. E. arctlca. 3. /-'. loui^if^nlpis. 4, E. atra. 5. E. ikntipalpis. 6. E. promisciia. 7, Lophocaremtm stramineum . 8. L. nemorale. To face page 145. 1910. Jackson — Rare Irish Spiders obtained in \^0(^. 145 from specimens taken by Mr. Pack-Beresford at Portmarnock. This form has not previously been recorded from Britain. The usual British form is the var. ina>itima of Kulczynski, of which I also figure the palpal tibia. Intermediate forms occur freely, the two being merely the extremes of a very variable species. E. longipalpis^ Sund., is found in similar situations, but seems to occur more freely in marshy inland localities. E. atra^ Bl., and E. dentipalpis^ Wid., are ubiqui- tous little spiders, and abound everj^where, being accomplished aeronauts, whilst E. promiscua^ Camb., although widely distributed, seems nowhere very common. So far it has occurred most freel}^ in the Hastings district. There are two other British species included in this genus. One of them, E. gratninicola^ Sund,, has just been removed hy the Rev. J. E. HulP into the genus Tmeticus. Previousl}^ a new genus, Erig07iidi2C7)i, F. P. Smith,^ had been created for it. It is certainl}' not very closely related to the spiders now under discussion. The other, Erigone spinosa^ Camb., differs markedly from its present congeners in the sexual organs of both sexes. It has recently been discovered as a British spider on the shores of the Humbert EXPI^ANATION OF Pl,ATR 3. 1. Erigone capra, Sim., , . . Left palpus from outer side. la. „ ... Iveft palpus from below. lb. ,, ... Vulva of female from below 2. Engove arctica, White (typical) . Left palpus from outer side. 2a. „ ... Right palpus from below. 2b. ,, ... Vulva of female from below. 2C. ,, var. maritima, Kulcz. Tibia of left palpus from outer side. 3. Erigone longipalpis, Sund. . . Left palpus from outer side. 3a. „ ... Right palpus from below. 3b ,, ... Vulva of female from below. 4. Erigone atra, Bl., . . . Left palpus from below. 4a. „ ... Tibia of left palpus from outer side. 5. Erigone deniipalpisyVJ\(\., . . Tibia of left palpus from outer side. 6. Erigone profuiscua, Qanih., . . Tibia of left palpus from outer side. 7. Lophocaremivi straniineum, Menge Vulva of female froiu below. 8. Lophocaremivi neniorale, Bl., . . Vulva of female from below. d. vi.y dens niedius; d. />., dens posticus. Chester. 1" The Genus Tmeticus." Transact, of Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumberland, Dnrhain. and Neivcastle-upon-Tync . New series, vol. iii., part 3, 1910. '^/ojtrnai of the Qitekett Microscopical Club, Ser. 2, vol. ix., p. 115. 3Pickard-Cambridge. " On New and Rare British Arachnida." Proc. Porset Field Club, vol. xxix., p. 75, 1908, 146 The hisli Naturalist, August, SOME NOTES ON A BI.ACKWATER CAVERN. BV H. J. MOLONEY, B.A. ; E. C RONAYNE, B.A. ; R. W. EVANS, LL.B., and JAMES COMYN; B-L- The picturesque escarpment of Gortmore, overlooking the Blackwater between Mallow and Kanturk, contains several orifices on its face. The largest are at the western extremity of the cliffs, which extend for a quarter of a mile, with beds dipping south at steep angles. Several of these openings have been penetrated by local people, but contain nothing of note. Mr. F. W. Claire, of Lissa, Doneraile, having related to one of the writers of these notes his experience in a cavern which he reached after penetrating through one of the narrow clefts near the extremit}- of the escarpment, and in which he found stalactites 10 feet long, a party was organized to explore the caves on the 14th June last. This party subsequent!}^ pene- trated a cavern which contained stalactites which for luxuriance in growth, and delicacy and eccentricity of form, are unequalled in Ireland. It also possesses features which present a nice problem for the expert in subterranean hydrology. Having ascended a short talus just beyond a quarry (which is worked for lime by Mr. Fitzgerald, the owner of the farm), the party came to a small fissure, into which the}' wriggled for a few yards, where a stalagmite slope rose in the centre of the passage. On the eastern side there was less than 8 inches between the roof and floor, and on the western side there was only 9^ inches at the widest part, which was beside the rock wall. The distance gradually lessened to the top of the slope. Mr. Ronayne, with a determined effort, succeeded in wriggling through, and on his signalling a high gallery beyond, the re- mainder of the party followed suit. A drop of eight feet landed the party in a lofty main-joint fissure running north and soutli. This is about fifty yards long, and with an average height of 15 feet. It contains a large number of the ordinary yellow stalactites. Taking a sharp turn immediately after negotiating the 8 feet drop, a small tunnel will be perceived on the eastern wall of the fissure, also at a height of about 8 feet. This leads to the galleries which contain the most remarkable features of the cave. I9IO. Moloney and others—^ Blackivater Cavern. 147 It is neceSvSary to state here that the part}- being at Kanturk on other business, and the expedition to the caves being hurriedl}' organized, they we "e unprovided with a compass, clinometer, or any instrument for taking levels. The distances were estimated by pacing. The directions were roughl}' traced on a sheet of paper en route- The stalactite measurements, the plumb lines, and the height where the roof could be reached were measured with a small tape-measure. However, with these poor materials every effort was made to ensure accurate returns. After a short journey along the above-mentioned passage the tunnel divides into two. That on the right, a bedding cave, winds slightly towards the south ; the rock-bed dips at a steep angle, but is covered with a coating of silt, which greatly diminishes the slope. One can slide to the bottom without danger. After wet seasons however it would seem as if the floor becomes covered with water. A small sink-hole occurs, in which water was perceived a foot below the mouth of the funnel. Climbing the slope, a feat which cannot be always performed at the first attempt, as one slips down the soft clay, an opening about 9 feet in circumference disclosed another bedding cave, which takes the form of a kind of ^* Giant's Pot." The dip is here very steep, and the bottom of the cave is covered with a pool. On plumbing we found the water five feet deep and the slope 15 feet long., the height of the roof being about 18 feet from the water-level. We did not descend, as the operation could not be performed with safety without the aid of a rope. A journey of about thirty yards, taking the passage to the left, brings one to a gallery, which exhibits the most re- markable luxuriance of stalactite growths in the cave. This gallery runs towards the w^est. The large bosses, resembling the projectiles of a big gun, suggested the name "Magazine." Continuing the journey beyond the "Magazine" the floor rises, and one can no longer walk. At a point about 70 yards from the 8-feet drop, near the entrance, an earth-fall stops further progre.ss. Just before reaching this point two re- markable sink-holes open in the floor. The tops of these funnels are some yards in circumference, but they narrow lower down to 3 feet. On plumbing one we found it 20 feet ,48 The Irish Naturalist August, Cave of Gortmore EARTH FAIL ? M, Ml\ jlO.H T, A i us. r/ics or ci, i>t. III.,,//. ■■■SN\V\U;f.- »!>, SECTION AT CLOISTERS f , ' 5i"C TIDN AT GIANT SPOT ' WAY TO GOLDEN GATE STALAGMITE FLOOR SECTIONAT = GOLDEN GATE SECTION AT MAQAlINg T9I0. Moloney and others. — A Blackwater Cavern. 149 deep, the depth of the water at the bottom being 8 feet. Around these dangerous funnels the floor was covered with slipper}^ clay, seemingly of considerable thickness. On casting in a large stone one of the party detected an unpleasant odour. What seems an odd feature is that the sink-holes occur at the highest level of the cave. Here is one problem for the sub- terranean hj^drologist. Just before reaching the sink-holes the roof in one place was scratched as if it had been subjected to some grinding force. Retracing their footsteps to the " Magazine," the explorers beheld for a course of about 25 yards festoons of pendants from the roof, attaining in some cases the length of 8 feet. A most remarkable feature is that some of the stalactites are 5'ellow, while others in the same cluster are glittering white. In this cavern is the "Triangle," a stalactitic curtain 12 feet by 8 feet by 5^ feet, suspended over the middle of the gallery. It is so thin that the light of a candle shines through it with a beautiful crimson lustre. A cluster which was named "The Octopus" was 8 feet long by 12 in circumference around its widest part. A drop of ten feet occurs immediately under this cluster, and the roof beyond rises to a height of 25 feet. Some distance farther on, a zigzag course of several 3'ards (in the floor of which are situated several small " gours " or stal- agmite water-terraces) brings us to a magnificent arched galler}^ running in an absolutely straight line for about 80 yards. There is a gradual descent to its northern extremit}^ There is a fall of rocks at the end, and progress beyond seems to be very difficult, if not impossible. Although this chamber seems at a low level, its floor is drier than in an}- other portion of the cave, and consists of a compact brecciated stalagmite. By keeping the middle of the passage one can walk upright beneath a fissure which cuts the roof of the gallery for nearl}^ the whole length of its course, giving it a fine appearance. The resemblance of this gallery to the beautiful work of the mediaeval monks suggested the name " Cloisters." This gallery seems to run beyond the face of the cliff in the direction of the river. It is undoubtedly an ancient water-tunnel, as corrosion by percolation alone could never have excavated such a svnnnetrical formation. 150 , The Irish Natu7alist. August, Near the head of the " Cloisters," at a spot marked by a large fallen rock (which is the only one of any magnitude in the cave), a gallery branches off to the east. At the entrance to this galler}^ stands a most remarkable group. First there is a delicate growth of brown anemolites 2 feet long and taking an interlaced zigzag form, and so fragile that they would break off at the slightest touch of the fingertips. There follows a white stalactite 2 feet long. Then a white pillar 7J feet in length joins roof and floor ; this is obviouslj^ a stalactite which has reached the floor at a comparativelj^ recent period, as there is no boss at the bottom. Another delicate series of growths succeeds, and then tw^o stalactites emerging from the roof some inches apart unite and form an anemolite 6 feet long resembling a stout bamboo cane and ridged like the latter at regular intervals. There is a ver}' rapid drip from this stalactite. Beyond this stalactite is another very delicate growth. What is most remarkable in this group is that all the anemolites bend towards the centre pillar, those to the east of it bending west, and those to the west bending east. It would seem as if the pillar and the stouter white stalactites act as a shelter to the smaller growths. We found several anemolites of leSvSer note at the junction of other passages in the cave. We experienced a ver}' percept- able draught in the "■ Cloisters." This is probably the reason why anemolites occur at the junction of this with other passages. A course of abotit 27 j^ards past another beautiful curtain (with folds giving it a resemblance to a half closed bat's wing, 12 feet by 15 feet by 5 inches in dimensions) brought us to a beautiful stalagmite arch which suggested the name "Golden Gate." There was a steep descent along a stalagmite floor to this point. Beyond the " Golden Gate " there was a pool of clear water, and here occurred a phenomenon which suggests another problem for the hydrologist. When the party returned the following night the pool had disappeared ! We measured the space which it had occupied and found it to be 16 3^ards long, 3 yards wide at its narrowest point, and 9 yards at its widest point, where it forms a slight curve at the end of the gallery (which is here 15 feet high.) The average depth, as evidenced by the line on the side wall, was 2\ feet. igiO' M01.ONEY AND OTHERS. — A Blackwatev Cavern. 151 Sheets of cracked mud occupied the floor. Under the south wall of the gallery was a horizontal fissure, through which the water had apparently vanished. The highest level at which, the water ever stands is about 4 J feet. This is plainly marked on the side walls. This pool may be in siphonic communica- tion with the River Blackwater, which flows at a distance of about 100 yards from the cave's mouth, but then there was no noticeable change in the level of the river during the 24 hours to account for this remarkable disappearance of a sheet of water 2J feet deep. Moreover, the water was clean cave- water, and did not look like the brown overflow which would be brought in from the Blackv/ater. Another difficulty sug- gests itself If this be an overflow channel it should surely rise to a height greater than \\ feet when the heavy winter floods bring down the drainage of one of the wettest counties in Ireland. A light could be thrown on the subject by a comparison with the temperature of the Blackwater, and by taking a series of levels at the points where water occurs in this and in the other caves along the clifi". Mr. F. W. Clare informed one of the party that with a companion he descended into a deep muddy passage in one of these caves, along which they travelled until they heard the rush of a river over stones and shingle. The}^ imagined it was the Blackwater flowing overhead ! There are cases of subterranean streams flowinor in siphons under large rivers, but it is difficult to believe that there could be a dry channel under the Blackwater, especiall}- in a cave containing water on a higher level. Local tradition alleges that there is a passage under the river, but, then, local tradition in the case of caverns is almost invariablj^ wide of the truth. The taking of levels, however, might show that not only the pool chamber but the north end of the " Cloisters " are below the level of the river. The ''Cloisters" seem to run under the space between the cliffs and the river bank. Mr. John Fitzgerald, the owner's son, accompanied the party through and assisted them in their explorations. 152 The hish Naturalist, August, IRISH SOCIETIES. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. June h. — Dromore — The party, which numbered about sixty, travelled b}- the 2 p.m. train, and were conducted by J. M. Dickson. On arriving at Dromore, the Cathedral was visited. Other features of interest visited during the afternoon were the Bishop's Palace, the great rath, the holy well of St. Column, and the ancient stone cross. The geologists of the part}' examined a glaciated surface which is exposed in a disused quarr}'. The lower part of the quarry is excavated in a grit of Ordovician age, and the upper part in Boulder-clay. The surface of the grit is striated, the markings running from N.N.W. to S.S.E. The botanists of the party went down the banks of the River Lagan and explored the Gillhall demesne, with its magnificent beech and lime trees. The plants noted included Cornns sangjiinea, Carex acuta, Ceranmm Phceum, Epipagtis latifoNa, and Arenaria trinervia. Owing to the dryness of the day collectors of invertebrates were at somewhat of a disadvantage, and only a few common species of coleoptera, lepi- doptera, and mollusca were noted. Of the terrestrial isopods four species were observed, one of which was the pigmy wood louse Trichonisiiis pygvKTus, which has only recentl}' been added to the Irish fauna, the first specimen having been found in County Down. After tea, a short business meeting was held, Mr. N. H. Foster, M.B.O.U., in the chair. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. J. W. and Miss Cooke for kindlj- exhibiting to the party the various articles of interest in the Cathedral. One new member, Mr. Rankin, was elected. The party returned to Belfast by various trains during the evening. June 25. — Parkmore and Glenariff.— The party travelled by the 9.15 train, and on reaching Parkmore drove to Glenariff Lodge, where they were received by Miss Dobbs, who acted as conductor. The day was spent in exploring the upper part of Glenariff, after which all met at Glenariff Lodge, where they were entertained to tea. After tea a business meeting was held on the lawn, the Vice-President (W. J. C. Tomlinson) in the chair. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs., Miss, and Mr. Dobbs for their kindness in giving the Club the opportunity of exploring the glen and for their hospitality. Two new members — Miss Minnie Murray and Mr. J. A. S. Stendall— were elected. Belfast was reached a'ooitt 8.10 p.m. A considerable amount of field work was done. The geologists had an opportunit}' of studying the mineral contents of the aluminous and iron-ore beds. The mineral contents were best studied at some of the old ore workings, and also at the ravines, gullies, and stream- courses of the escarpment. The woodland species of land mollusca were well represented, i^.?//jr ///jfTfl:, .^. lamellata, Umax arbonou^ and Acme h'neata being taken in the glen below Glenariff Lodge. Freshwater species were almost absent, but Ancylus fliwiatilis was plentiful to an altitude of about 1,000 feet. On the upland bog the only species seen was Limnaea truncahda and a Pisidium, No species of mollusca was, igib. Irish Societies. 153 however, taken in the lakes wliich lie on the peaty area, though three species of freshwater beetles were found. The ground covered was of special interest to the botanists, for Glenariff has long been noted for the richness of its flora. The plants seen included the following:— Lycopodiuvi alpinutii, L. clavotum, Hicrachun stenolepis, H. angliciun, Galiiuii borcale, Arenaria verna, Drosera ang/ica, Neottia Nidus-avis^ Saxifraga hypnoides, VMciniuvi Vitis Idcea, and Polypodiiim Phegopteris. The prize for the best set of photographs illustrative of the geology of the district visited at the previous excursion oftered by the Vice-President was won by D. J. Hogg. JUI.Y 2.— Armagh. --Travelling by the 1.50 p.m. train from Belfast the party set out on foot. Robert Bell acted as conductor. The route travelled was north-west to the Carboniferous limestone quarries at Carrickaloughran, then south-west to the Navau quarry, from which the return was made to the Cathedral City. At Carrickaloughran the chief interest of the quarry is a huge dyke of basalt over 20 feet in width, which rises almost vertically through a fissure in the limestone beds, cutting the nearly horizontal bedding planes of the latter almost at right angles. Many fossils were collected both here and at the Navan. A short distance south-west of the Carrickaloughran quarry is an extensive low-level esker-like deposit of sands and gravels. It has been extensively worked locally for building sand. Some interesting sections are exposed in the pits from the clayey sands, in one of which a member of the Club, Mr. Joseph Wright, F.G.S., recently obtained a number of foraminifera. The clay bands which yield these foraminifera are intercalated with laminated and current-bedded sands, overlying the whole being a series of gravelly and pebbly beds, all indicating water action and current- bedding. From these pebbly beds one member obtained a shell fragment of arctic type. An examination of 100 pebbles or erratics, chosen almost at random from a small section, yielded the following result: — Carbo- niferous rock, 65; basalt, 24; mica schist, 6 ; quartzite, 4; and flint, i. It is clear, then, that, though the majority of the erratics here are local, yet there is a fair proportion of " travelled " rocks in the deposit, Adjoining the sand pits is a rounded hill or drumlin of Boulder-clay. At the Navan quarry the limestone is still extensively worked, but not nearly as much for the sake of its building stone as formerly. The stone is usually of a light-grey colour, though some of the deeper beds have a purplish tint. Both here and at Carrickaloughran several of the beds exhibit an arenaceous appearance and texture. All the beds are fossilife- rous, fish remains being most prevalent at Navan. The floor of the latter quarry, which is from fifty to sixty feet from the surface level ot the top, is composed of hard crystalline masses of coral, the prevalent type being Lithostrotion basalt i/onnis. The botanical members of the party were well pleased with the result of their afternoon's ramble. Raniincultis trichophylliis, only once before recorded from County Armagh, was seen in a disused quarry at Carrickaloughran. On the neighbouring esker the Pyramidal Orchis {Oixhis pyraniidalis') grew in the greatest pro- fusion. It was likewise seen in dry pastures in another locality, and also 154 The Irish Naturalist. August, near the Navan Fort. Trifoliiim medium occurred in abundance over the same area. The visit to the ancient royal stronj^hohl of Kniania, now kno-vvn as Navan Fort, yiekled one of the best botanical finds of the day — namely, the Wood Vetch {Vicia sylvalicd), not hitherto recorded from the county. Other notable plants seen were Cardmis acanthoidesy Laviinm album, f uncus glaucus, and Brixa media, in all cases so common as to be characteristic of the area visited. About forty species of land and fresh- water shells were noted, including the spotted variety of the Great vSlug {Limax niaximus), a very large form of Avion atcr, var. rufa, and many Amalia gagates. The rare Helix arbtistorum, known to live on the Navau Fort, was not seen on this visit. Helix pulchella^'A^ noted, also Ancylus lacustris, Planorbis fontanus, and P. contortus, with both Valvatas. Of Wood- lice, Porcellio pictus was found ; also Trichoniscus pygmicus and Armodilli- dium vulgare, both these species being additions to the known fauna of County Armagh. The site of Emain Macha, the ancient palace of the Kings of Ulster, was visited, and, after tea, vSt. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh. Belfast was reached shortly after midnight. CORK NATURALISTS* FIELD CLUE. The officers and committee for 1910-11 have been elected as follows: — PrKSIDENT — Professor Isaac Swain. Vice-PrESIDEnTS : — Professor M. Hartog, T. Farringtou, H. Lund, W. Humble Johnson, R. A. Phillips, J. J. H. Bennett. Hon. Treasurer :— W\ B. Lacy. Hon. Secretary :— Jas. Noonau. Committee: — Mrs. Brooke-Hughes, Jas. Coleman, William Miller, F. R. TRohu, J. Scott-Kerr, R. Blair. The Club has recently contributed a number of cases of natural history specimens to the Museum, Fitzgerald Park. The following excursions have taken place : — Saturday, June 18— Kii,i,umney and Baewncolug (Conductor, Mr. T. Farrington). — A large party travelled by wagonette to the caves at Ovens. The exploration of the caves was conducted by the aid of lighted candles, &c. Among other things, the curious honeycomb mark- ings, and incipient stalactites, were noted. The members afterwards walked to Ballincollig. Saturday, June 25.— Spike Iseand (Conductor, Prof. Hartog).— This was an excursion for the study of marine zoology, at low water. Hence the party started at an early hour. Thanks to the good offices of Lieut. R. R. Hoare, R.N., a special steam-launch was placed at the disposal of the members by the naval authorities. Wednesday, June 29— Crosshaven (Conductor, Prof. Swain).— This excursion was arranged for the study of local geology. A little to the south of Weaver's Point, a magnificent anticlinal fold in the Old Red Sandstone rocks was noticed. South of this again is a rock platform, carved out at a time when the sea stood some 12 feet higher than it does now. Three distinct types of loose deposits are arranged upon it. North of Poulnacalee Bay occurs a section showing boulder clay, lower " head," and blown sand, and at the ladies' bathing place, lower "head" and igiO- Irish Societies 155 raised beach materials were observed, with the addition of glacial gravel showing current bedding. Walking further on to Myrtleville, lower " head,'' blown sand, and raised beach materials were viewed in a fine section of cliff. In one of the gullies, the differential weathering of sandstone and slate was well displayed. Further on again was found evidence of glacial grooving and polishing, and sections showing dip and cleavage. Numerous small faults were also noted along the shore of Ringabella Bay. DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. Junk 25.— Irei^and'vS EvK. — Under the conductorship of J. de W. Hindi the geological formation of the rocks was studied. Owing to unfavourable weather conditions dredging off the island had to be abandoned. A special feature of interest at this time of year was the number of birds nesting on the rocks ; the north side of the island was especially favourable for observing them. After a very pleasant after- noon the party returned to Howth, where tea was provided. NOTES. BOTANY. Cnicus pratensis in Co. Dublin. In his Flora of the County Dublin Mr. Colgan says of the above that it has not been recently seen in the count}, but states it as his opinion that further search is "likely to show that it is not yet extinct." His optimism is fully justified, for it is now found to occur in considerable quantity in a meadow in Gleuasmole, near St. Anne's graveyard. To be more exact as to locality it occurs 300 or 400 yards to the south of the graveyard. It was in July of last year I first had the pleasure of happening on this handsome thistle in this locality. This year, on the 12th June, in company with Mr. D. \t. Murphy, I again visited the spot. The land was again under meadow, and Cnicus pratensis was again noted, apparently in equal profusion. It occurs scattered irregularly over a considerable area ; but in at least one spot it forms quite a dense, almost circular cluster perhaps ten feet in diameter. In the same meadow in fine vigour and in full bloom occurred Habenaria albida in some profusion, in company with H. chloroleuca, Orchis Morio^ O. maculata and the T way blade {Listera ovata.) We also got here the locally rare composite Antennaria dioica. W. B. BrucK- Dublin. Allium triquetrum naturalized in Co. Cork. This handsome southern alien has been twice recorded as occurring in Co. Cork. In 1890 Mr. R. A. Phillips found some 25 plants growing in a grassy hollow near Dunkettle (/. Nat., 1896, p. 167), and in 1896 Mr. W, G. Axford found it farther south at Monkstown in the same county, in 156 The hish Naturalist. August, 1910. what quantity is not stated {Cybclc, 2ii(l Ed , p. 513). Towards the end of April last a flowering specimen was sent to me by my friend, Miss Amy Warren, from the latter station, Monkstown, where she informed me she found it growing in great abundance in many places along the roadside. In further correspondence I learned from Miss Warren that the plant grows literally in thousands at intervals for a space of about three miles along the sea road at Monkstown, but that she failed to find any trace of it inland or farther south along the shores of Cork Harbour at Ring or Crosshaven. For at least 14 years the plant has persisted at Monkstown where in all probability it first appeared as an outcast or escape from garden culture. It is evidently so fully established there at present as to merit admission to the Irish flora as a naturalized alien. In Southern Europe this onion has a marginal or coastal distribution chiefly along the Mediterranean. At Monkstown it no doubt spreads chiefly by seed, which it freely ripeus there. N. CoiyGAN. Sandycove, Co. Dublin. In 1899 I saw this plant growing in wooded ground away from houses near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, and looking naturalized. R. Ivi,. Prakger. ZOOLOGY. Common Tern near Kingstown in March. On Wednesday, ]\Iarch i6th, 1910, I observed a Common Tern {Sterna fluvialilis) two miles outside Kingstown Harbour. The bird came close astern of the steamer on which I was a passenger, and after keeping to port for three or four minutes it headed away in the direction of Dublin, passing through a large gathering of Herring-Gulls which were feeding on floating garbage. The appearance of this tern so early in the Spring is, I believe, unusual, though it is interesting to note that its larger congener, the Sandwich Tern {Sterna cantiaca) sometimes makes its appearance in British waters towards the end of March. I should mention that the above-mentioned Common Tern was in mature plumage. Sheffield. C. J. Patten. Walrus reported from Clew Bay. Mr. Ussher draws our attention to a note in the Field of 30th October, 1909, in which the writer, Mr. E. Thomas O'Donel of Newport House, Mayo, reports a Walrus as seen by him in Clew Bay in about four feet of water, the long tusks coming down from the upper jaw being con- spicuous. In a letter to Mr. Ussher, Mr. O'Donel adds that a few hours later a man fishing four miles away also saw a Walrus. •r. September, 19 ro. The Irish Naturalist, 157 IRISH FIELD CLUB UNION. REPORT OF THE SIXTH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE AND EXCURSION HELD AT ROSAPENNA, JUEY 8th to 13TH, 1910. GENERAL ACCOUNT. BY R. I,I,OYD PRAEGKR, Hon. Secretary, Irish Field Club Union. The Sixth Triennial Conference and Excursion of the Naturalists* Field Clubs of Ireland was held at Rosapenna, in Co. Donegal, on July 8th-i3th, 19 10. Twice had the Clubs met previousl}' in Connaught — at Galwa}- in 1895, and at SHgo in 1904 ; twice in Munster — at Kenmare in 1898, and at Cork in 1907; once in I^einster — at Dublin in 1901; the present was the first meeting in Ulster, the home of the premier IrivSh Field Club. The Rosapenna Hotel, now one of the largest and best managed hotels in Ireland, lying among the Carrigart sand-dunes, with the interesting promontory of Rosguill adjoining on the north, a great area of mountains and lakes stretching to the south, and the placid waters of Sheep Haven and Mulroy extending on either hand, was an ideal centre for a meeting such as the present. In ever}- direction lay wild unexplored ground — unexplored, that is, as regards many groups of plants and animals. The Phanerogams were already well known, having been long since worked otit, and published by H. C Hart in his " Flora of Donegal." For other groups of plants, the district was almost entirely un- explored. As regards its fauna, all the vertebrates were, of course, tolerably well known. Among the invertebrates, the marine Mollusca had been collected by Hart, and the non- marine groups had recently been very well worked by Messrs. Welch, Stelfox, and some English friends. But in all other groups there was plenty of room for further work, and many large sections of the fauna w^ere entirely untouched. The visit arranged to Tory Island, of which the Phanerogams alone had been worked out, was especially looked forward to. There was in all directions ^the prospect of an interesting A # 1 58 The Irish Nahna/ist. September, harvest, and it is therefore to be regretted that, as at the Cork Conference, the working members were so few. But those who were present strove, by strenuous collecting of many groups, to redeem the absence of their colleagues. The party numbered 47 all told — precisely the same number as at Cork three years previousl}^ ; about two-thirds of these were of the Belfast Club, the remainder being members of the Dublin Club, with three from Umerick ; the Cork andOmagh Clubs were without a representative, and there was an absence, which all regretted, of anj^ of the English zoologists who have on many occasions joined the Conference parties. Perfect weather favoured the meeting. The good luck of the Conferences in regard to weather is now proverbial. During the six meetings that have been held, each lasting a week, no excursion has ever been abandoned or curtailed owing to rain ; a heavy shower on the Aran Islands, and another at I^ough Gill, represent the worst charges that our parties can bring against the weather. On the present occasion conditions were more favourable than ever; follow- ing on several weeks of very broken weather, no drop of rain fell duiing the period of the meeting, neither was it on an)' day unpleasantl)' hot. The sea-fog which prevailed during the visit to Tor}', while obscuring some ver}' fine and in- teresting views, did not interfere with work, and was the means of providing members with an amusing experience, unique in the annals of Field Club work in Ireland — of which more anon. The arrangements for the meeting were made b}' R. Welch and A. W. Stelfox, respectively President and Secretar}' of the Belfast Club ; and — barring the experience just referred to — the time-table was carried out without a hitch or a dela}'. On July 7 the Limerick and Dublin contingents travelled to Belfast, spending the night in the Kelvin Hotel, destined to be the scene of a disastrous and fatal fire a few daj-s after their visit. Some members who arrived in the afternoon found time to explore the geology of the Cave Hill and other classic Belfast hunting-grounds. Friday, Jui.y 8. The combined party assembled at the Great Northern Rail- way, Belfast, and took the 7.30 train for the north. Joined at Portadown by some members, they changed at Strabane to I9IO. Praeger. — Field Club Conference^ Rosapenna. 159 the narrow-gauge line, and were soon in Letterkenny. Here a wait of an hour and a half occurred, which was employed in exploring the town. Joined here by two more members, the party, now at its full strength of 47, again took train, and reached Creeslough at 213. The last section of the journey was of high interest and great beauty. First the long climb along the northern side of the fine valley of the Swilly, then peeps of the high mountains to the north-west ; later the passage of the remarkable gap of Barnesbeg, followed by the crossing of the great Gweebarra rift, closing in the distance to the deep cut of Glenveagh. At Creeslough a dozen cars were in wait- ing, with carts for the luggage, and soon all were driving to Doe Castle, the first stopping-place, beautifully situated on a wooded rock}^ point projecting into Sheep Haven. The fine keep and bawn, though of 15th century or earlier date, are in good preservation and were inhabited till recentl}^ Exploration of the castle was followed by tea on the lawn, and an examina- tion of the old churchyard adjoining, where attention was divided between several interesting monuments and the operations of the conchologists. Leaving at 5.15, Rosapenna was reached in good time for dinner. In the evening many members explored an interesting sea-cave close by, now cut off from the sea b}^ a heavy fall of rock, but clearly connected still during storms through its rock}^ floor. Saturday, July 9. At 9.30, mounted on cars, the party left to explore theRosguill peninsula, on the sandy neck of which Rosapenna Hotel is built. The road, hilly and picturesque, runs along the eastern slope of the hills, with the waters of Mulroy Bay below. Fanny's Ba^- was passed, the lying-up place of the herring- fleet which has its head-quarters at Downings Bay, situated on Sheep Haven close to Rosapenna. Leaving the rocky slope of Ganiamore behind, a breakneck descent led to the level grass-grown sands of Tranarossan, stretching across from sea to sea, with the bare side of Crocknasleigh, or Melmore Mountain, half schist, half granite, rising: abruptly from the flat (Plate 6). Bej^ond this, at Gortnalughoge Bay, the party camped for the da}'. The sun shone gloriously, and, abandoning coats and wraps, a start w^as made across the peninsula for the Murder Hole. The route lay across a heathery shoulder and A 2 l6o The Irish Naturalist. September, steeply down to Melmore IvOUgli, a beautiful sheet of water banked in between tlie flat sands and the rocky hill. The '' Murder Hole" itself is a lovely .sandy cove amid fine rock- scenery, with the waves tumbling in out of the open Atlantic (Plate 7). The water was irresistible, and soon many were wading. An outlying grassy stack — " Rough Island " — was explored, which yielded some interesting plants, and also the nests and nearly full-grown young of the Great Black- backed Gull. A return was made to Gortnalughoge for lunch. In the afternoon further exploring was carried out, a number of members walking to Melmore Head, the extremity of the promontor}^ where many gulls, shags, &c., were breeding. At 5 o'clock the return journey was commenced, a halt being made at Mevagh to visit the old church and large rude cross that stand there. Rosapenna w^as reached punctually, and the party returned delighted with their first da^-'s excursion. Sunday, Jui.y 10. Sunday was as usual a dies 71071, but during the day the partj' scattered far over the district, and members might have been met anywhere from Melmore Head to Glenveagh. To the latter place a section drove, including several collectors, and good work was done among the native w^oods that clothe the steep slopes above the lake. Others looked for prehistoric remains among the sand-dunes with success, and others again explored the rock}- and sandy shores of Sheep Haven. Monday, Jui^y ii. At 9.30 the part}^ started on cars for Lough Salt. The route lay southward through pretty hilly country, with much natural scrub, to the hamlet of Glen ; thence steepljaipward, with lovely views of Glen Lough opening out below. As the ascent continued the panorama increased in extent, including theGweebarra rift to the pass beyond Glenveagh, Sheep Haven with Horn Head beyond, Muckish and many other mountains. A wide stretch of moorland and a further ascent to 880 feet, followed by a slight drop, brought the party to Lough Salt, delightfully situated on a long shelf of Lough Salt Mountain, which rises steeply from the water to an additional height of over 700 feet (Plate 5). Here a halt of several hours was made, during which lunch was served. The more active members started at once for the summit of Lough Salt Mountain. Others followed down the outlet stream — which descends a little 73 2 19IO. VR.\HGiiiti.— Field Citcb Cofifcrcnce', Rosape7t7ia. i6i solution gorge in a band of primitive limestone, sinking un- derground and reappearing in characteristic fashion — to the adjoining picturesque Lough Reelan, where collecting and bathing were indulged in. The shores and waters of L,ough Salt were also explored for plant and animal life. At 2.30 a start was made southward along the lake shore. A ver}^ slight rise — now being tunnelled for the Letterkenny Waterworks, which will draw their supply from Lough Salt — leads to the southern slope of the ridge, and a breakneck descent into the cultivated country ensued, following which the road led west and then back north into Barnesbeg, which could now be examined in more detail than when traversed in the train a few days before. Towards the northern end of the gap tea was picturesquely set out among the heather by the roadside, and was very welcome. Then cars were again mounted, the steep descent into the Gweebarra rift was negociated, and, turning north-east, the valley was traversed, through bog and natural birch woods, and along the beautiful shores of Glen Lough, to Glen, where the route of the morning was rejoined. Rosapenna was reached about seven o'clock. Tuesday, Jui.y 12. By 6.30 a.m., the whole party was astir, and jubilant at the prospect of a visit to Tor}^ Island. Until the previous evening, it had looked as if the Tory excursion, by far the most interesting feature of the Rosapenna meeting, would have to be abandoned. A few days before the arrival of the Field Clubs, the ss. "Melmore," which had been chartered for the cruise, ran on the rocks of Ramore Head when leaving Port- rush, and though not seriously damaged, had to dock for overhaul. The steamer which replaced her on the regular service to Mulroy Bay, etc, had, alas ! a passenger certificate for twelve only. However, at the last moment, the energy of Mr. Manning, Manager of Rosapenna Hotel, prevailed, and the ss. " Cynthia," which plies between Londonderry and Moville, was secured, the difficulty that her passenger certi- cate applied only to Lough Foyle being got over by the procuring of a special permit. After an earl}^ breakfast, the part}' walked across the sands to the pier at Downings Bay, and by 8 o'clock all were on board. The morning was very bright and calm, and the ocean exceptionally smooth, so that 1 62 The Irish Natiiralht. Septeinbef, all aiigurt'd well. Tory Island offered many possibilities to the naturalist. The botany, indeed, at least as regards the higher plants, was already known, and as regards the lower plants not very much was to be expected, save in the domain of marine algae, which could not be adequately explored on a visit of a few hours. But as to its zoology, Tory was almost a terra incognita. So small bottles of methylated spirit were distributed, with many adjurations to the members to collect vigorously. The President of the Belfast Club announced the offer of a prize ^ for the best general collection made on tke island during the day. Meanwhile Sheep Haven had been crossed diagonally, and Horn Head was looming up massively ahead. The steamer was ^slowed down, and crept slowly along the glorious range of cliffs, stopping occasionally to allow of photographs being taken (Plate 8). To see the great colonies of breeding sea-birds to the best advantage, a small boat which could go close in under the cliff would have been necessary ; but from the steamer fine general views were obtained ; while the geological and other features of the headland were seen to perfection. When the huge rocks of " The Horn " proper were passed, a course was shaped for Tory, which was hidden from view by a bank of fog — a thin driving mist, blotting out everything over a couple of hundred yards distant, into which the steamer ran presently. Speed was reduced after a while, and a sharp look-out was kept ; suddenly warning voices were heard, and simultaneously a rift in the fog showed a line of bleak stony shore close on the starboard bow. The engines were reversed, and the invisible voices guided us to an anchoring place, with high rocks dimly visible to left and right. Then a large open boat manned by seven men came alongside, and the party were soon ferried ashore, to find they had reached not We.st Town, as they expected, but Port Doon, at the extreme east corner of the island. No time was lost in getting to work. Leaving out of account the time occupied by lunch — which was served at Port Doon — four hours were available for ex- ploring the island, and in that time the members penetrated every corner of it — despite the persistent driving fog — even to the summit of the lofty light-house that stands at the western extremit}'. Much was accomplished by the working members. Special attention was paid to the land and fre.sh-water mol- ^ vSubsequently awarded to Miss Jeau Agnew for a collectiou including 38 species of animals. 1910. Pkaeger. — Field Club Conference^ Rosapenna. 163 lusca, the flowering plants and mosses, and to the photo- graphing of the antiquities of the island — the round tower, the famous '' Tau Cross," and the other remains at West Town (Plates 4, 12). The Tory people proved most friendly and helpful, and gave information and assistance freely. By five o'clock all were aboard again enjoying a hearty tea, and the "Cynthia" steamed off into the fog, which was slowly becoming denser. Experiences were exchanged, observations compared, notes made, and specimens safely put away. Meanwhile, Horn Head being — presumably — repassed, the steamer edged southward, endeavouring to find her wa}^ into Sheep Haven. The light north-easterly breeze died awa\" ; the slight lazj^ roll on the ocean ceased, showing that the vessel wasnow within the heads; but still no land, until at length a clamour of sea-birds, growing gradually louder, arose to starboard, and then suddenly the white foam around a conical stack became visible close ahead, followed by a long line of foam along the base of a range of cliffs. The place could not be identified, and so in thirteen fathoms the anchor went down. Air and water alike were still, and the only sound was the incessant clamour of the birds — the musical cries of hundreds of Kittiwakes, the hoarse notes of Guillemots and Razorbills and the shrill piping of their young, and the calling of Herring Gulls. Time passed slowly, but presently, as darkness was falling, a cheer heralded the approach of a long white fishing-boat. From her crew the befogged party learned their position — close in under the " Little Horn," south-east of Horn Head ; but in view of the gathering darkness and the heaviness of the fog, the captain decided not to move. So the party settled down for a night at sea A few cushions and rugs were produced, and life-belts were requisitioned as pillows. A smoking concert was organised on the upper deck, in which Mr. McDonald, assistant manager at Rosapenna, proved invaluable ; and at 10.30 " dinner " was announced — a cup of tea without milk and one sandwich all round. By i a.m., all was silence, but a couple of hours later the birds again took up their chorus, and a new dav came. At four o'clock our indomitable waiter went round with a number of lumps of sugar in a saucer — the last of the provisions. At seven, the fog seemed a trifle lighter, and the captain warily crept awa}^ eastward, and 164 The Irish Naturalist. September, presently land was sighted which was made ont to be Black Rock off Rosguill. Then the end came with startling sud- denness. The mist began to lift ; soon the sun came bursting through ; and by 8 o'clock the " Cynthia " came up to Downings Pier in full sunlight, with the mist rolling in sheets of flowing white off the surrounding hills. Never was breakfast more welcome than that to which the party sat dow^n half an hotir later. Wednesday, July 14. To-daj^'s programme consisted of driving to Cratlagh and Bunlin, at the extreme upper end of Mulroy Bay, and ex- ploring the woods and shores there. Fortunateh^ this was a programme that could still be carried out in a curtailed period. After their night in the open, members were given a couple of hours' respite. This was used by some in sleeping ; by most in strolling, lounging, or bathing in the bright sun ; while to a few it supplied a welcome opportunity of putting the captures of the previous day in order. An earl}' lunch was served at noon, and at one o'clock all drove off. The route lay through Carrigart, and then eastward and southward, with varied views of Mulroy Bay on the left and heathery hills on the right. No stop was made till Bunlin Waterfall, the ren- dezvous for the afternoon, was reached, where the party scattered in pursuit of their various hobbies. Presently tea was served here, and then a leisurely return was made, with a stop on the way to examine and photograph one of the few "lint-wheels'' still remaining in the district (Plate 13). Conference. After dinner half of the large dining-room was cleared, and the usual conference and exhibition of scientific results of the meeting was held. None of the party having been in bed the previous night, the formal proceedings were curtailed as much as possible. R. Welch, M.R.I. A., President of the Belfast Field Club, in taking the chair, referred to the five triennial conferences which had preceded the present one, and to the good work which had been accomplished on them, not only in an in- creased knowledge of the fauna and flora of Ireland, but in the establishment of more intimate relations between the Irish Naturalist, Vcl. XIX. Plate 6. Melmore Mountain and Kitchen Middens. R. Welch, Photo. S— schists. G~granite. M— middens. X — blowing sand. P — sand-plain. R. Welch, Photo. To face />. 165. Contorted Quartzites, Muslac Cliffs, Rosapenna. 19IO. PrAeger. — Field Club Conference^ Rosapenna, 165 various clubs, which had an aggregate membership of about 750 persons. The attendance at the conferences had fallen from 100 at Galwa}' in 1895 to 47 at Cork (1907) and Rosa- penna ; but he thought this was a measure of the success of these meetings rather than of their failure, for the dropping off was due to the fact that the objects for which the confer- ences were instituted were now largely accomplished. The members of the different clubs now^ knew each other and each others' districts ; and instead of working at their particular studies within their own neighbourhoods, they had extended their observations so as to include in many cases the whole of Ireland. The important combined work which was now going on in the countr}^ — the survey of Clare Island, for instance — had to a great extent been made possible by these conferences, and was accountable in many instances for the non-attendance of those working members whose presence was now missed. Since last conference Irish Field Club work had sustained a grievous loss in the death of the veteran Belfast naturalist, S. A. Stewart, and he called on Mr. Praeger, who was intimatel}^ associated with Mr. Stewart in his later work, to express the sense of the meeting in the loss which his death entailed. R. IvL. Prakger said he was proud to be asked to offer a tribute to the memory of Mr. Stewart. Few men had done a better life's work in scientific field work in Ireland than he, and it was fitting that this meeting of Irish naturalists, meeting for field work, should do honour to his memory. He proceeded briefly to sketch Mr. Stewart's life and labours, and dwelt on his helpfulness to other workers, his un- assuming modesty, and his intense love of truth and of con- scientious work. Mrs. Bkrnal proposed and Rev. Sidney Smith seconded a cordial vote of thanks to J. W. Manning, manager of the Rosapenna Hotel, Mrs. Manning, and Mr. M'Donald, assistant manager, for the excellent way they had seen to the comfort of the party and the success of the excursion. J. W. Manning replied suitably. Rev. Canon Lett then spoke on the Mosses and Hepatics found during the excursion, and exhibited specimens. A. W. SteIvFox followed, with notes on the I^and and Fresh- water MoUusca. i66 The Irish Naturalist. • September^ R. Ll. Pkakgkk spoke oii the Phanerogams and Ferns. R. J. UsSHER referred to the Birds, and exhibited a number of bones of the Great Auk, collected from the sand-dunes adjoining the hotel. He concluded by proposing a vote of thanks to the conductor (Mr. Praeger), which was seconded by W. F. DE V. Kane. R. Ll. Praeger said that thanks were due not to him, but to R. Welch and A. W. Stelfox, who were entirely respon- sible for the arrangements, which it was a simple matter tc him to carry out. A. \V. Stpxfox said that thanks were due not to him and Mr. Welch, but to Mr. Manning, who had himself arranged practically the whole programme ; and the meeting adjourned amid applause and laughter. The members subsequenth' spent some time examining the various objects arranged on the table for exhibition, in which the}' were joined by numerous visitors staying in the hotel. The following morning the party broke up, the majorit}' proceeding by the morning train to Belfast. GKOI.OGY. BY J. DE W. HINCH. The rocks involved in the geological history of the district visited by the P'ield Clubs are not only of high antiquity — being referred to early Palaeozoic times — but in every case the original strata have undergone a greater or lesser degree of alteration accompanied b}- intense earth-move- ment, resulting in the production of a complex of highly metamorphosed rocks in which each member of the complex has largely lost its original characters. Stratified and igneous rocks occupy about equal portions of the district, the stratified series of quartzites, mica-schists and crystalline limestones occurring in the Krrigal and Muckish range in the north-west, and in the range of Lough Salt and Scraigs in the south-east of the countr}-. The igneous rocks consist of a number of interesting granites, often foliated, forming the Glendowan and Derry- veagh ranges, while altered basic rocks appear as intrusive sheets of epidiorite in the stratified series. 19 1 o. HiNCH. — Rosapoina Conference, — Geology. 167 The geological axis of the North-western Highlands passes from north-east to southwest through the great rift valley of Glenveigh and Gweebarra. The granite in which the valle}^ has been formed rises on the north-west side into the Derryveagh Mountains and on the south-east into the Glen- dowan hills. To the north west of the Derryveagh range rises the Errigal and Muckish range, composed of metamorphic rocks, while to the south-east of the Glendowan hills rise the Lough Salt and Scraigs range, composed of the same metamorphic types. This three-fold parallel series of mountains — a central granite ridge flanked by a metamorphic series on the north- west and south-east — had its origin at the close of the Silurian Period as a result of the *' Caledonian " earth-movements, a system of intense plications which, acting over the British area from Connacht to the Highlands of Scotland, produced a general system of folding, the longitudinal axis running in general from north-east to south-west. Prolonged erosion has no doubt modified to a considerable extent the original contours of the land ; later earth-movements, and even the ice sheets of the Glacial Period, played their parts, but the general outline that was then impressed on the Donegal Highlands remains the dominant tectonic feature of the district. This general formation of the countr}' can be well seen on the journey from Letterkenny to Creeslough. First the traveller meets the rugged hills of the Lough Salt district, then succeed the sweeping granite outlines of Glendowen and Derryveagh, while away to the w^est appear first Muckish and then Errigal, and as the train crosses the viaduct and over the Owencarrow River the rift valley of Glenveigh opens out gloriously to the south west. When the broad tectonic outlines of the district have been pointed out, the extraordinary length of the lakes of Donegal as compared with their width receives an explanation. There can be no doubt that glacial erosion and glacial deposition, .and even the solution of the limestone, have given rise to certain features in the lakes ; but the '"' Caledonian " earth- movements produced results which no later occurrences have been able to obscure. 1 68 'I he Irish Naturalist. September, The great sea-loughs of Sheep Haven and Mulroy Bay, visited during the Conference, represent submerged river- valleys flooded during the last depression of the land, though it is possible that Mulroy Baj^ may have been modified by ice action during the Glacial Period to such an extent that it might be better considered as a submerged rock-basin, the lip being represented by " The Narrows," a narrow winding channel with a depth of only two fathoms on the bar, as com- pared with the fourteen fathoms reached farther inland. That there has been an elevation of the land during recent geological times in the district around Sheep Haven is shown by the curious relations of Horn Head and Rosguill penin- sula to the mainland. Horn Head is so loosely attached to the mainland by the causeway at Dunfanaghy as to be in realit}' an island, and Rosguill peninsula is a collection of islands running from Carrigart to Melmore Head, and con- nected with each other by low rock-ledges and blown sand. Tranarossan, visited during the Conference, is the most striking of these. On the excursion to Rosguill and Melmore Head the Lough Salt series of rocks was seen in fine sections, the quartzites (Plate 6) of the Murder Hole and the relations of the granite to the metamorphic rocks being especially striking. During the excursion to the district in which the Lough Salt series is typically developed, the part played by solution in the forma- tion of lakes and rivers was seen in Lough Salt itself and in the river that flows out of it to the north. Lough Salt Mountain is composed of quartzite, and from its summit a very extensive view^ can be obtained, including practically the whole of north-western Donegal. On the road to Lough Salt through Glen, and from Lough Salt to Creeslough by Barnesbeg; the granite chain of Glendowan was crossed, and splendid examples of foliation were observed, as well as many examples of inclusions of mica-schist, limestone, and quartz- ite in the margins of the granite. In the very fine transverse valley of Barnesbeg a magnificent section of fine-grained grey granite may be seen interbedded with schist, the grey granite being replaced in its lower portions by a salmon-coloured one rich in quartz. The return along Glen Lough showed a rather remarkable instance of a narrow lake some miles in length being fed by streams at both ends and discharging < y. J o H X ij < H -< X T9IO. HiNCH. — Rosapenna Confaencc. — Geology. 169 itself to the westward b}^ means of a river at its centre. At Lackagh bridge very felspathic types of granite were observed, and on the road to Carrigart the "muUion struc- ture " of the micaceous quartzite was noted in a number of openings ; this '' muUion structure " being the result of a shearing movement across the bedding which produced a peculiar fluting like that of a Gothic column. The visit to Glenveigh gave an opportunity of seeing the northern end of the Gweebarra depression, a rift valle}^ which, commencing near Glen, in the north of the county, runs in a practically straight line for thirty miles to Gweebarra Ba5\ This ver}^ remarkable depression has its origin in a series of faults, and in the foundered bottom of the rift lie Glen Though, Lough Veagh, and Lough Barra. The western side of Glen- veigh is bounded b)^ enormous rock-precipices rising almost verticall}^ from the waters of the lake ; the granite of which they are formed being often foliated, and traversed by a large number of basaltic dykes. As the road to Calabber Bridge was being traversed Muckish and Errigal emerged to the westward, and there could be no more striking example of the effect pro- duced by denudation upon different rock-material than that afforded by Errigal and the Derryveagh range. The latter being composed of granite showed the usual rounded outlines, so well known to those who have studied the Leinster massif, but Errigal is formed of quartzite, and takes the shape of an almost perfect cone, and there are few more striking scenes than the beautifully white pyramid of Errigal rising from its sombre foreground of diorite, schists, and limestone. On the journey to Tory Island the massive quartzites of Horn Head were seen rising to a height of 600 feet above the water, and in a number of instances dykes of diorite could be traced intruded between the bedding, and sometimes even .striking across it horizontally. Tory Isi^and. Tory Island is composed to a great extent of granite, which varies much in texture .; the grey type with large and in man)^ cases almost perfect crystals of orthoclase being most pre- valent on the portions of the island visited. The eastern end of the island — the Doon peninsula — is formed of compact tabular white quartzite carved by the sea into bays, headlands, and sea- stacks (Plate 9), which looked most fantastic seen through the blanket of fog which lay over the island the whole da3^ The solid geology of Tory has been studied exhaustively by the lyo The Irish Naturalist. September, Geological Survey, and no new facts can be reported in this direction, but it is of interest to note the occurrence of a verj- rubbly boulder-clay at several places on the island. Its occur- rence on the low ground covered by bog was noted, but it is only in the cliff sections that anj'thing definite could be seen. On the granite cliffs to the north of East Town fairly con- tinuous runs of a verj^ sand}' boulder-clay from i to \\ feet thick were seen, containing a number of erratics ranging in form from rounded pebbles to angular fragments. Scratched stones turned up in most of the sections, though not in pro- portion to the rest of the material. The most abundant erratic tj^pes were grits and mica-schist; quartzites and granite also occurred. The sections were usuallj^ capped with a thin deposit of peat, which in turn was covered by surface soil. The meagre depth of the island clay as compared with that of the mainland, where it often reaches a depth of forty feet, is, of course, very marked, but it is probable that the contours of the adjacent mainland were not favourable to a large mass of ice working out in the direction of Torj-, and perhaps the outer limit of the ice was being reached, as the boulder-clay has the curious rubbly appearance which also appears in the South of Ireland. National Library of Ireland. BIRDS. BY R. J. USSHRR, M.R.I. A. The birds of this part of Donegal are characteristic of the north and west coasts. The Wheatear is one of the commonest land-birds, and the following were often seen— Wren, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Swallow, Sand Martin (breeding in scarps of the sand-hills), House Sparrow, Twite, Corn Bunting, Yellow Bunting, Skylark, Starling (in small flocks, Rosapenna), Rook, Rock Dove, Corn-crake (heard even on Tory Island), Coot (on Rosapenna Lake), Heron. There was a general absence of Thrushes, Warblers, Tits, and Finches. One Magpie was seen towards Glen Lough. We met with no Choughs, not even on Tory Island, but we were told that three pairs of Ravens have nested there this year. Ravens formerly nested there so numerously that my informant stated he had counted thirt3'-six when the young broods were going about, but they killed so many chickens that the islanders shot them. I9IO. \JssunR.—/^osa/)c?ma Confere7ice. — Birds. 171 The Cormorant was seen on Mulroy Bay, but the Shag was much more numerous, as it is on the west coast generally. On Melmore Head, Shags were nesting near the top of the cliff in more exposed sites than I had seen before. Oyster- catchers were found in several places where they doubtless breed, and Ringed Plovers (which had eggs or young) were numerous at Rosapenna and on the strands of Rosguill. Above one of these the sand}^ tract extended up the slope of the land, and here five pairs of Little Terns were uttering the cries of a nesting-colon5\ Common or Arctic Terns were flying over Sheep Haven. A few adult and immature Black-headed Gulls were on the flats of the golf-links, where there was a large assemblage of Common Gulls (^L. canus) in the evenings, evidently seeking slugs. I saw no Common Gulls on the sea- cliffs, but there is a ver}^ fine colony of Herring-Gulls on Melmore Head, where the sloping, rock}- point is separated from the hill behind b}- a chasm not eas)^ to pavSS. The 5^oung were beginning to fl}' (13th July) but had not quitted the breeding-piace, A pair of Great Black-backed Gulls were at home at Melmore Head, and another pair with two j^oung on Rough Island at the Murder Hole. Kittiwakes had vast colonies at Horn Head, and some on Tory Island, and the Auk family were breeding as usual in both localities. On Tor}' Island the Puffins had scattered colonies along the cliffs and slopes on the north side, which present views of such marvel- lous stacks and tors. Our view of Tormore was obscured by a dense fog. We had a fine view of the Horn Head cliffs as the steamer took us close under them on the 12th, but the bird life there did not seem to me as numerous as when I visited Horn Head in 189 1. We saw a Black Guillemot at the mouth of Dun- fanaghy Ba3^ On Tor}' Island a boy brought in four eggs of Peregrine that he had taken some time before, and said that other pairs breed on the island. We heard that the Petrels' breeding-places were difficult to approach, and the fog rendered this impossible. Bones of Great Auk had been found by Dr. Scharff among the kitchen-middens at Rosapenna, and additional evidence was now discovered by Miss Weir and myself in the shape of five humeri representing four individuals (Plate 10). Cappagh, Co. Waterforrl, ^72 The Irish Naturalist. vSeptember, I.AND AND FRESH-WATKR MOLLUSCA. BY A. W. STELFOX, A.R.I.B.A., AND R. WELCH, M.R.I.A. Little work remained to be done in this branch of zoology; indeed few districts have received better and closer attention than that in which the sixth Conference was held. R. Welch's notes in the Irish Naturalist, vol. xv., p. 67, included good lists from Rosguill and Sheep Haven areas, with several re- cords from other neighbouring places, such as Doe Castle, lyOugh Salt, and Doaghmore in Fanad. Unlike the last Con- ference, onl}^ two conchologists were in attendance, and the weather being ot the usual '' Field Club " variety, militated against many fresh discoveries. Everywhere on the mainland shells were few and far between, and it was only on Tory Island, where the cliff slopes were drenched with a heavy mist, that any abundance of moUuscan life was noted. Taking the various places in the order visited : Doe Castle and its surrounding furnished a fair list of land species, with one brackish- water one, viz., Hydrobia nlvac Slugs were particularly common under some fallen trees west of the castle, under one of which a large specimen of Limax flavus was taken, being the first record of this species for the west division of Donegal. Amalia Sozuerbyi was also observed here, with an abundance of Arion subfuscus. In the graveyard the large western form oi Hyalinia ccllaria was collected, juvenile specimens being seen in great abundance. If we are to trust specimens in the Dublin Museum named by Dr. Westerlund, this form is known on the continent as Hyalinia cellaria var. sylvatica, Morch ; and it is the shell described in 1908 by Mr. A. S. Kennard, F.G.S., as l/itrea {Hyali7iia) hibeinica. Speci mens from this and other Irish localities were frequently mis- taken in the past for Hyalinia Draparna^idi, a species practi- cally confined to the southern and eastern counties in this country. Passing to the Rosguill peninsula, where our second day in the open was spent, time prevented us from visiting perhaps the best habitat, namely the slopes oi Ganiamore ; these slopes include patches of rough talus with a fairly rank vegetation, and, as already proved, shelter an interesting fauna. At Melmore Head, the extreme north of the penin- sula (which latter is really four islands connected to each other and the mainland by sand-flats), A^riolimax agrestis, I9IO. STEI.FOX AND WKI.CH. — Rosapeuua. — Molhisca. 173 Hyalinia alliaria, Helix ericetorum^ H. nevioralh^ H. aspersa, and P7Cpa cylindracea were noted. On Rough Island, in Murder Hole Bay, approachable at low tide, we took Helix ericetorinn^ H. nemoralis, Pupa cylindracea, and a very small form of Claicsilia bidentata. The best spot visited during the day was the smaller of the Melmore lakes, around which anion"" other snails live Limax a7-doi'7ivi, Hyalinia cellaria, and Pupa 7Hnsconcin, and in the lake itself Limncea peregra, Plan- orbis C7-isla, Valvata cristata, V. pisci7ialis, Pisidium subtr7i7ica- him, P. 7iiiid7ini, P. he7islozi>ia7i7i7u, P. perso7iat7i7n,P. gassiesia- 7m7n, and P. Lilljeborgii, In the real Melmore Lough nothing new was observed, but fine specimens of Li77i7icea a7i7'icularia var. acuta, L, peregra^ and particularly L. pcihistris were collected, with Pla7iorbisalb7is, P. glaber, P. c?'ista, and Pisidiiwi gassiesia7i7C7n. It is of special interest to find Pla7iorbis alb7cs in this localit}^ as it is always local and seldom common in the north and west, when we have once left the limestone areas behind. The day in Glenveagh produced nothing new either, but Hyali7iia excavata var. vitri7ia and Helix la7nellata were both refound, while on the journey Li77iax maxi?7i7is, Helix hispida, and Balea poversa from the wood west of I^ackagh Bridge ; Valvafa pisci7ialis, Pisidiiwi S7ibtr7i7icat7un, P. gassiesia7i7wt, and P. pusillum from Lough More, Creeslough ; and A7io7i i)iie7-7nedius, Hyalinia 7iitidula var. Hel77iii, H. pura, and P7(pa a7iglica from a small glen near Glassan are perhaps worth mentioning. Next comes our excursion to Lough Salt, and owing to its elevated position and to its being partly formed by erosion in the limestone, we give the full list of species taken in this locality. This lough lies at an altitude of 817 feet above the sea, and its neighbour. Lough Reel an, about 50 feet lower. The following shells were collected by us along the shores of Lough Salt : — Agriolimax ag7-estis, Limax arbor7i7n, A7'io7i ate7% A^ i7ite7'7nedius, Hyaliiiia allia7'ia, H. 7iitidula, H. p7ira^ H. radiat7ila, H. crysfalli7ia, Helix rotu7idata, Cochlicopa lubrica, and P7ipa cyli7id7-acea. In both lakes A7ieyl7ts fl7iviatilis and Li77nicEa peregra were common, the latter resembling slightly a large form of the var. Boissyi, but wanting the sharp spire and clean cut suture of that variety. One specimen, dead, of L. i77i7icatula was picked up in the marsh between the two lakes. In Lough Salt we were only able to discover one 6 174 The hish Naturalist, vSeptember, Pisidiuin (/*. personaliun), but in IvOUgli Reelan these shells were common in the shallow end into which the outlet of Lough Salt drains. We were greatly disappointed in not being able to locate Mr. R. Patterson's habitat for Pisidium henslowiaiiuYn, which he collected in this district in the year 189I. In the lower lough a most suitable habitat for this somewhat fastidious species was to be found where the fine quartz sand brought down by the outlet of I^ough Salt mingled with the mud of Lough Reelan ; but although worked care- fully this spot only yielded the species mentioned. Tory I si. and. Of the mollusca of Tor}^ Island little was known, and the only published list known to us was that which appears in the Ulster Journal of Archcsology for the year 1853, ^^^ which the late G. C H5'ndman mentions Ag7iolimax agrestis^ Helix ncwo7-alis^ and Limncsa peregra as being observed on the island. Our friend, Mr. J. N. Milne, while in residence near Derry twice visited the island, first in 1894, and again in 1897. On neither of these occasions had he much time to spare for collecting, but the following .species occurred to him : — Hyaliriia alliaria. H. nitidula, H. crystallina, Helix 7ie7}ioralis, Pupa eyli7idracea, Limcea peregra^ L. trujieaiula and Pisidiiwi pnsilhwi. Mr. Milne thinks that he also saw both Helix hispida and //. aspersa, the former under coffin-boards in the graveyard, and the latter near a house in West Town, but as he is not quite sure that he saw them, and as he has no specimens to confirm the record, he wisel}- suggests that we do not record these two species until we have further evidence in the matter. Neither of these shells was observed on our visit, but the environs of West Tov.'n did not particularly attract our attentions. From experience gained on other west- ern islands our steps were at once turned to the cliffs (Plate 10), which in places shelter a luxuriant flora ; and to Legrehy, or the Ram's Hollow, a fallen- in cave in which there is also plenty of cover under the loose boulders and rank vegetation with which the bottom is covered. With the exception of the above-mentioned situations, the surroundings of West Town, and some rough ground lying around Lough Ayes, the greater part of the island has been completely stripped of its turf by the inhabitants for fuel ; at least three-quarters of the area is therefore quite incapable of supporting more than a 1910. STEI.FOX AND WKI.CH. — Rosapciina. — Molhisca. 175 very meagre fauna. On the grass-covered slopes of the eastern cliffs ten species were taken, viz., A griolhnax agrestis, Amalia gagates, Ario7i ater, A. viteniiedhis^ Hyalinia alliaria^ Helix TO hill data, H. jiemoralis, Piipa cylindracea^ Cochlicopa lu- brica, and Clausilia bideiitata. Of these all but Amalia gagafes and the last two species on the list were abundant, but only one specimen of the Clausilia was taken, and both the others men- tioned were rare. In Legrehy, Agriolimax agre^tis^ Avion ater, A. intennediiis^ Hyalinia alliaria, H. nitidnla, H crystal- Una^ Helix rotundata^ Pupa cylindracea^ and P. aiiglica, all appeared to be fairly common, living either at the roots of the plants or under stones. The Common Sorrel, Rumex Acetosa^ which here grew to a height of at least two feet, seemed particularly to attract the majority of the species mentioned, and many specimens of Arion ater were seen feeding on its leaves. Several additions to the above lists were made at the western end of the island, where Agriolimax ag7'estis^ A. Icsvis^ A??ialia gagates, Aiion ater^ A. interviediiiSj Vitrina pcllitcida^ Hyalinia alliaria, Helix i^otundata^ H. nemoralis^ and Pupa cyli7idi'acea were picked up. The freshwater shells taken by us, were Limncea peregra, L. truncatiila, Plarwrbis crista, Pisidiuni personatuni and P. casestamwi. All but the last species were taken at the western part of the island, the eastern end only yielding Pisidia. As several of the species showed certain insular pecu- liarities, we think it necessary to give a few notes on the various species. Agriolimax agrestis, L.— All the specimens lakeu were of an almost uniform pale brown, which had a slightly pinkish tinge. Many examples showed darker brown longitudinal stripes on each side of the shield similar to those usually to be seen on Umax niarginalus. A. laevis, Mlill. — One specimen only, under a stone on shore of Lough Ayes. Quite normal. Amalia gagates, Drap. — All examples were very small, and all of a dark bluish slate-colour. Arion ater, L. — Only the jet black form noted. A. intermedius, Normand. — Extraordinarily abundant on the cliffs; almost all of the greyish form, with dorsal stripes, which so closely resembles a pale A. hortensis, Vitrina pellucida, Miill.— One dead shell on cliffs east of lighthouse. Normal. Hyalinia alliaria. Miller.— Type rare, with the green and milky- white forms fairly common. The shells of this species are of the usual island type and are coarse in striation, large and flat, with a wide umbilicus. li2 i']G The Irish Naturalist. September, Hyalinia nitidula, Drap.— Several specimens iu Legrehy. Very high-spired and much dilated towards the aperture, which is greatly depressed. H. crystallina, Mull.— Several young specimens in Legrehy. Helix rotundata, JMUll. — Common on the cliffs. Pale, small, and rather flat. H. ncmoralls, Midi. — Very abundant on the cliffs at Balor's Castle and at West Town in the old walls. The great majority of the shells were thin and very brittle, and resembled in several ways the form usually associated with woodland areas. Most specimens, also, were white-lipped, but in one of the little sea-gullies near Port Doon, which faced south, all but one had a dark peristome. The following particulars of the various band- formulae, &c., observed, may be of interest considering the isolated locality : — IS ShEIvIvS COI.I.ECTED FROM THE ENVIRONS OF WEST TOWN Form, libelhda, 12345, bands inclined to fuse, white lip, » „ •,. » „ ,, tlark purple lip, „ (12345), white lip, . „ dark purple lip, (123) (45), white lip, . „ dark purple lip, (123)45, white lip. . I (23) 45, white lip, . ',(1234) 5, white lip, ,, 00000, white lip, ,, ,, dark purple lip, ,t >) pale ,, ,, cameo, (pale), 00000.. pink lip, ,, (medium), 00000, pink lip, „ (dark), 00000, pink lip, . Total, 27 3 8 2 5 I 2 7 I 5 I I 7 5 T3 88 SHETvIyS COI,I.ECTED ON NOR TH-EaSTRRN CiJFFS, about 100 feet alt. libellida, 12345, purple lip, .... „ white lip, .... I (23) 45, purple lip, .... „ white lip, .... auravtia, (123) 45, white lip, . . . • All the above showed traces of undulations in the strength of the bands, of which the 2iid and 3rd showed an inclination to fuse. auravh'a, 00000, white lip, purple lip, . . • • >i II a 8 6 I I T Total, • 3 2 . 21 Irish Naturalist Vol. XIX. Plate 9. North Cliffs. Tory Island. JoliH Bivu'ii, Photo. To face />. 177. The Tors, Tory Island. John Brown, Photo. tgio. STEI.POX AND WkIvCH. — RosapcHua. — Mollusca, 177 Shei.i,s C01.1.ECTED ON THE South-Eastern Ci^iees, about 150 feet alt. HbelUda, 12345, purple lip, . . . . .10 ,, white lip, . . . . .3 (12) 345, purple lip, . . . . .1 Total, . . .14 lu order to be quite sure that we were uot dealing with Helix horiensis, which has been recorded from some of the Scotch western islands, probably in at least a few cases erroneously, we examined the darts of those specimens which most nearly resembled that species. In all cases these darts were quite typical of Helix nemoralis. Cochllcopa lubrica, Mull.— Cliffs at east end only. Normal. Pupa cyllndracea, Da Costa. — Very abundant on the cliffs, and a few in Legreh}'. The predominating form is that which is common to all the western Irish islands from which we have seen specimens, and appears to be the Pupa anconostoma of Lowe,^ first described by that authority from the Atlantic Islands, and now considered as a mere \a.Y\ety oi Pupa iylinch-acea. None of the Tory specimens were quite edentate, but in all cases the denticle was very small. Of specimens of this species^ taken on St. Kilda, Messrs. Waterstou and Taylor give the following note : — " Singly, and in small colonies every- where, all the edentulous form and probably the same as the Pupa senipronii of Switzerland." Pupa angelica, Fer. — Of the large dark "marsh" form, about six specimens were taken in I^egrehy at the roots of the vegetation. Clausilia bidentata, Strom.— One half-grown dead shell on the south cliffs at the east end. Limnaea peregra, Miill. — A small form common in Lough Ayes and the neighbouring pools. The largest of the specimens measured about 10 X 7 mm., and all might be referred to a form of the var. Boissyi. L. truncatula, Miill.— Abundant around the margin of Lough Ayes. A short and stumpy form. Planorbis crista, L. — Small specimens in a pool between L. Ayes and the Light-house. A few notes on the distribution may be of interest. Of the species recorded by us only one, Pupa anglica^ has not a wide range in Europe ; all are usually to be found on the Irish and on some of the Scotch islands, and 13 of the 17 land-shells are common to Tory and St. Kilda ; 6 are recorded for the Shet- lands, 4 for the Faroes, 4 for Iceland, 2 for Greenland, and 4 for North America ; while 9 are also known to inhabit the Atlantic Islands. Returning to our work on the mainland after an " all night sitting," neither of us were in the best hunting form when we 1 P.cylindracea var. anconostoma is recorded by Dr. Scharff (/. A^., vol. vii. p. 10), from the Great Skellig in South Kerry. 178 The Irish Nalunilisl. September, reached the old woods of Cratlagh, which fringe the western shores of Mtilro}' V>3.y. We were, however, partly able to gratify otir expectations b}' finding a few specimens of Hyali)iia cxcavata, but although searched for keenly, Limax cincreo-nigcr was not found. We had rather expected to turn up this beautiful slug, as Mr J. N. Milne has taken it in similar woods at Ray in a neighbouring parish. Besides Hyalinia excavafa,the other members of the Zoiiitidse seen were Hyalijiia ccllaria {Vitrca hibcrnica^ Kennard), //". alliaria, H. nitidula^ H. pu?a, H. crystallhia and H. fulva. Specimens of the last species taken on the uplands above the wooded area were particularly large and rather pale in colour. Slugs of the genus Arion were especially common, all five species being taken. The Helices were poorly represented, H. roiundata and H. nevioralis being the only two to figure on the day's list. No doubt a further search would also produce Helix pygmcea, H. aculeata, H. larnellata and H. fusca. The onl}' other land-shells seen in this locality were : — Vitrina pellucida^ Agriolimax agresiis, Cochlicopa lubrica^ Carychium minivium. Pupa cyli7idyacea, P. anglica var. pallida^ Balea pe7'versa, and Clausilia bideiitata. With the exception of the Pisidia, kindly identified by Mr. B. B. Woodward, F.I^.S., whose names we have adopted for this genus, the nomenclature is that given by Dr. Scharfif ^ in his " Irish I^and and Freshwater Mollusca." Belfast. DIPTKRA. BY PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.E-S. Chloromyia formosa, vScop.—Melmore Lough. Haematopota pluvlalis, L Glenveagb, &c. Thcrioplcctes montanus, Mg. — Cratlagh Woods. Chrysophilus crlstatus, F.— Cratlagh Woods. Hybos g^rossipes, L.— Cratlagh Woods. Clinocera stag^nalis, Hal. — Glenveagh. HercostoiYius nigrripennis, Fin. — Cratlagh Woods. Onesia sepulchralis, L.— Gleuveagh. Calliphora erythroccphala, Mg. — Melmore Lough. Hydrotaea irritans, Fin.— Melmore Lough. Opomyza g^ertninationls, L.— Dunfanaghy. Borborus g^eniculatus, INIcq. — Dunfanaghy. Edinburgh. 1 Itish Naluralut, vol. I. 19IO. Johnson. — Rosapcima Conference — Coleoptcta. COIvHOPTHRA. 179 BY REV. W. F. JOHNSON, M.A. None of the beetles call for much remark. They are all fairly common species, and such as might have been expected to occur. The most plentiful was Calathus cisteloides, of which I received twenty-one specimens, nineteen of which were cap- tured on Tory Island. Cetonia au?-ata, the Rose Beetle, has occurred in Donegal at Milford, and on the top of Slieve League. It has a western range in Ireland, and seems par- ticularly attached to islands. Tory Isi^and. Carabus catenulatus, ScoJ). C. clathratus, L. C. granulatus, L. Nebria GyllenhaH, Sch. Notiophilus biguttatus, F. N. aquaticus, Z. N. palustris, Dafi. Harpalus seneus, F. Pterostichus uiger, Schall. Pt. nigrita, F. Atnaraauhca, /'a//^. (spinipes,<7W6/.) Cetonia aurata, L. Calathus cisteloides, Panz. Athens hsemorrhoidalis, F, Anchomenus parumpuuctatus. F. Gastroidea viridiila, De G. (rap- Olistbopus rotundatus, Payk. hani, F.) Trecbus minutus, F. Otiorrbyncbus atroapterus, De G. Rough Isi^and, Murder HoIvE;, Rosapknna. Pbilbydrus melauocepbalus, O/. Tacbyporus bumerosus, Er. Quedius tristis, Grav. Ocypus oleus, ^fuH. O. ater, Grav. Creopbilus maxillosus, L. Xantbolinus glabratus, Grav. X. tricolor, F. Latbrobium fulvipenne, G7-av. Apbodius ater, De C. Calathus cisteloides, L. C. melauocepbalus, L. Amara communis, Panz. Helophorus viridicollis, Sleph. Philonthus varius, Gyll. Cocciuella xi. -punctata, Z. Athous beemorrhoidalis, F. Otiorrbyncbus atroapterus, De G. BuNi^iN, MuiyROY Bay. Nebria brevicollis, F. Pterostichus uiger, Schall. Pt. striola, F. Bembidiuu saxatile, Gyll. Cbrysomela polita, Z. Crepidodera transversa, Ufaysk. Ceuthorrbyucbus ericae, Gyll. Gl^ENVEiGH. Pterostichus nigrita, F. Pt. striola, F. Anacoena globulus, Payk. Staphylinus erytbropterus, Z. Poyntzpass. Adrastus limbatus, F. Dolopius marginatus, Z. Auaspis maculata, Fourc. i8o Ihe Irish Naturalist. September, THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF WEST DONEGAL. BY FRANK BALFOUR BRQWNK, M.A. (OXON.), F.R.S.K., F.Z.S. The published records of water-beetles for the vice-county of West Donegal produces, so far as I can find, a list of about 27 species, but in my researches on the distribution of the group I have seen a number of species in the collections of several entomologists, and in that of the National Museum, Dublin, and I have also made one excursion to the north- west, so that ni}^ list now runs to 66 species. The absence of entomologists at the Conference was un- fortunate, as the only water-beetles collected were taken by Messrs. R. Welch nnd A. W. Stelfox who, in the course of their own work, very kindl}' kept for me an}- specimens they came across. They collected altogether 23 species and added two {Agabiis chalconotus and Ilybiiis ccnescens) to my list. Since so mau}^ captures in the vice-count}- have not 3'et been put on record the present seems a good opportunity for publishing a full list of species, and with the consent of those responsible for the Conference publications, this is here done. I am largely indebted to the Rev. W. F. Johnson and Mr. R. Welch, to the former for allowing me to see all his water-beetles, and to the latter for sending me from time to time specimens taken by him during his visits to the vice-county, and in the following list I have given the localities in which species were taken, and also the name of the collector, except where I took the species myself I have added at the end of the paper a bibliography of the only ptiblished lists I have been able to find. Haliplus obliquus, F.— Dunfanagliy and Carrickfin (190S). H. conflnis, vSeph. — Dim fauagliy (1908). H. flavlcollis, vStunn.— L. Salt Mountaiiii (Dublin Mus. Coll.). H. fuJvus, P\—Dunfauagliy and Carrickfin (190S). H. ruficollls, De G.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1S92) ; Dunfanaghy and Car- rickfin, (190S) ; Rosapenna L. ("R. W., 1910). H. Ilneato-collis, Marsh. — Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908); near L. vSalt (R, W., 1910). Notcrus sparsus, Marsh. — Tawney (DuMin Mus. Coll.). Laccophilus obscurus, Pauz. — Carrickfin (1908). Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1909) ; Melmore \^. (A. W. S., 1910). 1 I think that most, if not all, of the L. vSalt, Tawney and Milford water- beetles in the Dublin Museum collection were taken in 1906. Irish Naturalist, Yoi.. XIX. Plate lo. On the North Cliffs, Tory Island, S. H. Douey, Photo. the best habitat for :\Iollusca. A. W. Stelfox collecting. To face p. i8i. Humeri of Great Auk {AIclx impennis). from sandhills at Rosapenna. S. H. Douey, Photo. I9IO. Brownk. — Aquatic Coleoptcra of West Donegal. i8i Caelatnbus v-Iineatus, Zett.— L. Salt Mtn. and Tawiiey (Dublin Mus. Coll.). C. inaequalis, F. — Narin (R. W.) ; Dunfauaghy aud Carrickfin (1908) ; Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1909 and 1910) ; Melmore L. (A. W. S. 1910). C. ix-Iineatus, vStepb. — Dunfanaghy (G. W. Chaster, ex. coll. J. Kidson Taylor.) I took a specimen in Carnboy L., Carrickfin (1908). C. Imprcssopunctatus, Schall. — Dunfanaghy (one specimen) (1908). Deronectes assimilis, Payk. — Milford and Tawney (Dublin Mus. Coll.) ; Dunfanaghy (Iv. Sessiagh) and Carrickfin (Carnboy L-), one specimen in each (1908). D. xii.-pustulatus, Ol.— Dunfanaghy (L. Sessiagh) (1908). Hydroporus pictus, F.— Dunfanaghy (1908). H. Icpidus, 01.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); I,. Salt Mtn. (Dublin Mus. Coll.) ; Dunfauaghy and Carrickfin (1908). H. rivalis, Gyll.— L. Salt Mtn. (Dublin Mus. Coll.). H. tristis, Payk.— L. Salt INltu. (Dublin Mus. Coll.) ; " near Glen- veagh" (R. W., 1910). H. umbrosus, Gyll. — Carrickfin (Dunmore L.) (1908). H. Gyllenhalii, Schiod.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; L. Salt Mtn. (Dublin Mus. Coll.) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908). H. vittula, Er.— Dunfanaghy (in one collection only), (1908) ; Mulroy Bay (R. W., 1910). H. palustrls, L.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1902) ; L. Salt Mtn. (Dublin Mus Coll.) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908) ; Rosapenna L. (R. W. 1910), H. crythroccphalus, L.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Iv. Salt Mtn. (Dublin Mus. Coll.) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908) ; Mulroy Bay (R. W., 1910) ; Tory Island (A. W. S. and R. W., 1910). H. incm nonius, Nic— Milford (Johnson and Halbert, Beetles of Ireland, 1901). H. obscurus, Sturm.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); Dunfauaghy and Carrickfin (1908). H. nigrita, V — Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); Dunfanaghy (in one collection only) (1908). H. pubcsccns, Gyll.— Ardara (W. F.J., 1892); L. vSalt Mtn. and Milford (Dublin Mus. Coll.), Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908) ; Glenveagh ; Mulroy Bay and "near L. Salt" (R W., 1910) ; Tory Island (A. W. S. and R. W., 1910). H. planus, F.— Carrickfin (one specimen, 1908). H. lituratus, F.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); Dunfauaghy and Carrickfin (1908) ; Tory Island (A. W. S., 1910). Agrabus paludosus, F. — Dunfanaghy (1908). A. nef3uIosus, Forst. — Dunfanaghy and Bunbeg (1908). A. Sturm ii, Gyll Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908). A. chalconotus, Panz.— Mulroy Bay (R. W. 1910). 1 82 TJie bish Naturalist. September, Agrabus bipustulatus, L.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892); Milford (Dub. Mus. Coll.) ; Nariii (R. W., 1907); Dunfanaghy and Carrick (1908) ; Tory Island (A. W. S. and R. W., 1910) ; Melmore Iv. (A. W. S., 1910) ; Gleiiveagli and Rosapenua L. (R. W., 1910). IIybiusfulig:inosus, F.— Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908) ; Melmore L. and Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1910). I. aenescens, Thoms— Glenveagh (R. W.) Rhantus bistriatus, Berg.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Milford (Johnson and Halbert, Beetles of Ireland, iqor). Colymbetes fuscus, L — Narin (R. W., 1907); Dunfanaghy (1908) ; Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1909} ; Glenveagh (R. W., 1910). Dytlscus punctulatus, F.— Dunfanaghy (1908). D. marginalls, ly.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; near L. Salt(R. W., 1910). Acilius sulcatus, L.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892). Cyrinus minutus, L— Killystewart L., Ardara (W. F. J., 1892). C. elong^atus, Aube.— Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (Dunmore L.) (1908). C. natator, Scop. -Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrick- fin (1908). C. opacus, Sahib.- Carrickfiu (1908). Orectochilus villosus, Miill.— Portsalou (Johnson and Halbert Beetles of Ireland, 1901), Hydrobius fuscipes, L.— Ardara (W. F.J, 1892); Ballymore near Dunfanaghy (flood -refuse) (1908). H. fuscipes, var. piclcrus, Thorns. — Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1909). Philhydrus inelanocephalus, 01.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; L. Salt Mtn. (Dub. Mus. Coll., 1906); Dunfanaghy (1908"); Glenveagh (R. W., 1910). P. coarctatus, Gredl, — Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908). Anacaenag-Iobulus, Payk.— Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908) ; Tory Island (A. \V. S. and R. W., 1910) ; Glenveagh (R. W., 1910). A. limbata, F. (including the pale forms separated as A. ovala, Reiche). — Ardara (W. F. J., 1892) ; Carrickfiu (1908). Laccobfus sinuatus, Mots. — Ardara (W. F. J., 1892). [This may be L. nigriceps, Thorns., as the record was made before these two species were separated by British collectors. I have not seen the specimens]. L. alutaceus, Thoms. — Bunbeg (Chaster, ex. cotl. ]. Kidsou Taylor); Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908); Rosapenna Iv. (R. W., 1909) ; Melmore I.. (R. W., 1910) ; " L. Swilly " [H. or W. Donegal i^J (W.F.J. ). L. minutus, Iv. — Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908); Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1909 and '10). L. bipunctatus, F.— Carrickfiu (1908) ; Rosapenna L. (R. W., J910). Limneblus truncatellus, Thunb.— Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (190S) : near L. Salt (R. W., 1910). Chaetarthria seminulum, Herbst.— Carrickfiu (1908). Helophorus aquaticus, Iv —Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908). H. viridicollis, Steph. (ry/;//j, Thoms.).— Ardara (W. F. J., 1S92) ; Dunfanaghy and Carrickfiu (1908) ; near L. Salt and Glenveagh (R. W., 1910). I910. Browse.— A qua/ic Coleoptcra of West Donegal 183 H. granulans, L. (^rt'wV^/Z/V, Thorns). -Dunfanaghy (1908). H. brevipalpis, Bedel.— Dunfauaghy and Cariickfiu (1908); uear L. Salt and Rosapenna L. (R. W., 1910). Octhebius bicolon, Germ.— Uunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908). O. Lejolisii, Rey and Muls.—Dunfanaghy and Carrickfin (1908). Hydrsena riparia, Kug.— Duufanaghy (1908). H. gracilis, Germ.— Mulroy Bay (Dab. Mus. Coll., 1906). CycIonotuiYi orbicularc, F.-Ardara (W. F. J.); Glenveagli (G. W. Chaster, ex. coll. J. Kidson Taylor) ; Dnufauaghy and Carrickfin (1908). In addition to the above list, there are a few records for " Donegal," the most interesting of which is Dytiscits lapponi- cus, recorded b}' Somerville. I have no doubt the species still survives in some of the mountain tarns, and that several other '"Arctic" species also occur. For instance, Hydroporus morio, Dej., H. vielanarius, Sturm, and H. eelatiis, Clark, all occur in the north of Ireland. I took one specimen of Agabus congener, Payk., in the Mweelrea Mountains (Mayo W.) last March, so that this species probably occurs in Donegal. Mr. Stelfox brought me a specimen of Deronectes griseostriatus^ and also one of Agabtcs arcticns, Payk, from near Parkmore (Co. Antrim), in June, and I have since found the former species fairh^ common in a peat}" loch on the Sallagh Braes (Co. Antrim). These are not likely to be the only habitats of these species in the north of Ireland, and A. arcticus has already been recorded from the Wicklow Mountains, so that I expect both species occur in Donegal. There must be a number of other species still to be dis- covered in West Donegal, as the present total is not up to the average for those neighbouring counties which have been well worked. Donegal K-, which has also had but little attention paid to it, has a list of 70 species. Down has 96, Antrim 90, Derry 74, and Mayo W. has 83. Some west of Ireland species, such as Paracymus nigro- ceneus, Schlb., and Helochares punctatus^ Sharp, which occur again in the west of Scotland, are at present absent from the list; and, further, the list as at present known might be described as rather " colourless," being composed of species very generally distributed, neither "Arctic" nor "Southern" types being represented by species other than those which are found in suitable habitats in various parts of the country* e.g., Hydroporus tristis and H. Gylle7ihalii, Ilybiiis ce7iescc7is, &c., and Octhebius Lejolisii, &c. 184 The Irhh Naturalist. vSeptember, Tory Island only produced 5 species, though, doubtless, this is onl}' a small proportion of the total number. Of the 29 specimens which were collected there, 14 were A. bipustu- latus and 10 H. piibescens, two species which are, I think, alwaj^s dominant in the western islands. With regard to Helophorus g7'amdaris, L-? I first found the species at Dunfanaghy, where I took five specimens, each in a different collection. Since that time I have taken the species commonly in Antrim, Down, Uerr}^ and Mayo W., usually in flooded grassy ground. There is a specimen in the Dublin Museum collection from Kerry vS., and the species has been recorded from Kerry N., so that in Ireland its distribution as at present known is distinctl}' marginal.^ There are great difficulties as to sj-nonomy with these small Helophori, and how far the records for ^' graniilafis L." really apply to this species it is difficult to say. There is only one Scottish record — Edinburgh ; but in England there are re* cords from many counties. I have taken the species in Surre}^ and have seen a specimen from Sussex E. So far as my experience goes, it is onh' common in the spring. Until a more complete list is forthcoming it is useless to discuss the fauna in relation to that of other parts of the countr\^ so the bare list with these few^ remarks must suffice for the present. BiBUOGRAPHY. Johnson, W. F. — Coleoptera at Ardara, Co. Douegal. — Irish Nat., ii., 54, 1893, and E. M. M., Ser. 2, iii., 311, 1892 (24 species meutioiied). Johnson, W. F. — Additional Records of Irish Coleoptera.— /m-^ A'^?/., ix., 182, 1900 (i species). Johnson, W. F., and HaIvBERT, J. N.— " A List of the Beetles of Ireland." Proc. R.I. A.., vSer. 3, vol. vi., 1901 {3 species). SoMKRVii,i,E, J. E — Dytiscus lapponicus in Ireland.— ^. yj/. i1/., v., 141^ 1868-9 (5 species mentioned. May be E or W Donegal!). Queen's University, Belfast. * Vide Praeger, Proc. RJ.A,, 1902. Irish Naturalist, Vol. XIX. Plate ii. 5. U'ectr. Photo. 'Roche Moutonnee at Melmore Head. To face p. 185. Doe Castle, Sheep Haven. R. Welch, Photo. I9IO. Hymcnoptera^ Hcmiptera, Aptcrygoia. 185 HYMKNOPTERA. BY CLAUDE MORLEY, F.E S Formica fusca, Latr.—Cratlagh Woods. lYIyrmica rubra, L., race sulci nodis, Nyl.— Tory Island, Cratlagh Woods, Glenveagh. Tenthrcdo virldis, L— Glenveagh. Selandria stramineipes, Klug— Cratlagh. Diapria suspecta, Nees.— Dunfanaghy. lYIegaspilus versicolor.— Dunfanaghy. HHMIPTERA. BY J. N. HALBERT, M.R.I. A. Acanthosoma dentatum, De G.— Cratlagh Woods. Stygnus pcdcstris, Fall— Dunfanaghy. Drymus sylvaticus, Fab.— Dunfanaghy. Hydrometra stagnorum, L.— Bunbeg. Velia currens, Fab. — Tory Island and Glenveagh. Gerris lacustris, ly. — Bunbeg. C. odontogaster, Zett.— Bunbeg. Salda saitatoria, L— Tory Island. Calocorls bipunctatus, Fab. — Rosapenna. Nepa cincrea, L.— Bunbeg ; Melniore L,ough. Notonccta glauca, L., variety fucata.— Bunbeg. Corlxa Geoffroyi, Leach. — Bunbeg. Corixa striata, L.— Melmore Lough. Dorthesia cataphracta, vShaw. -Glenveagh. APTERYGOTA. BY PROFESvSOR G. H. CARPENTER, B.SC I have had the opportunity of examining the springtails and bristletails collected by the members of the Conference, together with some specimens taken in the locality by R. Welch in September, 1908 From these I can compile a list of five species only. IVIachllis tnaritima, Leach. — Horn Head, Carrickfin, Dunfanaghy, Tory Island. On Tory this insect wag common and occurred — so I am told by Mr. G. O. Sherrard — twenty feet above high-water mark. Isotoma viridls, Bourlet.— Tory Island. I. hibernlca, Carpenter. — Dunfanaghy. Tomoccrus longicornls, Muller. — Glenveagh, Bunlin, Dunfanaghy, common. T. tridentiferus, Tullberg.— Mulroy, Cratlagh Woods, Dunfanaghy. 1 86 The hhh Naturalist. wSeptember, ARACHNIDA. BY D. R. PACK-BERESP'ORD, M.R.I. A. The Spiders collected are for the most part common species, and only two call for special notice. The specimen of Tibellus struck me as differing from the typical form oi oblongus, Walck., so I sent it to the Rev. O. P. Cambridge, who tells me that Dr. A. R. Jackson has lately called his attention to the fact that we have two species of Tibellus amongst those up to now known as oblongus. This is, therefore, the first time that Tibellus parallehis, CL-K.-Kulcz. is recorded as Irish, though when we have had time to examine again all the specimens of Tibellus oblongus already taken in Ireland, we shall probably find examples of T. paiallchis amongst them. Tmeticus prudens, Cb., has only previously been taken in Ireland on the summits of high mountains ; its capture on Tory Island is, therefore, interesting. The Rev. O. P. Cambridge has been kind enough to name several of the phalangids for me. Spiders. Harpactes Hombcrgii, Scop, — Murder Hole (Rough Island), Segestria sanoculata, L. — Tory Island. Clubiona reclusa, Cb. — Bunlin, Theridion lineatutn, CI, — Gleuveagh. Pedanostethus lividus, Bl. — Glenvea[^li. Lcphthyphantes Blackwallii, Kulcz.— Bunlin, Bathyphantes concolor, Wid.— Tory Island. Tincticus prudens, Ch.-Tory Island, Erigonc arctica, White.— Murder Hole (Rough Island). E. promiscua, Cb.— Murder Hole (Rough Island) and Tory Island. Diplocephalus fuscipes, Bl,— Tory Island. IVIeta segmcntata, CI. — Glenveagh. IVI, mcrianac, Scop. var. celata, Bl. — Glenveagh and Tory Island. Epeira cornuta, CI. — Glenveagh. E. diademata, CI. — Tory Island. E. quadrata, CI. — Bunlin. Tibellus parallelus, C.Iv.K.-Kulcz. — Glenveagh. PhAIvANGIDvS, NeiYiastoma Iug°ubre, O.F,M. — Glenveagh ; Bunlin ; Tory Island PhalangiuiYi opilio, L, — Tory Island. Ollg^olophus tridcns, C,K,— Glenveagh ; Bunlin. O. morio, abr., ^'^'r. alpinus. — Glenveagh. Fenagh House, Bagenalstown. I9IO- Foster AND TatT3RvSAIx- — Isopoda and Amphipoda. 187 ISOPODA TKRRESTRIA. BY NKVIN H. FOSTER, M.B.O.U. The Woodlice collected b}^ members during tlie Conference Week have been submitted to me, and I have to thank Mr. D. R. Pack-Beresford, who kindly assisted me in the examina- tion of some of the more critical species. There are seven species, two of them new records for Donegal West. Ligria ocean lea, Ivinn. — Tory Island. Trichoniscus pusillus, Brandt. — Bunliu ; Doe Castle ; Rosguill : Glenveagh ; Tory Island Trichoniscus pygmaeus, Sars,— Doe Castle: Bunlin ; Tory Island. This minute species had not previously been recorded for Donegal West, though it now seems probable that it has an extended Irish distribution ; as, since its first discovery in Ireland two years ago, it has been found in 10 counties. Haplopthalmus Mengrii, Zaddach. — The capture of three specimens of this peculiarly marked Woodlouse by Mr. A. W. Stelfox at Doe Castle, is the most interesting discovery in this group. Canon Norman and Mr. W. F. de V. Kane found this species in Co. Clare in 1900 (this being the first Britannic record), and last year it was taken in Dublin, Leitrim, and Donegal East. Philoscia muscorum, Scopoli.— Bunlin ; Tory Island, a few. Oniscus asellus, Linn. — Doe Castle; Glenveagh; Bunlin; Rough Island ; Melmore ; Tory Island ; Baruesbeg. The specimens of this species from Tory Island are remarkable for their bright coloration, in this respect resembling those observed during the Cork Conference, Many of the specimens are of the "butter-scotch '" colour, and some of them possess bright reddish-orange markings, others being light yellow. Most of the specimens are of unusually large size. PorccIIio scabcr, Latreille. — Melmore; Doe Castle; Tory Island. Like the previous species some of these from Tory Island are brightly coloured. In many specimens the side plates of the mesosome are tawny, and in some instances the dorsal face is more or less marked with patches of yellow or orange. Hillsborough, Co. Down. MARINE AMPHIPODA AND IvSOPODA. BY WILLIAM TATTERSALL, M.SC. Orchestia littorea, Leach.— Tory Island, Horn Head. O. meditcrranca, Costa.— Horn Head. Cammarus mar m us, Leach. — Tory Island. Talitrus locusta, L.— Tory Island, Horn Head. Idotea baltlca, Pallas. — Tory Island. Manchester Museum. 1 88 The It ish Naturalist, September, PHANEROGAMS AND VASCULAR CRYPTOGAMS. BY R. LIvOYD PRAEGER. I. — M1SCE1.1.ANEOUS Notes. Phanerogamic botany was poorly represented at theRosapenna Conference ; but little work was done, and the notes I have to draw on are almost entireh' ni}^ own, made in the in- tervals of conducting. Nevertheless five additions to the well-worked flora of West Donegal are recorded below, and second stations for several plants previousl}' reported from only one locality. Though possessing a fairly extensive flora, the Rosapenna district is not one of the most interesting in Donegal, this being largely the result of the absence in the immediate vicinity of any of the higher mountain-groups. Its plants, like those of the rest of Donegal, are v/ell known, being fully de- tailed in H. C. Hart's ^' Flora of Donegal" (1898). On the Rosguill peninsula, from Rosapenna northwards, the species found during our excursions included — Arahis hirsuta. Orobanche rubra. Spergularia rupestris. Euphorbia portlandica. TrifoHum medium. Juniperus nana. Sedum Rhodiola. Habenaria conopsea. Rryngium maritinium. Orchis pyramidalis. Crithmum niaritimum. Phleum arenariuni. Anthemis nobilis. Koeleria cristala. Statice occidentalis. Ophioglossum vulgatum, all noted from this neighbourhood in the " Flora." One or two plants not previously recorded were also ob- tained : — Gentiana A?}iarelta, abundant on sandhills at Rosa- penna, in Hart's " Flora" noted from onl}' one Donegal station, namely, sands between Bundoran and Ballyshannon ; and the curious var. littoralis Parnell of Catabiosa aqiiatica, on wet sands at Tranarossan, not previously found in the county. In Rosapenna I^ough, also, grew Chara polyacantha and C hispida, not included in the " Flora of Donegal,'' though the latter has been subsequently recorded by Hart from a station in West Donegal.^ About Lough Salt Anthemis nobilis, List era cordata , and Lastrea Oreopteris were seen, and in Lough Reelan adjoining Nttella opaea, which had only one previous West Donegal station. ^ Hart, / and Chara vulgaris all three new to West Donegal. Elynins are7iari2cs was seen flourishing in the station given in Hart's work. On Gola Island Scduvi Rhodiola grew on a pebbl}^ beach a few feet above tide level — an unusual situation ; Peplis porhda was frequent on that island, and Cochlcajda 2rae7ila7idica was also found. II.— Notes on the Feora of Tory. The plants — that is, the Phanerogams and Ferns — of Tory are already well described, thanks to the labours of R. M. Barrington, who spent nearly a week there in Jul}^ 1877, and " examined its flora each day carefulh^," the result being an annotated list of 145 species, published in W\^ Journal of Botany for the same 3'ear (vol. xvii., pp. 263-270). Previous to that, our only information relative to the vegetation of this remote island was contained in an Appendix b}- G. C. H3'nd- man to Edmund Getty's paper,^ published twenty-two 5'ears earlier, which contained a meagre list of forty-two plants, from observations made in 1845. Mr. S. Weir has drawn ni}^ attention to a paper by J. A. Mahony,- written shortl}' after Barrington's visit, in which a few plants are mentioned, in- cluding Carex pa7iicea, not previousl}' recorded. In view of Mr. Barrington's work, the chief interest of our recent visit, so far as the higher plants were concerned, la}^ therefore, not in the examination of an unknown flora, but rather in the observation of what changes might have occur- red in the vegetation during the intervening period. The 1 The Island of Tory : its History and Antiquitie.«. Ulster fournal of Archciology, \., 1 853. 2 On the Archaeology and Natural History of Tory Island. Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgoiv, iv. (1S78 So), pp. 80-84, plates iii-iv., 1879. C 190 The Irish Naturalist. September condition of the island would appear to have changed very little, and it was of considerable interest to discover in how far the native flora might have suffered by the continuance of human activities, or the introduced flora have altered or in- creased by the same means. Just four hours were av^ailable for the carrying out of this investigation, but I endeavoured to make the most of them, and, perhaps, the sea-fog that wrapped the island the whole time, by shutting out all dis- tant views, and, indeed, everj'thing but the foreground, tended to concentrate one's attention and to produce intensive observation. Anyhow, the result was a larger list than I had anticipated — 145 species, or exactly the same number as noted by Mr. Barrii:gton. Of these, 123 are in Mr. Barrington's list; he found 22 not seen by me, and I 22 not noted by him. Mr. Sylvanus Weir has since sent me a few plants collected by him on the island on the same occa- sion, among which are two further additions to Mr. Barring- ton's list, namel}^ Molinia ccerulea and Koeleria cristata. For the benefit of those who have not by them Mr. Barring- ton's paper, which describe the features of the island, it may be said that the surface of Tor}' (which is nearly three miles long by half a mile broad, the long axis running W.N.W.) slopes from east to west, and from north to south, and is exceedingly bare and wind-swept. Onl}^ a small portion is under cultivation, and the barrenness of the remainder is doubled by the practice of the islanders of cutting ever}' available sod for fuel, a mere desert being the result. Very little change in the flora was discernible as compared with its description in Barrington's paper- A few species — notably Ramniciil2is Bavdotii, Ccrastium ietrandrum^ Spe?- giilaria riipestris — appeared to have become more widespread and commoner. Beta maritima was seen in a second station — Portachalla. Lough Aher — now a mere succession of boggy pools — was apparently not visited by Tory's previous explorer; at least, it yielded a number of plants formerly recorded only from the two other lakes of the island — Lough Ahooey and Lough Ayes. To show the persistence of the flora, it may be mentioned that Viola sylvatica^ Rosa spi7io- sissivia, Hedira Helix, Solidago Virgain-ea, Athyrinni Filix- fceinina, all in small quantity, and a single bush of Lo7ii- cera F ericlymemivi , were seen at the Ram's Hollow, and there I9IO. PRAKGKK. — Phanerogams and Vascular Cryptogams. 191 onl}', exactly as described by Barrington thirty-three years ago. The weed flora likewise was found to have changed very little. The characteristic species as listed by Barrington are all there still, but a few of the plants in the list of additions may be recent introductions. If I give the plants in Barrington's list not seen on the recent occasion, the plants common to both lists can be obtained by anyone desirous of doing so. I add in a parallel column the species noted last July which have not been re- corded from the island previously. Noted by Barringtox. Noted by Praeger. Brassica Napus. Cardamine pratensis. Lythrum SaHcaria. Coclilearia danica. Haloscias scoticiini. graenlaudica. Crithmum maritimuin. Areiiaria peploides. Cnicus pratensis. Sonchus aivensis. Centaurea nigra. Lycopsis arvensis. I/inaria vulgaris. Galeopsis Tetrabit. Stachys arvensis. Polygonum Persicaria. Atriplex angustifolia. Atriplex hastata. Babingtonii. Sparganium minimum. Orcbis maculata. Triglocbin maritimum. Luzula maxima. Juncus lamprocarpus. Juncus conglomeratus. Potamogetou pusillus. Scbaenus nigricans. pectinatus. Carex extensa. Scirpus caespitosus. Authoxantbum odoratum- Carex flava. Alopecurus geniculatus. Agrostis vulgaris. Agrostis canina. Poa annua. Poa pratensis. Festuca ovina. Festuca rubra {var. duriuscula). Isoetes lacustris Blecbuum vSpicant. Cbara fragilis. Lastrea dilatata. Nitella opaca. To the right-hand list may be added the two grasses already mentioned as found by Mr. S. Wear. Of the plants above not seen by me, there is no reason to think that any of them are now extinct. Most of them were seen b)' Barrington in one station only ; and this was in several cases on the Dun, a place I had not time to explore. Neither is it probable (as v.'ill appear from an examination of the second list) that more than one or two of the plants seen only by me are new-comers ; the most likel}' species to belong to this category are the Lycopsis, Galeopsis, Polygonum and ig2 The It ish Naturalist. September, Poa. IL may be noted that it is possible that the Atriplices of the two lists are identical, these plants being far from mature in July, the date of both our visits. Two or three plants in my list require more particular men- tion, Isoetcs lacustris grew sparingly and very dwarf on peat in a few inches of water on the south-west shore of lyougli Ahooe}'. Cochlcaria graenlaiidica, a rare west coast plant in Ireland, was in Donegal previousl}' known from a couple of stations in the Rosses; it was seen in two spots on Tor}^ near the edge of the cliffs. Of the Potainogetoii pcctinatus^ Mr. Arthur Bennett writes :—"var. salrmis, Voch. = var. pscudo- mai'bnis^ Ar. Benn. It is a form which has been frequently named P. viarinus, !,■, by some Central European botanists, and is, I believe, what is so named in some English floras." Four species which were recorded b}' Hyndman were not seen b}' Barrington, namely, C^'avibe mai-itiina^ Erica Tetralix, Gcntiana campestris^ and fitniperus cojiiviunis. None of them were found b}' me either. The first is probably extinct, and the last, no doubt, an error; the second and third ma\' possibly still linger in some corner, though ver}' possibly exterminated bv the cutlins: of sods. Natioual Library, Dublin. MOSSES AND HEPATICS. BY RKV. CANON H, ^V. LETT, MA. Taking long drives through beautiful scenery to the accom- paniment of agreeable companions is not the best way for examining the flora of a district, though it is a most enjoyable way of spending a holiday. And the all-too-short time provided by each day's excursion from Rosapeuna for " moss- trampmg," did not make it possible even for the most enthusiastic to get into, or search thoroughly any of the most likely places for mosses and hepatics. So that the record of the.se plants collected during the Conference week, b}- H. W. Eett, J. Glover, and R. El- Praeger, is not so large as might otherwise have been anticipated from the localities that were visited. Irish Naturalist, Vol. XIX. Plate 13. 5. Wear, Photo. Old Lint-wheel or Flax Bruiser, Mulroy Bay. jtid^^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HlHiHBH^^ftt^d^Ai&uS&M To face p. 193. Ramparts of Dun Balor, Tory Island. S. 11. Douey, Photo. I910. TyKTT. — Rosapama Confercnce.—Mosses and Hcpatics. 193 The totals collected were— Spliagnaceae 11, Musci 123, and Hepaticae 53 ; and of these, 5 Spliagnaceae, 21 Musci, and 8 Hepaticae are new records for Division 35 — West Donegal ; which, considering the work done during recent years by Mr. J. Hunter and Mr. D. M'Ardle in this same district, is a fair result. The new records are : — MosSKS (after Braithwaite), Polytrichum attenuatiini. Fissidens decipieus. laxitblius. bryoides. Dicraiiell^i cerviculata. Auisothecium rubruui. Didyuiodon denndatus. Dicrauum Bonjeani. Mollia crispula var. elat.i- inclinata. iiitida. Barbula fallax. Amblyodon dealbatus. Amblysteginm Kneiffii var, poly- carpon. Barbula spadicea, brevifolia. lurida. revoluta. unguiculata convoluta. cylindrica. recurvi folia. Tortula muralis. Isevipila. Hepatics (after H. W. Lett). Aueura latifrons. Scapania subalpina. Metzgeria hamata. speciosa. Trichocolea tomentella. iiHgiuosa. Lepidozia setacea v. sertularioides. Plagiochila iuterrupta. SphaGnace^: (after Warnstorf). Sphaguum C3'mbifoliiuu. Sphagnum obesum rufescens. cuspidatum. inundatum. Tory Island. The moss flora of Tory Island was found to be restricted to the most common species, and the plants were nowhere met with in any quantit3^ The conditions on the island are un- favourable for mosses, the whole surface, except in odd corners and a few sheltered nooks, being exposed to the full force of all the winds that blow from the Atlantic. And the practice of the inhabitants in continually digging awaj^ the surface vegetation where there is an}- trace of peat in the soil to use for their fuel, has a direct tendency to keep down the growth of these plants. 194 Tlic Irish Naturalist. vSepteniber, The following is a full list of what were found on the island on this occasion : — Mosses. Polytricliuui subrotundum. aloides. Hissidens osmuudioides. Dicranella cerviculata. lieteromalla. Anisothecium rubrum. Catiipylopus pyriformis. atrovireus. flexuosus. brevipilis. fragiHs. Dicraiium scoparinni. bonjeani. MoUia tenuirostris. litoralis. iiiclinata. nitida. Tortula muialis Isevipila. Barbula cylindrica. convoluta. Grimmia apocarpa. Glyphomitrium polypbylluiu. Anoectangium mongeotii. Weissia pbyllantha. Funaria obtusa. Pohlia albicans nutans. Bryuni pallescens. IMniuui hornuni. punctatum. Amblystegium viride. fluitaus. serpens. Kneiffii. var. polycarpon. sendtneri. palustre. fluviatile. Hypnum prselongum. rutabulum. Plagiotliecium undulatum denticulatum. Stereodon cupressifornds. var. ericetoruni. resupinatum. Hylocomium loreuni. squarrosum. Ctenidium molluscuni. Isotbecium myosuroides. Acrocladium cuspidatum. Aneura multifida. latifrons. pinguis. Pellia epiphylla. Lejeunia serpyllifolia. var. beterophy Diplopbyllum albicans. Scapania purpurascens. undulata. subalpina. uliginosa. Gyninocolea inflata. Plagiocbila interrupta. Jungerniania veutricosa. vSpbagnuni cynibifoliuni. Agbaderg, Co. Down. HEPATICS. Lopbocolea bidentata. Aplozia crenulata. Ahcularia scalaris. Southbya obovata. Lepidozia reptans. Ua. Kantia tricliomanis. Lepidozia setacea var. sertula- rioides. Saccogyna viliculosa. Ce])lialozia pallida, bicuspidata. luuukefolia. curvi folia. vSphagnacE/E. Spbagnum obesuni. I9IO. Agnkw. — Rosapcnna Co7ifere7ice. — Archa:ology. 195 ARCHEOLOGY. BY JEAN AGNKW. KiTCHKN-MIDDENS. The sand-dunes at Rosapenna (Plate 14), and Tranarossan visited during the Conference 3'ielded the usual evidences of having been the sites of the dwellings of primitive man. The finds made at Rosapenna included a deer's antler made into a pick, showing clearly the marks of the primitive saw, and a stone disc, characteristic of the Donegal sand-dunes. Among the great heaps of edible shells the hinges oi Lntraria ellipiica, used as scrapers, were found, as well as large numbers of bones of deer, ox, pig, rabbit. Great Grey Seal, &c., the larger bones in many instances having been split to extract the marrow ; also bones of the Great Auk, as recorded in Mr. Ussher's report on the Birds (p. 17 1)- All efforts to discover an)- of the bronze ornaments and pottery, which have been found frequently on these sites, were unsuccessful. Rock Scribings. The rocks bearing inscribed concentric circles lying above the shores of Mulroy Ba}^ to the south of Mevagh church, were visited. It was noted that only these rocks which faced the east were inscribed. This, however, ma}' have been due to the fact that just at this point the broadest and smoothest rock-surfaces slope 10 the east. Time did not permit of a visit to those in Barnesbeg, &c. Forts. Immediatel}' to the right of Port Doon (the port of the fort or castle), where the members of the Conference landed on Tory Island, is a height known as Dun Balor, after the famous Fomorian, Balor of the Mighty Blows. A native of Tor>^ eagerl}^ pointed out to us fragments of mortar adhering to small stones which, he said, had been used in building Balor's Fort ! It is just possible that the stones displayed were the last fragments of the castle of the O'Roarties built above Port Doon about 300 years ago, and now completel}' dispersed. A little further east, on the isthmus which connects the peninsula known to Getty as Balor's Prison with the island, is a fine promontorj- fort — four distinct ramparts running across the isthmus (Plate 13). On this eastern peninsula itself is to be 196 The Irish NatJiraiisi, vSeptember, traced a fort, and on the bare soil near here fragments of early pottery are not rare. These prehistoric fortifications have seen war-like doino-.s of a later date, for it was here that Shane M -Manns Oge M'Donnell took his last stand in 1608, after the flight of the Karls. At Rosapenna, near to Lord Boyne's House, is the remnant of a cashel, the stones of which were removed to help to make the new road to Rosguill. A earn stands on the summit of Ganiamore. Standing Stones. The gallaun or standing stone of Mevagh stands in the churchyard shadowed b}^ the great stone cross — Christian and Pagan symbol side b}^ side. On the gallaun there formerly rested a wishing-stone (" the Lucky Stone of Mevagh "; which the natives say is now lost, but which is really hidden from possible thievish excursionists, say the wise. Another gallaun was passed on the roadside above Rosapenna. Prehistoric Burial Pipages. At the west end of Tory is an ancient burial ground — ^a number of low mounds scattered over a considerable area. Of late years the thin turf covering the surface has in certain cases been removed b}' the natives for firing, and some of the kistvaens are now exposed. A circle of standing stones surrounds some of the burial mounds. The place deserves much more thorough and careful investigation than was possible in the time available during the visit of the Con- ference. In this conneccion we may quote Harkin, " It is a very ancient and time-honoured custom in Ireland to select as a burial ground for the illustrious dead some island adjacent to the coast." "Torro" is the Irish word for burial or funeral. Maj' not, then, the name of Tory mean burial or funeral isle instead of " Torach " or towery as is generall}- supposed? Immediately in front of the Rosapenna Hotel, on the sand- dunes, is a stone cist, which was found some time ago when alterations were being made on the golf-links. The cist was re-erected in its present position exactly as when founds and consists of nine large flat stones of mica schist and quartzite set vertically. These enclose a space flagged with four other large flat slabs of stone (Plate 14). The odd position was on the summit of a large kitchen-midden. Irish Naturalist. Vol. XIX. Plate 14. i V % >:?w^ KiSTVAEN, ROSAPENNA KiTCHEN-MIDDENS. W . A . Green, Photo. S. Wear. Photo. Old land-shell deposit in bottom of a dune valley, Rosapenna. To face p. 197. I9IO. Agnew. — Rosapcnna Cojifcrence. — Arch ecology. 197 Christian Antiquities. To?y Island. — Near West Town, said to have been the landing-place of St. Coluniba, stand the remains of some of the most interesting i.sland antiquities of Ireland. Near the harbour, and mounted on a platform of rude stones, is the famous Tau Cross (Plate 12). Getty says — '* It is a monolith of the following dimensions : — Full height, 6 feet ; breadth of shaft, 2 feet 2 inches ; breadth across arms, 3 feet 8 inches ; and is formed of mica slate, 5I inches in thickness, of ver>' durable texture." The peculiar type of the cross warrants the suggestion that it may have been pre-Christian in origin, but it w^as undoubtedly consecrated from very early times. West of the cross is the cloch-teac or bell tower attributed to St. Columba (Plate 4). It was by this tower that the Church of St. Columba formerly stood. According to W. F. Wakeman the first monastery on Tory was founded by St. Martin, a friend and companion of St. Patrick. It appears to have been re-founded by St. Columba circa 545 A.D. There is a record of the re-erection of the church of Tory, 616 A.D., by the Cinel Connaill, it having been destroyed some time before. The religiotis settlement existed on Tory until 1595, when George Bingham, Governor of Sligo, landed on the island, murdered the monks, and pillaged the monastery. Little now remains save the cloch-teac, which is interesting as being one of the smallest round towers known, a fact probably rendered necessary by its exposure to the great gales of the Atlantic. Immediately in front of the round tow^er a number of interesting fragments of ancient stone sculpture have been built into a square altar-like structure known to the islanders as St. John's Altar. These fragments include two stone coffin slabs, showing remains of Celtic ornament- ation ; a trough-like hollow stone, hardly as deep as a coffin ; a curious circular slone, evidently the base of a cross ; several sculptured stones, and the central portion of a cross on which is carved a human figure, which may represent either St. Columba or St. Ernan. On the altar are several rude stone vessels. Near the tower is the Abbey enclosure, or Rath Finian, which according to the Four Masters, was founded by St. Ernan. It is to be regretted that the single arch described as standing in 1845 by Getty has entirely disappeared. ig8 The Irish Naturalist. September, Further to the west, on the outskirts of West Town, stands the Murrisher, or Church of the Seven. Of this small building, which stands on a kind of platform, little remains except the western gable. Its walls are three feet in thick- ness, and internally it measures about eleven by eight feet. At the east end a rough stone-altar is built, but this shows some slight evidence of more modern work than the rest of the building, which may date from the sixth centur}'- A short distance from the Murrisher is the Nun's Grave, about which manj^ strange traditions are told. A little soil from the grave is still carried in each fishing boat setting out from Tory, as a protection from shipwreck. Mevagh. — The old church of Mevagh w^ould seem from architectural evidence to date from the eleventh centur}^ It shows in the slender lancet w^hich pierces the east gable an interesting example of an arch formed by small flat stones. On the south side of the church stands the old stone cross of Mevagh— a huge unornamented monolith. Doe Castle- — -Doe Castle (Plate ii), stands at the head of Sheep Haven, in a strong position, surrounded b}- water on three sides. Now in a ruinous condition, the date of its erection is lost, but it was apparently in existence in 1440. At one time the stronghold of the Mac-Swj^ne-na-Doe, it latterl}^ passed through the hands of several owners, until towards the close of last century it ceased to be a residence. In the graveyard near the castle, the former site of a Franciscan Monastery, is an interesting inscribed stone slab built into the north wall. The slab, which is the memorial of the MacSwyne family, is sculptured with a fine Celtic cross, having a curious seven-rayed head. Down the left side four strange monsters are carved, and on the right are four elaborate ornaments of interlaced pattern and the well-known crest of the MacSwynes. Most of the graves in m this tiny churchyard and at Mevagh are marked by the wooden crosses of a curious foliated pattern, so characteristic of the country chtirchyards of north-west Donegal. Rosape7i7ia Castle. — The ancient seat of the Viscounts Bo3'ne Avas destroyed by the shifting of the Campion sands. The demesne is still covered by the blown sand, and onl}- a mere remnant of the house remains. Sixteen farms were destroyed at the same date, about 1784. I9TO. . Agnkw. — Rosapenna Conjerence. — Archaology. 199 Notes of Tory. Ton- presents a strange mingling of the old poverty- stricken state of the island with the newer more prosperous conditions due to the establishment ten years ago of up-to- date methods of conducting the fisheries. The houses of Wesc Town are an instructive contrast, half of them being the new ugly comfortable Congested Districts Board cottages » the others hardlv better than hovels, with oreat stao:nant middens in front of the doors (Plate 4). The natives cling to old usages with the customary conser- vatism of isolated communities. Wooden ploughs are still in common use on the island. Slide cars of a special type, unlike the corn- or turf-creel tj-pe in Antrim, are used. The Tory type is raised well off the ground by long slanting runners fixed on to the end of the shafts, usually by means of an old horse-shoe (Plate 4), On the coast of the mainland at Sheep Haven and Mulroy the curraghs have generally sharp bows and square sterns ; on Tory the curraghs are mostly smaller, and square or nearly so at both ends. Both differ in shape, size, and construction from the curraghs of the Aran Islands, and those of the Mayo coast. One of the natives of Tor}^ boasted to us that there were no poor people on the island — that every family had a horse. These ponies are particularly interesting, some having the same light colour, and with the zebra markings on the fore-legs like the ponies on Clare Island. These zebra markings did not seem to be quite so distinct as on the Clare Island breed. A clear dark brown line down the back of the animal was also noticed. On the mainland in MacSwyne-na-Doe's country, and the '^ Old Kingdom ofFanet " are found the last of the lint-wheels or flax bruisers (Plate 13), one or two of which have only quite recently gone out of use, while the great stones of many others can be seen h'ing beside the circular platforms round which horses drew the wheels over the flax. The wheels here are narrow and large in diameter, quite unlike the very broad heavy wheels with small diameter formerly used in Down and Antrim. 200 The Irish NaiuralisU vSeptember, 19 lo. FOLK LORE. BV EU/ABETH ANDREWS. I was told in Tory that fairies could make themselves large or small, their hair might be red, white, or black, but they wore black clothing. This is the only case where I have heard of fairies being dressed in black. Red appears to be their favourite colour, but sometimes they wear tartan, and in the north-east of Antrim are often dressed in green. If in the fairy tales we have a reminiscence of dwarf races, I should think the diflference in apparel points to tribal differences. It is very rarely that we find fairies associated with the spirits of the departed, but an elderly woman in Tory said those who were drowned became fairies, and also those who had exceeded in whiskey. This woman took me to see the old cross, the fragments of a second cross, the round tower, and the ruins of a very small church with a rude stone altar. She also pointed out to me a small cairn of stones, where prayers were formerly offered to St. Bridget. There are stories also of King Balor and his daughter, but these would be too long for insertion here. I may refer the reader to the " Donegal Highlands," by the Most Rev. Dr. MacDevitt. If Balor is the grim hero of Tory Island, on the mainland one hears of Finn McCoul, and of a still larger giant, GoU. Fairies also abound. In the woods of Cratlin a young girl told me that some, like the angels, guide people aright, others lead them astray. Contrary to the common belief she held that fairies would be saved at the last day. A woman in Rosguill called the fairies " sheegees." A lad in tbe same neighbourhood gave me a variant of a story I had heard at Gueedore and Kincasslagh : — how a man rode with the fairies when they carried ofif a young girl, but saved her from them and brought her home to his mother, wiiere .she remained for a year deaf and dumb, until a few drops from a fairy bottle restored her speech. The same lad in speaking of the kitchen middens said the Danes lived and had their houses on the water. Is this possibly a tradition of early tiibes who like the lake dwellers built their habitations on a wooden structure above the waters of the sea ? Belfast. Irish Xaturai.ist, Vol. XIX. K. T. Church, I'/ioto. ^^^tyC To Jace p. 201. October, 19 ro. The Irish Nahwalist, 201 SAMUKI. AI.EXANDKR STEWART. I. His Lifk. Ireland for some reason has had few working-men natural- ists. There have been a number of examples in England and Scotland of self-educated men, true lovers of nature, who in spite of great hindrances have made a name for themselves and extended the knowledge of natural science. Samuel Alexander Stewart was the most remarkable, it might almost be said, the only example in Ireland. The Stewarts were a family of well-to-do farmers who came from Scotland in the seventeenth century and settled at Bally- nure in Co. Antrim, some twelve miles north of Beh'^ast. The family had its share in the difficulties about the land which arose in that part of the country in the eighteenth century. Then came the political troubles of 1798, in which many families living in that district were involved, Stewart's grandfather went to America about that time and settled at Philadelphia. William, his son, married Sarah Funston, a member of a family which had come from England, and a branch of which settled at Castlederg, Co. Tyrone. William Stewart owned a large house in North Front Street, Philadelphia, where Samuel was born, 5th February, 1826, and two years later his sister Margaret Ann, now Mrs. Bain, who survives him, and was his companion for a considerable part of his life, as he never married. The boy was not robust. He attended a private school in Philadelphia kept by a Mrs. I^owry, but ill health led to little progress being made, and contributed as will be seen to his taking up studies which led him into the open air. Their mother died when the children were j^oung, and a business panic so affected his father's trade that he gave it up and returned to Ireland in June, 1837. On his return from America, William Stewart went to live with his brother Samuel, who was unmarried and had a trunk- maker's shop at 56 North Street, Belfast. Circumstances were straitened at this time and hard for the motherless young people. William and his son worked at a rectifying A 202 The Irish Nainralist. October, distillery near Corporation Street, the former earning twelve shillings, the latter two shillings a week. This did not allow much chance for education, but Samuel used to attend a night school for six weeks each winter at Sarum Methodist Church, York Street. William then took over the trunk-making business from his brother, and started with a capital of five pounds. His daughter undertook the work of keeping the shop at the age of fifteen^ while her father and brother continued to work at the distillery. Later on her brother came to work in the shop. They made trunks, bellows and other articles. Samuel had a boy companion with whom he " ran" at this time, James Neill, a lad somewhat older than himself, clever aiid intelligent and fond of country rambles. Ever}' Saturday he called for Samuel and they went ofif for ex- peditions in the countr}^ and on Sundays when Sunday School was over, and in this wa}^ thej^ explored together all the neighbourhood, and the hills within reach of Belfast. In after 3'ears it was their custom to meet once a 5'ear and go over the Cave Hill in memor}' of old times. After this, Neill got a position in a flour mill. While there he established a night school which was attended by Stewart, and these seem to have been 3'ears of strenuous labour and progress in Stewart's life, working by day in the shop, where he was most skilful at his trade, especially in making skin-covered trunks, studying in the evenings, and acquiring that culture and knowledge of many subjects which was so remarkable in later life, and on holidays and every occasion which could be snatched from work or stud}- hastening to the hills and open country he loved so well. Stewart was a most remarkable instance of a self-educated man, without school or college training, without means. In spite of many difficulties at home instead of encouragement, he acquired an excellent general education, and learned to write such good and idiomatic English (as for instance in the introduction to his Flora), as many so-called well educated people might env3^ The years i860 and 1S61 were fruitful in determining definitely the set of his life and leading him to devote him- self entirely to the pursuit of natural science Mr. William Swanston, a close friend of Stewart's since 1865, says :— " We igio. Samuel Alexander Stezvaii. 203 may safely assume that Stewart's early bent for natural science generall}' eagerl}^ grasped the opportunities offered b}^ the Science and Art Department who sent lecturers to Belfast ; among others Professor Jukes, who lectured on Geology. This course was followed in 186 1 by Mr. Ralph Tate (after- wards professor in the Universit}^ of Adelaide) who became resident lecturer in Zoolog}-, Botanj- and i\nimal Ph3^siology- Stewart attended most of these courses and carried off honours in them. These lectures doubtless gave his studies a systematic lead which must have been of immense value to him Owing to his zeal and thoroughness he soon became a favourite pupil of Tate's, and later a close friendship which proved to be life-long; ensued." Mr. Joseph Wright, another old friend of Stewart's, states that on a recent visit to Belfast, Professor Tate said "he had had a great many pupils through his hands in the course of a long professional career but he had onl}^ met with one Samuel Alexander Stewart." Mr. Wright says " He was one of the most intelligent persons I ever came across in his younger days. He had a wonderful gift of observation, even in respect of things with which he was not familiar, as I have proved when we were on expeditions together." The years immediatel}' following Mr. Tate's coming, were marked by great progress in the study of geology and botany in Belfast. On Saturda}' evenings Tate used to take his pupils out for excursions, amongst others, Stewart, George Donaldson, Hugh Robinson and W. M'Millan. The Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, established in 1863 by Mr. Tate, in conjunction with a number of his pupils, was the direct out- come of his work. In 1863 Tate published his Flora Beljastiensis, where the results of Stewart's earliest botanical work may be seen. Stewart continued to work at his trade, all the time he could spare from it being given to geology and botan}-, until the year 1880, when he was appointed assistant curator of the Belfast Museum at a trifling salary. In August, 1891, when Mr. William Darragh retired, he succeeded him as curator at a salary of ;/^65. During these years he took much interest in the Field Club, attending the meetings and excursions, and helping, as he always did, others who were working at his favourite studies, and contributing to its Proceedings. A 2 204 The Irish Naturalist. October, Early in his botanical career Stewart was elected a fellow of the Botanical Societ}- of Edinburgh, but the honour which he valued most came to him late in life in 1904, when he was elected Associate of the Linnean Society, an occasion which was seized by his friends in Ireland, who presented him with an address and a purse of ;^ 120 at a meeting in the Museum. His retirement in 1907 was due to advancing years. He took a small house in Springfield Road, at the foot of the Belfast hills, and lived there with his sister. His death on June 15, 1910, was the result of an accident. He was crossing Ann Street when he fell in trying to avoid a dray, and he survived only a few hours. His work was chiefly that of a field naturalist, and it is astonishing how much he was able to accomplish with the means at his disposal, for Belfast did not possess a good or complete herbarium or library with modern botanical works of reference such a.sihe/o7{r?ial of Botany or the last edition oi E7iglish Botany. When one tries to sum up the impression left b}' his character and work perhaps the most prominent feature is this. He was a "helper of many." First the shop in North Street, then the Museum was the centre to which all those persons in Ulster turned for advice, help, and encourage- ment who were interested in botany. Many look back to those days and thank him for help always so freely given. Then his accuracy was great, a fact which makes his Flora the valuable book it is. Mr. A. G. More once said to a friend that " it was essential to ask contributors to send their speci- mens with their records [for the Cybcle Hibernica\ and that this method had been rigidl}^ followed with one exception ; the records of Mr. S. A. Stewart of Belfast were invariably admitted without question." His perseverance and enthusiasm never failed in trying to clear up doubtful points. The unassuming humility of the man was apparent. His extreme caution and dread of jump- ing to a conclusion sometimes especially in later life led him to miss results he might have gained. I^ove of truth was always his characteristic. C. H. Waddeix. I9IO. Samuel Alexander Stewaji. 205 II, His Work. Among those whose lives have gone to the building up of natural history in Ireland, the figure of Samuel Alexander Stewart stands unique. And this is not only because, handi- capped from the start as regards both education and position in the world, he won for himself a foremost place among Irish naturalists, and left behind him valuable printed memorials of his researches in the field. The man was greater than his work, and to those who had the privilege of his friendship what will be best remembered will be his unassum- ing modesty, his helpful courtesy to those especially who were young, or beginners in the studies of which he was master ; his whole-souled striving after the truth, and his impatience with what seemed to him to be slip-shod or incompetent work. Of " the strife for triumph more than truth " he was incapable. Stewart's love of investigation began early. He has told me how, landing in Belfast from Philadelphia at the age of 11, he looked with surprise at the dark hills towering over the west end of the town, and on the very first morning started off to scale them, unable to believe that those summits were really some miles awa}^ In the same practical spirit, when as a young man, his scientific interest was first aroused by reading Hugh Miller's " Old Red Sandstone," he crossed the channel and set off on foot armed with a hammer to search in the Devonian rocks of Scotland for the strange fishes of which he had read. It was the natural history classes held in i860 and the succeeding years by J. Bete Jukes and Ralph Tate, under the Science and Art Department, and the found- ing of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club in 1863, when Stewart was 37 years of age, that brought him to the front in the local scientific circle. He was on the Club Committee from the beginning, and to the second indoor meeting of the Club, on 19th November, 1863, he contributed his first paper, '- On the occurrence of some rare or little known Plants in the Belfast district." The same session he carried off first prize for a collection of Phanerogamia, and in the succeeding year a prize for the best collection of local plants not mentioned in Tate's Flora Belfasiiensis, which had been published in the meantime. A second paper on the same subject followed in 1865. Another paper read in 1868, "A run through Galway 2o6 The Irish Nahiralist. October with a vasculuin," followed a 3^ear later by "A Visit to the Sperrin Mountains," shows that Stewart had begun that series of field excursions in Ireland which for many 3-ears was one of his chief sources of pleasure. In the reports of these papers one notices the critical and careful attitude that was so char- acteristic of all Stewart's work. His gaining in 1869 of the Field Club's prize for Cretaceous fossils, with a collection of 78 species, shows that his energies were not devoted exclusively to botany. Geology, indeed, at this time engaged a good deal of his attention, for on 8th March, 1871, he read a very import- ant paper, " The Latest Fluctuations of the Sea-level on our own Coasts," in which for the first time the raised beach deposits are correlated with the marine cla3'S which under- lie Belfast, and the movements which they imply are de- monstrated ; in the same 3^ear he published "Al^istof the Fossils of the Estuarine Clays of Antrim and Down," which gives the detailed results of the same investigations. All this work, and indeed the scientific work of his whole life, was carried on during Saturday' afternoons and Sunda3's, with an occasional week off; the shop in North Street, and subsequentl3' the Belfast Museum, requiring regular attend- ance during business hours. During the seventies he pub- lished " A List of the Mosses of the North-east of Ireland," (followed in 1884 by a ** Supplement "), and " The MoUusca of the Boulder Clay of the North-east of Ireland," both papers being the result of field-work extending over man3^ 3'ears. In the extensive campaign of botanical field-work of the eighties which was inspired b3^ A. G. More, and financed by the Ro3'al Irish Acadeni3% Stewart played his part ; and while Hart explored the mountain-ranges and rivers, and Barrington and Vowell some of the great lakes, Stewart examined the hills of Fermanagh, Rathlin Island, the Slieveanieran range and the estuary of the Shannon, and published reports on their floras in the Proceedhigs of the Acadenl3^ On these expeditions he did not spare himself. Twelve hours in the field day after day was his ustial programme ; to weather he was indifferent ; and on more than one occasion he let darkness overtake him among the mountains, and spent the night in the open, sometimes in rain. This, and his ipfo- Samuel Alexander Steivart. 207 carelCvSsness about food, may have been accountable for the rheumatism from which he suffered in later years. In 1888 Stewart's crowning work, the Flora of the North- east oj Ireland, was published. Although Corry's name ap- pears on the title page, the work was almost entirely Stewart's, his colleague having been drowned in a lamentable boating accident on Lough Gill in 1883, a few years after collaboration had been agreed upon. The Flora represents thirty years of field-work b)^ Stewart over three counties — work carried out in the brief intervals of business, at a time when trains were few and slow, and the bicycle still unknown as a scientific accessory ; and its fullness, accuracy and scholarly style place it high among works of the kind. Two years later, in 1893, Stewart undertook in conjunction with the present writer his last heavy piece of work — the •systematic exploration of the Mourne Mountains. Two sea- sons were spent in thoroughly searching this range for plants, with good results ; and the writer will always rank as a great privilege his companionship with Stewart during the many long daj'S spent at that time among the mountains. By the time the report on this work was published, Stewart was sixty-five, and henceforth he confined himself to less arduous excursions. But until well past seventy he was still able to get out into the fields and hills he loved so well, and his latest w^alks were to the well-known places where he had, under Tate and Jukes, done his earliest field-work — Crow Glen, the Lagan and the People's Park. Until the end he was still ever ready with assistance and advice, and remained a final court of appeal for Belfast naturalists, not only on botanical subjects, but on many problems of geology and zoology besides. Our portrait was taken in 1881. when Stewart was fifty-five 3'ears of age, and in the midst of his field-work. R. Lloyd Prakger. A lylvST OF THE WRITJNGvS OF S. A. STEWART. Compiled by R. Li^oyd Praeger. BOTANY. On the occurrence of some rare andhttle known Plants in the Belfast district [title only]. B.N.F.C. : Report of Committee for 1863-4, 12. 1865. [Rare or overlooked plants in the neighbourhood of Belfast.] B.N.F.C, Annual Report for 1865-66. 1S66. 2oS Tlie Irish Naturalist. October A run through Galway with a vasculum. Fifth Annual Report B.N.F.C. (1867. 8), 30-32. 1868, A visit to Dungiveu and the Sperrin Mountains. Sixth Annual Report, B.N.F.C. (1868-9), 26-28. 1869. Guide to Belfast and the Adjacent Counties. By Members of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. 8vo, Belfast, 1874. Botany, pp. 78-90. [Stewart wrote the Botany, and also part of the Zoology, pp. 91-131.] Mosses of the North-east of Ireland. British Association Report for 1874, Sections, 134. 1875 ; and Nature, x., 433. 1874. On the Mosses of the District. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1874-5, n?- 1875. A List of the Mosses of the North-east of Ireland. Proc. B.N.F.©. 1873-4, Appendix, 41-72. 1875. A trip from Gahvay to Dingle, Proc. B.N.F.C, 178-9, 352-3, 1879. Report on the Botany of the Mountainous portion of Co. Fermanagh to the west of Lough Erne, and the adjoining district of Co. Cavan. Proc. R.I. Acad., (2), Science, ii., 531-544. 1882. Notes on Knockmore and Glangavlin. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1881-2, 127- 128 1883. Report on the Botany of the Island of Rathlin, County of Antrim. Proc. R.I. Acad. (2), Science, iv., 82-104. 1884. Saxifraga Hirctilus in Ireland. Journ. Bot., xxii., 302, 1884. A short notice of rare plants recently found in Down and Antrim. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1S82-3, 183-4, 1884. Supplement to a List of Mosses of the North-east of Ireland. Proc, B.N.F.C, 1882-3, Appendix, 197-20S. 1884. Report on the Botany of Lough Allen, and the Slieveanierin Moun- tains. Proc. R.I. Acad., (2), vScience, iv., 426-442. 1885. Carex aqtiatilis in Ireland. Journ. Bot., xxiii., 49. 18S5. Irish Hieracia. Journ. Bot., xxiv., 83. 1886, Botanical Nomenclature. Journ. Bot., xxvi., 377-378. 1888. (With T. H Corry).— A Flora of the North-east of Ireland, including the Phaneroganiia, the Cryptogamia Vascularia, and the Muscinese. 8vo, Belfast, 1888. [Exhibited Myosotis collina from Portstewart.] Proc. B.N.F.C, 1889-90, 233. 1890, Report on the botany of South Clare and the Shannon. Proc. R.I. Acad., (3), i., 343-369- 1890. Mosses of North-east of Ireland. Journ. Bot., xxx., 56. 1892. Lowest limit of Vaccinium Vitis-Idsea in Ireland. Journ. Bot, xxx., 121. 1892. (With R. L1.OYD Prakger).— Report on the botany of the Mourne Mountains, County Down. Proc. R.I. Acad., (3), ii., 335-380. 1892. Notes on the flora of the North-east of Ireland. I.N., iii., 35-38, 52-56. 1894. (With R. Li,OYD Praeger).— A supplement to the " Flora of the North-east of Ireland" of Stewart and Corry. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1894-5, Appendix, 133-236. 1895. The Moss Flora of Aran [Galway Bay.] I.N., iv., 317, 1895. Ciilhntum mariiitmun in County Down I.N., vi., 297. 1896. I9IO- Samuel Alexande7- Stewart. 209 Dryas oclopetata iu Co, Antrim. I.N., vi., 280 281. 1897. Note on the arrangement of a Flora. T.N., viii., 123. 1899. Poa nevioralisy P. cotiipressa, CaHiiriche obtiisangula iu the North of Ireland. I.N., viii., 113-114, 1899, Criticisms of the ''Cybele Hibernica," ed. 2. Journ. Bot., xxxvii., 396-397. 1899. The march oi Matricaria discoidea. I.N,, ix,, 269. 1900, Poa compressa again. I.N,, ix., 269, 1909. A Botanical Coronation Fete [at Belfast, 28 June, 1838] I.N., xi , 171. 1902. /uncus tenuis in County Down. I,N., xiii., 43. 1904. The Vitality of Seeds, I.N., xix., 19. 1905. ZOOLOGY. A Day with the Oyster-Dredgers. Ninth Annual Report B.N.F.C, (1871-2), 37-40. 1872. Notes on Irish Coleoptera. By A. L. Haliday, F.L.S., edited by S. A« Stewart. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1883-4, Appendix, 211-223. 1884. A List of Irish Coleoptera collected mainly b}- the late Robert Patter- son, Esq., F.R.S., in the year 1829. [Edited by S. A. StewartJ. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1884-5, Appendix, 335-334- 1885. Night-jar near Belfast. I,N., x , 174. 1901. GEOLOGY. [Earth-movements in the Glacial Period — a reply to G. V. du Noyer]. Sixth Annual Report B N.F.C (1868-9), 33-5, 1869. The Latest Fluctuations of the Sea-level on our owni Coast. Eighth Annual Report B.N.F.C. (1870-1), 55-57. 1871. A List of the Fossils of the Estuarine Clays of the Counties of Down and Antrim. Eighth Annual Report, B.N.F.C, (1870-1), Appendix, 27-40, 187 1. The Mollusca of the Boulder Clay of the North-east of Ireland. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1879-80, Appendix, 165-176. 1881. The Boulder Clay of the North-east of Ireland. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1880-1, 51-52, 1882. Ctenacanthus deuticulatus, M'Co}'. I.N., iii., 204, 1894. The Portrush Raised Beach. I.N., vi., 287-290. 1897. MISCELLANEOUS. Rathlin Island, with notes of its natural history and antiquities. Proc. Belfast Nat. Hist. & Phil. Soc, 1882-3, 27-31. 1883. Some account of the objects comprised in Lord Deramore's recent donation, mostly antiquarian : Part II.— Geological. Proc. Belfast Nat, Hist, and Phil, Soc, 1900-1, 48. 1901. Notes on some of the more interesting objects in the Belfast Museum. 8vo, Belfast. 1891. Prof. R. Tate's Visit to Belfast. I.N., v., 308. 1896. Tribute to the late Professor Tate. Proc. B.N.F.C, 1901-2, 31-35. 1904; and in fuller form, under the title "The Father of Irish Field Clubs," in I.N., xi., 36-39, 1902. A3 w- 2IO The Irish Naturalist. October, IS HYATJNIA HELVETICA, BEUM FOUND IN IRELAND? by a. w. stelfox. [Plate 15.] Ill the year 1S90, Mr. J. G. Milne, in a list of shells collected by him during a tour in Ireland, recorded Zonitcs glaber ( = //. helvetica), from Smithborough in Co. Monaghan.^ Then during a period of three years we heard no more of this supposed Irish mollusc, but in the 3'ear 1893 some shells collected by Mr R. A. Phillips at Whitegate in East Cork, and others taken by Dr. Scharff at Bantry in the west division of the same county, were submitted to Prof. Boettger, Dr. Westerlund, and the original desciiber of the species, Herr Blum, all of whom agreed that the Irish shells were Hyalinia helvetica. This at first was taken as final, and Mr. Phillips definitely recorded the species as Irish in 1894.- Subsequently Mr. J. W. Taylor^ has given Hyalinia helvetica as found in no less than six of Watson's divisions of Ireland : viz. Sligo, Monaghan, Kerry, S. Cork, S. Tipperary and Waterford. It was only after a couple of 3'ears collecting in the south- eastern counties of England, where Hyalinia helvetica is common, that I began to doubt the Irish records ; and when at the beginning of the present 3'ear I commenced to compile further material for the Irish census, and wrote to Mr. Phillips asking him for specimens, he replied that he then had grave doubts as to the correctness of the identification of his shells, and would send me specimens when time permitted. In the meantime I examined those named by Mr. Taylor and collected b}^ Mr. Welch at the Sligo Field Club Conference in 1904, and consider them to be a form of our ordinar}' Irish Hyalinia cella^da. When Mr. Phillips's shells arrived, Mr. Welch and I spent several hours on different occasions com- paring them with specimens of the various species of the genus in our cabinets, and although we could not at first separate some shells from Kilrush, Co. Clare, sent by Mr. Phillips, from some English specimens of Hyalinia helvetica, 3^et we felt quite sure that they were not the same species It was not until I had almost abandoned the task that I found a permanent difference between the two groups of shells. This difference I have since looked for in all specimens of the Hyali7iia cellaiia and H. helvetica groups which have passed through my hands, and I have never found it wanting. Irish Naturalist. Vol. XIX J [Plate 15. 2. 3- 4- 5- HYALINIA CELLARIA (i, 2, 3) and H. HELVETICA (4. 5). Glencar, Sligo. R.W. 15-7-04. (recorded in Taylor's "Monograph," vol. iii., p. 55, as H. helvetica, Blum.) Curraun, Mayo, W., A.W.S. 14-9-09. Ranmore Common, Surrey, A.W.S. 24-5-08. do. do. do. do. do Logan Rock, Cornwall West. A.W.S. 6-7-08. I. Specimen in Cabinet of R. Welch. 2-5. All Specimens x2. from the Author's Coll. To face page 211.] I9IO- Stki^fox. — Hyalinia in Ireland. ill It is this : that whereas the lines of growth in Hyalinia cellaria and its allies curve in a convex manner (Plate 15, figs. I, 2, 3) as they approach the suture, those of Hyalinia helvetica have a concave appearance (figs. 4, 5). A glance at the accompanying illustrations, which are diagrammatic rather than absolute representations, will give a clear idea of the differences. This is admirably shown in the drawings by Messrs. J. Davy Dean and J. W. Taylor, on Plate vi., vol. 3 of Taylor's Monograph. In addition to this, the sutures of the two shells are different, that of Hyalinia cellaria being much more strongly marked and amounting to a distinct trough. In many parts of Ireland Hyalinia cellaria is a woodland species, and has not yet abandoned its primeval surroundings for the neighbourhood of habitations, which as its name almost indicates, is its usual habitat in most countries. The shells of those specimens which live in these shady and moist localities are sometimes very glossy when young, and are more fragile, higher in the spire and therefore narrower in the umbilicus, and finally less clouded w^ith white beneath than those which live in more exposed situations. When full grown this Irish shell is seldom less than from 12 to 14 mm. in maximum diameter, and therefore when only half or three-quarters grown it equals in size an ordinary English or continental specimen of Hyalinia helvetica or H. cellaria. As I think all the species of this genus are in the habit of breeding before their shells have reached full size, it is difficult to saj^ when we are dealing with full-grown shells. I have no doubt how- ever tb.at most of the supposed Irish Hyalinia helvetica could be grown into the normal large form of Hyalinia cellaria commonly met with in Ireland (= Vit7ra hiber7iica, Kennard). From its distribution on the Continent, it is extremely unlikely that Hyalinia helvetica would occur in the south- western counties of Ireland and not in the eastern ones, from none of which, though they have been well worked, have any specimens of this shell been recorded. References. 1 J. G. Milne : Contributions towards a list of Irish Mollusca. Journal of Conchology, vol. iv., p. 170. 2 R. A. Phii' sand, face down, and lying as flat as possible, and progressing crocodile fashion, by the assistance of my elbows and knees, taking advantage of every little depression and the scanty grass-covered inequalities of the surface, have approached within twenty 3'ards of large mixed flocks of Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and Sanderling on the bank, all stand- ing at attention and eyeing the unusual object approaching. Singling out the Sanderling, some sleeping in little groups by themselves, others scattered amongst the flocks, b}' the aid of m\' glass I have been able closely to note the diversities of their plumage and other points of interest. There is something peculiarly satisfying to the field naturalist and house-dweller, thus to pit his intelligence against the wild boundless freedom of these suspicious little creatures, ever on their guard in their efforts for self-preserva- tion. Though these same birds would never allow an intruder, walking erect, to approach within eighty yards, I have on some occasions made my way through a scattered flock in the manner described without alarming them, to get at more dis- tant birds in interesting plumages. In my experience both land and sea birds dislike a high wind, and sometimes when I have been lying on the bank, with a gale blowing and the sand driving along a foot off the ground, I have been greatly interested in watching the various little dodges of the waders all round me to obtain shelter from the biting blasts and the blowing sand. The discomfort was shared by myself, for with my eyes on the level of the ground, my glass became useless, getting covered with sand. It is then that the advantage of a I9TO. Williams. — The Saiidirling of Dublin Bay, 215 head covering with a broad brim is so useful, as one can lower the front to the sar.d and cover the eyes. I have noticed at such times that the Dunlin frequently lay in the shelter on their sides and stretched a leg at full length, but I never saw the Sanderling do so. They, when resting, often la}^ on their breasts with their heads turned over their backs and their beaks poked under the reathers : others stood on one leg, their heads drawn down on the breast. Standing in a wisp, the rear birds that felt the most of the wind often ran forward and jostled the birds in the front out of the better-sheltered places. Ever on the watch, the sleepers would only close their e^es for a few moments, opening them with a start. Some birds of the flock were always alert, suddenly stretching their necks to the full they took a look all around and then quieted down for another few minutes. A bird would stretch its wings until they met over its head, and occasionally^ spread out a wing and a ieg on the same side, for an instant. And frequently they hopped on one leg, a common habit of waders. It was amusing to see a solitary bird taking shelter in a little cup-shaped depression where some straggling grasses had collected the sand a few inches high, making a perfect cover It would enjoy its newly-found comfort for only a few minutes, for the quick eyes of its companions followed it, and soon a string of birds would leave the flock and crowd up the hollow, filling it to overflowing. Whilst out observing on the bank on the 29th of June, 1906, I was surprised to see a single Sanderling in the full rust3'-coloirred rruptial plirmage at the edge of the water, accompanied b}' two smaller birds of the same species. I asked myself could it be possible that this was an adult bird, with its two young, back from the northern regions, or bred in this country. Using every device I approached within twenty-five yards, and carefully examined the group with my glass There was a remarkable difference in the plumages. The two smaller birds greatly resembled the first young Sanderlii :g that appear in August, pale grey with darker mottlings on the back, dark markings on top of head, and pale yellowish on sides of the neck with darker dots and markings. The group were joined by another Sanderling, also in the full nuptial dress. Here were two adults, accom- panied apparerrtly by two young birds, on the 29th of June. All their movements suggested that they were young ; they 21 6 The I}ish Natiualist. October, followed the two old birds along the edge of the tide, pausing when they did, and huddled closely up to them as if for companionship and protection. I returned home thoroughly puzzled, and as an experiment took a pair of Sanderling in nuptial dress and also a pair of birds of the year that I had set up in my collection and placed them at the end of a room ; allowing for the distance, their appearance seemed to favour my suspicion that the birds I had seen might have been parents and young. Although keeping a close watch on the bank through the early daj'sof July, 1906, I failed to meet with an\' Sander- line until the 12th, when I came across a flock of fifteen birds, in company of about thirt}' Du ilin in summer plumage, that is, all having black breasts. The Sanderling had forsaken the water's edge, and were feeding voraciouslj^ on sand-hoppers in immense quantities among the refuse of the tidal fringe high up on the beach. On July 15th I lound nine Sanderling near the same place, and on July 17th there was still the same number, nine, but on Jul}^ 28th the number had risen to forty-two birds. On July 29th I paid a visit to the North Bull on the opposite side of Dublin Bay, as I wished to see what Sanderling I was likely to meet there. I saw a considerable flock of waders a long wa}' out on the wet sand at the water's edge. They were all Sanderling, numbering fifty birds, and com- paratively tame, as I easily got within sixty j^ards of them. It occurred to me that this flock ma}^ have been the same that I met with the previous evening on the Shelh' Bank, but I could not account for their being so tame, perhaps they re- turned there at high water. Coming now to the year 1907, as early as the 6th of July I discovered that a small party of seven Sanderling were frequenting the Shelly Bank. None of them showed any trace of red colouring, they were all of the grey type of plumage that puzzled me so much. About this time I conceived the idea of taking a trip and searching the coast of Drogheda, about thirty miles off. On July 14th I found myself at the mouth of the Boyne, where so many years before I had obtained my first specimen, and walking along the water's edge I soon espied a flock of small waders^ mixed up with a number of Common and Black-headed Gulls, and getting the glass on them counted thirty-seven Sanderling. Unlike the Dublin birds, these were ver}- wild and unapproach- able, and all flew back when alarmed in the direction of the I9IO. WILI.IAMS. — The Sanderlmg of Diiblm Bay. 217 Bojme River. About a mile further on I met with another party of six Sanderling, thes^ also flew towards the Boyne ; and near La3'town, about three miles from Drogheda, I came across yet another party of seven. On the strand there I was surprised to find a flock of nearly fifty small w^aders, they were nearly all black-breasted Dunlin, but there were twenty Ringed Plover, and amongst the latter were several young birds of the year. I continued my w^alk as far as Balbriggan, but only met with one Sanderling. On July 2Sth I again walked to the Shelly Bank, Dublin Ba}-, and found that the flock of Dunlin had swelled in numbers up to three hundred. Ringed Plover had increased to forty, and I was able to separate and count a flock of fifty Sanderling. The month of July, 1908, was remarkable for the unusual number of Sanderling that came under notice. On the 6th I visited the Shelly Bank and was successful in meeting with two birds, one had the summer plumage well marked, the other was quite free from any trace of red, its dress was pale grey with the darker markings well shown. I had now reached the third year of my observations, con- stantly meeting with the two different phasesof plumage amongst the birds throughout the months of July in each 3^ear, and T came to the conclusion, though I have a strong objection to take away life, that the only w^ay to throw ^iglit on the problem was to endeavour to obtain some specimens for examination and comparison. On the 12th of July a flock was met with at the old haunt, the Shelly Bank, from which one specimen (now in the Irish National Museum) was obtained — there were ten birds in this flock. This specimen was one of the grey birds which so puzzled me on many occasions, and was in a most interesting stage of plumage. I found the feathers verj^ much worn and abraded as well as faded, especially on the head and back, giving these parts a dark mottled appear- ance. The sides of the neck were pale yellowish grey, with dots and streaks of a darker shade. Even so early as the 12th the winter pale grey feathers were making their appearance over the back, altogether the plumage was most unusual and differed from any in my collection. I also compared it with a friend's specimens, and with set-up birds in the National Museum, Dublin, and by the kindness of the authorities with their collection of skins, but failed to find any similarly 2i8 T/ic Irish Na/uralisf. October, marked. Dissection revealed a curious condition ; it was an adult female, and in a good healthy state, but the ovaries were exceedingly small, and only visible by the aid of a glass. Owing to their non-development the bird was barren, and non-breeding. Probabl}' this fact accounted for the absence of the nuptial plumage ; the bird had never acquired the red pigment, or colouring matter, which is associated with birds in which the sexual impulse or "call" to go north is pronounced. On Jul}" i8th I was again on the Shelly Bank and counted 32 Sanderling, an unusual number. This year there had been reported an early and warm summer in the arctic regions, and I had been wondering would that affect the numbers of waders visiting our shores later on. This time I was fortunate in obtaining two more specimens, one in grey and one in which there were slight traces of red feathers, and still more of the winter moult spreading. Next da}", July 19th, I again visited the coast at Drogheda, but although I walked several miles along the shore, I only met with 8 Sanderling. Visiting the Shelly Bank on the evening of July 21st, I found the Dunlin had decreased in numbers, but the Sander- ling were more plentiful than I had ever seen them before. The tide being at the full, all the birds were resting, and both Dunlin and Sanderling were well mixed together, but by manoeuvring I managed to get a good view of them in the bright sunlight, and was able to pick out the white-breasted Sanderling easily, although they were very much scattered I counted up to 100 birds. Absence from Dublin for a week prevented further obser- vations, but on July 28th I was again on the Shelly Bank late in the evening, and searched the edge of the incoming tide. The hard ribby sand was covered with crowds of Dunlin, keeping up a shrill chorus as they called to each other, and Sanderling were keeping company with them, holding their beaks down in the little watery hollows, and moving rapidly right and left and in front, in the gathering darkness they w^ere all round me only a few yards away. There were fully 100 moving about. My last July visit was paid on the 30th, and the Sanderling on the bank were divided up into three flocks, numbering respec- I9IO. WiivLiAMS. — The Sandcrling of Dnb/iii Bay. 219 lively 34, 10, and 30 birds. There was a large increase in the Dunlin's number, and occasional!}' all the birds on the bank would join together — Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, and Lesser Terns — in one compact flock, and after flying about over the sea for a while, on approaching the shore would separate into the difterent species. I managed, by crawling, to approach within 20 3'ards of the main flock of Dunlin, but although I scrutinised them long and carefully, I was unable to detect one solitary 3'oung bird of the 3'ear among them. Everj^one had the black on the breast more or less developed, and they were all, like the Sanderling, non-breeding birds- On both sides were several old Ringed Plovers that had nested on the bank, accompanied by their young, and in some instances little bits of fluff adhered to feathers on their necks. The scene was full of animated life, for overhead and con- tinually swooping down to try and chase me away were crowds of Lesser Terns, and on the level of my eye on the rough sand, shingle, and broken shells I watched their young, unable yet to fl}^ scampering about like mice. The young Lesser Terns that are strong on the wing fraternise with the Sander- ling, and may be seen flying in company and mingling freely with them at the waters edge when feeding. A Sanderling obtained on this visit proved, on dissection, to be a male. It was also a '' grey " bird, showing only very faint signs of an}^ red colouring. The testes were only in a rudimentary state, being apparently undeveloped, and instead of the usual healthy colour were a faint 3'ello\v. Some Dunlin examined at the same time were in a similar condition. The weight of one of the earlier Sanderling was 2 oz. 5 drams, but this bird weighed slightly over 30Z., and was enormously fat. When the skin was removed for preservation, none of the flesh}^ portions were visible, a thick coating of clear white oily fat completely enveloped it everywhere. All the organs in the bird's interior were coated and embedded in similar fat. It had been my intention to continue these observations in the following year, but absence from Dublin prevented me ; however, I was able to pay one visit to the bank on the 4tli of July, 1909, when I found that two Sanderling were present. From the foregoing notes and observations there would seem to be some features of interest, viz., the unsuspected presence of so many non-breeding Sanderling and Dunlin 220 The Irish NaUiralist, October, frequenting the Bay of Dublin during the month of July ; and the peculiarities of plumage acquired by the non-breeding Sanderling during that month, when there is only a very short interval before they begin to assume the winter plumage. I think it may be taken for granted that all the birds noticed during the month of July were non-breeders, either old or barren. Then the question would be, Did the}- remain behind in the bay and on the Drogheda coast, when the main body was speeding to their far northern breeding haunts in May or early in June ? Or were they, as non-breeders, the early outposts of the main flocks on their return later, old and voune, from the north ? It is a curious fact that in Scotland, on the Outer Hebrides, which lie in the same longitude as Ireland, and yet so much farther north, Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown informs me Sanderling have never been known to remain there later than May, although they occur abundantly on the sands of Barra in August. Why should they select our coast to remain until they become almost too fat to fly? One killed on the Shelly Bank whilst flying past at a height of only 6 feet, was so enormously fat, and its skin distended so much, that it burst open on touching the ground. There must be some unusual inducement in the way of food provided on the bank, for I have constantly observed the Sanderling desert the ^^K%^ of the tide and greedil}^ pick up food on the dry raised parts. On the North Bull I have noticed them also away from the water busily feeding in very short grass ; the flock spread out like feeding Starlings, moved carefully forward picking amongst the stems ot the grasses. It may be that they vary their food by eating seeds and land insects., for Prof. Patten^ mentions the case of a Sanderling slightly winged, that he presented to the Dublin Zoological Gardens, which thrived on a diet of chopped bread, seeds, and meat. On the west coast of Ireland I met with Sanderling on Inishkea, county Mayo, in multitudes, coming from the north in August ; they were in a very different condition, there was an ab.sence of fat on several old birds examined, but the young birds of the year were in very good condition. ' "Aquatic Birds of Great Britain and Ireland," p. 318. I9I0. Wiivi^iAMS. — The Sanderling of Diiblin Bay. 221 It will be seen from the accompanying list of dates, that only a few Sanderling were seen in the first week in July, about 4th and 6th, on the Shelly Bank. Then we find them more numerous on the 12th in Dublin, and in still larger numbers on the i4tli on the Drogheda coast ; their numbers increased on to the end of the month, and the birds were exceptionally numerous in 1908. sanderiying observed during the month of july in the Years 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910. Date. Ivocality. Number of Birds. 1906 — ^July I2th, .. Shelly Bank, Dublin Bay, . . 15 » » 15th, .. Ditto, 9 >» » 17th, .. Ditto, 9 j> >» 28th, .. Ditto, 42 S? V 29th, .. North Bull, Dublin Bay, 50 1907-July 6th, . . Shelly Bank, Dublin Bay, . . 7 >> >> 14th, . . Mouth of Boyne, Drogheda, . . 37 >» J) 14th, . . Laytown Strand, near Boyne, 7 >» >> T4th. . . Three miles south of Laytown, 6 >» »> 19th, ... Near Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, I M »> 28th, . . Shelly Bank, Dublin Bay, 50 1908— July 6th, .. Ditto, 2 >> J' i2th, ... Ditto, 10 )> ij i8th, .. Ditto, 32 >' " 19th, ... Mouth of Boyne, Drogheda, . . 8 J' » 2lst, ... Shelly Bank, 100 11 M 28th, . . Ditto, Over 100 1> >» 30th, .. Ditto, Three Flocks, 54, io» 50- 1909— July 4th, ... Ditto, 2 1910— July i6th, ... Sands of Youghal, Co. Cork, . . 30 222 The Irish Naturalist. October, During the time that elapses from their disappearance at the spring migration until their re-appearance on our shores in autumn, authenticated occurrences of the Sanderling in July have been excessively rare, and it has been impossible to procure the specimensso necessary and valuable to science for examination and comparison. It ^vill be seen that during this period these non-breeders undergo a considerable change ; they have been found with the red colouring entirely absent, and also the soft grey margins of the feathers, which conceal the nuptial plumage in spring, completely worn awa}^ and in some instances the rudd}^ colouration faded out, causing the birds to present a totally changed and misleading appearance. I had an opportunit}^ of closely searching the sands of Youghal, county Cork, for Sanderling whilst staying there in July of the present year, rnd on the i6th was fortunate to meet with a flock of 30 birds. I saw them again on July 20th, and also on the 24th, when two specimens were obtained, male and female. They differ from the Dublin Bay birds, showing more red on the necks, and one is almost a uniform dark brown on the back, exhibiting little trace of edge mark- ings. There is a marked contrast in weight, one being under and one just over two ounces, and little fat was apparent. Prof Patten has kindly made a microscopic examination, and is of opinion that, like the Dublin Bay birds, they had never bred. Punctual to a da}^, the Sanderling this year, old and young, have arrived from their northern summer haunts. On A^ugust 7th I had the pleasure of closely watching a large flock on the shore between Laytown and Drogheda. The 3'Oung birds of the year were most numerous and most active, With a strong glass I could see they were pursuing flies abounding in the hot sun on the tidal fringe, with all the quickness and agility of Wagtails, picking them up right, left, and in front, and often doubling back with lightning rapidity. DiibHu. 19 1 o. Irish Societies. 223 IRISH SOCIETIES. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. July 30. — Greyabbky and BAi,i,Y\vAvrER Park. — From Newtown- ards the party drove to Greyabbey, passing on the way through the de- mesne of Mouutstewart. At Greyabbey all visited the abbey ruins, on which W. J. Fennell, F.R.I. B. A., gave an interesting informal address. The party then drove to Ballywalter, and explored the grounds and gardens of Balhwalter Park, courteously thrown open to them by Lady Dunleath. After the gardens had been visited, Lady Dunleath joined the part}', and showed them over her aviaries, where a magnificent collection of rare and exotic birds are kept under ideal conditions. It speaks volumes for the perfect surroundings of the birds that on this day the Weaver Birds were busily making their curious nests, and a tiny Virginian Nightingale was hatched. Lady Dunleath had delayed the feeding of the birds until the Field Club arrived, so that they were seen to special advantage. The drive was continued to the Dunleath Arms, Bally- walter, where, after tea, a short business meeting was held — W. J. Fennell in the chair. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Lady Dunleath for allowing the party to visit Ballywalter Park. A pleasant drive round the coast brought the party to Donaghadee in time for the 7.35 p.m. train for Belfast, which was reached in due course after a most enjoyable outing. August 13. — Sai,i.agh Braks and Knockdhu. — A party of thirty- seven members and friends of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club con- ducted by the President (Robert Welch, M.R.I. A.), travelled to Larne by the 9 5 a.m. train and drove along the Antrim coast road as far asBallj-gally Castle, where the road turns inland to Knockdhu. The party had five hours at their disposal to explore the magnificent amphitheatre of the Sallagh Braes. The geologists of the part}' spent a busy day, and have an interesting list of rare accessor}' minerals found in the basalts, which will be given in the Club's Proceedings. It was to the botanists, however, that the day gave the finest opportunities. The botanical interest of the Sallagh Braes lies in the vegetation of the cliffs themselves and in the gullies carved out of the face of the escarpment by stream action, and most of the rarer plants of the Antrim basaltic escarpment are to be found there. The list was handed in by the botanists included: — Epilobiicvi angiistt'/oliii/ii, Dryas octopetala, Annaria verna^ Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea, Saxifraga hypnoides., HieracitDii silvati- ctaii, H. stciio/epis, Cystopteris fragilis ; Cniais hinceoladts, a fine colony with pure white flowers ; Circcea alpina. The botanical prize offered on this ex- cursion by the Vice-President (W. J. C. Tomlinson) for the re-finding of Pyrola seainda was won by A. W. Stelfox. A good collection of land- shells was made during the day, among which the best finds reported were Helix laviellaia, H. fiisca, H, rupestris and H, arbiistorimi. The tarn on the moor above the Braes contains five fresh-water species— namely, Litnnaeapercgray L.paliistris^ Fisidmvi ptisilhim, P. nilidum, and P. subtruu' catum. Five species of wood-lice were taken, of which Trichoniscus 22^ The Irish Nahtralht. October, pygmacHs was the only uncommon one. Cars were mounted about five o'clock. On arrival at Larne tea was partaken at the King's Arms Hotel, after which a short business meeting was held, Two new members, Messrs. Tait and Downing, were elected, and the party returned to Belfast by the 8.20 p.m. train. August 20.— Geoi^ogicai, Section.— Portrush.— Leaving Belfast by 12 noon train, the members proceeded to the " White Rocks," where, after studying the striking erosion of the cliffs, as shown by sea-stacks, arches, and caverns, they went on to the large challc quarry b}' the road side. The remarkable V-shaped hollow filled with spheroidal basalt was ex- amined, and the following fossils obtained from the chalk and flints— the phragmacone of a belemuite, specimens oi Belemnitella imuronata, Ananchytes gibbus, Ananchytes ovatus, the cast of a brachiopod, a fragment o{ luoceramus Ciispi, and fragments of sponges. A few minerals were ob- tained from the basalt — chabazite, analcite, calcite, and fibrous natrolite. The party then proceeded to Craigahulliar quarrj% where there is a fine example of columnar basalt passing upwards into tabular basalt. On returning to Portrush the indurated Liassic beds were examined, and some impressions of ammonites obtained. So much interest centres round these rocks, in connection with the controversy between the Neptunists and Vulcanists at the end of the i8th century, that regret was felt at finding them partly obscured by rubbish and advertise- ments, instead of being carefully preserved as a natural museum. August 27.— Carrickfergus.— The party, conducted by the President (R. Welch, M.R.I. A.), travelled by the i. 50 p.m. train, and on their ar- rival visited the Castle, to -which they were admitted by permission of the authorities. The Castle had more than antiquarian interest for the party on the occasion of this visit. Several snails were observed climb- ing its walls, including Agriolimax agresiis, Liviax arbonim, Hilix aspersa, and Pupa cyJindracea ; and the botanists collected fine specimens of Parie- taria officinalis. The party next visited the Church of St. Nicholas, through which they were most courteously conducted by Dr. Briertou. The church is an interesting example of how a great church by successive alterations may be changed to a smaller and debased structure. Tea was found waiting them on their arrival at the Y.M.C.A. Cafe, after which a short business meeting was held-- the President in the chair. September 3. — Magheralin. — The members of the Geological Sec- tion started by the 1.50 p.m. train for Moira, and proceeded thence to the large quarry near Magheralin. The fine sections of Upper Chalk with numerous bands of flint were examined and specimens of flint breccia obtained. " Paramoudras" were observed m j■///^ and a large barrel, shaped one lying on the floor of the quarry measured 35 inches by 33 inches by 33 inches. Fossils were scarce, but Belemnitella mucronata (Schloth), Khymhondla plicatilis (Sow.), Oslrea verticiilaris (Lam.), and a few crushed echinoids were noted. Boulder-clay was examined, and yielded interesting " erratics " from Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim. I9IO- Irish Societies, 225 ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Recent gifts include a Patas Monkey from Mr. J. A. Henderson, a Galago from Mr. P. G. Shilston, a young Seal from Mr. R. M. Fleming, an Otter cub from Mr. W. T. Potts, a Squirrel from Mr. Williams, ten Chipmunks from the Right Hon. Jonathan Hogg, two Black Buck from Mr. R. R. Boyd, a Gannet from Mr. J. J. Collins, a young Long-eared 0\vl from Mrs. Forsythe, two Great Eagle-Owls from Lord Lil ford, an African Owl from Mr. T. Crean,a pair of Long-eared Owls from Miss I. Anketell Jones, seven Ducks from Mrs. Cusack, three Sparrow-hawks from Mr G. Howard Vyse, Peregrine P'alcons from Mr. R.J. Ussher and INIr. R. M. Barrington, Kestrels from Constable Colgan and Mr. T. Lombard, two Herons from Mrs. St. George, a Reeve's Pheasant and two Amherst's Pheasants from IVIr. W. T. Potts, nine Pea-fowl from Sir Frederick Shaw, two Great-billed Touracous froni Mr. H. de la Poer, a Wood-pigeon from Mr. W. W. Despard, a Cariama from Mr. R. Casement, C.M.G., three Canary Finches from Miss M. Barker, seventeen Canary Finches and three Saffron Finches from Lady Stoker, two Great Black-backed Gulls from Dr. R. R. Leeper, a West African Python from Mr. E. Lindberg, an Elephantine Tortoise Irom Rev. J. E. Hogan, eight Newts from Mr. L. S. Arbuthnot, and a vSalamander from Mr. R. D. Baker. A Goshawk and two X^ittle Bitterns have also been acquired. A White-nosed Monkey, two Yellow Baboons, three Negro Tamarins, two Ring-tailed Lemurs, two Variable Squirrels, a Prevost's Squirrel, and a Malabar Squirrel have been bought for the collection. Early in August a hybrid Zebra foal was born in the Gardens, This youngster, a most interesting addition to the collection, is in excellent health. In markings it resembles the mother (Burchell's Zebra) more closely than the father (Grant's Zebra). DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUE. June 4. — Gi,enmai.ure and Lugnaouii.i,a. — A party of thirteen members and visitors, under the conductorship of G. H. Pethybridge, took part in this excursion. An early start was necessary and the con- ditions of weather were very unfavourable. Heavy log and rain was experienced all the way up the mountain until Kelly's lake was reached, where a halt was called for luncheon. The rain having stopped and the fog lifting occasionally, it was decided to proceed to the summit, which was duly reached, but the reward as regards view, &c., was practically negative. The descent was made with some difficulty owing to con- tinued fog. L'nder the circumstances very little natural history work could be done. An interesting series of observations of the temperature of soil and air was made at intervals during the ascent by A. C. Forbes, the heights being ascertained by means of an aneroid. The Silurian rocks capping the granite near the summit of the mountain were observed. Some insect-collecting was done near the cairn, where the ground-beetles Patrobus assimilis and Nebria Gylhnhalii were found, while the Crane-fly Tipiila plwnbea occurred in enormous numbers and Scatophaga sqiuilida was also noted. As regards the vegetation of this summit the chief feature 2 26 The, IrisJi Naturalisl. October appears to be the abundance of the moss Rhacomitrium lannginosumy which forms a very compact and carpet-like covering to the rocks from which apparently the deep peat which probably once covered them has long ago been denuded. The Starr_y Saxifrage {Saxifraga stellaris) was observed in flower along the banks of the mountain streams. After enjoying a capital meal at the hotel at Drumgoif, the party returned to Dublin by train from Rathdrum. August 6. — Prospkrous Bog.— A small party of members and friends under the leadership of the Vice-President (W. F. Gunn ) journeyed to Prosperous Bog, about 5 miles S.W. of Sallins. The cut-away portion of the bog was first traversed and a number of interesting plants were found. The uncut portion of the bog was then crossed where the vege- tation consisted of heather, Cladonia rangiferina^ Scirpus ccEspitostts, Moliiiia civnilea, and in the damp hollows several species of Sphagnum. Anion g other plants noticed y^SiS A)id?'orfieda Polifolia. This being the first excur- sion of the Club to this district, the conductor offered a double magni- fying lens for the first addition to its flora. A. K. Moeran was elected a member. EEVIEWS. ENTOMOLOaY FOR THE YOUNG. Jack's Insects. By Edmund Sei^ous. With 44 illustrations, by J. A. Shepherd. Pp. 350. Loudon : Methuen and Co., Ltd. Price 6^. Books which embody natural history teaching in a tale are becoming common nowadays, and the volume before us is an excellent specimen of its class. Much information on insects from all parts of the world is given, and the story, w^itli many flashes of humour, goes merrily on. The comedy on the modern nomenclature of mimicry is especially amus- incr, but is a children's book the place for such satire as this } The moral of the story is that to study live insects is better than to collect dead ones — a conclusion in which the author will find many sup- porters among our readers. Still he carries his protest against museums and cabinets to extreme lengths, and had Mr. Shepherd spent some time in a museum, studying how the nervures on insects' wings really run, his drawings might have gained in accuracy without losing in life and humour. G. H. C. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. We have received tlie " Annual Report and Proceedings " for the year 1909-10. This contains as usual accounts of the summer excursions, and abstracts of the communications brought before the Club at winter meetings. The part is well illustrated, and we note a marked improve- ment in the printing as compared with some previous issues. T9IO. Notes. 227 NOTES. BOTANY. Kerry Plants. I A Vae /ouniai of Botany ^or ^e-pi^mher, Mr. H. Stuart Thompson has a short article on plants observed recently in Kerr}-, and Rev. E. S. INIarshall contributes a note on Saxifraga Geiuii X serraiifolia. Sisyrinchium angustifolium at Lough Erne. This plant is plentiful on the east shore of Upper Lough Erne, town- laud of Derrydoon, about three miles from Crom Castle, three miles S.W. of Newtownbutler, and between four and five miles of the Derr}-- vore shore on west side, its original station. N. CaRR OTHERS. Belfast. Pyrola secunda refound in Antrim. The unexpected sometimes happens in the domain of botany as well as in other spheres. Many botanists have for a generation or two back made strenuous efforts to refind the Serrated Winter-green, Pyrola secunda, L., atErrigal Banks, Co. Derry, where it was discovered by the. late Dr. David Moore, in 1835. The definiteness of the Garvagh locality has had a peculiar fascination for local botanical explorers ; and this season Errigal Glen was once more ransacked without success by a Kilrea botanist. Dr. Moore likewise recorded the plant from three localities in the East Antrim hills, between Ivarne and Glenarm, one of these localities being the well-known Sallagh Braes. There the much- sought-for Pyrola was at last refound, on Saturda}', August. J3, after an interval of over 70 years from its first discovery. The Belfast Naturalists' Field Club having arranged for a full -day excursion to vSallagli Braes ou the date mentioned, I was asked by the Secretaries to write a note for the day's programme on the flora of the district to be visited. In complying with this request I made special mention of Pyrola secunda and the de- sirability of a big effort to verify Dr. Moore's record. I also offered a prize to the member who first succeeded in refindiug the plant. The result was a triumphant success. To Mr. Arthur W. Stelfox belongs the honour of being the first member to "spot" the long-lost treasure. It occurs, quite sparingly, in two or three places on the cliffs, not on the Braes proper but on the northern face of Knockdhu, closely associated with Dryas octopctala and Epilobium angtistifoliinii. The plants seen were mostly in fruit. I am indebted to Mr. Stelfox for a very healthy-looking and characteristic specimen, for herbarium purposes. Local botanists have every encouragement now to make a serious effort to re-discover the plant in its other Antrim localities. W. J. C. T0MI.INSON. Belfast. 228 The hish Nahiralist. October, 1910. ZOOLOGY. The Lough Finn Char (Salvelinus Trevelyani). Two years ago I described the Char of Lough Finn, in Donegal, from a single male specimen, 8 inches long, sent to me by Major H. Trevelyan, after whom I named the species. From males of the allied form inhabit- ing Lough Kask {Salvelinus Colli, Giinth.), this fish differs in the longer head, more produced and pointed snout, narrower interorbital region, longer lower jaw and stronger dentition. I am indebted to Captain J. S. Hamilton for a second example of S. Trevelyaui, a female of 6^ inches. It was caught in Lough Finn on July 3rd, at about 3 in the afternoon, and was taken with a fly in shallow water near the shore at the mouth of a small stream. This specimen shows that in S. Trevelyani the sexes are distinguished by well-marked external characters, for the head is shorter, the snout blunter, the lower jaw shorter, and the teeth much weaker than in the type, although the fins are not less developed. The differences between the Char of Loughs Finn and Eask are less marked in the females than in the males. The following measurements (in millimetres) may have some interest: — S. Trevelyani, L- Finn. 1 S. Coin, L. Eask. 6 9 6 9 Length to base of caudal fin 181 151 190 164 Length of head 45 36 42 36 Snout 14 ]o II 9 Diameter of eye 8 7-5 9 8 Interorbital width . . 13 1025 i3'5 II Lower jaw 30 21-5 26 21 C. Tate Regan. British Museum. The Jay in Queen's County. Having been in Mountrath an/ts olens, which had two supplemental joints pro- jecting from the third joint of its right antenna. There are signs that there may have been one or two additional joints to this attempt at a third antenna. Canon Fowler ( £"///. Mo. Mag., xxii., p. 138), and Rev. Theodore Wood ^Ent. Mo. Mag., xxiv., p. 16), record abnormal tarsi in specimens of Pelophila borealis which I had sent them, but in each of these cases the tarsi were contracted, and in one case joints were missing, while in those men- tioned above we have additional joints growing out of the ordinary ones^ W. V . Johnson. Poyntzpass. . Hydroecia crinanensis in Ireland. I have been fortunate enough to take the new species Hydnxcia critia- nensis during August this year near Londonderry. The specimens have all been examined by Mr. F. N. Pierce, so there can be no doubt of their identity. H. R. SwEHTlNG. Sefton Park, Liverpool. Kerry Mollusca. "^ho. /oiirnil 0/ Coiiiho/o^y for July contains an article by J. R. le B. Tomlin, giving the results of a week's collecting in April, 1909, of land and fresh-water Mollusca at Cloghane, Co. Kerry. The Distribution of Bythinia Leachii in Ireland. vSince Mr. Welch first recorded^ this shell as living in Ireland, its range over the central plain has proved to be considerably wider than was known at that time. In the Grand Canal it had then been traced from Dublin through the counties of Dublin and Kildare, Queen's and King's Counties, to Shannon Harbour. iMr. R. A. Phillips has since taken it in the part of this canal west of the Shannon at Balliuasloe in S. E. Galway, and has also proved it to occur in the southern branch of the same canal as far south as Tinnahinch in county Carlow, and in the River Barrow at Tinnahinch and Graiguamanagh, in counties Carlow and Kilkenny respectively. In the Royal Canal it is abundant right in the heart of Dublin, also at Leixlip and at Maynooth. Westward of this it is as yet unknown in this waterway, and its absence at MuUiugar rather surprised me, I have twice searched for it in the neighbourhood of this town, and in the same canal at Ballymahou in county Longford, but on each of these three occasions I looked for it in vain. A. W. Stei^fox* ; Belfast. ^ Jrish Nat., xviii., p. I, 1908. I9IO. Notes. . 241 Some records of Land and Fresh-water Mollusca from the Counties Roscommon and Longford. Roscommon and the adjoining county of Longford having been so little worked by concbologists, I took the opportunity of spending two days at Athlone in April of tbis year in order to add to tbe very scant list of species recorded from these two counties. . Co, Roscommon:— The district covered was that lying between ■Atblone and Kiltoom on the west shore of Lougb Ree. In tbe drains close to Atblone Linutcea peregra, L. faliistris^ L. stagiia/is, L. truncatulay .Physa fontinalis, Aplexa hypnoniin^ Planorbis marqtnatus, P. conic it us, Valvata piscinalisy V, cristata, Bythinia tentacidata and Sphieriinn cornetim were all common, while no sign of any species of Pisidium was seen. Planorbis carinatus was taken in tbe canal, but not in tbe drains. All tbe above •fresb-water species also occurred in tbe roadside drains towards Kiltoom, with tbe exception of Planorbis carinatus^ and tbe following additional species were taken : — Snccineaelegans^ Ahcylus Jinviatilis (Butterbay River), ■Planorbis crista^ P. vortex, and Pisidinin niilinin and two otber species of this difficult genus. In a wood near Kiltoom slugs were particularly abundant, Agrioliviax agrestis, Liviax marginatns, L. inaxiviiis^ L. flavns, Arion ater, A. circnmscriptus, A. intermedins^ all being observed, wbile w^TiX^x h.\X\\ow^ Agriolimax Levis and Arion hortensis were also seen. Tbe land species were typical of tbe central plain, tbe xeropbiles being well represented, and tbe "western " or woodland species almost absent, as will be seen by tbe following list : — Vitiina [pellncida, Hyalinia cellaria {^Vitrea hibernica of Kennard), H. nitidnla. H. cryslallina, H.fidva, H. nitida. Helix rolnndatay H. rnpestris, H. pidchella ( Vallonia excent/ica, Sterki), H. hispida^ H. rnfcscens, H. neoioralis, H. aspersa. H. ericetornm, H. intersecta, H. virgatay. H. aeitta, Cochlicopa lid^rica, Pupa cylindracea, Chutsilia bidentata and Vertigo edeninla. . Co. LrONGFORD : — Cycling till I crossed tbe boundary between West- meatli and Longford at Tang Bridge and then collecting at intervals as far as Saint's Island, on tbe eastern shore of Lougb Ree, I was able to accumulate quite a large number of land species, and by returning bome tbrough Ballymabon, a sbort visit to tbe Royal Canal at Pake's Bridge gave me a fair list of fresb-water ones. Close to tbe county boundary at Tang Bridge, Agriolimax agrestis, Arion ater^ Vitrina pellucida, Hyalinia cellaria {Vitrea hibernica Kennard), H. nitidnla, H. nitida. Helix rnpestris, H. rn/escens, H. hispida, H, ericetornm H. nemoralis, H. aspersa, Cochlicopa lubrica, Pnpa cylindracea, Clansilia bidentata and Succinea putris were found. Tbe last species was particularly fine and darkly coloured and was hibernating at tbe base of a dry stone wall many yards from tbe nearest water. Along tbe banks of tbe River Inuy at Sbrule Bridge Agriolimax laevis, Hyalinia fidva. Helix rotundata, H. intersecta, H. pidchella {Vallonia excen- trica, Sterki), Carychium minimum, Succinea elegans, Limncea palustris and Z. truncatula were added to tbe list, and in a marsh west of Castlecore, Limnaa peregra^ Valvata piscinalis and Sphcerium cornenm. 242 The Irish Naturalist. November, The shore of Lough Ree near Saint's Island, was disappointing, owing to the height of the water in the lake, but Arion hortensis. Helix virgata^ Physa fontinalis, Pianorbis marginatum in drains, P. carinatus dead on lake shore, Valvafa cristata, Pythinia tentaculata and a Pisidiuiii were observed for the first time during the day. In the ruined church on the island or rather peninsula, the Helices showed signs of being particularly fine but it being a late season they were still hibernating and required (liggi"g out. The fresh-water list having so far been very meagre, I pushed on towards Ballymahon, striking the Royal Canal at Pake's Bridge near that place. As it was getting late in the day, and I was still twenty-three miles from home, I could only spare time for a rapid survey of the canal, which gave promise of being exceptionally rich in molluscan life, as the following list will ^\iO\i -.—Snccinea elegans, Amphipe- plea glutinosa, Limniea peregra, L, stagualis, L. palitstris, L. truncatula, Physa fontinaiiSt Pianorbis carinatus, P. contort us, P. vortex, P. fontanus^ Valvata piscinaliSf V. iristata, Pythinia tentaculata^ Neritina Jluviatilis, Sphcerium corneum, Pisidium amnicuvi, and other species of the same genus. Amphi- peplea was particularly common on the submerged stonework of the bridge, with Neritina fluviatilis, a most interesting association. New records for the day were Hyalinia pura and H. crystallina, both living on the edge of the canal. Belfast. A. W. vSte;i,fox. Is Hyalinia helvetica, Blum, found in Ireland ? The above question put by Mr. A. VV. Stelfox in last mouth's Irish Naturalist raises a point to which for some time past I have been giving some attention. The shells referred to in my note in the Irish Naturalist of February, 1894, which were sent by Dr. ScharfF along with some of his from Bantry to the continental authorities, named and iden- tified by them as H. helvetica, were not returned, and though I collected in the same district on several subsequent occasions I could not procure similar ones. It was not until within the past year or two that, on receiving several sets of iY. //d'/wZ/Va from various English localities, my attention was again drawn to the subject, and I collected specimens of the genus in most of the southern Irish counties, but failed to find any that I could identify with the English shells, though some from Kilrush, Co Clare, superficially resembled them and diflfered so much from tj'pical H. cellaria as to lead Mr. A. S. Kennard to describe them as a new species under the name of Vitrea Scharffi. {Proceedings oj the Malacological Society, vol. viii., p. 50). Towards the close of last year, after some correspondence with Mr. Stelfox, he sent me for examination a very large series of Hyaliniae, com- prising sets collected by himself and Mr. R. Welch in numerous northern, and western localities, but //. helvetica was not among them. Early this year, through the kindness of Dr. Scharif, Mr. Stelfox and I together examined all the Irish specimens of the group in the National Museum, I9IO. Notes, 243 including some from Bantry and others labelled H. helveHca^ comparing them at the same time with the large series of continental H. helvetica and H. glabra in the same collection, and found that all the Irish specimens there are forms of H. cellaria, which seems to be a much more variable species in Ireland than elsewhere. As the matter now stands, there seems to be no doubt that the original Bantry and Whitegate shells were similar to the Kilrush ones mentioned above, and belong to a form of H, cellaria. The Sligo shells recorded by Mr. J. W. Taylor are, as Mr. Stelfox has pointed out, another form of the same species. Mr. Stelfox's query must therefore, I think be answered in the negative, and all records for Hyalinia helvetica in Ireland regarded as erroneous or at least doubtful, until such time as genuine Irish specimens, which at present do not appear to exist, are forthcoming. R. A. Phii.IvIPS. Cork. New Station for Helix hortensis in Ireland. While working the banks of a small tributary stream of the Shannon, in Co. Limerick last August, I found a large colony of Helix hortensis. This, I think, is the first recorded instance of this shell in the county, and that it should have escaped observation hitherto is peculiar, as it was by no means scarce in the locality ; in fact in the evenings the shells swarmed over the bushes, Blackberry and Sloe, which, with Willows, formed the home of the colony. The type was predominant, but var. lutea and var. arcnicola were also represented. I may mention that I dis- sected the " darts " so as to leave no doubt as to the record. Harry Fogertv. Limerick. The Red-backed Shrike in Ireland. A specimen of the Red-backed Shrike ( Laniiis colluris) was caught, October ist, 1908, at Wicklow Head light-house, and another was caught at the Fastnet Rock light-house, Co. Cork, September 26th, 1910. Both specimens are in my collection. The only other Irish record is the specimen obtained in Co. Down, August loth, 1878, and now in Belfast Museum. The two lighthouse specimens are in the same plumage, and immature. Both birds were exhausted. Richard M. Barrtngton. Fassaroe, Bray. Hoopoe in Co. Down. A female Hoopoe {Upupa epops) was shot on 28th September, 1910, at Rathcunniugham, near Killyleagh, Co. Down. It is being mounted by Mr. Sheals of Belfast. This is only the sixth occurrence recorded for Co. Down. RoBKRT Patterson, Glenbauk, Holywood. 244 ^'^'^ /rw/^ NaturalisU November, 1910. GEOLOGY. Arenig Rocks at Courtown, Co. Wexford. lu view of the interest that has recently been aroused in the occur- rence of Arenig rocks in the West of Ireland, it may be as well to draw attention to the existence of rocks of the same age on the Wexford coast near Courtown. These were discovered by Messrs. Mauge, Carruthers and myself upon, an excursion made to that region during the visit of the British Association to Dublin in 1908. Close to Courtown Harbour, on the south, the beds yielded Clonograptus flexilis (Hall.), and some little distance further south a black shale band contained some " extensiform '* Didymograpti. This occurrence of Clonograptus flexilis undoubtedlj- indicates the presence of beds low down in the Arenig Series, while the Didymograpti probably indicate beds belonging to a somewhat higher horizon. G. Iv. Er.LES. Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge. IRISH SOCIETIES. ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Recent gifts include a Leopard from Mr. C. J. Roger, fourteen guinea-pigs from Mr. Watson, asparrow-ha\vk from Mr. C. J. Wisdom, a Ring-Ouzel from Mr. R M. Barrington, and a White Sparrow from Mr. T. Walpole. A young Grey Seal given by Mr. N. Seaver could not be reared, and died after a few days in the Gardens. A large number of birds have been lately deposited in the Gardens, including three Rheas, two Demoiselle Cranes, two Reeves Pheasants, three Mute Swans, two Black Swans, an Egyptian Goose and two Bernicle geese. A young Llama was born in the Gardens early in October. Such an event has not occurred in Dublin for many years, and the graceful little creature will assuredly prove a great attraction to visitors. The new Aviary for eagles and falcons is now nearly finished, and will afford excellent accommodation for the birds of prey. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. September 17. GeologicaIv Section.— The fine exposure of Cretaceous strata at Kilcoan quarry on the west side of Island Magee was examined, and a large number of fossils obtained, chiefly from the "White Limestone " and " Chloritic Chalk and Sands." These included twQ very perfect specimens of Trochus ; Micraster cor-ajiguiiittm, Klein ; Spondylus spiiwsus. Sow ; Camerospougia fungi/or mis, Goldf ; the phrag- mocones of belemnites ; Cidans-spines, &c. The mineral " Beekite " was noted on an Ostrea sciiuplana. and on a specimen of Inoceramus. The upper surface of the Chalk, where the Boulder-clay has been removed, shows very fine glaciation ; two sets of strine running S. 5*^ W. and E. and W. respectively were observed. So far as could be made out from the surface, the stride produced from the west, were subsequent and superimposed on those made by the ice moving from the north. The Lias a little south of Barney's Point was also examined, and yielded a large number of fossils. U December, 1910. IJie Irish Naturalist. 245 NOTES ON SOME IRISH COEEOPTERA. BY W. E. SHARP, F.K.S. .Many j^ears have elapsed since the present writer first had the privilege of contributing a few notes on the Coleoptera of Ireland to the pages of The Irish Naturalist, and since that time our knowledge of the distribution of the order in Ireland has been very materially increased — the excellent and ex- haustive list of the Irish beetles, by Messrs. Johnson and Halbert, has been published, and although large areas in the island still remain unexplored by the student of its Coleoptera, still it seems improbable that much can be added to what are now the well-ascertained facts of Irish faunistic distribution. The shores of the great northern lough, however, or those of the county of Dublin, can hardly be considered quite as unexplored territory, and the only apology that can indeed be offered for the following brief notes lies in the fact that the species encountered were those prevalent at a timeof3'ear w^hen these localities have not, perhaps, often been visited by collectors, and that the occurrence and proportion of their beetle inhabitants vary to such an extent as to make the results of any approximately discriminative collecting at any particular time worth the recording. It was a dull and rather chilly morning in mid-September, w^hen the writer discovered himself walking along that straight and distinctly uninterCvSting road which leads from the town of Eurgan to the shore of Eough Neagh, The cul- tivated land passed, a more or less narrow strip of watery foreshore sustained a thick growth of coarse grass. Ragweed, various crucifers, &c., giving place, irregularly, to the shining mud and bare sand of the actual shore, and then, to the horizon, the quiet grey waters of the great lake. The first operation was to sweep this coarse marsh herbage, and the two beetles revealed most abtmdantly by this process were Homalota gemhia, Er., in profusion, and very commonly Phyllotreta exclamationis, Thunb. Othe rcaptureswere Chryso. 7nela hypcrici, Forst., and Cassida equestris, F. On the mud-flats of the shore itself the hoofs of wandering cattle had made little circular depressions which had become filled with water, and by turning down the edges of these Laccobius viinutus, E-, appeared in extraordinary abundance. 246 The Irish Naturalist. December, Beetles, on the whole, were decidedly scarce, but the weather was not quite propitious for their appearance, and there was very little of the matted drift and debris, which usually in such places harbours so many species. By shaking out the little that there was, the following species were taken : — single specimens of Pelophila bo7'calis, Payk., and Silpha dispar, Herbst. ; Homalota hyorotop07'ay Kr., and H. volants, Scrib. in abundance, and more or less commonly Homalota greoa7'ia^ Er., Philo7ithus micaiis, Grav., Sfe7ius ater^ Mam., Ste7i7is ca7ialic7ilat7is, Gyll., Ste7ius tarsalis, Ljn., Ste7i7is 77icla7iop7is, Marsh., Trogophce7is bili7iiat7is, Steph., Hyd7'oe7ia riparia, Kug, and Cercyo7i aq7iaticiis, Muls. Much more productive was a day of warm sunshine spent shortly afterwards at Portmarnock, on the coast near Dublin. Here that so far exclusivel}^ Irish beetle (in the British Isles) Otiorrhy7ich7is a7i7Vp7mctattis, Gyll., was soon discovered by sweeping a low grassy bank between the station and the shore, and bj^ carefully discriminative beating and brushing the various plants which composed its vegetation, the beetle was localized on Ca7'du7is a7've7isis, which occurred in fine clumps here ^nd there. From these tliistles O. a7iropu7iciat7is was beaten in abundance, and from the fact that very man}^ of the specimens so obtained were quite immature and that these particular thistles had suffered very severely from the ravages of some insect, it seems a fair inference that C arue7isis forms the food plant, or at any rate a food plant, of the species in Ireland. Some tangles of sodden ha}^ on the shore of one of the muddy creeks which run up from the sea were very full of common beetles — most of them hardly worth enumeration ; but it may be worth while to record Silpha tristis, 111., Choleva 7iigrita Er., Philo7ith7iS albipes, Grav., Ho77ialota I7i7'idipe7i7iis, Maun., and Laccobius altitaceus, Thoms. In heaps of cut herbage on the drier land Ch7ysomela Ba7iksiiy F., was quite frequent, and it was interesting to find here a few specimens of Metabletus t?'U7icaiell7is, ly., a beetle which in England appears to be confined to the south and east, and usually attached to the Chalk. To those who remember the wild weather of the boreal April of 1910, it will not be surprising that a visit of a couple of days to I^ough Leane, in Kerry, at that season should have proved, from the coleopterist's point of view, little short of a 19 to. v^HARp. — Motes 071 some Irish Coieoptera. 247 disastrous failure. The ascent of Mangerton was attempted and abandoned, and in fact the only possible collecting was confined to the sifting of moss, dead leaves, etc., in the woods about Tore Mountain during lucid intervals between hail- and rain-showers. Here it was interesting to the English collector to find that the Liosoma shaken from the moss was not the common L. ovattdum, Clair., but (in England) the very much rarer L. oblo7igulum, Boh. Under the bark of a fallen spruce a specimen of Melaiiotus rufipes, Herbst. was dis- covered, of that large and very elongate form which occurs in Scotland, and stands in many British collections as M. castanipes, Payk. This species probably passes the winter in the imaginal state, hybernating in its pupal cell, since the writer has found specimens in rotten wood in November, ev^idently from their immature colouration only just emerged from pupoe, and these individuals would, no doubt, appear in the open during the following May and June. Besides numbers of common Geodephaga, Staphylinidae, &c., all generally abundant in Ireland, the moss, &c., yielded a few possibly less abundant species, such as Chloenius 7iigricor7iis F., Bradycelhis disti7ictus^ Dej., Mycetoporus clavico7'7iis, Steph., Lathrobiu7n pimctaUi77i^ 7j^\X., Stilicus si77iilis, Ei*., Lesteva pubeseejis, Maun , Ste7uis Guy7iei}ieyi^ Duv., Ste7ius provides var. Rogers Kr., and Cryptohyp7ius iv.-gzittatus, I^ap. In moss on tree-trunks but not in that on the ground the Irish form of Tachyporus obtiistis^ L, — the var. 7iitidicollis, Steph. —was occasional ; for the rest all that could be done was to deplore in suitable terms atmOvSpheric conditions so inimical to the revelation of beetle life, for to the writer it seemed that a locality more varied in character and more likely to be prolific in its coleopterous fauna than that which encircles these famous lakes, it would be difficult to find in Ireland. It may be of interest to add to these fragmentary notes — since Castlebar Lough (Mayo) appears to have been so far unexplored by the coleopterist — that on a visit there of a few hours the following species were taken by the lough side : — Pa7iage7is cruX'7}iajor, I,., Aleochara br€vipe7i7iis, Grav., Ste7uis ater^ Maun., Ho7)ialota aqtcatica, Thoms, and very abundantly Ho7}ialota laticollis^ Steph., besides commoner species. South Norwood, Surrey. 24^ The Irish Natiualist. December, REVIEW. BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. The British Bird Book : Au account of all the Birds, Nests, and Pvggs found in the British Isles. Edited by F. B. Kirkman, B.A., Oxon. Illustrated b}- 200 coloured dravv'ings and numerous photo- graphs. London and Edinburgh : T. C. and E. C. Jack. In 12 sec- tions lOi-. dd. net cash, each. * Ornithologists cannot but welcome an addition to the literature of their favourite subject, which is so ably edited and so beautifully illus- trated as Mr. Kirkman's undertaking— so far as can be judged from its first section — promises to be. " The British Bird Book " has for its object the bringing up to date within the compass of a single work of our knowledge of the habits of British birds, to which, as is truly observed in the preface, large additions have been made since the publication of the existing standards. Nearly every species is to be illustrated in colours, and the book may fairh' claim to be a new " History of British Birds '' — relegating, hov/ever, to the limbo of an appendix or special supplementary chapter such rare stragglers to the Britannic area as the Alpine Chough and Nutcracker. The opening Section deals only with the Crows and the Finches — the classification followed being that which places the former family at the head of the class. The Crows are dealt with chiefly by Mr. Kirkman himself, and the Finches by Mr. Edmund Selous. One cannot avoid remarking on the extraordinary difi"erence that distinguishes the modes of treatment adopted by these two writers. It will scarcely meet an ordinary reader's ideas on the subject of proportion. Mr. Kirkman is careful to write as one whose primary business is to impart knowlege, though he is not slow to point out, when it seems advisable, the bearings that certain facts may have on the question of theory. Mr. Selous has certainly much to say that is of real interest ; but he imparts his infor- mation in the midst of so large a dose of fauc3'-writing and sarcastic raillery at all * doxies " other than his own, as must tend to discourage the reader from turning over his pages in the pursuit of mere know- ledge. It may be, as Mr. Kirkman hints in his preface, that Finches do not lend themselves to the same methodical treatment as Crows. A feature of the book which ought to add much to its value is the special attention paid to such subjects as the nuptial displays of birds, and the respective parts played by both sexes in nest-building, incuba- tion, and the feeding of the young. As might be expected, there is for many species a dearth of certain information ; but if it were for that reason alone the summarizing of such evidence as exists is highly useful, as indicating— amongst other things— the gaps that remain to be filled. Even in those cases where it is fully ascertained that both sexes build, and that both incubate, the question of the manner in which the labour is apportioned between them too often remains— or perhaps nearly alwa) s does so— a terra incognita. igio. Revieiv. 249 Mr. Kirknian has occasion, under the head of nearlj' every species, to refer to evidence showing the existence during the breeding season of a large number of adult unpaired birds — a fact of which he holds that no satisfactor}' explanation has yet been tendered. Referring to the suggestion broached some years ago in this Journal (vol. xii., pp. 158- 160), that the habit the birds have of parcelling out the ground into nesting areas is the main cause, he objects that in the case of persecuted species like the Crow, Jay, and Magpie, the nesting areas are obviously much in excess of the pairs. Though this may be locally true, it seems at least open to doubt whether it is true of those parts of our islands in which the existence of large numbers of unmated birds chiefly calls for explanation. Mr. Kirknian himself seems scarcely to realise how common a bird the Magpie is in Ireland, for he tells iis that " in this country " — meaning apparently the British Isles generally — Magpies- nests "are not often seen, owing to the comparative scarcity of the species," but that the}^ *' are a familiar sight in many parts of the Con- tinent." Of course a great deal depends on the size of the area which each pair thinks right to appropriate to itself. Speaking of the Chough? Mr. Kirkman seems disposed to accept the view that unpaired birds of that species seen in spring in the Isle of Man (Ralfe, " Birds of the Isle of Man," p 84), are individuals which have failed to secure nesting sites, owing to the resentment shown b}'' the breeding Choughs at intrusion within their domains ; and he quotes as supporting this view Mr. Ussher's statement (" Birds of Ireland ", p. 84^, that Choughs' nests along suitable parts of the Waterford coast "occur on an average a mile apart." This is very considerably in excess of the average distance between twa Magpies' nests in the better wooded parts of Ireland Mr. Kirknian is disappointingly meagre in what he says of the gifts of mimicry possessed hy most of the Corvidse, but in a special degree by the Jay. It does not seem to be realised how habitually the birds make use of this gift during the latter part of their breeding season. Mr. Kirkman quotes one instance (Durban and Matthew, " Birds of Devon- shire ", p. 87), in which a pair of Jays exercised their mimetic powers when scolding an intruder who was examining their young — "now cawing like a rook, then mewing like a cat, and in their extreme agitation actually plucking off leaves, and biting off pieces of dead twigs from neighbouring trees." All these actions — and especially the imita- tive ones — are habitual with Jays when they have young, so much so that the reviewer has sometimes been scolded in precisely the same way by as many as three pairs of parent Jays at different stages in the course of one walk through an Irish wood The notes most constantly repro- duced on such occasions in Co. Wexford are those of the Magpie, Cat, Blackbird, Squirrel, Sparrow-Hawk, and Hooded Crow. The obvious intention of the old birds is to lead the intruder to imagine that he is being threatened by a much larger number of creatures than are actually present; and the fact that practically the same set of cries— though with different degrees of frequency— are reproduced by every pair of parent Jays whose haunts are intruded on shows how largely the A 2 250 7hc Insh Nairn alist. December. perforniaiice must be considered instinctive. In most text-books the mimetic powers of the Ja)' are referred to as a sort of " accomplishment " tliat is carried to its chief perfection in captivity. It seems time that this view of the character of so well-known a gift should be dispelled. The chapter on the P^iuches is not divided, like that on the Crows, into sub-chapters dealing with the different species, but follows a line of treatment which, no doubt, facilitates discursive writing on evolu- tionar}- and other topics requiring the survey of a comparatively wide field. Mr. Edmund Selous is so well known as an ardent advocate of the doctrine of sexual selection that it is unnecessar}- here to do more than refer to the view^s he expresses on that point, though the opinions of the unconverted are certainly shown through a somewhat distorted medium. But in touching on the interesting question of the develop- ment of the Crossbill, Mr. Selous seems to have fallen into faulty arguments through a cause which we should not have expected in so pre-eminent a bird watcher— z.t'., defective knowledge of the feeding habits of British finches in general. Writing of the large form known as the Parrot Crossbill. Mr. Selous says " it is perfectl}- evident that in this bird we see the final or rather iip-to-date result of certain individuals of the common kind having come to eat the seeds of the Scotch P'ir as well as, and so gradually instead of, those of the larch and spruce, w^hich form the staple of the latter. As more strength was needed to extract these, a stouter bill and larger body were gradually acquired by those birds which delighted to do so, till insensibly, and almost without knowing it, they found them- selves Parrot Crossbills." Here it is assumed that the earliest Crossbills did not feed on seeds so difficult to extract from their cones as those of the Scotch Fir. but were of a weak-billed form, and contented themselves with the less perfectly protected seeds of such trees as the spruce and larch. But if this had been the case, the acquisition of the peculiarly formed man- dibles of the Crossbill would be quite inexplicable, since most, if not all, of our finches, are as well able as the Crossbill itself to extract the seeds of the spruce and larch, Mr. Selous is unaware of this fact, and he remarks that the Green- finch is probably the only British finch which, besides the Crossbill, possesses, even in a qualified degree the power of extracting the seeds of conifers. He gives a pleasant description of the operation in which he has seen the Greenfinch engaged w^hen attacking the " cones of some introduced trees of this family, the superior size of which may make it easier for him to pick out their seeds " But if he would pay a little more attention to the feeding habits of some of our smaller finches — notably the Lesser Redpoll, vSiskin and Goldfinch — he would probabh- not be long in learning that the habit of shelling larch-cones and even spruce- cones is by no means limited to the strongest-billed members of the family. The Lesser Redpoll makes the larch, next to the alder, his favourite feeding-tree in the winter naonths in south-eastern Ireland. Parties I9IO Review. 251 of Goldfinches may also not rarely be seen in autnnm probing the larch-cones ; and the Siskin not only accompanies the Lesser Redpoll in its forays on the larch-grove, but ma}- be seen in spring clinging to the cones of the sprnce-fir and drawing out the winged seeds from beneath their scales. From these facts — the three birds just referred to being practically our smallest and weakest finches — it seems pretty evident that the Crossbill would never have needed its remarkable structural peculiarit)* unless it liad wanted to perform some much more difficult task than that of shelling larch-cones and spruce-cones. As was pointed out in an article in this Journal (vol. iii., p. 210), the toughness of the pine-cone, with which no other small bird seems able to grapple in its green state, is probably the Crossbill's raison d'etre. In other words the Parrot-Crossbill represents the older, not the more up-to-date form. An extension in later years of the ranges of trees like the spruce and larch may have led to the Crossbills of certain areas saving themselves the trouble of opening pine-cones, and so degenerating into a type resembling our common Crossbills — though the latter is still quite capable of extracting pine-seeds when it likes. Variation in both directions may, of course, have taken place in later years; but it can scarcely be doubted that the Parrot-Crossbill, if not actually older than the common, is at least the nearer approach of the two to the common ancestor of both. Mr. Selous is also severe on a suggestion offered by Mr. Ussher in the "Birds of Ireland'' and elsewhere, that the reds and greens of the Crossbill plumage are protective, harmonising as they do with the hues of the bark and foliage of the Scotch firs. Among the arguments which he urges against this view is the fact that, according to Seebohm, the staple food of the Common Crossbill is the seed of the spruce-fir, whose distribution it is described as following. Mr. Selous thinks it absurd to call on the tints of the pine to explain the colouring of a bird that feeds chiefl}' on the spruce. But as all the races and species of Cross- bill present a very similiar type of coloration, the colours in question must evidently have been evolved by the common parent of them all ; and this, as we have just shown was probably a pine-feeding, and almost certainly not a spruce-feeding bird. The harmonising of the Crossbill's tints with those of Pintis sylvestris is therefore not neces- sarily so devoid of significance so Mr. Selous maintains. Enough has been said to show that the succeeding sections of this work, in which such leading ornithologists as Messrs. W. P. P3-craft, E. L. Turner and P\ C. R. Jourdain are participating as main con- tributors, may be expected to prove a welcome boon to the bird-loving world. No cost or pains seems to have been spared over the prepar- ation of the coloured plates. In particular, Mr. Seaby's presentation of the Raven strikes the reviewer as lifelike and majestic in the extreme. C B. M. 252 The Iiish Nahiralisf. December, IRISH SOCIETIES. ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Recent gifts include a young male Chimpanzee from Dr. R. H. Kenuan, a Green Monkey from IMiss A. Peyton, a Leopard cub from Mr. G. W. B. Weir, a Badger from INIr. O. Murphy, and a Corn Bunting from Mr. W. J. Williams. The pair of West African Lions "Niger" and "Nigeria" have a litter of four fine cubs, all strong and healthy. The new Chimpanzee, '• IMendiboy " by name, arrived in rather poor health and spirits, though it was hoped that he would soon be as well and cheerful as his companions, " Mr. James" and ''Jenny," he died after a residence of only a few weeks in Dublin. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. October 28. — Annuat^ Conversazione.— The forty-eighth winter session was inaugurated by a conversazione in the Assembly Llall. The company, which numbered three hundred, included the Lord Mayor and part}'. A large number of exhibits were displayed on tables in the body of the hall, the various exhibitors giving informal lecturettes to those interested. By permission of the Lord Mayor of Belfast the insignia of the city of Belfast were en exhibition, and proved a source of much interest. In the zoological section Y. Balfour Browne showed a new and ingenious method of storing a working collection of in.sects. George Donaldson's exhibit of British lepidoptera included Gonct>ieryx thatnni and living caterpillars of Fox Moth. N. H. Foster exhibited Metoponorthiis nielaimnis and Elni/ia purpurascens, two survivors of the ancient Lusitanian fauna, which have only been found in the British Islands at Howth, County Dublin ; also maps showing the progress of distributional records of woodlice in Ireland for the past five years. W. A. Green showed a collection of land and fresh-water mollusca ; W. F. M-Kinney, Spanish and Australian shells and leaf insects from Ceylon ; and H. Lament Orr, wasps' nests combined. R. Patterson exhibited a stuffed specimen of the Kea, a sheep-killing parrot from New Zealand, a Grass Snake from Yorkshire, and cases illustrating the development of butterflies and moths. Professor Symington and Dr. Rankin showed photographs and skiagraphs of the jaws and teeth of an Orang, and R. J. Welch exhibited laud and fresh-water mollusca collected during the Rosapenna Conference in July, 1910. In the botanical section N. Carrothers had a series of types of Irish plants, W. F. M'Kinney, "Wooden pears" from New South Wales and a " vegetable caterpillar " from New Zealand ; W. H. Phillips, dried specimens of British Ferns ; Rev. C. H. Waddell, some rare plants from Antrim and Down. W.J. C. Tomlinson exhibited juiounted plants from South Kent and South Hants. G. O. Sherrard (Dublin), showed microscopic slides exhibiting American gooseberry mildew and black scab of potatoes, and a slide of living eel- worms. I9I0. Irish Societies. 253 lu the geological section R. Bell's prize collection of zeolites was shown in interesting coLijunctionwith Victorian zeolites presented to the Field Club by the Director of the National Museum at Melbourne, and exhibited by Miss M. K. Andrews, who also exhibited rock speci- mens and a fine set of fossils from the Ballycastle coal-field, presented to the Clubby W. F. de V. Kane. George Donaldson showed fish teeth, ^rom South American Greensand ; William Gray, slabs of marble from Counties Armagh and Down ; Dr. Rusk, clay concretions ; and Joseph Wright, Pleistocene Foraminifera from high altitudes in the neighbour- hood of Belfast. A. R. Dwerr3'house showed a series of thin sections to illustrate the occurrence in rocks of structures due to the solidifi- cation of entectic mixtures of their constituents — eg., quartz and felspar, orthoclase and oligoclase ; a photograph of the limestoue cavern of Gaping Ghyll, some recently-published geological maps of Arran and of parts of England and Wales, and a working model of an air-lift pump, J. A. Stendall had an exhibit of radium nitrate, which excited much interest. The exhibitors in the miscellaneous section included Miss Elizabeth Andrews, pottery from lake village at Meare, Somersetshire; flint implements from Toome bar and the Bann ; flint implements from kitchen-middens, Les Eyzies, Dordogne, presented to the Club by W. F. de V. Kane; earl}- edition of " Letters on Basaltes of County Antrim," by Rev. William Hamilton, and '• The Giant's Causeway," by W. H. Drummond. S. H. Douey, W. A. Green, and R. J. Welch showed photographs illustrating summer excursions, 1910; Francis Forth, model specimens of handrailing with drawings; W. A. Green, imple- ments from Fiji, pegeen from Dingle Peninsula; ]\Iiss Olga He3-n, living marmoset from South America ; Mrs. Hobson, sketch of ancient sweathouse near Ballyshannon. by Fred. W. Lockwood ; A. B. Morris, nature photographs; Professor Symington, photographs of megalithic remains atCarnac and other places in Brittany ; Miss L. A. Walkington, ancient candlesticks, cam and moulds for dip caudles ; Ivan Sutherland's exhibit of bauxite and aluminium included the first piece of aluminium produced from Irish bauxite in 1886. At nine o'clock a lantern display of views, mainly taken on excursions during the summer 1910, was given by W. Gray, W. A. Green, D. J. Hogg, A. R. Hogg. H. L. Orr, S. H. Douey and R. Welch. Special mention is due to the series of cinematograph films illustrating wild nature shown by Mr. A. R. Hogg. The President of the Club, R. J. Welch, M R I.A., then addressed the meeting. He expressed pleasure due to the presence of the Lord Mayor at the conversazione, and extended a welcome to the delegates ,from the Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, Messrs. R. LI. Praeger and G. O. Sherrard. The following new members were elected— the Lord Mayor and Messrs. Beattie, Holroyd, and Weir, LL.B. 2^4 The hish NaiUidiist. December, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. October 12. — The Club met at Leinster House. D, M'ArdlE exhibited Anthoceros punctatus L., one of the frondose Hepaticae, and a slide showing capsule, columella and spores. This curious liverwort differs from all others in the group when in a fertile state. The perianth is tube-shaped ver)' minute ; from it arises the curious capsule which is from I to 2 inches in length. When young it is grass green and not unlike very young shoots of some grasses ; Buxbaum long ago compared the numerous capsules to the shoots of seedling onions. When ripening it turns brown first at the apex, and extends downwards, and dehiscence takes place by the bursting of two opposite longitudinal grooves hitherto covered by a thin pale membrane ; the opening shows a central filiform columella surrounded by spores, with the dispersal of the spores are numerous elaters, flattish and curiously contorted, and from undulate to sinuately branched, others geniculate. The spores are dark brown, echinate, showing when young well-marked trigones. This is a monoecious species, the androeciaare embedded irregularly in the upper portion of the frond, which is of a remarkable dull deep green colour with the margins slightl}' raised and crisped. The specimens were found growing in great abundance by the roadside in the wood of Gowran Castle demesne, which extends for upwards of 8 miles, the place where it was collected would be about half-way and in a direct line N.E. with Goresbridge. This is an addition to District it, and bas not been previously recorded from Co. Kilkenny. The species occurs in England, Scotland, on the Continent, and in N. America. NOTES. ZOOLOGY. Supposed Occurrence of Vitrea (Hyalinia) helvetica in Ireland. I am quite in agreement with Mr. A. W. Stelfox in considering that an error in identification has been made. Through the kindness of several correspondents I have been able to examine large series of Vitreas from many Irish localities, including a large number from Whitegate, E. Cork (these were a part of the collection from which the late Dr. O. Boettger and Dr. Westerlund identified the species), and up to the present no example of the Vitrea helvetica group has occurred to me. All conchologists are greatly indebted to Mr. Stelfox for his new test of the species in this very difficult genus, and so far I have found it infallible. There is no need here to discuss the question whether the English shell should be known as V. helvetica, Blum, or V. ragesii, B. B. W. What Mr. Stelfox and the other competent Irish conchologists state is that no shells of the Helvetica group occur in Ireland, and with this statement I am in agreement. A. S. Kennard, Beckenham, Kent. I9T0. 'Notes. 255 Abundance of Great Northern Divers. On Tuesday, October 18, my brother, Major Peutlaud, and I were playing golf at Baltray, Co. Louth, with two friends; the tenth tee is close to the sea about a mile north of the Boyne and commands a fine view of the sandy shore. The tide was full ; the seu calm, and great quantities of fry were about. When we climbed the hill to the tee, my brother called my attention to a number of divers quite close to us and we saw a very unusual sight. There were about twenty-six divers in sight ; seventeen of them being within four hundred yards of us. All of them were either Great Northern or Red-throated Divers. All that were near enough for me to make certain of, were Great Northern Divers, and I am inclined to think they were all of that species, but I cannot be certain. However, they were all un- doubtedly Divers (Colymbidae). Every winter a couple of Great North- ern Divers haunt the mouth of the Boyne and I have seen three or four about Clogher Head in the spring, but nevermore until this day. Of course, they were following the fry. G. H. PknTi^and. Black Hall, Drogheda. Ruflfs in Co. Derry, On 13th August, IVtr. VV. Byron shot a pair of Ruffs {Machetes pugnax) on the shore of Bann not far from the mouth They were immature birds male and female, the male an extra large specimen. There was evidently a flock on passage, as Mr. Byron saw others. This is the earliest date recorded for this species. The above pair is mounted and in our city museum. D. C. Campbeu.. Londonderry. Temminck's Stint. On 29th September, I visited Chute Hall, Tralee, in company with the proprietor. Captain Chute, who has kindly consented to lend to the National Museum, Dublin, the only recorded Irish specimen of Tem- minck's Stint. It was obtained by his grandfather, Mr. Richard Chute near Tralee, in February, 1848 (Thompson, vol. ii., p. 302). I had the pleasure of selecting the specimen and sending it to Dr. ScharfF; and it seems to be in very fair preservation considering its age, as the rest of the collection at Chute Hall appears to be. Since this specimen was obtained, more than 60 years ago, there has not, to my knowledge, been any other example of this species obtained in Ireland. It is not to be confounded with the Little Stint, which is also represented by a specimen at Chute Hall. R. J. USSHER. Cappagh, Co. Waterford. 256 The h'ish Naturalist. December, 1910. ,,..,.; Birds of Lough Neagh. It niay be wortli recording that on 23r(l May last, I found a pair of Oyster-catchers breeding on a small islet in Lough Neagh. They had four eggs laid on the small dry part of the recently submerged ground. A few pairs of Black-headed Gulls, and on a similar islet near by a few Terns, with one or two pairs of SanJpipers and Sedge-warblers with the inevitable Coots and Moorhens were the onlv other birds breeding there. The Mallards had brought out their clutches and were gone to the marshes inshore. Their nests can always be found there in the forks of low willow and alder bushes which are at the ducks' breeding time stand- iusj in I to 2 feet of water. *£> J. SinGT^ETON DARIylNG. I/Urgan. - '- ■ Ravens in Sligo and Leitrim. On August 15th, 1910, when shooting on Differeen Mountain in Leitrim, close to the Sligo boundary, I saw four Ravens in the air together. We saw them several times during the day, and the keeper, an old hand at observing birds, thought the}^ were a brood of j'oung birds driven away from the nesting ground of the old ones. No Ravens have nested for years on Differeen Mountain ; on the mountains to the north and east there are always some nests. On August 23rd, the same mountain was shot again, and thirteen Ravens were seen in the day ; the re we re four or five observers, all well accustomed to watch and note birds, so there can hardly have been anj' mistake. On the 28th August (Sunda}') six Ravens were seen together flying over Hazlewood, which is about seven or eight miles from Differeen. They were seen several times during the afternoon. Since then the Ravens have visited the neighbourhood constantly, sometimes three or four together more often singly. The keeper on the property states that he remembers a some- what similar visitation some sixteen years ago, but the birds were not so numerous as they are this year. Frkderick W. Shaw. Bushy Park, Terenure. ;" . *- , The Shore Lark in Ireland. I have long expected that that very interesting arctic breeding bird ..the Shore Lark {Otocorys alpestris) \^o\x\Ci extend its range to Ireland — -;\i^hen .migrating southward in autumn, as its occurrences in Great ,, Britain have been of increasing frequency since 1830, when it was first . obsjerved. On November, 4th one was shot close to Wicklow Head ^ Lighthou.se and was sent to nie in. the flesh in a much damaged condition. . ;., -H...: Richard M. Barrington. Fassaroe, Bray. • .. .; VOL. XIX. No. I, JANUARY, 1910. '""'/- "^*j VO«.' •^ a iWonti^lB Journal >>.i OF 1 GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. DUBLIN: EASON & SON, Ltd. M '^^ 80MID. ABBEY-ST.&40LK Sackvii,le-st. l'!/'A /.'^ BEI.FAST: 17 DONEGAI,I,-ST. London : SiMPKiN, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd. ».»\v>y'' iiiniis.: .Hifmmwv •HI, THE irtidH NATURALIST for 1909 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for 5s. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son, Ltd., 40 Lower Sackvllle-street, Dublin. A Monthly Illustrated /ouittal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.C.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S,, MusEiTM. Hull. Technical Collbqe. Hdddeesfikld A^ITH THE ASSISfANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S.. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.& This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating back to 1833L London: A BROWN & SONvS, Ltd., 5. FARRINGDON AVENUE, EC. PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Annual Snbscrljition, G.s. (id,, post free; throuf/h JiooJfsellers, 6. ?» 3. >> 4. »» o. »> 0. r- >J i • »> 8. >» 9. n 10. J> 11. >> 12. >> 13. »» 14. >> 15. »» 16- >> 17. >> 18. »? 19. >». 20. >» 21. oo »> 5> 23. »> 24. t» 25. >» 26. J> 27. »J 28. »> 29. J» 30. 99 31. >» 32. »» 33. >> 34. J> 35. »> 36. »> 37. tt 38. J> 39. J? 40. >> 41. 5> 42. >> 43. J> 44. »> 45. >> 40. ft 47. »> 48. >> 49. »» 50. >> 51. The Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Tiinothv Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wireworms. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906. Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry ; — Gapes. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium BuUs Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Experiments — Barley. ,, „ Meadow Hay. „ „ Potatoes. „ „ Mangolds. „ „ Oats. „ ,, Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. . The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk " or " Hoose " in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather- Jacket Grub. No. 52. if 53. »» 54. jj 55. if 56. >> 57. 5> 58. ?J 59. J9 60. >» 61. >J 62. J> 63. if 64. >> 65. »» 66. JJ 67. J> 68. >> 69. )> 70. „ 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing "of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwater" or " 'Blood-Murrain " in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands, Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestry: FelUng and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty Milk. Barley Tlireshing. The Home Botthng of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon,'and Eggs. Copies of the above leaflets can he obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretary, Department of Ayricidture and Technical Instiuction for Ireland, Upper M'.rr ion-street, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not he stamped -w X jlm jLji X j^ isa: a &: s o i>c ITfttnralists, Furriers, anl Taxidermists, a. DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Eildare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS G1GAN7EUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6cl. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D , F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department^ Royal Scottish Museum^ Edinburgh. This Magazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist," founded in 1871 — is entirely devoted to the publication of Original Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Hisrorxes, ecc.and Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful aad interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOHGLAS, 10, CASTLE -STREET. BIRDS' NESTING BOXES. NOW IS THE TIME TO ERECT THEM. ALL SIZES AND SHAPES TO ORDER— STOCK PATTERNS KEPT. It is a delightful thing to erect these nesting boxes in one's garden to protect and observe more closely our feathered friends. ENCOURAGE IRISH MANUFACTURE AND KEEP OUR BOYS AT HOME. ALL WOEK MADE OF lEISH MATEEIAL. Full particulars from Manager, Irish Home Industry — AN TUIRNE BEAG, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. Vol. xix., No. 1. Jauuar}', 1910. : CONTENTS. The Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa of Co. Wicklow. — John HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Page Irish Societies: Royal Zoological Society. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin Microscopical Club, .. Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. 5 6 8 Review : E. W. Swanton's " Fungi and how to know them."— (G. H. P.), Obituary : Frederick Pryor Balkwill. — C. Davis Sherborn, 10 Notes The late J. H. Davies.— S. A. Stewart, Geaster rufescens in Co. Water ford. — R. Li,. Praeger, Irish Carices. — G. Ct.aridge Druce, F.L.S., . . The American Facies of the British and Irish Fauna Barrett-Hamilton, F.Z.S., m. Recent Records of Irish Birds, Notes on Recent Irish Birds. — W. J. Williams, Invasion of Crossbills. — R. M. Barrington, F.L.S., Jays in Ulster.— R. J. Ussher, D.L., M.R.I.A., Late Swallows.— R. J. Ussher, D.L.. M.R.I.A., Sparrows chasing Pigeons.— N. E. Stephens, Ring-dove feeding on Ivy Berries. — H. L. Orr. Mineral Vein in Carboniferous Ivimestone at Cloghran -Major G. E. H — Prof. I. Swain, II II II 12 12 13 13 14 H 14 14 The Birds of Inch and Upper lyOUgh Swilly. — D. C. Campbell, M.B.O.U., 15 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST." Whole Page, .. Half Page, Quarter Page, s. d. -om ID 1 According >) 6 oV to » 4 6 Position. A Reduction given for a Nuviber 0/ Insertions, ALEX. TUOM AND CO., LIMITED, DUBLIN. VOL. XIX. N^o. 2. FEBRUARY igjc RS <*:, ,/V.M ^%. 1} ^-.-^ V a i[Komf)Ip SlOMvnal ///, IX "^ OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROvSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.LA. R. LEOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E M.R.LA., AND robert patterson, e.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. iTi^" ,t U,J I 'N>: DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. ^j y 80M1D.ABBEY-ST.&40LK SACKVIL1.E-ST. I ., Belfast: 17 DoNEGAi.i,-sT. London : SiMPKiN, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd. m >htfa«M«^e£ k><* »» No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. /. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. >» >> >» >> >> >> 16 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. „ 26. „ 28. „ 29. „ 30. »» 31. »> 32. »1 33. J> 34. »» 35. >» 3b. »> 37. »» 38. >> 39. 1« 40. >> 41. »» 42. »? 43. >> 44. n 45. • * 46. »» 47. »» 48 »» 49 »» 50 51 The Out Out Out Out of of of -Gapes. Warble Flv. of Print. Print. Print. Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadow.s. The Turnip Fly. Wiieworms. Prevention of Wliite Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of ^Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato GroAnng. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Q\iarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. ^Vinter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land, Field ExperLmentfi — Barle3^ ,, „ Meadow Hay. ,, „ Potatoes. ,. „ Mangolds. ,, „ Oats. ,, „ Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management Chickens. " Husk" or " Hoose" in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The l.^ather- Jacket Grub of No.' 52, Flax Experiments. „ 53. The Construction of a Cowhouse. „ .54. Calf Meal. ,, i)o. The Apple. ,, 56. Cultivation ot the Root Crop. 57. Fruit Packing. 58. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. 59. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. „ 60. The Packing of Butter. „ 61. Out of Print. „ 62. Plant for Creamery Buildings. „ 63. " Redwater" or "Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. „ 64, Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. ,, 65. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands, „ 66. Forestry : The Proj^er Method of Planting Forest Trees. ,, 67. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber „ 68. Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. „ 69. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. „ 70. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter- Belt and Hedgerow Timber. „ 71. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. 72. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber 73. The Planting and ]Management of Hedges. 74. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. 75. Barlej'' Sowing. 76. American Gooseberry Mildew. 77. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. 78. Home Buttermaking. 79 The Cultivation of Small Fruits. 80. Catch Crops, 81. Potato Culture on Small Farms. 82. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. 83. Cultivation of Osiers. 84. Ensilage. 85. Some Injui'ious Orchard Insects, 86. Dirty ]\Iilk, 87. Barley Threshing. 88. The Home Bottling of Fruit. 89. The Construction of Piggeries. 90. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. 91. Black Scab in Potatoes. 92. Home Preservation of Eggs. 93. Marketing Wild Fruits. 94. Cost of Forest Planting, 95. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Fggs. Copies of the above leaflets can be obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretari/, Department of Agricvlture and Technical In&tiuction for Ireland, Upper .\f err ion -street, Dublin. Leiters of application so addressed need not be stamped '\Ar iJL, a, ij^ isa: a & s o ik* Hatftralists, 7urri«r«, and Taxidermists, 3. DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HKAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS G1GAN7EUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATDEAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S-, F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE* F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a con';inuation of "Tbe Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely devoted to the publication of On Jrinal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers C3n«ributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations rn Life Ilistopies, (jro..and Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful a:i 6 0 > 4 6 to a Position. ALKX. TIIOM AND CO., LIMITED, DUBLIN. V^^Iy. XIX. N J 3. MARCH, 1910. ■''/A? i/;*5?- i tui -I a iHomfjlg Journal J OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB CaRK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.i.a Price 6d. DUBLIN: EASON \,)^ frgfffiWMffwmniBnnininimiirfii^ THE l#tl9H NATURALIST for 1910 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for 5s. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son, Ltd.* 40 Lower Sackvllfe-street. Dublin. • A Monthly Illustrated Journal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.C.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S., Mdsbum, Hull, technical Collkqe.Huddersfield ■with the assist a.nce as referees in special departments of J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S.. t.L.% GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L^S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., 3. 1 J 4. .) »> »♦ 0. p- >» i. ?> 8. J9 i). »> 10. tt 11. »» 12. »» 13. 9> U. >» 15. »» 16, »» 17. >> 18. »> 19. »> 20. >> 21. oo >» >> 23. »» 24. »» 25. »» 20. >» 27. »» 28. 1» 20. 9» 30. »l 31. »» 32. »» 33. H 34. >> 35. >» 36. »> 37. >» 38. >» 39. >» 40. J> 41. »> 42. >» 43. >» 44. »» 45. >> 46. >» 47. «> 48. >> 49. >> 50. »» 51. The Warble Fly. OiU of Print. Out of Print. Old of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wire worms. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Old of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stutfs Act, 1906. Regulations. Sheep Scab, The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapes. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Laming of Land. Field Experiments — Barley, „ ,, Meadow Hay. ,, „ Potatoes. ,, „ Mangolds. „ Oats. Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk" or " Hoose" Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather- Jacket Grub in Calves. No.'52. „ 53. „ 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. „ 64. „ 65. „ 66. „ 67. „ 68. „ 69. „ 70. „ 7L „ 72. „ 73. ,. 74. To. 76. 77. 78. 79 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 9.^). >> »> >> Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Old of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwater" or " Blood-^hirrain " in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Land?, Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Tiuiber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. vSome Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty Milk. Barley Threshing. The Home BottUng of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs, Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Copies of the above leaflets can be obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretary, Department of Ai/ricultnre and Technical Instruction for Ireland, Upper Mtrrion-Mreet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped Katuralliti, Turrltrg, mi& Tazilormltts, 3. DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HKAD AND ANTIvERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 78. 6cl. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATDEAL HISTORY, A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. EDITED BV J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D , F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE. F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a coctiniiation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871— is entirely devoted to the publication of Ori^nal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etc.and Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facts. Edinburgh •• DAVID DOHGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. NOTICE. CONTRIBUTIONS (Articles or Notes) on all branches of Irlsn Natural History are Invited. Articles must reach the EDITORS* on or before the lOth of the Month, for Insertion In the succeedlnf? niiiTiber. Short Notes will be Inserted. If space permit. If received before the I5th of the Month. Contributors are earnestly requested not to write their communications on Postcards. Authors of Papers In the IRISH NATURALIST can be supplied with 50 Reprints at the following: prices x— s. d. s. d, 2 pp. ^ ^ 4 O I 6 pp. .» .80 4 pp. .. .^6018 pp. .^ ..90 Authors should apply for Reprints when returning proofs to the Editors. But any subsequent corresponaence regarding; Reprints should be sent to the PRINTERS, MESSRS. A. THOM & CO., 87 MIDDLE ABBEY-STREET, DUBLIN, and NOT tO MeSSrs. Eason &Son, NOR TO THE EDITORS. Natural History Specimens sent to the Editors will be referred to authorities for identification. G. H, Carpenter, Royal College of Science^ Dublin, R. Lloyd Praecer, National Library ^ Dublin, Robert Patterson, Glenbankn, Holywood^ Co, Down, V«L xlx., No. 3. March, 1910. CONTENTS. Page. Cave-Hunting. — R. J. Ussher, D.L., M.R.I.A., 37 A few Notes on the Cave of Cloyne. — F. Hyde Maberly, M.D., 44 Notes : ■ i Carex rostrata var. utriculata.— Arthur Bbnnett, F.L.S. ,, ... 47 Erica Mackaii (?) in Donegal.— R. Ll. Praeger, B.A., ., .. .. 48 Nyssia zonaria in Co. Mayo.— Thomas Greer, .. .. ... 48 Aculeate Hy'menoptera at Poyntzpass. — Rev. W. F. Johnson, M.A., F.E.S. 48 Carychium minimum near Limerick. — Harry Fogerty, .. ,, 49 Recent Bird Records, .. .. .. .. ,. .. ,, 49 A Parallel to the Submerged Cromleac of Rostellan, Co. Cork, , . •• 49 Irish Societies: Royal Zoological Society . . . . . . , . . . . . 50 Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, . . . . . . ^ . . . . 53 Dublin Microscopical Club, . . . , . . . . . . . . -55 Reviews : Ivindberg's " Nordische Alchemilla vulgaris-formen." — (N.C.), ^ — 56 Macpherson's •'Home-Life of a Golden Eagle." — (R. P.), «. . . 59 Janet's ** Morphologic etOntogenese del'Insecte" — (G.H.C.), ». — 60 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST." Whole Page, •• Half Page, Quarter Page, s. d. From ID O] According 6 o > to }> ft Position. A Reduction given for a Number of Insertions. ▲LKX. TUOM AND CO., LUtlTBD, DUBLIV. VOL. XIX. No H. APRIL, 1910. V 'rx i.' '^i^- ';;^!£ jifiic^. ^^>:«^l ': a Mt\nti^lv Journal OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL vSOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAvST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. s ^y^ ' I on and of intercommunication among men of Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable papers which appear in foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on a'l matters of current scientific interest SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE." £, $. d. \ ( Tu all places Ahrond.) £ t d. Yearly 18 0 Yearly 1 JO 6 Half- Yearly 0 14 6 j Half-Yearly - 0 15 6 Quarterly 0 7 6 1 Quarterly .. .. 0 8 0 ,*« A charge of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch and Irish Cheques. Cheques and Money Orderi to be made payable to Macmillan & Co., Ltfl, St. Mabtik's-st., LOMDOM, W.C. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND PHCENIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily "from 9 a.iTi. {Sundays from 12 noon) till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. r Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. A CHIIYIPANZEE AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS. I YOUNG LEMURS BORN IN THE MONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION-MARMOSETS FROM BRAZIL. Tapir from South America. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. BEFliESHM ENT BOOM OFEIS ALL THE YEAR. Donations of Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUS STOCK OF BEASTS AND BIRDS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to — R, F. SCHARFF, Hon. Sec, B.Z.S., The Museum, Dublin. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LEAFLETS. No. >> »» >> >» »> >> j> »» >> >» >» »» >> >> >» >». j> »» >» 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. U. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. „ 25. „ 26. „ 27. „ 28. „ 29. ,. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. »> >> t> tf »» »» »> I I,- >» „ 44. „ 45. >, 46. „ 47. „ 48. „ 49. „ 50. .. 51. The Warble Fly. Otit of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print Cliarlock Spra\nng. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wirewornis. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feetling Stufifs Act, 1906. Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapus. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Expfiriments — Barley. Meadow Hay. Potatoes. Mangolds. Oats. „ f. Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of ChicliGiis " Husk " or " Hoose " in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Lea ther- Jacket Grub, »» »» No 52. j> 53. »» 54. j> 55. >> 56. >> 57. jj 58. »> 59. j> 60. >> 61. jj 62. >> 63. >> 64. >> 65. >> 66. >> 67. j> 68. „ 69. 70. „ 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwater " or " Blood-Murrain " in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands. Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry ; The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Yoimg Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Inisects. Dirty Milk. Barley Threshing. The Home Bottling of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Eggs. Copies of the above leaflets can he obtained free of charge and post free, on application tn the Secretary, Department of Ayriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, Upper Mtrrion-atreet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not he stamped "^jsr I iL. iL, I jA. is^ a £s sore iTataralists, Furriers, a&l Taxidermists, 2, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN. Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-streei. HEAD AND ANTI^ERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS G1GAN7EUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6cl. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATORAL HISTORT. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BV J. A. HARVIE-BROWN. F.R S.E., F.Z.S., Meviber of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D , F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., /datura/ History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Maeasine— a con*,inuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely deTot«d to the publication of Original Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and inoluae? Papen ejntrih'uting to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histonet, •icand Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facte. Edinburgh : DAVID DOFOLAS, 10, CASTLE -STREET. RAY SOCIETY. -:o: ASSVAL SUBSClilPTION ONE GUINEA^ Entitling to one volume published at 25.s. net, and occasionally also to an extra volume published at 12.v. 6(/. net, with the privilege of purchasing fit a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiacese. By w. and G. s. West. 3 Vols, with 95 plates (60 coloured) already published. 255. each. Vol. IV. in preparation for 1911. The British Tunicata. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Volumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many figures in the text. Vol. I. 12.S. M. Vol. II. 25s. Vol, III. in preparation for 1911. The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Volumes. Vols. I. and II. with 33 plates (20 coloured) and numerous illustrations in the text, 12s. 6c?. each. ^mrim-^— JOHN. HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford. Aye/Us — LULAU 6 0 > to It 4 6 Position. ▲LSZ. THOJtf JLSH CO., UMITBD, DUBLUi. VOL. XIX. No. 5. MAY, 1910. M¥^ ^^Mmil^' a iWotttijIg Journal v\ r i\ ^ '^y^ ;-i»uyuin .mmm DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. \f »> >» »> ft tf 1. o 3! 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16, 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. »» 43. >» 44. » 45. »> 46. »> 47 »» 48 t» 49 »t 50 51 The Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wireworms. Prevention of Wliite Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapcfj. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Ex}>f»riinents — Barley. ,, ,, Meadow Hay. „ „ Potatoes. „ „ Mangolds. ,, „ Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk" or " Hoose" in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul lirood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather- Jacket Grub. No. 52. »j 53. »i 54. >> 55. »> 56. >> 57. >5 58. >J 59. »> 60. >» 61. >> 62. >J 63. J> 64. >> 65. J» 66. >> 67. >» 68. »> 69. J> 70. „ 71. <♦ 72. t» 73. »• 74. >> 75. >> 76. >> / /. >» 78. J> 79 »< 80. >» 81. »> 82. >» 83. »> 84. >> 85. »» 86. >> 87. J> 88. »» 89. »» 90. »» 91. »» 92. »> 93. »» 94. '» 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwater" or " Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands. Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry ; The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty Milk. Barley Threshing. The Home Bottling of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Copies of the above leaflets can he obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Sccrelarii, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instriiction for Ireland, Upper Mtrrion-i^trtet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped "yjxr X jlm n, I .A. isa: s £s s o ic ITaturallsts, Furriers, a&A Tazilermlsts, 2, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kiidare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISK DEER, CERVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATCRAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S-, F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Mnsetim, Edinburgh. This Masazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely deyot«5d to the publication of Orurinal Matter relating to the Natural Histoi-y of Scotland, and includes Papers contributinj? to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etc.. and Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful aad interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STEEET. RAY SOCIETY :0:- AXNUAL SUBSCRIPTIOX ONE GUINEA, Entitling to one volume published at 25.s. net, and occasionally also to an extra volume published at 126-. Qd. net, with the privilege of purchasing at a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiaceae. By w. and G. s. West. 3 Vols, with 95 plates (60 coloured) already jwhlished. 2bs. each. Yol. lY. in preparation for 1911. The British Tunicata. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Yolumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many figures in the text. Yol. I. 12.?- 6(/. Yol. II. 25.<. Yol. III. in preparation for 1911. The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Yolumes. Yols. I. and II. with 33 plates (20 cploured) and numerous illustrations in the text, 12.s. 6c/. each. Secntari/— J 0'H:s HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford. Agents— DVLAJJ tk CO., Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London. W. Vol Xix^ Wo. 5. May, 19 10. CONTENTS. Page. The Economic Importance of Scolytidae in Irish Forestry. — A. C Forbes (Plate 2), • .. .. Sg Metoponorthus melanurus, a species of Woodlouse new to Ireland. R. F. ScHARFF, Ph.D., M.R.I. A., .. .. 92 Some Coleoptera from Co. Meath.— G. W. Nicholson, M.A.,M.D., Notes on Irish Annelids in the National Museum, Dublin (No. II.). Prof. W. C. M'iNTOSH, M.D., F.R.S., 95 Irish Societies: Royal Zoological Society. .. — ». .. .. -. 100 Dublin Microscopical Club, ». .. .. .. .. ..101 Review : J. W. Tutt's " Natural History of the British Lepidoptera,' vol. x. (G. H. C), .. •• .. -■ •• •• •• i^oi Notes : Plants of Antrim and Down.— W. J. C. Tomunson, «* ..- .. 102 The Well-Shrimp in Co. Westmeath.— A. K. N1CH01.S, M.A., M.R.I. A., ... 103 Greenland Falcons in Co. Donegal. — D. C. Campbell, J.P., .. .. 103 Bird Records from Irish Lighthouses. Measurements of Marteus. — R. M. Barrington, M.A., F.L.S., .. .. .. ., ... 104 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST." s. d. Whole Page, .. .. .. From 10 o^, According Half Page, . . . . . . „ 6 o > to Quarter Page, . . . . „ 4 6 I I'ositiou, A Reduction given for a Number 0/ Insertions. JLXXL T«OM UU> 00, UJCITK>« DUSLIK. .;-9s. I: VOL. XIX. No. 6. JUNK. 1910. \'^i-.t"«a ^^Bff* 1 fl :Wiiml)Is Journal OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.i.a Price 6d. ' r^ ^/t mmwuT. .mwmui DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. 80 Mid. ABBEY.ST.&40LK SACKVI1.1.E-ST. Bei^fast: 17 Donegai.i,-st. London : SiMPKIN, MaRSHAI.1., HAMII^TON, Kent & Co., Ltd. ■('.i, ^ffflifHifinmiiniiinTiwTMMMiip THE IRISH NATURALIST for 1910 (twelve parts) Will be sent to any Address for 5s. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son. Ltd.* 40 Lower Sackvllle-street. Dublin. A Monthly Illustrated Journal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. sheppard, f.c.s., and T. w. woodhead, p.l.S,, Museum, Hull. technical College. Huddebsfield with the assistance as referees in special departments op J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.8n GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S. This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating back to 1833. London: A BROWN & SONS, LTD., 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, EC. PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d., post free; through booksellers, €s. Net, Communications to be addressed to the Editors of the Naturalist, The Museum, Hull, NATURE. WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. I'JtICE SIXPENCE. "NATURE" contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within the domain of Science, contributed by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also contains Reviews of all recent scientific works ; Correspondence Columns, which form a medium of scientific discussion and of intercommunication among men of Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable papers which appear in foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on all matters of current scientific interest SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE." ( To all places Abroad.) £, s. d. Yearly 1 10 6 Half-Yearly .. - 0 15 6 Quarterly ~ 0 8 0 e'« A charge of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch and Irish Cheques. Cheques and Money Orders to be made payable to Macmillan & Co., Ltd., St. Martin's-st., London, W.C. £ s. d. Yearly •• 18 0 Half-Yearly 0 14 6 Quarterly 0 7 6 THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND PHCXNIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily -from 9 a.m. ^Sundays frorn 12 noofi^ till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. TWO CHIIVIPANZEES AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS. YOUNG LEMURS BORN IN THE lYlONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION-MARMOSETS FROM BRAZIL. Reindeer just arrived from Lapland. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. BEFliESHMENT liOOM OBEN ALL THE YE Alt. Donations of Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUS STOCK OF BEASTS AND BIRDS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to — R, F. SCHARFF, Hon, Sec, It.Z,S., The Museum, Dublin. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LEAFLETS. No. >> ?> >» >> >» »» >> »> >> 1. 2, 3! 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. >> 16. 17. 18. >> 19. >J 20. >» 21. >> 22. »> 23. J» 24. >J 25. >> 26. >» 27. »J 28. »> 29. >> 30. J» 31. )> 32. >> 33. »J 34. >» 35. »> 36. »> 37. »» 38. 39. »» 40. 41. Jf 42. >> 43. >» 44. >> 45. )» 46. >> 47. »» 48. »» 49. >> 50. 99 51. The Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraymg. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wirewonns. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapcs. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Experiments — Barley. „ ,, Meadow Hay. „ „ Potatoes, „ „ Mangolds. „ „ Oats. „ „ Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk" or " Hooso" in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather- Jacket Grub. No. 52. Flax Experiments. 53. The Construction of a Cowhouse. 54. Calf Meal. 55. The Apple. 56. Cultivation of the Root Crop. 57. Fruit Packing. 58. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. 59. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. 60. The Packing of Butter. 61. Out of Print. 62. Plant for Creamery Buildings. 63. " Redwater " or " Blood-Murrain " in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands. Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter- Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selhng Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. 74. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. 75. Barley Sowing. 76. American Gooseberry IMildew. 77. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. 78. Home Buttermaking. 79 The Cultivation of Small Fruits. 80. Catch Crops. 81= Potato Culture on Small Farms. 82. Ciiltivation of Main Crop Potatoes. 83. Cultivation of Osiers. 84. Ensilage. 85. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. 86. Dirty Milk. 87. Barley Tlireshini;. 88. The Home Bottling of Fruit. 89. The Construction of Piggeries. 90. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. 91. Black Scab in Potatoes. 92. Home Preservation of Eggs. 93. Marketing Wild Fruits. 94. Cost of Forest Planting. 95. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and „ 64. „ 65. „ 66. „ 67. „ 68. „ 69. » 70. » 71. „ 72. „ 73. 5> J> >> >> J> J> J> J> J> >> it »> J> >> 1> J> >> 9> 5> J> Copies of the above leaflets can he obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Sccreiaru, Department of Af/riculturc and Technical Instinction for Ireland, Upper Alerrion-Hred, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not he stamped VSr I Xm TLm I A. ISiT S Sc S O IC ITaturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 3, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HKAD AND ANTI.ERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6cl. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdan , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S,, &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum^ Edinburgh. This Masazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely devoted to the publication of Orii?inal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etcand Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. RAY SOCIETY. :o: ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION ONE GUINEA, Entitling to one volume published at 255. net, and occasionally also to an extra volume published at 125. 6c/. net, with the privilege of purchasing at a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiacese. By w. and G. S. West. 3 Vols, with 95 plates (60 coloured) already published. 255. each. Vol. IV. in preparation for 1911. The British Tunicata,. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Volumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many figures in the text. Vdl. 1. 125. M. Vol. II. 255. Vol. III. in preparation for 1911. The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Volumes. Vols. I. and II. with 33 plates (20 coloured) and numerous illustrations in the text, 125. 6c/. each. Secretary— 5 OIL'^ HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford Agents— jy\J LAV & CO., Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London, W. 1 Vtl. lix., Nf . 6. June, 1910. CONTENTS. Luminous Worms 111 Ireland. — Rev. Hildetric Friknd, On the Irish Species of Obisium. — H. W. Kew, . . Reviews : Geary's " Bees for Profit and Pleasure."— (G.O.S.), . . Museum Hand-list of Irish Plants. — (N.C.), .. The Non-marine Mollusca of Inishmore. — R. A. Phiujps, Irish Societies: Royal Zoological Society, Belfast Naturalists* Field Club, .. Dublin Microscopical Club, Page. 108 112 "5 iiS 119 120 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST/' Whu^e Page, .. Half Page, QuAKTER Page, s. ti. From 10 ^] According J) 6 °{ to » 4 6l Position. A Reduction given for a Nuvther 0/ Insertions. ALEX. TUOM AKD CO, LIMITEB. DUXOON. k. •■■ ..ii!*! VOL. XIX. .No 6jm JULY. 1910. y/::!^ 'M ^'^ a JHomiblB Jotirnal OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. '> •r<\ .':'.:• V- ^y^ DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. I ''^ .X y 80M1D. ABBEY-ST.&40LK Sackville-st. I BEI.FAST: 17 D0NEGAI,L-ST. , London : ^ Stmpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, | Kent & Co., Ltd. ;'^:r; mmmz .mmiK^ J vfWMimmmm\mmm\m\m^ THE IRISH NATURALIST for I9I0 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for 5s. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son, Ltd.. 40 Lower Sackvllle-street. Dublin. A Monthly Illustrated journal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.C.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S,, Museum, Hull. technical Colleqe.huddersfield with the assistance as referees in special departments of J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S.. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S. This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating back to 1833. London: A BROWN & SONS, LTD., 5, FARRINGDON AVKNUE, EC. PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Anmial Suhttcription, 6s. 6d., post free ; through BooksellerSf 6s. Net. Communications to be addressed to the Editors of the Naturalist, The Museum, Hull. NATURE. WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. I'MICB SIXPENCE. " NATURE *' contains Original Articles on ail subjects coming within the domain of Science, contributed by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also contains Reviews of all recent scientific works ; Correspondence Columns, which form a medium of scientific discussion and of Intercommunication among men of Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable pai^ers which appear In foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on all matters of current scientific interest SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE." £ . s. d. C To all places Abroad.) £ s. d. Yearly • • 18 0 Yearly 1 10 6 Half-Yearly .. 0 14 6 Half-Yearly 0 15 6 Quarterly 0 7 6 Quarterly .. - 0 8 0 fe'e A charge of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch and Irish Cheques. Cliequee and Money Orders to be made payable to Maomillan & Co., Ltd., St. Martin's-st., London, W.C. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAlND PHCENIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily from 9 a.m. {Surtdays from 12 noon) till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. TWO CHIIYIPANZEES AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS. YOUNG LEMURS BORN IN THE MONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION MARMOSETS FROM BRAZIL. Reindeer just arrived from Lapland. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. HEFliESIIM EIS'T 110031 OPEN ALL THE YEAR. Donations of Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUS STOCK OF BEASTS AND BIRDS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to — ; R, F. SCHARFF, Hon. Sec, R.Z.S., The Museum, Dublin. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LEAFLETS. No. >> »» »> »» >' >» »» 1. o 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. >» 16, >» 17. »> 18. >> 19. >5 20. >J 21. oo >> **■*• >» 23. >> 24. »> 25. »» 26. J> 27. >J 28. »» 29. »J 30. )> 31. >» 32. J> 33. J> 34. J» 35. »> 36. »» 37. >> 38. if 39. »» 40. > 41. » 42. >» 43. it 44. r> 45. >> 46. l» 47. »» 48. >• 49. )> 50. >> 51. The Out Out Out Out Warble of of of of Fly. Print. Print. Print. Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wireworms. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of ^Manures. S'wine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapes. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter FaLtening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Ex]:)erinients — Barley. Meadow Hay. Potatoes. »» *t » Pasture Mangolds. Oats. TuiTiips. Grasses, and INIanagement Permanent The Rearing Chickens. " Husk " or " Hoose " in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather-Jacket Grub. of No. 52. „ 53. „ 54. oo. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 5) )> „ 64. „ 65. „ 66. „ 67. „ 68. „ 69. „ 70. 71. 72. 73. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwafer " or " Blood-Murrain " in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestrj^ : The Planting of Waste Lands, Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestrj": Felling and Selhng Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley So\N'ing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Yoimg Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Ci'ops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty INIilk. Barley Threshins:. The Home Botthng of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon,"and Egg''- Copies of the above leaflets can be obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instiuction for Ireland, Upper Mtrrion-fitrett, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped ^JU• I Tj, JL. I A. :Sy!L S Sx S O IC ITatttralists, Furriers, aal Tazldermlets, 2, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN. Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6cl. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATUEAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S-, F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871— is entirely devoted to the publication of Original Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil Observations on Life Histories, etc., and Notes reeordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. RAY SOCIETY. -:o:- ANNVAL SUBSCRIPTION ONE GUINEA, Entitling to one volume published at 25s. net, and occasionally also to an extra volume published at 12.s. 6c/. net, with the privilege of purchasing at a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiacese. By w. and G. s. West. 3 Vols, with 95 plates (60 coloured) already published. 25.9. each. Vol. IV. in preparation for 191L The British Tunicata.. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Volumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many figures in the text. Vol. I. 12s. 6d Vol. II. 25s. Vol. III. in preparation for 1911. The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Volumes. Vols. I. and II. with 33 plates (20 coloured) and numerous illustrations in the text, 125. 6c/. each. Secretary— ^On'^ HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford Agents— VilJhAJJ & CO., Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London, W. Vol. xrx., No. 7. July, J910. CONTENTS. The Autumnal Mortalit}' among Shrews. — C B. Moffat, Aoies on the- adaptabilit}' of certain I^ittoral Mollusca. Nathaniel Colgan, M.R.I.A., Pagfe 121 127 Irish Societies: Roval Zoological Society. Dublin Microscopical Club, Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, 134 134 136 Obituary : G. W. Chaster, M.D., 137 Notes ; Corydalis claviculata in Co. Derry.— W. E. Hart, Irish Plants, A new Irish Fungus. — J. Adams, M.A., Additional record of Chelifer cancroides. — Norman E. Stephens, Zoropsis maculosus introduced at Limerick. — Denis R. Pack- BerESFord, D.L., Grain-beetles at Belfast.— Rev. W. F. Johnson, M.A., F.E.S., Dasypolia templi in Dublin.— Norman E. Stephens, Irish Birds, Marten in Co. Galway. — George R. Humphreys, .. 137 13S 13S I3'S 138 139 J39 ^39 140 Reviews : Rennie's " Aims and Methods of Nature Study."— (G.H.C.), 140 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST." Whole Page, . Half Page, Quarter Page, s. d. From 10 o] 6 o 4 6 A Reduction given for a Number of Insertions. According to Position. ALEX. THOM AND CO.. LlillTED. DUBLIN. VOL. XIX. No 8. AUGUST, 1910. n v/i ai iaomi)!^ Sotirnal OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATL*RALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TY'RONE NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E. M.R.LA., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.ia Price 6d. I JV: ;^ nnnnti.: lii mmi DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd.^^ 80MID.ABBEY-ST.&40LR SACKyjtlTE-ST. ] Belfast: 17 Donegai,ii-'st. London : Simpkin, Marshai.1., Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd. 1 Hi THE IRISH NATURALIST for 1910 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for Ss. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son, Ltd.t 40 Lower Sackvllle-street, Dublin. ^■4 Monthly Illustrated foiirnal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.C.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S,, MUSEUM, Hull. technical College. Huddeksfield WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF •I. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S.. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S. This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating back to 1833. London: A BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, EC. PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Annual Subscription, Os. Od^, post free: thri>u> »» ♦ • •J »f >> >> >> >» >» >> 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. (). 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16, 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. »» 25. >> 26. »> 27. >> 28. >J 29. »» 30. 5t 31. J» 32. »J 33. >» 34. 5» 3o. >» 36. »> 37. »» 38. 5> 39. »» 40. » 41. 42. »> 43. »> 44. >> 45. >> 4(i. »♦ 47. '» 48 H 49 »> 50 « t 51 The Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraj'ing. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wirewonns. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapcs. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feecling of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Para-sites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkej's. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Experiments — Barley. ,, ,, Meadow Hay. „ „ Potatoes. „ „ Mangolds. „ Oats. ,, „ Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk" or " Hoose" in Ringworm on Cattle. Hiiymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable EV)ultry Houses. The Ixjathcr- Jacket Grub Cal ves. 5» 5} >> No. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. „ 62. „ 63. „ 64. „ 65. „ 66. „ 67. „ 68. „ 69. „ 70. „ 71. „ 72. „ 73. 75. 76. 77. 78 79 80. 81 82 83. 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Redwater" or " Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands, Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, ]\Ianageraent, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selhng Timber The Planting and IManagement of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and W-'asting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects, Dirty Milk. Barley Tlireshing. The Home Bottling of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. ■ Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Copies of the (ihorc leaflets am he ohtdined free of charge avd jwst free, on application to the Sscretari/, Department of Ayriculture and Technical Instiuction for Ireland, Upper Merrion-Mreet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped \fsr X jLm jlm I A. isa: s &; sore ITaturalists, Furriers, aad Tasiiermists, 3, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of tlie Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HEAD AND ANTI.ERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GlGANTEUSy GENERALIvY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTOM. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J, A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S,, &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum^ Edinburgk. This Masrazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871— is entirely devoted to the publication of On ^inal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, ete.,and Notes reeordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. RAY SOCIETY. :o: ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION ONE GUINEA, Entitling to one volume published at 25s. net, and occasionally also to an extra volume published at 125. Qd. net, with the privilege of purchasing at a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiacese. By w. and G. S. West. 3 Vols, with 95 plates (60 coloured) already published. 25.5. each. Vol. IV. in preparation for 1911. The British Tunicata. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Volumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many figures in the text. Vol. I. 12s. Qd. Vol. II. 25s. Vol. III. in preparation for 1911. The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Volumes. Vols. I. and II. with 33 plates (20 coloured) and numerous illustrations in the text, 12s. Qd. each. .S'ecretor^— JOHN HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford. Agents— DV LAV & CO., Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London, W. ' I Vol- xix., No. 8. August, 19 lo- CONTENTS. Page On some Rare Irish Spiders obtained in 1909. — A. Randeli, Jackson, M,B., D.Sc. (Plate 3), 141 Some Notes on a Blackwater Cavern.— H. J. Moloney, B.A., E. C. RoNAYNE, B.A., R. W. Evans, lyL-B., and James COMYN, B.L., \. 145 Irish Societies: Belfast Naturalists* Field Club, .. .. .. .. .. 152 Cork Naturalists' Field Club, .. .. .. .. .. 154 Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, . . . . . . . . . . 155 Notes ; Criicus pratensis in Co. Dublin. — W. B. Bruce, .. .. .. 155 Allium triquetrum naturalized in Co. Cork. — -N. Coi^GAN, M.RcLA., .. 155 Common Tern (Sterna fluvialitis), n«9ir Kingstown in March. — Prof. C. J. Patten, M.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. 156 Walrus reported from Clew Bay, . . . , . . . . . , 1 56 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST." s. d. WHOI.E Page, .. .. .. From 10 o"] According Half Page, . . . . . ' », 6 o > to Quarter Page, .. .. „ 46] Position. A Reduction given for a Number of Insertions. ALEX. THOM AND CO.. LIMITED. DUBUK. SPECIAL ROSAPENNA CONEERENCE NUMBER. VOL-lXIX. :No 9. SEPTEMBER, tqio. W'.itl •;;'/; .i!X*'** ft'ee: tlironf/h Jioohsellers, 6s. Net. Commuuicatious to be addressed to the Editorsof the Naturalist, The Museum, Hull. NATURE. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. " NATURE " contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within the domain of Science, contributed by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also contains Reviews of ail recent scientir.c works ; Correspondence Columns, which form a medium of scientific ciscussion and of intercommunication among men of Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable papers which appear :n foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academics of the World ; and Notes on ail matters of current scientific interest. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE." £ 'n. d- \ I ''O nil plans Ahfoiii'j .) £ ,v. (/. Yearly 1 8 0 ! Yearly •• 1 10 6 Half-Yearly 0 14 6 j Half-Yearly .. 0 15 6 Quarterly 0 7 6 1 Quarterly .. .. 0 8 0 ' . A charge of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch ahd Irish Cheques. fi Cheques if.nd ]\loney Orders to be made payable to Macmillan & Co., Ltd.. St. MaRTIn"s-st., London, W.C. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND PHGENIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily from 9 a.ni. (^Sundays from 12 noon) till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. k Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. WO CHIIYIPANZEES AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS. YOUNG LEMURS BORN IN THE lYIONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION MARMOSETS PROM BRAZIL. HYBRID ZEBRA FOAL. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. JIEFKESIIMENT JiOOM OPEN ALL THE YEAR, Donations ot Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUS STOCK OF BEASTS AND BIRDS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to- \ R. F. SCHARFF, Uou. Sec, Ii,Z,S., The Museum, Dublin. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LEAFLETS. so. 1. O >> »» 3. »» 4. »» 5. »> 6. »» 7. »> 8. »» 9. »> 10. »> 11. >» 12. >> 13. »» 14. »> 15. »» 16, »> 17. »> 18. »> 19. »> 20. »» 21. »> 22. »> 23. »> 24. »> 25. »» 26. J» 27. >» 28. >> 29. >» 30. >> 31. >» 32. >) 33. >> 34. »» 35. »» 36. t) 37. »> 38. J» 39. >» 40. 1 41. »: 42. »> 43. >> 44. >» 45. >» 46. >• 47. »» 48 >> 49 »» 50 >> 51 -Gapes. The Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Priut. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock kS])raymg. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wireworms. Prevention of White Scour in Calves, Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuflfs Act, 1906, Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter, Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of I'urkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Experiments — Barley. „ ,, Meadow „ „ Potatoes. ,, „ JNIangolds. „ „ Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk " or " Hoose " in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather-Jacket Giub Hay. »> >» »> >» >> 5> >> J> »> >> No. 52. Flax Experiments. 53. The Construction of a Cowhouse. 54. Calf Meal. 55. The Ajjple. 56. Cultivation ot the Root Crop. 57. Fruit Packing. 58. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. 59. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. 60. The Packing of Butter. 61. Out of Print. 62. Plant for Creamery Buildings. | 63. " Redwater" or " Blood-Murrain" ' in Cattle. „ 64. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivatijon in Ireland. „ 65. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands, ,, 66. Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. ,, 67. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber „ 68. Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. „ 69. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. „ 70. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. „ 71. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. „ 72. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber-^ „ 73. The Planting and Management ^ Hedges. '" ,. 74. Some Common Parasiteji. of the Sheep. 75. Barley Sowing. 76. American Gooseberry Mildew. 77. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. 78. Home Buttermaking. 79 The Cultivation of Small Fruits. 80. Catch Ci-ops. 81. Potato Culture on Small Farms. 82. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. 83. Cultivation of Osiers. 84. Ensilage. 85. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. 86. Dirty Milk. 87. Barlev Tln-eshing. 88. The Home Bottling of Fruit. 89. The Construction of Piggeries. 90. The Atlvantages of Early Ploughing. 91. Black Scab in Potatoes. 92. Home Preservation of Eggs. 93. Marketing Wikl Fruits. 94. Cost of Forest Planting. 95. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Eggs. >» jj >> >> >> »> >5 >» J> >5 >> J> »> >> »> »> J> >> »» Copies of the above leaflets can be obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, Upper M err ion-street, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped VST I H. X^ I .A. nM S Sz S O PC" ITatiiial^sts, Furriers, aad Taziderinists, 2. DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups ia the National Museum, Kildare-street. H13AD AND ANTI^ERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CEKVUS GIGANJEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NiTUEAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; •JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. P7'ofessor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Mtcsewn, Edinburgh. This Macazine — a con*;inuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely devoted to the publication of Orii?inal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etc.. and Notes recording the occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. RAY SOCIETY. -:o: ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION ONE GUINEA, Entitling to one volume published at 25.s. net, and occasionally also ■fco an extra volume published at 125. 6d. net, with the privilege of purchasing at a reduced price volumes already issued. Recent publications containing numerous Irish Records : — The British Desmidiaceae. By w. and G. s. West. 3 Yols. with 95 plates (60 coloured) already pubhshed. 255. each. Yol. lY. in preparation for, 1911. The British Tunica.ta.. By Joshua Alder and Albany Hancock. In 3 Yolumes with 66 plates (48 coloured) and many jBgures in the text. Yol. I. 125. 6d. Yol. II. 255. Yol. III. in preparation for 1911. . The British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heiiozoa. By James Cash, assisted by John Hopkinson. In 3 Yolumes. Yols, I. and II. with 33 plates (20 coloured) ana numerouii illustrations in the text, 125. Qd. each. Secretari/— J OB.^ HOPKINSON, F.L.S., Weetwood, Watford.. Agents— DJJLAV & CO., Ltd., 37 Soho Square, London, W. Vol. xix., No. 9. September, 1910. CONTENTS. Irish Field Cluh rNioiNr. — Rhport of tiU': Rosapenna Conference and Excursion, Jilv, ig'o. General Account. — "R. Ll. Praegek, Geolog}'.— J. DE W. H.INCH. Birds.— R. J. Ussher, M.R.I. A., Land and Freshwater MoUusca— .-\. W. Stelfox, A.R.I.B.A and R. Weecii, M.R.I.A., . . Diptera. — Percy H. Grimshaw, F.E.S,, Coleoptera.— Rev. W. F. Johnson, M.A.. Aquatic Coleoptera of West Donegal —F. IUlfour F.rowne M.A., F.R.S.E., Hymenoptera.— Claude Morley, F.E.S., Hemiptera.— J. N. Halbert, M.R.I.A., Apterygota.— Prof. G. H. Carpenter, B.Sc, Aracbnida.— D. R. Pack-Beresford, M.R.I.A., Isopoda Terrestria.— Nevin H. Foster, M.B.O.U., Marine Ampliipodaand Isopoda.— W. M. Tattersall, M.Sc. Phanerogams and Vascular Cryptogams. — R. Ll. Praeger Mosses and Hepatics.— Rev. Canon H. W. Lett, M.A., Archaeology. —Jean Agnew, Folk-lore.— Elizabeth Andrews, Page 166 170 172 17S 179 180 185 185 185 186 187 187 188 192 200 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST.'^ Whole Page, . Half Pagl, Quarter Page, From 10 o] »5 M 6 o 4 6 According to Position. A Reduction given for a Number oj Insertions. AT.F.X. THOai AND CO.. LIMITED. DUBLIN. __J l^ GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. ^: DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. 80 Mid. ABBEY-ST.&40 Lk Sackvili.e-st Belfast: 17 Donegai,l-st. London : SiMPKiN, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd. yanrBiwiiiMiiintwiiitiiiwia^^ 5' THE IRISH NATURALIST for I9I0 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for 5s. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son, Ltd., 40 Lower Sackvlllc-strect, Dublin. .-1 Monthly Illustrated foiirnal of NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.C.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S,, Museum, Hull. Technical College. Huddersfield with the assistance as referees in special departments of J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S. This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating back to 1833. London: A BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, EG. PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Annual Subscription, (is. (id., 2^o«t free; through Booksellers, 6s. Net. Communications to be addressed to the Editorsof the Naturalist, The Museum, Hull. NATURE. A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. I'JtICE SIXPENCE. "NATURE" contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within the domain of Science, contributed by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also contains Reviews of all recent scientific works ; Correspondence Columns, which form a medium of scientific discussion and of intercommunication among men of Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable papers which appear :n foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academics of the World ; and Notes on all matters of current scientific interest. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE." £ n'. d- I ( To all places Abroad.) £ *•. t^ Yearly ■• ..180! Yearly ... .. 1 10 6 Half-Yearly 0 14 6 ; Half- Yearly -. >. 0 15 6 Quarterly 0 7 6! Quarterly .. 080 s«o A charpe of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch and Irish Cheques. Che(iue8 and Money Orders to be made payable to Macmillan & Co., Ltd., St. Martin's-st., London, W.C. THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND PHC£NIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily -from 9 a.iTi. {Sundays from 12 noon) till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. TWO CHIIVIPANZEES AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS. YOUNG LEMURS BORN IN THE MONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION MARMOSETS FROM BRAZIL. HYBRID ZEBRA FOAL. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. BEFHESHMENT liOOM OPEN ALL THE YEAB, Donations of Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUS STOCK OF BEASTS AND BIRDS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to — R, F. SCHARFF, Hon, Sec, R.Z.S., The Museum, Dublin. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. ( LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LEAFLETS. \0. 1. O »> ^Jm >» 3. »> 4. »> o. >J I). r» »» i • »» 8. J» 9. »» 10. »> 11. >> 12. J» 13. »» 14. »> 15. »» 16, »» 17. >> 18. »> 19. J> 20. J? 21. >> 22. >> 23. >> 24. 25. 5J J> 2G. '>7 ?» J> 28. )> 29. »» 30. »9 31. J) 32. »» 33. »> 34. J» 35. J> 30. »5 37. >> 38. 5J 39. >J 40. 9 41. !; 42. )> 43. >> 44. »» 45. »» 4C.. >• 47. »» 48. >» 49. »» 50. >> 51. The Warble Flv. Out of Print. Out of Prhit. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock Spraying. Fluke in Sheep. Timothy ^leadows. The TuVnip Fly. Wirewoniis. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906. Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of ^lanurcs. Swine Fever. Early Potato Growing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultry : — Gapes. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premiu)n Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of I'urkeys. Profitable Breeds of Poultry'. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Field Ex])eriments — Barley. „ ,, Meadow Ha}'. „ „ Potatoes. „ „ Mangolds. „ Oats. „ ,., Tuniips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Chickens. " Husk" or " Hoose" in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. 'J'he Black Currant Mite. Foul lirood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather-Jacket Grub No. 52 53. 54. ;>.>. 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 „ 64. 65. 66. 67 68 69 70 „ 71- 7''^ 73. 74. to. 76. ^ — / /. 78. 79 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. >> 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation ot the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for CVeamerv Buildings. " Redwater" or ""Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands. Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantation';. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasite^: of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberry Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattlt. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty IMilk. Barlev Threshing, The Home Bottling of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Eggs. Copies of the ahore leaflets cnv he ohtnined free of charge and post free, on ap])lication to the Secretary, Defiartment of Ai/rieulture and Technical lnbiuictiUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATUIUL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists^ Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. , Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a continuation of "Tbe Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871 — is entirely devoted to the publication of On urinal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etc., and Notes reeordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful aua interesting facts. Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE -STREET. NOTICE. CONTRIBUTIONS (Articles or Notes) on all branches of Irlsn Natural History are Invited. Articles must reach the EDITORS, on or before the lOth of the Month, for Insertion In the succeeding number. Short Notes will be Inserted. If space permit. If received b«?fore the I5th of the Month. Contributors are earnestly requested not to write their communications on Postcards. Authors of Papers In the IRISH NATURALIST can be supplied with 50 Reprints at the following prices :— 2 pp. ^ 4 pp. Authors should apply for Reprints when returning proofs to the Editors. But any subsequent corresponaence regarding Reprints should be sent to the PRINTERS, MESSRS. A. THOM & CO., 87 MIDDLE ABBEY-STREET, DUBLIN, and NOT to Messrs. Easoti &Son, NOR TO THE EDITORS. Natural History Specimens sent to the Editors will be referred to authorities for identlftcatlone G. H. Carpenter, Royal College of Science^ Dublin. R. Lloyd Praecer, National Library ^ Dublin, Robert Patterson, Glenbank^ Holy woody Co. Down. s. d. s. d. 4 0 6 pp. •mm ^m. 8 0 6 0 8 pp. ••• »»• 9 0 Vol. xix., No. 10. October, CONTENTS. Page Samuel Alexander Stuart (with portrait) : His Life.— REy., C.H. Waddell, B.D., .. .. .. 201 His Work.— -R. Lloyd Pkaeger, . . . . . . . . 205 Is Hyalinia helvetica found in Ireland 1— (Plate 15.) — A. W. Stelfox, . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Observations on the Sanderling of Dublin Bay.— Alex. Williams, i\..xd..i\., .. .. .. .. .. ., 212 Irish Societies : Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, . . . , . . . . 223 Royal Zoological Society.— Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, . . . . 225 Reviews : E. Selous' "Jack's Insects."— (G.H.C.), . . . . . . . . 226 Belfast Naturalists' Field Club Proceedings, .. .. .. 226 Notes : Kerry Plants, Sisyrinchium angustifolium at Lough E)rne. — N. Carrothers, Pyrola secunda refound in Antrim — W. J. C. Tomltnson, . . The Lough Finn Char.— C. Tate Regan, B.A., .. The Jay in Queen's Co. — Victor E. Stephens, . . 227 227 227 ■228 228 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN ** IRISH NATURALIST-" s. d. WHOI.E Page, .. .. .. From 10 oj According Half Page, .. .. .. „ ^ ^} ^^ Quarter Page, .. .. „ 46) ^^^^^^o"- A Reduction given for a Number oJ Insertions. ALBX. THOM AND CO.. LIMITED, DUBLIN. ^^^:' '' VOL. XIX. No. II. ' I NOVEMBER, igio. V^'.'y/^ii a JKoiitiili) Jouninl OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUE, BELFAvST NATURAL HISTORY' & PHILOSOPPIICAL SOCIETY', BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALLSTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUE LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALLSTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Pkof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.la Price 6d. ' L, ^v>^^ DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. 80 Mid. ABBKY-ST.&40 L.^ Sackvili.e-st. Belfast: 17 Doneoai.i,'ST. London : SiMPKiN, Marshall, Hamilton, KENT & Co., LTD. ' 'II :nuwi«'j.!mminu: Hi, iin*"" ---' siCii^ossS^j^ THE miSH NATURALIST for 1910 (twelve parts) will be sent to any Address for Ss. Subscriptions should be sent to Messrs. Eason and Son« Ltd.* 40 Lower Sackvllle-street, Dublin. A Monthly Illustrated /ourtial of KATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. Edited by T. sheppard, f.c.s., and T. w. woodhead, f.l.s.. Museum, Huix. technical College. Huddbrsfield with the assistance as rkferbeb in special departments of J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT. F.L.S., F.E.S. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S. Thus Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicftls in the British Isles, dating back to 183S. London: A, BROWN & SONS, LTD., 5, FARRINGDON AVKNUE, EC PRICE SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE. Annual Subscription, Os, 6d., post free; through HoohsellerSf 6s, Net, Communications to be addressed to the Editors of the Naturalist, The Museum, Hull. NATURE. WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. IfRICE SIXPENCE, " NATURE " contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within tlie domain of Science, contributed by tlie most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also contains Reviews of ail recent scientitc works ; Correspondence Columns, which form a medium of scientinc discussion and of intercommunication among men of Science; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more valuable papers which appear In foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on all matters •f current scientific interest SUBSCRIPTIONS TO "NATURE," ( To all places Abroad.) £ «. d. Yearly .. 1 10 6 Half-Yearly .. .. 0 15 6 Quarterly .. » 0 8 0 »*» A charge of Sixpence is made for changing Scotch and Irish Cheques. Cheques and Money Orders to be made payable to Macmillan & Co., Ltd., St. Mabtik's-st., London, W.C. £ H. d. Yearly .. 18 0 Half-Yearly .. 0 14 6 Quarterly 0 7 6 THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND PHGENIX PARK, DUBLIN. Open daily from 9 a.m. {SniHhft/s from 12 voon) till dusk. Admission, Is., except Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6d., and Sunday Afternoons, 2d. Children, always Half-price. SPECIAL RATES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EXCURSION PARTIES. FINEST COLLECTION OF LIONS IN EUROPE NEW HOUSE WITH PATENT WIRE CAGES NOW COMPLETED. Otters, Seals and Sea-lions in their New Pond. THREE CHIIVIPANZEES AND A GIBBON ARE NOW IN THE GARDENS, YOUNG LEiVlURS BORN IN THE MONKEY-HOUSE NEW LION MARMOSETS FROM BRAZIL. YOUNG LLAMA AND HYBRID ZEBRA FOAL. INDIAN PIGMY CATTLE. nEFliESJIMF.XT ROOM OPEN ALL THE YEAB. Donations ot Animals (Irish or Foreign) thankfully received. SURPLUvS vSTOCK OF BEASTvS AND BIRDvS FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE For particulars, and also for Terms and Privileges of Membership of the Society, apply to — R, F. SCHARFF, Uon» Sec, B.Z.S., The Museum, Dublin. DErAKTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. LIST OF THE D E P A RTIVI ENT 'S LEAFLETS. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse Calf I\Ieal. The Ai)])le. Cultivation ot the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Stati(>n for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print Plant for Creamery Buildings. " Pvedwater" or ""Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Lands, Forestry : The Proper Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Planting, Management, and Preservation of Shelter-Belt and Hedgerow Timber. Forestry : The IManagement of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and Management of Hedges. Some Common Parasites of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseberrj^ Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. The Cultivation of Small Fruits. Catch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cultivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers, Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty Milk. Barle}^ Threshing. The Home Bottling of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries, The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs, Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and to the Sccretarif, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, Upper Merrioji-fitrcet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped Xo 1. The Warble Flv. No. 52. 2. Out of Print. >> 53. 3. Out of Print. >» 54. 4. Out of Print. »» ^>~^. a. Out of Print. 55 56. (). Charlock Spraying. 55 57. Fluke in Sheep. 35 58. S. Timothy Meadows, 55 59. 1), The Turnip Fly, 55 60. 10. Wireworms. 5? 61. 11. Prevention of White Scour in Calves, ?J 62. 12. Out of Print. 55 63. 13. Contagious Abortion in Cattle. 14. Prevention of Potato Blight. 55 64. 15. FertiUzers and Feeding Stutfs Act, 1906, Regulations, 55 65. 16, Sheep Scab. 17. The Cse and Purchase of Manures. 55 66. 18. Swine Fever. 19. Early Potato Growing. 55 67. 20. Calf Rearing. »J 68. 21. Diseases of Poultr}' : — Gapes. 22. Basic Slag. 55 69. 23. Dishorning Calves. 24. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls 55 70. 25. Fowl Cholera. 26. Winter Fattening of Cattle. 55 71. 27. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. 28. Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue 55 72. Quarter, 55 73. 29. Flax Seed. 30. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice. 5« 74. 31. Winter Egg Production. 55 75. 32. Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. 55 76. 33. Profitable Breeds of Poultry. 55 77. 34. The Revival of Tillage. 55 78. 35. The Liming of Land. 55 79 36. Field Experiments — Barley. 55 80. 37. „ „ Meadow Hay. 5> 81. 38. „ „ Potatoes. 55 82. 39. ,, „ Mangolds. 55 83, 40. „ „ Oats. 55 84. 41. „ ,., Turnips. >> 85, 42. Permanent Pasture Grasses. 55 86, >> 43. The Rearing and Management of 55 87. Chickens. 55 88, j> 44. " Husk" or " Hoose" in Calves. '5 89. i> 45. Ringworm on Cattle. 55 90. j> 46. Haymaking. »5 91. >• 47. The Black Currant IMite, 55 92. »> 48. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. ,5 93. »» 49. Poultry Fattening, 55 94. »> 50. Portable Poultry Houses. 55 95. >> 51, The Leather-Jacket Grub Coj nes of the above leaflets can be obtained f 1 ree of c 'w I j^ tlm ijik. isa: a &> s o tc Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 3, DAME-STEEET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS GIGANJEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. TKE AMALS OF SCOTTISH NATUIUL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F,R S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871— is entirely devoted to the publication of Original Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers eontributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etcand Notes recording the occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting faeii Edinbargh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STSEET. NOTICE. CONTRIBUTIONS (Articles or Notes) on all branches of Irlsn Natural History are Invited. Articles must reach the EDITORS, on or before the lOth of the Month, for Insertion In the succeedini? number. Short Notes will be Inserted, If space permit. If received before the 15th of the Month. Contributors are earnestly requested nbt to write their communications on Postcards. Authors of Papers In the IRISH NATURALIST can be supplied with 50 Reprints at the following: prices :— s. d. 8. d. 2 pp. ^ .„ 4 O I 6 pp. ^ ^80 4 pp. .. ...go's pp. ... ... 90 Authors should apply for Reprints when returning: proofs to the Editors. But any subsequent correspondence regrardlng: Reprints should be sent to the PRINTERS, MESSRS. A. THOM & CO., 87 MIDDLE ABBEY-STREET, DUBLIN, and NOT to Messrs. Eason &Son» NOR TO THE EDITORS. natural History Specimens sent to the Editors will be referred to authorities for Identifications G. H. Carpenter, Royal College of Science^ Dublin. R. Lloyd Praeger, National Idbraryy Dublin, Robert Patterson, Glcjibank^ Holywood^ Co. Down. Vol. xix., No. 11. November, 1910. (( Irish CONTENTS. The Irish Whale Fishery. -R. F. Scharff, Ph.D. OBlTrARY. John Cottiie}, REVIKWS : KHot's " British Nudibratichiate MoUusca " (A.R.N.) Johnson's " Flora in Ireland " (R. Li,. Praeger.), Three new Species to *' Cybele Hibernica, " and Topographical Botany."— G. C. Druce, M.A., F.R.S., Notes : Draba incana in Co. Antrim.— W. J. C. Tomlinson,' Alien Plants at Stranmillis, Belfast— N. CarroThers, Campanula Trachelium in Co. Roscommon ; Septoria Lepidii, a new Irish Fungus. — J. Adams, M.A., Habits of Worms ; Worms in Pots. — Rev. H. Friend. Abnormal Coleoptera.— Rev. W. F.Johnson, M.A., Hydroecia crinanensis in Ireland. — H. R. SwEETiNG, M.A., Kerry MoUusca, Distribution of Bythinia Leachii in Ireland. — A. W. StEI«FOX, MoUusca from Cos. Roscommon and Longford. -A. W. Stei«fox, Is Hyalinia helvetica found in Ireland ? R. A. Phii^lips, . . New station for Helix horteusis in Ireland.— H. Fogerty, . . Red-backed Shrike in Ireland.— R. M. BarringTON, M.A. . . Hoopoe in Co. Down.— R. PATTERSON, F.R.S., Arenig Rocks at Courtown, Co. Wexford. — Miss G. L. I5i.r.ES, D.Sc, Irish Societies : Royal Zoological vSociety. — Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, . . Page 221 233 236 237 23S 23a 239 240 24a 240 240 241 242 243 243 243 244 244 TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN ** IRISH NATURALIST.'^ Whoi.e Page, .. Half Page, Qu.\RTER Page, s. d. -om 10 ^1 According >i 6 0 > to If 4 6 Position. A Reduction given for a Number of Insertions. ALXtX. TUOM AND CO.. LIMITED. DUBLIN. ." . • »v^i, VOL. XIX. No 12. DECEMBER, 1910. ■:-:r:v-- 1 i yl 1 OF GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, ORGAN OF THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB, BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB, DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB LIMERICK FIELD CLUB, TYRONE NATURALIvSTS' FIELD CLUB. EDITED BY Prof. GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc, M.R.I.A. R. LLOYD PRAEGER. B.A., B.E. M.R.I.A., AND robert patterson, f.l.s., m.r.i.a Price 6d. g^gjaaggpajKaaMHiLaaMM DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Ltd. 80 Mid. ABBEY-ST.&40 L^- Sackville-st. BEIvFAST: 17 DONEGAIvI.-ST. ^^ London : l^f SlMPKIN, MARSHAI.L, HAMILTON, Kent & Co., Ltd. ^^/.vx^v ^Ml/!i'.i!l-^ § o Q ^ c en o n3 a Oh #N Q E ^ O O ■i— ' a 5 w o CO « CJ • o^ > o 0) O {0 < t o O < ^ [-Eh Pi; '^ o ', pS o w 1) CO 10 CJ > O »5 Oh 1^ >» ■*" >» 3. >» 4. J» ;). >» 0. F" »» /. »» 8. »» 9. >» 10. »» 11. >» 1L>. « « 13. ?• 14. * J 13. >> 16. « « 17. <9 IS. »5 19. ?>. 20. »» 21. <>•> »> J5 23. >) 24. 25. »> J> 26. J» 27. J> 28. »» 29. »> 30. »» 31. •iO J> >> 33. >» 34. >» 35. »» 30. »> 37. J) 38. 5> 39. >» 40. 1 4L 1 • 42. »> 43. »» 44. »» 45. »> 4(). »» 47. »» 48 >> 49 J> 50 >) 51 TJie Warble Fly. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Out of Print. Charlock S})raying. Fluke in Sheep. Tiinolhv Meadows. The Turnip Fly. Wireworins. Prevention of White Scour in Calves. Out of Print. Contagious Abortion, in Cattle. Prevention of Potato Blight. FertiUzers ami Feeding Stuffs Act, 190r>. Regulations. Sheep Scab. The Use and Purchase of Manures. Swine Fever. Early Potato Crowing. Calf Rearing. Diseases of Poultrj'^ ; — Gapts. Basic Slag. Dishorning Calves. Care and Treatment of Premium Bulls Fowl Cholera. Winter Fattening of Cattle. Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. Blackleg, Black Qiiarter, or Blue Quarter. Flax Seed. Poultry Parasites — Fleas, Mites, and Lice, Winter Egg Production. Rearing and Fattening of Turkey.^. Prolitalile Breeds of Poultry. The Revival of Tillage. The Liming of Land. Fieli 1 Experiments — Barley. „ ,, Mead(3W Hay. „ „ Potatoes. „ „ Mangolds. Oats. „ ,, Turnips. Permanent Pasture Grasses. The Rearing and Management of Cliickens. " Husk " or " Hoose " in Calves. Ringworm on Cattle. Haymaking. The Black Currant Mite. Foul Brood or Bee Pest. Poultry Fattening. Portable Poultry Houses. The Leather- Jacket Grub No. 52. »» 53. »» 54. »> ;>o. >» 5G. >> O/. 5> 58. >> 59. J5 GO. ?9 61. {]•> 9* 5> 63. >? 64. >9 65. 5» 66. >» 67. •» 68. J» 69. »» 70. 55 71. 7*^ '5 5» 73. 5" 74. r- ^ 55 /iX 55 76. 55 77. 55 78. 55 79 55 80. 55 81. 55 82. 55 83. 55 84. 55 85. 55 86. 55 87. 55 88. 55 89. 55 90. »» 91. 55 92. 55 93. 5> 94. »» 95. Flax Experiments. The Construction of a Cowhouse. Calf Meal. The Apple. Cultivation of the Root Crop. Fruit Packing. Sprouting Seed Potatoes. Seed Testing Station for Ireland. The Packing of Butter. Out of Print. Plant for Creamery Buildings. "' Redwater" or " Blood-Murrain" in Cattle. Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultivation in Ireland. Forestry : The Planting of Waste Land?. Forestry : The Proper ^Method of Planting Forest Trees. Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber Forestry : Trees for Shelter and Ornament. The Prevention of Tuberculosis in Cattle. Forestry : Plaiiting, Management, and Pieservation of Shelter-Belt and Hetloerow Timber. Forestry : The Management of Plantations. Forestry: Felling and Selling Timber The Planting and ^Management (>i Hedges. Some Common Parasites^ of the Sheep. Barley Sowing. American Gooseljcrr}^ Mildew. Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. Home Buttermaking. Tlie Cultivation of Small Fruits. ('atch Crops. Potato Culture on Small Farms. Cidtivation of Main Crop Potatoes. Cultivation of Osiers. Ensilage. Some Injurious Orchard Insects. Dirty Milk. Barley Threshing. The Home Botthng of Fruit. The Construction of Piggeries. The Advantages of Early Ploughing. Black Scab in Potatoes. Home Preservation of Eggs. Marketing Wild Fruits. Cost of Forest Planting. Store Cattle, or Butter, Bacon, and Eggs. Copies of the above leaflets can he obtained free of charge and post free, on application to the Secretary, Department of Ai/riculture and Technical Instiuction for Ireland, Upper Merrion-Hreet, Dublin. Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped "w I Xj, JL, ij^ :m: & & sore Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 2, DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CEKVUS GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK. TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. THE ANNALS OP SCOTTISH NATUKAL HISTORY. A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE- BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., Member of the British Ornithologists' Union ; JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D , F.R.S., F.L.S. Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S,, &C., Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. This Magazine— a continuation of "The Scottish Naturalist,' founded in 1871— is entirely devoted to the publication of Onsinal Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers oontrihuting to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil. Observations on Life Histories, etc., and Notes recordingthe occurrence of uncommon species and other useful and interesting fact« Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. EXOTIC INSECTS. W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, HAVERSTOCK HILL, LONDON, N.W., Begs CO announce the publication of a new Price List (No. 12) of Exotic Lepidoptera, containing over 5,000 species from all parts of the world at moderate prices, and particulars of many typical collections and cheap parcels. This catalogue and any of the following will be sent post free, on application : — No. 8, Birds' Eggs; No. 9, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes; No. 11, Birds' Skins (5,000 species) ; No. 13, Coleoptera, and general list of Cabinets, Collecting and Preserving Apparatus, and British Lepidoptera LOCALITIES GUARANTEED. SPECIMENS SENT ON APPROVAL. TERMS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN "IRISH NATURALIST.' s. d. Whole Page, . . ... . . From 10 o ) According Half Page, .. .. *> m 6 o> t QUAETER Page, .. .. „ 46! Position. A Reduction given for a Number of Insertions. Vol. xix., No. 12. December, 1910. CONTENTS. Notes on some Irish Coleoptera. — W. E. Sharp, F.E.S., Review : F. B. Kirkman'S "British Bird Book" (C.B.M.), . . Irish Societies : Royal Zoological Societj', Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, Dublin Microscopical Club, . . Notes : Supposed Occurrence of Vitrea (Hyaliuia) helvetica in Ireland. — Rev A. S. Kennard, . . Abundance of Great Northern Divers. — G. H. PknTi,and. RufF in Co. Derry. — D. C. Campbe1vI<, • . Temminck's Stint— R. J. Ussher, D.L., M.R.I.A., Birds of Lough Neagh.— J. Sjngi.ETon Dari^tng, Ravens in Sligo and Leitrim. — Sir Fredk. W. Shaw, Bart The Shore Lark in Ireland.— R. M. Barrington. F.L.S., . Page 245 252 252 254 254 255 255 255 256 256 NOTICE. CONTRIBUTIONS (Articles or Notes) on all branches of Irlsrv Natural History are Invited. Articles must reach the EDITORS, on or before the lOth of the Month, for Insertion In the succeeding number. Short Notes will be Inserted. If space permit. If received before the 15th of the Month. Contributors are earnestly requested not to write their communications on Postcards. Authors of Papers In the IRISH NATURALIST can be supplied with 50 Reprints at the followlngr prices :-> s. d. 4 O S. d. 8 O 2 pp. .„ .^ 4 O I 6 pp. 4 pp. .. ... 6 O I 8 pp. ... .« 9 0 Authors should apply for Reprints when returning: proofs to the Editors. But any subsequent corresponaence reg:ardlne Reprints should be sent to the PRINTERS, MESSRS. A. THOM & CO.» 87 MIDDLE ABBEY-STREET, DUBLIN, and NOT to Messrs. Eason dcSon, NOR TO THE EDITORS. Natural History Specimens sent to the Editors will be referrea to authorities for Identifications G. H. Carpenter, J^ojyal College of Science, Dublin. R. Lloyd Praeger, National Library, Dublin, Robert Patterson, Glenbayik^ Holywood^ Co, Down. Al.li.X. TUO.M AND CO.. LIMITED. DUBLIN. MBL WHOI UBRARY H lABJ M l^-4^ .-.J^X*^ m Mk''^ •' ''! V •■•-., . . , 4... ' , ,,,, y . M-X^^C^ ^ ,1 , ,■ i' f «r ■ - . _ ^„ ^JT-rcj