THE IRISH NATURALIST

^ JJttantliU) gtournal

OF

GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY

ORGAN OF THE

Royal Zoological Society of Ireland ; Dublin Microscopical Clitb ;

Belfast Naturalists' Field Club ; Dublin Naturalists' Field Club ;

Cork Naturalists' Field Club ; Limerick Field Club ;

Tyrone Naturalists' Field Club.

EDITED BY

GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc.Eond., M.R.I.A.,
R. ELOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E., M.R.I.A.,

AND

ROBERT J. WELCH, M.R.I.A.

VOL. XX.

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CONTRIBUTORS CIlibrary

TO THE PRESENT V O I. U M JC

U»i

Adams, John, m.a., Royal College of Science, Dublin. '"""-

Barrett-Hamilton, Major G. E. H., b.a., Kilmanock, New Ross.

Barrington, R. M., m.a., ll.b., Fassaroe, Bray.

Bennett, Arthur f.l.s., High Street, Croydon.

Campbell, D. C, Lcndonderry.

Carpenter, Prof. G. H., b.sc. Royal College of Science, Dublin.

Carrothers, Nathaniel, Belfast.

Cheetham, C. a., Bradford.

Cole, Prof. Grenville A. J., f.g.s.. Royal College of Science, Dublin.

Colgan, Nathaniel, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.

Constable, Rev. W. J., Uppingham.

DoBBS, Mildred Elinor, Camphire, Cappoquin.

Druce, G. Claridge, m.a., Oxford.

Evans, R. W., Corker House, Doneraile.

Fogerty, Harry, Limerick.

Foster, Nevin H., Hillsborough.

Friend, Rev. Hilderic, Swadlincote.

Grove, W. B., m.a.. The University, Birmingham.

Hart, W. E., Kilderry, Co. Donegal.

HiNCH, J. DE W., National Library of Ireland.

Holt, E. W. L., Fisheries Office, Dublin.

Jackson, A. Randell, m.d., Chester.

Johnson, Rev. W. F., m.a., Poyntzpass.

Jones, Staff-Surgeon K. H., m.b., H.M.S. " Irresistable."

Kennard, a. S., Beckenham, Kent.

Leebody, Mrs. M. L (the late). Park Aveliue, Londonderry.

Lindner, Pastor C, Witteburg, Prussia.

Massy, Anne L., Malahide, Co. Dublin.

May, George C, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin.

Moffat, C. B., b.a., 36 Hardwicke Street, Dublin.

Nichols, A. R., m.a.. National Museum, Dublin.

Nicholson, G. W., m.a., m.d.. Cancer Hospital, London.

O'Callaghan, Mrs, J., Swords, Co. Dublin.

O'Connor, Frances S., Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.

Orr, H. L., Garfield Street, Belfast.

Pack-Beresford, D. R., b.a., Fenagh House, Bagenalstown.

Pethybridge, G. H., PH.D., b.sc. Department of Agriculture, Dublin.

Phillips, R. A., Ashburton, Cork.

Praeger, R. Lloyd, b.a.. National Library, Dublin.

Prescott-Decie, Mrs. M. E., Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare.

iv List of Cojilribnlors,

Reid, Clement, f.r.s.. Geological Survey, Loudon.

Sanderson, A. R., Bradford.

ScHARFF, R. F., PH.D., B.sc, National Museum, Dublin.

Selbie, Colin M., b.sc, National Museum, Dublin.

Sherkard, G. O., a.r.c.sc. Department of Agriculture, DuMui.

SourHEHN, Rowland, b.sc. Fisheries Office, Dublin.

Stelfox, \. W., Delamere, Chlorine Gard'"ns, Belfast.

Stephens, Norman E., Rathmines, Dublin.

Stewart, S. A. (the late), Belfast.

Swain, Prof, Isaac, b.a., University College, Cork,

SwiNEY, J. H. H., Belfast.

Trevelan, Major Herbert, Naval and Military Club, London.

UssHER, R. J., Cappagh House, Co. Waterford.

Warren, Robert, Monkstown, Co, Cork.

Welch, Robert J., 49 Lonsdale Street, Belfast.

Williams, W. J., Dame Street, Dublin.

Wise, L. H. Bonaparte, EaUng Common, Lonrlon.

PLATES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

Erigoue Welchii, . . . . . . . . To face page 3 1

Proisotoma ultonica . . . . . . . . page 84

Biological Subdivision of Ireland, . . . . „ page 88

Bird-rush of March 29-30, . . . . . . „ page 79

INDEX.

Acrotelsa collaris, 93

Adams, J. : Censui of Irish

Cryptogams, S7 ; Irish Algae,

Uchens and fungi, additions to,

to the end of the year 1910, 67 ;

Two parasitic fungi new to

Ireland, 135.
Atliantum Capillus-Veneris, new

locality for, 163.
Aegisthus mucronatus, 93.
Algae, Irish, additions to, to the

end of 1910, 67.
Amphipoda, 15.
Apterygota, New Irish, 81.
Arcyria punicea, 33.
Arum maculatum. Leaf blotchings,

inheritance, 210

Barnacles, new Irish, 148.

Barrett-Hamilton, Gerald E. H. :
" History of British Mammals "
(reviewed), 86 ; Former occur-
rence of Wild Cat in Ireland, SS-

Barrington, Richard M. : Barrett-
Hamilton's " History of British
Mammals" (review), 86 ; Bird-
rush, night of March 29-30, as
observed in Ireland, 97 ; Black
Redstart in Co. Waterford, 16 ;
Fulmar Petrel breeding in Ire-
land, 148 ; General Index to
Irish Natuvalist, 196 ; Irish
Coal-tit, 79 ; Marsh Tit and
Nuthatch, introduction into
Ireland, 220.

Bat, Leisler's, Hibernation of, 115.

Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, 34,
60, 70, 132, 144, 160, 182, 197.

Bennett, A. : Catabrosa aqua-
tica, var. littoralis, 39.

Birds: Bird notes, Irish, 136;
Bird-rush, March 29-30, Ireland

97-
Bispira vohitocornis, 60.
Bowles, William . " Historia

Natural de Espana, i.
Bream and Rudd, Hybrid, 16.
Bulbophyllum lemniscatoides, 12 .

Caiman, W. T. : " Life of Crusta-
cea " (reviewed), 186 ; Paromola
Cuvieri off south-west Ireland, 75

Campbell, D. C. : Ornithological
Notes from Londonderry, 19 10,
39 ; Scops Owl in Donegal, 1 86.

Caricea means in Donegal, 164.

Carpenter, G. H. : Caiman's " Life
of Crustacea" (review), 186;
Gamble's " Animal World "
(review), 158; Geddes and

Thomson's " Evolution," (re-
view), 157; New Irish Aptery-
gota, 81 ; Thomson's " Outlines
of Zoology" (review), 75.

Carrothers, Nathaniel : Spiranthes
Ronianzoffiana in Co. Down, 184.

Castalia Candida in Ireland, 198.

Catabrosa aquatica, var. littoralis,

39-

Cheetham, C. A., and A. R.

Sanderson : Some Notes from the
West coast, 64.

Clare Island Survey, 61, no.

Coal-tit : Irish, 44, 79 ; Ulster, 79.

Cole, Grenville A. J., Alleged
Meteorite from Co. Down, 40.

Coleoptera : Co. Kerry, 55; Co.
Meath, Second list, 139.

Colgan, Nathaniel : On the in-
heritance of pitted leaf -blotch-
ings in Arum maculatum, and on
floral variations of the species,
210; An Irish Naturalist in
Spain in the Eighteenth Century,
I.

Coniothyrium Fuckelii, 12.

Constable, W. J. : Luvarus im-
perialis on the coast of Donegal,
78.

Copepoda, Marine, distribution, 199.

Cork Naturalists' Field Club : 13,

114, ^3i-
Cowries : Money Cowry in Ireland

and England, 185.
Cryptogams : Extinction of, in

Ireland, 135 ; Census of Irish

Cryptogams, 87.
Cumacean new to Ireland, jy.

Dace in Ireland, 116.

Dipper, Irish, 44.

Dobbs, Mildred Elinor : " Luminous

"Owls," 124.
Dooaghtry, Note on, 193.
Druce, G. Claridge : British Utri-

culariae, 117; Two Plants new

to Ireland, 198
Dublin Co. Plants : Vaccinium

Oxycoccos and Helleborus foe-

tidus, 164.
Dublin Microscopical Club : 12, 33,

60, 69, 93, 113, 132.
Dublin Naturalists' Field Club : 7 1

94, 143-

Edwardes, Tickner : " Lore of the
Honey Bee " (reviewed), 148.

Entomological Notes, 219.

Erica tetralix X E. vagans in
Cornwall, 198.

Jl 13 3~3

VI

Index.

Erigone Welchii, 28.

Eriophycs ]>yn, 113.

Evans, Robert W. : The Gortmorc

Cave, 40 ; Notes on the Ovens

Caves, Co. Cork, 179.

Flora of Inishbofin, 165.

" Flora von Irland " Review, 14.

Fluctuations of the Sea Level on
our own Coasts, 17.

Fly, Hyetodesia variegata, Mg., in
Co. Fermanagh, 136.

Fogcrty, Harry : Mollusca of Co.
Limerick, 1 36.

Foster, Nevin H. : Nagara nana —
a correction, 184 ; Trichoniscus
Stebbingi in Down and Antrim,
95 ; On two exotic species of
Woodlice found in Ireland, 1 54.

Friend, Hilderic : Irish water
worms, 14 ; Worms as plant
pests, 14.

Fulmar Petrel, breeding \\\ Ireland,
148, 149, 152.

Fungi : Antrim Coast, 142 ; Co.
Antrim, 181 ; Fungi, lichens and
algae, Irish additions to to end of
1910, 67 ; Irish records of, 198 ;
Two parasitic fungi new to
Ireland, 135.

Gamble, F. W. : " Animal World,"
with introduction by Sir Oliver
Lodge (reviewed) 158.

Geaster fornicatus, 69.

Geddes, Patrick, and T. .Arthur
Thomson : " Evolution " (re-
viewed, 157.

Ghost Moth, local name for, 164.

Godwits, Black-tailed, 220 ; in
Waterford, Wexford, and Cork,
200.

Goose, Barnacle. Co. Wexford, 220.

Gcrtmore Cave, 40.

Grove, W. B. : Fungi from the
Antrim Coast. 142 ; Fungi from
Co. Antrim. 181 ; Records of
Irish fungi, 198.

Hallissy, T., J. K. Kilroe and H. J.
Seymour : " Geological features
and Soils of the Agricultural
Station of the Department of
Agriculture at Ballyhaise, Cavan"
(reviewed), 53.

Hart, W. E. : The Ulster Coal-tit.

79-
Heliothrips haemonhoidalis, 13.
Heli.x cantiana introduced in Cork,

15-

Helleborus foetidus, Co. Dublin, 164.

Hinch, J de W : A Higli-level
dej)osit of Marine Shells in
Curraun Achill, Co. Mayo, i8q.

Holt, E. W. L. : Dace in Ireland,
116; Pelamys sarda in Irish
Waters, 185.

Hybrid between Bream and Rudd,
16.

Hyalinia Rogcrsi introduced at
Hillsborough, TT-

Hyetodesia variegata, Co. Fer-
managh, 136.

Hymenoptera from Ulster, 76.

Hypochnus Solani, 132.

'• Ignis fatuus " versus " Luminous

owls," 177.
Index, general, to Irish Natttrulist,

Irish Fiekl Club Union .\ccounts,

.3S.
Irish Naturalist in Spain in the

Eighteenth Century (Bowles), i.
Isopoda, Terrestrial, found in

Dublin and Wicklow during 191 i,

195-

Jackson, A. Randell : On a Spider
new to science recently found in
Ireland, 28.

Jay, Irish, 44.

Johnson, W. F. : Entomological
Notes, 219 ; Local name for the
Ghost Moth, 164 ; A varietv of
the Magpie Moth, 185.

Johnson, T. : " Flora cf Ireland "
reviewed, 14.

Jones, Staff-Surgeon K. H. : Notes
of certain terrestrial and fiuvi-
atile Mollusca from Glengariff.
Co. Cork, 137.

Kennard, .\. G., and B. B. Wood-
ward : Notes on Non-marine
Mollusca from some Irish lakes
obtained by Major H. Trevelyan,
46.

Kilroe, J. R., H. J. Seymour and
T. Hallissy: " Geological features
and soils of the Agricultural
Station of the Department of
Agriculture at Ballyhaise, Cavan"
(reviewed), 53.

Kinetoskias Smithi, 69.

Kirkman, F. B. : " British Bird
Book," Part II. to V. (reviewed),
159.

Index.

Vll

Land rail in December, 79.
Leebody, Mary Isabella, Obituary

notice of, 218 ; Secalc coreale in

Co. Donegal, 148.
Lcaf-blotchinf;s in Arum macu-

latum, inheritance of, 210.
Lepidoptcra from Ulster, 76.
Lichens, Irish additions to, to end

of 1910, 67.
Limerick Field Club, ij.
Lindner, Pastor C. : " Ignis fatuus "

versus "luminous owls" 177.
" Luminous Owls," 124, 177.
Luvarus imperialis on Donegal

coast, 78.

MacGillivray, William : " Life of
William " MacGillivray " (re-
viewed), 10.

Mcintosh, W. C. : " Monograph of
the British Annelida " (reviewed)
51-

Magpie Moth, variety of, 185.

Marsh Tit, introduction into Ireland
220.

Marine Shells, deposit of, in Cur-
raun Achill, Co. Mayo, 1S9.

Massy, Anne L. : Mollusca and a
Cumacean new to Ireland, yj.

May, George C. : Sparrow Hawk
laying twice in same nest, 136.

Membranipora spinifera, 12.

Meteorite, alleged, from Co. Down,
40.

Moffat, C. B. : Hibernation of
Leisler's Bat, 115; Kirkman's
" British Bird Book " (review),
159; "Luminous Owls," 124;
MacGillivray's " Life of William
MacGillivray " (review) 10 ;
Nuthatch in Ireland, 115;
Smith's " Aigrettes and Bird-
skins " (review), 11.

Mollusca : Glacial lake near Moira,
1 36 ; Land Mollusca from North
Antrim, 39 ; Co. Limerick, 136 ;
Mollusca new to Ireland, yy ;
Non -Marine, from some Irish
lakes, 46 ; Terrestrial and fluvi-
atile, Glengariff, 137.

Nagara nana — a correction, 184.

Nematode, marine, 113.

News Gleanings. 32, 123, 140, 217.

Nichols, A. R. : American Blue-
winged Teal in Ireland, 16 ;
Barnacle Goose in Co. Wexford,
220 ; Irish Dipper, Jay, and
Coal-titmouse, 44.

Nicholson, G. W. : A Second list of
Coleoptera from the Co. Meath,
1.39 ; Qucdins ol)litcratus from
Co. Cavan, 55.

Nuthatch, 95, 115.

Nuthatch, introduction into Ireland
220.

Obituary : Leebody, Alary Isabella,
218 ; Vowell, Richard Prender-
gast, 218.

O'Callaghan, J. : Co. Dublin plants,
164.

O'Connor, Francis S. : Land
Mollusca from North Antrim, 39.

Oedemagena tarandi, 13, 33.

Ornithological notes from London-
derry, 1910, 39.

Orr, H. L. : Hymenoptera from
Ulster, 76.

Ovens Caves, Co. Cork, 179.

Owl, Scops, in Donegal, 186.

Pack-Beresford, Denis R. : Mealy

Redpoll in Co. Carlow, y'^ ; Quail

in Ireland, 220 ; Some new Irish

Spiders, 173.
Parasitic rose canker, 12.
Paromola Cuvieri off S. W. Ireland,

75-
Pelamys sarda in Irish waters, 185.
Peridermium Pini f. corticola, 60.
Peronospora al! a, 135.
Pestalozzia Guspini, 114.
Pethybridge, G. H. : Contents of

Pheasant's and Woodpigeon's

Crops, 54.
Pheasant's Crops, Contents, 54.
Phillips, R. A. : HeUx cantiana

introduced in Cork, 15.
Phytophthora infcstans, 93,
Plant population of British Isles,

Relation to glacial period, 201.
Plants, Irish, recent notices, 116.
Post-glacial lake deposit, 96.
Praeger, R. Lloyd : Clare Island

Survey, progress during 1 910, 61 ;

A note on Dooaghtry, 193 ; Notes

on the Flora of Inishbofin, 165 ;

Saxifraga nivalis in Co. Sligo,

135 ; Utricularia ochroleuca, 199.
Prescott-Decie, M. E. : A new

locality for Adiantum Capillus-

Veneris, 163.
Proisotoma ultonica, 83.
Protzia eximia, 114.
Puccinia coronifera, 135.

Quail in Ireland, 220.
Quedus obliteratus from Co, Cavan,
55-

Vlll

Index.

Redpoll, Mealy, Co. Cailow, 79.

Redstart, Black, in Co. Waterford.
16, 220.

Kegan, C. Tate : " Freshwater
fishes of the British Isles " (re-
viewed), 187.

Rcid, Clement : On the relation of
the present Plant ])0})ulation of
the British Isles to the glacial
period, 201.

Reviews : Barrett-Hamilton's
" History of British Mammals,"
86 ; Caiman's " Life of Crust-
acea." 186 ; Edwardes' " Lore of
the Honey Bee," 148 ; Gamble's
"Animal World," 158; Geddes
and Thomson's " Evolution,"
157 ; Kilroe, Seymour, and
Hallissy's " Geological features
and Soils of the Agricultural
Station of the Department of
Agriculture at Ballyhaise, Cavan"
53 ; Kirkman's " British Bird
Book," Parts 2 to 5, 159; Mac-
Gillivray's " Life of William
MacGillivray," 10 ; Mcintosh's
" Monograph of the British
Annelida," 51 ; Regan's " Fresh-
water fishes of the British Isles,"
187 ; Smith's " Aigrettes and
Birdskins," 1 1 ; Thomson's
" Outlines of Zoology," 75.

Royal Zoological Society of Ireland,
\z, 32, 56, 69, 93, 131, 143, iSi,
197, 209.

Rudd and Bream, Hybrid, 16.

Sanderson, A. R., and C. A.
Cheetham : Some notes from the
West coast, 64.

Saxifraga nivalis, Co. Sligo, 135.

Scaptomyza Haveola, T32.

Scelerotinia cinerea, 93.

Scharff, R. F. : Some notes on
Irish Seals, 41 ; The Irish Whale
fishery, 141 ; Regan's " Fresh-
water fishes of the British Isles,"
(review), 187 ; Ringed Seal in
Irish waters, 80.

Sea Level, latest fluctuations of, on
our own coasts, 17.

Seal, Ringed, in Irish waters, 80.

Seals, Irish, some notes on, 41.

Secale cereale in Donegal. 148.

Selbie. Colin M. : Marine Copepoda,
distribution, 199.

Seymour, H. J., J. R. Kilroe and
T. Hallissy : " Geological fea-
tures and Soils of the Agricultural
Station of the Department of

Agriculture at Ballyhaise,
Cavan," (reviewed), 53.

Sherrard, G. O.: Edwardes' " Lore
of the Honey Bee," (review),
148.

Smilodon californicus, 33.

Smith, Harold Hamel : " Aigrettes
and Birdskins" (reviewed), 11.

Southern, R. : M'lntosh's " Mono-
graph of the British Annelida "
(review), 52 ; Some new Irish
Worms, 5.

Sparrow-hawk, laying twice in
same nest, 136.

Sphacrolaimus, 113.

Spiders, new Irish, 173.

Spiranthes Ronianzotfiana in Co.
Down, 184.

Stelfox. A. W. : Hyalinia Rogersi
introduced at Hillsborough, ■]■].

Stephens, Norman E. : Terrestrial
isopoda found in Cos. Dublin and
Wicklow during 191 1, 195.

Stewart, S. A. : The latest fluctua-
tions of the sea level on our own
coasts, 17.

Swain, Isaac : Kilroe, Seymour and
Hallissy's " Geological features
and Soils of the Agricultural
Station of the Department of
Agriculture at Ballyhaise, Cavan"
(review), 53 ; MoUusca from
the glacial lake near Moira, 1 36 ;
A Post-glacial lake deposit, 96.

Swiney, J. H. H. ; Landrail in
December, 79.

Teal, American Blue-winged, in
Ireland, 16.

Thcrmobia domcstica, 81.

Thomson, J. Arthur : " Outlines of
Zoology " (reviewed), 75.

Thomson, J. Arthur, and Patrick
Geddes : " Evolution " (re-
viewed), 157.

Tingis histricellus, 69.

Trevelyan, Herbert : Caricea
means in Co. Donegal, 164 ; A
Rare fly in Co. Fermanagh, 136.

Trichocephalus alhnis, t,s.

Trichoniscus Stebbingi in Down
and Antrim, 95.

Uredineae, Irish, 184.

Ussher, R. J. : Black Redstart in
. Co. Waterford, 16, 220 ; Black-
tailed Godwit, 220 ; Black-tailed
Godwits in Cos. Wexford, Water-
ford and Cork, 200 ; Fulmar
Petrel breeding in Ireland, 148,
149.

Index.

IX

Utricularia ochroleuca, 199.
Utriculanae, British, 117.

Vaccinium Oxycoccos in Co.

Dublin, 164.
Vespa sylvestris, 33.
Viola epipsila in Ireland, 198.
Vowell, Richard Prendergast :

Obituary notice of, 218.

Warren, Robert : Wild -cat in

Ireland, 80, 96.
Welch, R. : The Money CowTy in

Ireland and England, 185.
Whale fishery, Irish, 141.

Wild-cat, Ireland, 55, 80, 96.
Williams. W. J. : Nuthatch in

Ireland, 95.
Wise, L. H. Bonaparte : Cole-

optera from Co. Kerry, 55.
Woodlice, Two exotic species found

in Ireland, 154.
Wood -pigeon's Crop, contents, 54.
Woodward, B. B., and A. S.

Kennard : Non-Marine Mollusca

from some Irish lakes, obtained

by Major Trevelyan, 46.
Worms : Irish Water Worms, 14 ;

New Irish, 5 ; Worms as plant

pests, 14.

©ije ^v\&\j llatxtvali^t.

VOLUME XX.

AN IRISH NATURALIST IN SPAIN IN THE
EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

BY NATHANIEL COLGAN, M.R.T.A.

Two years ago while turning over the second-hand volumes
displayed on a barrow in Aston' s Place, that favoured haunt
of Dublin book-hunters, my eye was caught by a small
quarto, full-bound and with richly-tooled back, which lay
half buried under a set of Blair's Sermons. On examination
the quarto turned out to be the third edition of a Spanish
treatise on the Natural History of the Peninsula, written
by a native of Ireland and published at Madrid in 1789.
A payment of two pence was sufficient to effect a transfer
of the property in the volume from the literary man in
charge of the barrow to the writer of these notes, the
transaction giving equal satisfaction to both parties.

The full title of the book runs thus : — Introdiiccion a la
Historia Natural y a la Geografia "Fisica dc Espana por D.
Guillermo Bowles. It cannot be said that Don Guillermo
Bowles is unknown in these countries. The all-embracing
Dictionary of National Biography has, indeed, a good deal
to say about him, most of it drawn from Don Joseph
Nicolas de Azara's preface to the second edition of the
Introduccion, reproduced in the third edition ; yet for all
that it is safe to assume that very little is known of Bowles
or of his work in his native country, and that a few notes
on both may be acceptable to readers of this journal.

William Bowles was born in a village near Cork about
the year 1705. Having devoted his youth and early

A

2 The hish Naturalist. January,

manhood to the uncongenial study of law, he finally
abandoned it and in 1740 proceeded to Paris, where,
following his natural bent, he gave himself up to the pursuit
of Natural History, Chemistry, Metallurgy, and Anatomy.
He subsequently travelled over the greater part of France,
making observations on the botany and mineralogy of the
various provinces visited. In 1752, meeting casually in
Paris with Don Antonio de Ulloa, he accepted the proposal
made to him by that gentleman on behalf of the Spanish
government that he should remove to Spain and there
devote himself to the inspection of mines and to the
foundation of a chemical laboratory, and a Cabinet of
Natural History. Immediately on his arrival in Spain
Bowles entered on an extended course of travel through the
Peninsula, paying special attention to its rich mines and
mineral deposits, but at the same time making observations
in all departments of natural history and collecting specimens
for the projected Cabinet or Museum. In his various
journej^s, spreading over many years, he was accompanied
by his wdfe, Dofia Anna Regina Rustein, a native of
Germany. Bowles died at Madrid in 1780, and was buried
in the parish church of San Martin in that city.

A work long much esteemed for its scientific value as
the first attempt at a Natural History of the Peninsula, the
Introduccion of Bowles may still be read with great interest
and especially by Irishmen, since the author makes frequent
references in its pages to his native country. The writer
is a keen observer and an acute reasoner and speculator,
though he more than once cautions his readers that while
placing full reliance on his facts they should closely examine
his theories. The first edition of the work was published
in 1775, and John Talbot Dillon's Travels through Spain,
published in London five years later, is in substance, though
not in form, a translation from the Spanish first edition.
The following passages from the third Spanish edition are
selected either as containing references direct or indirect
to Ireland, or as illustrating the acuteness of the author
and the nature of the views then prevalent on vexed
questions in natural history.

191 1. CoLGAN. — An Irish Naturalist in Spain. 3

Saint Dabeoc's Heath {Dabeocia polifolia). — On p. 403
describing a journey from Pampluna to St. Jean Pied-de-
Port by Burguete and Roncesvalles at the western end of
the Pyrenees, Bowles has the following passage of con-
siderable interest to Irish botanists as illustrating the
endurance of rigorous climatic conditions by our Connemara
or St. Dabeoc's Heath : —

All the mountains of Burguete have a deep soil yielding rich pasture
for cattle, but the situation is so elevated and cold that it produces

neither wheat nor barley Amongst the plants I noticed here

were the Yellow Foxglove, Lychnis, Hypericum or St. John's Wort,
Wild Mallow, Holly, Saint Dabeoc's Heath {Erica cantabrica niyrti folio
subtus incano magna flore) the Raspberry, Euphrasia, and the Red
Whortleberry. All of these plants grow and bloom in a country covered
with snow for five months in the year.

The height at which Bowles here gathered St. Dabeoc's
Heath was probably about 2,000 feet, and the country is
described by Count Henri Russell in his Grandes Ascensio7is
des Pyrenees as recalling by its verdure " the humid and
mountainous Ireland."

The Potato introduced to Ireland from Spain. —
In the following passage of his chapter De Algunas Plantas
de Espana Bowles contributes something to the vexed
question of the origin of potarto cultivation in Europe : —

Potatoes came from America and were brought by the Spaniards to
Galicia whence they have spread all over Europe. The first place to
which they were carried from Galicia was Ireland, where they throve to
such a degree that they have become almost the sole sustenance of the
people.

As De Candolle has shown in his Origin of Cultivated
Plants, Sir Walter Raleigh was anticipated by the Spaniards
in the introduction of the potato to Europe. Whether he
was anticipated by some Galician trader in the introduction
of the root to Ireland, is a question not easy to decide, for
Bowles indicates no authority for his confident assertion
that the potato first reached our island from Galicia.

Irish Hounds exported to Spain.— In a ver}?^
interesting chapter on the Basque province of Biscay {De
Vizcaya en General) occurs the following passage, referring,
perhaps, to the Irish wolf-hound, which it is well known
was frequently exported from our island in former days;

a2

4 . The Irish Naturalist. January,

The Spanish term, pcrros lebrcles, used in this passage is,
however, the equivalent of the Enghsh word, greyhound : —

The common wolf is rare because few sheep arc kept or because the
country being overspread with farmsteads the animals are chased and
killed as soon as they are sighted, and for this work the hounds brought
into the country from Ireland are excellent.

A Foretaste of Darwinism. — In the chapter already
quoted from as containing a reference to St. Dabeoc's
Heath, Bowles makes the following remark on the pigs of
the mountain country between Roncesvalles and St. Jean
Pied-de-Port :—

I remarked that the hogs of all this country had stiff erect ears like
the wild boars, because they live at large in the open country as the
boars do.

Tree-bearing Capacity of Mountains. — The chapter
on Biscay, which, amongst other things, notes the abundance
there of the Arbutus {Madrono) in natural groves and of St.
Dabeoc's Heath in the open grounds, has the following
curious passage : —

It will not be out of place to repeat here the observation, however
trite it may appear, that mountainous countries such as Biscay do not
produce according to their superficies, but according to their base ; for
since plants grow up vertically, the ground in oblique superficies cannot
maintain more plants or trees than would be maintained by a plane
surface equal to the base, just as we cannot erect on the sides of a
triangle more vertical lines than we can erect on its base.

Dissemination of Plants by Lizards. — The following
remarks which occur in a chapter on the Tree-fungi of
Biscay {De diierentes Especies de Agaricos que se crian en
los Arboles) would appear to be quite original and to show
that Bowles's views were in advance of his time : —

In the northern countries of Spain by reason of their humidity, many
mosses grow on walls and on old and hollow trees. These mosses decay
and form a vegetable soil in which many plants spring up, because the
seeds are carried there by the winds and the birds and the lizards. The
greater part of the seeds of these plants pass uninjured through the
stomachs of these animals ; for I myself have observed tliat the lizards
swallow the seeds of the violet and deposit them in the walls along with
their eggs.

Dissemination of Plants by Cattle. — Bearing on
this subject of plant dissemination is another passage which
occurs on p. 391 in a chapter describing a journey from
Bayonne to Madrid by Elizonda and Pamplona. Observing

igii- CoLGAN. — Afi Irish Naturalist in. Spain. 5

the peculiar vegetation growing in the neighbourhood of a
high-level inn or Venta, Bowles says : —

I believe that if a house were to be built and inhabited on the top
of the highest and most desert mountain where no plant had ever grown,
and if the soil were to be worked up and manured with cattle droppings
we should soon see springing up there the plants commonly found in
the neighbourhood of villages and in the plains. From this I conclude
that it is no good rule for determining the height of various lands to
observe generally the plants which grow in each, unless we distinguish
the spontaneous plants from those which are not spontaneous ; for if we
do not make this distinction the hill of Meudon near Paris will be found
to be as lofty as the Pyrenees.

Bowles has much to say on animal instinct, especially
the migratory instinct in birds, and on the importance to
the lower animals of their highly developed sense of smell,
but there is no space here to quote any of his acute
observations and reasonings on these subjects nor to give
a rendering of his curious parallel between the manners
and customs of the Irish and the Basques. The brief
survey of his Introduccion here given will, it is hoped,
suffice to show that the work is one of no small interest
and value to all who study what may be called the history
of Natural History.

Sandycove, Co. Dublin.

SOME NEW IRISH WORMS.

BY R. SOUTHERN, B.SC.

DoLicHOPLANA FiELDtNi, von Graff.

1899. V. Graff : Monographic der Turbellarien, ii., p. 533.

On the 23rd of July, 1909, I received a large Land
Planarian from the Orchid House of the Botanic Gardens,
Glasnevin. The " Hammer-headed Worm," Placoccphalus
kcwense (Mos.), has been frequently found there, but the
present worm is quite distinct from this both in colour and
in the shape of the head, which is conical, and not broader
than the rest of the body. It appeared to be most nearly
related to a species called Dolichoplana Fieldeni, described
by von Graff {torn, cit.), which has been found in Java,

6 The Irish Naturalist. January,

Ceylon, and the Barbadoes. The specimen was sent to
Professor von Graff, but unfortunately it was lost in transit.
During the following October another specimen was found
in the same })lace. It was sent to von Graff, who confirmed
the identification. Since then, several other specimens have
been found, and the species seems to be well established in
Glasnevin. It is distinguished by the following external
characters : — It is up to i6o mm. long, and 2-4 mm. wide.
These dimensions depend on the state of contraction, which
varies within wide limits. The width of the body gradually
diminishes towards the head and tail. Near the tip of the
head are two small black eyes. The back is marked by
six longitudinal lines, the middle pair being dark brown,
the others black. The ground colour is greyish yellow.
The lines of the central pair are close together, and compara-
tively inconspicuous, and do not reach the head. On each
side of these, there is a broad black line, running the whole
length of the body. Their outlines become diffuse in front,
where they fuse together. Outside these, there is a third
pair of lines which is not quite so conspicuous. Though
there is considerable variation in detail, this relationship of
the longitudinal lines is fairly constant. The ventral
surface is marked by a broad longitudinal grey stripe,
which constitutes the " sole " of the body, on which the
animal crawls.

The wide distribution of this species, together with its
presence in the Botanic Gardens at Dublin, would show
that it is easily carried about alive, probably in the roots of
plants, resembling Placocephalus kewense in this respect.

PROSTOMA CLEPSINOIDES. Ant. Duges.

1904. O. Biirger : Das Tierreich, 20 Lief., p. 68.

The occurrence of this fresh -water Ncmertine in the
Grand Canal at Clondalkin, Co. Dublin, in October, 1908,
has been already recorded V In November of the same
year, it was also found in the Royal Canal, near Dublin.

' Nature, vol. Ixxix., p. 8. 1908.

rgii- Southern. — Some New hish Worms. 7

Professor Benham recorded^ the discovery of a fresh-
water Nemertine Hving in the River Cherwell, at Oxford.
He found only a single immature specimen which was
accidently destroyed before the specific title was definitely
determined. He gives some details of its structure, which
agree closely with observations on the Irish specimens.

Miss Sheldon sa\s^ that Beddard found a Nemertine in
one of the tanks in the Botanic Gardens in Regent's Park,
London, which he referred to the species Tetrastemma
(Prostoma) aqiiarum dulcium, Silliman. The opinion is also
given that " it had almost certainly been introduced among
the roots of plants, and cannot be considered as a British
species." As the last-named species is now considered as
probably synonymous with Prostoma clepsinoides, Ant.
Duges, this expression of opinion is rather too emphatic.
These are the only records of fresh -water Nemertines in the
British Isles, and it is highly probable that they refer to
the same species, for which the name Prostoma clepsinoides,
Ant. Duges, has priority.

Seven species of fresh -water Nemertines, all belonging
to the genus Prostoma (Tetrastemma), are recognised by
Burger {torn, cit., p. 68). Our knowledge of their anatomy
is very slight, and is in great need of revision and enlarge-
ment. Burger rehes chiefly on their methods of reproduction
to distinguish the species, a most unsatisfactory m.ethod in
practice. As our knowledge of the group increases, it will
probably be found necessary to reduce the number of
species.

The Irish specimens were 10-15 mm. long. The majority
were immature, but a few of them bore eggs. They were
reddish -brown, brick-, or rose-coloured ; young specimens
were pale buff in colour. There are three pairs of eyes on
the head, the distance between the first and second pairs
being slightly greater than that between the second and
third.

The epidermis bears a large number of clear oval glands.
There is only a little faint yellow pigment in the skin, but

1 Nature, vol. xlvi., p. 6ii. 1892.
'Cambridge Natural History, vol. ii., p. 118.

§ The Irish Naturalist. January,

the nervous system is deeply coloured. Tliere is a pair of
ciliated grooves running backwards from the side of the
head, between the first and second pairs of eyes.

The vascular system is easily seen, and of simple
arrangement. It consists essentially of three longitudinal
vessels which meet just behind, and dorsal to the anus.
In front, the}^ meet just behind the brain, and from the
wide junction thus formed, a prominent loop runs round
the margin of the head.

The base of the stylet is oval and massive ; the stylet
is slender, and slightly shorter than the base. There are
two reserve stylet pouches, each containing 4-6 stylets.

Geonemertes chalicophoka, von Graff.
1879. V. Graff : Morphol. Jahrhuch, vol. v., p. 430.

Only a single species of terrestrial Nemertine has been
recorded from Europe. It was found in the Palm-house
of the Botanic Gardens at Frankfort -on -Main, by von
Graff, who described it under the above name. It has
apparently not been observed since.

On December 17th, 1908, Mr. Halbert found numerous
specimens under flower-pots in several hot-houses at the
Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Eight species of land Nemertines have been described,
and of these, seven live in tropical coimtries. The first
one was found in the Bermudas, and the other six species
live in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.
It is therefore very improbable that the present species is
indigenous in Europe, and it has probably been introduced
into its two known habitats with exotic plants. Nothing
is known as to its true home. Von Graff found it in the
soil of a vessel containing Corypha anstralis, R. Br., a plant
indigenous to eastern Australia.

The Irish specimens are 5-8 mm. long, and of a faint
yellowish colour. There are two pairs of eyes, the anterior
pair being larger and nearer together than the hind pair.
There are two stylet pouches, each containing five reserve
stylets.

All the specimens were females, and no male of this
species has ever yet been observed.

tgii. SouTHKRN. — Some New Irish Worms.

Herpobdella atomaria (Carena).

1894. R. Blanchard : Hirudinees de I'ltalie, Boll. Musei'
Zool. Torino, vol. ix., p. 56.

This leech has not been previously recorded from Ireland,
though it seems to be fairly widely distributed. It has
probably been confused with the closely related species,
H. odoculata (L.), from which, however, it is easily
distinguished by the marked colour-pattern on the back.
It reaches a length of 30-35 mm. (i-ii inches), and a width
of 4-5 mm. The body is composed of 26 segments, each
segment being formed externally of a number of rings.
Segments 5-22 are each composed of five rings. The dorsal
surface is coloured with a very dark pigment, and each
ring bears a conspicuous transverse row of yellow spots.
On the front ring in each segment, the row of yellow spots
is much more conspicuous than on the other rings, and
hence the appearance of a number of yellow bands on the
back. The ventral surface is pale. The genital pores on
the ventral surface are separated by three rings, thus
differing from H. odoculata, where they are separated by
four rings. In other respects, such as the number and
arrangement of the eyes, girdle, etc., this species resembles
H. odoculata} This species has been found in the River
Lagan ; River Annalee at Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan ; and at
Enniskillen. I have also seen it at Arthog, in North Wales,
and Blanchard {torn, cit.) figures a specimen from Exeter,
in England, without including England in its area of
distribution. On the continent it appears to have a wide
distribution.

National Museum, Dublin.

^ Vide R. F. Scharff : The Irish Freshwater Leeches. Irish Naturalist,
1898, p. 194.

lo The hish Naturalist. Januaty,

REVIEWS

A GREAT NATURALIST.

Life of William MacGlliivray, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.E. Ornithologist,
Professor of Natural History, Marischal College and University,
Aberdeen. By William MacGillivray, W.S., with a Scientific
Appreciation by J. Arthur Thomson, Regius Professor of Natural
History, Aberdeen University. Pp. xvi + 222. With illustrations.
London : John Murray. los. 6d. net.

It will be generally agreed that William MacGillivray deserved a
fuller biography than it is now possible for him to receive ; but our gratitude
ought not, on that account, to be less to the writer — a namesake of the
great naturalist — who has done his best with the materials still available
to make up for the deficiencies in this respect of an elder generation.
From the sketch of MacGillivray's life here presented one gathers much
that is of genuine interest regarding the earlier years of the man to whom
British ornithology — and, indeed, ornithology in general — owes so much ;
told principally in extracts from the few volumes of his journals which
fortunately escaped destruction when the rest were burnt in an Australian
fire. These are written with a freedom and copiousness which enable
them to throw real light on MacGillivray's character and the wide range
of his sympathies, vv'hile illustrating above everything else his wonderful
enthusiasm for Nature and his special love for her sternest solitudes.
An appreciation of MacGillivray's scientific work by tlie present occupant
of his old Chair in Aberdeen University, Professor J. Arthur Thomson,
will to many readers prove the most interesting chapter in this altogether
very acceptable book. The greatness of MacGillivray's genius is, of
course, beyond dispute ; but his writings for several reasons are not so
familiar as they should be, and we arc therefore glad that the author
has devoted the last sixty pages of his volume to characteristic passages
from the "History of British Birds" and the "Natural History of
Deeside " — the last printed after his death for private circulation by the
late Queen Victoria, and containing a few curious misprints which have
not been corrected in Mr. MacGillivray's quotations. Still more welcome
than the extracts are the reproductions of eight of the drawings of birds
by MacGillivray's hand, which are in the Natural History Department
of the British Museum. These are of peculiar interest in view of
MacGillivray's scrupulous accuracy in regard to attitude. His criticisms
on the various museums that he visited during a tour of inspection in
1833 bring out very strongly the importance he attached to this subject,
which he seems nowhere to have found satisfactorily studied, or, indeed,
studied or appreciated at all. A visit to " the Dublin College Museum "
drew forth the remark " there is a considerable number of skeletons,
but almost all uningeniously articulated, and in the most preposterous

1 91 1- Reviews. 11

attitude." Of the Dublin Zoological Gardens, on the contrary, he speaks
in terms of cordial praise ; but it is noteworthy that his chief reflection
after going through them, too, was that " these collections will in time
teach zoological painters the characteristic attitudes of animals, of which
Audubon and myself are the only persons who have succeeded in attempting
to afford an idea in so far as regards birds." It is to be hoped that the
time has come when MacGillivray's expectations on this point have been
in some measure fulfilled, and when, if he were writing again, he would
no longer feel called on to describe as part of his aim that of showing
to the public " that ornithology is not necessarily so repulsive as some
of its votaries represent."

C. B. M.

A PLEA FOR BIRD-KILLING.

Aigrettes and Birdskins : the truth about their collection and export.
By Harold Hamel Smith, Editor of " Tropical Life." Foreword
by Sir J. D. Rees, K.C.I.E., London. (" Tropical Life" Publishing
Department).

Mr. Hamel Smith is an advocate for the traders in ornamental plumage,
to whose confraternity he himself belonged until a few years ago. He
disapproves very strongly of all the efforts that have been made in
Parliament (by Lord Avebury and others) to secure measures to check
the killing of birds in tropical countries for the purposes of this trade,
and he complains of continual misrepresentations and unfairness being
measured out to the traders by those who press for prohibitive measures
against them. It is probably true enough that exaggerated charges have
sometimes been made ; but Mr. Hamel Smith hardly sets an example
of greater fairness when he argues that it is hypocritical for Englishmen to
profess to see cruelty in the killing of birds for millinery purposes while
they themselves think it legitimate sport to kill them for the table.
Whatever may be thought of the ethics of sport, there is at least a vast
difference between shooting birds whose breeding season is over and
shooting them — as must chiefly be done by those engaged in the feather
trade — at the time when they are likely to have young in their nests.
Leaving the question of cruelty aside, Mr. Smith admits the reasonableness
of the wish — even from a plumage trader's point of view — to prevent the
most beautiful birds from being exterminated ; and his attacks on the
Bills that have been introduced for this purpose are chiefly devoted to
proving — (i) that none of them, if passed, would suffice to prevent
extermination, so long as they stood alone ; and (2) that they would be
quite superfluous for that object, if effective means could be found for
establishing and maintaining a close season for every threatened species
of bird at its centre of origin. Both contentions are correct ; but they
do not carry us very far towards solving the question what is best to
be done under the circumstances that actually exist.

C. B. M.

12 The Irish Naturalist. January,

IIMSH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a Hamster from Mr. Pierce Mahony. Four new
Rhesus Monkeys have been acquired for the large open-air monkey-house,
and a Capybara has been received in exchange.

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

NovEMBiTP J. — The Club met at Leinster House.

A. R. Nichols, M.A. (President), exhibited Irish specimens of
Mcvibranipora spinifera, showing the peculiar stalked avicularia situated
on the zooecium, just outside the row of .spines surrounding the
membranous front wall.

F. W. Moore showed an inflorescence and individual ilower of
Biilbophyllum, lemniscatoides, Ralfe, a new and very rare orchid from
the East Indies. There is only one other species known in cultivation
in the section to which it belongs. Both species have peculiar long club,
shaped appendages hanging from the backs of the sepals. They are
attached by very fine filiform points and move about freely in light
currents of air. One of these appendages was shown under the microscope.

W. F. GuNN exhibited Rose stems affected with Parasitic Rose
Canker. The disease is caused by an ascomycetous fungus Coniothyrium
Fuckelii (Sacc), and was first observed in Ireland about three j^ears
since at Larne, Co. Antrim. Specimens were sent to H. T. Giissow, who
investigated the disease and described it in the Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society (vol. xxxiv., 1908, pt. 2). The first visible evidence
of the disease is a reddish discoloration of the bark caused by the invasion
of the tissues by the mycelium, followed by numerous minute swellings
with apical oj:)cnings. These swellings are caused by the fruiting bodies
which burst through the epidermis in order to liberate the contained
spores. As a result of the penetration of the tissues by the mycelium
the bark is killed, and as the stem swells by growth longitudinal cracks
arise. In the attempt to heal these wounds a growth of callus takes
place, which in turn is again invaded by the fungus. The continued
struggle between the fungus, which kills the newly formed tissues, and
the host which produces the healing cells, results in the unsightly cankered
masses, which characterise the disease, and may measure from two to
four or five inches in length. If the cankerous growth extends completely
round the stem death of the branch ensues. The spores are very minute
and gain entrance to the host tlirough wounds in the bark, which may
be caused, amongst other ways, by the spines of the Rose itself piercing
the epidermis of other branches when blown about by the wind. This
disease is quite distinct from the ordinary canker of the Rose which is
due to physiological causes, and not to the attack of anj' specific
organism. A longitudinal section of the bark passing through several
of the conceptacles was shown under a No. 3 Leitz objective.

igii- Irish Societies. 13

G. O. Sherrard, A.R.C.Sc, showed preparations of Heliothrips
hacinon-hoidalis (Bouche). This species of thrips lias recently been found
on fuchsias and crotons in Irish greenhouses. It has already been recorded
from England, Germany, Austria, Finland, and the U.S.A., and has been
found on ferns, dahlias and azaleas as well as on the plants mentioned.
The body of the insect shows a reticulated structure which extends to the
legs and is especially marked on the head and thorax. The antennae
are 8-segmented, the 2nd segment being the widest and the 8th segment
much longer than the 7th and terminated by a slender hair. The front
fringe on the forewings is poorly developed. The colour of the insect
varies from orange to dark brown, in Germany it is known as the " Black
Fly." The male has not been found.

Prof. G. H. Carpenter, B.Sc, showed a female of Oedemagena tarandi
(Linn.), the warble-fly of the Reindeer, reared from maggots extracted
from a male reindeer in the Dublin Zoological Gardens. Maggots and eggs
of the species were also shown. The egg has a grooved base, like that of
Hypoderma, for attachment to the hair. At the apical pole of the egg
is a finely reticulated lid-like area which apparently opens to allow the
maggot to escape. No such area can be distinguished in the egg of
Hypoderma. Descriptions with figures will shortly be published in the
Journal of Economic Biology, vol. v.

CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

July 9. — Ardrum Woods. — A party travelled by train to Cloghroe,
arriving at 3.14 p.m. Mr. J. Scott- Kerr then conducted the members
through Ardrum woods and gardens, which adjoin the railway station.
The woods are on the estate of Sir George Colthurst and are extensive.
Many trees too are of very fine growth. Ardrum House and gardens
were next visited. In the gardens, a gigantic rhododendron, and several
beautiful flowering shrubs, were seen. Mr. and Mrs. Scott-Kerr
subsequently entertained the party to tea, after which the members
walked to Cloghroe Junction, a distance of two miles, and returned by
train.

August 13. — Currabinny. — Professor H. A. Cummins, M.D., who
conducted, met the members at Crosshaven on the arrival of the 3.30
p.m. train. The party then crossed the ferry to Currabinny, where, by
kind permission of Mr. W. Guest Lane, the flora was investigated under
the guidance of the conductor. Time did not permit a visit to the ancient
sepulchral mound or the kitchen-midden. Tea was provided at the
Crosshaven Hotel.

August 20. — Belvelly Castle. — This castle was founded by the
Hodnetts, who came here from Shropshire in the 12th century, and also
settled at Courtmacsherry. It is now the property of Lord Barrymore,
and was visited by special permission. The party arrived at Fota railway
station at 4.20 p.m. and walked to the castle, which was then examined,
the conductor, James Coleman, M.R.S.A.I., giving its history in detail.

14 The Irish Naturalist. January,

NOTES,

BOTANY.
" The Flora of Ireland," Review.

In both the German and English sections of my article at the licad

of the first page, " With photographic illustrations by K. Welch, Belfast,"

forms an essential part of the title. I arranged with Mr. Welch several

years ago for the supply of his copyright photographs and was promised

certain others as soon as available. Mr. Welch must have been considerably

helped in his photographic work by Mr. Praeger, just as the hitter's

botanical work has been enhanced in value by the photographs. It was

a pleasure to me to be the means of bringing before another public, in

the most beautiful form yet seen, some of Mr. Welch's work. A casual

inspection of other articles in the " Vegetationsbilder " would show that

the letterpress occupies a secondary position. I am sorry that in mine

I gave the " suspect " Sisyrinchium angustifolium a " S. & S.W." instead

of " W. & S.W." distribution.

T. Johnson.
Royal College of Science, Dublin.

ZOOLOGY.

Worms as Plant Pests.
Mr. A. W. Stelfox writes me from Belfast, November 14th, as follows : —
" In answer to your request in the Irish Naturalist for injurious worms.
I enclose a few specimens from my garden which are most destructive.
They seem to live at the roots of the plants, and slowly eat all these
away, until the plant is left sitting on the surface of the soil, and of course
dies." The worms were immature specimens oi Aporrcctodea (Allolohophora)
chlorotica, Savigny, and it will be news to very many people that the
Green Worm is to be looked upon as a pest. I shall be grateful for
further communications on the subject, and whenever possil)le, for livitig
specimens sent in tin boxes with a little moss. Matchboxes are not safe,
and earth should not be placed in the cases with the specimens.

HiLDERic Friend.
Swadlincote.

Irish Water Worms.

Mr. W. de Vismes Kane, D.L., has been good enough to submit tO
me two annelids dredged by him from the bottom of Lough Mask, Co.
Mayo, at a depth of from 100 to 150 feet. The first is a Tubificid, aiad
does not add anything to our knowledge of Irish worms. The other
specimen, however, is certainly new to Ireland, whatever it may be.
As there is only a single specimen, and that both immature and imperfect.
I am reluctant to give it a name. I have, however, for the past two
years had so many opportunities of studying Helodrilus oculatus,
Hotfmeister, that I have very little doubt the Co. Mayo worm is to be
referred of that species. Though the worm has been frequently found.

191 1. Notes. 15

it has never yet shown signs (in Great Britain at least) of a girdle. The
shape of the head differs from that of the other Lumbricidi, and the
body has a tendency to break up at the septa. There is every reason to
expect Helodrilus in Ireland, and as I have recently recorded a new
species {H. elongatus. Friend) for Cornwall, it would not be surprising
if more than one species was eventually found to occur in this island.
I should be glad if collectors would search the beds of rivers and streams
down to the depth of ten inches or a foot, and also carefully delve among
the roots of grass and water weeds in streams and along their banks
with a view to finding species of Helodrilus and other worms. It may
be remembered that H. oculatus varies from one to three inches in length,
is pink in colour, has a number of " hearts" in the anterior segments,
and does not possess a girdle. It is one to two mm. in diameter.

HiLDERic Friend.
Swadlincote.

Helix cantiana introduced in Cork.

In September, 1901, nineteen full-grown living specimens of Helix
cantiana brought from Knowle, near Bristol, were placed on a grassy
bank at Tivoli railway station, near Cork. The species now seems
likely to become naturalized in the locality, as I have visited it several
times in recent years and on each occasion found the colony in a
flourishing condition, both adults and juveniles being quite numerous.
Owing to the proximity of the railway it is possible that the animal
may eventually be carried, accidentally or otherwise, to other parts of
Ireland.

R. A. Phillips.

Cork.

[For reasons often stated previously, we greatl}' regret such
introductions as this. — Eds.]

Irish Amphipoda.

In a paper entitled Notes on some Amphipoda from the north side of
the Bay of Biscay (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1909, pp. 848-879), Mr. E. W.
Sexton alludes to one or two points of interest to Irish zoologists. In
1897 Mr. Walker described some amphipods in the Journal of the
Linnean Society, which had been collected off the south-west of Ireland.
One of these he considered as a new species and he described it under
the name of Parapleustes megacheir. Mr. Sexton, after a careful re-
examination of the type specimen of this species contained in the National
Museum of Ireland, comes to the conclusion that it is identical with
another amphipod described by Chevreux under the name of Symplenstes
grandimanus.

i6 The Irish Naturalist. January, 1911.

Hybrid between Bream and Rudd.

In the Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (8), vol. ii., 1908, p. 162, Mr. C. T.
Regan alludes to having received from Lough Erne several specimens
of fish, which he regards as natural hybrids between Abramis brama and
Leuciscus erythropthalmus . Tlie Rudd, as he remarks, is fond of joining
as an interloper in the spawning of other fishes with the result that
hybrids are sometimes protluccd. Mr. Regan also informs us, on the
authority of Major Trevelyan, that this hybrid is known among the Lough
Erne fishermen as the " white roach," in contradistinction to the " red
roach," which is really the Rudd. The true English Roach does not
occur in Ireland, the name roach being there employed for the Rudd,
which somewhat resembles the Roach. It is probable, according to Mr.
Regan, that William Thompson's Abramis Buggenhagii (" Nat. Hist, of
Ireland," vol. iv., p. 137), refers to the same hybrid.

American Blue winged Teal in Ireland.

A Blue-winged Teal (Qucrqiicdula discors, Linn.) was shot by Mr.
W. Bonaparte Wise, on 9th September last, near Ballycottin, in the
south-east of Co. Cork, a part of Ireland, as Mr. Ussher points out,
famous for the capture of rare birds, e.g. : — Griffin Vulture, Spotted
Eagle, Little Bustard, most of the rarer Herons, Waxwing, Bee-eater,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, &c. This is the first known occurrence of the
American Blue-winged Teal in Ireland, and there appear to be only two
authenticated records of its occurrence in Great Britain (near Dumfries
and in Cheshire about fifty years ago).

It is an immature full-winged female and does not show any signs of
having been kept in captivity, but is possibly not a genuine wild bird ;
Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant (of the British Museum), who has seen the
specimen, writes that he finds this species bred lately at Woburn, Bedford-
shire, and that it seems quite possible some of the full-winged young
may account for the occurrence in Ireland. The specimen has been
kindly presented to the National Museum, Dublin, by Mr. Wise.

A. R. Nichols.
National Museum, Dublin.

Black Redstart in Co. Waterford.
A Black Redstart, presumably a male from its dark face, has frequented
this house (which is six miles from the sea at Dungarvan) since 27th
October. It may be seen in the day-time on the roof, cornices and window
sills taking flies and constantly on the move. If often enters the house
and seems little alarmed when taken in the hand. I have repeatedly seen
birds of this species here in the autumn, and once on the 28th March.

R. J. UsSHER.

Cappagh House, Co. Waterford.

The number of Black Redstarts received this autumn from the light-
houses has been remarkable, and I rather think it is in excess of any
year since the migration statistics commenced in 1880-81.

Richard M. Barrington.

Fassaroe, Bray.

February, 191 1. The Irish Nahiralht. 17

THE LATEST FLUCTUATIONS OF THE SEA-LEVEL
ON OUR OWN COASTS.

BY THE LATE S. A. STEWART, A.L.S., F.B.S.E.

[The following paper was read before the Belfast Naturalists' Field
Club forty years ago, on 8th March, 1871 ; and a brief abstract covering
two pages was published in the Eighth Annual Report of that Club
(pp. SS-57). This was the first of the several valuable papers on the
recent geology of the North of Ireland which emanated from Mr. Stewart's
pen. In the present paper, the important series of post-Glacial land-
movements which characterize the North-east of Ireland are for the first
time demonstrated. Other workers had previously examined the Belfast
clays, the late Canon Grainger having been particularly active in exploring
the rich fauna which they yield ; but it was reserved for Mr. Stewart
to point out the important lessons which that fauna teaches ; his
conclusions have been amply verified, and all subsequent work has been
built upon the foundation which he laid. This paper, written near the
beginning of Mr. Stewart's scientific career, is characteristic of the man —
full of careful observation, sound reasoning, and accurate deduction, and
expressed in the vigorous Enghsh that we associate with all his writings.
Five and twenty years ago, when I was working at the deposits which
Mr. Stewart had done so much to elucidate, he gave me the manuscript
which is now, for the first time, set in type. We are sure that it will be
read with appreciation by the many friends whom he has left behind
him, and the editors of the Irish Naturalist offer it to their readers as a
tribute to his memory. — R. LI. P.].

The level at which we observe the sea to stand on our
shores seems perfectly established, and, on a superficial
view, apparently destined to endure for ever, or as long as
any sublunary arrangements may last. The mind not
accustomed to contemplate the mutations which have
marked the geological history of our planet, sees in the
present sea-level a natural and necessary adjustment, that
has had an undisturbed existence from the dawn of creation
till now ; nevertheless it is, I think, unnecessary that I
should in this room attempt to prove that this has not been
the case.

As far as can be ascertained, the sea-level has never
remained constant for any very great period of time —
reckoning geologically ; but exaltations and depressions of
the surface have gone on since the commencement of the
geological record, and have continued down to the conclusion

A

i8 The Irish Naturalist. February,

of its latest chapter. It is to this last chapter that I ask
your attention this evening — nay, to a few of the concluding
paragraphs of this chapter. I have been endeavouring to
arrive at the interpretation of some of the phenomena of
the comparatively recent period intervening between the
close of the Glacial epoch, and the present time, and to
correlate those phenomena as displayed in our own district
with similar events in other parts of these islands. During
the Glacial period were displayed the last movements on a
grand scale of which we have any record : movements so
vast even in this region we occupy that I cannot help
thinking that the term cataclysmal is properly applicable
to them, despite the protest of a powerful and imperious
modern school of British geologists, who will not admit the
words cataclysm or catastrophe into the geological
vocabulary. At the close of the Glacial era, a period of
comparative repose'was ushered in. But this rest was only
comparative. The Quaternary gravels, esker-ridges, raised
beaches, and estuarine clays since formed have latterly
been provoking much discussion, various opinions have
been expressed as to the mode of their origin, but one thing
they unquestionably prove — that the geological forces are
still working, and have not ceased to work since the times
of the Boulder-clay. Movements of elevation can be shown
in some places, in others depression is seen to have occurred,
and some other regions exhibit evidence of alternate elevation
and depression. The last was undoubtedly the case here,
and, indeed, I think that it will be ultimately established
that these upward and downward movements of the land
have been not only general but simultaneous over the
country, or over large areas. Allow me at the outset to
state the conclusions at which \ have arrived, then to give the
grounds on which those conclusions are supported, and
lastly to try to show that these geological oscillations are
no isolated phenomena, but have extended more or less
over the British islands.

Well then, I have arrived at the following conclusions : —
(i). At an era far back in post-Glacial times the land

here stood at a higher elevation than it does at present.

The elevation at that time I conclude to have been some

19 f I- Stewart. — Fhcct^iations of Sea-leveL 19

twenty-five feet higher than at present, or in other words
the sea-level was twenty-five feet lower. This may be
called the era of the submerged peat.

(2). There was a period which I shall call the Scrobicularia
period, when the land had suffered depression, and stood
at a level a few feet lower than at present.

(3). A renewed depression, when the land sunk still
lower ; this subsidence I estimate to have amounted to
some forty feet at least below the present level or sixty -five
feet below the original. This may be styled the Thracia
convexa period, that shell having then lived in abundance
where our present quays stand.

(4). A period of elevation when the many raised beaches
that stud our coasts were brought up, and the present shore
lines established.

First : — As to the times of the submerged peat and
forests. Numerous"* peat -bogs now covered by marine
accumulations testify to a former high level of the land.
Peat, as you know, does not grow in the sea, nor in any
position in which it will be washed by the tide at high
water ; consequently when you find it below high water
mark the conclusion then is inevitable that the relative
level of sea and land must have altered, and thus the
peat that grew above the reach of the sea now comes to be
below it. Beds of peat are found underneath the town [of
Belfast], and under the slob in the ground reclaimed by the
Harbour Commissioners at the rear of the Queen's Quay, as
you go to the People's Park (so-called), also at Sydenham
and further along on the Co. Down side of the bay at Bally-
holme. These old mosses are all below high water ; that
at the Bangor shore can only be seen at extreme low water.
On the opposite shore too, at Carrickfergus, is a notable
instance, where not only peat occurs but even a forest of
ancient trees or bushes, mostly Hazel and Alder, mixed
with such marsh plants as flags, sedges and rushes, and
extending more or less for about a mile along the shore.
Those members of the Naturalists' Field Club who attended
the field meeting at the Giant's Causeway in June, 1868,
will remember examining a peat bed that crops up between
tide -marks near Portrush. They had on that occasion the

A 2

20 The Irish Naturalist. February,

advantage of observing a sunken bog telling of a depression
of the land, and at the same place a raised beach testifying
to a subsequent exaltation of that precise area. These local
terrestrial accumulations do not tell of a deep bog, the
result of a continuous and uninterrupted growth of the
Sphagnum. They contain great quantities of branches of
trees, with leaves and nuts, and the peat is made up to a
great extent of marsh plants as distinguished from bog
plants. The indications point to a time when low flats
fringed the shores of the bay, and when along its sides
there were jungles in which sedges, flags and rushes made
up the undergrowth, and Willows, Hazels, and Alders the
arboreal vegetation. As to the height at which the land
then stood we can only give a negative estimate — it must
have been at least twenty to twenty-five feet higher than
at present. To arrive at this result you must allow eleven
feet for the mean rise of the tide, then for the thickness of
the peat bed and its dip under the sea allow nine or ten
feet more ; its extension downwards below low water we
have no means of knowing, but twenty -five feet will, perhaps,
be a safe estimate of the elevation of the shore of that
period.

(2). The Scrobicularia period, — This is an exceedingly
well marked feature in our estuaiine clays. I am about to
rest the proofs of what I now advance mainly on those
clays, and it may be well to shortly explain their nature
and importance. Estuarine deposits are not peculiar to
Tertiary or to recent times, but have been formed in the
estuaries of ancient lands during all geological epochs. The
Wealden estuary is a well-known example. I will, however,
use the term " estuarine clay " to designate those clays
formed subsequently to the Boulder-clay in existing
estuaries all round our coasts. They are usually tenacious
blue clays composed of very fine mud, brought down by
rivers, and deposited as silt when the river water loses itself
in the sea. They contain very little intermixture of gravel,
sand, or pebbles, but in most cases shells are abundant ;
and as they are really shells of the period, that have lived
and died on the spot, and not waifs or strays cast up by
storms, or washed into a certain position by currents, they

1911. Stewart. — Flucluations of Sea level. 21

tell us exactly what was the post-Glacial molluscan fauna.
These estuarine clays wherever found have a certain
uniformity of characters and assemblage of fossils that
entitles them to a distinctive appellation. The terms
" Alluvium," " Blue Clay," " Silt." &c., so often used in
referring to them seem to me too vague, and I propose to
use the term " estuarine clay," which will distinguish this
deposit as the contemporary and equivalent of the post-
Glacial raised beaches. In the geology of recent times
these clays hold a place corresponding to that of the raised
beaches that have been so much discussed of late. Owing,
however, to the fact that the clay deposits require the
investigator to turn himself into a navvy for the time
being, and to maintain a special outfit for the purpose of
working ankle deep in unsavoury mud, they have not been
so well examined as the raised beaches ; further, no matter
how willing one may be, it is only on rare occasions that
good opportunities offer for their examination.

We in Belfast may take credit, however, for our share
in this line of research. Several members of the Natural
History Society have from time to time paid attention to
the subject, and the late Messrs. Thompson and Hyndman
left behind them collections of the shells. Up to the present
time, however, no British geologist has done so much in
this department as a member of the Belfast Naturalists'
Field Club. I refer to Mr., now the Rev. Dr. Grainger,
whose list of the Belfast clay shells is the most complete
list of estuarine clay fossils yet published, and as such is
always quoted by the writers on this particular branch of
geology. The hsts I refer to will be found in the reports
of the British Association,^ and in the transactions of
Dublin University Zoological Society," The estuarine clay
beds present better opportunities for the study of recent
geological history than do the raised beaches. We find in
them deposits of considerable thickness which have been
continuously laid down. The order of succession is unbroken,
and such changes in the fauna as have occurred may be

' Report for 1852, Sections, pp. 43-46, 74-75.

2 Proc. Dublin Univ. Zool. and Bot. Assoc, i., 202-222. 1859.

22 The Irish Naturalist. February,

made use of to ])rove physical changes, if such have occurred.
The excavations for the floating dock and basin^ recently
constructed by the Harbour Commissioners at what was
known as " Thompson's Bank " and the " Point Fields "
afforded a capital chance to investigate the deposit of
estuarine clay that has been slowly forming in our bay,
and of collecting a complete series of its fossils. This clay
attains at Thompson's Bank a thickness of over twenty feet.
It reaches away up to the Plains, and as far as the first
lock of the Lagan Canal, and stretches westwards to the
Bog Meadows. It is found under our streets in the low-
lying districts, as may be noticed when sewers are being
excavated. This clay is also seen at Sydenham, inter-
stratified with the sands of that shore, and at the Kinnegar
at Holywood it occurs below the gravel which is so charged
with flint -flakes. A bed of blue clay at Bally holme, I
believe, also belongs to the estuarine clay period, and
likewise a small patch at Kilroot, which, as at Holywood,
underlies flint gravel. The shells in all these various places
round the lough are identical with the species collected at
the docks, but a bed that I discovered at Magheramorne
on Lame Lough yields not only abundance of shells, but
also a number of species not found here. I have visited
this bed three times, but there arc no excavations, and one
is restricted to such things as he can pick out at the surface
or two or three feet below it. We cannot therefore say
that our knowledge of it is complete. But merely picking
and scraping as it were at the surface has produced forty-
eight species of shells. The profuse abundance of fora-
minifera is remarkable ; on my last visit Mr. Swanston,
who accompanied me, brought away some of the clay to
examine for these small forms, and we have not met with
them so abundant anywhere else in the locality. The dock
excavations at Belfast have been carried to a depth of
some twenty feet below high water mark. I have availed
myself of the opportunity thus afforded, and am able to
present you with an account of the fauna of the deposit,
and of the inferences that one is compelled to draw from
the character of that fauna, and the mode of its distribution.
At the lowest portion of the clay reached by digging we

'Spencer Basin.

'911- Stewart. — Fluchiations of Sea-level. 23

come upon a littoral or shore deposit, a bed that is not
entirely local, but has been noted in several other places
in the British Isles, and is styled the Scrobicularia bed.

This bottom bed differs from the overlying clays, not
only in the Testacea it contains, but also in physical
characters. It is a blackish clay, not nearly so fine-grained,
so tough, or unctuous as that nearer the surface. It is
charged with a vast number of shells, of a few species, all
littoral — shells in fact of Mollusca which usually live between
tide-marks on a muddy shore, or on mud-flats near high
water mark. They consist of Cockles, Periwinkles, and
Mussels, with Tapes decussatus, now comparatively scarce in
the bay, and Scrobicularia -piperata, which at present does
not live here, nor indeed anywhere in the North of ^Ireland.

This Scrobicularia bed tells of a time when the sea stood
at a level slightly higher than at present, and when at high
water the Bog Meadows were covered by the tide, as also
the Plains, and much of the low ground on which the town
now stands. This level must have been constant or nearly
so for a long time, as the accumulation of mud amounted
to four or five feet more or less over a large area. It is
replete throughout with shells of the same species, and its
lithological characters are always the same.

I consider then that_ the Scrobicularia period continued
for a very considerable time with little change of level, and
was succeeded by a period of depression. This constitutes
my third period, the period when Thracia convexa was
dominant. The rate of this depression was rather quick ;
at least the sinking, if not rapid, was at any rate not of
the nature of those slow movements or supposed movements
attributed to historic times about which there has been so
much discussion.

3. The advent of the Thracia convexa period was
marked by a rather abrupt change from a blackish clay to
an extremely smooth tenacious clay which was light blue or
slate-coloured. The altered character of the clay indicates
a change of the conditions of deposition, and was
accompanied by a great change in the fauna. The littoral
shells which had exclusive possession of the bottom
disappear, and are replaced by shells of species that are

24 The Irish Naturalist. February,

usually brought up by the dredge where the depth of water
is five to ten fathoms. While I speak of the change as
rather abrupt I do not mean to say that it was sudden or
instantaneous, but just to point out that the stability that
marked the preceding period had ceased and given place
to a period of active depression. The maximum depth to
which the land subsided was not reached all at once, for
we find the new order of things inaugurated by the
appearance of the two boring shells, Pholas Candida and
Pholas crispata, in clay just slightly higher than the surface
of littoral shells. These Pholads live still in the bay at
low water and slightly above it, and their appearance in the
clay is the first intimation of the subsidence then commenced.
As we rise upwards in the deposit, the shells indicate a
greater depth of water on the bottom which they inhabited.
Lucinopsis undata, Cardimn echinatum, and Scrobicularia
alba become the most abundant fossils, and are found in
the utmost profusion. The range of these shells in our bay
is for the first-named 5-10 fathoms, for the second TO-20,
and for the third 8-10 fathoms. T have preferred, when
giving the range of these shells, to quote the reports of the
Belfast Dredging Committee of the British Association. ^
Mr, Jeffreys gives a greater vertical range for most species,
but as his is the range in depth for the whole of Britain,
it is evident that it does not give the limits of bathymetrical
distribution for any one locality as accurately as does a
report founded on observations made in that locality.
Thracia convexa, Thracia papyracea, and Panopea plicata
are interesting shells that now make their appearance in
some plenty. The last-named is a rare British shell, and
has not been found elsewhere in Ireland. Fine specimens
of Axiniis flexuosus occur plentifully, and also immense
shells of the solitary deep-water^variety_of the Oyster —
Ostrea hippopus. In investigating this deposit, and making
a collection of its fossils, I had a twofold object before me :
firstly, to ascertain with precision the fauna of the period,
and secondly, from that fauna to deduce the climatal and
bathymetrical conditions under which the bed was laid
down. With regard to climate the result seems to be that

1 Brit. Assoc. Reports for 1857, 1858, 1859.

191 1. Stewart. — Fhicluatioiis of Sea-level. 25

there has been httle or no change. Ah the abundant shehs
are species that are found in both northern and southern
areas, and consequently notliing can be inferred from their
occurrence. Of the less common forms one has been
considered South European, and three or four are of northern
type. The indications are therefore to that small extent
northern. However, there is very little in the point, as the
recent British Mollusca have on the aggregate a northern
aspect.^

As to the conditions of depth we have positive evidence,
that evidence proving a level different to what is now
established, though only negative as to the amount of
change. We know the limits between which certain shells
live, and knowing these limits, we may, when we find them
fossil, form an estimate to guide us to the depth of water
which existed at the time they lived. Thus by considering
the shells, and their known habits, we may come approxi-
mately to the result.

I give you the names of twenty of the most abundant
shells of this zone of the clays — I mean the Thracia convexa
bed. Examine the dredging reports before-mentioned, take
and put down the lowest number of fathoms recorded for
each of these twenty species, tot up the whole and divide
by twenty. The result by this system will be a depth of
about seven fathoms as the depth of the water at the time
when the animals enclosed in these shells were living at
the bottom of our bay in thousands and tens of thousands.
I have selected ten univalve and ten bivalve shells, the ten
which I found most abundant of feach group ; by the method
I have pointed out you get as the minimum depth of water
seven fathoms, and it is remarkable that if you reduce the
number, and take the five commonest shells as guiding
species, you get by this process the same result, a minimum
of seven fathoms. It is possible, however, that a greater
depth of water may have existed at that time. It is open
to us also to take the maxima of recorded depths, and that
would give a depth of about double what we have arrived
at by taking the minima. I am, however, inclined to take

1 Further investigations have revealed a distinctly southern aspect in
the fauna of the Thracia convexa bed. — Eds.

A3

26 The hish Naturalist. February,

the lower estimate, and set down the depth of water during
the Thracia cojtvexa period as some forty feet or thereabouts
at the site of the present floating dock. There are two
reasons for this preference ; one reason that influences me
is that in my own experience I have met many of these
species living in water one or two fathoms shallower than
has been recorded, and secondly I have found that these
shells occur more abundantly about the upper limit assigned
by the Dredging Committee, than they do near the lower
limit.

(4). When subsidence had gone on to this extent, another
change occurred — a movement of elevation which finally
brought up to the surface a sea-bottom which had once
been covered with at least six to seven fathoms of water.
The shells of the deeper water become more and more
scarce, Thracia convexa disappears, and at the top of the
bed we meet only littoral shells such as Mya arenaria,
Cardium cdule, Cerithium reticnlaUim, Littorinae and mussels.

If I have been able to prove that the previous depression
occurred as stated, and that this clay was deposited as
mud at a considerable depth, it will not be necessary to
dwell on the proofs of elevation, as it follows from the
present position of the bed. The upward movement was
slow and long-continued, and possibly interrupted by breaks
or pauses of longer or shorter duration. A remarkable bed
of sea-urchins appears to indicate such a pause. On this
bed, which is situate some six or seven feet below the
surface, there is spread out like a sheet a continuous covering
of the tests of Echinus miliaris, a small echinoderm that is
common in our bay. The shells are placed side by side,
and in most cases so close as to be either touching, or
nearly so. I have not dredged over any ground on which
any sea-urchin was so plentiful as this must have been on
the estuarine clay. Nor do I know of the species living
here in such great profusion at present, and I consider that
a pause is indicated, giving time for the aggregation of so
many on one surface. The shells were not piled up there
by currents, but appear to have lived and died as found,
side by side.

I have now to connect or correlate these phenomena

191 1- Stewart. — Fliuluations of Sea -level. 27

with similar changes that have been noted as having
occurred in other parts of Britain, and I may say at
starting that I do not beheve that any of these movements,
whether of elevation or of depression, were at all local.
I believe that they were spread over the British Islands in
a greater or less degree, traces of them being observable,
not only in North Britain, but in Cornwall and Devonshire,
and at many immediate points.^

[There follows a careful review of the evidence then available (now
very largely augmented) of post-Glacial movements elsewhere in Ireland,
and in England and Scotland. Considerations of space compel us to
omit this, which, in any case, does not possess so much interest for us as
the record of Stewart's own work and conclusions. — Eds.].

I shall close with a summary of the points I have]
advanced.

(i). Era of submerged peat. Land some thirty feet
higher than at present. Shore fringed with low-lying
woods — Hazel, Alder, and marsh plants predominant.
This period is synchronous with the times of the sunken
peat beds of the south and west of Ireland, with the Norfolk
and Somersetshire submerged peat and forests, and with
similar growths now found buried below the carse clays of
Scotland. N

(2). Era of Scrobicularia. Land depressed some ten
feet or thereabouts lower than at present. Deposition of
several feet of clay on a muddy flat shore. Littoral shells
in the ascendant.

I (3). Thracia convexa period. Further depression. Deep
water where our quays and docks are now built. Littoral
shells replaced by shells of the Laminarian and Coralline
zones. Tliis is the time that corresponds with the recent
deposits of clay on various points of the Irish and English
shores, and also with the time when the old coast line of
Scotland stood some forty feet higher than that now
existing.

(4). Elevation. The present sea-level established here.
Similar upward movement in England and Scotland as
shown by raised beaches, and old terraces further back
than the existing beach.

' On this point see Coffey and Praeger : The Larne Raised Beach,
Proc. R.I. A., XXV., C, pp. 157-163. 1904.— Eds.

28 The Irish Naturalist. February,

ON A SPIDER NEW TO SCIENCE
RECENTLY FOUND IN IRELAND.

BY A. RANDELL JACKSON, M.B., D.SC.
[Plate I.].

Erigone Welciiii sp. nov.

Several examples of this spider were sent to me by Mr.
D. R. Pack-Beresford in the autumn of 1910. These appeared
to us to belong to an undescribed species. I submitted the
specimens to the Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, and to
Professor Kulczynski, both of whom confirmed our
opinion. In the male sex this spider is very distinct from
all the other British species of Erigone. The female,
however, as is usual in this genus, is not very strikingly
different from its congeners, but if the two examples we
possess are typical, the structure of the vulva would, I think,
enable the species to be recognised without very much
difficulty. This organ, however, is subject to a good deal
of variation, and possibly the determination of the females
of this species may always be difficult.

The cephalothorax of the male measures 1.45 mm. in
length, it is of a dark reddish-brown colour, almost black
in fact. The femora and subsequent joints of the legs and
palpi are clear yellow-brown, whilst the fakes and coxae
are of an intermediate hue. The sternum and maxillae are
dark reddish-brown, the latter, as is usual in the genus,
being studded in the male sex with numerous large nipple-
shaped prominences, each bearing a bristle. In the females
these are less numerous, and a good deal smaller.

The ABDOMEN is of a pale dingy brown colour.

The facies of the male is very like that of the other
members of the genus. The palpal differences can, however,
easily be made out with a pocket lens, and I think that
a little practice would enable the species to be recognised
with the naked eye.

The FALCES of the male bear on their external borders
a series of seven very strong teeth. Some of these, at any
rate, bear rather short hairs. The teeth are very much
stronger than those found in a similar position in the other
British members of the genus, with one exception.

191 r. Jackson. — A Spider ?iew to Science, 29

The PALPI of the male are most characteristic. Each
femur, near its base, exhibits several extremely long teeth.
Each of these bears a hair which usually arises from some
point a Httle removed from the apex of the tooth. These
large teeth arise from the whole under-surface of the joint
and are arranged uniserially, there not being room for
another series of teeth, although very small granulations
may be found on the lateral borders of the joint. The
large teeth are only three or four in number, the series of
hair-bearing processes being continued nearly to the distal
end of the joint as a number of tiny granulations, each
carrying its hair. This arrangement is found in no other
British Erigone. The femur is 1.21 mm. in length.

The pateUa is -51 mm. long. It bears a most character-
istic apophysis at its distal end. This is curved, and thus
difficult to measure. Seen from the outer side it measures
.43 mm. from the dorsal surface of the distal end of the
pateHa to the point where the inward curve occurs, the total
length, including the curve, being nearly or quite equal to
that of the article itself. In shape the apophysis is tapering,
curved, and pointed at the extremity. It is directed down-
wards, slightly forwards, and finally near its termination
it is bent sharply inwards.

The tibia, from its articulation with the pateHa to the
tip of the external process, measures .45 mm. Its height
at the apex between the tip of the superior process and
that of the inferior one is .31 mm. It presents a slender
curved stem with a distal expansion bearing four processes
or apophyses. Of these the dorsul or superior one is bluntly
pointed. The inferior one is slightly gibbous on its lower
surface, but bears no actual tooth in the examples examined.
The internal process is squarely truncated, whilst the
external one is narrow, pointed and curved, being directed
forwards and upwards. The shape of these apophyses is
quite unlike that of any of our British species, and differs
distinctly from all the figures of the other species shown in
Kulczynski's monograph.^

The tarsus measures .49 mm., it bears a paracymbium
similar to that found in other species, and is in no way
characteristic.

1 Erigonae Europaeae addenda ad descriptiones. Bulletin de F Academic
des Sciences de Cracovie, Oct., 1902.

30 The Irish Nahiralisi. February,

The PALPAL ORGANS are very distinct and complex.
The dens medius is of extraordinary size and comphcatcd
shape. It rises from the middle of the palpal organs and
nms as a broad plate downwards and inwards. The dens
posticus is small and inconspicuous. The structure of
these organs seems quite unlike that of any other species.

The FEMORA of the walking legs bear a number of hair-
carrying prominences. In the case of the two posterior
pairs these are very small granulations. On the second pair
a median row of granulations are larger and might almost
be called denticles, whilst on the first pair these are of
enormous size and form a series of very large teeth. They
still, however, carry hairs, which usually rise from some
place not quite at the apex.

The VULVA of the female is fairly characteristic, but
only two specimens are as yet to hand, and it may be found
to be a variable character. In these specimens the posterior
border forms a rather characteristically shaped ridge, which,
if always present, would enable one to identify the species
fairly easily. The vulva of E. longipalpis Sand, is the one
which approaches it most closely, and a further series of E.
Wclchii should be obtained for comparison.

In the male sex E. Wclchii resembles E. spinosa Camb.,
and differs from all the other British species in possessing
a curved patellar apophysis, very strong teeth on the outer
borders of the falces, and strong hair-bearing teeth on the
femora of the first and second pairs of legs. It is, however,
impossible to confuse it with E. spinosa. In a male of that
species measured by me the patella of the palpus was .40
mm. in length, whilst its apophysis measured from the
outer side (inward curve not included) was only .21 mm.
long. This apophysis besides being much shorter is directed
much more forwards, and its tip is curved inwards and
slightly backwards. The article, too, exhibits small lateral
denticles. These occur on both sides and are mostly very
small, but two on the inner side attain quite respectable
dimensions. A further difference exists in the femora of the
pali)i. In E. spinosa these bear beneath several imperfect
rows of small denticles which are placed on the proximal
three-quarters of the joint. They do not decrease in size
from the base towards the apex. Some are sharp and some

Irish Naturalist, Vol. XX.

Plate 1.

T

X

1^

Erigone Welchii.

To face page 31

igir. Jackson. — A Spider new to Science. 31

blunt, the exact arrangement seeming to vary in different
specimens. All bear hairs. The femur in the specimen
measured was .67 mm. long.

The denticles on the femora of the first pair of legs are
not unlike those seen in E. Welchii, but those on the second
pair are almost or quite as large as those seen on the first,
instead of being very much smaller, as in the species now
described. The tibiae and their apophyses are very different
indeed from those of E. Welchii, as Mr. Cambridge's recent
figure shows, ^ and the palpal organs are quite dissimilar in
the two species, spinosa lacking the enormous dens medius,
and having the whole group of organs small and incon-
spicuous. The vulva of the female spinosa differs markedly
from those of all its congeners, and could not possibly be
mistaken for that of E. Welchii.

Mr. R. Welch of Belfast obtained three males and two
females of this species near Bunbeg in County Donegal,
in September, 1908, These were probably obtained on the
Carrickfin peninsula, and not very far from the sea. I have
great pleasure in connecting Mr. Welch's name with this
fine and distinct species, especially as he has already added
E. capra Sim. to the fauna of the British Islands.^

I must thank Mr. Pack-Beresford for sending me the
specimens, and Mr. Cambridge and Professor Kulczynski
for having so kindly examined them. M, Simon also has
been good enough to send me French examples of E. spinosa
Camb., and Mr. Falconer has contributed some notes on the
English examples of that species, of which I only possess
the aforesaid continental specimens.

Description of Plate i.

Erigoiie ]Velihii (sp. nov.)

1. Tarsus and palpal organs of right side from below.

2. Right palpal tibia from above.

3. Right patellar apophysis from the front — tibia amputated.

4. Left palpus from outer side.

5. Falx, and proximal joints of palpus and first two legs. Right side

from outer aspect.

6. Vulva from below.

7. Vulva from below and in front.

dm. = dens medius. dp. = dens posticus.

1 Proc. Dorset Nat. Hist, and Aiitiq. Field Club, vol. xxx., 1909.

2 Irish Naturalist, vol. xix., 1910, pp. 141-I45.

32 The Irish Naturalist. February,

" OURSELVES."

It is with much regret that wc record the resignation
from the editorial staff of this magazine of Robert Patterson,
F.L.S., who feels that the increase of work in which he is
now engaged will prevent him from continuing that help
which he has afforded us for eight years past. The colleague-
ship of an Ulster naturalist has become necessary for our
healthy development, and we have the greatest satisfaction
in announcing that Robert Welch, M.R.I. A., President of
the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, is henceforth one of
" Ourselves."

NEW GLEANINGS.

The National Museum.

R. Southern, who has been since 1905 Assistant in the Natural
History division of the National Museum, is now transferring his activities
to the Irish Fisheries Office, where he will work as Assistant Naturalist.
A vacancy on the staff of the Museum thus arises, and we understand
that the new officer will be expected, on his appointment, to devote most
of his time to the insect collections.

IHISH SOCIETIES.

KOYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a Lion Cub, three young Leopards, a Serval, and
two Caracals from Mr. Murphy, a pair of Jerboas from Lady Constance
Britten, a Crowned Crane from Mr. W. C. F. Robertson, a Carolina Drake
from the Kew Botanic Gardens, a Sanderling from Miss Burne, four
Peafowl from Mr. J. C. Johnston, and a pair of Cygnets from Mr. W. M.
Murphy. An especially valuable collection of New Zealand birds have
been presented by the Government of that Dominion, through the kind
offices of Lord Plunket, comprising two Owen's Kiwis, two Keas (sheep-
eating Parrots), three Weka Rails, four Grey Geese, and five Paradise
Geese.

The Society has lately issued an Index to the Minutes of the Council
from 1830 to the end of 1907. This inde.x forms a neat pamphlet of 96
pages, and a glance through its entries enables the reader to estimate
the dates of many new buildings and improvements in the Gardens, and
of the receipt of famous animals. In a short preface, the Hon. Secretary,
Dr. R. F. Scharfi, states that the compilation of this index has been
carried out by Miss C. S. Cree during the past three years.

igii- Irish Societies. 33

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

December 14. — The Club met at Leinster House. A. R. Nichols
(President) in the Chair.

Prof. G. H. Carpenter showed the mouth-hooks and supporting
sclerites of the maggot of Oedemagena tarandi (Linn.), the warble fly of
the Reindeer. The mouth-hooks of this larva are very small, each shaped
like a double bow, and the supporting sclerites articulate with a strongly
chitinized and ridged area on the ventral wall of the pharynx. The
structures are figured by exhibitor in the Journal of Economic Biology,
vol. v., p. 150.

R. Southern exhibited specimens of the parasitic Nematode worm
Trichocephaliis affinis (Rud.) from the intestine of the pig. This species
is easily differentiated from T. crenatus (Rud.), the species generally
found in the pig. T. affinis is commonly found in the sheep, and more
rarely in the ox, but appears never to have been recorded in the pig.
The specific characters were demonstrated. The specimens are Irish,
though no definite locality is known. They are in the collections of the
Irish National Museum.

G. O. Sherrard exhibited a small nest of Vespa sylvestris, Linn., whose
construction had been begun on the frame of a bee-hive at the Albert
College, Glasnevin, in the spring of 19 10.

J. Bayley Butler showed a stereoscopic microscope (Braus-Druner)
by Zeiss, with young specimens of living Echinoderms. The several
advantages of this instrument, notably stereoscopic effect, long working
distance, depth of focus, and mechanical movements were demonstrated.

Dr. R. F. ScHARFF apologized for bringing a macroscopic object to the
Club, but thought he was warranted in doing so owing to the exceptional
interest of the exhibit. This was the complete skull of Smilodon californicus,
a Sabre-toothed Tiger from the Pleistocene asphalt deposits of Rancho
la Brea in Southern California, recently acquired by the Irish National
Museum. Dr. Scharff pointed out the chief features of interest in the
skull, and remarked that, owing to the shortness of the coronoid process
of the lower jaw, the temporalis muscle must have been much longer than
in the recent Tiger. The arrangement and length of the digastric,
masseter, and pterygoid muscles also wfere somewhat different, enabling
the Sabre-toothed Tiger to open its jaws far more widely than the recent
Tiger. The mouth could be opened sufficiently wide to enable the
animal to grasp the prey perfectly well with the great upper canine teeth.

D. M'Ardle exhibited Arcyria punicea, Pers., one of the Mycetozoa
which he found growing on decayed wood in the Botanic Gardens,
Glasnevm. It first appeared as a white Plasmodium, which afterwards
developed numerous sporangia rS mm. high, o-8 to i mm. broad, having
a cyhndrical stalk 0-5 to i mm. high, Q-i mm. thick, furrowed, colour
red-brown, filled with spore-hke cells and the sporangium of a bright
crimson colour with a well marked cup to which the capilhtia are attached.
It is an elastic network of flattened red threads with thickenings in the
form of cogs or spines on one side only, arranged in a loose spiral. The
spores are pale red nearly smooth. The capillitium and spores were

34 The Irish Naturalist. February,

shown on a separate slide. The species is evenly distributed in Ireland,
nowhere common, widely distributed in England, reported from the
Continent through the tropics and New Zealand.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

November 15. — The Prcsiticnt of the Club (R. J. Welch, M.R.I. A.)
read an address on " Facts about the Distribution of some Plants and
Animals." After some preliminary remarks, Mr. Welch said he felt he
could not do better than select for his subject some facts connected with
geographical distribution, with special reference to animals and plants
found in their own country. He would not confine himself, however,
entirely to the latter, but show some results obtained also abroad, and
here he might mention the fact that Ireland now was the most thoroughly
organised country in the world for scientific research in the field. To this
was due the fact that Irish workers had been enabled in recent years to
carry out such a number of carefully-conducted surveys in the less-known
corners of the coimtry, and were at present at work at the most complete
survey of an island area that had ever been attempted anywhere. He
referred to the survey of Clare Island, and the reports on that work were
mostly now well advanced. Some would be presented to the Royal Irish
Academy this winter, though a number of groups would not be finished
till next autumn. In this survey eight or nine of their members were
taking an active part, as some of them did in the Lambay survey, and
in all of the Triennial Conference work since 1895. Zoologists and
botanists making a special study of distribution now recognised that
island faunas and floras, especially large islands like Ireland, that had
been long detached from Continental areas, were especially useful in that
they were not so subject to keen competition as the Continent itself.
On the island areas the primitive characters lasted much longer, and
nowhere in recent years had this fact given rise to more discussion than
in connection with certain elements of the Irish fauna. Points had arisen
from time to time over specimens sent to specialists to report on as to
whether these were species not hitherto described or merely races differing
in a more or less marked way from those of Great Britain and the
Continent. A number of groups were under revision in Ireland at the
present time in connection with up-to-date geographical lists. In addition
to many published in recent years by the Royal Irish Academy, Irish
N aturalist, or in their own Proceedings, Mr. Balfour-Browne had in
hands a list of the Water-beetles ; Mr. Foster, the Woodlice ; Mr. Orr,
the Wasps and Wild Bees ; and Mr. Stelfox, a census of the Land and
Fresh- water Mollusca. It was from lists such as these that deep students
of geographical distribution, like Darwin or Wallace, got the detailed
information necessary for the preparation of such maps of distribution
as he would show them that night. It was, too, in such work,
steadily and accurately carried out, that a Club like theirs, though mainly
composed of amateur workers, could best help along the greater and
more complete work of the British Association, with which they had
long been in close connection, or the more national Irish work of the
Royal Irish Academy. In the slides which he was about to show them

igxi. Irish Societies. 35

he wished to call special attention to the evidence which the distribution
of many animals afforded of old land connections— or land -bridges, as
they were sometimes called — between this country and the Continent,
and especially between the Britannic area and America, the latter being
a connection questioned by many geologists. He was afraid the geologist
too often ignored the help which the zoologist and botanist could give in
this direction. Wliile the modern student in these groups had usually
obtained a fair knowledge of general geological facts, the average geologist
seemed to take little interest in many zoological or botanical facts which
had a distinct bearing on geology. Among others he need only point
to the enormous multiplication of species in fossil nomenclature, wlrich
would be avoided if the palaeontologist gave more attention to variation
due to environment or other causes. The President then proceeded to
explain a series of illustrative and diagramatic slides which were thrown
on the screen, commencing first with the Lusitanian or southern types
of animals and plants which seem to have entered the country in very
ancient times over a land connection, long now gone, between the South
of Ireland and the Spanish peninsula. Examples, such as the Arbutus,
the Kerry Saxifrage, the Spotted Slug of Kerry, and the Hyaena, were
given, the last having left its remains in some of the southern caves.
Next the western or American elements of our fauna and flora were
referred to, such as the Ivillarney Fern and the not long extinct Great
Auk, with some land shells. Passing to the northern or arctic survivals
in our fauna and flora he showed the distribution of such animals as the
Fresh-water Pearl-mussel, the Irish Hare, the Mountain Avens (Dryas),
and among the extinct animals the Reindeer and Mammoth. The eastern
or Germanic tjrpes followed, when animals such as the Irish Elk, the
Beaver, Swallowtail Butterfly, and Roman Snail were touched on. A
few interesting cases of very restricted distribution and references to the
glaciation of the Brandon mountain range in Kerry closed the address.

At the conclusion of the address an animated and interesting discussion
took place, in which the following took part : — N. H. Foster, W. J. C.
Tomlinson, F. Balfour-Browne, H. Lamont Orr, and William Swanston.

The President then read a list of the various sectional meetings to
be held during the present session, and a new member, R. H. Whitehouse,
M.Sc, was elected.

November 19. — Botanical Section. — Rev. C. H. Waddell, B.D.,
in continuation of the subject of the ecology of plants which had been
commenced the previous season, gave an account of plant life in the
woodlands.

November 23. — ARCH.ffiOLOGicAL Section. — A. Milhgan in the chair.
W. J. Fennell, F.R.I. B.A., read a paper on Bangor, County Down, and
the great abbey formerly existing there.

December 14. — Geological Section. — Lecture by J. Strachan on
" The Onyx of Spanish Bay, Giant's Causeway ; its Occurrence and
Origin," illustrated with micro -sections, and specimens. W. »J. C.
TomUnson, Chairman of the Section, presided. In the course of this
communication, the Lecturer said that onyx, a banded opal, is found
with chalcedony and other minerals in the gas -cavities of a lava at the
east end of Spanish Bay, Giant's Causeway. The rock is of the basaltic-

36 The Irish Naturalist. February,

andesite type and contains an interstitial volcanic glass practically
identical with the hullite found at Carnmoney. In fact it is the type of
lava that probably flowed from the old neck at Carnmoney. The
rock is an augite-plagioclasc mixture with the felspars occasionally
porphyritic. The residual glass contains inclusions of felspar, augite and
magnetite, and also forms layers round tlie onyx. The lecturer gave
reasons for believing tiiat, like other minerals similarly situated in lavas,
the ony.x had been deposited during the cooling and consolidation of
the lava.

December 17. — Botanical Sectig.nt. — Several workers of the
Botanical Section met in the Museum, and exhibited rare and interesting
plants collected by them during the summer preceding. Rev. C. H.
Waddell, M.A., occupied the chair. N. Carrothcrs and Rev. Mr. Waddell
had many fine specimens, and Miss Blackwood's plants collected by her
in Brittany evoked much interest.

December 20. — W. A. Green read a paper entitled " The People of
the Dawn," with special reference to B. N. F. C. investigations in the
North of Ireland. The President (R. J. Welch, M.R.I. A.) occupied the
chair. The paper dealt with Neolithic man and the remains which he has
left in Ireland.

December 27. — Excursion to St. John's Point. — After a lapse of
several years the " bo.xing-day excursion " was this season resuscitated,
when twelve members travelled by train to Killough and spent the day
on the promontory of St. John's Point, Co. Down. The route taken
from Killough to St. John's Point lay along the coast, which, though low
is extremely rocky, consisting for the most part of hard grits and shale,
of the Llandovery Group (Silurian).

Very few plants were seen in flower, but the botanists were rewarded
by observing the following rarer plants in their winter condition : —
Crithmiim maritimum, Artimisia maritima, Beta marititna, Atriplex
portidacoides, and Asplenium marinum.

Thirty-tluree species of birds were noted during the day. The most
interesting ornithological observation was that of about flfteen Oyster-
catchers, H csmatopus ostralegus, following the plough, in company with
Lapwings and Gulls, in a field near the lighthouse, this trait in the habits
of the Oyster-catcher being novel to the members.

A fair list of land -shells was made. The Hyaliniae, Helix hispida and
Vitrina pellucida were particularly common, active, and large ; while the
southern species, such as Helix nemoralis and H. aspersa, were all in a
state of hibernation. Near Downpatrick Anialia gagates and A. Sowerbyi
occurred in great abundance and fully grown.

The five common species of Woodlice were seen, and one specimen
was taken of Trichoniscoides albidus, being the second occasion on which
this species has been obtained in Co. Down.

South of the hght-house near the great dykes there are many fine
rock-pools full of marine life ; here some of the party spent some time
collecting. The members reassembled at five o'clock in the Killough
Hotel for tea, and the party returned to Belfast by the 6.47 train.

January 4, 191 1. — ARCHi^OLOGiCAL Section. — Alex. Milligen read a
paper on " The Archaeology of Surnames," Dr. Cunningham in the chair.

igii. Irish Societies. 37

LIMERICK FIELD CLUB.

January 9. — Annual Meeting. — The annual Meeting was held at
the Club Rooms, Glentworth Street, the Rev. T. F. Abbott, B.D.,
President of the Club, in the chair. There was a large attendance.

Dr. George Fogerty then read the annual report, which contained
the following :—

This is our i8th annual meeting, and we now number 118 ordinary
members and four honorary members. During the past year sixteen
new members have come amongst us. We have still plenty of room for
more new-comers, especially for " workers." This lack of workers
in the Club has always been put before the members, and your Committee
would again appeal to you asking you to remember that the very existence
of the Club depends to an enormous extent on those members who will
come forward and take up some branch of scientific work. Regarding the
finances of the Club your treasurer will tell us that in the year passed
we have only just managed to balance our revenue and expenditure.
With reference to our meetings during the year there were six lectures
given, the average attendance at each being 44. Owing to various causes,
principally the bad weather experienced during the summer months, it
was found impossible to hold a single summer excursion, a matter which
your committee greatly regret.

The Annual Meeting of last year was held on January 11, Rev.
T. F. Abbott in the chair. After the necessary business of the annual
meeting had been disposed of, an exhibition of lantern slides was given,
the following members handing in contributions : — Mr. Barrington, Mr.
Joseph Wallace, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. A. Fitt. The first evening lecture
was held on February ist, when Mr. W. M. Sewell read a paper on the
" Age of the Earth." Discussion followed the reading of the paper, Mr.
H. V. Morony, Mr. Barrington, and Mr. Bennis taking part. For the
second evening meeting held on 17th February, Mr. W. A. Green, of
Belfast, lectured on " The People of the Dawn," a study of early
inhabitants of the earth, their implements and mode of life. The third
evening lecture was given on March 9th by Mr. Nevin H. Foster, President
of the Belfast Field Club, who chose for his subject " The Feathered
World." The fourth evening, April ist, was occupied by an exhibition
of lantern slides kindly lent by the proprietors of PJiotography and Focus.
The fifth evening lecture was held on Monday, November 28th, when
Mr. J. de W. Hinch gave a resume of the work accomplished at the
Conference of the Irish Field Clubs at Rosapenna, at which, owing to the
distance, so few of our members were enabled to assist. The sixth and
last evening meeting of the Club was held on December 12th, when Fr.
O'Leary, S.J., Mungret College, lectured on " Earthquakes."

Mr. E. Bennis read the financial report, which was approved.

The following were elected officers of the Club for the year 191 1 : —
President, Rev. T. F. Abbott ; Vice-President, Mr. W. M. Sewell ;
Secretary, Mr. H. Fogerty ; Treasurer, Mr. E. Bennis ; Committee, Mrs.
Dodds, Miss Doyle, Rev. Fr. Kennedy, S.J. ; Dr. Geo. Fogerty, Mr. S.
Ebrill, Mr. Benjamin Barrington.

38

The Irish Naturalist.

February,

R. A. Phillips, of Cork, then read a paper on " Plants and Plant
Preserving." A few years ago, he said, he lived in Limerick for about
twelve months, and although his spare time was limited, he was much
struck in the course of his rambles by the very interesting flora to be
seen within a radius of five or six miles from the city. Castleconnell,
Glenstal, and Adare revealed several rare plants, not previously known
to exist in the county, and which proved to him that the natural history
of the Limerick district had not been systematically investigated.
Therefore it was that he selected the subject on which he addressed them
that evening. The lecturer then proceeded to explain the method of
preserving plants. Lovers of nature and members of Field Clubs most
favoured the science of botany, and this was not to be wondered at, for
the subject was full of interest. It was especially so in the topographical
and geographical distribution of plants. Mr. Phillips pointed out how
plants found in Cork and Kerry, and occasionally in Limerick, were to
be met with in no other part of the British Isles, although they existed
in profusion on the Pyrenees, the Spanish coast, and along the shores of
the Mediterranean. He suggested the establishment in Limerick of a
botanical class in connection with the Technical School. In Cork they
had such a class for the past sixteen or twenty years and it had proved
a great success.

IRISH FIELD CLUB UNION.

ACCOUNTS, 19 ID.

Receipts.

C

s.

d.

Expenses.

s. d.

To Balance,

15

5

7

A. W. Stelfox, attending
Committee Meeting . 0

II 10

Affiliation Fees —

N. H. Foster, attending
Committee Meeting, . 0

1 1 10

L.F.C., 1909, . 0

C.N.F.C, 1907 and
1908, . . 0

D.N.F.C, 1909, • I

B.N.F.C, 1909-10, . 2

15

10
0
2

8

0
10

0

N. H. Foster, lecture in
Dublm and Limerick, 2

J, de W. Binch, lecture
in Limerick, . . i

Postages, 1906- 1 910, . 0

14 0

II 2
10 2

Balance, Rosapenna
Conference,

7

13

2

By balance, . .21

8 3

i-il

7

3

i^7

7 3

Audited and found correct

.

••' J. de W. HiNCH.

R. Lloyd Praeger,

Hon. Sec. I.F.C.U.

I9II- Notes. 39

NOTES.

BOTANY.

Catabrosa aquatica, var. littoralis.
In Irish Naturalist, 1902, p. 203, Mr. Praeger quotes me for " Catabrosa
aquatica, var. littoralis Parnell = var. minor Bab." This is my mistake.
The correct segnonomy is as follows : —

1. C. aquatica, var. littoralis Parnell, t. 102, 1842.

C. aquatica var. littoralis Kittel, Tasch. Flora Deutschlands, ed. ii.
(1844), p. 102, ex Hackel.

(2 to 3 flowered).

2. C. aquatica /3 uniflora Gray, N. A. B. PL, 1821, p. 133.

C. aqtiatica /3 siibtilis Hook., Brit. Flora, ed. iv., 1838, p. 36.
C. aquatica j3 minor Bab., Man. Brit. Bot., ed. i., 1843, p. 266.
(i flowered).

A. Bennett.
Croydon.

ZOOLOGY.
Land Mollusca from North Antrim.

By request of Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, I have been collecting and
forwarding to him Slugs from North Antrim. It may be worth while
giving a list of the species found, as named by him : — Arion ater and
var. brunnea, A. subfuscus and var. cinereo-fusca, A. hortensis (abundant),
A. circumscriptus, A. minimus (rare) ; Limax maximus, and vars.
ferussaci, fasciata, cellaria ; Limax cinereo-niger var. vera (rare) ; L. flavus
and var. antiquorum ; Agriolimax agrestis and vars. reticulata, rufescens,
alba (rare) ; Milax sowerbyi, M. gagates var. rava. Miss M. Fitzgerald
of Oxford, and my sister, Miss G. E. O'Connor, were on Fair Head at the
time I was collecting, and both being on the look-out for me for finds,
Miss Fitzgerald found Limax cinereo-niger, var. vera, on grass, among
heather, near a marshy place. This was the second record for the British
Isles for this variety ; it has since been found at Cork (/. Nat., xvi., 370,
1907). With the exception of A. minimus, which we think was found up
Glenshesk, the rest were mostly taken from our garden.

Frances S. O'Connor.
Ballycastle.

Ornithological Notes from Londonderry, 1910.

During the past year not much of importance has come under my
notice, but the following notes may be of interest. As usual the autumn
migration of Manx Shearwaters passed over our city, and Mr. E. M'Court
obtained a specimen which ahghted in a yard. On the 17th August last
a specimen of the Wood Sandpiper {Totamis glariola Gmelin) was shot
at Brenagh, Upper Lough Swilly, by Mr. G. B. Butler, R.M. On the
2nd November a cartman picked up a Fork-tailed Petrel (Oceanodroma
leucorrhoa (Vieillot) at Burt, Co. Donegal, about five miles from Derry.
It was evidently driven inland by the strong gale from N.W. on the night
of ist November. The two following records I was not able to verify

40 The Irish Nat7cralist. February, 1911.

personally, but I think the identifications were correct. Mr. John
M'Connell, of Burt, reported to me that he had noticed the Whinchat
^^Pratincola nibctra L'nn.) at Inch last autumn about the same place that
Mr. Gibson found a nest in 1892. Mr. Samuel M'Candlas reported to
me that he had seen a Flamingo shot at Inch about 12th November last.
When I asked for a detailed description and a sketch, he described
accurately, and drew the bill of a Spoonbill {Platalca leticorodia Linn).
Unfortunately the bird was destroyed, but I have no doubt of the species.

Londonderry, D. C. Campbell.

GEOLOGY.

The Gortmore Cave.
Last September Mr. J. W. Puttrell of the Derbyshire Pennine Club,
who was accompanied by Mr. J. W. Percival and the writer, took the
temperature of the Vanishing Pool (see I.N., xix., p. 151.) It was 50" (or
3° higher than the temperature of the water in Desmond's Cave). As
the Blackwater sho.vcd a temperature of 60°, there is obviously no
connecting siphon. The heavy rains of August apparently evaporated
from the surface, as the pool contained less water than it did when first
visited in June, but more than it contained on the second visit in that
month. Two openings near the western extremity of the cliffs led to a
large cavern containing rectangular chambers, one of which measured
100 feet square. This was apparently enlarged by falls from the roof,
and contained very few stalactites. A clay slope led to a series of lower
tunnels containing water and banks of silt. The cliffs show large traces
of iron in places. In one spot the beds are considerably contorted and

crushed into thin shale.

R. W. Evans.
Doneraile.

Alleged Meteorite from Co. Down.

Mr. L. J. Spencer, A.R.C.Sc.I., of the British Museum (Natural
History), informs me that the Bath Museum possesses a cut fragment of
an iron meteorite, which came from the collection of Mr. Frederick
Field. Mr. Field's note on the label is as follows : — " The accompanying
specimen was bought by me of Patrick Doran, the celebrated Irish Mineral
Collector. It was reported by the coastguard men that in August, 1834,
a mass was seen to fall from the sky into the sea near Newcastle, Co.
Down, Ireland. Some years afterwards Doran and his son took boat and
coasted the neighbourhood for some miles — they found the mass on a
ledge of rock, and my specimen was a piece taken from it."

The occurrence of this specimen would have been undoubtedly
discussed by the late Dr. V. Ball in his paper on " Examples of meteoric
falls in the Museums of Dublin," had he been aware of it, since he paid
special attention to all records of Irish meteorites. The authority for
its genuineness may not be so good as Mr. Field believed ; but it would
be very interesting to learn if similar fragments are^ found in other

collections.

Grenville A. J. Cole.
Dublin.

3

March, igir. The frisk Naturalist. 41

SOME NOTES ON IRISH SEALS.

BY R. F. SCHARFF, PH.D., M.R.I. A.

I HAVE recently had an opportunity of re-examining the
skins and skulls of the Irish seals contained in the National
Museum of Ireland, and I herewith give some of the results,
which may be of interest to the readers of the Irish
Naturalist.

Externally the different kinds of seals inhabiting the
Irish seas are very much like one another, and no very
striking characters seem to separate them. Moreover few
naturalists ever get an opportunity of observing seals in
their natural habitat, so that our knowledge of them is
practically limited to the skins and skulls contained in
museums and the few living specimens which find their
way to our Zoological Gardens. The late Dr. Robert BalP
remarked that the Gre}^ Seal may be readily distinguished
from the Common Seal by its fierce mien, but I have failed
to recognise that character among the seals that have been
kept in confinement from time to time in the Dublin
Zoological Gardens. It is probable that the character he
noticed was due to the powerful cluster of bristles — a kind
of beard — which the Grey Seal develops in old age. Even in
young specimens of the Grey Seal, when they are about the
size of full-grown Common Seals, these bristles on each
side of the nostril are very perceptibly thicker than in the
other species, and the finer ones are darker in colour. But
that after all is not much to distinguish a species by, when
it is some distance off and only occasionally lifts its head
above the water.

That the Grey Seal attains a much greater size than the
Common Seal is a more useful distinguishing character.
Any seal of a length of six feet or more is almost sure to be
a Grey Seal, for the latter grows to a length of nearly ten
feet, while the Common Seal never exceeds half that size.
Another still more striking feature is found in the young
Grey Seal. All seals, as far as we know, possess at birth

' Ball. R., " Remarks on the Species of Seals iuhabitiiiK tlie Irish Seas." —
Trans. R. Irish Academy, vol. xviii., 1835-38.

A

42 The hish Naturalist. March,

a thick woolly coat of perfectly white fur, and apparently
that coat is not usually shed until the cub takes to the
water. Now in the Common Seal this coat seems to be shed
at birth or even before, while in the Grey Seal the white
fur remains for a month or more. We have kept young
Grey Seals in the Dublin Zoological Gardens in their white
coats until they were nearly four feet in length, and they
are thus very easily distinguished from the Common Seal
of the same size.

The term Common Seal, I may mention, is a misnomer
as far as Ireland is concerned, for the common Irish seal
is certainly the Grey Seal {Halichoerus grypus). Among the
seventeen Irish seal skulls that have been collected from
such specimens as were accidentally killed round the coast,
twelve belong to the (irey Seal and five only to the Common
Seal {Phoca vitulina). Whether this represents actually the
true proportion of seals of the two species, we cannot
determine, but I think there can be no doubt that the
great majority of seals caught in fishermen's nets off the
Irish coast are Grey Seals.

From the above remarks it may be inferred that as yet
we are unable to discriminate between the two species from
the colour or structure of the fur. As a rule the Grey Seal
has a dark grey fur, while it is often yellowish -grey in the
other species, but both are subject to great variation in
colour. Yet we possess a valuable distinguishing character
in the skull and teeth. Anyone examining the cheek-teeth
can readily tell the Grey Seal from the Common Seal by
the simple heavy conical teeth characterising the former
species, while the latter has composite teeth with several
cusps resembling little combs. But here we are confronted
with a further difficulty, for the Bearded Seal, the Harp
Seal and the Ringed Seal have all composite teeth like the
Common Seal. Moreover the two former are said to have
been noticed off the west coast of Ireland, although there
is no definite evidence that they do inhabit Irish waters.

Now it is of interest that among the skins and skulls in
the Irish National Museum collections there is one skin, and
a skull belonging to it, which are identical with the Ringed

igii. SCHARFF. — Some Notes on Irish Seals 43

Seal {Phoca foetida). According to Mr. Lydekker^ this
species has only twice been observed off the coasts of the
British Islands, once on the Norfolk coast in 1846, and
again on the Lincolnshire coast in 1889. The Irish specimen
was taken alive in Gal way Bay in 1895 and lived in the
Dublin Zoological Gardens for some time without any one
suspecting that we possessed an example of this rare seal,
which is a native of the coast of Greenland, Labrador and
the Arctic Ocean. In its shape there is really little to
distinguish it from the Common Seal. The fact that the
Ringed Seal has somewhat longer limbs and tail, narrower
head and more pointed snout is not readily noticeable.
Nor can anyone be expected to observe at a glance that
the inner or first claw of the forelimb is a little longer than
the other claws, while in the Common and in the Grey Seal
it is a trifle shorter than the second. The claws of the
Ringed Seal are straight and somewhat flattened from
above downward. In the Common and Grey Seals they
are compressed laterally and slightly curved.

The newly-born Ringed Seal possesses the white coat
like the others and is said to retain it for a month.^ This
would therefore form a ready feature of distinction between
the two species. But what is the most striking external
character is the colour of the fur. In the water it would
not be readily noticeable, but in the dry state the fur shows
that there are a number of light oval rings surrounding
darker spaces. When the fur is touched we notice another
difference. The fur of the Ringed Seal feels harsh, and it
seems that this harshness is due to the fact of the fur being
composed of two qualities of hair, of thick straight hairs and
thinner slightly curved ones, while in the soft fur of the
Common Seal the hair is all of the same density. The
total length of the adult Ringed Seal is about the same as
that of the Common Seal, from four to five feet.

The skull of the Ringed Seal differs in several important
respects from that of the Common Seal. The partition
between the eye-sockets is much thinner in the former, and
the premaxillary bones run to and touch the nasal bones,
whereas they do not touch the nasal bones in the Common
Seal. If we turn over the skull and look at the lower

' Lydekker, R., " Handbook of British Mammalia,'' London, 1895.
Allen, J. A., '• North American Pinnipeds," Washington, 1880.

a2

44 The Irish Nahiralist. iNlarcli,

surface, we note that the series of cheek-teeth in the Ringed
Seal are small and delicate in shape, and they are arranged
with their long axes in a straight line. In the Common
Seal these teeth are of a more massive type and placed in a
slanting position, their long axes being parallel to one
another. In front of the posterior suture of the maxillary
bones there are two little holes or foramina, one on each
side, in the Common Seal. In the Ringed Seal these
foramina lie behind the suture on the palatine bones.

National Museum, I)ul)liii.

THE IRISH DIPPER, JAY, AND COAL-TITMOUSE.

BY A. R. NICHOLS, M.A., M.R.I. A.

A RECENT examination by experienced ornithologists in
England of a large number of specimens of the Dipper, Jay
and Coal -Titmouse has shown that the Irish forms of
these three birds are distinct from the British.

That there were slight differences in coloration between
Irish and British specimens of the Dipper and the Jay had
been known for a long time, for Dresser' had remarked that
the single Dipper from Ireland in his collection was not the
British Dipper, but agreed closely with specimens from
Sweden ; and as regards the Jay the following statement
ap])cared in the second edition of A. G. More's " List of
Irish Birds," published in 1890 by the Dublin Museum : —
" Mr. E. Williams has noticed that the Irish Jay is of
a warmer and richer colour than the English bird."

Dr. E. Hartert, who has examined the Dippers, regards
the Irish Dipper as a distinct sub-species which he has
named- Cinclus cinchis hihcrnicus. He states that Irish
Dippers have " wider black borders to the feathers of the
upper side " than British Dippers, " so that the back appears
almost uniform black in freshly moulted examples, and the
rufous pectoral area is more restricted " than in British
Dippers, but wider than in typical Scandinavian Dippers.
Specimens of the Irish Dipper are in the Dublin Museum
from Counties Down, Dublin, and Tipperary.

' " .\ Histor\- of tin- Birds of Europe," vol. ii., 1874.
2 " Die Vttgel der paliiarktischen Fauna," 19 10, p. 790, and British
Birds, October, 19 10, p. 136.

igii. Nichols. — The Irish Dipper, Jay and Coal-Titmouse. 45

As the result of an examination of a considerable number
of British and Irish jays by Mr. H. F. Witherby and Dr.
E. Hartert, the Irish Jay has also recently been described
as a distinct sub-species, and named by them Garrulus
glandcirius hihernicus {British Birds, January, 191 1, pp.
234-5). The most striking characteristics of the Irish Jay
are " the dark rufous colouring of the sides of the head,
car-coverts and underparts, and the darker crest " ; the
measurements of the wing and bill are said to be " perhaps
slightly smaller on the average " than those of the British
Jay. Specimens of the Irish Jay are in the Dublin Museum
from Counties Kildare, Meath, Tipperary, Waterford, and
Wexford.

At the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club held
December 14th, 1910, Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant exhibited
and described examples of a Titmouse from Ireland which
he regards as "an extremely distinct and well-marked
species " and has named^ Parus hibeniicus. He remarked
that " the pale mustard-colour of the patches on the sides
of the head and occipital spot, as well as of the breast and
belly, also the clear cinnamon-coloured sides, flanks, and
upper tail-coverts, rendered P. hibernicus distinguishable at
a glance from P. britannicus,''^ the British Coal-Titmouse.
There are in the Dublin Museum specimens of the Irish
Coal-Titmouse from Athlone and the Counties Dublin,
Waterford, and Wexford ; these specimens were obtained
several years ago, and the light patches on the sides of the
head, occiput, and underparts now show only a faint trace
of the mustard -yellow colour stated by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant
to be very bright and conspicuous in freshly killed
examples, but to fade considerably a few days after death.

Mr. Ogilvie-Grant mentioned that the British Coal-
Titmouse also occurred in Ireland, and that he had himself
obtained a number of specimens at Clandeboye, Co. Down,
in January, 1904, .but " was not aware whether these birds
bred in Co. Down or were merely winter migrants from
the opposite coast of Britain."

National Museum, Dublin.

1 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, No. clxv., December 31st.
1910.

46 The Irish NaluralisL March

NOTES ON NON-MARINE MOLLUSCA
FROM SOME IRISH LAKES.

OBTAIiNEU BY MAJOR II. TRHVELYAN.
BY A. S. KENNARD, F.G.S., AND B. B. WOODWARD, F.L.S.

It is, alas ! only too true that the molluscan fauna of many
of the smaller Irish lakes is practically unknown. R. A.
Phillips, Dr. Scharff, A. W. Stelfox, and R. Welch have
added greatly to our knowledge, but the number of these
smaller lakes is so large that it will be many years before
our information will be satisfactory.

Difficulty of access is also an important factor, and this
is more painfully appreciated in the field than it is by an
examination of maps. It was, therefore, a matter of
congratulation to us when Major H. Trevelyan volunteered
to undertake the examination of some of these lakelets by
dredging, and to forward to us for examination the fresh-
water mollusca. We would here place on record our deep
obligation to this enthusiastic investigator, who spared no
trouble, and often had his boat carried many miles by
cart to reach some desired locality. We have not given
the depths at which the shells occurred, since they were
all taken in shallow water. We are indebted to E. W.
Bowell and A. W. Stelfox for kind assistance.

Lough Tullynasiddagii, East Donegal.

Liimicna preetcmiis, Bowell. Valvata piscinalis (Mi'ill.).

palustris (Miill.). Sphctrium cornemn (1-inn.).

Phyaa foniinalis (Linn.). Pisidiuni Slccnhuchii (Moll.).
Bithynia tcutnciilata (Linii.).

Lough Scolban, Fermanagh.

Planorbis albits, Miill. Bithynia hiilaculala (Linn.).

Lough Acapple, East Donegal.

LimucBa prcBtenuis, Bowell. Pisidium tniliinn Ilekl, [=gassicsi-
Bithynia tcntaculata (Linn.). anum, Dupny].

Pisidium subiniiicatum, Malm. pusillum (Gmel.) Jcnyns.

obtusale (L;imk.). Slecnbuchii (Moll.).

igti. Kennakd & Woodward. — Nou Marine Moihisca, 47
Lough Adeery, East Donegal.

Pisidium iiitiduin, Jcnyns.

Lough Shivnagh, East Donegal.

]J)iiiura l^aliistris (IMiilL).
Bitliyiiia tcntaculata (Liiin.).
PisiJiuin piilchclluni, Jt'ux'us.

Pisidium ohtusale (Laiiik.).
pusillum (GmeL) Jcnyns.
Steenbuchii (Moll).

Lough Derg, East Donegal.

Limncea preBtcnuis, Bowill.

palusiris (Miill).
Ancylus fliiviatilis (Mi'ill.).

Pisidium pusillum. (Gincl.) Jenyns.
Steenbuchii (Moll.).

Lough Vearty, Fermanagh and East Donegal.
This is a sliallow lake, its depth, perhaps, not exceeding

12 feet.

Ancylus fJuviatilis (Miill.).
Limiiaa prcetenuis, Bowcll.

palustris (Miill.).
Planorbis albus, Miill.
Physa fonfinnlis (Linn.).
Valvnta piscinalis (Miill.).

Bithynia tcntaculata (Linn.).
SphcBvium corucum (Linn.).
Pisidium subtvmicatum. Malm.

nitidum, Jtilyiis.

Steenbuchii (Moll.).

ohtusale (Lamk.).

Lough Roshin, East Donegal.

This is situate about 3;^ miles north of Belleek. It is
deep in parts ; quite near the shore it is 12 feet, and in
the centre 40 to 50 feet.

Succiiiea elei^ans, Risso.
Bithynia tcntaculata (Linn.).
Sphcei-ium cornenm (Linn.).

Pisidium subtiuncatum, INIalni.
pulchclliim Jcnyns.

The first-named species was obtained in the dredge.
\\\ this lake Major Trevelyan obtained a large number of
dead shells from one spot at a depth of 10-12 feet. The
species present were : —

Limncsa percL^er (Miill.).

staqnalis (Linn.).
Planorbis carinatus, Miill.

albus, Miill.

Bithynia tcntaculata (Linn.)
Valvala piscinalis (Miill.).
Sphc/Ji'ium oorncuni (Linn.).

4S

The Ifish Naturalist.

March,

It is noteworthy that although Major Trevelyan dredged
in various parts of this lake, yet there are live species
amongst the dead shells which he failed to find alive.

It can thus be seen how difticult it is to obtain an
accurate knowledge of the fauna of these small lakes.

Lough Dkumgoon, Fermanagh.

Uilhynia loiiaculala (l.inu.).

Lower Lough Erne, Fermanagh.

I.imncca peye'j.rv (Miill.)-

stagnalis (Linn.).
Ancylus fluviatilis, MiiU. " Rossbcg

Point."
Physa jo)iliiialis {\Jnn.). " Rossbcg

Point," " Below Thonipson's."

Bi thy Ilia tentaciilata (Linn.).
" Drtulged 3 feet," " Below
Thompson's," " Bleanamora
Bay."

V alvata pisciiialis {^InW.). " Shore."
" Dredged 3 feet," " Bleana-
mora Bay.*'

Planorbis vortex (Linn.). " Shore "

(dead). "Blcanahey Bay near Paludestrina Jenkiusi, Smith,
Castlecakl well station " (dead). "Dredged 3 feet."

Planorbis cariiiatus, Miill. " Ko.ss- Sphcerium cornciim (Linn.),

beg Point." " Shore," " Blean- "Shore," "Dredged 3 feet,"

" Bleanamora Bav."

amora Bay, " " Below Thoinp

Pisidiiini amiiicum (Miill.).

Besides the shells obtained by dredging Major Trevelyan
also sent a small number of land shells, which it is advisable
to place on record.

From the Walls of Castlecaldwell, Fermanagh

Vitrea hibernica, Kenn.
Pyramidula rotundata (Miill.)
Hygromia rufesceiis (Penn.).

Cochlicopa lubrica (Miill.).
Clansilia bidentata (Strom.).
Jaminia cylindracca (Da Costa).

From an Island in Lough Erne, Fermanagh.

Vitrea mtidxila (Drap.).

radiatiila (.\ld.).
Zonitoides nitidus (Miill.).

Balca perversa (Linn.).
Jaminia cylindracca (Da Costa).
Siiccinea elegans, Risso.

19^1. KCNNARD & Woodward. — No)i-3Ia>i?ie Mollusca. 49
" From Shores of Lough Erne," Fermanagh.

Vitrea crystallina (Miill.). Helix nemoralis, Linn.

radiatula (Aid.). Cochlicopa lubrica (Miill.).

Zonitoides nilidiis (Miill.). Jaminia cylindracea (Da Costa.).

Euconulus julvns (Miill). Claiisilia bidentata (Strom.).

Pyinmidula yotundata (Miill.). Succinea elegans, Risso.

NOTES ON THE SPECIES.

Limnaea stagnalis (Linn.). — The examples of this species from Lower
Lough Erne are interesting and differ markedly from the type, and would
be termed L. Contagnei, Loc. by French authors, but in our opinion it is
only a mutation caused by environment. Several of the shells are
noteworthy in possessing a change of colour on the last whorl. The
shell is normal in colour except for a band about 12 mm. wide which
extends right across the body whorl. Here there are numerous white
lines parallel with the suture, and this band is succeeded by shell of the
normal colour, thus clearly showing that it is not a mere individual
mutation, but arises from some extraneous cause which only acted for a
limited period.

Limnsea pereger (Miill.). — There is not much variation in the examples
of this species except, perhaps, in the height of the spire. One or two
specimens from Lower Lough Erne approached the form from Lough
Neagh which is usually called var. lacustris. Leach (an anatomical
exammation of the Lough Neagh shells is greatly to be desired). All
the examples are small, the largest measuring 17 by 13 mm. There is
a total absence of inflated forms.

Limnsea pratenuis, Bowell. — It is a matter of congratulation that
through the labours of Major Trevelyan we have been able to examine
several series of this species. Originally described from Lough Nagarriva,
South Kerry, we can now add L. Acapple, L. Derg, and L. Vearty,
examples from these three lakes having been examined anatomically by
Mr. Bowell, and on conchological grounds we have referred the shells
from L. Tullynasiddagh to this species. It is extremely probable that
it has a wide range in Ireland, and judging from material in the British
Museum (Natural History) it, or a closely allied species, occurs in the
Faroes. The species varies somewhat in the height of the spire, those
.- from the original locality possessing a very short spire, whilst the
examples from L. Acapple and a few from L. Vearty have this character
more pronounced. It would appear from the L. Vearty specimens that
there is some variation in the inflation of the last whorl, for in some of
these examples the last whorl is inflated and the spire is quite hidden,
the shell resembling a Bulla and being markedly different from any other
form of European Limnaea we are acquainted with.

Limnaea palustris (Miill.). — The examples of this species, whether (rem
Lower Lough Erne or the smaller lakes, all present the same facies.
They are decidedly small, some are much eroded and slightly decollated
and represent the form called bv French authors L. jusca, Pfr.

A3

50 The Irish Naturalist. March,

Planorbis carinatUS, MirlL — The few mdividuals of thi.s sjiccies are not
typical. They are ver\- much compressed, and the striae are much
more pronounced. It is a form which is. not uncommon in Ireland
though, according to our experience, it is abstmt iroin England.

Planorbis vortex (Linn.). — The representatives o( thiis species agiee
with the i'. L'<inpr(-.isus, Mich., of French authors.

Ancylus fiuviatilis. Midi. — Two forms oi this species are preserit. tho^e
from L. Vearty and L. Derg being only half the size of the examples
from Lower Lough Erne. The occurrence of these two forms was pointed
out over fifty years ago by W. Thomp>son. and we are still nnable to
.say whether there are two species or whether the difference arises from
environment.

Physa fontinalis (Ltnn.), — Of thi.s also two forms are represented, a
large form. /'. Taslei, Bourg., and a smaller form, P. Coronadoi, Ser\-ain
hut as yet no valid reasons have been adduced in sup[x>rt of the view-
that the P. fontinalis (I^inn.) of English authors should be considered an
aggregate species.

It is of course possible that it is an aggregate, yet, when one consichr-,
the great variation of some species of this genus, one may well hesitate
in accepting this view, on the ground of small differences in the shape
of the shell.

Valvata piscinalis (Mall.). —All the examples of V. piscinahs would
be named V. alpatris, Blauner, by most Continental authorities, but we
are in agreement with Dr. Bollinger in considering this so-called species
as only a mutation of V. piscinalis. (Zur GastrofKxicnfauna von
Basel und Umgebung. Basel, 1909, p. 165). We would, however,
point out that in these islands this form has a decidedly western range.

Bfthynia tentaculata (Linn.). — Many of the examples are much eroded
at the apex anil decollated, this being most pronounced in the shells
from L. Vearty and L. Shivnagh. T\\e shells from the smaller lakes
are decidedly .smaller in size than those from Lower L. Erne. The
largest example from the last-named lake measures 13 '9 by 8-5 mm.
and apjiroachc-s the var, producta Menke of Continental authors, whilst
from the smaller lakes none exceeds 11 mm. in length.

Sphaerium comeum (Linn.). — All the examples of this species are small,
being much smaller than those found in the south-east of England. At
the same time there is but little difference in size between the shells from
Lower Lough Erne and those from the smaller lakes. Some of the
examples from Lough Vearty and Lough Tullynasiddagh are small but
very much inflated, some examples measuring 7 by 6 by •.' •, mm.,
presenting a very different appearance from typical comeum. Since.
however, this species varies greatly in inflation, and the extreme examples
can be graded into normal connttnu we have come to the conclusion
that it is a local mutation arising from environment, and in this view
we have the support of A. VV. Stelfox and K. Welch. M.K.L.A.

Pisldium. — The members of this genus were, on the whole, pooily
represented ; at no spot were many individuals taken, frequently only
one or two. The greatest number of species were found in L. Acapple.
L. Shivnagh, and L. Derg.

191 1- Kennard & Woodward. — Non-Marine Molhisca. ^\.

P. amniciim was represented by a single small specimen from Lower
Lough Erne.

P. henslowanum, P. casertanitm and P. personatnm, which might
have been expected, especially the two last-named, have so far not been
obtained by Major Trevelyan. Even the prevalent Irish form, /'.
pusilltim, was only met with in Loughs Acapple, Shivnagh, and Derg.

The most interesting point in relation to this genus is the further
confirmation of the widespread existence in north-west Ireland of /'.
Stecnbuchii. It was found in Loughs Acapple, Shivnagh, Derg, Vearty.
and Tullynasiddagh. Although we had long met with the form
throughout the British post-Pliocene deposits it was less than fifteen
months ago that the first living specimens were obtained by Mr. F. F.
Laidlaw from Lochan-a-Chait, Perthshire. It was next recognised
among specimens from the Lake District, and then from places as widely
apart as Achill Island and Lincolnshire. The Scotch and Irish examples
seem to belong to the orbicular form, whilst the Lincolnshire specimens
are of the most ovate type.

Although Major Trevelyan had his boat transported by road some
thirteen or more miles to Lough Aguse, he was not fortunate enough
to obtain thence further specimens of P. Lilljeborgii. which A. W. Stelfox
took there in 1909. Since Major Trevelyan intends to renew his
researches in the coming summer, it is not too much to hope that he will
make further important discoveries, and that his name will be as honoureil
bv stuilents of malacology as it already is by students of ichthyology.

REVIEWS.

WORMS FROM BRITISH AND IRISH SEAS.

A Monograph of the British Annelida. By W. C. McIntosh, M.D..
F.R.S., lS:c. Vol. li.. Part ii. 4to. pp. 333-524. Plates li.-lvi.
coloured, and Ixxi.-lxxxvii., uncoloured. London (Ray Society),
1910.

The latest part of Professor Mcintosh's elaborate work on the
British Annelids, or marine bristle-worms, has succeeded its predecessor
after so short an interval, comparatively speaking, that hopes are roused
of the early completion of this valuable Monograph. The present volume
deals with the families Nereidae, Eunicidae, Goniadidae, Glyceridae,
Ariciidae, and a number of Syllidae which have been added to the British
fauna by Major Elwes since the publication of the last part of the
Monograph. There are six coloured and seventeen uncoloured plates.
It is rather unfortunate that some of the plates illustrating species
described in the present part are included in the preceding volume, and
vice versa, and consequently the plates are not numbered consecutively.
The coloured figures are beautifully executed, that of Statirocephalus
r.ubrovittatus on Plate Iv. being probably the least satisfactory. The

52 The Irish NatiiralUt. March,

Irish specimens of this species, at any rate, are more brightly coloured.
The descriptions of the species are very full, and the comparisons with
closely related species not found in the British area are especially valuable.

The weakest part of the work is undoubtedly that dealing witli
<iistribution, especially the extra-British portion. A number of localities
are capriciously selected for mention, and the rest ignored. For instance,
one might infer Irom the description of Aricia Latreillil on p. 502, that
it had been found only at St. Andrew's and the Firth of Forth, .\pparently
this subject is not so important in Professor Mcintosh's eyes as in those
of most Irish biologists. Recently ' Professor Mcintosh published a list
of the Irish localities of the species described in this volume. In thiij
list is the name of a new species, Aricia Buskii. but there is ito mention
of it in the Monograph. It is very desirable that this nomen nudum should
be quickly supplemented by an account of the structure and specific
characters of this species. Professor Mcintosh is guilty of the heinous
nomenclatural crime of describing as new in this volume, species which
he described some years ago in the A nnals and Alagazine of Natural
History.

Under Autolytus inermis (p. 247) there is no mention of the fact that
this species was separated as the type of a new genus Autolylides by
Malaquin.2 It is distinguished from all other species of the genus
Autolytus by having a proboscis devoid of teeth.

Of special interest to Irish zoologists is the species which Mcintosh
records as Eunice floridana, Pourtales. This worm is always found
associated with the branching coral Lophohdia pmlifcra, or a species of
Amphihelia. and is abundant in deep water off the west coast of Ireland.
The worms live in a parchment-like tube which usually perforates a
branch of the coral. It seems more probable that the coral grows up
round tlie tube than that the worm bores into the coral, as the free ends
of the worm-tube generally project beyond the coral. This species was
described as new, under the name Eunice philocorallia, by Miss F.
Buchanan,-' who pointed out its close resemblance to E. floridana. Shortly
afterwards * she published a note stating that the species appeared to
be identical with one previously described by Storm as E. Gunneri.
Professor Mcintosh omits any reference to this revised opinion and does
not mention E. Gunneri.

In this volume, three species are described which occur on the west
of Ireland, but nowhere else in the British marine area. These are
Lumbriconereis hibertiica, Mcintosh ; Eunice floridana, Pourtales ; and
Onuphis fra^osa, Ehlers.

R. Southern.

1 Irish Naturalist, vol. xi.\., 1910, p. 95.

* Recherches sur les Syllidiens, p. 76.

3 Sci. Proc. R. Dublin Soc, viii., p. 173.

* Tom. cit., p. 432.

1 91 1- Revieivs* 53

AGRICULTURAL GEOLOGY.

The Geological Features and Soils of the Agricultural Station of the
Department of Agriculture at Ballyhaise in the County of Cavan.

By J. R. Kii.ROE, A.R.C.Sc.l. ; H. J. Seymour, B.A., F.G.S. ;
aiul T. Hallissv, B.A. Pp. 50 (with coloured map). Dublin : H. M.
Stationery Office, 19IU. Price, is. fxl.

This memoir published by the Department of Agriculture is not so
much a new departure as a following up of the line pursued in the memoirs
of the Dubhn, Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Londonderry districts, where
the soils commamled a degree of consideration.

Chapter I. is occupied with a description of the general features of
the station. The farm of 874 acres, has 653 acres arable, 147 occupied
by woods, and 44 by peat, whilst the remaining 30 are covered by the river
Annalee, Avhich passes through them in a meandering course. This river
supplies power for driving mills and dairy machinery at a point cast of
Ballyhaise House. In Chapter IL Mr. Kilroe deals with the solid geology.
T'wo formations, the Ordovician, consisting of fine-grained sandstones, and
the Carboniferous, which occurs il miles N.E. of the village of Ballyhaise,
are discussed.

Professor Seymour gives a very interesting chapter on surfacc-dejwsits,
and deals with the question of the origin of drumlins, those curious
elongated mounds which can hardly have been produced by any process
of weathering with which we are familiar. He states that "it is fairly
certain that the shape of the drumlins is original and is connected with
the movement of the ice -sheet at the time of its maximum development.
The probability is that a certain condition of the rock-floor such as the
presence of hummocks obstructing the sole of the glaciers, has had
something to do with the phenomenon, for many of the more typical
drumlins have a rock-core masked beneath a mantle of boulder-clay.
Their formation would appear also to be connected with divergent
movements of the ice -sheet locally, such divergence being primarily due
to the presence of rock-obstructions which led to the accumulation of
boulder-clay in certain places. The continued movement of the ice-sheet
caused it ultimately to over-ride the mass and give it its present
characteristic shape." Plates I. and III. give a good idea of the shape
of these drumlins, while the other, Plate II., shows a strong contrast
between the vegetation on the drift and the coarser kind on the bare
ground. It is interesting to note how the alluvial deposits arrange
themselves into two distinct types — a loam forming a bank, in one place
six feet high, by the sides of the stream, while the less heavy mud was
carried further over the flooded meadows.

Mr. Kilroe, in Chapter IV., gives an account of the origin of the soils,
and in Chapter V. discusses the properties of these that most affect
agriculture. Water capacity or " minimum water capacity," i.e., that left
in a soil which is properly drained, as a film, is found to depend upon
size of soil particles, increasing with their minuteness. The amount of
the fine material governs percolation, for though the percentage of gravel
may be great, yet this finest material may act as a clay and impede both
percolation and also the passage of air.

54 The Irish Natiimlhi. March,

Capillarity, on the other hand, incruabtb witli the decrease of size of
]jarticles till -02 mm. is reached, but when the particles are finer than
this the rise of water is very slow, though eventually reaching a high
level in these fine soils.

The effect of aspect on heating power is clearly shown by three
diagrams. The physical and chemical characters of the Ballyhaisc soils
have been carefully investigated by Mr. Hallissy, who is responsible for
the detailed account in Chapter VI. Nine soil types were established,
ranging from sand containing less than ten per cent, of -oi mm. -sized
particles in the fine-earths to clay which contains over fifty per cent.
The soil-types having been established, the boundaries of each type were
then distinguished in the field. In doing this, borings with a soil-auger were
made at intervals, whilst the Character of the vegetation, which varied
with the soils, was also an effective help.

This memoir must be of considerable value to all those who are
anxious to cultivate their farms in accordance with scientific methods.

I. Swain,

NOTES,

Contents of Pheasant's and Wood-pigeon's Crops.

1 have recently examined tlie contents of the crops of a Pheasant and

a Wood-pigeon, and it may not be uninteresting to readers of the lr\i>h

Ndtiiralist to learn of what they consisted. The former bird was shot

in Co. Tyrone in November last, and in its crop were found considerable

quantities of the fleshy roots of the Lesser Celandiiu' (Ramincidiis Ficaria

L.), together with large numbers of seeds of the Wild Hyacinth or Bluebell

(Eiidymion non-scriptum Garcke). A few scraps of blackberry leaves,

together with several seeds of two undetermined species of Carex and

one seed of Potentilla reptans L. completed the list of contents of the

crop of this bird. The Wood-pigeon was shot in Co. Cavan in December

last, and its crop contained very large numliers of the seeds of Corn

Spurrcy (Spcrgula arvensis L.) as well as sliort pieces of roots of a

plant which I was not able to identify from anatomical characters. The

l)ieces, however, were planted in a pot of soil in a warm greenhouse and

all of them grew ami produced the leaves of Silverwced {Potentilla

Anserina !>.). The crop contained two masses, each nearly the size of a

walnut, of ground-up material resembling dry dough, in the outer layers

of which the remains of the Spurrey seeds could be identified. It is

quite eviiUnt that these seeds therefore w^ere being destroyed, and

although the Wood-pigeon is frequently and probably rightly looked

upon as the farmer's enemy, in this particular instance the bird was

performing a distinctly friendly act l)y destroying the seeds of one noxious

weed and the roots, stored with jiLiity of reserve material, of a second.

Some of my friends inform me that the roots of Silverwecd arc not

uncommonly eaten by children in the North of Ireland, where they are

known as " mashie corn."

G. H. Pethybkidge.

Koyal College of Science, Dublin.

1911. Noies. 55

Quedius obliteratus from Co. Cavan.

Mr. Keys has pointed out {Eiii. Mo. Mag. 1902, p. 147) that Wollaston
records Quedius obliteratus, Er. from Rosnahe, Kauturk, Co. Cork
{Zoologist 1847, p. 1576). This species, which seems to be very local in
England, has, to the best of my knowledge, not been found in Ireland
since. It was, therefore, with much pleasure that I took a specimen in
the yard at Cloverhill, Co. Cavan, on September 30, 19 10, from under
the bark of an old log which is used as a support for the haystacks. On
my return to this log on the following day, I found that it had been
covered with several tons of hay, and was, therefore, no longer available.
No other specimens could be found in any of the other pieces of timber
that were lying about, nor at the bottom of the haystacks.

135 Elm Park Mansions, London, S.W. G. W. Nicholson.

Coleoptera from South Kerry.

The following list of some of the more interesting beetles captured
by me last August in South Kerry, chiefly in the Caragh Lake and Glencar
districts, may be worth recording : —

Cychrus rosiratus, Carabus catennlatus, Lcistus montanus, Ncbria

Gyllenhali, on Caher and Carrantuohill ; Bradycellus distinctus, Glencar ;

Trechus rubeiis, one example under fir-bark near Blackstones Bridge,

Glencar ; Patrobus assimilis, common on the Reeks above 2,000 feet ;

Pogonus chalceus, Rossbeigh ; Lathrobiuni multipuncttmi, Oxyteles com-

planattis* Glencar ; Necrophorus mortuorum, N. nispator var. microce-

phalus* Nccrodes littoralis, all three occurred in a dead rat, Glencar ;

Onthophagiis fracticoriiis in profusion in sicrcove on Rossbeigh santlhills ;

Aphodius rufesccns,* A. scybalarius, A. nitiduliis, A. pulridus * (horealis)

on Rossbeigh sandhills in stercore ; Cryptohypnus iv-guttatus on shore

of L. Acoose ; Strangalia armata, one specimen in Lickeeu woods,

Glencar ; Oiiorrynchus muscorum,* Rossbeigh common. The species

marked with an asterisk are new to Kerry. I am greatly indebted to

Messrs. W. F. Johnson and J. N. Halbert for kindly naming for me many

of the above.

L. H. Bonaparte Wyse.

Ealing Common, London, W.

Former Occurrence of the Wild Cat in Ireland.

In his paper published in the Proc. Pay. I. Acad., vol. xxvi., B. i,
page I, in which he described the bones of Wild Cats from the caves of
County Clare, Dr. Scharff stated that the' Wild Cat is mentioned in an
ancient Irish poem. By itself this would not be conclusive evidence,
but it is interesting to find that there are other allusions to the occurrence
of a Wild Cat in Ireland in historical times. These are so iuithentic that
I cannot think the fact can be any longer in doubt. I do not propose to
publish these now, as I am collecting them for my forthcoming book on
British Mammals. They are, however, available for anyone who reads

the current books on Irish history.

G. E. H. Barrett Hamilton.
Kilmanock, Co. Wexford.

56 The Irish Naturalist. March.

IRISH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOaiCAL SOCIETY.

January 31. — The Annual C'iIiNekal AlEiiiiNc; was licld at lAMiistcr
llousf, the Right Hon. Jonathan Hogg (President) in the chair. Tlic
Hon. Secretary, Dr. R. F. Schakfi', read and moved tiie adoption of the
Conncil's Report for 1910.

Dnring the years 1909 and 1910 the niiniher of visitors to the Society's
Gartlens, and the receipts at the Entrance Gate, were as follows : —

1909. 1910.

Admission. Receipts. Admission. Receipts.

Members

1 6, 1 1 9

. —

14,401

—

Pnblic Institntions

1,J20

—

2,201

—

Members' Tickets

^63

—

208

—

/

.V.

d.

L *■•

d.

Visitors at 15.

11,410

570

10

0

11,035

551 '5

u

Do. „ bd. . .

-29.566

739

3

0

31,268

781 14

0

Do. „ yl. ..

10,352

129

7

9

9,«6o

'23 5

0

Do. „ 2d. . .

76,232

635

5

4

71.201

593 6

10

Do. „ \d. . .

40,596

169

3

0

42,913

178 16

1

Garden Parties ami

Schools

—

2

0

0

—

—

185,758

L^r-Ai

9

I

183,087

£2,228 16

1 1

The receipts for 19 10 arc less than for any year since 1901, and the
numl)er of visitors, both in 1901 and 1904. was less than in 19 10.

The figures for last year are rather instructive. The weather was
most unfavourable, and this certainly must have prevented large numbers
from availing themselves of the attractions of the Gardens. It also
affected the visits of the members of the Society, who enter, of course,
free of charge. The takings from Sunday admissions too have fallen,
and yet the total receipts at gate during the past year are only slightly
less than they were in 1909, in spite of many holidays being utterly spoiled
by heavy winds and rain. A great increase has taken place among the
sixpenny visitors — mostly excursion parties from the country — and it is
a good sign also that the poor children have not been prevented by the
weather from enjoying the Gardens on Sundays, since 2,000 more were
there than in the year before.

The receipts from entrance fees and subscriptions to the Society are
lower than last year. They are not so low when we compare them with
the average of the last ten years, but the Council think that the Zoological
Gardens are of such distinct advantage to the City of Dublin and the
country at large, that more persons should avail themselves of the
opportunity of aiding this National Institution by becoming Members of
it. It is satisfactory to record that nineteen became Life Members of
the Society during the past year.

191 1 Irish Societies. 57

Administration.

Five years ago the Right Honorable Jonathan Hogg was invited to
accept the responsibihties of the Presidency. As the Society's rules
provide that the same person shall not be President for more than five
years in succession, he now retires, but the Council cannot allow his period
of ofhce to terminate without expressing their deep obligation to him for
his many and valued services. For twelve years before he became
President he acted as Honorary Treasurer, and during this time he placed
the Society on a sounder financial basis than it had ever been. By his
tact, geniality and devoted interest in the affairs of the Society he has
done much to promote the success of the Society and that of its gardens.

The Council have great pleasure in proposing that this important
office of President shall be filled by Sir Charles Ball. Not only has he
been many years on the Council, but he has always evinced an exceptional
interest in the welfare of the animals and the Gardens. This was not
the only reason for his selection. Almost since the Society's foundation,
some members of his family have been more or less intimately connected
with the varied career of the Zoological Gardens and the Society. Dr.
Robert Ball, his father, was a former Secretary, and so was more recently
his brother, Dr. Valentine Ball, while another brother, Sir Robert Ball,
has occupied the Chair of President of the Society.

The position of the Secretary is not limited to a number of years by
the statutes of the Society, yet Dr. Scharff has placed his resignation in
the hands of the Council because he felt he could no longer devote the
necessary time and care to the Society's affairs. The Council feel that
in accepting Dr. Scharff's resignation as Secretary they should place on
record their appreciation of the unfailing care and attention he has given
to the work of the Society and the various improvements that have been
made and carried out by him in the Gardens. They feel that they have
lost a most valuable officer, but trust that the Society may still have the
benefit of his counsel and advice as a member of Council. The Council
propose as his successor Professor Carpenter.

In November, 1910, the Society's Treasurer, Dr. Cosgrave, delivered
a lecture in the theatre of the Royal Dublin Society (kindly granted by
the Council), illustrated by a series of beautiful lantern slides, and drew
attention to some of the most noteworthy features in the gradual growth
and development of the Dublin Zoological Gardens. The lecture was
much appreciated and largely attended.

The Gardens.

A special paragraph is devoted this year to the Gardens on account of
the noteworthy changes which have been mad*.- there. At the commence-
ment of last year the Distress Committee of the City of Dublin Corporation
sent twenty of the unemployed men free of charge to the Society. Under
Mr. F. W. Moore's skilled direction they were employed carrying out
several schemes long ago contemplated, but abandoned owing to lack of
funds. The old half broken-down fence and fallen tree-trunks around
the middle lake were first cleared away, stones and rubble of all sorts

58 The Irish Naturalist. March

were then carted to the shores of the lake, and on this foundation beautiful
walks were made round the lake and a bridge built across it. In a way
the unemployed, although of the greatest use to the Society, entailed
indirectly a good deal of extra expense. Loads of stones and gravel had
to be bought and numerous shrubs and trees planted to adorn the newly
opened walks. However, tin- look of tlie Gardens has been greatly im-
proved by these undertakings.

It is proposed during the coming year to plant slulttT belts of slirubs
on the far side of the lake for the protection of the many l)easts and birds
which roam freely about the Gardens.

Building Work.

The expenses connected with the New I^ion House left the Society's
finances in a very exhausted condition. Plenty of desirable schemes
were discussed. The Council even went so far as to settle on a site for the
most urgent of these proposals, namely, the hospital antl isolation house.
Mr. MacCarthy submitted plans which were approved of, and yet, no
money being availabk , the scheme must again be siielved for another
year.

The principal work finished during the past year is a fine new Aviary,
designed by Mr. MacCarthy, in the divisions of which the various Eagles
are now jilaced. It is somewhat novel in design, and was orighially
intended for the crow family (Corvidac). The latter will, however, be
put in the older cages near the Ele])hant House. This will carry out the
wishes of the late Mr. W. H. M. Barton, who left a legacy for the
purpose of providing a separate set of cages for the crow family.

A few cages for carnivores were also designed by Mr. MacCarthy for
the recess (apse) in the Roberts House. These are now being put up.
The principal other works consisted in repairs and slight alterations to
the existing structures, and extensive painting.

Thk Lions.

It has been customary for many years past to devote a special paragraph
to the Lions, because they form such a conspicuous feature of the Society's
collection. Not only do they still constitute one of the great attractions
in the Gardens, but it may safely be said that never in the history of the
Society has such a magnificent show been brought together in Dublin as
at the present moment. There are now in the Lion house twenty-one
Lions, four Tigers, two Jaguars, and five Leopards — altogether thirty-two
large carnivores.

The new wire cages are greatly admired by everyone, but especially
by those who wish to draw, i)aint or ]5hotograph the Lions. The Society
never had so many artists studying the animals as last year.

The number of Lions and Lionesses at present in the Gardens is
twenty-one. Of the ten Lions seven were born in the Gardens, while
of the eleven Lionesses, eight are of Irish birth.

Breeding of Stock in the Gardens.
Once more three Puma cubs were born in the new outdoor Carnivore
House. Among other births six Lion cubs deserve special mention, as
well as a hybrid Zebra foal and a young Llama,

191 1. h-ish Societies. 59

The Year's Losses.

The losses have, unfortunately, been severe durinj;; tlie past year.
Two Gibbons, two Chimpanzees, a Huanacho, two Leopards, one Puma
cub, a Sea-Lion, some Flamingoes, several Rheas, and other birds
succumbed to various diseases. Tuberculosis, congestion of the lungs,
peritonitis, and some form of gastritis claimed most of the victims
according to the /?o.sif 7«')^/^'>u examinations conducted by Professor Mettani,
who acts as the Society's prosector. A Leopard, a Himalayan Bear,
nnd a Tasmanian Devil and several birds died from old age, a Cnpybara
was killed by its companion, the Reindeer's constitution was evidently
weakened by the large number of maggots of a warble fly embedded in
its back. In several cases the cause of death could not be ascertained.

There can be no doubt that a properly equipped hospital— where new

arrivals can be isolated for a time, where ruminants can be placed into

quarantine, and where the sick could be properly attended to and nursed —

is a necessary adjunct to the Gardens, and it is to be hoped that funds

will be forthcoming soon to carry out this desirable addition to the

Ganlens.

The Refreshment Department.

Since the Societ}^ has taken over this department and has established
a special Member's Room with a small library, the receipts have steadily
increased. The year before last about £yo profit from this source were
used in improving the heating and lighting of the Refreshment Room, in
providing a larger range for the kitchen, and various other improvements
connected with the Haughton House. In spite of the most inclement
season of last year, a handsome proftt has been earned by the refreshment
department and will be handed over to the general fund of the Society.

The statement of account shows that the year 19 10 opened with a
balance in ha^id of £a^'^ iS-s. 2d. The expenditure for the year amounted
to £4,247,, of which the principal items are /250 for purchase of animals,
^^1,029 for feeding. £977 for building and repairs, and £1,^12 for salaries
and wages. The year closed with £24 in hand, and outstanding liabilities
estimated at ;£ioo.

General Sir Neville Lyttelton seconded the adoption of the
Report, which was supportetl l)y Mr. Abraham Shackleton, and carried
unanimously.

Mr. W. E. Peebles proposed, and Dr. J. O'Carroll seconded, a
change in the rule relating to the ballot for the Council and Officers at
the Annual Meeting. The change was agreed to.

Professor J. A. Scott, M.D., gave an account, illustrated by an
excellent series of lantern slides of the principal events at the Gardens
during the year 1910.

The result of the ballot for the Officers and Council was then declared.
Sir Charles Ball, M.D., was chosen as President ; Dr. S. T. Gordon was
added to the list of Hon. Vice-Presidents ; Dr. R. F. Scharfif and Professor
J. A. Scott were made Vice-Presidents ; Professor G. H. Carpenter was
elected Secretary; Dr. J. O'Carroll, J. Inglis, J. P., and General Sir
Neville Lyttelton were elected to fill vacancies on the Council.

6o The Irish Naturalist. March, 1911.

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

January ii. — The Club met at Leinster House. A. R. Nichols
(President), in the chair.

Dr. G. H. Pethybridge showed the parasitic fungus Peridermiwn
Pini I. cotticola, producing the so called " Bladder Rust " on the Scots
Pine. The examples were from the woods of Mr. R. J. Ussher, J. P., at
Cappagh, Co. Waterfortl, where the fungus is causing very considerable
damage. There are two of these rusts which attack Scots Pine belonging
to f. corticola. The life-history of one has been known for some time, the
aecidial stage being found on the bark of this tree, and the uredo and
teleuto-stages occur on such plants as Vincetoxicum, Paeonia. Nemesia,
&c. None of these second hosts are, however, found naturally in Ireland,
and it is improbable that the fungvis exhibited was the one which is now
known as Cronartiuni asclepiadeum (Willd.), Fr. The secondary hosts of
the second species remained long unknown in spite of the fact that a large
amount of research was carried out in order to discover them. A year or
two ago, however, Dr. Liro showed that a rust found in Finland on tlie
leaves of certain species of Lousewort, and previously described as Uredo
Pedicidaris, Dietr., could l)e artificially produced by infecting Lousewort
leaves with spores of the Bladder-rust on the Scots Pine. Hence this rust
has now been named Cronartiuni Peridermium-Pini (Willd.), Liro. It is
probably this species that occurs at Cappagh, and the uredo-stage on
Lousewort should be looked for there. Attacks of this kind on Scots Pine
are by no means common, and tliis is the first recorded occurrence of this
fungus in Ireland if not in Great Britain.

R. Southern showed a specimen of the Sabellid worm, Bispira
voliUacoruis, Montagu. This specimen was found by Miss Delap in
Valencia Harbour. It is the only one so far obtained in Irish waters.
It is the largest species of this group on our shores, and it is surprising
that it has been overlooked so long, especially in such a well-worked
district as Valencia Harbour. This species is found in the western part
of the English Channel, and in the Mediterranean, and is a notable
addition to the Lusitanian group.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

January 25. — Geological Section. — Robert Bell showed a coral
new to the district, which he discovered in the angulatus zone of the
Lower Lias at Hillsport, and which has been determined by Mr. Lang
to be Isastraca endothctata (Duncan).

S. A. Bennett, B..\., B.Sc. of Campbell College, Belfast, gave a
lecture on " The Lower Carboniferous Rocks of the North Staffordshire
Coalfield." In the course of the discussion A. R. Dwerryhouse, F.G.S.,
emphasised the equivalence in point of time of the Pendlesides and the
Yoreilales of the North of England.

1^

April, 191 1. The Irish Naturalist. 61

THE SURVEY OF CLARE ISLAND.

Report of Progress during 1910.
by r. lloyd praeger.

(A report laid before the Royal Irish Academy, z-jW\ Febraary, 1911.)

In a report laid before the Academy on 8th November,
1909, and piibhshed in the following issue of this Journal,
I gave an account of the work carried out during that year
in connection with the Natural History Survey of Clare
Island and its neighbourhood. During the year 1910 work
has proceeded steadily, so that we may confidently look
forward to finishing the field-work by the end of the forth-
coming season.

The first working party of 1910 took the field at Easter,
which fell in the last week of March. F. Balfour-Browne
and A. W. Stelfox worked for water-beetles and mollusca
respectively in the Louisburgh, W'estport and Achill
districts, the latter subsequently proceeding to Belmullet.
On the island, W. J . Lyons set up meteorological instruments,
Prof. C. J. Patten studied the birds, and R. LI. Praeger
completed his vegetation map. All returned in about a
week. On March 31, F. J. Lewis commenced his work
on the peats of the district, spending ten days on the north
side of Clew Bay, camping out in very severe weather.

A special Clew Bay marine party took up their quarters
at Belclare from May 6 until May 12, and devoted a
tempestuous and bitterly cold wfeek to shore-collecting and
dredging. N. Colgan added considerably to his list of
marine Mollusca ; Miss Stephens collected Sponges ; A. R.
Nichols, Polyzoa ; W. Rankin, Decapoda ; and Miss M'Nab
and R. LI. Praeger rendered general assistance. In addition
to the groups mentioned, a good deal of collecting was
done in a number of other groups.

The fresh-water Algae of the island were worked on
May 14-22 by William West, who also made valuable
collections of Lichens and Bryophytes.

.\

62 The Irish Naturalist, April,

On June 6, Rev. W. F. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson went
west, and carried out nearly four weeks' insect-collecting
in the Achill and Mallaranny districts. They were joined
two days later by W. F. dc V. Kane and T. Greer, who
did a week's work at Lepidoptera at Achill Sound before
crossing to the island.

Prof. Cole and T. Halissy examined the geology, and
especially the glacial features, of the district between
Westport and Achill on June 14-15, when, after a day's
work on the island, they visited the Louisburgh district,
and thence home.

On June 16, a large party crossed to the island,
comprising A. D. Cotton (Marine Algae), A. C. Forbes
(Forestry), T. Greer and W. F. de V. Kane (Lepidoptera),
H. Wallis Kew (Pseudoscorpiones, &c.), Paul Kuckuck
(Marine Algae), Pastor Carl Lindner and R. J. Ussher
(Birds), W. J. Lyons (Meteorology), R. Welch (Photography),
and R. LI. Praeger. Much collecting and observing were
done. Mr. Kane left on June 20 for a fortnight's collecting
round Louisburgh and Belclare, and Mr. Ussher and Herr
Lindner on the same day sailed to Belclare to join N. H.
Foster, who had arrived there three days previously, in
studying the breeding birds of the Clew Bay islands and
Belclare district. The majority of the rest of the party
returned from the island at tlie end of a week, A. D.
Cotton remaining there until June 24, when he proceeded
to Louisburgh for a week's work in company with J,
Adams, who had arrived there on the 22nd. Indeed,
during June our workers pervaded the whole district.

In July also much work was done, especially in the
domain of entomology. J. N. Halbert went to Louisburgh
on July I for a fortnight's insect collecting. He was joined
on the I2th by Claude Morley, who worked there at
Hymenoptera, &:c., until the 20th, when he crossed to the
island in order to join Percy E. Grimshaw (Diptera),
N. Colgan (Marine Mollusca), Miss Stephens (Sponges),
Miss Knowles (Lichens, &:c.). Rev. Canon Lett (Mosses and
Hepatics), F. J. Lewis (Peat deposits), and R. LI. Praeger.
At the close of a busy week the party broke up. P. E.
Grimshaw collected at Achill, Mallai^anny and Westport

igii. Prae^ger. — The Survey of Clare Island. 63

for some days longer, and N. Colgan examined the
Mallaranny shores. Miss Stephens and Miss Knowles
worked southwards into Connemara. During this month
also Prof. C. J. Patten spent a fortnight investigating the
local birds.

On August 15, in very tempestuous weather, a small
party took the field : — -T. J. Westropp (Archaeology), N.
Colgan (Marine Mollusca), W. J. Lyons (Meteorology), and
R. LI. Praeger. It was two days before they succeeded in
crossing to the island, but the time was not wasted.
Achillbeg and the coast east and west of it were explored,
some interesting and hitherto unknown cliff forts and
kitchen middens being discovered. The Fisheries steamer,
" Helga," arrived at the island on the i6th with G. P.
Farran, L. E. Smith, and R. Southern on board, and,
joined by Colgan and Praeger, several days' dredging and
trawling were accomplished, in spite of loss of gear owing
to rough weather.

Meanwhile W. A. Wattam arrived from Huddersfield on
August 20, and in a fortnight's work made large collections
of Lichens, with Achill Sound and Dugort as headquarters.
Rev. W. F. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson paid a second visit
to the district in September, collecting insects on the island
for a fortnight and at Achill Sound for a week. Rev.
Canon Lett also revisited Achill Sound, and finished his
collecting there. Prof. Patten revisited the island from
September 9 to 29, and studied the autumnal migration
of birds.

On October 2, a strong Cryptogamic party crossed to
the island, comprising Sir H. Cr Hawley (Fungi), A. D.
Cotton (Marine Algae), Miss A. Lorrain Smith (Lichens and
Fungi), Miss Beatrice Taylor (Lichens), and Miss Knowles
(Lichens) ; the party also included Miss Stephens (Sponges),
and R. LI. Praeger. Four to six days' collecting were done
on the island by the various members, after which they
scattered, and the Achill Sound, Louisburgh, Belclare,
Westport and Castlebar districts all received attention.

A late fungus foray was carried out during the third
week in November by Carleton Rea, accompanied for two
days by R. LI. Praeger. Operations were hampered at

A 2

64 The Irish Nahiralist. April,

the beginning by snow lying on the ground, but this soon
passed away, and a good hst of the later kinds was made,
including no less than thirty species new to the Irish flora.

The last visit of the season was made by Prof. Patten,
who crossed to the island on December 27 to spend a week
in stud3''ing the winter avifauna.

Reviewing generally the work of 1910, very substantial
and satisfactory progress has been made, in spite of an
unfavourable season, which was, on the whole, cold and
stormy. Many of the groups which were hanging back
last year, such as Birds, several orders of Insects, Lichens,
and fresh -water Algae, have been extensively studied or
collected, and in many other groups new ground lias been
broken. The list of animals or plants not hitherto recorded
from this country has now assumed large proportions, and
many of these arc of much interest. Tlie work in a number
of groups has now reached or approached completion, and
it will be possible to terminate the field-work at the end
of the present year hy vigorous collecting and observing.

Dul:.lin.

SOME NOTES FROM THE WEST COAST.

BY A. R. SANDERSON AND C. A. CHEETIIAM.

The first week in August of last year was spent in Donegal,
with headquarters near Killybegs on the shore of Donegal
Bay. Perhaps the most interesting flowering plants noticed
were Sisyrinchium anccps (in two situations — one, as before
mentioned, near Fintragh, and the other on a small headland
about two miles from Killybegs). Since first finding this
plant in Donegal we have had the opportunity of seeing
specimens from the United States, and we were both struck
with the remarkable general similarity of the specimens
from America (identified as S. gramineum of Curtis, and
5. anceps of Edition VI., Gray's New Manual of Botany,
Handbook of flowering plants and ferns of Central and
N.E. U.S.A.), but differing from S. angustifoliiim, Mill.
(Gra^^'s Manual. 7th Edition) in hnving mucli sliorlcr bracts.

igii. Sanderson & Cheetham. — Notes from West Coast. 65

though some variation was noticeable. The next plant in
interest was a very large -flowered form of Jasionc montana,
seen on the seaward side of Slieve League near the sunmiit,
and this plant was also remarkable for the rosette of very
large leaves. C. A. Cheetham, who was in the same district
the previous Whitsuntide, was much struck with the
splendid show of Habenaria albida occurring in wet meadows
almost at sea -level between Killybegs and Fintragh, while
later, we both noticed on the sand hills near Fintragh
Jimipcrus nana and Viola Curtisii. Carduus pratensis was
quite a feature of the wet low-lying meadows, and Vicia
sylvatica of the sea-coast, occurring in some places in very
large masses. Another interesting feature of the sea-coast
as a habitat was the common occurrence of white-flowered
specimens of Erica Tetralix, E. cinerea, Geranium Robcrti-
anum, and Ajuga rcptans.

Besides attending to the flowering plants, we spent some
time in examining the zoophytes on and near shore, and
amongst these noted the following from this district : —
Sertularia pumila. Podocoryne Sarsii.

S. operculata. Plumularia similis.

Obelia geniculata. P. echinulata.

Leptoscyphus tenuis. Coryne pusilla.

Corynopsis Alderi. Clytia Johnstonii.

Garveia nutans. Calycella syringa.

Campanularia flexuosa.

The third week in August, spent in County Clare, with
headquarters near Liscannor, proved no less interesting,
and here the party was augmented by Messrs. Fisher and
Child. One of the flowering plants seen near Liscannor
and again at Kilkee and Kilrusli was Scnccio vulgaris, var.
radiatus. Only a few plants were seen at Kilrush, on the
roadside in the channel, near the docks, and two plants near
the station at Kilkee ; but at Liscannor (again near the
approach to harbour) it was present in considerable
abundance at this spot only. Has this anything to do
with its distribution ?

Another plant of interest was Scutellaria iir'iior which
was seen sparingly in a boggy field near the south-west
end of the Cliffs of Moher.

66 The Irish Naturalisf. April,

A day spent in the Ballyvaughan district proved most
interesting and made us all feel sorry we had not settled
down nearer Ballyvaughan in the first instance. Most of the
typical Burren plants were seen.

The following is a list of the zoophytes gathered on the
coast in the Liscannor district : —

Sertularia pumila. Plumularia similis (on Laniiii-

S. operculata. aria).

Obelia gcniculata. Coryne pusilla.

Leptoscyphus tenuis (on Clytia Johnstonii (on Cani-

Laminaria). panularia flexuosa).

Campanularia flexuosa.

Besides these large numbers of the Sea Hare [Aplysia
punctata) were seen in a shallow pool near Clahorne,
Liscannor Bay.

Mosses.

The mosses though not systematically worked were not
neglected, and some very interesting things were noticed,
as, for instance, at Killybegs (Donegal) the occurrence of
Brywn filiformc, B. alpinmn, and Splachnuni ampullaccum
almost at sea level ; B. filifonnc fruiting abundantly, a
somewhat rare occurrence. Other mosses noticed in fruit
and which are infrequent in this state were Hylocomium
brcvirosfrc, H. loycuin and Thuidiuni ta)nariscinnni.
Grimmia maritima and Ulota Hutchinsiac of the shore
rocks were new to us, as were also the large masses of
Funaria cricitontm and F. Tcmpldoni. On Crown-a-ragh,
a hill some i,6oo feet high, we gathered Dicranclla sccimda,
Wchcra clongata, Raco))ntriu))i protcnsum, and 7v. lictcro-
stichtini, var. gracilcsccns ; and also the hepatic Hcrhcrta
adunca. Other mosses from this (Donegal) district include
Weisia tortilis and Trichostomum tcnuirostrc.

In the W'estport district we gathered amongst others,
Polytrichuni nanu)Ji, Campylopus hrcvirostrc, Fissidcns
osniwidoides, Hypniun callidirouni , and Griinmta trichophylla.
At Mallarany Ulota crispa growing on rocks was an
interesting variation from the tree habitat usually
associated with this species.

Bradford.

igii- Adams. — Additions to Irish A/^ac, Lichens &■ Fungi. 67

ADDITIONS TO IRISH ALGAE. LICHENS, AND
FUNGI TO THE END OF THE YEAR 1910.

BY J. ADAMS, M.A.

In the year 1908 I published " A Synopsis of Irish Algae,
Freshwater and Marine" {Proc. Roy. Ir. Acad., vol.
xxvii., Sect. B, No. 2). This was followed in 1910 by
" A List of Synonyms of Irish Algae with some additional
Records and Observations " {Proc. Roy. Ir. Acad., vol.
xxviii., Sect. B, No. 5). In 1909 appeared " The
Distribution of Lichens in Ireland" {Proc. Roy. Ir. Acad.,
vol. xxvii.. Sect. B, No. 10) ; and m 1910 " A Census
Catalogue of Irish Fungi " {Proc. Roy. Ir. Acad., vol.
xxvhi., Sect. B, No. 4), the last being the joint work of
Dr. Pcthybridge and myself. I propose in the present
short article to include all additional Irish records and
papers published on these groups up to the end of the
year 19 10. Frc^m that year onwards I hope the workers
at the various groups will publish every live years a
Supplement in which the facts and figures of each group
will be brought up to date.

I. Algae.

Freshwater Species. — Nothing additional.

Marine Species. — The only additional information
consists in the record of Codium clongatum and Lcathcsia
crispa from Clare Island. Mr. Xotton is of opinion that
the former of these species is something quite different, and
hopes to publish full particulars about it shortly. Mr.
Cotton has also informed me that the Irish record of
Lithothamnion Raccmus Fosl. in Batters's Catalogue is an
error, and consequently that species must be withdrawn
from the Irish lists.

Bibliography.

Cotton, A. D. — Algological visit to Achill and Clare Inland. Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew. Bulletin of Miscellaneous Informatiov,
No. 5, 1910.

68 The Irish Naturalist. April.

2. Lichens.
Nothing additional has appeared in eonnection witli
this group. Botrydina vulgaris Breb., which was inchided
in " A Synopsis of Irish Algae " as a doubtful Alga has,
since the publication of that paper, been shown by Miss
E. Acton [Annals of Botany, Oct. 1909) to be a lichen, and
therefore must be reckoned as an addition to this group.

3. Fungi.
The following species are not recorded in the " Census
Catalogue " and are additions to the Irish Flora : —
Aecidium elatinum Fisch. { = Mclainpsora caryophyllaccarum
Schroet.), Co. Cork. Dr. Pethybridge informs me that this
species grows on Silver Fir at Avondale in Co. Wicklow.
Collctotrichuui lindcmuthianum Br. et Cav. — Dublin.
Coniothyriuin Uitckelii (Sacc). — Larne.
Cucurhitaria Piccac Borthw. — Co. Dublin.
Peronospora grisca Ung. — Bohernabreena and Howth, Co.

Dublin.
Phoma olcracca Sacc. — Kilkeel, Co. Down.
Rhizoctonia violacca Tul.— Co. Mayo and Co. Roscommon.
Sclcrotinia cincrca Schroet. — Co. Antrim.
Septoria Lcpidii Desm. — Devil's Glen, Co. Wicklow, and

Greyabbey, Co. Down.
Uredo Lynchii Plow. — Botanic Gardens, Glasiie\in, Co.

Dublin.
In the "Census Catalogue of Irish Fungi" Botryiis
parasitica Cav. is the same species as Sclcrotinia parasitica
Mass., and the former name should therefore be removed
from the list of valid species.

Bibliography.
.\dams, J. — A New Irish Fungus. Ir. Nat., xix., July, 1910.

Septuria Lcpidii, Dl'siii., A new Irish Fungus. Ir. Sat., xix.,

Nov., 1910.
Gijssow, H. T. — Pdrasitic Rose Cankrr. Joiiyii. Rny. lloyl. Soc, vol.

xxxiv., Part 2, 1908.
Pethybridge, G. H. — Potato Diseases in Ireland. Jourii. Dept. Agr.

and Tech. Instr. for Ireland, vol. x.. No. 2, Jan. 1910.

A serious Disease of Beans. Irish Gardening, vol. v., Apr.,

1910.

Celery Leaf Sjiot. Irish Gardening, vol. v., April, 1910.

Praeger, R. Lt-. — Geaster riifescens in Co. Waterford. Ir. Nat., xix.,

Jan., 1910.

Roval College of Science. DubUu.

igtt Irish Societies. 69

IRISH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a Rhesus Monkey from Miss F. K. Thompson,
a Canadian Lynx from the President (Sir Charles Ball), a Mongoose from
Mr. F. G. Paine, a Syrian Bear from the Royal Artillery Battery,
Farnborough (per Major F. L. Sharp), Badgers from Messrs. Phclan and
O'Connell, a Grey Seal from Sir Charles Petrie, a Squirrel from Dr. R.
R. Leeper, Goldfinch -Canary Mules and Linnets from Mr. W. Hall and
Mr. R. Carley, two Kestrels from Mr. W. W. Despard, a Heron from
Mr. R. R. FitzHerbert, and a Viviparous Lizard from Mr. R. S.
Chatterton.

A Black Ape has been purchased. This interesting Celebean species
has not been represented in the collection for many years, and the fme
specimen now acquired forms a valuable addition to the Monkey House.
Two Squirrel Monkeys, which have lately been obtained by exchange, are
also nio;t attractive creatures. The young female Syrian Bear, which the
Society has been given through the kindness of Major Sharp, was for
some years a regimental pet. She is very tame and climbs the pole in
the bear pit with much agility.

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

February 8. — The Club met at Leinster House. A. R, Nichols, M. A ,
(President), in the chair.

Dr. G. H. Pethybridge exhibited a specimen of the fungus Geaster
fornicatus Ft., one of the so-called "earth-stars " which had been found
in the neighbourhood of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This species has not
previously been recorded as occurring in Ireland. The specimen was
somewhat aberrant from typical forms of this species, in that the
endoperidium was almost sessile. Comparison with a series of forms
preserved in the British Musc'um (Natural Historj'), kindly carried out by
Miss Lorrain Smith, showed, however, that the specimen in question was
G. fornicatus.

W. F. GuNN showed a specimen of Tingis histricellus, a plant bug from
Ceylon, which feeds upon and causes injury to several economic plants in
the island. It is characterised by extreme modification of the elytra, the
sides and surface ot which are armed with extremely stout and strong
spines, giving the insect a peculiarly formidable appearance. Shown
under a binocular microscope as a low-power object, it incidentally
demonstrated the advantages of binocular vision for certain classes of
objects, whereby great focal depth is secured, and the co-relation of the
various parts more easily seen than is possible with a monocular.

A. R. Nichols exhibitetl a portion of a bifurcating branch of the
deep-sea Polyzoon Kinetoskias Smithi, showing the greatly elongated
and highly specialized avicularia and their method of attachment to the
zooecia. The specimen was dredged by the Fisheries Branch in 661-672
fathoms off the south-west coast of Ireland. This rare and remarkable
polyzoon has previously been obtained only off the coasts of Norway
and ofi the coasts of Maine and Nova Scotia.

•^3

70 The hhh Nahaalist. April,

BELFAST NATURALISTS FIELD CLUE.

December 7. — Zoological Section. — Several members spoke of
their work during the year. N. H. Foster (Chairman of the Section)
spoke on Birds and Woodlice, F. Balfour Browne on Water -beetles,
H. L. Orr on Wasps, R. Welch on land and freshwater Mollusca, and
J. Maxwell on pond life. George Donaldson spoke on the capture of
Gonepteryx rhamni at Newcastle, Co. Down, a butterfly rare in the North
of Ireland.

January 17. — R. J. Welch (President) in the Chair. The evening
was devoted to appreciations of the life and work of the late S. A.
Stewart, A.L.S., by several members. Rev. C. H. Waddell gave an
account of Stewarts life ; R. Lloyd Pracger of his work in botany and
in geology ; R. Welch of his work in zoology. W. Gray, George
Donaldson, W. Swanston, J. Brown and J. Hamilton also spoke,
contributing interesting reminiscences of their late fellow-member.

February 8. — Archaeological Section. — Miss Andrews read a
paper on " Folklore from Donegal." She gave traditions of fairies,
giants, Danes, Finns, and Firbolgs, and mentioned that the fairies of
Tory Island are said to dress in black. She reminded the section that
Tory Island or Toirinis was a stronghold of the Fomorians, whom Keating
describes as " sea rovers of the race of Cain, who fared from Africa."
The inference was drawn that the fairies of Tory Island represent a dark
race. She mentioned the belief that men and women can change
themselves into animals, and narrated a story told thirty-five years ago
by John Sweenej, an Inspector of National Schools, of a Highlander
who as a seal visited a cave in Arranmore, and there received a scar on
his head. In conclusion Miss Andrews urged the necessity of collecting
these old tales, as if they are allowed to perish one link with the past
will be irretrievably lost.

January 21. — Botanical Section — Rev. C. H. Waddell, continuing
his series of studies on the ecology of plants, gave a paper entitled
•' Plant Life in a Marsh."

February 15. — The Geological Section. — A. R. Dwerryhouse,
F.G.S., read a paper on glacial lakes and their overflow channels. The
lecturer introduced the subject by referring to certain existing lakes
whose waters are held up by a dam of glacier ice, and as an example
cited the Merjelen Sea, on the flanks of the great Aletsch Glacier in
Switzerland. He then described certain well-known examples of such
deserted overflow channels in Great Britain, referring particularly to
those described by Professor P. F. Kendall, from the Cleveland Hills,
and those of Teesdale, Weardale, and the Tyne Valley. The North of
Ireland, it was stated, contained fine examples of these overflow channels,
produced during the Glacial Period, several of which had been described
by the ofUcers of the Geological Survey in the Belfast Memoir, 1904.
In conclusion Dr. Dwerryhouse stated that he was engaged in working
out the distribution of these valleys in the counties of Antrim and Down,
and hoped to be able to lay the results of his work before the Society
at a later date.

19 TT. Irish Societies . 71

February 18. — Botanical Section — Alex. Milligan read a paper
entitled " The Study of Fungi."

February 21. — R. J. Welch (President) in the Chair. Prof. G. A.
J. Cole lectured on " The Close of an Ice Age, or Comparison between
Spitzbergen and Ireland in 1910." The lecturer dealt with observationsi
made during a visit to Spitzbergen last summer on glacial phenomena,
and showed how many of the features of Irish glacial geology can be
explained by what can be actually seen taking place at the present time
in Spitzbergen.

March i. — Zoological Section. — The evening was devoted to a
discussion on the dispersal of plants and animals, in which the foUowinsj
members took part : — N. H. Foster, R. LI. Praeger, F. Balfour Browne.
A. W. Stelfox, A. R. Dwerryhouse, Prof. Gwyn Vaughan, H. L. Orr, and
C. M. Cunningham.

DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

November 12. — Winter Excursion to the Botanic Gardens. — Only a
few members took part in this excursion. Owing to the unfavourable
weather the party confined their attention to the plants in the green-
houses. The chrysanthemums were first inspected and then the Cactus
house ; in this house are grouped plants from the desert regions of a
xerophilous nature. In the stove house great interest was taken in the
various tropical economic plants. A visit to the Orchid and Palm House
concluded the afternoon.

November 15. — The twenty-fifth Winter Session was opened with a
Conversazione in the house of the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street,
under the presidency of R. J. Ussher, D.L., M.R.I. A. The attendance
was fairly large, 152 members and visitors being present. At 8.30 p.m.
the President took the chair, and after the usual formalities were over,
Prof. G. A. J. Cole, F.G.S., delivered a very interesting lecture on "'The
Close of an Ice Age : a Comparison between Spitzbergen and Ireland,"
which was illustrated by a number of lantern slides showing some of the
most notable leatures of the island, as well as a series of similar geological
formations in Ireland.

During the evening a collection of objects of scientific interest were
on view ; these included the following :^C. F. Ball — Some Photographs
showing Alpine Plants in their natural haunts. Richard M. Barrington,
M.R.I. A. — (a) Specimens of the Red-backed Shrike (L. colluns) from
Wicklow Head and the Fastnet Rock Light stations ; (6) Nest of wasp
(Vespa sylvestris) inside that of the House Martin (Cotile riparia). J
Bayley Butler. M.A., M.B. — Spicule^ 01 some Holothurians under the
polariscope. Miss Buchanan — (a) Specimens of petrified n.ollasc.s from
Gortatole quarry. County Fermanagh ; (b) A collection of :ossiL.
Professor G. H. Carpenter, M.R.I. A. — Reindeer Warble Fly (QLdtmagenu
Tarandi), with eggs and larva;, from the Dublin Zoological Gardens.
Professor Grenville A. J. Cole, M.R.I.A., F.G.S. — Specimens of scratched
stones and shelly boulder clay from existing glaciers in Spitzbergen (lent

72 The Irish Naturalist. April.

by the Royal College of Science), collected 1910. J. Uutiy — {a) Fossils
from Chalk and Greensand. Whitehead, Belfast ; {h) Some sharks'
teeth, Mrs. Espinasse — (a) Fungi from Mauritius ; (b) Pitch from
Lake Trinidad ; (c) Baskets from Madeira and some foreign fruits.
Professor Gregg Wilson, D.Sc. (B.N.F.C.) — (a) Eggs (uterine and nest)
and young of Australian Duckmole (Platypus) ; (ft) Eggs of Cuckoo in
nests of various kinds. W. F. Gunn — (a) A collection ol 1 loom-^
illustrating the evolution of shape, size and colour in the rioral organs of
Chrysanthemum Indicum ; (b) Some fruits from native trees. J. N.
Halbert, M.R.I. A. — Some silk-producing moths from the collection of
the National Museum. T. Hallissy, B.A. — Some Donegal rocks and
minerals. Mrs. Harford — A morell fungus (Morchella) from Co. Dublin.
J. de W. Hinch — Geological specimens from Co. Donegal, (a) Mullion-
structure in quartzite. Creeslough ; (b) Collection of erratics from Tory
Island. Professor T. Johnson. D.Sc, M.R.I. A. — Microscopic sections of
the stem and leaf of a fossil pteridosperm (seed -bearing fern). Miss C.
M'Nab — Revolving microscope with twelve slides of Polyzoa. A. R.
Nichols — American Blue-Winged Teal {Onerquedula discars), shot in
Co. Cork, S'ptembpr, 1910: lirst occurrence in Ireland. A. Rovcroft —
(a) Collection of Carbonifjrous fossils ; (6) Specimen of galena from
Ballycorus ; {c) Sample of copper pyrites and of peacock copper ore
from the newly re-opened copper mine at Beauparc, Co. Meath ; (d)
Copper ore from Loughshinny copper mine. Robert F. Scharff, Ph.D.,
M.R.I. A. — (a) An almost complete skull of the Sabre-toothed Tiger
(Machairodus sp.) from the asphaltine deposits of Los Angelos Country,
California ; (b) Original Orang-Utan skull from which skiagrams (see
below) were taken. G. O. Sherrard — The causes of some plant diseases.
Rowland Southern. B.Sc. — Some remarkable worms. Miss J. Stephens.
B.Sc. — .\ collection of West Indian corals. George Strahan — Specimens
from Prosperous Bog, Co. Kildare. Professor Symington, D.Sc, F.R.S
(B.N.F.C.) — Photographs and skiagrams of skull of an Orang-Utan.
Miss E. H. Wilson — (a) Cases of butterflies and L eetles ; (b) Botanical
specimens. W. B. Wright — (a) Photographs of the Preglacial beach of
the Western Islands of Scotland ; (h) Monchiquite dyke from Colonsay ;
(c) Radium ore from Sweden.

December 10. — Winter Excursion to the Zoological Gardens. —
The afternoon turned out very wet, and in consequence only six members
and visitors assembled outside the Superintendent's House at 2.30 p.m.,
when Captain Arbuthnot showed them round the Gardens and pointed
out the principal additions to the collection. After inspecting the emeus
and rheas, the party visited the Monkey House, where are also to be
seen a number of the small carnivora. Proceeding then to the Roberts
House the members had an opportunity of witnessing the feeding of the
large carnivora. The large open-air aviary attracted a good deal of
attention, and the Ungulates were seen in their paddocks. The members
next visited the Reptile House and Aquarium where a very interesting
demonstration of the characteristic feeding habits of the cormorant and
penguin was given in the large diving tank. They then turned their
attention to the Elephant House, to the open-air cages containing the

1 9 1 1 . Irish [Societies. 73

birds of prey, and afterwards to the seals and sea-lions. After watching
the latter animals being fed the party broke up and returned to town
by tram.

December 13, 1910. — R. Lloyd Praeger in the chair. The Hon.
Secretary read out the names of those proposed by the Committee as
the Officers and Committee for 191 1.

Joseph Doyle read an interesting paper on " Mendelism " which
was illustrated by lantern slides. J. B. Butler and R. LI. Praeger
discussed the paper.

The Chairman made a preliminary announcement regarding the
proposed discussions of problems raised by the recent Survey of Clare
Island, Co. Mayo, to be held during the present session. Mr. Otway H.
Little was elected a member of the Club.

January 7. — Winter Excursion to the National Museum.- — Eighteen
members and visitors assembled inside the Merrion Street entrance of the
Natural History Museum at 2.30 p.m., when they were conducted over
the Museum by A. R. Nichols. Starting with the collections in the
Lower Hall the conductor explained that that portion of the Museum
was now exclusively reserved for Irish animals, and contained some
new additions, which he pointed out. The principal object of interest,
however, was the realistic model of a marine rock-pool, exhibited near
the foot of the large staircase, which R. Southern f\dly explained to the
members. The party then visited the collection of the Geological Survey
in the Curved Gallery, and were shown round by T. Hallissy, who
afterwards proceeded to explain the characteristic crystalline forms
assumed by various types of minerals. For this purpose he took the
members to the Paleontological Room to examint; the models of crystals
exhibited in that portion of the building. After a very instructive
afternoon the party left the Museum at about 5 p.m.

January 10. — Annual General Meeting. — Tlie President (R. J.
Ussher, D.L., M.R.I. A.) in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (A. H. Toppin)
read the Annual Report for 1910, while the Hon. Treasurer (H. G.
Cuthbert) presented his annual report and balance sheet. The following
resolution proposed by the President and seconded by the Hon. Secretary,
was passed unanimously : — " That the report and statement of accounts
as submitted by the Hon. Treasurer, showing a provisional credit balance
of ;^4 4s. lorf., be passed, subject to audit and subject to the collection of
any outstanding subscriptions." Both reports having been adopted,
the Officers and Committee for the year 191 1, previously nominated,
were then declared by the President to be duly elected, viz. : — President,
R. J. Ussher, D.L. ; Vice-President, W. F. Gunn ; Treasurer, H. G.
Cuthbert ; Secretaries, R. Southern, B.Sc, and A. H. Toppin.

The Hon. Treasurer proposed that Mr. W. F. de V. Kane, D.L.,
M.R.I. A., one of the few remaining founders of the Club, be elected an
Honorary Member. The proposal was warmly received by those present
and was carried unanimously.

R. LI. Praeger then delivered an address, " Introduction to
Discussions of Problems raised by the Clare Island Survey," which was

74 The Irish Natiiralisl. April,

buautiluUy illiihticitt.(l by lautcni slides showing the various features of
the island.

Miss M. Crosbie, Miss R. M. Pollock, and Miss Edith White were
elected members, whilst J. P. Aiken and J. M. Sherichm were elected
associates of the Chib.

Jan'UARy 27. — The President in tiic ciiair. liie lir^t of the series of
discussions of prol)lems raised by llic Survey of Clare fslanii was opened
by Messrs. J. K. 1\ilroe and I". 1 tAi.i.i.ssv, who confined their attention
to the geology of tlu^ island. J. R. Kilroe dealt with the physical
features of Clare Island and the adjacent mainland, giving illustrations,
whilst T. llallissy, with the aid of a scries of maps, traced the course of
the ice sheet over the northern part of Europe, including the British Isles,
and showed how it affected the surface of the land over whicli it ])assed.
He jiointeil out especially the ])rincipai snow-fields in Ireland during the
("rlacial Epoch, particidarly those from which the ice covering Clare
Island was fed, and suggested that a land-connection between the island
and the mainland existed in post-glacial times in the form of Boulder-
clay which, in all prol)ability, filled uj) the whole of Clew Bay. This
connection was, in Ins opinion, sufiicient to allow the fauna and flora to
reach the island. There was also evidence to show that after the ice
hatl receded the floor of Clew Bay was raised above the sea-level.

A discussion followed, in which G. H. Carpenter, G. A. J. Cole, A.
C. Forbes, and W. B. Wright, took part.

February 25. — Winter Excursion to St. Doulagh's. — Under the
leadership of J. de W. Hinch forty members and visitors assembled at
Amiens Street Station and took the 1.45 p.m. train to Portmarnock,
from whence they walked to St. Doulagh's (juarries, where a very profitable
afternoon was spent in collecting and examining Carboniferous fossils.
Some very good specimens were obtained, the principal species being : —
Amplexus coralloides, Orthis resupinata, Prodiictus giganiea, P. semi-
reticulata, Spirijera glabra, S. Uiicata, S. puiguis, S. striata, and Eitomphaiiis
pentangiilatus.

At five o'clock the members and their friends were eiitertainetl to tea
by Mrs. Hone at St. Doulough's I'ark, after which the party walked back
to Portmarnock Station and took the 6.22 p.m. train to Dublin.

March 14. — The Vice-President (W. F. Gunn) in the chair.

R. LI. Praeger in opening the discussion on the Botany of Clare
Island, said that the chief problem requiring solution was whether the
flora originally reached the island by a land -bridge, or across the
intervening space of sea, the shortest distance over which was nearly
three miles. He descril)ed the various ways by which plants spread
over the land, and considered tliat wind-borne seed could not account
for the present fiora of Clare Island. Water, too, would be insufficient
to convey seeds across, as only about 10 per cent, of the seeds of plants
were capable of floating. The conclusion he arrived at, therefore, was
that the flora of Clare Island was derived from the migration of plants
over a land-connection with the mainland.

A discussion followed, in which G. H. Carpenter, N. Colgan, T. Hallissy,
J. de W. Hinch, C. B. Moffat, and G. H. Pethybridge took part.

T9II. Revieiv. 75

REVIEW.

ZOOLOGY FOR STUDENTS.

Outlines of Zoology. By J. Arthur Thomson, M.A. Fifth Edition.
Pp. xxii. + 856, with 420 ilhistrations. Edinburgh and London :
Henry Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton, 1910. Price 155.

It is four and a half years since the 4th edition of " Thomson " was
reviewed in the Irish Naturalist (vol. xv., p. 230). The issue now before
us appears under the auspices of a new publisher, and though the size
of the book has not been increased, the use of a new fount of type, slightly
smaller than that of former editions, but still beautifully clear, has rendered
possible the inclusion of much new matter. For example we now find
Lister's observations on the reproduction of Polystomella described and
illustrated (though the microspheric form is erroneously stated to have
a large central chamber) ; figures of antipatharian structure are given ;
there are diagrams of Ctenophora and of Ai^enicola : good pictures of
Lxodes and other Acarinida are welcome to the economic zoologist ; the
account of Cephalodiscus is illustrated by two figures after Ridewood.
In the sections on the Vertebrata the account of the pineal and associated
structures has been revised in the light of the recent work of Dendy and
others, while the systematic survey of the Mammalia is now well up to
the present stage of knowledge.

Altogether the new edition is considerably more valuable than the
fourth, excellent as that was, and the reviewer, though he could find
statements to question here and there would do better to learn from the
author some principles of successful book-writing. He would only suggest
that in the sixth edition (may it be called for soon !) the chapters on the
factors of evolution should be extended to twice their present size.
Because the controversial questions grow more involved and difficult as
time goes on, the elementary student needs increasingly a fuller discussion
of them.

G. H. C.

NOTES,

ZOOLOGY.

Paromola Cuvieri oif South-west Ireland.

It may be of interest to record the fact that the British Museum has
recently received, by the kindness of Mr. H. Bolton, Curator of the Bristol
Museum, one of two specimens of this very striking crab, which were
got by a trawler "about 235 miles west of Milford in 160 fathoms of
water " on a bottom of oozy mud and sand. The species was
recorded from south-west Ireland in 1908 by J. N. Halbert {Irish Nat.,
xvii., p. 129), and later by Mr. James Ritchie from off the north-west
of Scotland {Ann. Scott. Nat. Hist. 19 10, p. 12).

W. T. Calman.
British Museum (Nat. History), Loudon, S.W.

76 The Irish Naturalist. A^ril,

Lepidoptera from Ulster.

At a uR-uting of the Lancashire and Chcbhiic Entomological Society
held 2 1st November, 1910, at the Royal Institution, Liverpool, H. R.
Sweeting, M.A., read a paper on Collecting in the North of Ireland during
August, 1910. In this period only eight whole days were free from
heavy rain, and in consequence of the unfavourable weather the results
were much lielow wliat one might reasonably expect under good conditions.
The outstanding feature of the holiday was the capture, on a private
estate, of a long series of Hydroccin cyinancnsis ; the moth was identified
by Mr. F. N. Pierce, who examined all the spocim"US, while the bodies
were yet soft enough to permit an inspection of the genitalia. .\ scries
of Cidaria truncata contained the usual forms and also a very fine mclanic
variety of the ccntiim-notata form wholly suffused with fuscous, the hind
wings being nearly as dark as the primaries ; other specimens also had
a strong melanic tendency. A series of Nociua dahlii contained some
almost black examples. The butterflies wenr noteworthy as showing
distinctly brighter colouring than is usually found in lingland. Lycoena
icanii, unfortunately was not im-t with : tlie females from this locality,
as is well known, having very bright blue coloration. Tlie paper was
illustrated by a large-scale map of the district, coloured to indicate the
collecting areas, a feature which added greatly to the interest of the
descriptions. A discussion ensued, in which several f)f the numbers
present gave their experiences in the North of Ireland.

Hymenoptera from Ulster.

Mv captures of llymrnoptcra for ujiu liave yielded some species new
to our county lists. I am indebted to the foHowiug gentlenu-n for
identifying species :— Rev. W. F. Johnson, D. R. Pack-Beresford. and
W. F. L. Sladen. To Mr. Sladen I sent a great many of my insects ;
amongst them ho discovered Psithyriis barhntcHus. This is i\\v tirst
time this species has been recorded from the North. Mr. Sladen has
also examined specimens recorded by me as Bombiis ciilhiinamis and
B. sororenrJs ; he finds that they belong to otlur species. B. culhimaniis
lias not th-n been taken in Ireland. The species collected in Co. Antrim
are Formica fiisca, Whitidieatl ; Myrmica sulcinodis, Belfast Cemetery ;
Salins rxaltattis. Cave Hill ; Cnibya ccplialolcs, Belfast Cemetery. In
Co. Down — Formica fusca, Vcspa germanica, Odyiicnis parictum, Andrena
minulula, all at Ballywalter ; Pxi/hyrits nipcstris at Dundrum ; P.
harbuleUus at Castlcreagh. In Co. \\\my^\\—Lcptothorax accrvorum and
P. barbitlelliis at Richhill. In Co. Louth— Fesprt sylvesitis, Bombus
horlorum, and U. ierresiris at Carlingford.

Mr. Sladen informs me that all my Psilhynts vestalis belong to var.

distinctus. ,.. t ^

H. L. Orr.

Belfast.

igii- Noies. 77

Mollusca and a Cumacean new to Ireland.

The Neomenians, Rhopaioiiu'iiia ai;laopheiiiae (Kov. and Mar.) and
Myzomenia banyulensis (Pruvot) have hitherto been recorded only from
Plymouth in the British and Irish area (Joiirn. Marine BioJ. Assoc, sei. 2,
v., 1897-99, p. 510). The specimens mentioned below were obtained
during the course of investigations carried out by the scientific staff of
the Department's fishery cruiser Helga. In August, 1906, in a haul at
6^ miles E.S.E. of Mine Head, Co. Waterford, two specimens of R.
aglaopheniac were taken turned round the stems ^of Aglaophenla
myriophylliini, L. at soundings of 29-29-J- fathoms. Another specimen,
coiled, but free, was taken in April, 1906, in a haul at 10 miles W. by S.
of Chicken Rock, Calf of Man, at soundings of 35-37 fathoms. A colony
of A . myriophyUiim from which it had probably become detached was
present in the same haul, which appears to be just outside the Irish area
as defined by Mr. Nichols [Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., ser. 3, vol. v., 1900,
p. 478). Nine specimens of M. banyulensis were taken in February,
1907, at 4J miles S.S.E. of Rockabill, at soundings of 20^-23 fathoms.
The species was twice observed at Lambay Deep. Four specimens on
Lafoea diimosa (Fleming) occurred in October, 1906, at soundings of
39-54 fathoms, and a few were taken in February, 1907, at soundings
of 42-46} fathoms. Two specimens attached to Hydrallmania falcata, L.
were taken in February, 1907, at 7-t miles E. of Bailey Lt., at soundings
of 24-25 fathoms.

A number of specimens of the Cumacean Diastylis Incifera (Kroyer)
occurred in a haid at Lambay Deep, in May, 1904, at soundings of 32-50
fathoms. Dr. Caiman who has kindly identified the species, states that
it is rather a northerly form which does not seem to have been recorded
from' Irish waters.

Anne L. Massy.
Dublin.

Hyalinia Rogers! introduced at Hillsborough.

While searching recently for " introductions " in the hot-houses at
Hillsborough Castle, in Down, Mr. Welch handed over to me a young
example of a Hyalinia which, on account of its odour, was promptly put
down in our list as H. alliaria. Several other specimens were afterwards
collected associated with Helicodisiis lijieatus Say, and a few introduced
species of woodlice. Upon subsequent examination at home I saw that
these shells were not H. alliaria, but that they belonged to the Hyalinia
helvetica group. The radula upon examination corresponds with that
given by Mr. B. B. Woodward {Journal of Conchology, vol. x. p. 311) as
characteristic of his species H. Rogersi, as compared with the true
continental H. helvetica Blum. I am not in a position to give an opinion
as to whether Hyalinia helvetica and H. Rogersi are distinct species or
only races of one species, nor is this a question which concerns Irish
conchologists. Suffice it to say that Mr. Woodward is convinced of the
distinctiveness of his species, while Mr. J. W. Taylor (Mon. L. and F. W.
Moll., vol. 3, p. 46), considers it to be a local race of H. helvetica.
Belfast. A, W. Stelfox.

yS The hish Nahiralist. April,

Luvarus imperialis on the Coast of Donegal.

On September S, loio. a strange tish was left stranded at Walker's
Bay, Killybcgs, Co. Donegal, where we were spending our summer holiday.
It measured 4 ft. 3 in. in length, weighed, as far as we could estimate,
about a hundredweight, had a shiny porpoise-like skin, and quite brilliant
scarlet fins and tail of mackerel shape. Had we known at the time
what an exceedingly rare fish we had found we should have made an
eitort to preserve it. for it was (juite fresh and in perfect condition, except
for absence of eyes and slight da-nage to its head. The eyes had
evidently been pecked out by tiie gulls, which hovered around it in large
numbers. We did, however, remove the scailet fins and tail and gave
them to our host to preserve, but I am sorry to hear from him tliat his
eftorts were not successful, and they have gone the way of all flesh.

We were unable to find any fish resembling it in Varrell's British Fishes,
the only book to which we had access, at the time, but a recent visit
to the Natural History Museum at South Kensington enabled us at once
to identify it as a specimen of Luvarus imperialis. As far as I have
been able to discover this fish has been recorded on only four previous
occasions in the British and Channel Isles. By the courtesy of Mr. G.
A. Boulenger I am able to give the following details and references.

Luvarus imperialis is a rare pelagic iish, found in the Mediterranean,
and has-been occasionally observed on the Italian and Sicilian coasts.
Two were thrown ashore on the Cornish shore in 1866 (Day's British
Fishes). One was captured at Seven Heads, Co. Cork, in 1901. This
specimen was fully described with illustrations by Mr. Longfield, of
Enniskean, in the Field of November 23, 1901, and by Dr. R. F. Scharff,
Irish Naturalist, vol. x. p. 190. The fourth was found in 1902 at St.
Martin's, Gurnscy (Boulenger, Field, October 25, 1902). I may add
that the specimen 1 have desci'ibed was seen by several people besides
myself and my sons, including Colonel Sinclair, of Ballyloughan, Bruckless,
Co. Donegal, and the Rev. J. T. Davies, of the King's School, Chester,
who was a member of our party, and was the first person actually
to see it.

W. J. Constable.
Uppingham.

Mealy Redpoll in Co. Carlow.

While out shooting rabbits here on December 26th last, in a young
fir plantation, a Robin settled on a tree near me, closely followed by
another small greyish bird that I had never seen before. Wherever the
robin went this other bird followed it, and being struck by this behaviour
I looked carefully at the second bird and at once saw that it was quite
unknown to me. I was able to have a very good look at it as it sat on
a tree not two yards from me. The bird was of a uniform speckled
browny grey with darker bars across the wings and had a bright crimson
patch on the top of the head. As soon as I got home I looked it out
in Morris's " British Birds " and had no difficulty in recognising it as a

rgii. Notes. 79

Mealy Redpoll {Linnta liiiayia, Linn). This identification I have since
confirmed by looking at the stufl;ed specimens in the Natural History
Museum in Dublin.

Mr. Ussher in his book on " The Birds of Ireland " says of this species,
that it is "a very rare winter visitor, chiefly taken on the western
islands." There is only one previous record of its occurrence in the
province of Leinster, viz., at Levitstown, Co. Kildare, on 9th February,
1876, which is also the first record of its appearance in Ireland.

Dknis R. Pack Beresford.
Fenagh House, Bagnalstown.

The Irish Coal-Tit.

Referring to Mr. Nichols' note on the so-called " Irish Coal-Tit "
ip. 45, supra), it may be of interest to mention that Mr. Ogilvie Grant
very kindly showed me a large series of freshly killed specimens at the
British Museum which were obtained by him from Ireland quite recently.
Most of these differed from the ordinary English type — a few markedly
so — others were almost identical with it. and intermediate forms were
observable. So far as I know Irish naturalists were unaware of any
local variation in the Coal-Tit, and Mr. Grant deserves credit for the
discovery : but he will, I think, ultimately recognise that the Irish bird
is not " a well marked species," and is rather an ill-defined race without
(to borrow from the weather charts) " any steep gradients."

Richard M. Barrington.

Fassaroe, Bray.

The Ulster Coal-Tit.

In the autumn and winter months the Coal -Titmouse is often to be
seen in the woods here, flitting busily about among the underwood in
large flocks, and usually accompanied by Blue Titmice, Golden-crested
Wrens, and other little birds. They are always on the move from place
to place, and disappear at times for weeks together. In the nesting
season they are less common. All are of the ordinary Par us britannicus
type. Once only, in the winter of 1909-10, in such a flock, I got a
momentary view of one that puzzled me very much at the time — a Coal-
Titmouse, apparently, with a crest like that of the Golden-crested Wren.

Was it, perhaps, P. hiberuicus ?

W. E. Hart.
Kilderry, Co. Donegal.

Landrail in December.

It may interest readers of the Irish Naturalist to know that on the
2ncl of December a Landrail was killed in my garden by one of my dogs.
It was in very poor condition. I have never seen one in this country so

late in the year.

J. H. H. Swine Y.
Belfast.

So The htsh Natural i St. April, 1911.

Wild Cat supposed to be within Historic Times a Native of

Ireland.

According to Dr. Scharlt'.s examination of tlu; cat hones from the
Co. Clare caves, after comparison with that of Fclis cntus, he ascribes
them to belong to an African species, probably a contemporary of the
Reindeer, Mammoth, and Arctic Marmot, whose liones were found in the
same caves. ITowevcr, so far. there is no reliable information of Felis^
ratits feeing a native among the rt'cords of our list t)f liish naturalists,
from the time of Wm. Thompson up to the present date. No doubt
there are allegations, from time to time, of the capture and occurrence
of Wild Cats, but. unfortunately, no specimens have been produced in
proof of the statements ; and as for stories by country people they may
be all put asi<lc as being of like value, as other mythical stories of fairies,
banshees, cluricaunes, &c. However, from Major Barrett Hamilton's
notes in the March number of the Irisli Naturalist (siipya, p. 55), it is
very interesting to learn that he has now, fortunately, obtained such
authentic information of the Wild Cat being a native, that he says : —
" These are so authentic, that I cannot think the fact can any longer
be doubted." I am sure that all Irish naturalists will be exceedingly
gratified at Major Barrett-Hamilton's success in thus solving this long
doubted (jue tion. But it would add greatly to their pleasure and
gratification if he would kindly, in the next issue of the IiisJi Naturalist,
give the names of the publications from which he gathered this
important fact, and not withhold them until the publication of his
work on British Mammals, in which I wish him every success.

RORERT W.^RREN.

Ardnaree, Monkstown, Co. Cork.

The Ringed Seal in Irish Waters.

Mr. Lydekker kindly drew my attention to an important point of
difference between the skulls of the Ringed Seal {Phoca foetida) and
Common Seal (P. vit:ilina) which I had omitted in my " Notes on Irish
Seals " in last month's Irish Naturalist (p. 42, supra). It is the shape
of the lower jaw. The two branches or rami of the lower jaw unite in
the middle by what is called a symphysis. The latter is longer in the
Ringed Seal than in the other seal, and the branches before thcN^ join
run almost parallel to one another for a certain distance before they
diverge. In the Common Seal the branches of the lower jaw are devoid
of that peculiar notch and join almost like the two sides of a triangle.
The jaws are also much more massive than those of the Ringed Seal.
.Altogether it sliould not be difficult to recognise the Ringed Seal from
the jaws alone.

R. F. SCHARFF. •_

National Museum, Dublin.

May, 191 1. The Irish Naturalist. 81

NEW IRISH APTERYGOTA.

BY PROF. GEO. H. CARPENTER, B.SC, M.R.I. A.

During the year 1910, I received from Mr. James Strachan
of Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, a springtail and a bristletail,
both of which are additions to the known Irish fauna.
The latter has indeed been probably introduced by
commerce. The former, however, is doubtless indigenous,
and apparently represents a species new to science. Students
of Irish insects are much indebted to Mr. Strachan for
having brought these interesting creatures to light.

THYSANURA.

LEPISMATIDAE.
Thermobia domestica (Packard).

Specimens of a " fish-insect," evidently distinct from
the " silver -fish " Lepisma saccharina (Linn.) commonly
found in houses, were received in November from Mr.
Strachan. At first I believed the specimens to belong to
the Mediterranean Ctenolepisma lineata (Fab.), but examina-
tion of their structure shows that they are rather small
examples of Thermobia domestica (Packard), another
lepismatid whose original home is probably the Mediter-
ranean region (Escherich, '04), but which has become widely
disseminated by artificial introduction in Great Britain,
Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus Thermobia
can be recognised by the elongate maxillary palps, which,
in T. domestica, have six segments, whereas the usual
number in the family is five. The feelers, legs, cercopods,
and ovipositor are also of- exceptional length in T.
domestica.

Application to Mr. Strachan for information as to the
probability of the introduction of the species, drew from
him some interesting notes on its occurrence and habits
which I am glad to have the privilege of quoting here.
He writes : —

" This insect occurs on the premises of a paper-mill in
Ballyclare. I have observed it for over five years, but took
little notice of it until lately when I became interested in
the stiucture of the scales from similar insects. T.

A

82 The Irish Naturalist. May,

domcstica frequents warm places where the temperature is
between 70*^ F. and So"-' F., and shuns damp cold places.
Its favourite habitat is in the interstices of stone walls
warmed by their proximity to steam -pipes and in a similar
situation between wood-skirting and stone walls. It lives
and breeds in dark places, emerging from the latter only
when in search of food. For this reason apparently its
eyes are of no use to it in daylight, as it is not sensible to
the presence of objects brought suddenly very close to it.
A very bright light however disturbs it. It appears to
feed on starch, dextrine, paste, bread-crumbs, cSic. It has
a cannibal nature however which the following incident
would tend to prove. I placed three of the insects in a
shallow glass beaker. One of them was slightly crushed.
The other two I asphyxiated with a drop or two of ether.
One of the latter insects was thus killed, but the other
revived after a time. The beaker was left overnight and
in the morning the live insect had apparently devoured the
crushed one, for the latter was lying in pieces, literally
' cleaned out ' like an empty shell. It did not touch the
complete dead insect, however, but frequently walked round
and over it as if examining it.

" The only foreign material at present in use in the mill
comes from the Baltic, and is of a nature that would forbid
the presence of insect life. Sixteen years ago, however,
Spanish esparto was used but has not been imported since
that time. Therefore if introduced, T. domestica must
have been introduced then, and it has since become
thoroughly used to its surroundings. A friend (whom I
have proved to be rather an accurate observer) tells me
that he saw the same insect many years ago in a corn -mill
at Ballymena. Unfortunately the corn-mill in question
does not now exist, having been burned down. Of course
the atmosphere in a corn-mill near and around the kiln is
often V'cry warm — over 80'' F. I recently paid a visit to
a neighbouring corn-mill but could detect no sign of any
kind of animal life — not even a cricket. Another interesting
point lies in the fact that seventy years ago a corn-mill
stood on the spot where the insect is now found. In
conclusion I may mention that T. domestica is fairly

1 91 1- CARrENTKR. — Nciv Irish Apterygota. 83

numerous in summer but disappears almost entirely in the
winter."

Probably we shall be right in regarding T . domestica
as an introduced species in Ireland as in (ireat Britain.
But there is the possibility that a Mediterranean insect
like this may be an indigenous species in our island, although
it is now almost or altogether confined to the interior of
buildings. In Great Britain T. domestica has usually been
found in bake-houses, where its fondness for stoves, ovens,
hot-water pipes, and other warm objects has earned for it
the name of the " fire-brat."

COLLEMBOLA.

ENTOMOBRYIDAE.

Proisotoma ultonica, sp. nov.

Body plump and thickset, with short appendages. Feeler
hardly longer than head (fig. i). Post-antennal organ
elongate oval, as long as twice the diameter of an anterior
ocellus ; eight ocelli on each side, the outer median two
very small (fig. 2). Foot with simple elongate claw ;
empodial appendix bristle-like, half as long as claw, with
small, but distinct lamina (fig. 3). Catch exceptionally
large (fig. 4) with a stout, curving bristle on its base and
four teeth on each limb. Fourth abdominal segment nearly
1^ times as long as third (fig. i). Spring (figs, i, 5, 6) with
manubrium as long as dens and mucro together ; dens
with numerous small tubercles ; mucro more than half as
long as dens, with two upturned teeth — one apical and one
sub-apical — and an evenly curved lamina (fig. 6).

Length, I'l mm. Colour, light grey, the tergites, head,
and feelers with dark-blue mottlings ; legs with fainter
mottling.

Habitat — Ballyclare, Co. Antrim ; in garden soil.

A very large number of specimens of this curious little
springtail were sent by Mr. Strachan in April, 1910. They
were present in large numbers in garden soil around the
roots of cauliflowers. I cannot satisfy myself that they
were actually eating the roots, though serious damage by
various species of Collembola to vegetable tissues of different
kinds has become more and more apparent during recent

a2

84

The Irish Naturalist.

May,

years (see Theobald, 'lo, pp. ni-127). It is certainly
remarkable that an insect new to science should have been
discovered for the first time in such enormous numbers.

Fig. I, Pruisoioma ultonica, side view, x 60; tig. 2, ocelli and post-
antennal organ of right side, X 350 ; fig. 3, foot with claw and empodial
appendix, X 600; fig. 4, catch, x 600; fig. 5, spring, dorsal view,
X 60 ; fig. 6, dens and niucro of spring, side view, x 350.

A few years ago, this springtail would have been included
in the comprehensive genus Isotoma. Now, the six distinct
abdominal segments, the simple sensory bristles, the short
spring with relatively large or elongate mucro, characterize
the genus Proisotoma of Borner ('03, p. 171). We already
know P. Schotti (Dalla Torre) from the west coast of Ireland,
and the species of Proisotoma have a curious and interesting
discontinuous range in the Arctic Regions, the British Isles,
North and South America, and the Antarctic.

i9ii> Carpentkr. — New Irish Apterygota. 85

The present insect is abundantly distinct from P.
ScJwtti, and from all the longer -known species of the group.
Its nearest European ally is P. borealis (Axelson, '05, p.
791), a Finnish species with a comparatively short and
thick body, a narrowly elliptic post-antennal organ, the
fourth abdominal segment half aaiiong again as the third,
and a very well -developed catch. In P. borealis, however,
the ocelli are all of equal size, the empodial appendix has
no bristle-like ending, and the mucro is short and stout.
Axelson calls attention to the likeness which his P. borealis
bears to a tropical species from a very distant part of the
world. — P. inaequalis (Schaeffer, '99, p. 403, figs. 4, 5), found
in the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. Curiously our
Irish insect is still closer to P. inaequalis, whose spring, as
figured by Schaeffer, might almost have been drawn from
the Ballyclare springtail ; the mucro in the latter is,
however, relatively longer, though of closely similar shape.
P. inaequalis is a very small springtail, only 75 mm. long.
Its ocelli are all of equal size, and the disproportion in the
relative lengths of the fourth and third abdominal segments,
(as 5:3) which gives the species its name, is greater than
in P. ultonica (as 3:2).

This discovery of another Irish species of Proisotoma,
showing such noteworthy and unexpected affinities with
both arctic and tropical springtails is of quite exceptional
interest. It supports strongly the view that our apterous
fauna is of a relatively high antiquity, and presages still
more remarkable results when that fauna shall be more
thoroughly known.

Royal College of Science, Dublin.

References.

'05. W. M. Axelson. — Einige neue Collembolen aus Finland. Zoolog.
Anz., xxviii., 1905, pp. 788-794.

'03. C. BoRNER. — Neue altweltliche Collembolen, nebst Bemerkungen
' 2ur Systematik dcr Isotimen und Entomobryinen. Sitzb. der GeseUsch.
naturforscheud. Freunde- Berlin, 1903, pp. 129-182.

'04. L. EscHERicH • — Das System der Lepismatiden, Stuttgart, 1904.

'99. C. Schaeffer. — Die Collembola des Bismarck-Archipels. Archiv.
f. Naturgeschichte, 1898, pp. 393-426, pi. xi., xii.

' 10. F. V. Theobald. — Report on Economic Zoology for the year ending
September, 1910. 5. E. Agricultural College, Wye.

86 The Irish Naturalist. May,

REVIEW.

BRITISH AND IRISH MAMMALS.

A History of British Mammals. By Gerald E. H. Barrett-Hamilton,
B.A. (Cantab.), M.R.I^, F.Z.S. Witli 27 full page plates in
colour, 54 in black and white, and upwards of 250 smaller
illustrations, drawn by Edward A. Wilson, B.A., M.B. (Cantab.).
London : Gurney and Jackson. (Parts I. to IV. October, 1910,
to February, 191 1. Price, 25. 6d. each).

Every zoologist whether professor, amateur or sportsman, will be
gratified to see the above work commenced by such a competent naturalist
as Major Barrett-Hamilton. Bell's " History of British Quadrupeds,"
edited in 1874 by Tomes and Alston, has for over 30 years been looked
upon as the best available book of reference on this subject, notwith-
standing its age and the larger and more costly volumes since written
by others, who can scarcely claim to have really studied the subject.
Barrett-Hamilton, on the other hand, has devoted himself for years to
the study of Mammals generally and the Kodents in particular, both in
the museum and as a tield naturalist, at home and in distant countries.

His work is intended to be completed in 2i\ parts to be bound in three
volumes, and on looking over the four parts now under review, and just
published, one is inclined to ask whether too much has not been attempted.
Perhaps the scheme is too elaborate, for, in the preliminary notice it is
stated, " no such work has ever been written or attempted in the English
language, ' and in this connection one is inclined to recall the Shakesperian
warning against " vaulting ambition."

Roughly speaking, there are 70 British land and aquatic Mammals,
and, in the four parts issued only 8 have been completely dealt with in
208 pages. This shows the exhaustive character of the book and the
value given for the modest subscription of 25. 6d. each part. Copious
references prove that the author was educated in a bibliographical
atmosphere, and one would sometimes imagine that his old master, the
late Professor Newton of Cambridge, was at his elbow when discussing
(jucstions in nomenclature.

The author tells us that at first he merely intended to produce a new
edition of Bell's " Quadrupeds," but the idea had to be abandoned, and,
the entire work is lirand new. It will be divided into three sections — •
the first dealing with Bats or Flying Mammals, the second with the Land
Mammals, and the third with the Aquatic Mammals, which in this case
are all marine. The following points are dealt with under each species : —
Synonymy, Local Names, Distribution in space and time. Gestation,
Description and Anatomy where it illustrates specific difference or
variation. Habits, &c.

The illustrations drawn by Dr. Wilson, of antarctic fame, are numerous
and good. Amongst tlie coloured ones may be mentioned, the Hare
skins in Part ii., where the tlifference in size and colouration between

1 91 1- Review. 87

the Scotch and Irish Hare is well shown, and Natterer's Bat in Part iii.
is a well designed picture of light and shade, but there is, perhaps, too
much colour in the plates of the Dormouse and the Noctule. Part iv.
ends with the Long-eared Bat, the letterpress of which is still unfinished.

The work on the eight species of Chiroptera, already dealt with, is
described by a well-known natui^alist as " splendid." The author has
largely drawn on the contributions of Irishmen — Kinahan, Alcock, &c. —
and in a conspicuous degree from the careful and suggestive observations
of Moffat, whose papers on the habits of our native bats are a remarkable
tribute to his patience and ingenuitj\

The labour bestowed by the author has been immense and the
authorities are quoted with scrupulous care. Only two or three slips
have been noticed. On page 30 of the Introduction, Rockabill is
given as a light-station on the nest coast of Ireland. In the table of
dimensions, page 87, of Leisler's Bat, a specimen in the Dviblin Museum
from Co. Clare is referred to, whereas Clare is not given as an Irish
locality on page 85, when dealing with the distribution of this species.
On page 197, Charbonnier is given as the authority (the only one) for
the weight, 5 grams (78 grains), of the Long-eared Bat. This must have
been an abnormally light specimen as Moffat {Irish Natttralist, 1900,
page 235) gives the weight as ranging from 100 to 130 grains.

Naturalists owe a debt of gratitude to the author for his courageous
and successful effort to publish at immense labour a work, which, if
completed on the same lines as the four parts issued, will remain for years-
without a rival as the standard authority on British Mammals.

R. M. B.

A CENSUS OF IRISH CRYPTOGAMS.

BY J. ADAMS, M.A.

A SHORT statistical summary of the number of species
belonging to each of the great groups of ilowerless plants
found in Ireland, and of our present knowledge of their
distribution up to the end of the year 1910, will, I think,
be of interest to Irish botanists. A few years ago such a
summary would not have been possible. However, the
publication by the Royal Irish Academy during the years
1908, 1909, and 1910 of detailed lists of species of Algae,
Lichens, and Fungi found in Ireland, together with the
additions to each of these groups up to the end of the year
1910 enumerated in the pages of the Irish Naturalist for
April, 1911, makes the task a comparatively light one in
the case of the lower Cryptogams. As regards Liverworts

•8S

The hish Naivralist .

May,

and Mosses I have relied on the figures given in the Moss
Exchange Chib's Census Catalogue of British Hepatics,
pubhshed in 1903, and Census Catalogue of British Mosses,
published in 1907. To complete the figures to the end of
1910 I have consulted the pages of the Irish Naturalist and

Horn
<& Head

fair Head

Crew Hea

Mll«n HU4

Upc Clear

the British Association Handbook to the Dublin District,
1908. For Characeac and \'ascular Cryptogams I have
relied on Praegcr's Topographical Botany, 1901, and the

.V.

191 1- Adams. — A Cens,us of Irish Cjyptogams. 89

Supplement for 1901-1905, and additional information
published since in the Irish Naturalist.

Such a stocktaking might well be made every five or at
least every ten years and woiild show what progress has
been made in the past, and at the same time indicate to
students of geographical distribution what parts of the
country would best repay investigation in the future. The
present time, when the first ten years of the century have
been completed, seems opportune for such a review,
especially in view of the fact that the results of the
biological survey of Clare Island and neighbourhood will
shortly be published and the additions made to our
knowledge of the flora of Ireland in general, of Connaught,
and of Mayo as a result of that survey will be better
appreciated.

In the summary of distribution of species I have
adopted the divisions of the country into provinces and
sub -provinces proposed by me in the Irish Naturalist for
August, 1908, and January, 1909. The boundaries of
these divisions may be seen at a glance on the accompan^'ing
map which is reproduced by the kind permission of the
Royal Irish Academy.

The figures in each group for the sub-provinces,
the provinces, and for the whole of Ireland are given in
the subjoined tables (pp. 90-92).

A glance at these figures will show that very little is
still known of the cryptogamic flora of half the area of
Ireland. It would scarcely be prudent, however, to draw
any further conclusions. Of the four provinces the largest
number of species appears to be possessed by Leinster.
This is doubtless due to the fact that the district around
Dublin has been better investigated than other parts of
Ireland, just as Ulster has the priority in Mosses for the
obvious reason that two of the most eminent bryologists
live in that province. Munster has the largest total of
Lichens and Liverworts at present. In the case of Lichens
the priority may pass to Connaught when the Clare Island
investigations are completed. But it would be idle to
speculate at present as to what Province possesses the
largest Cryptogamic Flora.

90

The hish Naturalist .

May,

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91

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igii. Irish Societies. 93

IRISH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent "ifts include a Slow Loris and a Beugalese Cat from Mr. C. G,

D

Rogers, a young Serval from Capt. T. Crcan, Badgers from Messrs. J. C.
Bagot and J. Grocock, a Cave Rat from Dr. Garland, Rabbits from Mr.
H. Sanderson, a Red and Blue Macaw from Mr. F. D'Arcy Thompson,
a Red -breasted Merganser from Mr. P. Gleeson, twelve Sheldrake from
Mr. R. M. Barrington, Mr. H. B. Rathborne and Mr. W. J. Williams, a
Wild Duck from Mr. M. L. Hearn, and a West African Python from Sir
Philip C. Smyly.

The three American Black Bears have lately been placed in the large
open den near the pit where the Polar Bear and Syrian Bear are kept,
so that all the bears in the gardens are now close together and are shown
to great advantage. Two small cages with wire fronts in the apse of
the Roberts House have been completed, and are now occupied by a
pair of young Caracals. These animals were at first much alarmed at
the proximity of their large relations, the Lions and Tigers, but they are
now quite contented and peaceful. The new Sheldrakes have been
placed in the old seal-pond, where they make a very attractive display.

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

March 8. — The Club met at Leinster House, A. R. Nichols, M.A.
(President) in the Chair.

Dr. G. H. Pethybridge exhibited " spore "-bearing pure cultures of
the potato-blight fungus (Phytophthora infestans) growing saprophytically
on an agar medium prepared from an extract of Lima bean seeds. The
cultures had been received from Professor L. R. Jones, of the University
of Wisconsin, U.S.A. It is only in recent years that complete success has
attende.l the efforts made (largely in the LTnited States) to cultivate this
eminently parasitic fungus in an artificial medium, but that it retains
its virulence as a parasite when grown under these conditions was evidenced
by the fact that cut-slices of living potato- tubers, which had been
inoculated from the pure cultures received from America, and which were
exhibited, had become typically affected with " bli4;ht," and were
producing a plentiful crop of mycelium "spores." He also showed
the parasitic fungus Sclerotinia (Monilia) cincrea Schrot., causmg serious
damage to a cherry tree from King's Co. This is the second record of
this fungus in Ireland, it having previously obtained on plums from
Co. Antrim. {Irish Nat., vol. xix., 1910, p. 79).

G. P. Far RAN showed a specimen of the pelagic copepod Aegisthus
mucronatus, from the west coast of Ireland. The species is remarkable
for the great length of the furca, the branches of which are very slender,
fused together, and about four times as long as the rest of the animaL

Prof. G. H. Carpenter showed Acrotelsa collaris. Fab., a large
tropical lepismalid bristle-tail from the Seychelles. Under the microscope,
he demonstrated a dissected ovipositor, calling attention to the series of
strong blunt teeth on the inner aspect of the paired genital processes.

94 The Irish Nahiralist. May,

DUBLIN NATURALISTS FIELD CLUB.

February 24.— The Vice-President, \V. F. Gunn in the chair. The
second discussion on problems raised by the Clare Island Survey was
opened by R. Soithern, who read a paper on the " Marine Biology of
the Clare Island District." The paper was illustrated by diagrams and
maps, showing the distribution of the various elements in the marine
fauna. The effects of such I'uvironmental conditions as ocean currents,
the salinity and temperature of the sea-water, the nature of the sea-
bottom and of the materials composing it, the food supply, (S:c., were
considered, and special importance was attached to the pelagic stage in
the life-history of marine animals, as a dominant factor in their dispersal.
The fauna was analysed into its component geographical elements, four
groups being recognised, viz., the Cosmopolitan, the Boreal, the Celtic,
and the Lusitanian. 'I'he proportions of these groups on the west and
east coasts of Ireland were compared, and an attempt was made to trace
the origin and history of the littoral and shallow -water fauna of the
Irish coasts. A discussion ensued, in which the following members took
part:— Prof. G. H. Carpenter, R. LI. Praeger, G. H. Pethybridge, J. de
W. Hinch, A. R. Nichols, and N. Colgan.

Alexander M'Henry, M.R.I. A., and D. R. Pack -Beres ford, D.L.,
M.R.I. A., were elected members of the Club.

April ii. — R.Lloyd Praeger in the chair. The final discussion on
problems raised by the Clare Island Survey was opened by Dr. R. F.
ScHARi-F, who dealt with the terrestrial fauna. Attention was directed
to the poverty of the Clare Island fauna among the Mammalia and other
groups as compared with the mainland, and the explanation given by
Moffat of the readiness with which certain species isolated on small islands
might become exterminated was mentioned. No doubt could l)C enter-
tained that the majority of the animals inhabiting Clare Island had made
their way thither over a land connection, and the same conclusion must
be drawn with regard to the immigration of animals into Ireland from
Britain or the Continent. Clare Island, as an isolated part of the West,
afforded an object lesson in the mixture of northern and southern forms
of life that is characteristic of our Atlantic coast. The southern (Lusi-
tanian) clement in the Irish fauna, especially marked as it was along the
west coast, was shown by the discontinuous range of its members to be
the most ancient element ; perhaps as Edward Forbes had long ago
suggested for the Lusitanian plants, some sjiecies might have surviv'ed in
our area since Miocene times. The question of survival through the Glacial
Period raised many difficulties and apparently serious differences of opinion
between biologists and geologists, but the evidence afforded by animal
and plant distribution must be allowed its full weight. The presence of
North American animals and plants in western Ireland supported the
theory that a land connection stretched north of the Atlantic by way of
Norway and Greenland ; the warm waters of the .\tlantic thus cut off
from the Arctic regions might have ensured a comj'aratively mild climate
along the old Continental coast-line to the west of our present western
Irish shore, even during the Glacial Period.

igir.

Irish Societies. 95

W. B. Wright, T. Hallissy, C. B. Mottat, J. N. Halbert, J. de W. Hinch,
G. H. Carpenter and the Chairman took part in the discussion. The
geologists dwelt on the evidence for severe glaciation up to, and even
beyond the western shore, but suggested the possibiUty of an unglaciated
area to the south. It was pointed out in reply that the discontinuous
range of the southern animals could be more easily explained by their
survival in an area to the west.

April 8. — Excursion to the Dublin Mountains. — Con-lucted by
W.B. Wright, a large party traversed the Dublin range from Mountpelier
to the Scalp, visiting on the way the high-level shell-bearing Glacial
gravels at Ballyedmonduft and Larch Hill that have become famous
through the researches of the late Rev. Maxwell Close and J.de W. Hinch.
After the long walk, tea at the Scalp was welcome, and the party returned
to town bv train from Carrickmines.

NOTES.

ZOOLOGY.

Trichoniscus Stebbingi in Down and Antrim.

In company with Messrs. A. W. Stelfox and R. Welch, I recently
searched some greenhouses in Hillsborough (Down), also in Botanic Park
and Crawford's Nursery, Belfast (Antrim), when we were successful in
finding in each of these places Trichoniscus Stebbingi, Patience. This
species of Woodlouse had previously been found in Ireland only in the
greenhouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

In addition to the above, the greenhouses in Botanic Park yielded
the following species of Woodlice : — Trichoniscus pusillns, T. roseus,
T. pygmcBUS, Oniscus aselliis, Povcellio scaber, P. dilatatus, Metoponorthus
pruinosus, and Armadillidium nasatum, as well as two species new to
Ireland, particulars of which will be recorded in a subsequent issue.

Nevin H. Foster.
Hillsborough, Co. Down.

't>'

The Nuthatch in Ireland.

On the 26th March, standing in Mr. Trumbull's garden at Malahide,

I heard the strange note of a bird, in one of the apple trees. Following

the sound I saw what I thought was a Nuthatch (Sitta ccesia). The

bird flew across the garden to another apple tree. By careful stalking

I examined within a few paces the first Irish Nuthatch, noting the black

streak across the eye, the back and head bluish grey, the short tail and

reddish under plumage. Mr. Trumbull kindly offered to shoot the bird,

but I thought it was unnecessary, as I was absolutely certain of the

species. Since then I have had a letter saying the bird is still about the

garden.

W. J. Williams.
Dublin.

96 The Irish Naturalist. May, 1911.

Irish Mammals. — A Correction.

Mr. R, Warri'ii writes to correct a bli]) in his note on the Wild Cat
published in last month's issue (supra, p. 80). The Arctic " Marmot "
mentioned should, of course, have been the Arctic Lemming {Cunicu/us
torquatm).

GEOLOGY.

A Post-Glacial Lake Deposit.

Last summer I had an opportunity of investigating a shell marl which
occurs in a hollow to the south of the " white limestone " escarpment at
Megaberry, near Moira. My attention w^as hrst drawn to this by Mr.
John Hull who had discovered it whilst engaged in draining operations
in that part of his farm.

As the area is now intersected by ditches, and the deposit situated
at no great distance from the surface, it was easy to make holes with
a spade at different points along these drains and so find the limits of
the lake.

Thirty-five holes wete thus dug, and from the tabulated results the
following more generalised statements can be made. The upper deposit
varies Irom. 2 to 3 feet in depth, and consists of a dark clay yielding
towards the surface to a dark peaty soil. Below this in the centre of
the area is the marl deposit. This varies from ^ inch to 10 inches.
Towards the margin the marl is replaced by flint and limestone gravel.
Blue clay of from 2 to 6 inches in thickness is usually found below the
marl, but is absent where the gravel occurs. The lowest layer is a red
clay, which in most places is of good quality and suitable for brick making.
At several points this is replaced by a red loam.

The shells found in the marl are common freshwater types — Valvata
[cfistatci ?), Limnaea peregya, and Pisidiiim {glaber P) were obtained.

The general sequence of events would seem to be as follows : — After
the removal of the ice which covered the whole of the North of Ireland
boulder-clay was left in irregular mounds. Arranged in the form of a
semicircle with the limestone escarpment as diameter a natural reservoir
was formed. Into this the fine clay was washed down. Then came
a period in which molluscs invaded our lakelet. Their broken and
comminuted shells mixed with clay formed the deposit of marl. While
this was going on the lake sought an outlet where a rift occurred in the
curve of mounds at the south-east, and eventually, OAving to the deepening
of the bed of_ this issuing stream, the impounded lake escaped to one of
the feeders of the Lagan. After this the accumulation of hill-wash still
continued, giving us a further deposit of clay, and then bog plants laid
hold of the surface and peat was formed. Last of all artificial drainage
has greatly- improved the land, the marsh has disappeared and fertility
is once more established.

ISAAC^SVVAIN.

University College, Cork. "

Irish Naturalist, Vol. XX.

Plate 2.

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Map to illustrate great bird rush of :\Iarch 29th-30th, 191 1, prepared by

R. M. Barrington.

June, igir. The Irish Naiuralisf. 97

THE GREAT RUSH OF BIRDS ON THE NIGHT OF
MARCH 29TH-30TH, AS OBSERVED IN IRELAND.

BY R. M. BARRINGTON, M.A.

On the night of March 29th, a great rush of birds was
observed in several towns of S. E. Ireland, and also at some
light-stations along the coast from Balbriggan to the Old
Head of Kinsale.

Newspapers, for a week or more afterwards, contained
accounts of extraordinary flights, and, probably, the most
convenient method of illustrating what occurred, is to give
extracts from private letters lent chiefly by my friend, Mr.
R. J. Ussher, and reports from newspaper correspondents.

I interviewed the light-keepers at Balbriggan and
Rockabill, and some of the seamen who were on board
the lightships at Blackwater Bank, Lucifer Shoals, and
Coningbeg.

Information was also received from Howth Bailey,
the Tuskar, South Arklow light-ship. Barrels light-ship,
Hook Tower, and the Old Head of Kinsale.

As regards the towns, most birds appear to have been
noticed at New Ross, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Carrick-
on-Suir, and Dungarvan. Smaller numbers were observed
at Clonmel, Bagenalstown, Lismore, Enniscorthy, Gorey,
Greystones, and Bray.

Mr. C. B. Moffat states that it was a " tremendous
night of Curlew cries over Dublin."

Many species were reported, but Starlings predominated
largely ; then Curlew, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Redwings ;
and after these, a heterogeneous collection of other species.

The relative numbers of each, as well as the variety,
must be inferred generally from the reports of correspon-
dents, few of whom were trained observers.

The specimens sent by the light-keepers are, of course, the
best evidence. A list of these, received to May 20th, is
given hereafter.

On the night in question, an exceptional number of birds
was seen at the following light -stations : — Balbriggan,
Rockabill, Howth Bailey, Arklow S. light-ship, Blackwater

A

98 The Irish Natvralist. June.

Bank, Lucifer Shoals, Tuskar, Coningbeg, Hook Tower, and
Old Head of Kinsale, extending along a coast -line of over
200 miles.

The following are extracts from letters, etc.

Waterford. — Mr. Peter Grifhn writing on March 30th,
says : — "Last night, between ten and twelve, an extremely
large number of birds was seen hovering round the city.
The telegraph wires along the quay were full. Where there
was any light in a window they were dashing against it. A
post-ofhce official opened a window and a number of birds
flew in. A postman when cycling across the bridge said
that the birds were so numerous that he was struck by them
several times. Between four and five in the morning they
appeared like a cloud which covered several miles, and
jiew in a N.E. direction} Many remained about the city.
Hvmdreds were found dead, especially along the quay.
Those that were caught could only fly two or three feet.
The majority were Starlings, but many were like the Thrush,
and some Blackbirds. An Oyster -catcher was captured."

Another Waterford correspondent, Mr. Friel, says : —
"Last night, March 29th-3oth, about ten o'clock the Curlew
were passing over the town and crying far more than usual.
While the men were working at the new bridge with flare
lamps many hundreds of Starlings came fluttering round.
The birds were in thousands on the tarpaulins along the
quay, opposite the post office. In addition to Starlings, I
hear one Field-fare was found."

New Ross. — A correspondent of the Freeman'' s Journal,
writing on March 30th, says : — " About ten o'clock, last
night a swarm of Starlings, numbering several thousands,
descended on the town, filling the streets, houses, and yards.

" Numbers got into the houses, and broke the windows
in their flutterings, whilst vast numbers dropped on the
river Barrow, beside the gas-lights, and were drowned."

A correspondent of the Daily Express at New Ross
stated that : — " The strange visitation of Starlings, which
created such interest, continued, but in smaller numbers,
till April 2nd, on the night of which several were killed."

■ ■ I - - - — - — — 1 ~~~ — ' '

'The italics an.' in all cases mine, — R.M.B,

igii- Barrington. — Rnsk of Birds on March 29M-30///. 99

Carlow. — A correspondent of the Freeman's Journal at
Carlow reports that :— " On the night of March 29th the
sky was almost obscured by vast numbers of Curlew and
Starling, which were reinforced by Wild Duck, Blackbirds,
Thrushes and Woodquests. The streets were practically
littered in the morning with the bodies of dead birds."
He also reports that a great multitude of Starlings was
observed over Bagenalstown, which is also on the river
Barrow, about twelve miles further south, and that on the
following day a man ploughing in a field near the town,
reported that Starlings were continually alighting on the
plough, and on the horses.

Mr. Haughton, of Carlow, writes : — "I noticed the
following birds dead on the morning of the 30th, Starlings
and Redwings, the former in large numbers, and one
Brambling, a rare visitor. About fifty birds were found
dead on my premises. For a day or two afterwards I
noticed large flocks of Seagulls and other birds about the
locality. The migration evidently came jrom the S^.W.
judging by the position in which the dead birds were found.
There were a few Wild Duck and other birds among them,
but I think they joined the flocks as they passed over the
country. Some accounts of the flight are much exagger-
ated."

Kilkenny. — An Irish Times correspondent writes
on March 30th : — " It may interest some of your readers
to know that during last night hundreds of birds of various
kinds. Curlew, Thrush, Blackbird, Sparrow, etc., fell dead.
The roads leading to Kilkenny and the market place in
the city, were the places where they were most noticed,
but even the surrounding fields had their quota."

Carrick-on-Suir. — Mr. J. Ernest Grubb, writing on
March, 30th, says : — " The bird migration has been most
extraordinary here. Starhngs, Cormorants, Herons, Curlew,
Thrushes, Blackbirds, Snipe, Redwing, and Gulls. A
man who lives on the bank of the Suir told me that at
about eleven or twelve o'clock he was awakened by the
screaming of birds, and dressed and went out, and in the
light of a gas lamp saw eight or nine Herons, two dozen
Gulls and Water -rails, and five or six Cormorants and

a 2

TOO The Irish Na{7t7-alist. June

Curlew walking up and down the flat bank at the edge of
the river, screaming pitcously. They were all gone in the
morning."

Mr. J. H. Power, of Carrick-on-Suir, says : — ^" About
eleven o'clock last night flocks of birds began tumbling into
the streets, some dead, and others not able to fly. I saw
heaps of them to-day dead and all in good condition. One
man told me he got twelve on the hearth in the morning
which had tumbled down the chimney. The whole bird
creation was astir and the people of the town were kept
awake by the shriek of the Curlew, Duck and Snipe hovering
over the town. The birds were going N.E. Starlings and
Redwings were in masses ; Thrushes, Blackbirds, Skylarks,
Tit -larks. Snipe and an Owl were also picked up dead.
The night was very dark. I distinguished the Redwing by
the streaks about the head and brick colour under the
wings. The Song Thrush has buff under the wing. For
some days after Starlings and Redwings were feeding in the
fields and quite weak." The wing of a Redwing was
forwarded.

DuNGARVAN. — Mr. R. J. Brcnnan says: — "The night
of the 29th of March was dark and calm until 10.30.
Suddenly, before eleven o'clock, light rain and fog began,
and flocks of Starlings were observed in the Square. They
flew wildly about, as if terrified and bewildered, striking
against windows, walls, and gas-lamps. On the morning
of the 30th several dead birds were found. The night
watchman states he saw the birds departing in a N.E.
direction r

Another Dungarvan correspondent says : — " I looked
towards one of the gas lamps at eleven p.m. and the whole
air seemed one mass of small birds."

LiSMORE. — Mr. Fanning writes : — " On Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday, the last three days of March, there
was observable a state of excitement amongst birds, and
particularly Starlings. On these nights Curlew were heard
calling continuously oyer the town of Lismore. On Saturday
night, April ist, the air was full of them. The nights were
dark and foggy, and the birds kept hovering over towns

igi*- BarringTon. — Rush of Birds on March 2gtk-2,oih. lot

where gas lamps were lighted. There are no gas lamps at
Cappoquin, and no bnds were observed there."

Clonmel. — Mr. Burns, of the Clonmel Chronicle, reports :
— " On the morning of March 30th a number of Starlings
were found dead near St. Peter and St. Paul's Church,
as if they had dashed themselves in the darkness against
the spire."

The above extracts from letters and newspapers illustrate
what happened over several inland towns. The bird-rush
of March 29th was also observed at Enniscorthy, Gorey,
Greystones, and Bray ; but the numbers at the three last-
named towns were very small.

In order to show the number passing up the
Channel, the following extract from the Irish Times of
April ist is of interest, as giving the experience of the
captain of a steamer plying between Liverpool and
Drogheda.

Captain Kirwin, who was in command of the L. & Y.
Rly. Company's steamer, " Colleen Bawn," is reported to
have said that :— " On the night of the 29th March about
eleven o'clock, after crossing Drogheda bar, millions of birds
joined the boat. Amongst them were a number of Curlew.

" On the following night coming from Liverpool, about
twelve o'clock, large numbers of birds came on board
and flew all round the steamer. They appeared very tired
as if they had travelled a long distance, and did not know
where to alight in the darkness. About three a.m. an
enormous mass hovered round and perched on every part
of the vessel, including the funnel. At 5.30 a.m., when
thirty miles from the Irish coast, the birds flew in all
directions from the steamer as if they were looking for
land."

Turning now to the light-stations on the coast, the
most northerly from which any special number of birds
was reported is Balbriggan.

Mr. E. A. Kennedy, light-keeper, at an interview,
said : — "A rush of Starlings commenced at eleven p.m.
on March 29th, and continued until four a.m. the next
morning. Fifteen were picked up dead." This is a
small mainland lighthouse at the end of the pier, and

io2 The I fish Naturalist. June,

Mr. Kennedy states that this was the only occasion during
his six years residence that any birds were killed.

RocKABiLL.— Mr. Henry T. Murphy, light -keeper, when
interviewed, said " the niglit of March 29th was dark ;
wind E.S.E. light, with drizzling rain, and that about 150
birds were killed, chiefly Starlings, one Woodcock, and one
Manx Shearwater, and a large number of Blackbirds and
Thrushes. Several Water -rail and Curlew were observed flving
about."

On March 31st I received from this station : — Four
Woodcocks, one Snipe, one Meadow-Pipit, two Water-rail,
one Dunlin ; all said to have been killed on the night of
the 30th. Possibly they struck on the previous night and
were not found till the day after. Rockabill lighthouse
is four miles from shore.

HowTH Bailey Lighthouse. — No report has yet
reached me from the light -keeper, but the Secretary of
the Irish Lights Board writes that the fog-siren was choked
with dead birds on the night of April ist.

No account has yet been received from three lightships,
all situated about ten miles from shore, along the Dublin
and Wicklow coasts, namely, the Kish, the Codlings, and
North Arklow.

South Arklow. — Ten miles from the north Wexford
coast. Mr. J. J. Reilly, light-keeper, writes: — "March
30th, Blackbirds, Starling, and Thrushes in large numbers
about the ship all night ; from 8 p.m. on 29th to 4 a.m. some
hundreds striking, 40 killed, ^^"ind light, N.E., hazy. March
31st, Blackbirds, Starling, Thrushes in large numbers about
ship all night until 6 a.m. Wind light N.E., hazy. Birds
going N.N.W., 80 killed striking. The ship was covered
with Starlings and Blackbirds on the morning of the 31st,
and on April ist Starlings in lumibers rested on the ship,
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then flew N.W." Leg and
wing of Water-rail received.

A " Chaffinch and Goldfinch " also seen. Two Gold-
crests (leg and wing of one received) were killed striking on
April 2nd, and in this connection it may be observed that
two Goldcrests were forwarded from Rathlin Island, a
lighthouse on the north coast of Ireland, on April ist.

i9ti. BarrIngton. — Rusli of Birds on March 29/7^-30/// 103

Blackwater Bank Lightship, ten miles from Wexford,
sends : — i Starhng and i Thrush, killed on the 29th, also
a Water-rail and Wheatear, the former of which died
exhausted, and the latter struck the mast.

Patrick Cogley, A.B., said in an interview that he came
on the watch at 4 a.m. on the 30th, and " never saw so
many birds any night for thirteen years, ten to twenty
Starlings were found killed, besides what fell overboard.
Thrushes and Curlew were about the light, and two
Wheatears, a Robin, and a few Linnets."

Lucifer Shoals Lightship. — This station has not yet
forwarded any specimens, but Patrick Magrath, A.B., who
was on board on March 29th, says that the birds began to
strike at 9 p.m. Wind light E., hazy. He was on duty
until 4 a.m., and birds were coming the whole time. About
60 Starlings were killed, besides those which fell overboard,
also two Blackbirds, a Thrush, and a few Skylarks.

TusKAR Lighthouse. — Seven miles from shore. This is a
famous light, off the extreme S.E. corner of Co. Wexford.
Mr. A. O'Leary, the keeper, writes : — There was an
enormous lot of Starlings on the night of March 30th ;
the rock and balcony were completely covered with them,
and several hundreds were killed. There was also a lot of
Thrushes and Blackbirds." Mr. O'Leary forwarded a Red-
wing, Wheatear, 2 Blackbirds, i Water-rail, i Black Red-
start, and a Meadow-Pipit.

Barrels Lightship. — Turning the corner of the south
coast of Wexford, we come to this station, ten miles from
shore, and here the testimony of Mr. Grant, the light -
keeper, is most remarkable ; for he states that " no birds
were killed striking during the month of March, and no
unusual flights were noticed." This can only be accounted
for by the fact that the sky must have been perfectly clear
close to the ship on the night of March 29th.

CONINGBEG Lightship. — This is about fifteen miles west
of the " Barrels," and ten miles from shore. Matthew
Murphy, siren -man, who was on the watch from 8 p.m.
till midnight on March 29th, interviewed said — that in
nine years he never saw so many birds, chiefly Starling,
Blackbirds, and Thrushes. The only specimen, however,

104 The Irish Naturalisl. June,

forwarded was a Water-rail, killed striking on March 29th.

Hook Tower. — A light at the extreme end of a long
narrow promontory extending in a S.W. direction at the
mouth of Waterford Harbour. Mr. J. Devaney, the
assistant keeper, writes, on March 30th. : — " I am for-
warding a bird [Water -rail received] which struck the
lantern this morning. Thousands of Starhngs, Blackbirds,
Thrushes, and Manx Shearwaters were around the lantern
all night, and hundreds were killed. It was very dark and
gloomy, and wind N.E."

Old Head of Kinsale. — After Hook Tower there arc no
south coast lighthouse records until we reach this mainland
hghthouse, from which Mr. Martin Kennedy, light -keeper
writes on March 30th, thus : — " I am posting to-day 6
Robins, 2 Skylarks, 2 Wheatears [all received.] They were
killed at the lantern between 10 and 11.30 p.m. last night.
It is most remarkable about the 6 Robins ; I only remember
getting one before — at Rockabill. 136 Starlings were found
killed, or dying, this morning after the night, also 2 Shear-
waters." On April 2nd Mr. Kennedy forwarded a Wheatear,
Black Redstart, Stonechat, and Meadow Pipit, killed the
previous night between 9 p.m. and midnight. He reports
that the lantern and balcony were covered with hundreds of
Starlings, but not one was killed. Wind light S.E., overcast,
misty.

If the map of Ireland be consulted, it will be found that
the distance from Balbriggan to the Old Head of Kinsale
is about 180 miles, measured across country in a direct
line : and that, with the exception of six towns situated
along the Rivers Suir, Barrow, and Nore, namely, Waterford,
Carrick-on-Suir, New Ross, Bagenalstown, Carlow, and
Kilkenny, no great flight of birds was observed anywhere
inland. Those seen at Lismore, Clonmel, Enniscorthy, and
Gorey were comparatively few.

Some persons consider that the birds were departing
from instead of arriving in Ireland. I think this view
untenable, for, if one thing more than another stands out
perfectly clear, it is that the great bulk of the birds which
are observed at light -stations, are always making joy, and
not jrom the land. This conclusion is arrived at from

igii. Barrington.— i?7/5// of Birds 07i March 2qth-2f)th. 105

thousands of records collected during thirty years as to the
direction of flight.^ The paucity of specimens sent at the
season of departure corroborates this. Why should the Jack
Snipe, Dunlin, and Purple Sandpiper strike on the South
coast of Ireland in spring ? For they cannot be southward
bound ! Then, the Snow Bunting and the Brambling, which
do not breed in Ireland, are killed striking long after those
which have wintered with us have left. But the most
convincing reason of all is the commonsense argument,
why should birds select a misty night with fog for leaving
Ireland ? and why should the}^ be found exhausted at
lighthouses and lightships, on shore, or a few miles from
shore ?•

Birds, like human beings, do not start on a journey
under unfavourable conditions, if it can be avoided. On
the contrary, they refrain from doing so, but they cannot
tell, any more than we can, the meteorological conditions
they are likely to meet with after a flight of 60 or 100 miles
acros the sea.

If the birds were leaving Ireland on March 29th, why
is it they were not seen in Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, or
Belfast ? Why were the Starlings in these neighbourhoods
quiescent ?

A correspondent on the River Lee writes : — " No rush of
birds was observed in this locality." Mr. R. W. Longfield
says : — " No abnormal flight of birds was observed in the
Bandon River or thereabouts." Mr. Kelly, postmaster at
Youghal, says : — " No one has observed an inrush of birds
on March 29th."

Surely portion of the Shannon valley would have been
the natural route of Starlings from West of Ireland ! And yet
from Carrick -on -Shannon to Limerick, there is no report
of any migration. Wherever the direction of flight is
given it is totally at variance with the suggestion that the
birds were departing.

Mr. Griffin says, between 4 and 5 in the morning they
appeared like a cloud, which covered several miles, and flew
in a N.E. direction from Waterford.

1 See " The Migration of Birds as observed at Light-houses and Light-
ships." London tt Dublin, 1910.

A3

io6 The Irish Naturalist. Jii»ie,

Mr. Haughton, of Carlo w, states the birds evidently
came from the S.W., judging from the position in which the
dead bodies were found. If that be so, they were clearly
flying N.E.

Mr. Power of Carrick-on-Suir says the birds were going
N.E. The night watchman at Dungarvan says they de-
parted in a N.E. direction. The light -keeper at South
Arklow lightship says the birds were going N.N.W. on the
31st.

It would be inexplicable if such an enormous mass of
birds should collect along the S. and S.E. coasts, and then
retrace their flight in a N.E. direction, if leaving Ireland.

If the birds were arriving, their distribution is easily
accounted for. After crossing the mouth of the Channel,
the coast of Wexford was first reached, and here the stream
divided itself into two branches, one going up to the east
coast, and the other along the south coast. Those which
pursued the latter course soon arrived at the wide
entrance to Waterford Harbour, up which many of them
flew, and, following the line of least resistance,
travelled along the valley of the Suir, to Waterford,
Carrick, and Clonmel ; others followed the Barrow, a
tributary of the Suir, and arrived at New Ross, Bagenals-
town, and Carlow. Others followed the course of the Nore,
which joins the Barrow above New Ross, and reached
Kilkenny. Those which overshot Waterford Harbour kept
the coast-line until they reached Dungarvan Bay, and a
few went up the Blackwater valley to Lismore.

The Old Head of Kinsale birds were probably a be-
wildered off -shoot of the main body, which became detached
in mid-channel, and took a westerly direction. The Ennis-
corthy birds came up the Slaney, and the few seen at Gorey
probably did likewise.

The flocks seen ten miles from shore at Lucifer Shoals,
Blackwater Bank, South Arklow, and along the coast at
Balbriggan, came up-channel without touching Wexford
at all.

But what is the reason that this great rush of birds
took such a western route, and collected in such numbers ?
The solution of the problem is to be found in what may be

igii- Barrington. — Push of Birds on March 2gth-2,oih 107

called a " combination of coincidences." The " Wonderful
Battell of the Birds," described in the Cork Archaeological
Journal as having taken place between the 12th and 14th
of October, 1621, may have been due to an analogous cause.

It is a well-known ornithological axiom that birds, in
the Northern Hemisphere, usually breed in the most
northerly portion of their range. Immense numbers annually
towards the end of March move northwards through Spain
and France to their breeding haunts. This year, for weeks
previous to the 29th of that month, cold northerly or easterly
winds prevailed over France and the British Isles, and
birds though desirous to migrate were held back by the
weather, and many species, which would otherwise have
travelled separately, collected in the South of Europe like
passengers at a railway station, anxious to proceed upon
their journey, but unable to do so owing to a breakdown
on the line.

To this cause I attribute the extraordinary number of
birds, and as the temperature was much milder on the west
coast of France and in Brittany than in central France,
they took a more westerly course than usual, unwilling
to face the bitter N.E. winds.

The following tables, compiled from the daily weather-
charts, show the direction of the wind at the mouth of the
Channel, and the fluctuations of temperature over central
France for ten da3^s previous to the 29th March.

In Table I. it will be seen that the wind was almost
continuously N. or E., but that it suddenly changed to the
S. at Valentia, Pembroke and ^the Scilly Islands on the
morning of the 29th ; and Table II. shows that the
aggregate rises of temperature at ten French stations on
that day amounted to 73 degrees, or an average of over
7 degrees at each station. This favourable change, coupled
with a southerly wind in the mouth of the Channel, so to
speak, liberated the birds, and as the wind still continued
N.E. and E. over England, they decided to take a longer
and more exhausting course than usual and travel towards
Ireland and then turn N.E.

io8

The Irish Natu?'alist.

June,

TABLE I.— DIRECTION OF WIND.

March.

20th

2ISt

22 nd

23rd

24 th

2sth

26th

27th

28th

29th

Valentia . .

N.E.

Calm

Calm

E.

E.N.E.

E.N.E.

N.E.

N.E.

E.N.E.

S.S.E.

Pembroke . .

E.

N.E.

E.N.E.

E.

E.N.E.

N.N.E.

N.N.E.

N.N.E.

N.E.

S.E.

Scilly Is. . .

E.

E.N.E.

S.E.

E.S.E.

E.

N.E.

N.E.

N.E

E.

S.E.

TABLE II.— DAILY FLUCTUATION OF TEMPERATURE.

March

20th

2ISt

22nd

23rd

24th

25 th

26th

27th

28th

29tb

C. Gris Nez

+ 3

+ 5

+ 1

— I

—7

—3

+2

+ 1

—4

4-S ■

La Heve

+ 5

—4

— I

+4

—4

—5

—5

+ 5

T

+ 8

Brest

+ 3

— I

+ 1

2

— I

—4

—6

+ 5

+2

+ 5

L' Orient

+ 1

— 0

6

0

+2

2

—7

+ 5

4-1

4-9

Rochefort

+4

— 2

0

2

— I

+ 1

— 11

+ 1

+ 8

4-6

Biarritz

—4

+ 1

2

2

+6

— 7

—16

+4

4-6

4-9

Paris

+6

— 2

+3

—7

+ 3

— ID

0

4-2

4-2

+ 6

Belfort

—4

0

+3

+2

— 2

0

—7

—3

4-II

+ 5

Lyons

+ 5

— 2

0

+1

+ 1

2

—15

0

0

4-13

Nice

— I

+7

+3

— 2

+2

—7

— 10

4-2

4-13

4-4

Nett gain or
loss =

+ 18

+2

+2

—9

— I

—41

—77

+22

+ 2>7

4-73

Unfortunately for the birds, the change took place exactly
on the last day of the last quarter of the moon, the very
worst night, as far as darkness is concerned, that could
have happened for the birds. (See " The effect of the
Moon's phases on the number of birds killed striking,"
page 17 of my " Migration of Birds ").

Having crossed the Channel a bank of fog and drizzling
rain was met with near the Irish coast, formed by the
condensation of the moisture in the warm south wind when

19' I- BarkinGTon.— i^W5/i of Birds on Match 2()th-2,oth. 109

it met the Arctic current, which had not yet ceased over
England.

The weary travellers, believing that their journey was
almost concluded and baffled and bewildered by the fog or
mist which probably extended twenty or thirty miles from
the Irish coast, were attracted by the lighthouse lanterns,
and subsequently by the glare of the town lamps.

To Mr, C. B. Moffat I am indebted for various sugges-
tions when writing this paper.

The species forwarded on the 30th and 31st of March,
and on April ist, from light -stations were : —

Birds forwarded.

RocKABiLL. — 4 Woodcocks, 2 Water -rails, i Snipe, i Dunlin,

I Meadow Pipit.
South Arklow. — i Water-rail, i Wheatear, i Goldcrest.
Blackwater Bank. — i Starling, i Wheatear, i Water-rail,

I Thrush.
TusKAR. — Redwing, Wheatear, 2 Blackbirds, Water -rail.

Black Redstart, Meadow Pipit.
CoNiNGBEG. — Water-rail.
Hook Tower. — Water -rail. Dunlin.
Old Head, Kinsale. — 3 Wheatears, 6 Robins, 2 Skylarks,

I Black Redstart, i Stonechat, i Meadow Pipit.

Birds reported at Lighthouses, but not forwarded.

Balbriggan. — Starling.

RocKABiLL. — Starling, Manx Shearwater, Blackbird, Thrush,
Curlew.

South Arklow. — Blackbird, Starling, Thrush, Chaffinch,
Goldfinch.

Blackwater Bank. — Curlew, Robin, Linnet.

Lucifer Shoals. — Starhng, Blackbird, Thrush, Skylark.

TusKAR. — Starling, Thrush.

Coningbeg. — Starling, Blackbird, Thrush.

Hook Tower. — Starhng, Blackbird, Thrush, Manx Shear-
water.

Old Head, Kinsale. — Starling, Manx Shearwater.

iio The hish NatuniNsl* J""^,

Birds said to have been seen Inland.

Watekford. — Starling, Thrush, Blackbird, Oyster-catcher.

New Ross. — StarHiigs.

Carlow. — Starling, Curlew, Wild Duck, Blackbird, Thrush,
Wood-pigeon, Redwing, Brambling, Sea-gulls.

Carrick-on-Suir.— Starlings, Cormorants, Herons, Curlew,
Thrush, Blackbird, Snipe, Redwing, Gulls, Water-
rail, Skylarks, Titlarks, Owl, Duck.

Dun gar van. — Starling.

Lismore. — Starhng and Curlew.
Clox'mel. — Starling.

The identification of birds at night is unreliable, and the
value of records, unaccompanied by specimens, must be
judged accordingly. The Water-rail always attracts the
attention of light-keepers, and is forwarded in relatively
large numbers at all seasons.

Fassaroe, Brav.

THE CLARE ISLAND SURVEY.

The first fruits of the scientific work which has been going
on during the seasons of 1909 and 1910, and which is still
in progress, in Clare Island and the surrounding district of
Co. Mayo, have now appeared in the form of three papers
published by the Royal Irish Academy, dealing respectively
with (laelic Plant and Animal Names, Agriculture and its
History, and Marine Mollusca. The author of the first and
last of these is Mr. Nathaniel Colgan, and of the second.
Professor James Wilson. Several others of the series have
already been presented to the Academy, and are now at
press; namely, Hydracarina (Water-mites), by J. N.
Halbert ; Pseudoscorpiones (False Scorpions), by H. Wallis
Kew ; Arctiscoida (Tardigrada or Water-bears), by James
Murray; and Rotatoria Bdelloida (Bdelloid Rotifers) by the
same author. On the cover of the published reports the
general scheme of publication of the series is given, from

igit. The Clare Islinid Survey. lit

which an idea may be gained of the extent of the work,
and the thoroughness with which it is being carried out.
The whole (which will form vol. xxxi. of the Proceedings of
the Academy) will consist of a series of sixty-seven reports,
dealing with almost every section of the fauna and flora of
the area, and much in addition. Thus, following on a
general description of the area and narrative of the investiga-
tions (by R. LI. Praeger) will come an account of the
history and archaeology of the island (by T. J. Westropp),
and of the place-names (by the same and J. H. Lloyd).
There will follow meteorology (W. J. Lyons), geology
(Professor Cole), peat deposits (F. J. Lewis), and tree
growth (A. C. Forbes). It will be seen that the services in
each subject of the men best qualified in Ireland for the
respective tasks have been secured, and that where no
specialist was available in Ireland help has been called in
from across the Channel, as in the case of Mr. Lewis, whose
researches on the Scottish peats are widely known. The
same principle runs through the whole series. Thus, while
in botany we find the names of Canon Lett, D. M'Ardle and
R. LI. Praeger opposite the names of those groups in which
they are well-known workers, we see that Sir H. C. Hawley
and Carleton Rea have been called in to work out the
Fungi, Miss Lorrain Smith of the British Museum the
Lichens, A. D. Cotton of Kew Herbarium the Marine Algae,
and William West the Diatoms, &c.

The zoology of the series presents a formidable aspect,
embracing no less than fifty reports on as many groups.
Many of these are groups which have either been hitherto
almost or totally unworked in Ireland, or on which very
little recent work has been done ; such, for instance, are
the Diptera, Pseudoscorpiones, Arctiscoida, Rotifera, several
groups of worms, Porifera, Infusoria, Flagellata, Mycetozoa,
Rhizopoda, and Heliozoa ; the working out of these groups
is sure to add very largely to our knowledge of them in
Ireland. In the preparation of these fifty faunistic reports
almost all our Irish zoologists are taking part. We notice
the names of Balfour Browne, Barrett-Hamilton, Carpenter,
Colgan, Farran, Foster, Halbert, W. F. Johnson, Kane,
Nichols, Pack-Beresford, Patten, Rankin, Sherrard, Scharff,

Il2 'Ihc Irish Naturali^l. J""t^,

Southern, Stelfox, Miss Stephens, Ussher ; while among the
volunteers from across the water are J. S. Dunkerly
(Infusoria and Flagellata), P. E. Grimshaw (Diptera), E.
Heron-Allen and A. Earland (Foraminifera), H. Wallis
Kew (Pseudoscorpiones), Claude Morley (Hymenoptera),
James Murray (Arctiscoida and Rotatoria Bdelloida), Eugene
Penard and G. H. Wailes (Rhizopoda), Carleton Rea
(Mycetozoa), C. F. Rousselet (Rotifera), D. J. Scourlield
(Fresh-water Entomostraca), and W. M. Tattersall
(Crustacea). From the "Reports of Progress" of the
Clare Island work for 1909 and 1910 which have already
appeared in our pages, it is evident moreover that these
lists of authors do not by any means represent all the
workers who have been engaged in the district since the
survey commenced.

Turning to the reports already published, or presented
to the Academy and now in the printer's hands, they give
evidence of the very great advance in many directions
which the publication of the series will bring about, as
regards our knowledge of the fauna and flora of Ireland,
and kindred subjects. In Halbert's paper on the water-
mites, for instance, eighty species are recorded. Of these
five are new to science, a dozen more are new to the British
Isles, and another dozen are now for the first time recorded
from Ireland. The new and rare species will be illustrated
in three large folding plates. Murray's report on the
Arctiscoida opens with the pregnant remark : " Irish water-
bears appear to have no history. I can learn of no records
previous to the commencement of the work of the Clare
Island Survey." Thirty-three species are now recorded,
five of which are new to science, and half a dozen more
previously unrecorded from the British area. From the
same writer's report on the Bdelloid Rotifers, we find that
up to the present the Irish list has stood at eighteen
species ; it now stands at sixty. Colgan's list of Marine
Mollusca numbers 243 species, and represents a great advance
in om- knowledge of the shells of the West of Ireland ; two
additions to the Irish fauna are included. The same
writer's " Gaelic Plant and Animal Names " supplies a
chapter on a very interesting subject. Much which has

191 1- The Clare Island Survey I13

been written on this matter has its scientific vahie sadly
diminished by the fact that the writers were not natnrahsts,
and their determinations of the plants and animals to
which the names which they record are applied, are
consequently not reliable. Mr. Colgan's reputation as a
naturalist is a welcome guarantee of accuracy of identification.
In his paper on agriculture, Professor Wilson leads us far
afield, tracing up the history of Irish agriculture from its
Roman and Germanic sources, and ending with an account
of the present agricultural conditions of Clare Island. The
reports are handsomely printed and are sold at a rate
which makes them accessible to every one, and the Royal
Irish Academy is to be congratulated on its successful
fathering of a scheme which will give us the most complete
organized scientific survey of a definite area which has, so
far as we are aware, ever been attempted.

IRISH SOCIETIES.

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

April 12. — The Club met at Leinster House, A. R. Nichois, M.A.
(President), in the Chair.

R. Southern exhibited a free-hving marine Nematode belonging to
the genus Sphaerolaimus. The complicated structure of the buccal
cavity was shown, and compared with the simpler structure in other
forms.

Dr. G. H. Pethybridge exhibited young foliage of a pear-tree
attacked by the Pear-leaf blister-mite {Eriophyes pyri) which had been
obtained from Greystcnes, Co. Wicklow. The leaves were very stronglv
rolled inward along their midribs, and were covered with small blisters
which, where they were exposed to light, were strongly tinged with a
red colour (anthocyanin) but where shaded owing to in-rolling, were green.
In but few cases was it possible to find a perforation or hole in these
blisters, and it was found impossible, at this stage, to discover any mite
in the blisters by means of preparation needles and the dissecting
microscope alone, although prolonged attempts were made to do so.
In serial sections made through a single blister, however, it was found
possible to discover the mite and a section showing the tail end of the
mite in the cavity of the blister was exhibited. It is clear therefore
that at this early stage of the attack the number of mites in each blister
must be very small and possibly may not be more than one.

F. W. Moore showed leaves of a camellia plant attacked by the

il4 The Irhh NaturaHsi- J"ue,

Fungus, Pestalozzia Giiepitii. This is the parasite known as the " Grey
Blight " of the tea-plant, a pest which has done considerable damage
to tea-plantations in Assam. On germinating, the conidia rapidly grow
and enter the tissues of the leaf where large quantities of mycelium
develop, breaking up the cell walls, and choking the vessels, until
considerable patches of dead tissue are forme J. These patches are grey
in colour. This fungus has been foun 1 on leaves of cameUia,
rhododendron, and other exotic genera in Europe.

J. N. Halbert exhibited two nymphal forms of a freshwater mite
Protzia eximia from streams on Kilmashogue Mountain, County Dublin.
In one of these the provisional genital area is of the usual four-disked
type common amongst immature forms of the family Limnocharidae.
The second nymph has ten discs, resembling in this respect the nymphs of
Thyas curuifrons, a species recently described by Dr. Walter from
Switzerland. The genus Protzia is a stenothermal form occurring only
in rapid streams in highland districts.

CORK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

November 26. — Professor I. Swain conducted an excursion to Carrig-
rohane (the first winter excursion ever undertaken by the Cork Club)
for the purpose of studying the " river -terraces " of the Lee. Alighting
at the station, the party went to the bridge, from which point a good
view of the two lower terraces could be obtained. Here a general sum-
mary of the geology of the Old Red Sandstone and Carboniferous forma-
tions were given, and an explanation of the crumpling that succeeded
Carboniferous times, and the denudation that removed the limestone
from the hills, together with the dirtcrcntial weathering that left sand-
stone exposures as hills, and carved out valleys in the limestone areas.
The reason why the river flowe.l over the Carboniferous shales instead of
over the limestone was also given. Terrace-formation was next dealt
with ; beginning with the most recent, edging forward into the concave
side of the stream just below, where the water was more quiet, it was
seen that new terraces were formed as the river deepened its bed. so that
the higher terraces are the older ones. Walking back to Cork, terraces
Nos. 3 and 4 were seen from the huw leading up to Carrigrohane Bridge,
and nearer to Cork a fine Boulder-clay deposit was investigated, and striated
stones were obtained.

January 30. — The Presidential Address — " The Geology of the South
of Ireland," was delivered by Professor I. Swain at University College.
Dr. A. W. Sandford preside 1. and there was a large attendance of
members and their friends. The lecture was illustrated by a fine series
of lantern slides.

March 29. — F. R. Rohu delivered a lecture on " Our Native and
Migratory Birds," which was illustrated by a number of stutted specimens,
at the School of Art. Professor Hartog presided. A short discussion
followed the lecture.

1911. A^ofes. 115

NOTES.

ZOOLOGY.

Hibernation of Leisler's Bat.

A Hairy-armed Bat {Nyctalus Leisleri) which was caught in a green-
house in Co. Wexford on the morning of April 27th, was forwarded to
me aHve by post, and reached me on the morning of the 28th in that state
of hibernatory slumber which bats so often assume during a railway
journey. This bat, however, instead of waking up towards evening,
continued to hibernate during the whole of the 28th, 29th, and 30th of
April, and it was not until a few minutes after sunset on the evening of
the 1st of May that, hearing a little stir in its box, I looked in, and found
the animal returning to active.life. As soon as it was sufficiently wakened,
I gave it its liberty, and let it fly off to catch insects for itself. The
thermometer during the three days when the bat did not wake had reached
temperatures of 56-5° Fahr., on the 28th, S/'j" on the 29th, and 57 •4° on
the 30th of April, while the temperatures at 9 p.m. (" Daily Express "
records) were respectively 43-4'', 47-5^, and 4g-y°. On May ist, when
the hibernation ended, the maximum was 58-2'^, and the temperature at
9 p.m. 52 •7° Fahr. In a paper on this bat (/.AT., vol. ix., p. 240), I stated
that I had never seen it flying numerously when the day's maximum had
been below 56°; but the conduct of the animal recently under notice shows
that some individuals will continue to hibernate through a temperature

some two degrees higher.

C. B. Moffat.
Dublin.

The Nuthatch in Ireland.

The Nuthatch recorded by Mr. W. J. Williams (p. 95) as having been
observed by himself and others at Malahide is not absolutely the fiyst
bird of its species observed in a wild state in this country, for I remember
Mr. H. Lyster Jameson assuring me so long ago as 1894, that he had seen
a Nuthatch in a demesne in Co. Sligo, where it appeared to be thoroughly
at home. Mr. Jameson, however, realised that naturalists must ex-
perience grave difficulties in believing that a bird of such habits had
come unassisted into Ireland ; and it was, I suppose, for that reason that
he did not record the occurrence. I think the same doubts must be
experienced with regard to the Nuthatch seen at Malahide. Scarcely
another bird on the British list can compare with this species in the
sedentariness of its habits. Even the narrow water of the Solent seems
to be an effective barrier against its passage to the Isle of Wight, though
it is common enough in parts of the Hampshire mainland. A still more
remarkable fact about it is the total absence of any record of its ever
having visited Heligoland during the long period covered by Herr Giitke's
exhaustive chronicle. I think the only other British land-birds^apart
from the very stationary Grouse — of which this can be said are the Dart-
ford Warbler and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, and the fact of the
last-named falling into such a category seems to me a strong proof of

Ii6 The h-ish Naturalist June. 1911.

Mr. Ussher's wisdom in not admitting it into his "List of Irish Birds,"
despite certain statfuu^nts as to its having been several times obtained in
this country. Of course, no one will doubt the correctness of the iden-
tification made by Mr. Williams, and I am very glad that he did not wish
to liave the bird shot. But I think the probability of it having received
assisted passage into Ireland should not be overlooked.

C. B. Moffat.
Dublin.

Dace in Ireland.

Last autumn Mr. J. E. Godfrey sent me for identification two fish,
taken from a shoal observed in the Blackwater between the lishing weir
and bridge at Lismore. The external characters and the pharyngeal
teeth show them to be Dace {Leiiciscns vulgaris, Fleming), a fish which,
so far as I am aware, has not previously been noticed in Ireland, though
it is generally distributed in suitable waters in England and Wales.
The Lismore shoal was locally regarded as the descendants of the con-
tents of a bait can emptied into the river by a keeper some years,
previously. Why any one should try to bring Dace as live bait from
England or Wales I do not know, but, as they are very intolerant of this
method of conveyance, it seems unlikely that the attempt would be
successful. Moreover, Mr. F. H. Keane, of Ardmore, writes me that
between 1873 and i88u ho used to catch below Lismore Britlge fish which
his grandfather, the late Archdeacon Cotton, told him were Dace. Mr.
Cotton had been a Thames fisherman in his young days, and no doubt
knew Dace quite well ; while Mr. Kcane's account of their habits accords
with my own experience of them in the Thames and elsewhere. It
seems reasonable to suppose that Dace are truly indigenous in the Black
water. Their recent abundance may be due to vigorous measures taken
against the Pike in that river. The specimens, which are not in the best
condition, have been handed over to the National Museum.

Dubhn. E. W. L. Holt.

BOTANY.

Recent Notices of Irish Plants.

In the Journal of Botany for November, H. Stuart Thompson discusses
H. N. Williams' record (in his Prodromus Florae Britannicae, part 7, 1910)
of Armeria alpina from Kerry, and in the same number supplements his
previous notes on South Kerry Plants. In the February number of the
the same journal, Wm. West writes on the flora of a wall-top at Water-
ville, Co. Kerry. In the Ai)iil number A. D. Cotton discusses the
Britannic species of Lithophyllum, and gives Irish records ; and the
editor contributes brief notices, with portraits, of H.'C. Hart, S. A. Stewart,
and E. P. Wright, taken from the notices and portraits i)ul)lished in the
Irish Naturalist. The Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society for
November contains an article by R. LI. Praeger on " The Wild -flowers
of the West of Ireland, and their History," with four plates, being the
substance of a lecture delivered in the ])rece(iing .\pril.

July, 191 1. The IHsh Nahiralist. 117

THE BRITISH UTRICULARIAE.

BY G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S.
(Hon. Sec. Botanical Exchange Club of the British Isles).

In a recent number of the Irish Naturalist I drew attention
to my discovery of two species of Utricularia new to
Ireland. It may be well to give some description of these
and their allies, since doubtless if attention is paid to this
group a further extension of the range is sure to be made.
The following account is taken from the pages of the Report
of the Botanical Exchange Club of the British Isles for
1910. Might I say that the Club would be glad to
welcome Irish field botanists as members, and I should
be glad to send particulars ?

UTRICULARIA.

This genus has been recently closely studied by Dr. Hugo
Gliick, who in his most interesting account of U. ochroleuca
which appeared in the Berichte Deutsch. Botan. GeseUschaft,
149-156, for 1902, gave some additional characters
by which that species may be distinguished from those
previously known, and which enable the plant to be
recognised in the barren state. Another very important
contribution is that of Fr. Meister (" Memoires de I'Herbier
Boissier," n. 12, 1900). From these, and from verbal
statements made to me by Dr. Gliick, the following brief
description of the British forms has been drawn up, in the
hope that it may induce members to study more closely
this interesting genus : —

Clavis.

A. Submerged floating plants with all shoots of similar

form. Leaves provided with numerous bladders
and divided into numerous hair -shaped terminal
segments, the leaf-tips toothed on margin.
= 1. U. vulgaris. 2. U. major.

B. Shoots differentiated into two forms : (i) green

assimilating shoots which float in water, and
(2) colourless shoots which are usually sub-
terranean. Leaves divided into 7-20 segments.

118

The Irish Nattiralht.

July.

Leaf-tips distinctly flattened. Leaves furnished
with 0-8 bladders. = 3. V . intermedia. 4. V .
ochrolenca. 5. U. minor. 6. U. Brcmii.

B.

Bladders found chiefly on subterranean shoots. The
green leaves bear solitary bladders or none. Leaves with
7-15 segments. Subterranean leaves with 0-3 bladders.
Leaf-tips toothed on margin. Winter bud wrapped in a
thick whitish tomcntum. Bud-leaves palmately divided.
Segments indented on margin and armed with hair -bristles
standing together in tufts. = 3. U. interincdia. 4. U .
ochroleuca.

BB.

Floating green assimilating, and colourless subterranea
shoots about equally provided with bladders. Leaves
ending in 14-20 segments and furnished with 0-8 bladders.
Leaf-tip smooth on margin. Winter buds not covered
with a hairy mantle. Bud-leaves palmate, with some
dichotomous end-segments. The margin of the bud-leaves
is neither indented nor provided with tufts of hair.
:= 5. U. minor. 6. U. Brcmii.

AA.

I. U. VULGARIS L.

Pedicels two to three times as long
as calyx (7-12 mm.), recurved
and reflexed after llowering.

Corolla upper lip about as long as
the projecting bilobed palate.

Lower lip much larger than upper
with reflexed margins which
scarcely project beyond the
palate which is marked with a
few separate pale red lines.

Anthers connate.

Spur adpressed to lower hp.

Leafy branches often very long,
somewhat coarse.

Winter buds large (10 mm.), nearly
globular or globular ovoid.

2. U. MAJOR, Keller.
Pedicels four to six times as long as
calyx (12-30 mm.) straight and
ascending after llowering.

Corolla upper lip twice or thirce as
long as the projecting bilobed
palate.

Lower lip with a broad flat
spreading margin which pro-
jects greaty beyond the palate,
is not reflexed, and is marked
with chocolate brown lines.

Anthers free.

Spur conical, sub -compressed, not
adpressed to lower lip.

Leafy branches usually slender.
Winter buds.

igrr.

DrucE- — British Utrictdariac.

119

B.

3. U. INTERMEDIA, Hayiie.
Green assimilating leaves cpiite

without bladders.
Leaf tip obtuse with a prickle set

on the apical margin.

Corolla bright yellow, or yellowish
.vhite, striped with purple.

Spur subulate, yellow as corolla, as
long as lower lip to which it is
adpressed.

Pedicels erect.

Winter bud after germination retains
its original ball-shaped or
weakly elliptical form. The
section is egg-shaped, obtuse.

Prickles. The tufts are either
situated on an extremely
reduced leaf-flap or directly
on its margin.

5. U. MINOR, L.

Corolla pale yellow.

Upper lip as long as the depressed
and inconspicuous palate.

Lower lip 6 mm. broad with re-
curved margin.

Spur very minute, scarcely longer
than broad.

BB.

4. U. ocHROLEUCA, Hartm.

Green assimilating leaves always
bearing sporadic bladders.

Leaf tip gradually attenuated into
a long point which ends with a
fine bristle.

Corolla sulphur yellow with brown
striae. Upper lip flat emar-
ginate.

Spur conical gradually diminishing
from a broad base to the blunt
apex, half as long as and
standing apart from the lower
lip. Red -brown.

Pedicels patent.

Winter bud in germination extends
to more than twice its original
length. The leaves of the
winter bud are pointed at the
tip, and the indentation of the
leaf margin is stronger than in
intermedia.

Prickles. The tufts of prickles at
edge of bud-leaves are less
numerous and not so strong as
in intermedia and are situated
upon a distinct leaf-flap.

6. U. Bremix, Heer.
Corolla yellow, and more con-
spicuous than U. minor.

Upper lip emarginate. Upper lip
5 mm. broad and long.

Lower lip flat, not recurved at
margin, 9-10 mm. broad.

Spur small ovate -conical.

I. Utricularia vulgaris, L., is reported from 86
British counties from Cornwall to Shetland, but as Watson
points out, his enumeration includes negleda. Therefore
to be correct many counties require to be confirmed for the
restricted plant, which I have seen in 6, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 31, 32.

Probably some of the Scottish records may refer only

to major.

A 2

I20 The Iriih Nahiralisl. July,

2. U. MAjOK, Keller (L'. ncglccia, Lchm.), is reported in
m}^ " List " for 29 "counties." It is now on good authority
reported from i, 2, 6, 11, 12 ! 13, 15, 17 '. 19, 21, 22 ! 23 !
24 ! 26, 41, 52, 58, 72, 73, 75, 79 ! 80, 88 ! 89 ! 90 ! 95 ! 96 !
97, 98, 104, 105 ! no, and with some doubt from 21, 99,
100, and 106.

I cannot accept the suggestion made in the " Prodromus "
that major is only a variety of vulgaris. It appears to me
a quite distinct species, and I can scarcely imagine anyone
seeing it growing with U. vulgaris when both are in flower
venturing to place them in one species, except on a hyper-
Benthamian standard, which is not now followed.

3. U. INTERMEDIA, Hayue. The recent separation of U.
ochrolcuca throws a doubt over many of the records in
" Top. Bot.," and these should all be carefully checked.
It is recorded for 27 counties from Dorset to Shetland
Many of the Scottish localities it may be presumed will
yield for the species ochrolcuca.

U. intermedia, vera, 1 have seen in 9, 11, New Forest.
89 ! Blair Athol 96 ! 100 ! 105 ! If

growing in very shallow water interniedia has the two kinds
of shoots of about the same length ; these if dried carelessly
become much intermingled, and it is not always in herbarium
specimens easy to disentangle them, so as to be certain if
the green shoot really bears bladders.^

4. U. OCHROLEUCA, Hartm. This plant, to which Prof.
Trail thought some of the Scottish intermedia might be
referred, is treated as being certainly Scottish by Dr.
Williams (" Prod. Fl. Brit." 348), and he gives Wigton,
Kirkcudbright, Dumfries, Argyll, Sutherland and Skye ; he
also unhesitatingly adopts Neuman's (" Bot. Notiser," 65 —
66, 1900) view that it is a hybrid of intermedia and minor,
since " these two plants are always found in its vicinity."

Dr. Gliick, who was at my house last autumn, has made
a very special study of this group, and has been able to

' The Bucks record in footnote (" Top. Bot." p. 333) for U. intermedia
refers to a record for Burnham Beeches, a locaUty which only yields U .
major.

igii. Druce. — British Utriadariae. 121

correct some of the statements made by Meister, and to
give additional characters by which this species (as he holds
it) is to be distinguished.

JJ . ochrolenca, first discovered by Hartman in Sweden,
has been since found in Norway and France (Vosges) (to
this perhaps is to be referred Celakovsky's U. intermedia,
var. brevicornis from West Galicia), also in South Bohemia,
Brandenburg, the Rhine Palatinate and some other places
in North Germany. To these localities Gliick fortunately
added that of the Black Forest, where it occurs in the
absence of intermedia, thus practically proving that it is
not a hybrid. My query in the "List" was as to its
occurrence in Scotland, since the records made were
suggestive rather than positive.

Dr. Gliick recognised as ochroleuca a specimen in my
herbarium which I gathered in Loch Mallachie in Easterness
in 1882. I have also one collected near Aviemore in 1869
on my first visit to Scotland. The gradual attenuation of
the leaf segments, and the presence of a few bladders on
the assimilating shoots, offer ready means of identifying the
plant in its usually barren state, as Dr. Gliick {Deutsch.
Bot. GeselL, xx, 141, 1902) shows. This leaf character
gives the plant a slightly more graceful habit. In dried
specimens it is essential to observe if the assimilating shoot
is not stuck down with an adhering subterranean shoot, or
if the utricles have not been separated from the proper
shoot and accidentally fastened to the green shoot. I have
seen ochroleuca from 88 Coninish Valley, 1888 ; 89 Loch of
Lowes (Hb. Hanbury) ; 96 Loch- Mallachie, Aviemore ; 107
and 112 (Beeby, 1890, Hb. Br. Mus.). Dr. Gliick also
named as ochroleuca my specimen collected in 1875, from
Kylemore, Galway. Trail refers to specimens from 72, 74,
98, 104, and 108.

Another argument against ochroleuca being a hybrid is
the rarity of the flowering stage in the two supposed parents,
and although the book-characters are remarkably inter-
mediate, and as some botanists would say, " just what I
should suspect a hybrid of the two species would be," yet
really hybrids are not often such a complete half-way

122 The hish Naturalist. July,

house, while I am told that the flowers of ochrolcuca have
quite a different appearance from those of intermedia ^ ;
nor although U . vulgaris and U. major grow together and
flower freely, has any hybrid yet been observed between
these two allied species, nor indeed has Focke described one
in the genus.

I may add that although ochrolcuca appears to be the
boreal or alpine species, yet it prefers open pools in sunny
places, and in Baden grows in somewhat deep water (i
metre), and that Gliick places much stress on the foliage
characters as a means for specific distinction.

5. U. MINOR, L., has a census number of 71 (2), which
is probably too high, since U. Brcviii and small barren
states of U. via jar have been confused with it. The latter
may be easily detected since minor has no bristly hairs on
the leaf-segments. Barren states of Bremii however with
our present knowledge cannot be safely separated. U.
minor is reported from West Cornwall to the Orkneys, and
in Scotland ascends to 2,250 feet {A.N.H.S. 122, 1907),
and it also occurs in Guernsey.

6. U. Bremii, Heer. This has long been suspected as
British ; indeed Mr. F. M. Webb {Journ. Bot. 142, 1876)
recorded it on faith of a specimen (in Herb. Kew.) gathered
by Jas. B. Brechan in the Moss of Inshoch, Nairn. Mr.
Webb also suggests that the flowerless examples from the
Isle of Wight (Dr. Bromficld), Titchfield Common, Hants
(also Bromfield in Hb. Kew) (see " Fl. Hants," 329) should
be looked to. Mr. F. N. Williams (" Prod." 349)
unhesitatingly refers all these with the plant from Gordon
Bog, Berwick, and from the Loch of Spynie, Elgin (Hb.
Winch) to Bremii, although he says of the Inshoch plant
" the flowers are not recognisable," while the others are all,
I believe, barren. But Dr. Gliick tells me one cannot on
our present knowledge trust to the leaf-characters to
distinguish the two species, although the differences may
be suggestive. Fortunately, however, he was able to find

' Professor Trail {A.N.H.S.) has likewise drawn attention to the
probable occurrence in Scotland of ochrolcuca, and a paper on the British
Utriculariae, by the Rev. E. F. Linton, appeared in Trans. Bot. Soc.
Edinb.

igii' Druce. — British Utticulariac 123

undoubted U . Brcmii in my herbarium, the specimens in
good ilowcr being gathered by me near the Gap of Dunloe,
Co. Kerry, in 1875. I may add that although I have
examined Loch Spynie, the Moss of Inshoch and Gordon
Bog (where I found U. minor), I was unable to find Bremii ;
near the Loch of Spynie, young barren major was seen.
If our members will carefully collect the Bladderworts for
a season or so there is good reason to believe that some of
the old records may prove to be correct. Flowering
specimens should if possible be put in spirit, notes on the
flower in the fresh state being lirst made. U. Bremii
10 ? ? Betn. Horringford and Newchurch ;* 11 ? Titchfield
Common ; 81 ? Gordon Bog ; 85 ? Loch of Spynie and
Moss of Inshoch. All lowland stations.

Dr. Gliick says the characters which separate Bremii
from minor are specific, this species bearing much the same
relation to U. minor as U. major does to U. vulgaris. The
larger flowers of a darker yellow, with a much larger lip
which stares at one, are easy marks of distinction, but in
the barren state a greater or less amount of development
of leaf -segments and a more sparing development of bladders
are not sufficient for separation, although such an appearance
may be suggestive.

As to the leaf-characters of the Utriculariae one may add
that our British plants may be divided into three groups
by the number of the leaf -tips : (i) very numerous — vulgaris
and major ; (2) 7-15 — intermedia and ochroleuca ; (3) 14-20
— minor and Bremii.

Oxford.

NEWS GLEANINGS.

The Belfast Municipal Museum.

The Corporation of Belfast, at the monthly meeting on June ist,
confirmed the agreement made between the Parks Committee and the
Technical Instruction Committee to let to the latter, at a rent of ;^iso
per annum, half an acre in the Botanic Gardens Park, for a Natural
History and Art Museum and an Art Gallery. So the long and weary
hunt of the Museum Site Sub -Committee for a suitable place has come to
an end at last.

124 The hish Nahiralist. J"ly.

" LUMINOUS OWLS."

BY MILDRED ELINOR DOBBS.
WITH NOTES BY C. B. MOFFAT, B.A.

Having been asked by Mr. Ussher to write down anything
I may have observed about " Luminous Owls," I must
first state that I do not know, from my own observation,
that what I have seen are owls ; I only conclude they are,
from having read the correspondence on the subject in the
Times (December, 1907).

My attention was drawn to them by the ferryman at
Villierstown ferry mentioning seeing birds at night-time
giving a light. As he was formerly a gamekeeper, I conclude
he was not mistaken in thinking what he saw were birds.

The first time I saw them myself was one winter evening
at dusk ; the ferryman, just as I was stepping into the boat,
pointed down the river, saying, " There are two of the birds
now," and I saw a couple of lights moving along the hillside
towards Headborough between it and Strancally, a point
a mile in a straight line from where I stood. They moved
irregularly, sometimes disappearing, sometimes nearly
stationary, then moving rapidly. Even though the ferry-
man evidently was in earnest when he said they were birds,
I should have doubted their being anything but the light
from a trap or bicycle being driven along the Strancally
drive and disappearing and appearing between the trees ;
but one hglit suddenly turned and went rapidly back, past
Strancally, crossed the river (which is quite 200 yards at
that point), keeping about sixty feet above it, and in a few
seconds began going along the opposite hillside and then
after a minute disappeared. The other light kept on
flickering about the Headborough trees and presently
disappeared in the direction of Tallow.

I have often seen them since, but they are difficult to
observe, as usually one sees them appear for a few minutes
moving rapidly, and then it may be another half-hour before
one catches sight of them again. My impression is that
it is only when they are flying partly or entirely towards
one, that one can see the light, it disappears so suddenly
and will appear again many yards to the right or left.

icjir^ DOBBS. — Lianinous Ozvh. 125

The Blackwatcr River here is from 200 to 400 yards
wide, and about a mile below the fcrr}^ it is joined by the
Bride, also a tidal river, and about fifty yards wide ;
between the two rivers is a stretch of low-lying fields
with no habitation on them, the whole forming a triangle
with sides a mile long each. The river is kept out by a
high embankment on which one can walk, but between
the bank and the fields there is a deep broad ditch by no
means easy to cross without a plank ; in fact, the only
way to get on or off the embankment is at each end, where
it abuts on the road from the ferry to the Bride bridge,
which forms the third side of the triangle.

I and my two sisters were on the ferry slip one evening
at the end of last December, about 2 J hours after sunset ;
the night was dark but we could see the course of the river
and shape of the hills about. We lingered a moment to
see if any birds were \-isible.

We saw a light flash up on the left across the river,
half-way up the hillside ; it was reflected brightly in the
river, the night being perfectly calm. It disappeared at
once and I remarked that " it must have been a cottage
door opened." Then a moment later it came again in the
same place but went up with a swoop to nearly the top
of the hill, a rise of some 100 feet in a few seconds, and
then moved rapidly to the right, got dimmer and
disappeared ; it appeared again beating backwards and
forwards along the hillside with long swoops, but was not
so brilliant. At the same time a light appeared down the
river and it looked as though someone were carrying a
lantern and walking along the top of the embankment
towards us and about a half mile away.

It was difficult to see if this was moving much or not,
but it seemed to be coming nearer and to go out over the
river once or twice, and then disappeared. A few minutes
later we saw it again much nearer, a quarter of a mile off,
and it gave the impression of moving rapidly towards us
and about three feet from the ground ; it came to within
100 yards and then the bird turned and the light vanished
for a moment, and we saw it again out over the fields to
the right, 200 yards away and pretty high up.

'^3

126 The Irish Naiiiralisi, July •

The light it gave was a reddish yellow, and one could
sec a vibration about it as though the beat of the bird's
wings came across the light and made it look flickering.
In fact it was so exactly like the light given by an oil
bicycle lamp when someone is riding on a rough road that
it was difficult to believe it was nothing of the sort ; it was
a shade redder in colour but quite as strong as the usual
oil bicycle lamp. From the time we saw it first away down
the river till it turned and went out over the fields was
about twenty minutes.

I know now that I must have often seen these birds
before, as crossing the ferry on winter nights I have
wondered why anyone should be wandering with a lantern
along the embankment and in the fic^lds so late when there
are no animals to look after. Now when I see a light I
stop to observe it, and if I suddenly see it swoop out over
the river or travel in half a minute from the bottom to the
top of a hill 400 feet high (and sometimes even high in the
air above it, as I have seen on occasions), I know it is a
bird and not a man with a lantern. The most remarkable
fact which strikes me each time I see on(\ is, the quality
of the light. I expected to see a white phosphorescent
light, not the reddish yellow it is ; when the bird swoops
up it seems to flash out brighter and not so red, but this
may be a delusion, the bird moves so quick.

I have several times seen it reflected in the river when
the bird has been over the hillside three-quarters of a mile
from where I was standing. Four lights at a time is the
largest number I ever saw, two is the usual number.

I have seen them more often on rather damp nights
with heavy clouds overhead. I have seen them also on
clear nights when the moon is half full and giving a good
deal of light. The ferryman, on my asking him when he
noticed them first, said he did not remember, they had
always been there even when he was a boy (he is about
43), but lie did not see much of them till he became
ferryman about eight years ago.

1 liave read over this account to onr of my sisters
who IS at home, and she fully subscribes to the account of
wliat I saw with her.

Campliirc, Cappocjuin.

191 1- Moffat. — Luminous Ozv/s. 127

\OTES BY C. B. MOFFAT, B.A.

Miss Dobbs's article forms a welcome contribution to the
study of a question that is still in much need of further
elucidation, and it is supplemented by a letter from another
observer in the same locality, the Rev. W. H. Rennison,
who, when crossing by the ferry already referred to, has
repeatedly observed the moving lights of which Miss Dobbs
speaks, and who, like her, believes them to be due to
luminous birds.

Mr. Rennison, writing on October 29th, 1910, to Mr.
Ussher. states that he has " again seen the light," which
he ascribes to " a bird of some sort," a few minutes before
six o'clock on a recent evening. " When I saw the light,"
he proceeds, " it was low down near the quarry opposite
the Bride's mouth, and took a direction towards the top of
the hill, appearing to rise considerably from the ground and
then to fall again, reminding one rather of the motion of
swallows over water, suddenly dipping down, and rising
again. It then turned eastward and appeared regularly to
' quarter ' all the low -lying marshy land between the Gorish
River and Dromorc Hill." Mr. Rennison, like Miss Dobbs,
remarks on the resemblance sometimes presented by the
light to that of an ordinary lamp, but he fully agrees with
her as to the impossibility of a human being " traversing
the extent of ground with the motion or in the time.'*
He states that he watched it on this occasion for half an
hour, and that the ferryman, who pronounced it " our old
friend the owl," informed him that he always saw it best
" on moonless nights in damp weather." In a postscript
Mr. Rennison adds that although on the particular evening
in question only one light was seen, he has " frequently
seen two, over Camphire and Bride Valley, which passed
and repassed each other." This corroborates the

remarkable statement of Miss Dobbs, that, while " four
lights at a time " are the largest numbers she has seen,
" two is the usual number."

Reference has been naturally made in the course of Miss
Dobbs's article to the correspondence which appeared in the

.128 The hish Natunt/isf. July,

Times in December, 1907, on the subject of a supposed
luminous owl that was seen for a number of evenings during
that month in North Norfolk.

■ Sir Digby Pigott, who inaugurated that correspondence,
had, unfortunately^ not himself seen the object in which
he succeeded in exciting so great an interest. It had been
■described to him by various informants, who had seen a
light like that of a motor cycle moving sometimes low' over
the country, sometimes rising to a height in the air, and
'crossing fields, high fences, and a stream. The evenings on
which this light was observed appear to have been generally
misty. In the course of the correspondence that the story
excited, a West Norfolk gamekeeper declared that he had
'once shot one of these moving lights, and found it to be " a
poor old half -starved Barn Owl." Another correspondent,
writing from Shropshire, had known a pair of Barn Owls
of which either one or both (he could not certainly say
which) had the gift of luminosity. He: believed, however
that they only shone when in poor condition, and he never
saw more than one of them luminous at once. There is thus
on record more than one direct observation (though the
names of the observers are not stated) as to the occasional
presentation of a luminous appearance by the Barn Owl.

In reference to these few cases of direct testimony (i.e.
the Norfolk gamekeeper and the unnamed Shropshire corres-
pondent) it may not be immaterial to mention that a belief
in the luminosity of owls evidently prevails among country
folk in parts of England ; since behefs of this kind, while
they may or may not have a foundation in fact, und(nibtedl\-
sometimes operate on the imaginations of those familiar
with them. The Shropshire correspondent of the Times,
for instance, narrates that he had, before \\v made the
acquaintance of his pair of luminous owls, been toki by
school children in the district that a hght \\v had seen
moving about was a " glim ullert " [i.e., shining owl); and
" ghmmer gowk" is included m Hett's "Dictionary of
Bird Names " amongst the popular designations of the Barn
Owl. It is even possible (as Sir Digby Tigott himself
suggests) that the same belief may have found expression
in the Linnean name of that species, Strix fammea. It

I9TI. Moffat. — Ltaninous Ozvh. 129

seems, therefore, safer for the present not to accept as
absolutely conclusive the statement that owls, even when
in poor condition, have been seen flying about with
phosphorescent breasts.

A belief has long prevailed ascribing similar luminosity
to several of the herons and bitterns, which are supposed
to be assisted in their nocturnal fishing operations by a
phosphorescent light emitted from the " powder-down
patches " of the breast-feathers, a light that is thought to
serve, perhaps, the double purpose of attracting fish to the
vicinity and helping the watchful bird to see them. A
resume of the chief evidence on this subject is given by
Mr. Harting, in a very interesting chapter entitled " The
Fascination of Light," in his " Recreations of a Naturalist."
Mr. Harting there shows that at least one of the many
sportsmen who claim to have seen these luminous herons,
a Mr. W. J. Worrall, of Philadelphia, has given a detailed
description of how he once shot one, a specimen of the
Great Blue Heron {Ardea herodias) of the United States,
which had " three phosphorescent spots, one in front, and
one on each side of the hips between the hips and the
tail ; " and the description goes on to state that the
wounded bird as it expired lost its lustre gradually, the
light " disappearing entirely with death." The Great Blue
Heron, except in its larger size, so strikingly resembles our
own common species that it is scarcely conceivable that
thiis remarkable property should belong to one and not be
common to both. Naturalists, however, have not taken
the verdict as proven, even for the American bird.

It will have been noticed that most of the testimony
furnished by Miss Dobbs and by Mr. Rennison relates to
observations in the late autumn and winter, and that this
was also the time of year when the phenomenon attracted
so much attention in Norfolk. In both cases, too, the
locality frequented was near to a river or stream, and misty
and moonless nights were considered by observers in both
districts the most favourable for the appearance of the
lights. The fact that Miss Dobbs generally sees two, and
has seen so many as four of the lights at once, is a difficulty
in the way of supposing so thinly distributed a bird as the

130 The Irish Naturalist. July,

Barn Owl to be the cause, unless a newly-reared family
lived in the immediate neighbourhood ; and their being so
frequently seen agrees little with the theory tendered by
the Shropshire and Norfolk witnesses that the luminosity
is an effect of ill health. Luminous insects, although it is
probable that some occur in Ireland, are nearly placed out
of court by the December date of so many of the observa-
tions ; and it also seems difficult to suggest that any other
species of bird, even though it might have been carrying or
have come in contact with decaying and phosphorescent
substances, is more likely than an owl to have produced
the appearance described.

It is worth inquiring whether the hypothesis of an ignis
fatuus is out of the question. This phenomenon is so
generally pictured as "dancing" and " flickering " about
marshy land that one does not think of it as performing
steady journeys over regular beats like those described in
the communications before us. These descriptions, however,
strongly recalled to the present writer an account given
him by Mr. E. C. Barrington of the movements of a
" Willy-the-Wisp " which apparently frequents the Dona-
bate estuary with some regularity during suitable nights in
late autumn. Mr. Barrington has, accordingly, been applied
to for a short description of the phenomenon in question,
and has written in reply as follows : —

" During the months of November and December,
sometimes in January, while duck-shooting on the mud-
flats round Donabate estuary, I have frequently observed
Willy-the-Wisp. The light on many occasions was very
bright, and would travel at a considerable speed over wet
ground, going out and reappearing some little distance off.
It would often retrace its steps, and more than once I have
seen it patrolling the same beat for upwards of half -an -
hour. All the nights I have visited this locality there was
a slight moon or full moon with cloudy sky ; I admit it
was when the moon retired I saw it most. On one or two
occasions I saw it travel over very deep mud and against
the wind, when it would come to a certain shape and Hare
up and go out, reappearing at intervals, like a liame, and
then retire. Many natives round that district have seen

19". Moffat. — Liivimous O'lc/s 131

it and know of it. . . . Over some of the ground it
travelled no person could walk, as it was very deep mud."
It may, perhaps, be suggested that the Donabate people,
who are familiar with this autumnal appearance, mistake
a bird for a phantom. In any case, a striking similarity
seems to exist, both in the nature of the movement described
and in the locality, season, and conditions favourable to its
production, between the subject of Miss Dobbs's and Mr.
Rennison's communications and that of Mr. E. C.
Barrington's. One does not wish to hear of an owl,
whether luminous or otherwise, being shot to decide whether
it is a true " glim ullert " or not. But the locality might
usefully be kept under observation throughout the year,
and particularly in summer, with a view to ascertaining
whether the beat that is so much frequented by the supposed
phosphorescent owls in dark autumn and winter nights is
equally favoured by the undoubted Strix ftammea during
its twilight peregrinations in the long evenings of June and
July.

Dublin.

IRISH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOaiCAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a young Abyssininian Lion from H.M. the King,
three Hedgehogs from Mr. F. Godden, two Angora Rabbits from Mr.
R. Hughes, two Peahens from Viscount Iveagh, a Black-faced Silky Fowl
from Major B. R. Horsburgh, a wingless Fowl from Mr. C. W. Parsons,
two Fantail Pigeons from Mr. N. Mather, fifteen Barbary Doves from
Mr. N. J. Foley, a Canary from Mr. W. Fielding, two Quaker Parrakeets
from Mr. H. A. Swaynes, a Green Muscovy Drake and two Common
Sheldrake, a Cambayan Turtle-dove, and a Ring-necked Pheasant from
Mr. F. Finascrey, three Long-eared Owls from Mr C. E. Exshaw, three
River Lampreys from Mr. P. K. Dixon, and tliree freshwater Pearl -
Mussels from Mr. B. E. Hillis. Mr. H. B. Rathborne has deposited an
interesting collection of twenty-three exotic birds.

A young female Orang-utan, four Common Marmosets, and four
Egyptian Gerbilles have been purchased. The Orang is now very lively
and playful. On warm, sunny days she is taken out into the Gardens
and makes herself at home among the boughs of the large beech trees, in
which she has built several nests for herself.

132 The Irish Naturalist. J"ly-

DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB.

May io. — The Clul) nut at Lcinstcr House. A. R. Nichols, M.A.
(President) in the Chair.

Dr. G. H. Pethybridgic exhibited various stages of development of
the Potato " Collar Fungus," Hypochnus solani, (Prill, et Del.) In its
fruiting stage this fungus forms a white, felt-like covering of no great
density or thickness around the bases of potato stalks (it has also been
observed on the carrot) close to the soil and extending upwards for a
distance of an inch or more. This " collar " consists of much branched
mycelium which for the most part is colourless but is occasionally tinged
with brown. It bears large numbers of basidiosporcs which easily fall
off. but it does not penetrate into the tissues of the potato stalk, nor
have any haustoria or sucker-like organs been observed. In the United
States the fungus has (apparently unnecessarily) been given the name of
Corticium vas;nm var. solani, and Rolfs showed in 1904 that it is the spore-
bearing stage of a fungus which has been known for a much longer time
under the name of Rhizoctonia solani. In the Rhizoctonia condition the
mycelium is brown and is very frequently found on the surface of potato
tubers, where it also forms dense aggregations or sclerotia, which are
exceedingly common in some parts of Ireland. During last summer
confirmatory evidence of the oneness of Hypochnus and Rhizoctonia was
obtained at the Clifden Station for the Investigation of Plant Diseases,
since it was found possible to trace an unbroken connection between the
mycelium of the " collar " and the sclerotia on the surface of the tuber.
Further confirmatory evidence of the same thing was published early in
the present year by Riehm. The fungus, whether in its sterile sclerotial
condition or in the fructification or " collar " stage shoukl therefore be
known in future as Hypochnus solani (Prill, et Del.), and the older name
of Rhizoctonia solani (Kiihn) must be dropped.

Prof. G. H. Carpenter showed the anterior spiracles of the puparium
of a small two-winged fly, Scaptomyza flaveola (Fallen) whose larva feeds
on the surface, or mines in the tissues of the leaves of crucifers. The
specimen exhibited had been reared from larvae feeding on the leaves of
Swede Turnips from Dundalk. The anterior spiracle in the puparium of
this insect is remarkable for the elongate branching arrangement of the
external air-tubes, so that it presents somewhat the appearance of a
stag's antler. Some details of the early stages will shortly be publi.shed
with illustrations, in the Journal of Economic Biology, vol. vi.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

March 15. — Geological Section. — \V. J. C. Tomlinson in the Chair.
William Gray delivered a lecture on '• Limestone." A discussion
followed, in which Robert Welch, A. R. Dwerryhouse, .\. W. Stelfox,
and the Chairman took part.

May 27. — Excursion to Torr Head. — This was the inaugural ex-
cursion of the season, when twenty-four members and friends proceeded
to Ballycastle by the eight o'clock train. Upon arrival brakes were
immediately mounted for Torr. Many features of geological interest
were passed during the drive, of which the great accumulation of glacial

tgii Irish Societies, 133

drift through which the Carey River has cut its way was most commented
upon. Leaving the brakes at a point some 700 feet above Ballycastle,
the party proceeded on foot towards Torr, and in a few minutes the
watershed was crossed, and a grand view of the coast once more obtained.
Only a few of the party descended to Portaleen and Torr, but those who
did so were amply rewarded. The geology of the Torr area is strikingly
different from that of the rest of Antrim. Here the Chalk rests directly
upon the pre-Cambrian schists, the oldest rocks in Ireland, which rise
to a height of nearly a thousand feet. To the south the basaltic cap
of Carnanmore still overlies the Chalk, but over the greater part of the
area this rock has been completely worn away. Encircling the greater
part of Torr Head itself is a band of primitive limestone some 20 feet
thick, which at the extreme point is faulted down. Large blocks of
gneiss were also found, but this rock, which so closely resembles some
of the coarser schists, was not seen in situ. The prevalence of boulders
of a red granite, possibly of Scotch origin, may also be worth mentioning.
The botanical members had a busy day, and most of the recorded Torr
plants were observed, as well as Sysimbruim thalianum and Erophila
vulgaris — two plants not hitherto noted in this locality. Of the moUusks
only Arianta arbiistorum is worth mentioning. This species, which is
common in several places about the village of Torr, was reported to be
in great quantity among the alpines on the Chalk escarpment. Only
two common species of woodlice were observed, but several millipedes
and centipedes, a hitherto neglected group, were collected, the common
Stomius mavginata, lulus albipes, and a species of Lithobius being taken.
At 3.45 brakes were again mounted, and the party returned to Ballycastle,
where, after tea at the Antrim Arms Hotel, a short business meeting
was held.

May 6. — Geological Section. — Excursion to Magheramorne. —
The members of the section left Belfast by the 2.15 p.m. train and on
arrival at Magheramorne proceeded to the quarry close to the railway
station. Here are exposed magnificent sections of " White Limestone"
with horizontal bands of flint, surmounted by basalt, capped with boulder
clay. Two fine basic dykes were noted. About the centre of the quarry
a fault brought up the " Chloritic Chalk," this was the only place it was
visible, and no lower divisions of the Cretaceous strata were observed.
Fossils were not abundant, but the record included Belemnitella mucronaia
Schloth ; Echinocorys vulgaris, Breyn ; Rhynchonclla octoplicata. Sow.;
Rh. latissima ; Terebratula cariiea. Sow. ; a fragment of Inoceramus, and
a fragment of an ammonite.

The walk was then continued to Glynn and on the way, the columnar
basalt in Mr. Gregg's quarry was investigated. P'rom Glynn, the party
returned by the 6.15 p.m. train to Belfast.

COEK NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

May 9. — Annual General Meeting. — The President, Professor
Swain, occupied the chair. The Hon. Secretary (J. Noonan) read
his report, from which the following are extracts : — Two of the projected

134 The Irish Naturalist. J"lv,

excursions did not take place, but the following were successfully carried
out: — June i8, the caves at Ovens (conductor, T. Farrington, m.a.) ;
June 25, Spike Island (marine zoology, conductor. Professor Hartog) ;
our thanks are due to Lieut. R. R. Hoare, r.n., a member of the Club,
for kindly providing a special steam launch for the party ; June 29,
Crosshaven (conductor. Professor Swain, who explained the geology of
tlie chfts, &c., to a large party) ; July 9, Ardrum Woods (conductor, Mr.
Scott-Kerr, Hon. Secretary, Irish Forestry Society) ; Mr. and Mrs. Scott-
Kerr kindly entertained the members at tea; August 13, Currabinny
(a botanical excursion, conductor. Professor H. A. Cummins, c.m.g.), a
large party was present ; August 20, Belvelly Castle (conductor, Mr. J.
Coleman, who gave the liistory of the castle) ; November 26, Carrigrohane
(conductor, Professor Swain) ; the formation of the " river-terraces "
of the Lee, &c., was explained in the field ; this was the first winter ex-
cursion ever undertaken by the Club, short excursions at that season being
suggested by the President. Professor Swain's Presidential Address —
" The Geology of the South of Ireland " was delivered at University College
on January 30, to an overflowing audience of members and friends. Dr.
A. W. Sandford presided. The Session was brought to a close by F. R.
Rohu's lecture on "Our Native and Migratory Birds" (illustrated by
specimens) at the School of Art on March 29. Members have responded
to the appeal made at our last general meeting with respect to the Muni-
cipal Museum. Specimens have been added, and a number of the
minerals named. The Hon. Treasurer (W. B. Lacy) submitted his
balance sheet, which showed a substantial sum on hands. The report
and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers and committee
were elected — President, Professor I. Swain, b.a., a.r.c.sc.i., m.r.i.a. ;
Vice-Presidents, Professor Hartog, m.a., d.sc, f.l.s. ; T. Farrington,
M.A., F.c.s. ; H. Lund, W. H. Johnson, R. A. Phillips, J. H. Bennet.
Hon. Secretary, James Noonan ; Hon. Treasurer, W. B. Lacy. Com-
mittee : — Mrs. Brooke -Hughes, Messrs. W. Miller, J. Coleman, m.r.s.a.i. ;
F. R. Rohu. J. Scott-Kerr, George Dobbs, j.p.

May II. — Visit to University College. — Thirty members and
friends assembled at the Geological Museum about 3.30 p.m., when
Professor Swain conducted the party through the collection, beginning
with models of the CuUinane diamond and other famous jewels. The
Zoological Museum and the Plant-houses were subsequently visited.
Professors Hartog and Cummins respectively acting as conductors.

May 27. — E.xcuRsioN to Blarney Castle. — A large party travelled
by 2.40 p.m. train from Muskerry station. After inspecting the historic
Castle, the famous "Rock Close" adjacent, and the lake were visited
(by kind permission of Sir George Colthurst). The pre-historic remains
within the grounds, the rare ferns and other plants, cS;c., aroused
considerable interest among the visitors. Most of the members returned
to the city by the 5 p.m. train.

1911. Notes 135

NOTES.

BOTA.NY.
Two Parasitic Fungi new to Ireland.

On the 26th of May, 191 1, duriiig a field excursion with the students,
to Portmarnock, I obtained specimens of Planiago major with a fungus
forming spots on the under side of the leaves. This on examination
proved to be Peronospora alta, Fuckel, and has not previously been found
in Ireland.

On Whit Monday (5th June. 191 1) during a visit to the Earl of
Drogheda's demesne at Moore Abbey, I observed the leaves of Rhamnus
catharticus, which is here quite common, infested with the cluster-cup
stage of a fungus. This was Puccinia coronifcra, Klebahn, and like the

preceding is an addition to the Irish Flora.

J. Adams.
Royal College of Science, Dublin.

Extinction of Cryptogams in Ireland.

In the Transactions of the South-eastern Union of Scientific Societies
appears a long paper by A. R. Harwood on the extinction of Cryptogamic
Plants, to which is appended a " Report upon the Extinction of Crypto-
gams in Ireland." This report is not the result of personal investigation,
and indeed from its perusal we cannot find that the author has ever been
in Ireland ; it consists of a series of quotations from the opinions of
correspondents, some of whom are botanists, and some of whom are not,
on the condition of various parts of the country as regards increase or
decrease in their cryptogamic flora. The body of evidence is of mis-
cellaneous character and unequal value, and in the absence of any com-
mentary or summary by an editor well acquainted with the districts of
which it treats and the conditions prevailing there, it cannot claim much
scientific value.

Saxifraga nivalis in Co. Sligo.

Miss Lily Crofton sends me a tlowering plant of Saxifraga )iiva!is from
its old station near Annacoona on the Ben Bulben range. She writes : —
" Miss Wynne found the Saxifrage growing plentifully in the rocks just
along the top. We found dozens of plants." Considering the care
with whicli Messrs. Barrington and Vowell explored this station in 1884,
and the small number of plants seen by them (" about 30 plants in one
place near Annacoona " — which place, I understand, was a precipitous
gully) — it would appear that this rare plant is on the increase in its only
Irish station.

R. Lloyd Praeger.
Dublin.

136 The Irish Naturalist. July, 1911.

ZOOLOaY.

A rare Fly in Co. Fermanagh.

On April jgth, when waiting for a train at Enniskillcn Station, I picked
up from the platform, alive but in an apparently comatose condition, a
fly which was identified at the British Museum as a specimen of
Hyetodesia variegata, Mg.

Herbert Trevelyan.
Naval and Military Club, London.

MoUusca of Co. Limerick.

To the Journal of Conchology for October, Harry Fogerty contributes
a note on the species found in shell -drift near Limerick.

Mollusca from the Glacial Lake near Moira.

Mr. Stelfox informs me that the shells found iu the lake marl at

Megaberry, Co. Antrim (not Down, see p. 96, supra), arc Planorbis

glaber, Limnaca peregra and Pisidium ptisillum — the latter species on the

authority of B. B. Woodward, F.L.S.

Isaac Swain.
University College, Cork.

An Addition to the Mollusca of County Limerick.

On March 14th, I obtained a single specimen of Ena obscura at Clarina,
Co. Limerick, which is an addition to the known list of Mollusca for the
county.

Harry Fogerty,

Irish Bird Notes.

We glean the following notices of Irish Birds from recent issues of
zoological contemporaries : — A pair of Herons breeding twice in 1896 near
Ballina (R. Warren in Zoologist for September.); an American Blue-
winged Teal shot in Co. Cork, in September (R. Warren in Zoologist for
November, and H. F. Witherl)y in British Birds for January) ; particulars
of spring arrivals of White Wagtails and Sandwich Terns in Killala Bay
(R. Warren in Zoologist for May) ; Brambling remaining in Co. Down until
June 13 (J. Beddall Smith in British Birds for August).

Sparrow Hawk laying twice in same Nest.

On the 30th May last I found a Sparrow Hawk hatching her eggs in
the same nest in which a Sparrow Hawk (probably the same bird) had
reared her young in 1909. Some new material, fir twigs, appeared to
have been added to the upper part of the nest, but otherwise there was
no change. In all my previous experience I have always found that a
Sparrow Hawk made a new nest every year.

George C. May,
Dubhu.

August, 1911. The Irish Naturalist, 137

NOTES OF CERTAIN TERRESTIAL

AND FLUVIATILE MOLLUSCA
FROM GLENGARRIFF, CO. CORK.

BY STAFF-SURGEON K. H. JONES, M.B., F.Z.S., R.N.

The specimens referred to in the following notes were
collected by the writer in the vicinity of Glengarriff, Bantry
Bay, at the end of March and the beginning of April, in
the present year.

The terrestial species are not of particular interest, but
some of the fluviatile, and especially those of the genus
Pisidium, require to be carefully considered, if only on
account of their geographical distribution. It is, perhaps,
doubtful whether Pisidium hihernicum and Limnaea involuta
have previously been collected so early in the year. In the
case of each species mention is made of any peculiarities
of its habitat, and of the position of the same in relation
to Glengarriff. For the identification of the species of
Pisidium Mr. B. B. Woodward is responsible. The terrestial
species were submitted to Mr. A. W. Stelfox, of Belfast.

The following species were met with : —
Hyalinia nitidula.
Hyalinia pura.

Hyalinia radiatula and var. viridescsnti-alba.
Hyalinia crystallina.
Zonitoides excavatus and var. vitrina.
Pyramidula rotundata.
Cochlicopa lubrica.

All the above species were found abundantly in the woods im-
mediately about the Eccles Hotel.

Helix aspersa was plentiful, and always very thin of shell.

Helix nemoralis was not found at all commonly, and the specimens
obtained resembled the last species in the extreme tenuity of their
shells.

Limnaea involuta was obtained at Barley Lake, about four miles from
Glengarriff, and about i ,000 feet above sea level, where it was first
discovered by Mr. R. A. Phillips of Cork. The molluscs were plentiful
but difficult to see, all were resting on stones at the water's edge, and
individually they were small, only one full-grown specimen was
taken.

A

138 The Irish Naturalist. Augitst,

Limnaea prsetenuis was obtained in its original habitat, Lough Nagar-
riva, but unlike the preceding species, %vas found on weeds instead
of on stones. Limnaea involuta could only be collected slowly and
carefully by hand, whereas Limnaea prcBtenu is required to be removed
with the scoop. The specimens were almost all immature and
extremely inclined to be localized in patches, even in the restricted
area of this little mountain tarn. They were not very numerous.

Limnaea peregra. — A variety of this species was taken at Loughmore, on the
road between Glengarriff and Bantry, at an elevation of about 600
feet, or less. This variety is probably one of the intermediate forms,
which there can be little doubt exists between the type and the
very aberrant Limnaea involuta. The shells are characterized by
their great fragility, their deep sutures and the very well marked
striation in the lines of growth. Mr. A. W. Stelfox considers this
variety to be identical with one obtained by him at Sraheens
Lough, Achill Island, West Mayo, in April, 1910, which he has
figured in his list of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Ireland
{Proc. Royal Irish Acad., vol. xxix.. Sect. B., No. 3.)

Ancylus fluviatilis. — This species is very common about Glengarriflf,
the shells are always fragile and usually somewhat small. In Barley
Lake, specimens of the variety alba were found in considerable
numbers and of a good size.

Acicula lineata. — One specimen was taken under moss on the wall of
the bridge over the Glcngarrifif River, beyond the village.

Margaritana margaritlfera. — The Pearl-mussel was only actually taken
from one locality, the little Owennochahina stream, which flows
from Barley Lake into the Glengarriff River. The species is also
to be found in the Coomerkane River, and in the lower reaches of
the Glengarriff River. The little stream mentioned above is only
three or four feet wide, and perhaps two, or two and a half deep, and
in it the molluscs are only found in the two hundred yards or so
nearest to the river, where the rivulet runs through almost fiat
meadows. There are no Margaritanae in the Glengarriff River
itself at this point, although in the stream they are abundant. The
natives capture these mussels by inserting a thin pointed stick
between the open valves, which is easily done in clear water, and
on it the mollusc at once closes them and is then withdrawn from
the bed of the stream, clinging tightly to the end of the switch. The
specimens obtained here were rather small, of an elegant shape, and
thin of shell. Pearls are said to be rare, so doubtless mussels would
be rare also.

Plsidlum hibernicum. — A few small specimens were found in Lough
Xagarriva, where they appeared to be climbing on weeds.

P. pusillum. — This species was taken in considerable numbers at the
two loughs of Avaul, on the road to Castletown and about four
miles from Glengarriff. It also occurred very sparingly in Coomer-
kane Lough, a partially drained lake at the head of the valley of
the same name.

igir- Jones. — Notes of certain Mollusca from Glengarriff. 139

P. nitidum was only obtained in Little Lough Avaul, the nearer of
the two small lakes to Glengarriff, and was not plentiful.

P. obtusale. — A very oval form of this species was found sparingly
in a peaty pool on the road to Loughmore.

P. SteenbuchI was found very abundantly in a small wayside pool
in the Coomerkane valley. This pool was not more than six feet
square, and contained besides the Pisidia, a quantity of algae and
innumerable tadpoles.

P. Lilljeborgi. — This species was found abundantly at Loughmore.

P. casertanum. — This species occurred with the last-mentioned at
Loughmore, but was not common.

All the above species were found in the county division
known as West Cork, except Limnaea prcBtenuis and
Pisidium hibernicum which were taken in South Kerry.
P. obtusale, P. Lilljeborgi and P, Steenbuchi have not
previously been noted from West Cork. P. Lilljeborgi has
only been previously found in the North-west of Ireland
and P. Steenbuchi not nearer than County Clare.

H.M.S. "Irresistible," Home Fleet.

A SECOND LIST OF COLEOPTERA FROM THE

CO. MEATH.

BY G. W. NICHOLSON, M.A., M.D., F.E.S.

I SPENT the greater part of September, 1910, collecting
Coleoptera at Balrath, Co. Meath ; during part of the time
I had the benefit of Mr. Donisthorpe's company. Although
the weather was, on the whole, good, beetles were very
scarce indeed, scarcer even than, they were the year before.

We, however, succeeded in making three additions to
the Irish list. These are : —

Gyrophaena nana, Pk. — A single female at the bottom
of a hay stack.

Galerucella pusilla, Weise. — A few specimens swept
off a patch of Ly thrum on the " home-bog." Hunt as we
would, we could find it nowhere else.

LoNGiTARSUS CASTANEus, Duft. — One by general
sweeping on the " home-bog."

140 The Irish Naturalist. August,

The following is a list of the other interesting species
that were captured, and that have not been noted as having
occurred in the district in 1909.

Bradycellus similis, Dej. ; Ilyhius ater, De G. ; Rhantus
notatus, Berg. ; Aleochara hrevipennis, Gr., one in carrion ;
A. nitida, Gr. ; Homalota aquatica, Th. ; Myllacna inter-
media, Er. ; Mcgacronus analis, F. ; Leistotrophus nebtdosus,
F., a very large male on the keeper's boot, as we were
examining a carrion trap together ; Lathrohium terminatum,
Gr. var. immaculatum, Fowler ; Lathrimaeum unicolor,
Steph. ; Omalium ioptcrum, Steph., a single specimen taken
by Mr. Donisthorpe on the window of his room ; Mcgarthrus
sinuaticollis, Lac. ; Leptinus testaceus, Mull., one in a heap
of dead bracken ; Agathidium laevigatum, Er., not
uncommon at the bottom of a hay-stack ; Necrophorus
ruspator, Er., a specimen which has the anterior orange
Band of the elytra broadly interrupted (and in this respect
resembles N. interruptus, Steph.) ; its abdomen, however, is
only pubescent at the apex, which proves it to belong to
this species ; Choleva grandicollis, Er. ; C. morio, F., the
commonest species of this genus under carrion ; C. Watsoni,
Spence ; Pselaphus Hcisei, Hbst., common ; Hippodaniia
xiii. -punctata, L., one by sweeping on " home bog " ; Hister
cadaverinus, Hoff. ; Epuraea deleta, Er., common in fungus ;
Omosita colon, L., one specimen in carrion ; Atomaria
nigripcnnis, Ik., one in hedge-trimmings ; Lema septen-
irionis, Weise ; Lochmaea crataegi, Forst., a straw-coloured
individual ; Apthona atratida, All., common ; Barynotus
elevatus, Marsh.

Cancer Hospital, London. S.W.

NEWS GLEANINGS.

Honours for Irish Men of Science.

Wc notice with much satisfaction that knighthoo 1 has b:en conferred
on Professor W. N. Hartley. Dean of the Koyal College of Science, and on
F. W. Moore, Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

I91I.

SCHAKFF. — The Irish IV/uxle Fishery.

141

THE IRISH WHALE FISHERY.

BY R. F. SCHARFF, PH.D.

Since writing the short article on this subject for the Irish
Naturalist last November, Mr. Holt very kindly sent me
some additional information which may be of interest to the
readers of this journal. The exact data of the number
of whales killed at the Irish whaling stations during the
summer of 1910 were not then available. This information
has now been supplied by Mr. Holt.

Number of Specimens captured by Inishkea Whaling

Company during 19 10,

Right Whale. . .
Sperm Whale,
Common Rorqual,
Sibbald's Rorqual,
Northern Rorqual,
Humpback,

4

2

5

21

I

65 Whales.

Number of Specimens captured by Blacksod Whaling
Company during 1910.

Right W^hale, . .
Sperm Whale,
Common Rorqual,
Sibbald's Rorqual,
Northern Rorqual,
Humpback,

4
5

20
6

18

2

55 Whales.

National Museum, Dublin.

A 2

14-3 The Irish Naturalist. August,

FUNGI FROM THE ANTRIM COAST.

BY VV. B. GROVE.

While visiting the Antrim Coast and Glens with a party
of the Birmingham Natural History Society, Easter, 1911,
the following species were collected, mainly between Larne
and Ballycastle. Those marked with an asterisk are
additions to the Irish Flora.

UREDINE^.

Puccinia Smyrnii, Corda. — On Smyminm ohtstitnini, coast near Larnc.
Uromyces rumicis, Wiut. — On Riimcx Acetosa, Giant's Causeway.

PYRENOMYCETES.

I

♦Didymella hyporrhodia, Succ. — Murlongh Bay.

"Diaporthc denigrata, Wiut. — On stems of Angelica, Murlough Bay.

*Gnomonia Cerastis, Auersw. — On petioles of Acer Pseudoplatamis,

Murlough Bay.
*Phyllachora bromi, Fckl. — On grass leaves. Giant's Causeway.
*Ophiobolus acuminatus, Duby. — On Carduus arvensis, Cushendall.
Hypoxylon fuscum, Fr. — On Hazel, Glcnariff.
Eutypa lata, Tul. — On branch, Murlough Bay.
Nectria coccinea, Fr. — On Beech, Glenarift.

*Dimerosporium abjectum, Fckl. — On Veronica officinalis. Glenariff.
'Sphaerelia rubella, N. et S. — On stems of Angelica, Murlough Bay.

DISCOMYCETES.

Rhytisma acerinum, Fr. — On Acer Pseitdoplatanus, Murlough Bay, &c.
Hypoderma virgultorum, DC. — On Rubiis fruticosus, Glenarifif.
♦Dasyscypha dematiicola, Mass. — On Rttbus fniiicosiis, Glenariff.
Dasyscypha clandestina, Fckl. — On Ritbits fniticosus, Glenariff.
Heterosphoeria patella, Grev. — On stems of Angelica, Murlough Bay, &c.
Calloria fusarioides, Fr. — On Nettle stems, Glenarifif, &c. (with
ascospores.)

DEUTEROiVIYCETES.

*Leptostroma spiraeae, Fr.— On Spiraa I'hnaria, Glenariff.
*Phoma complanata, Desm. — On umbellifers, Glenariff, etc.
*Phoma urticae, Scluilz et Sacc. — On Nettle, Cushendall.

Specimens of most of the^e have been deposited in the
Fungus herbarium of the University, Birmingham.

Birmingham.

iigi. Irish Societies. 1^3

IltlSH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a Ring-tailed Lemur from Lady Henry Robinson,
a Serval cub from Dr. J. McConaghy, two young Dingoes from Mr. G.
Tyrwhitt Drake, a Stoat from Mr. E. Barrington, Hedgehogs from Mr.
L. Hensworth and Mr. P. Leddy. a Peregrine Falcon from Mr. R. M.
Barrington, a Kestrel from Mr. W. W. Despard, four Griffon Vultures
from Capt. T. E. Ke'.sall, a Muscovy Drake from the Hon. Mrs. T. Collins,
a Long-eared Owl from Mr. J. Moncley, an Alexandrine Parrakeet from
Mrs. Hamilton, and a Gannet from Mr. B. E. Hillas.

DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

May 20. — Excursion to Beauparc. — Thirty members and visitors
travelled b\' the 3 p.m. train from Amiens Street under the conductorship
of Alex. McHenry, M.R.I.A. The weather was perfect, and on arrival
at Beauparc the party walked to the copper mine where they were re-
ceived by Mr. Murray, the maiiager. After an examination of the copper
ore (copper pyrites), extracted from the mine, had been made, the manager
proceeded to explain in detail the various processes through which it
passed after being brought to the surface, in order to prepare it for the
market. Most of those present then descended the mine by means of
ladders, each of the male members carrying a small oil lamp. Three
galleries in all were nispected at depths of 80, 140, and 180 feet, respectively.
At each of these levels copper ore was examined in situ, and although
progress was slow owing to the quantity of water in the mine, the party
traversed the whole length of each gallery visited. It was not possible
to descend to the 200 feet level, as this gallery was flooded with water,
the depth in some places exceeding 5 feet. The party returned to the
surface at about 6 o'clock, and were entertained to tea by Mr. D. Frame,
managing director of the mine. This concluded a most enjoyable and
successful excursion, and the return to Dublin was commenced at j.t,^
p.m.

June 10. — Excursion to Laytown and the Boyne Estuary. —
Under the leadership of W. F. Gunn, a small party left Amiens Street
terminus at 10.45. The day was ideal for the trip, and the climatic
conditions favourable for collecting. After a short stay about the mouth
of the Nanny River, the party headed for the mouth of the Boyne, and
for the first two miles were occupied in shore-collecting. Nothing of
special interest was found, the principal shells being Apoyrhais pes-pelicani
and Natica catena and large numbers of the empty cases of sea-urchins.
A move was then made for the sand-dunes, where after lunch was partaken
of, a careful search was made by the botanical members, and the usual
sand-dune type of flora studied. Amongst the plants observed were
Viola Curtisii, Festuca uniglumis, Euphorbia paralias, E. portlandica,
Cynoglossum officinale, and Lycopsis arvensis. On the muddy and marshy
ground near the " Maiden Tower," Salsola kali, Salicornia herbacea, Glaux

144 '^^'^ Irish Nahiralisl. August,

maritima, Statice rariflora, and Spergiilaria marina were seen in quantity.
From this point the turnpike road to Drogheda was taken and Geranium
molle, Chelidonium majus, Lamium album, Festuca rotbocllio'des, and (near
Drogheda) Matricaria discoidea were the more noteworthy plants en-
countered. At Stagrennan a short halt was made, and the fine exposure
of evenly bedded Carboniferous limestone was examined, and its features
explained by Mr. Hinch. As no zoologists were with the party, few
notes of animals were made, but large numbers of the local snail Helix
pisana. and the pupa-cases of the Six-spotted Burnct-moth Zys,aena filipen-
dul<s were seen on the sanilhills. After a well-earned tea at the Central
Hotel, and a short ramble through the town and up the river, the members
returned to the City by the 8.14 train.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

March 18.— Botanical Section.— A paper entitle 1 "Mosses and
Liverworts " was read by Rev. Canon Lett. M.A., M.R.LA.

March 21.— The President (Robert J. Welch, M.R.I. A.), in the
chair. Joseph Wright, F.G.S.. read two short papers, one on
" Boulder Clay from the North of Ireland, with Lists of Foraminifera,"
and the other " Foraminifera from the Estuariue Clays of Magheramorne,
Ccunty Antrim, and Limavady Station, County Derry." Some years ago
he received from friends a number of packets of Boulder Clay from the
North of Ireland, all of which were found to contain Foraminifera. Three
were of more than ordinary interest, being from high altitudes in the
vicinity of Belfast. One, given by Mr. W. H. Milligan, was from the
back of Black Mountain, at 900 feet O.D. ; the other two were from their
late fellow-member, Mr. S. A. Stewart, A.L.S., taken near the summit of
Divis Mountain, at 1,000 and 1,300 feet O.D. He then referred to the
estuarine clays at Magheramorne and Limavady, Avhich, he said, were the
most interesting deposits of the kinl in Ireland owing to the quantity
of specimens and number of rare forms found in them. The microzoa
as well as the clays themselves were very dissimilar at these two places.
At Magheramorne the foraminifera were large in size, the clay also con-
taining numbers of moUuscan shells, Ostrea edulis and Pecten maximus
being exceptionally large. This clay resembled recent deposits at moderate
depths under favourable marine conditions. At Limavady the fora-
minifera were smaller and in much greater jn'ofusion. while the clay itself
was soft and fine, with few, if any, molluscan shells, and resembled the
mud now deposited in the estuaries of some of our rivers and bays. These
Post -tertiary clays yielded many rare and interesting forms, four of the
species and varieties being new to science. The paper will be published as
an appendix to the Club's proceedings.

Dr. W. J. Dakin, of Liverpool University, read a paper on "Plankton
Studies." The term plankton was first used by the German physiologist
Hensen in 1887. It includes all those small animals and plants which
are to be found floating in the waters of lakes or oceans. These organisms
can be easily captured by tow-nets of extremely fine silk. The study of

i

191 '• hish Societies, 145

the plankton has of recent years become very important, and many
biological problems, both economic and scientific, are awaiting solution,
when the results of detailed research are known. Thus the great question
of the food of fishes, and indirectly therefore the food of man, is bound
up with the plankton. Many fishes feed directly on these small organisms
floating in the water. Other fishes feed on somewhat larger animals, but
even these depend indirectly on planktonic life, which forms the last link
between the minerals dissolved in the water and the complex organic
compounds devoured by the lowest animals. Amongst the microscopic
animals there is a continued struggle, the larger and better-armed feeding
upon the smaller and weaker, and the plankton caught at any time repre-
sents in fact the results of the conflict. The constitution of the plankton
depends, however, in addition to this, on meteorological conditions. We
find plankton present in Lough Neagh in great abundance all the year
round, but the organisms are by no means the same at different seasons.
There are some characteristic winter forms ; others appear first in spring,
and soon become very abundant and then die off towards summer. All
the interesting changes can only be followed by an investigation of the
water at regular intervals through a period of at least one year. As
far as the plankton is concerned, the water of Lough Neagh is very
prolific. For the whole year there is a total volume of plankton produced,
per cubic metre, which exceeds that of the water of the Irish Sea. This
plankton is very similar in character to that of some North European
lakes and differs considerably from that of the Scottish lochs and lakes
of the English Lake District. The resemblance to certain North German
lakes is still further increased by the presence of Mysis relicta, which
though not strictly speaking a planktonic organism,, must be considered
with the plankton. Whereas on land the most productive regions are in
the tropics, the conditions are reversed in the water, and both fresh water
lakes as well as the seas and oceans in temperate and Arctic regions are
far more productive, as far as plankton and fish life is concerned, than
tropical waters.

March 29. — Archaeological Section. — Mrs. Hobson read a paper
entitled " The ' Fogous ' and other Cornish antiquities." The paper, which
was illustrated by lantern slides, was followed by an interesting discussion.

April 25. — The President (Robert J. Welch, M.R.I. A.) in the chair.
F. Balfour Browne, M.A., F.Z.S., presented his report as delegate to
the Corresponding Societies' Conference of the British Association. A
discussion followed upon points raised in the delegates' report, in which
the President, Dr. Dwerryhouse, N. H. Foster and H. L. Orr joined.
J. A. S. Stendall read a paper on " Rare old Chester."

April 28 — Annual Meeting. — The President (Robert J. Welch)
in the chair. The Hon. Secretary (A. W. Stelfox) read the forty-
eighth annual report. During the season just ended twenty new members
were elected, of whom eighteen have qualified for membership by paying
the necessary fees. Against this there have been seven deaths and
twenty-two resignations, leaving the membership of the Club on ist
April, 191 1, at 386. The death of S. A. Stewart, one of the five founders

146 The Irish Naturalist. August,

of the Club, has left a breach which for many years is not Ukely to be
filled. A sum has been raised and a monument, consisting of a rude
standing stone, with inlet bronze medallion, is being erected upon Stewart's
grave to perpetuate his memory. The death of Professor T. Rupert
Jones, of Chesham, Bucks, one of the three honorary members of the
Club, will be deeply regretted. Professor Jones was formerly professor
of geology at Sandhurst, and gave great assistance to those of our
members engaged in study of foraminifera. A considerable amount
of field work was accomplished on the occasion of the summer
excursions. The winter session was inaugurated by the usual conver-
sazione and lectures, and papers were delivered at the ordinary
monthly and sectional meetings. F. Balfour Browne, M.A., again
represented the Club at the British Association Conference of
Delegates, held in Sheffield in September. The statement of accounts
shows a balance in favour of the Club. The Treasurer (W. H. Phillips),
submitted the statement of accounts. The report of the botanical section
was read by N. Carrothers, the geological report by W. J. C. Tomlinson,
the zoological report by Joseph Maxwell, and the archaeological report
by A. W. Stelfox. These reports were adopted on the motion of the
President (Robert J. Welch), seconded by F. A. Heron. William
Chambers proposed and George Raymond seconded the re-election of
Robert J. Welch as president, a motion which was passed by acclamation.
W. J. C. Tomhnson was re-elected vice-president ; W. H. Phillips
treasurer; Sylvanus Wear, librarian; A. W. Stelfox, Hon. Secretary.
The following ten members of committee were elected :— Robert Bell,
F. Balfour Browne, N. Carrothers, A. R. Dwerryhouse, W. J. Fcnnell,
N. H. Foster, John Hamilton, W. A. Green, H. L. Orr, and Robert Patterson.
A vote of thanks to the retiring Hon. Secretary (Miss Jean Agnew) was
proposed by Joseph Maxwell and seconded by Robert Patterson. A long
discussion upon several points in connection with the rules of the Club
took place, the most important being that proposed by J. A. S. Stendall
namely, the formation of a junior section of the Club at reduced sub-
scription. The question of altering the method of election for committee
was raised by F. Balfour Browne, who proposed that a certain proportion
of the retiring members should be ineligible for re-election for one year.
Several members having spoken in favour of these changes in the rules,
the President pointed out that nothing could be done at the present
meeting, as no notice had been given beforehand of the proposals. Sugges-
tions for places to be visited on the summer excursions having been
received, the meeting terminated with the election of two new members.

June 3.— Geological Section.— Ballydown quarries, Island-
magee.— Leaving Belfast by the 2.15 p.m. train, the members travelled to
Magheramorne, and proceeded by special boat to Mill Bay, Islandmagee.
The old Chalk quarries at Ballydown, about a mile to the north, were then
visited. These still exhibit excellent sections of the Cretaceous strata,
including the Glauconitic Sands, Chloritic Sandstone, and Upper Chalk.
A few fossils, including Exogyra conica, Pecten orbicularis, and Bclemni-
tella mucronata were obtained, and an interesting specimen of flint showing

I9II.

Irish Societies 147

the radiating structure of a sponge was examined. Calcite was fairly
common, and at one place good examples of dolomite crystals were found.
On leaving Ballydown, the walk was continued to Ballylumford, where a
local development of iron-ore beds, in the interbasaltic series, was ex-
amined with interest. The pisolitic ores, formerly mined here, yielded
from 30 to 65 per cent, of metallic iron, and some of the beds contained a
good percentage of free alumina. The party crossed to Larne Harbour
by motor boat, and after tea, left the Harbour Station for Belfast by the
8.10 p.m. train.

June 17. — Excursion to Killard Point, Kilclief Castle, and
Strangford. ^Notwithstanding the heavy rain on Friday night and a
falling barometer, fifty members and friends travelled to Downpatrick
by the twelve o'clock Newcastle express, which, by the courtesy of the
railway officials, was stopped at Crossgar to allow the party to change
into the Downpatrick train, which followed a few minutes later. Brakes
were in waiting, and the party proceeded to Ballyhornan Bay and the
promontory of Killard, where they were timed to arrive at 2.15. On the
way the holy wells of Struell, attributed to St. Patrick, were pointed out,
also the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. The absence of dust, owing
to the previous night's rain, made the drive most enjoyable, and the air
was fragrant with the perfume of wild roses and honeysuckle. Arrived
at Killard, the party dispersed over the promontory for lunch and natural
history work, the botanists especially meeting with good success. At
3.30 the drive was continued to Kilclief Castle, which was entered and
examined by a number of the party, while a short paper supplied by
W. Gray, M.R.I. A., describing the ancient fortress, was read. Strangford
was reached about 4.30, where the party was entertained to tea by the
Rev. Charles K. and Mrs. Pooler, of Downpatrick. Afterwards a short
business meeting was held. Dr. Dwerryhouse occupying the chair, and
expressing the thanks of the Club to Dr. and Mrs. Pooler on this the second
occasion of their kindness to the members. He was ably seconded by
the Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University, Belfast,
and after the election of five new members and an announcement regarding
a new rule of the Club by which a junior branch is to be inaugurated
for younger members, with special features and facilities for natural
history study, the meeting terminated.- Before starting on the return
journey a number of the party visited the garden and demesne of Oldcourt,
the seat of Baron de Ros. On the return journey to Downpatrick, the
very old church of Raholp was passed, believed to be the second oldest
church in the county.

Among the plants noted on the excursion may be mentioned Calystegia
Soldanella, Houndstongue, and the Sea Holly, Eryngium maritimum,
The four common species of woodlice and Aymadillidium vulgare were
abundant at Killard, while Trichoniscus roseus and Cylisticiis convexus
occurred in the greenhouse at Oldcourt. The common snail Helix
aspersa was present everywhere, and Pupa muscorum and Helicella barbara
were taken at Killard Point.

148 The Irish Natnralisl. August, 191 1.

NOTES,

BOTANY.

Secale cereale in Co. Donegal.
When exploring some of the waste land and sandhills in the vicinity
of Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, on June 10, I gathered a grass which I did
not know. I sent a specimen to Mr. Praeger, and it has been identified by-
Miss Knowles from specimens in the Herbarium in the National Museum.
There were, perhaps, forty or fifty heads distributed sparingly over some
sandy, marshy ground, near to the sandhills and about a quarter of a
mile from the sea. The place is nearly midway between Ballyshannon
and Donegal, not near a sea -port or railway. The district is thinly
populated, and there is very little cultivation, the land being mostly
pasture and old meadow. It is not easy to conjecture how the grass
has been introduced, as there are few more secluded and out-of-the -world

parts of Donegal than its present habitat.

M. J. Leebody.
Londonderry.

ZOOLOGY.

Some New Irish Barnacles.

Certain barnacles belonging to the genus Scalpellum obtained by the
Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture within the Irish marine
area, were sent to Dr. Annandale of the Calcutta Museum to be named.
Dr. Annandale reports {Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (8) vol. vii., pp. 588-
590, 191 1 ), that most of them belong to the two common species 5. vtilgare
and S. vehttimtm. A single specimen, however, which was secured from
a stem of Lophohelia in about 700 fathoms off the west coast of Ireland,
seemed to him new, and is now described as Scalpellum {Smilium) Kempt-
Dr. Annandale adds that lie understands the specimen is to be deposited
in the British Museum.

A New Irish Breeding Bird.

I have just found a colony of the Fulmar Petrel breeding on the west
coast of Ireland, an 1 I hope to publish an article on the subject in
the September number of the Irish Naturalist.

Cappagh, Co, Waterford. R. J. Ussher,

REVIEW.

The Lore of the Honey Bee, by Tickner Edvvardes. London : Methuen
& Co. Price is.
Messrs. Methuen first pubUshed this book in 1908 at 6s., it was then
in crown 8vo form and had 24 illustrations, now it is in fcap. 8vo size
without the illustrations, and costs is. It was reviewed in these columns
on its first appearance, and has since been through three editions, so
has evidently found a public. This is not surprising, as the author's style
is most readable and his evident love for his bees infects his readers with
the same feeUng. In its present handy form an I neat binding it should
have a still wider circulation. G.O.S.

September, igii. The Irish Natui-alist. 149

THE FULMAR PETREL BREEDING IN IRELAND.

BY R. J. USSHER, D.L., M.R.I. A.

On the loth of July, 1911, in company with my friend Herr
Lindner, a German pastor and a most observant ornithologist,
I was greatly surprised to find a colony of Fulmars breeding
on a lofty, perpendicular cliff on the north coast of Mayo.
I had previously only seen this species on the wing when
out at sea off the west coast, and I had never visited a
breeding-place ; so I will describe the birds as I found
them. It may help others to identify them elsewhere, and
I trust that when they do so they will do nothing to disturb
or molest these new settlers.

My boatmen told me in reply to my enquiries about
shearwaters that there were white " Cawnoges " in one of
the cliffs, and that they had first appeared there about
four years ago, and were increasing.

They took us to the place referred to, a cliff 700 feet high.
It forms a bastion, battering a little at the bottom where a
colony of Kittiwakes are breeding. All its central portion
is perpendicular, and it overhangs a little at the top, while
the grassy slope above it comes down quite steeply affording
no standing-ground to work a rope if one wanted to descend.
Small colonies and scattered pairs of Razorbills and Puffins
were in occupation of nooks and ledges on the face of the
cliff, but high up my conductor pointed out to me some
few birds on the wing, seemingly about the size of Herring
Gulls, but differing from any gull in form, the wings being
stretched straight out and not shewing the angle at the
carpal joint so conspicuous in a flying gull. These birds
were gliding in circles, sometimes giving a few quivering
flaps, but usually holding the wings level and motionless.
We saw one or two alight on the great cliff beside birds
that resembled them, and were doubtless their mates.

Next morning we climbed the mountain of which this
awful cliff forms the edge, and, finding the spot, I examined
it from the projection of the next cliff-top with a 12-power
Zeiss binocular. I could now see from above the birds

150 The Irish Naturalist. vSeptember,

wheeling on the wing ; their upper surface was grey, but
not of the bright bhiish-grey of the Herring Gulls and
Kittiwakes ; some were of a browner grey and some of a
more ashy grey, and a few had darker and lighter shades in
their mantle, giving them a parti-coloured appearance.

I then examined the birds sitting on their nesting-
places ; these were not crowded together like tliose of
Kittiwakes, but on ledges scattered here and then^ along
the cliff-face, and appeared to be earthy, and in some cases,
at least, edged with growing vegetation ; occasionally in
a recess overhung by the rock above. In one instance I
saw two birds sitting on the same ledge close together. I
remarked that a hatching bird sat with her white head and
neck held upright, as in Mr. Kearton's pliotograph of a
Fulmar on her nest,i and not in the crouching attitude
of a gull, while the wings appeared to be drooped loosely
from the body.

I counted eighteen of these sitting Fulmars, but there
were probably more out of my range of view ; all that I
saw were about the same part of the cliff, which I believe
to be about 400 feet above the water. The Herring Gull
will occasionally breed on similar ledges, but scarcely so
high up ; and these birds, from their form, deportment,
and manner of flight, differed conspicuously from gulls.

I had now assured myself that they were Fulmars, but
in the afternoon, when we were returning from some islands,
several of them flew close past and round our boat with
the peculiar gliding flight, not unlike that of a shearwater ;
we could see their thick heads, and recognised them plainly
as Fulmars. They flew to the breeding cliff I have des-
cribed.

On the 14th July, as we were sailing to Black Rock
lighthouse, and not far from our destination, we met with
one Fulmar and also a Manx Shearwater, and had an
additional opportunity of observing their flight.

Since my brief notice of the above discovery appeared
in the Irish Naturalist (p. 148) I have been informed by
Mr. Nevin H. Foster that Messrs. Herbert Malcomson and

i " Our Rarer British Bir Is," pagf 76.

19^1- UssHER. — The Fulmar Petrel Breeding in Ireland. 151

Ernest Green saw a colony of about twenty Fulmars on an
Ulster cliff in May of this year, and were informed that
these birds first appeared in the locality the previous year
and remained during the breeding season.

Hitherto Fulmars have been chiefly known to us in
Ireland as oceanic birds, to be met with (as Mr. Farran
reports) at all seasons when one goes about 20 miles into
the Atlantic. They seldom or never have been met with
on shore, except when storm-driven, and in a dead or dying
condition, and their breeding-range has never before
extended in Europe so far south as Ireland. They have
been known to breed in great numbers on the St. Kilda
islands as long as there is any record ; and since 1878, when
they bred on Foula (Shetlands), they have extended their
range from point to point among the islands of northern
Scotland and the coasts of Sutherland and Caithness. Mr.
Harvie Brown has kindly sent me a map showing the dates
when Fulmars were first found breeding in the several
localities, and I am glad to learn that he is preparing a full
statement on the subject, which will shortly appear in the
Annals of Scottish Natural History. He remarks, after
some discussion : — " I think there remains no doubt now
that the Irish Fulmars are true offshoot colonies, unin-
fluenced by any whaling operations."

It has been suggested that the advent of these birds to
our coasts has been brought about by the establishment of
two whaling-stations, at Inishkea and at Blacksod Bay,
but I am unable to attach much weight to this suggestion.
These whaling-stations are situated on the west coast, at
a distance by sea of more than twenty-five miles from the
Fulmars' colony, which is on the xorth coast, and the latter
is between ninety and a hundred miles from the cliff on
which Mr. Foster's friends found birds of the same species
in May, 1910. It is true that whales are towed in to the
stations, where they are cut up ; but every portion of
their bodies is there used up, and no Fulmars are to be
seen in the neighbourhood of these stations.

I understand moreover, that the whaling steamers
chiefly go west from the Irish stations, and how this

A 2

152 The bish Nahiralist. September,

could attract the birds to the north coast of Ulster, or
even to the north coast of Mayo, I fail to understand.

It is, however, plain that the Fulmars are increasing and
spreading on the coasts of the British Islands, and fresh
breeding stations may be looked for on Irish cliffs.

Cappagli, Co. Watcrfonl.

FURTHER NOTES ON THL: FULMAR.

BY R. M. BARRINGTON, M.A., F.L.S,

My friend Mr. Ussher has kindly permitted me to read his
account of the Fulmar nesting in Mayo — a most interesting,
but not unexpected, discovery, for probably no other
European bird has so continuously extended its breeding
range during the past hundred years.

Darwin {Origin of Sf>ecies, ed. 4, p. y^) says it is the
most numerous bird in the world, but Professor Newton
thinks {Did. of Birds, p. 296) that to render such a statement
probable, its Pacific and also its Antarctic representative
must be united with it. Anyhow, the Fuhnar Petrel, as
we know it, is one of the commonest oceanic species
between Europe and America, and though only about the
size of a Common Gull, it is the nearest representative of
the Albatross in the North Atlantic. It has been con-
fused time out of mind with various species of gull by
the passengers on our Atlantic liners, and these gulls
have frequently obtained credit for the great buoyancy and
gracefulness of flight so characteristic of the Fulmar.

Mr. Harvie Brown, in his Fauna of the North West
Highlands and Skye (1904, p. 359), is surprised at its
absence from Ireland, for he says — " I wiU only ask one
question, viz. — How is it that no expansion has yet become
evident to the coasts of Ireland ? " and subsequently, in
letters to me, suggested Donegal and Rathlin Island as
probable early settlements.

At one time the Fulmar was, with the single exception
of St. Kilda, an almost Arctic breeding species.

I91I. BarringTon. — Furthcf Notes on the Fulmar. 153

In 1839 it was first noticed at the Faroe Islands, midway
between Shetland and Iceland. I visited a station there,
situated on the remote island of Myggenaes, twenty years
ago, and found a considerable colony there.

In 1878 it was observed breeding on a cliff about 1,100 feet
high on Foula, one of the most inaccessible of the Shet-
land Isles. When I inspected this locality the birds
chiefly occupied the top 100 feet of the cliff.

About 1891 the Orkney Islands were reached, and in 1898
my old friend Howard Saunders found them on the
mainland of Scotland, at Cape Wrath ; thence they have
spread round the coasts of Sutherland and Caithness, and
extended to the Flannan Isles, &c.

The old station at the " south isles of Barra," said by
Gray {Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 449) to have been
abandoned in 1844, is a doubtful record.

During a prolonged stay on St. Kilda, I frequently
descended the face of the Great Cliff (Conacher, 1,400 feet)
with the St. Kildeans when catching Fulmars and other
sea-birds, being specially interested both in the birds them-
selves and in the climbing abilities of the natives ; for, as a
member of the Alpine Club, I was anxious to compare their
skiU with that of the Swiss guides.

The Fulmar makes no nest ; it usually selects ledges,
with some kind of vegetation scattered here and there,
generally grass, and chooses a natural depression, either on
grass or on the rock behind it, and here it lays its single
white egg. It is very tame, and sometimes remains sitting
until the intruder is within 3 feet, when it ejects with
some force about half a wineglassful of strong -smelling oil,
the scent of which is extremely difficult to remove from
one's clothes.

When I visited the Mayo station with Mr. Robert Warren
during the first week in August this year, most of the
Fulmars had left, and only four or live old birds and a couple
of nestlings remained. The situation was probably the
most inaccessible I have seen, midway on the north-east
face of a perpendicular cliff about 700 feet high.

154 -^ 1^^ Irish Naturalist. September,

The Fulmar is so abundant, its breeding stations are now
so numerous, and its eggs quoted at such low price in
dealers' catalogues, that I have no fear of its extermination.
Its occurrence in Ireland is but part of the great over-
flow from St. Kilda and stations further north, which has
been in progress since Faroe was first colonised, seventy-two
years ago, and which has not yet been arrested.

Its extension has no more to do with whaling stations
than (to use the old illustration) "Tenterden steeple has to
do with the Goodwin Sands," for no Fulmars are to be seen
near the Irish whaling stations, and every particle of
blubber, bone and blood, is now used up at the factories
for oil or manure.

The flesh of the Fulmar I ate at St. Kilda resembled
boiled chicken ; it is delicate in flavour, and has scarcely
any fishy taste.

In Colgan's paper on Irish Plant and Animal names on
Clare Island, Proc. R.I. A,, 1911, p. 21, "White Caurogue"
is applied to the Hooded Crow — which in N. Mayo is called
Finnogue. I mention this as "White Cawnogue" and
" White Caurogue" sound so much alike.

Fassaroe, Bray.

ON TWO EXOTIC SPECIES OF WOODLICE FOUND

IN IRELAND.

BY NEVIN II. FOSTER, M.B.O.U.

As announced in this Journal, p. 95 supra, in the course of
collecting in the greenhouses of the Botanic Gardens Park,
Belfast, in company with Messrs. A. W. Stelfox and R. J.
Welch, we took some small white woodlice which have
proved to be new to the Irish fauna. Doubtless these
animals were introduced with imported plants, but as they
may be found elsewhere in this country under similar
conditions, and as nothing respecting them has hitherto been
published in English, it has been considered advisable that
their characteristics should be now recorded. The specimens
taken were submitted to Mr. D. R. Pack Bcresford and were

igii- Foster. — Two Exotic Species of Woodlice in Ireland. 155

sent by him to Professor Budde-Lund, who confirmed the
identification. I have to thank Mr. Pack Beresford for his
vahiable assistance in estabhshing the identity of these
woodhce, and for searching out the information concerning
them which is embodied in this paper ; also Mr. Davis, the
curator of the park, for assistance on various occasions.

Trichorina tomentosa, Budde-Lund.

Alloniscus tomentosus, Budde-Lund.

Bathytropa thermopliila, Dollfus.

The following is taken from Professor Budde-Lund's
description of Alloniscus tomentosus, which he afterwards
changed to Trichorina tomentosa. " Body oblong oval,
rather convex ; the whole surface very densely furnished
with scaly hairs. Antennae unknown. Eyes small, simple.
Frontal lobe of the head slightly produced ; lateral lobes
small, rounded. Posterior, edge of first body-segment
curved, of the three succeeding segments nearly straight or
very slightly curved at each side ; suture lines being visible
on segments 2, 3, and 4. Telson triangular, short, twice as
broad as long, with obtuse apex slightly projecting beyond
the lateral plates of the last abdominal segment. Colour
white. Length 3 "5 mm., width 1*5 mm." The above
description is of a single specimen taken by Dr. Meinert at
Las Trincheras, Venezuela, in December, 1891. M. Adrien
Dollfus describes this species from specimens taken in a
hot greenhouse in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, under the
name Bathytropa thermophila, and says that the antennae
have a biarticulate flagellum, the proximal joint being only
one-third the length of the distal joint. He further states
that the telson is as long as broad, and cites the dimensions
of this woodlouse as 2:|- x i mm. In our opinion the speci-
mens taken in Belfast are more readily recognisable from
M. Dollfus' description than from that of Prof. Budde-Lund.
About a dozen specimens of this species were obtained in
Belfast, several of them being mature, and some of these
have been placed in the National Museum, Dublin. Al-
though the British Museum (London) possesses specimens

1^6 The Irish Naturalist. September,

of Trichorina tomenfosa taken in Kew Gardens, we are not
aware that any notice of this species having been taken in
the British Islands has hitherto been pubhshed.

Nagara nana, Budde-Lund.

Of this species we obtained only a single specimen in the
Belfast Botanic Gardens, which has been retained by Prof.
Budde-Lund, who writes that it agrees with his published
description of the species, from which we take the following.
" Nagara is a sub-genus of Porcellio. N. nana — Surface
minutely granular especially on the head and in the middle
of the first segment ; the rest of the surface thickly covered
with minute scales. Antennje scarcely exceeding in length
one-third of the body ; all the joints of the peduncle thickish,
the proximal joint of the fiagellum small, one-third the
length of the distal joint. Lateral lobes of the head rather
small, median lobe prominent and slightly curved forwards.
Clypeus slightly convex. The posterior edges of first and
second body segments strongly curved, of the third segment
nearly straight. Abdominal segments i and 2 short, the
lateral plates of segments 3, 4, and 5 mediocre, separated,
roundly triangular. Telson slightly projecting beyond the
lateral plates of last abdominal segment, triangular, with its
sides curved broadly inwards, slightly concave above, with
sharpish apex. Colour grey, with paler oblong spots on the
body ; segments forming a pale longitudinal line ; legs
white; antenn;e often whitish. Length, 4 -5-4 -7 mm.,
width 2 '3-2 '5 mm. This species was found by Dr.
Voeltzkow at Lokube on the island of Nossibe, off the N.W.
coast of Madagascar, in 1895, and by Commandant Dorr, at
Ankarefa and Tamatave, East Madagascar, in 1897." So
far as we can ascertain, these are the only published re-
ferences to this species.

Hillsborough, Co. Down.

igii. Reviews. 1 57

REVIEWS.

A PRIMER OF EVOLUTION.

Evolution. By Patrick Geddes and J. Arthur Thomson. Pp. 256.
London : Williams and Norgate (Home University Library of Modern
Knowledge). Price 15. net.

Prof. Thomson is acting as Editor for the scientific volumes of this
admirable series, the readers of which may congratulate themselves that
he has himself undertaken , in collaboration with Prof. Geddes, to write
this most important contribution to the biological section. There have
been not a few small books on the great subject of evolution published
during the last thirty years ; the distinctive mark of this one is the human
and especially the social standpoint from which the subject is approached.
For example, the presentation of the " evidences of evolution " begins
with a few suggestive lines on Darwin — " the supreme field -naturalist at
once widest and intensest " — as influenced by his voyage on the " Beagle."
Each step in the argument is linked with the personahty of some dis-
tinguished investigator, and every conclusion serves to throw light on
seme problem of human life. A sentence from the conclusion of the third
chapter, on " Great Steps in Evolution," well illustrates the tone of the
writers' minds and the trend of their thought : " Hygiene, engineering and
irrigation, agriculture and forestry, and all such strenuous careers are already
opening perspectives lately undreamed by youth, struggles for existence
nobler and more sustainedly strenuous than those of war." In their
comments on the anti-social deductions drawn by certain modern students
of heredity and on "the incipient art of Eugenics," our authors rightly
point out that " the greatest practical controversy of our science, in
comparison to which all others have been but academic " is " that
ultimately between the Herodian and Magian view and treatment of the
child, and between essential renewals of the Caesarist and of the Christian
ideals of the community."

Turning to the more strictly biological aspect of the subject, we find
almost every question that has divided naturalists into opposing schools
during the last half century is discussed wisely and impartially. The
space at the authors' disposal is, of course, restricted, but so suggestive
are their brief remarks on use-inheritance and selection, biometrical and
Mendelian methods, mnemic theories and vitalism, that the student
cannot fail to gather many valuable hints and to receive fresh light on the
controversies of the day as he reads the pages of this handy little book.
In the last chapter : " The Evolution Process once more Reinterpreted,"
the authors give us, " not dogmatically pressed but suggestively offered,"
a reasoned plea for the cardinal importance of the organism itself as the

158 The In s/i Naturalist. September,

centro tlirough wliicli definite variations are worked ont, the antithesis of
nutrition an 1 reproduction — as might be expected from former specu-
lations of theirs — taking a prominent place. On this view of the
evolutionary process, "the importance we have been taught by Darwin
to assign to natural selection becomes greatly changed — from selecting and
accumulating supposed intleflnite variations, to that mainly of retarding
definite ones, after their maximum utility has been independently reached
. it furnishes the brake rather than the steam or the rails for the
journey of life." It is perhaps likely that future research will justify our
authors' belief in the importance of " definite variations." As things are,
it is well that such speculations should not be " dogmatically pressed."

G. H. C.

AN INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY.

The Animal World. By F. W. Gamble, F.R.S., with Introduction ])v
b}- Sir Oliver Lodge, F.R.S. Pp. 256. London : Williams and Norgate
(Home University Library of Modern Knowledge). Price 15. net.

In this brightly -written volume the reader will find an excellent intro-
duction to the study of animal life. Prof. Gamble's book is not a condensed
zoological text-book of the ordinary kind, but comprises a series of vivid
sketches of various aspects from which animals may be regarded. Opening
with a chapter on structure and classification, he gives us successively
accounts of Animal Movements and Distribution, the (juest for Food,
Breathing, Colour, Senses, Societies, the Care for Young, Life-Histories,
and finally Heredity and X'ariation. It may perhaps be doubted if the first
chapter is well adapted to lead a beginner into zoological paths. To
introduce at once the unfamiliar Protozoa, and then the groups of the
animal kingdom set forth in terms of the germ -layer and coeloni theories,
runs counter to the sound educational })ractice of leading the learner from
the known to the unknown. Nevertheless this first chapter is a masterly
piece of summarised writing.

The subsequent chapters, treated from the physiological or the bionomic
standpoint, are thoroughly attractive and inspiring ; nothing more likely
to arouse interest in animal life can be imagined. Old and familiar
facts may here be found in a new setting, combined with many recent
discoveries, and the reader cannot fail to realise that zoology, truly con-
ceived, is a study of life and function. Among the few inevitable slips it
may be pointed out that the rostrum or modified second maxilla; of the
Hcmiptera is not a lancet-like instrument or a piercing hollow spine (p. 82),
but the sheath in which the actual piercers — mandibles and first maxilla; —
work to and fro. The book is illustrated by a number of useful but roughly
executed drawings.

G. H. C.

191 1- hish Societies. 159

BRITISH AND IRISH BIRDS.

The British Bird Book : Edited by F. B. Kirkman, B.A. Oxon.
Parts II. to V. London and Edinburgh : T. C. & E. C. Jack.

The expectations that were raised by the issue of Part I. of the British
Bird Book (reviewed in the December number) are more than fulfilled by
the succeeding Parts (II. to V. inclusive), which not only impress one
at sight by the great beauty of the numerous coloured plates, but also
repay attentive reading by the originality with which many of the chapters
are written and the general truthfulness to nature that is shown in all.
Irish naturalists will be pleased to find that the newly distinguished
Irish Dipper and Irish Coal Titmouse are duly recognised in their proper
places in Parts III. and V., though Part I., in which the Corvidae are dealt
with, had unfortunately appeared too soon to allow of a similar compU-
ment being shown to the Irish Jay. One is inclined to ask whether, now
that these distinctions have been made out, Mr. Jourdain, who contributes
most of the notes on distribution, should have stated without some
indication of uncertainty that the British Coal Titmouse " occurs in
the Isle of Man." This is, no doubt, probable, in view of the fact that
the Coal Titmouse of the Isle of Man is generally supposed to be only a
recent settler — even more recent than the Blue Tit — in that island. This
belief, however, only lends additional interest to the question whether
the Coal Tit of Man marks a departure from the general rule of affinity,
which so strikingly connects the Manx and Irish faunas.

One of the most interesting chapters in any of the five parts that have
yet appeared is Mr. Kirkman's careful study of the Robin, in the course
of which he presents us with a map showing how a particular piece of
and under his observation was parcelled out during winter among six
individual Robins, none of whom would tolerate any trespass on the part
of any of his neighbour Robins on his jealously watched domain. It was,
as Mr. Kirkman says, no easy matter to define the limits of the several
properties, since to do this one had to guard against the risk of confusing
the identity of neighbouring Robins ; but it will be acknowledged by all
ornithologists that the result of Mr. Kirkman's care was well worth the
labour. An examination of his map shows that some of the six birds had
to content themselves with absurdly small areas, while others, presumably
the best fighters, possessed properties "of considerable size and value
but these last were ceaselessly on the look-out to punish intrusion, and it
would probably have been quite impossible for a seventh Kobin, unless
by expulsion of one of the original six, to establish himself anywhere
within the area under survey.

Some doubt may be expressed as to whether Mr. Kirkman does not
dismiss too summarily the belief that the Nightjar's pectinated claw is
sometimes of use in enabling the bird to hold its position sitting length-
wise on its perches. His chief argument to the contrary — that the
pectinations are of too yielding a character to be of use in preventing
side slips — would be a strong one if the bird always roosted in such a

l6o The Irish Nahira/hl. September,

position as is shown in Mr. Seaby's singularly beautiful plate — one of
the finest in this fine series — representinjr a male Nightjar at rest on the
broad branch of a pine tree. There, no doul)t, the j)ectination could
very well be dispensed with. But the Nightjar is not so strictly a bird
of the woodland as always to have pine trees, or trees of any kind, about
its liomc. In many of its haunts stems of gorse-bushes, and even stalks
of heather, form the customary roost, and on some of these it is difficult
to see how the bird could possibly sit lengthwise without the lateral
pectinations to give it some kind of grasp. Observations miglit well be
made on the habits of Nightjars in captivity to settle this question, which
has been under discussion since the days of Gilbert White.

C. B. M.

IRISH SOCIETIES.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

July i. — Excursion to Baron's Court. — A party of tliirty-eight
members and friends travelled by the 7.30 a.m. train to Newtownstewart.
Newtownstewart was reached at 9.35 o'clock, and after a brief interval
the party set off on cars for their destination.

Baron's Court — including the house and demesne of 5,000 acres — is
charmingly situated in a narrow valley about two miles south-west of
Newtownstewart. Within the demesne the lowest ground in the line
of the valley liottom is occupied by a chain of three long narrow lakelets
The modern house, dating from the latter part of the eigliteenth century,
stands on a terrace on the eastern side of the middle lake, known as Lough
Fanny. On the west side the woods and pastures of the park slope upward
towards the bare moorland of Mullaghcroy Hill (805 feet) ; on the east
they stretch up along the steeper slopes of Bessy Bell, whose heath -clad
summit reaches an elevation of 1,387 feet. It is on the Bessy Bell side
that the modern dccrpark is maintained. The view northward from
the castle embraces the whole of Lough Catherine, the largest of the
three loughlets. The surrounding hills arc mainly composed of meta-
morphic schists, gneisses, and quartzites. Sands, gravels, boulder clays,
and drifts of Glacial and post-Glacial origin fill the valleys and clothe the
hill flanks. Huge accumulations of this kind stretch across the mouth
of the Baron's Court valley, between the demesne and the town of New-
townstewart.

The gardener and forester conducted separate groups to various
points and places of interest, which did much to enhance the value of
the time spent in the grounds. Under their guidance, the members
moved about from place to place, and examined almost everything of
liistorical, antiquarian, and natural history interest. Of course it is
needless to say that the very extensive gardens, greenhouses, and pleasure-
grounds came in for a large share of attention, but the old castles and
cromlechs had their admirers too. By means of boats some dredging

19^1' Irish Societies. i6i

was done in the lakes. On the island in the centre of Lough Catherine
there is a considerable heronry, and several young Herons were seen flying
about. It may be noted that thirty-nine species of birds were observed
during the day, all of them being common species. On an elevation
in the woods, on the east side of the lake, stand the extensive ruins of
an old castle dating back to pre -Plantation days, now the ivy-clad home
of owls and Jackdaws. In a corner of it were the remains of a Wild Duck's
nest, where a brood had been successfully hatched a few weeks ago.
Baron's Court is one of the two recorded breeding places of the Redstart
in Ireland, but the forester, who knows the bird and saw the nests for
two years in succession, said that it had not been seen there for the past
twelve years.

About three o'clock the members began to assemble together again
at the castle. The botanists had nothing specially new to report beyond
what has already been listed from the locality by Miss M. C. Knowles in
the Irish Naturalist for March, 1897. Oi^e member who collected lichens
handed in a good list, and has still other species yet to be identified.
Large collections of centipedes, millipedes, spiders, mites, and harvest-
men, as well as insects of various sub-orders, were taken for examination.
The four common species of woodlice were seen, but searchers were
rewarded by the finding in the hothouses of Trichoniscus roseus, Metopo-
northns pruinosus, Cylisticus convexus, and Arniadillidium nasatum, none
of these species having been previously noted from County Tvrone, Dry
weather militated against a large list of Mollusca, but most of the local
species, with the exception of Helix hortensis, were obtained. In the
woods Zonitoides excavatus, Acaiithinitla lamellata, and Acicula lineata
were the best finds, the last-named being a new record for Tyrone. The
fresh -water species were not well represented, but Planorbis crista added
another species to the county list. In the small pond in the bog garden
a large species of Spheerium, doubtless imported, may prove interesting.
The cars were mounted at 3.40, and the return drive to Newtown-
stewart made. On arrival at the Abercorn Arms Hotel, tea was ready.
A brief business meeting was held, the President (R. J. Welch) occupying
the chair. Immediately after the members made their way on foot to
the railway station.

The river in the vicinity of the station is very picturesque. It has
long been known for its pearls, which arc found in the Pearl Mussel, Mar-
garitina margaritifera, but few pearls of value have, it was learned, been
got this season. This was probably due to the ruthless destruction of
the shells by the more ignorant pearl fishers. In view of this destruction,
steps should be taken to preserve the younger sliells, which cannot, in
the nature of things, contain pearls of any value. The party having
entrained at 5.40, reached Belfast at 8.10.

July 12-15. — Three-day Excursion to Cavan District. — Cavan
was reached shortly after eleven o'clock, and here the party received
accessions on the arrival of the Dublin and Limerick members. Imme-
diately after arrival lunch was served in the headquarters, the Farnham
Hotel, and on its conclusion brakes were in readiness to convey the

I62 The Irish Naturalist. September,

members to the cathedral of Kihnore. After a thorough inspection of
the church and its precincts, the drive was continued to the demesne of
Killykeen. In the tea-house on the shore of Lough Oughter afternoon
tea was served, and the members scattered to indulge in their varied
avocations. At 6.30 the return drive commenced. After dinner the
members were conducted to the Gallows Hill, the rounded summit of
which is capped with boulder-clay and almost devoid of vegetation.
The country all around bears testimony to the moulding effects of an
ice-age.

Starting from tlie hotel at nine o'clock on Tluirsday, the route lay
northwards to Butler's Bridge, where was crossed the River Anna, the
main feeder of the Cavan lakes from the east ; and shortly afterwards a
halt was called at Baker's Bridge, under the arches of which flows the
River Erne, on this occasion practically little more than a dry river-bed.
Here a short time was spent. Remounting the brakes, tlie drive was
continued to th(^ village of Milltown, from which all proceeded on foot to
the ruins of the abbey church and round tower of Drumlane. Shortly
before three o'clock the conductor's whistle sounded the time for depar-
ture.

One and a half hours were spent in Belturbet, some of the members
visiting the Parish Church, wliilst others explored the town or collected
by the river's bank, and at live o'clock the return drive was commenced,
the morning's route being rejoined at Drumalure. Skirting the shore of
Annagh Lough, the ruins of the old church and abbey of Annagh were
observed, and soon afterwards twenty minutes was allowed to enable the
botanists to search the extensive bog of Drumsillagh. .\ftcr dinner the
customary business meeting was held, the President (R. J. Weleli) in the
chair.

Nine o'clock on Friday morning found all the members seated in the
brakes awaiting the starting signal, and about half an hour later Farnham
demesne was entered. Passing the front of Farnham House, the avenue
led through old woods, which, by the tall, straight growth of the tree
trunks, gave evidence of careful supervision during growth. On reaching
the southern end of Farnham Lake, all dismounted, and the botanists
set out to explore the recesses of Derrygid Wood and the margins of
the several lakes situated in the demesne. The gardens claimed the
attention of some, and the many scenic vistas throughout the demesne
gave opportunities to artists and photographers to secure mementoes of
a pleasant day. The party returned to Belfast by the 4.55 train.

The following is a brief yesumt' of the best finds of the botanists : —
Neckera pumila, a moss rare in the North of Ireland, and previously
unrecorded from County Cavan, was found growing on a large sycamore
at Kilmore Cathedral, where also the Rough Chervil and the hepatic
Lunularia cruciata were observed. At Killykeen were seen Juncus glaucus
(a rush common only on limestone), Ctirex acuta, and the moss Barbula cur-
virostre. In Derrywinny Bog, near Killykeen, were noted Dyoseva anglica
and Rhynchospora alba, whilst here the Purple Loosetrife, Lysimachia,
and the Valerian, Sec, were very poor and starved owing to drought.

rgii- No/e^. 163

On Baker's Bridge Ceterach ofjicinarum was seen. At Drumlane were
noted Inula Helenium, Stum angustifolium, Sambucus Ebiilus, Chrysan-
themum Partheniiim on the walls ; and in the lake a curious alga floating
like tiny green balls in the water. In Drumsillagh bog were noted
Utriailaria sp. and Rhynchospora alba. In the Farnham woods were
Euonymus europcBUS, Carex Pseitdo-cyperiis, and the rare moss Neckera
puuiUa was found on several trees. Osmunda regalis was observed in
more than one locality. The ornithologists reported having observed
sixty-seven species of birds, among which may be mentioned the Garden
Warbler and a flock of Goldfinches. Nearly every one of the numerous
lakes under observation was occupied by one or more pairs of Great
Crested Grebes, in some cases accompanied by their broods, as were also
the Mute Swans. A striking zoological feature of the district was the
abundance of dragon flies of several species, and also the presence, often
noted, of that large and beautiful butterfly, the Silver-washed Fritillary,
an insect not well known in our home counties. Among the crustaceans
the following were obtained : — The amphipod Gammarus locusta, and the
isopod Asellus aqnaticus, both of these being found commonly in the
lakes and streams ; whilst of the terrestrial isopods (woodlice) eight
species were taken, viz. — Trichonisciis pusillns, Philoscia muscorum,
Oniscus asellus, and Porcellio scaber previously recorded from the county,
with Trichoniscus roseus, T. pygmcBus, Porcellio pictus, and Metoponorthtts
pruinosus, which had not hitherto been observed in County Cavan. The
native woods of Cavan provide many sanctuaries for the old woodland
fauna, so often scarce elsewhere, and this is specially true of the land-
mollusca, which here find the shade and moisture so essential to their
existence. Hyalinia iiitidula was in great profusion under beeches in
Derrygid Wood, as also C!au:.ilia laminata, which was noted everywhere
under old logs, branches, an 1 leaves, and not confined to beeches, as so
often stated. Helix arbusiorum was abundant among nettles in one old
graveyard, this being a new county record, and was found here in company
with Succinea putris. The lakes and waterways yielded many fluviatile
species. Planorbis carinatiis and P. vortex being common, whilst dredgings
at Killykeen and Farnham lakes gave Valvata piscinalis in quantity.
Anodonta cygnea was noted in Lough Oughter and Farnham Lake, and
in the River Erne, at Belturbet. Fresh-water sponges were found at
Killykeen, and in great profusion at Baker's Bridge.

NOTES.

BOTANY.

New Locality for Adiantum Capillus-Veneris.

In a walk on July ist, from Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, to Ardrahan,
Co. Galway, crossing Burren into the limestone plain of Galway, I found
in the parish of Killinny, about four miles from Gort, a luxuriant plant of
Adiantum Capillus-Veneris. According to Irish Topographical Botany,
this fern being found in S.E. Galway is a new record.

M. E. Prescott-Decie.

164 The Irish Naturalist. September, 191 1

County Dublin Plants.

On June 28th, while llower hunting on Kippure Mountain, we came
on about a dozen or even more plants of Var.cinium Oxycoccos growing
high up near the top of the bog, on the north side of the mountain. As
near as I can gather, we must have been about 1,700 feet up. Seeing
by Mr. Colgan's book that the flower had not been found there before,
I wrote and told him of our lind, and he suggested I slioidd write to the
Irish Naturalist. Again, on June 30th, we found the plant growing on
Seefingan Mountain, almost at the summit, on the northern side. There
were fewer plants there than on Kippure. I had no aneroid with me on
those two days, so the heights are not certain, but I have since got one
and have been very nearly in the same places. Also in the spring I found
Helleborus fcetidus, growing along a hedge, at right angles to the main
north road, about one mile south of Julianstown. It looked quite wild
there, and Avas well established all along the hedge.

Swords, Co. Dublin.

J. O'Callaghan.

ZOOLOGY.

Caricea means in Co. Donegal.

When dredging in lakes, land insects are not infrequently found on or
among the contents of the dredge after they have been turned out on grass
or heather where presumably the animals have been lying concealed until
disturbed by the debris. In this way, in July, when dredging in Lough
Aghvog, Co. Donegal, I detained a fly which was identified at the British
Museum as a female, specimen of Caricea means Mg.

Herbert Trevei.van.

Naval and Mihtary Club,
London, W.

Local name for the Ghost Moth.

I was talking to a young man in Ncwry who takes some interest in
natural history, and he described to me a moth which he said as a boy
he often ran after and which was evidently the Ghost Moth (Hcpialus
humuli). He told me that where he then lived it was called the " Seven
Sleepers." His home is in Co. Antrim, I think near Baliymena. He
said that his father and everyone who spoke of the moth always called it
by this name, so it is evidently a local name for this moth. I don't see
any connection between the moth and sleep, so the name is probably a
corruption of some older name, and it would be very interesting if this

could be traced.

W. F. Johnson.
Poyntzpass.

October, 191 1. JJie Irish Naturalist. 165

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF INISHBOFIN,

BY R. I.r OYD PRAEGEK.

Not long ago I had occasion to draw np comparative
lists of the floras of Clare Island, Inishturk, and Inishbofin,
for the purposes of the Phanerogamia section of the Clare
Island report. The result was to show so remarkable a
poverty in the Bofin flora, that I determined to pay a
brief visit to the island to try to fill some of the more
conspicuous gaps in the list of its plants. Accordingly
three days (of which half a day was lost owing to heavy
rain) were spent on the island in the last week of July
of the present year, in company of A. W. Stelfox, T. J.
Westropp, and Dr. G. Fogerty, who were also engaged on
comparative work in connection with the Clare Island
Survey.

The flora of Inishbofin was investigated, under a grant
from the Royal Irish Academy, by A. G. More and R. M.
Barrington, who visited the island in July, 1875, and devoted
five days to the work — one of these days being spent on the
adjoining island of Inishark. More's report,' issued

during the following year by the Academy, contained a
list of 303 plants. This number More did not consider
unduly small, as he surmises that the combined flora of
Bofin, Shark, and Turk may eventually be brought up
to 350 species. But my suspicion that the Bofin flora
was richer than this proves correct, as the two and a half
days' work recently carried out has added 82 species, or
27 per cent., to the flora ; while hiost of these were plants
of wide distribution, as was to be expected, some of them
were of considerable interest, such as Arabis ciliata, Coch-
learia graenlandica, Bartsia viscosa, Ophrys apt/era, Lyco-
podium inundatum.

Inishbofin is nearly four square miles in area. It attains
a less elevation than most of the western islands, none of

i Report on the Flora of Inish-Bofin, Galway, by A. G. More. Proc.
' R. I. Academy (2), vol. ii. (Science), 553-578, 1876.

A

I66 The Irish Nat7iralist. October,

its several rocky hills reaching 300 feet. These hills occupy
three extensive lobes which form the northern part of
the island, and also a fourth area on the southern shore.
Between these northern and southern uplands, filling the
centre of the island, is an extensive, swelling, smooth-
surfaced tract of drift, highly tilled. The peaty covering
of the hills has been almost entirely stripped for fuel, and
the ground is a mere waste, relieved for the botanist only
by the continued abundance of Hclianthemum giiitatum.
Three of the five lakes of the island lie within this hilly
area. Lough Fawna, in the centre, has beautifully clear
water, with an immense profusion of Littorella, inter-
spersed in the deeper portions with the rare Isoetes cchino-
s-pora, and other plants. Lough Gowlanagower is also
delightfully clear. Looking down through the water, one
sees a lovely continuous sward, formed of about two parts
of Isotes cchinospora to one part of Lobelia Dortmanna ,
every interstice between these plants being filled with
Elatine hexandra, with here and there a cloudy mass of
Apium inttndatum. The surface is lined with the long
straight leaves of Sparganium affine, and everywhere
broken by the myriad nodding heads of the Water Lobelia.
Lough Nagrooaun adjoining is, on the contrary, filled with
algae ; its shores are fringed with an exuberant growth of
Eriocaulon septangularc. Lough Bofin, which lies at the head
of one of the northern bays, is brackish, filled with algae
and smelly mud, and fringed with a salt-marsh flora.

The cultivated drift area is almost as unpromising for
the botanist as the naked hills, yielding indeed a more
varied flora, but one in which common species and weed-
plants hold the chief place. By far the richest ground
is the valley which, continuing the deprassion which forms
the harbour, runs eastward from it, past Church Lough.
There is comparative shelter here, and Church Lough
itself is surrounded with tall reeds and filled with water-lilies.
On the southern side of this valley the hill descends
in little rocky scarps, while on the northern side, opposite
and beyond Church Lough, the influence of the sand-dunes
makes itself felt, neutralizing the peatyness of the soil and

igri- Praeger. — Notes 071 the Flora of Inhhbofin. 167

bringing in a large number of additional plants. The
sand-dunes and shores which terminate the valley to the
eastward also yield their quota, and the damp meadows
which continue northward round the bay at Cloonamore
form good ground, as does also the western termination of
the valley, where it drops amid rocky scarps into the Inner
Harbour.

It was in the places just enumerated that the majority of
the additions to the flora were found. Bofin contains
nowhere any of the patches of scrub such as occur on Clare
Island and on Turk, but the rocky scarps facing north
take the place of these ; here grow the only trees on the
island — a few bushes of Poplar and Rowan a couple of feet
in height — and also the representatives of the woodland
flora, and other shade plants, to which were now added
Ranunculus Ficaria, Cardamine flexuosa, Fragaria vesca,
Lysimachia nemorum, Luzula maxima, Hymcnophyllum
unilaterale. The sheltered grounds about Church Lake
yielded their quota of additions to the flora, including
Caltha palustris, (Enanthe crocata, Veronica sciitellata,
Bartsia viscosa, Hahcnaria chloroleuca, Sparganium ramosum,
Scirpus lacustris. Where the influence of the sand made
itself felt on the slopes north of this lake, making a soil
light and slightly calcareous, the new plants included
Arabis ciliata, Trifolium medium, T. procumhens, Vicia
hirsuta, Mihusa Cynapium, Crepis virens, Convolvulus
arvensis, Ophrys apifera, Hahcnnna viridis, Ophioglossum
vulgatum, and a dry -built wall near by yielded Cetcrach
officinarum. The sands below these banks added
Antennaria dioica, Eryngium maritimum. Beta maritima,
and Polvsonum Raii to the flora. The shores of the
brackish Lough Bofin supplied Bidens tripartita, Atriplex
hastata, Ruppia rostellata, Scirpus mnritimus ; and further
additions to the halophile section were supplied by the
shores of Bofin Harbour, in the shape of Cochlcaria ofici-
nalis, Sagina maritima, Juncus ynaritimits, Triglochin mari-
timum, Glyceria maritima. The waysides at that place, which
forms the commercial centre of the island, yielded some
additional introduced plants, such as Malva rotundifolia,
Inula Helenium, Matricaria discoidea. The northern

A 2

l68 The Irish Naturalist. October,

portions of the island were less productive of additions ;
the upland lakes appear to have been well searched by
my predecessors ; but a nice bit of old flat bog, fortunately
almost undrainable, and consequentl}^ not yet destroyed,
gave Droscra anglica, Eriophorum vaginatum, and the rare
Lycopodium inwidainm ; while another marsh, lying at
the head of Bunnamullen Bay, added Utricularia inter-
media, Carex limosa, and C. dioica to the list. The re-
mainder of the additional species came from various
situations, in ones and twos.

I shall now list the additions to the flora of Bofln which
came under my notice, adding a few notes on plants pre-
viously observed. Species added to the flora are printed
in heavy type.

Ranunculus Ficaria, I.. — East of the harbour. Found by digging for

its roots.
Caltha palustris, L. — Near Church Though.
\I'uniiiria c^iiftisa, Jord. — Type and var. hihernica, Pugslcy.
Arabis ciliata, R.Br. — Sparingly on knolls M.E. of Church Louch.
Cardamine flexuosa. With. — East of the harbour.
Cochlearia ofTicinalis, L. — In several places.
C. graenlandica, L. — Western shore, in its usual luibitat- chinks of

exposed rocks.
\Brassica Rapa, L. var. Brigiisii, H. C. W^ats. — Fields and banks, fre-
quent. I assume that this is the B. napus of More's list.
Stellaria graminea, L. — East of the harbour.
S. uliginosa, ]\lurr. — In several places.
Sagina maritima, Don. — In several places.
♦Lavatera artorea, L. — Only in the vicinity of houses and fields.
JMalva rotundifolia, L. — Roadsides along tlie harbour.
*Ulex europaeus, I.. — Along a fence at 'head of Bunnamullen Bay — no

(loul)t ])]antc(i.
Trifolium medium, Huds. — North of Church Lough.
T. procumbens, Sibth. — Dry banks north of Church Lough.
fVicia hirsuta, Koch. — Rocky margins of fields north-east of Church

Lou<;h.
Lathyrus macrorrhizus, Winmi. — Rocky ground east of the harbour.
Rubus dumnoniensis, Bab. — " Practically identical with some of E. S.

Marshall's ^faam specimens." — W. M. Rogers.
R. moUissimus, Rogers. — Near Church Lough, with the last.
R. dunensis, Rogers. — Near the harbour. A rare plant, previou.sly

recorded by me from Achill.
Fragaria vesca, L. — Rocks east of the harbour.
Pyrus Aucuparia, I-. — A few small bushes on a rocky slope east of the

harbour.

19II- V'&Mi.Ci^Vi.— Notes on the Flora of Inishbofi.li. 169

Sedum Rhodiola, DC. — Nortli coast, from Doonnahincena eastward.

Drosera anglica, Huds. — Plentiful 111 marsh east of the head of Bunua-
miillcn Bay.

Eryngium maritimura, L.— Sands opposite Inishlyon.

Apium nodiflorum, Keichb. ill.— Near the harbour.

Conopodium denudatum, Koch. — East of the harbour.
*^thusa Cynapium, L. — Sparingly in cultivated ground at rioonamore.

(Enanthe crocata, I,. — Filling a ditch near St. Coleman's Church.

Antennaria dioica, R. Br. — On sand-dunes opposite Inishlyon.
♦Inula Helenium, I,. — With Allium Babingtoni} at east end of Inner Har-
bour.

Bidens tripartita, I,. — South end of Lough Bofin.
♦Matricaria discoidea, DC. — Now abundant around the harbour, and at

Cloonamore.
♦Tanacetum vulgare, I-. — Near St. Coleman's Church, planted or escaped.

Arctium Newbouldii, Ar. Benn. — Frequent, no doubt the A. inter-
medium of More's list.

Cnicus pratensis, Willd. — Abundant in many places.

Crepis virens, L. — Chiefly in sandy ground.

Campanula rotundifolia, L., var. spcciosa, ]\Iore. — I had looked for-
ward to gathering this line variety, which had apparentl)^ not been
collected since found and described bj?^ More in 1875 ; but in the
station indicated (a circumscribed area of sandy ground south of the
harbour) no plant answering the description — stems 9-20 inches,
leaves broader and more crowded, flowers i to 12, corolla one inch
or more long — could be seen. The form which grew there was no
more robust than I have seen in several other" localities, the stems
were about 9 inches, and flowers up to four on a stem, large, but
not larger than they often are. I am inclined to think that var.
spcciosa was a robust form stimulated into luxuriant growth by a
favourable season.

Vaccinium Myrtillus, L. — Rocks by Church Lough.

Lysimachia nemorum. L. — Rocks east of the harbour.

Myosotis repens, G. Don. — By Loughnagrooaun and elsewhere.
♦Symphytum officinale, L. — Occasionally — an escape.
t Convolvulus arvensis, L. — In some abundance in fields and on banks

about the harbour. Church L., and" Cloonamore.
♦Veronica Tournefortii, C. Gmel. — Cloonamore.

V. serpyllifolia, L. — In several places.

V. scutellata, L. — By Church Lough and elsewhere.

Bartsia vlscosa, L. — Sparingly on the south and west sides of Church
Lough, and belaud Cloonamore. The credit for this interesting
addition to the flora belongs to A. W. Stelfox, who discovered the
first colony on the south bank of Church Lough. The plant grows
on Bofin in its accustomed habitat, and among native species ; its
occurrence here, coupled with its recent discovery in Connemara
{I.N., xviii., p. 253), disposes, to my mind, of any doubt as to its
being native throughout its Irish range— from Cork to Donegal.

tyo The Irish Natiifalist. Octobei-,

Utricularia intermedia, Hayne. — Marsh at head of Bunnamullen Bay.

Thymus Chamaedrys, Fries. — In several jilaces.

Stachys sylvatica, 1.. — Rocks and edges of fields north of Church Lough.

tLamium intermedium, Fr. — 1 „ ,, , ,

T, ■ . -J , ,, (Both seen ni several places.

%\s. hybndum, \ dl. — J '

Beta maritima, I.. — Sparingly in several places on sandy and gravell

shores on the south and east shores.
Atriplex hastata, T..— On sliores occasionallv.
Polygonum Raii, Bal). — Luxuriant on sandy shores in the east.
JRumex congiomeratus, Murr. — One fine plant on a rock by the Inner

Harl)o\ir.
Euphorbia Peplus, L. — Local on stony shores, roadsides, and fields

about the liarbour and Cloonamore.
Salix cinerea, I-. — In several places, much eaten down.
*S. pentandra, I>. — Here and there, but no doid)t planted.
Orchis incarnata, L. — Behind Cloonamore.
Ophrys apifera, Huds. — Sparingly on dry bluffs S.E. of Church Lough,

above the sand-dunes. .\n unex]^ecte(l addition to the flora.
Habenaria viridis, R. Br. — South of Cloonamore.
H. chloroleuca, Ridley. — Near Church Lough.
Juncus maritimus, Lamk.— South shore of the Inner Harbour.
Scirpus paueiflorus, I.ightf. — Near Church Lough.
Sparganium ramosum, Huds. — Frequent in suitable stations.
Triglochin maritimum, L. — West end of the harbour.
Ruppia rostellata, Koch. — Lough Bofin, abundant in some parts.
Luzula maxima, DC. — On a rock over the south side of Church Lough.
L. campestris, DC. — Near Church Lough.
S. lacustris, L. — Abundant in Church Lough.
S. maritimus, L. — Occasionally round Lougli Bofin.
Carex dioica, L. — Head of Bunnamullen Bay.
C. vulpina, L. — Frequent in marshy places.
C. ovalis. Good. — In several places.
C. vulgaris, Fr. — Frequent.

C. limosa, L. — Marsh at head of Bunnamullen Bay.
Eriophorum vaginatum, L. — Marsh west of head of Bunnamullen Bay.
Catabrosa aquatica, Beauv. — Mouth of stream out of Church Lough,

tvpe and var. littoralis, Parnell.
Glyceria maritima, .M. and K. — Shores in the south and east.
Hymenophyllum unilaterale, Bory. — On rock on south shore of Church

Lough, and again a little further westward.
Cetsrach oflicinarum, Willd. — A few plants on a dry -built wall by the

roadside near Church Lake — an unexpected fiml, made by A. W.

Stelfox.
Ophioglossum vulgatum, L. — Slopes north of Church Lough.
Lycopodium inundatum, L. — A fine colony of this rare plant in the

muklle of a flat bog between the head of Bunnamullen Bay and the

top of the hill (288 feet) lying W.S.W. of it ; also a few plants a httlc

further to the westward.
Selaginella selaginoides Gray. — Sparingly in the north-west.

igti.

Praegek. — Notes on the Flora of Inishbofin.

171

In addition to these unrecorded species, a number of
plants for which a single station only was found by More
and Barrington were seen in other places. It is not worth
giving the additional stations in detail, but in the following
list the numbers i, 2, 3 signify the number of stations other
than those given in IMore's report in which the plants
were observed ; where species proved to be of frequent or
common occurrence, the letter f or c is added.

|Fumaria pallidiflora, 2.
fSenebiera Coronopus, f.

Sagina subulata, 2.

S. nodosa, i.

Speigularia rupestris, f.

S. salina, i.

Hj'pericum Androsaemum, j

Geranium molle, f.

Planus spinosa, i.

Rosa canina, 2.

Crithmum maritimum, f.

Heraclcum Sphondylium, c.

Hieracium Pilosella, f.

Aster Tripolium, i.

Pulicaria dysentcrica, 3.

Menyanthes trifoliata, f.
tVeronica agrestis, c.

Pedicularis palustris, i.

Scrophularia aquatica, i.

Scutellaria minor, 2.

Utricularia minor, i.

Primula vulgaris, f.

Polygonum amphibium, f.

Empetrum nigrum, 4.
*Euphorbia Helioscopia, c.

Myrica Gale, i.

Orchis maculata, i.
*Allium Babingtonii, 2.

Narthecium ossifragum, f.

Sparganium affine, 3.

Juncus Gerardi, f.

Triglochin palustre, f.

Potamogeton natans, f.

P. pusillus, I.

Zostera marina, i.

Schaenus nigricans, 2.

Rhynchospora alba, 2.

Eleocharis palustris, c.

Carex extensa, f.

C. distans, f.

Calamagrostis Epigejos, i.

Koeleria cristata, f.

Glyceria plicata, 2.

Lastrea aemula, 4.

One species in the above list deserves particular mention —
namely Calamagrostis Epigejos. This was recorded in
More's list from one station, namely " sparingly on rocky
banks at east end of the inner harbour." I refound it there
— a single clump of about a square yard, bearing a single
flowering stem. In view of this plant's rarity here, and
elsewhere in Ireland — it is on record from Clare and Derry
only — an additional station on Bofin was very welcome.
This was furnished by an isolated rocky knoll in the
fields behind the north end of Cloonamore Bay ; here the
plant was in profusion, and flowering abundantly.

172

T/w hish A'a/ufoh'sf.

October,

Another record of I\Iore's report which I was glad to
have verified was that of Ruhus thyrsoideus, a rare bramble
of which the only Irish specimens known to Rev. W. M{)3'le
Rogers (who kindly named the brambles I collected in
Bofin) were from Co. Kerry.

A few plants listed in More's report were not seen by me.
These are ii in number. There is no reason to think that
any of them may not be on the island still ; but it may be
remarked that Avcna fatua and Loliuni temulcntum are
often only fleeting casuals ; also it would appear that
Chrysanthemum scgetum must now be rare, since so con-
spicuous a plant was not seen.

Potcntilla rcptans.
Rubus carpinifolius.
R. villicaulis.
Callitriclie verna.
Seiiccio sylvaticus.
Chrj'santhcmum segetum.

JAvena fatua.

Festuca duriuscula.

F. elatior.

F. pratcMisis.
JLoliinu temulcntum. 1

Strengthened by the additions listed in the preceding
pages, the flora of Inishbofm can now take its place among
the well-known floras of the western islands, and though
I have no doubt that additional species still await discovery,
it is now possible to institute an instructive comparison
between the vegetation of Inishbofin, Inishturk, and Clare
Island. This I hope to do in my paper on the Clare Island
flora, to be published in a few months.

National Libraiy, Dublin.

''For Brassica Napits and Arditim intermcdimii of More's list sec under
B. Rapa var. Briggsii and Arctium Newbouldri, itipra, pp. i68, 169.

19"- Pack-Beresford. — Some Neiv Irish spiders. 173

SOME NEW IRISH SPIDERS.

BY D. R. PACK-BERESFORD, B.A., D.L., M.R.I. A.

Since the publication in March, 1909, of my supplementary
list of the spiders of Ireland/ sixteen species have been
added to the list. Two of these, viz., Ero Camhridgei
(Kulcz.) and Tibcllus maritimus (Menge) have been up to
now confounded with, and recorded as, Ero furcata (Vill.) and
Tibcllus oblongus (Walck). I found I had specimens of
both the newly distinguished species in my own collection,
and by the kindness of Dr. R. F. Scharff I have been allowed
to examine the specimens preserved in the Museum in
Dublin, with the results recorded below.

I have to thank Dr. A. R. Jackson for the great help
he has given me in determining many of the species now
recorded, and also Mr. R. Welch, Mr. J. N. Halbert, and
Mr. R. J. Pack -Beres ford and Miss M. Browne-Clayton
for collections sent me. Several of the species here noted
were taken by Mr. H. Wallis Kew in Co. Cork and Co.
Kerry, and have been recorded by him.^

Liocranum domesticum (Wid.).

L. ritpicola (Walck.). Clubioiin donicstica (Wid.) Bl. Spid. G.B. & I.
Leinster.

A single female was taken on the Howth clifts in igog by Mr. J. N.
Halbert, and was kindly identified for me by Dr. A. R. Jackson. On
searching the same locality again in company with Mr. Halbert we fonnd
several immature specimens in Octobi^r, 1910.

In Great Britain this spider is described by Mr. Cambridge as being
very local, and has been taken only in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and
Dorset.

On the Continent it is recorded from six or seven places in France, and
is said by Mr. Simon to be ' assez rare." Ft is also found in Hungary.

Tibellus oblongus (Walck.).
T. propinquus, Simon, Ar. de France. T. parallel us, Kulcz., Ar. Hung.
Philodromiis oblongus, Bl. Spid. G.B. & I. (probably).

CONNAUGHT. LeINSTER. UlSTER.

Dr. A. R. Jackson having lately pointed out that we had two
species of Tibcllus in this part of the world, which had up to now been

1 Proc. R. I. Acad., vol. xxvii., B., pp. 87-118.

2 Ir, Nat., vol. xix., pp. 64-73.

^3

174 T^^^^ Irish Nahiralist. October,

classified as a single species, I went throu,i,'h all the specimens I liave in
my collection and was also permitted by V^w SchariT to examine all tlusc
in the Mnsenm. As a result I lind that both species were present. This
species has been taken at Woodford, Co. Galway (R. Li. Praeger. July,
IOCS). Portmarnock. North Bull, and Terenure, Co. Dublin ; and Bundoran
and Cdenveigh. ("o. Donegal (R. Welch, Julv. 1910).

There are also in the IMuscnun collection several immature specimens
froni various localities, which it is impossible to refer detiuitelv to eitiier
species.

Tibellus maritimus (Mengr)
T. cihlongus. Sim. — Ar. de France. T. obln)i<;iis. Kulcz. — .\r. Hung.

LkINSTER. CoXNAlUillT.

This spec'cs has been taken at Fenagh, Co. Carlow ; Tullamore, K'ing's
Co. ; and Mote Park, Co. Roscommon.

The nomenclature of these two s]iecies as may l)e noted is decidedly
inappropriate, for wliereas ]ii:in'liiiiiis has been taken onlv in inland
localities, nearly all the sjiceimens of T. (^hlinii^iis are from places on or
near the coast.

Hahnia nava (Bl.).
Ulster. Leinster.

.\ single female of this sjiecies was taken at Ballyconnel, Co. Ca\-an.

in April-May, iqio, by my brother, Mr. R. J. Pack Beresford, and two adult

pairs were taken on Ireland's Eye in October, iQio, by Miss M. Browne

Clayton. It ranges all over Oreat Britain from Dorsi't to ICdiubiugii. while

on the Continent it has been taken in Swe^len, Cieiniany. Austria,

Hungary, France and Corsica.

Ero Cambrldgei, Kidcz.
Thcridion "i^ariraatitm. Bl. Spid. Ci.B.I.? liyti finrn/a. (N'ill.) in part.

I.EINSTER.

Professor Kulczynski has also discovered that we liave ha<l two
species of Ero in our collections, both of which have been includcil in the
species En^ fufidla, \'ill.. and he has described and named one of them
as above. I found that I had both in my collection taken at
Fenagh, Co. Carlow. This species seems to me to resend)le very closely
the figures of Thcridion varie^atutn given by Blackwall in his " Spiders
of Great Britain and Ireland," and I tJierefore, give this name as a
synonym tentatively, as of course without comparing the actual specimens
described by Blackwall. it is impossible to speak witli certainty as to
their identity.

Professor Eulczynslci has idi'utiliei! specimens from Dorset, luigland,
as belonging to this species, and also from Cracow.

Ero f areata (\ill.).
Ulster. Munster. Leinster.

An examination of the spiders in the collection in the Dublin ^hlseum,
under this name, shows that two females were taken in Londonderry

T9t'. Pack-Berksford. — Some Mci^' Irish Spiders. 175

in May, 1S95, and an adult pair on Galtymore, Co. 'J ippcrary in Sep-
tember, 1807. I liave also taken them in fair numbers at Fenacli, c:o.
Carlow. The specimen recorded by Professor Carpenter from Clonbrock,
Co. Galway, is not preserved in the Museum collection, so its identity
cannot be determined, neither can that of the immature specimens to
which he refers.

Lophocarenum parallelum (Bl.).
Leinstkr.

A single female was taken at Moyglare, Co. Meath, by my brother
K. J. Pack Eeresford in 1909, ami kindly identified for me by Dr. A. R.
Jackson.

In England it is recorded from Bloxworth, Portland, and Weyiuouth
in Doi'set, by Mr. Cambridge, while in Scotland it has been taken in North
Sunderland by Mr. J. E. Hull.

M. Simon savs it is common in France, and is fountl all over Europe.

Styloctetor penicillatus (West.).
Leinster. Ulster.

I have taken a number of this species at Fenagh, Co. Carlow, and
two females in Co. Antrim, near Kilrea.

In England it has been found in Dorset, Cheshire, Yorkshire, and
Cumberland.

On the Contment of Europe it is recorded from France, Germany,
Sweden (Simon), and Galicia (Kulcz).

Walckenaera nodosa (Camb.).

W. jucundissima, Camb.
Ulster.

A single female was taken by Mr. K. Welch on 12th October, 1909, on
the banks of the Ulster Canal, near Monaghan.

In England this spider occurs in Dorset and Northumberland only.

In Europe, M. Simon records it from only one locality in the Department
of Aisne in Northern France.

Trichoniscus saxicolus (Camb.).
Walckenaera saxicola, Camb. Tii;clinus saxicolus, Simon.

Leinster.

I took a number of females both mature antl inimature of this species
on the cliffs of the Broad Strand, Howth, in October, 1910, but though
I searched the same spot again several times in June and July, 191 1, I
failed to find more.

In Great Britain it has been taken only in Dorset, while on the Continent
it is lecorded by ^\. Simon from France, Switzerland, Bavaria, Nassau,
and Sile-^ia, and by Professor Kulczynski from Hungnry.

It is evidently a southern spccic^s.

Erlgone Welchii, Jackson.
Ulster.

During the summer of 1910, Mr. R. Welch sent me a tube of sjjiders
collected by him at Bunbeg, (.0. Donegal, on the Carrickfiu peninsula^

176 The Irish Naiuralistt October

Amongst them were three males and three females of a species of Erigone
which were unknown to me, and which on further investigation by Dr.
A. R. Jackson pro\cd to be new to science, and were named by him
Erigone Wclchii in honour of tlieir discovery. Dr. Jackson described
and figured this spider in the Ifis/i Naluialist, pp. 28-31 of the pre.scnt
vohime.

Eri8,one capra, Simon.
Ulster.

Several males and one female of this very rare species were taken on
the banks of the Ulster Canal, near Monaghan, by Mr. K. Welch in October,
1909.

It has not yet been met with in Great Britain, and is recorded from
one locality in France (Simon).

Tmeticus simplex, F. Camb.

UtSTER.

A single male of this species was taken by Mr. R. Welcli in the gardens
of the Belfast Drainage; Works, on Belfast I.ough, in October. 1910.

Numerous examples of it were taken in a cellar at Cannoch in Stafford-
shire by its tlescriber, Mr. F. O. P. Cambridge, but it does not seem to
have been met with elsewhere.

Tmeticus rivalis, Camb.

MUNSTER.

A single male was taken by Mr. H. Wallis Kew on the summit of ]Man-
gerton, Co. Kerry, in August, 1909, and recorded in the Irish Naturalise
of April, 1 9 10.

In England it was first taken in Staffordsliire by Dr. A. R. Jackson,
in 1902, and subsequently by Mr. Falconer at Hexham, while it has not
yet been found on the Continent.

Hilaira montigena (C. L. Koch).

MUNSTER.

Two females and a male of this species were taken on the summit of
Mangerton, Co. Kerry (2,750 feet), in August, 1909, by Mr. 11. Walhs
Kew, and recorded by him in the Irish Naturalist, .'\pril, 1910.

In Great Britain tliis species was first recorded from near Glasgow,
and was subsequently taken on the summit of Helvell3'n. and in Lanark-
shire, and in Perthshire at an elevation of 3,500 feet, by Mr. W. Evans.

On the Continent it has been taken near Zermatt, in North Italy, and the
Tyrol (Simon).

Bathyphantes setiger, F. Camb.

B. sprctiis (O. P. Camb.), 1906.
Leinster.

On various occasions during the past year or two I have taken female

spiders in a bog near Fenagh, Co. Carlow, whicli I believet! to be liathy-

phantes parvulus. During the summer of 19 10, however, I took one

igti. PACK-'BiiRESPom) —Some' JVc'7l' Jn's/i Spiders. 177

of these females in company with an adult male. On sending the pair
to Dr. Jackson, he nt once recognised them as belonging to the above
rare species.

It was taken originally in Newtown Moss, Penrith, by Mr. Frederick
Cambridge, in April, 1.S93, the only locality from whicii it has since
been recorded being Watton in Norfolk, where a single specimen was
taken by Mr. Freston, and described by the Rev. O. P. Cambridge under
the name of B. spretus. He has, however, since come to the conclusion
that it belongs to this species.

It has not yet been found on the Continent of Europe.
Hyptiotes paradoxus (C. L. Koch).

MUNSTER.

Mr. H. Wallis Kew first discovered this spider in Ireland, in August,
1909, at Glengariff, Co. Cork, where he took iifteen specimens, all adult
females. He describes his most interesting capture in a delightful paper
in the Irish Naturalist for April, 1910.

In England it was first noted in 1864 in Cumberland, and was again
taken in 1894-5 by the Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge and ]\Ir. Warburton
in the New Forest.

It is recorded from a few localities in France (Simon), and Hungary
(Kulcz).

Euophrys petrensis (C. L. Koch).

CONNAUGHT. UlSTKR.

I took a number of immature specimens of this tiny Attid at Carrowroe,
near Costello, Co. Galway, in July, 1909, and some mature specimens
under stones on Fair Head, Co. Antrim, in August of the same year.

In England it has been found only in Dorset, Hampshire, and Cumber-
land. ]M. Simon records it from France, Sweden, and Germany.

Fenagh House, Bagenalstown.

"IGNIS FATUUS" Fi:i^5f/S-," LUMINOUS OWLS."

BY PASTOR C. LINDNER.

On my way to Mr. R.J. Ussher, with whom I have had a
very dehghtful ornithological excursion, I had heard in
London about " Luminous Owls," and when I was asked for
my opinion I said that I did not believe in the existence of
luminous birds. Before I read the notes by Mr. Moffat in
the Irish Naturalist, {szipra p. 127), I remarked : I suppose
that those puzzling luminous owls must be a mistake, and

17S The hish Natuialhl. October,

that the described appearance is in fact a '' Willy- the
Wisp." I was pleased on reading the notes oi Mr. Moffat
to find that they agree, not only with my opinion, l)ut with
an observation I have made which may be of interest.

I remember very well that nine or W\\ vears ago, late one
evening in antumn, in my own neighbonrhood (Middle
Germany) I was walking o\\ a road which runs about 50
metres aloove the level of a meadow-valley traversed by a
small stream. It was a calm and very dark evening, and
no star w^as to be seen. Suddenly 1 perceived a light about
600 or 800 metres before me ; it was on the ground of the
meadow in a little boggy place not far from a small village.
I did not at first attend to it, because I thought that someone
with a lamp was coming to the other village, which I had
just left. After a few minutes I looked at the light
occasionally and wondered it did not approach me. Still I
did not suspect an unusual appearance, when the light
(which had been mo\'ing a little, as if somebody was walking
with a lamp) quickly rose, almost perpendicularly but a
little zig-zag, to a remarkable height, and then disappeared
suddenly. I was much astonished, because I had never
before seen such an appearance, and I paused, feeling sure
that I had seen a " Willy-the-Wisp " and hoping to see it
once more. In fact after a short time I did perceive, nearly
in the same locality from which the first light arose, a
luminous fog shining faintly, A little later there was a
tremulous movement in the fog. All at once this faintly
shining fog was transformed into a small huninous nucleus,
of the size of a lamp-light. This extraordinary light was
sometimes standing, sometimes moving, and at last it rose
and disappeared in the manner before described. I observed
it going out and reappearing for some time, perhaps twenty
minutes.

In reference to this observation I may add that " VVilly-
the Wisp " is seen very seldom in my district ; but, as for
the appearance I have described, nobody could believe for
a moment that it was caused by a bird.

Wetteburg, Saxc, Prussia.

igii. Evans. — A^<?/-".s- ^7/ Ovens Cavei, Co. Cork. 179

NOTES ON THE OVENS CAVES, CO. CORK.

BY ROBERT W. EVANS.

These caves are situated about eight miles from Cork City
alongside the old coach road to Macroom, and about a
mile from Kilumney railway station. The earliest reference
to them is to be found in Smith's " History of Cork," which
states that " in the Parish of the Ovens is a most remarkable
cave beneath a stupendous limestone arch twelve feet high
at the entrance, but declines to less than six.
The passage is on the W. side, but in about twent}' yards
the cave winds to the S. and S.E. Another waj^ leads due
W. to a well about 80 vards from the entrance. There are
many other passages, the whole forming a perfect labyrinth
under ground. . . . The country people say that
the cave runs to Gillabbey near Cork."

This description is substantially an accurate account of
the geography of the cave; but the "stupendous arch"
does not now exist, and the height of the main entrance is
about the same measurement as that given in Lewis'
" Topographical Dictionary " 1837, viz., three feet. The
statement that the cave runs to Gillabbey near Cork is, of
course, one of those grotesque fictions which the peasantry
living in the neighbourhood of caverns relate for the benefit
of credulous visitors.

From the scenic point of view the Ovens are very uninter-
esting ; the stalactitic pendants where they occur are of
the most insignificant type, such as might be seen under an
ordinary limestone bridge, while the stalagmite is of a dirt}^
brown colour, and exhibits but little variety of form. The
larger galleries are, however, important as types of cave
formation almost entirely due (the writer submits) to the
erosive action of subterranean streams.

Two distinct classes of galleries occur.

I. Irregular low-roofed fissures which seem to have been
formed along the secondary joints ; these contain floors of

i8o The Irish Naturalisi. October,

stalagmite and brccciated earth, along which progress is
extremely tedious, and has to be undertaken on hands and
knees.

II. On a slightly lower level than I. occur tunnels
averaging about eight feet in height, and wide enough in
places for a large number of persons to walk abreast. As
this second type contains practically no stalactites and has
floors of gravel, here and there mixed with a thin coating of
silt, it seems very improbable that corrosive action had
much to do with its formation. The rock walls are
grooved in a very regular fashion. These large galleries
contain water during the wintcsr months.

There are several small openings, some of which have been
brought to light during recent quarrying operations. All
the galleries running from the main openings are of type II.
Type I. occupies the inmost portions of the cave. Several
galleries rim under the highway, and the rumbling of
vehicles can be heard quite distinctly. It is possible to
enter at the main opening at the southern side of the road,
and emerge (after a tortuous journey) at a " fox earth "
200 yards away, at the northern side.

The river Bride flows alongside the quarry, at a higher
level than the cave floor. Along the river bank arc some
remarkable grooved rocks. It is doubtful, however, if the
stream penetrates to the cave during flood times, as a
talus intervenes between it and the cave mouths.

Neither the 0\-ens nor Cloyne caves (both of which have
a stream flowing through them), contain deep narrow Assures
which seem to be the product of chemical dissolution.

A large number of red sandstone boulders coated com-
pletely with carbonate of lime were met with in one place.

During the Penal days Mass was celebrated in the 0\ ens,
and a stalagmite altar existed for this purpose, but the
writer was informed that it was removed some years ago.

The writer was assisted in the most recent explorations
by Messrs. F. Hornibrook and McSwiney of Cork.

Carker House, Doneraile.

igii- Grove. — Fungi from Co. Aiiirivu i8i

FUNGI FROM CO. ANTRIM.

BY W. B. GROVE, M.A.

Since m}^ previous short paper {supra, p. 142) was written, a
packet of Fungi, collected in a fen at Portmore Lough, Co.
Antrim, on June 25th, has been sent by Professor D. T.
Gwynne-Vaughan, who accompanied the party on the Coast
Excursion. The species were as follows : —

PYRENOMYCETES.

Claviceps microcephala, Tul. — On caryopsides of Phragmites.
Hypotylon cohaerens, P'r. — Colin Glen, Belfast. On old bark of beech.
Scirrhia depauperata, Fekl. — On culms of Phragmites.

[In my previous list Eiitypa lata, Tul. should read E. leioplaca, Cooke],

DISCOMYCETES.

Dasyscypha palearum, Mass. — On culms of Phragmites.
Dasyscypha albo-testacea, Mass. — On culms of Phragmites.
MoUisia arundinacea, Phill. — On culms of Phragmites.
Belonidium excelsius, Phill. — On culms of grass.

DEUTEROMYCETES.

Dendryphium comosum, Wallr. — On herbaceous stems.
Torula asperula, Sacc— On herbaceous stems.

Birmingham.

IRISH SOCIETIES.

EOYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Recent gifts include a Vernet Monkey, an East African Lion from H.M.
the King, a Yellow Baboon and two Badgers from Mr. G. M. Jones, two
Green Monkeys, a Civet Cat, and a Royal Python from Mr. C. E. Lane
Poole, a Serval from Major H. J. Kelsall, five Bulgarian Ground Squirrels
from Mr. P. Mahony, two Angora Rabbits from Mr. S. J. Rawson, a
Chough from Mr. C. J. Carroll, eight Pigeons from Mr. G. Mitchell, and a
Ringed Snake from Dr. R. F. Scharif. A young Mandrill, a Brown
Capuchin Monkey, two Prevost's Squirrels, and an Indian Ratel have been
bought.

The Lion given by the King is a full-grown male, with remarkably
black mane, and fierce in behaviour. A litter of five Lion Cubs — the
parents being Niger and Nigeria — were born on September 6th. A great
toss has been sustained by the death of the White-handed Gibbon, which
had lived in the Monkey-house for more than a year and delighted all
visitors by its great agility.

182 The Irish Naluralisl. October,

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

July 29. — Excursion to Ellis's Cut, Lough Neagh. — Twenty-
seven members started from Belfast by the 1.50 train, and in little over
half an hour arrived in Lurgan. Here brakes were in readiness to convey
the party to Shan Port, and the members then walked along the shore to
Ellis's Cut, this section of the lough margin, about a mile in length,
including all that j^ortion of County Down which impinges on Lough
Neagh. The afternoon was bright and warm, and the time passed
pleasantly as the members strolled along the now dry lake-shores and
pursued their various avocations. The canal was crossed at the Ellis's
Cut lock, and a walk of five minutes sufficed to bring the members to
Leansmount, where the brakes were waiting, and the return journey to
Lurgan was commenced. Tea was served in the Brownlow Arms Hotel,
and afterwards the President (R. J. Welch) gave a rcsiimi'. of the work
which was being accomplished in the Natural History Survey of Clare
Island. The 7.30 train conveyed the party from Lurgan, and from its
windows the members had an opportunity of witnessing an unusually
magnificent display of lightning, the flashes, which followed closely one
after another, appearing to rise from the ground and disappear in the
dense l^lack cloud above. Belfast was reached shortly after eight o'clock.
The country between Lurgan and Lough Neagh is covered with drumlins,
and on the shores of the lake the geologists found numerous erratics of
Scotch granite. The members of Committee present were pleased to see a
much larger number of young lady botanists than usual present at this
excursion, and the members of this section were fortunate in finding a
number of our rarer plants. The following list includes some of the best
botanical finds of the afternoon : — Ranunculus Lingua, (Enanthe fistulosa,
Sagittaria sagiUifolia, Thalictrum flavum, Typha angustijolia, Lysimachia
vulgaris, and Spiranihcs Romanzoffiana, the latter (one of our rarest Irish
plants) being new to the flora of County Down. In little hollows by
the lake margin were quantities of a small spherical algae. Very few
birds were noted, this being about the worst time of the year for orni-
thological observation. Owing to the low state of the lough collecting
was easy, and shells abundant, though very few full grown ; and it was
noted that shells which normally live at the bottom of fairly deep water,
were now feeding on surface plants, a fact already observed on previous
excursions this year. Some fourteen species of fresh-water molluscs were
taken, including Sphceyium lacustre and Pisidium amnicum, the latter
scarce shell being much more abundant than usual. Good collections
of spiders, water-scorpions, plant-bugs, water-beetles, &c., were brought
away for further examination. Many polyzoa and cladocera were collected,
whilst among the Rotifera taken Stephanoceros Eichornii, Melicerta ringens, •
and Limnias ccratophylis were identified, and these proved very plentiful.

August 12. — Excursion to Loughgall and Armagh. — Some thirty
members and friends travelled by the 9.30 train to .\rmagh. Upon arrival
in the Primatial city the party were conducted to the Roman Catholic
cathedral, and afterwards started for Loughgall. The drive proved of

1^11. Irish Societies* 183

much interest, the numerous rounded hills and neat farmhouses with their
attendant orchards giving way toward Loughgall to great areas of grazing
land. Opposite the entrance gates of the Manor House the party
dismounted, and proceeded to the lake side. After an interval most of
the party visited the gardens. A splendid yew alley formed an item of
interest, some of the trees being reported to be over three hundred years
old. At 2.30 the return drive to Armagh was commenced. Tea awaited
the party at Loudan's Imperial Hotel, after which — Nevin H. Foster
in the chair — a short business meeting was held. The Chairman referred
to the recent formation of a junior section within the Club, and the election
of Miss Patchell to membership concluded the meeting. At 4.15 the
party set out on foot for the Palace, visiting on the way the ruins of the
Franciscan abbey, built during the fifteenth century. An item of
geological interest was here noted, the walls of the abbey being almost
entirely built of Old Red Sandstone boulders, which had all the appearance
of having been taken from some of the neighbouring masses of glacial
drift. Upon arrival at the Palace the party were received by the Lord
Primate and Mrs. Crozier. Subsequently the party returned to Armagh
and entrained for Belfast.

The botanists reported several interesting plants, among which were
Carduns acanthoides, a somewhat local thistle ; Eupatorium cannabinum,
Lithospermum officinale, and Carex pendula and C. acuta, two of the less
common sedges. Two interesting species of shells were found at Lough-
gall, one of these — Zonitoides nitidiis — being an addition to the fauna of
County Armagh ; the other — Limniea auricularia— had not been recorded
from the county except from Lough Neagh. In the garden at the same
locality it was interesting to see Hygromia ritfescens aestivating upon
the trunks of the yew, apple, and other trees. Among the birds observed
on the lake were a couple of pairs of Great Crested Grebes, one of which
was accompanied by its brood of three almost full-grown chicks. The
four common species of woodlice were observed in the district, as was
also the rarer Trichoniscus pygmcBus and Porcellio pictus. In the Manor
House gardens T. roseus, P. dilatatus, Haplophthalnius Mengii, and
Mctoponorthus pruinosus were taken, a specimen of the last species being
also captured under some slates lying in the railway yard at Armagh.
H. Mengii and 71/. pruinosus had not been found previously inCounty
Armagh.

August 30. — Excursion to Kells and Connor. — The party travelled
by the 12.25 train to Kells water station, and were met here by conveyances.
On reaching the site of the ancient cathedral of Connor they were met by
Rev. O. W. Clark, who pointed out the objects of interest to be seen
here. Templemoyle, a monastery formerly known as St. Mary's of the
Desert, was next visited. At Liminay, on Mr. James Black's farm, the
owner had opened a fine souterrain for the inspection, and also entertained
the party, providing some welcome light refreshments. A kistvaen and
stone circle were then visited at Ballymarlow. Ballymcna was reached
in good time, and tea was served in Whiteside's hotel, at which a short
business meeting was held. Belfast was reached in good time after an
interesting and busy excursion.

184 '^ fic Irish Naturalist. October.

Geological'Section. — September 2. Excursion to HillsportJsland-
MAGEE. — The party, numbering sixteen, left Belfast by the 2.15 train for
Ballycarry station, and drove thence to Gobbins Brae. After descending
to Hillsport, the railway company's path along the face of the cliffs
was taken, and the variations in the nature of the successive basic lava
flows, were noted. Fine zeolites were collected, including natrolite,
chabazite, gmelinite, levync and phillipsite.

The Chalk, Greensand and Lias were examined near Hillsport. No
continuous sections are visible, but blocks of tlie various types are scattered
along the base of the undcrcliff. The " Chloritic Sands " yielded
Echinocorys scutatus, Camerospongia fungiformis, Scrfyiila filijormis,
RhynchoncUa robusta, and spines of Cidaris. Ventriculites and fragments
of Inoceramus were also plentiful in certain bands. Two outcrops of
the Lower Lias occur. The fossils most frequently met with here arc
Ammonites planorbis, Cardinia ovalis, and Astarte Gueuxii.

Several caves in the Gobbins cliffs were observed, showing old sea
floors at a considerable elevation above the highest tides of to-day.

NOTES.

BOTANY.

Spiranthes Eomanzoffiana in Co. Down.

On July 29th, on the occasion of the Belfast Naturalists' Fiekl Club's
excursion to Ellis's Cut, when examining the shore of Lough Neagh,
townland of Kilmore, Co. Down, I had the good fortune to see growing
a few plants of the above, in fine form, and full bloom.

Nathaniel Carrothers.
Belfast.

Irish Uredineae.

Mr. W. B. Grove would be much obliged if those Irish botanists who
take an interest in the Uredineae would send him specimens of all the
rarer species they collect, especially all that grow on grasses and sedges.
Every specimen must be accompanied by the name of the host, the locality
and the date. Address to the University, Botanical Department,
Birmingham.

ZOOLOGY.

Nagara nana -A correction.

In my note on this woodlouse (page 156 supra) the insertion of a

semicolon after the word " body " on line 25 renders the sentence somewhat

obscure. It should read— Colour grey, with paler oblong spots on the

body segments, forming a pale longitudinal line.

Nevin H. Foster.

Hillsborough, Co. Down.

I9TI- Notes: :•■■ ^ 185

A variety of the Magpie Moth.

When driving home from Ncwry, as I reached the top of the long hill

down to Poyntzpass, which is here called " Williamson's Hill," I saw a

very yellow-looking Magpie Moth fluttering along the hedge. I at once

jumped down and captured it. It proved to be a beautiful variety of this

common moth [Abraxas grosstilariata). The ground colour of the fore

wings is pale buff, the yellow blotch at the base and the yellow line

towards the hind margin are greatly enlarged, especially the latter, in the

hind wings a yellow patch extends from the anal angle more than half-way

across the wing, and the black spots are very small. It was captured on

July 19th.

W. F. Johnson.

Povntzpass. \

The Money Cowry in Ireland and England

The older generation of naturalists in Belfast, in the first half of the

nineteenth century, often had Cypraea moneta sent to them from the

coast near Bangor, Co. Down. These were supposed to have come

from an old slave ship wrecked in the vicinity. Some years ago, this

shell, with a small proportion of C. annulata, was very abundant on the

Cumberland coast near the mouth of the Calder. As many as 600

specimens were collected in a few days by one conchologist. These

shells came from the " Glendowra, " wrecked in a fog near Seascale in

1873, when homeward bound from Manilla. Part of her cargo consisted

of sixty tons of cowries, which would amount to about seventy million

shells in all, so that even now, and for many years to come, there is a

chance of this shell being found almost anywhere on the north-w> st

coast of England.

R. Welch.

Belfast.

Pelamys sarda in Irish Water.

Two specimens of this fish were takenr-on the 14th August in a pollack-
net off Broad Strand, Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork. They measured
respectively 23^ and 2S\ inches, and weighed 4J and si lbs. Both were
males, the smaller with milt running. The larger had swallowed a good-
sized mackerel. This species is figured and described under the name
given above by Day (" British and Irish Fishes "), and, as Sarda pelamis,
by Smith, " Scandinavian Fishes," Ed. 2. It never grows much larger
than the Courtmacsherry specimens, and, though not previously noticed
on our coast, has been occasionally taken in English and Scots waters,

and in Norway.

E. W. L. Holt.

Fisheries Office, Dublin.

1 86 The Irish Nakiralist. October,

Scops Owl in Donegal.

On 24th July last I received a small owl from Ballyliffen, N. Donegal.
It was in bad condition and the head was quite unrecognisable. From
the markings I thought it was a Little Owl but on sending a wing to Mr.
A. R. Nichols he idcntihed it as a Scops Owl (Scops gin, Scopoli). This
is, I believe, the first record of the species for Donegal.

D. C. Campbell.

Londonderry.

REVIEWS.

A GUIDE TO THE CRUSTACEA.

The Life of Crustacea. By W. T. C.\lman, D.Sc. Pp. xvi. -f 289.
With 32 plates and 85 figures. London : Methuen and Co.
Price 6s.

Dr. Caiman's admirable systematic work on the Crustacea is known
to all zoologists, and the volume on the class which he contributed to
Lankester's " Treatise of Zoology " was some time ago reviewed in our
pages (vol. xviii., p. 133). The present handy book is more popular in style
than that volume, but it is none the less scientific in treatment and contains
much that is valuable to the earnest student, while it whets the zeal of
the beginner in " Nature-study." Most of the chapters deal with the
crabs and their allies in relation to their surroundings, and such titles
as " Crustacea of the Deep Sea," " Crustacea as Parasites and Messmates,"
or " Crustacea in Relation to Man," indicate that Dr. Caiman treats his
subject from the bionomic standpoint which is, to a large extent, ignored
in Lankester's great " Treatise." Yet our author realises that some
morphological foundation is necessary for the profitable study of life-
relations, and begins the book with chapters on " The Lobster as a Type
of Crustacea," " The Classification of Crustacea," and "The Metamorphoses
of Crustacea." In the chapter on classification. Dr. Caiman enforces
his now well-known scheme in which the old order Schizopoda is divided,
the Euphausiacea being regarded as more nearly akin to the Decapoda
than to Mysis and its allies.

The bionomic chapters, which make up most of the book, deal with
the life of Crustacea in a manner at once suggestive and inspiring. Dr.
Caiman's extensive knowledge of structure renders his accounts of habit
all the more valuable. He gives a concluding chapter on " Crustacea
of the Past," in which it is gratifying to read that the lately described
Oxyuropoda from the Kilkenny Devonian " has every appearance of
being an Isopod." The beautifully reproduced photographs and the
excellent line drawings by Miss G. M. Woodward deserve more than a

passing word of praise.

G. H. C.

igii- Reviews. 187

OUR FRESHWATER FISHES.

The Freshwater Fishes of the British Isles. By C. Tate Regan, M.A.
London: Methucn and Co., Ltd., 191 1. Price 6i-.

It is a long time since Yarrell's and Day's " Fishes of the British Islands "
were published, and they still are our standard works. Some years ago
it was rumoured that Mr. Holt was preparing a new book on this subject.
Meanwhile our wants have at any rate been satisfied to some extent by
the issue of Mr. Regan's work on the Freshwater Fishes of the British
Islands, and it is to be hoped that he may be induced to undertake the
British marine fishes as a complement to the present volume.

Mr. Regan's book claims to be a popular account of the fishes of our
lakes and rivers. It is meant for those who desire reliable information
as to our freshwater fishes, their specific characters, geographical distribu-
tion and life history.

Although it is doubtful whether the average angler will be able to
discriminate for example between the different kinds of Irish Char
recognised as distinct species by Mr. Regan, while he will readily point
out the distinguishing features between different kinds of Trout which
are all clumped together as one species by the author, yet the book on
the whole is what it claims to be. It is well illustrated, all the species
being figured.

As might be expected, the Salmon and Trout are given a fair share
of consideration. Although most fishermen would never hesitate for a
moment as to their ability of distinguishing a Salmon from a Trout, it is
surprising how few of them really know the difference between these
species at all ages. Mr. Regan discusses this point very carefully,
drawing attention to all the characters in which they differ, viz., the
rays in the dorsal fin, the number of scales between the lateral lines,
the adipose fin, and also the shape of the tail. It has been ascertained
now that a Salmon rarely lives more than eight or nine years, or spawns
more than three or four times. The age of the fish can be determined
by a detailed study of its scales, new tissue being added to the latter in
the form of a series of concentric ridges which somewhat resemble the
rings of growth in the stem of a tree. When the Salmon repairs to
fresh water, the scales cease to grow, their edges becoming worn and
irregular. The fish thus has its life history clearly recorded on its own
body, for those who arc able to read it. Mr. Regan shows that it is not
an absolute necessity for the Salmon to go to sea at all. It may even
become mature in the parr stage, while female Salmon have been known to
produce ripe spawn when little more than overgrown smolts.

Of particular interest to the angler is the vexed question whether the
Salmon feeds in the river as it ascends from the sea. The practical
fisherman settled the question at once by the remark, " Of course it
does, otherwise it would not take the fly." All the same it can be
regarded as certain that the Salmon does not feed in fresh water. From
the time it enters the river its weight gradually decreases, and the stomach
has been shown to be always empty.

i88 The Irish Nahiralisi. October, J911.

As already alluded to. Mr. Regan recognises but a single species of Trout
(Scihuo trutta). The Irisli C.illaroo. the Great Lake Trout, the Sea Trout,
the Black-finned Trout and others are held to be mere varieties of the
Common Trout.

On the other hand, while we were in the habit of distinguishing only
two kinds of Irish Char, Mr. Regan now informs us that there are no less
than six distinct species in Ireland. In addition there is the so-called
" Whiting " of Lough Neagh. which is now extinct and whicli Mr. Regan
(p. 110) believes to have been a Char.

Lough Neagh is also inhabited by another fish which is still common
in the lake, namely the Pollan {Corec:onns polldii). Mr. Regan adopts
the name " Whitefisli " for this and other species belonging to the genus
Coregonus — a much better term than " Salmonoid " fislies hitherto used
for this group. He separates the Irish Pollans on somewhat slender
grounds (pp. 118- 121) into three distinct species, viz., the Lough Neagh
Pollan. the Lough Erne Pollan and the Shannon Pollan.

He comments (p. 112) on the point interesting to the angler that while
American Whitefish are said to rise to the fiy, the European species are
seldom known to have done so, being consequently netted in all localities
where they occur in sulTicitMit numbers.

Many of the other fishes referred to by Mr. Regan are absent from
Ireland, l)ut there is one that hitherto has been believed not to inhaliit
Ireland, namely, the Dace {Lciiciscits Icucisctis), which, according to Mr-
Holt (lyish Naturalist, vol. xx. p. 116) is found in the Blackwater and
may possibly be a true native species.

A final chapter deals with the distribution in the British Islands of the
fresh water fishes, and their origin. Mr. Regan quite agrees with previous
writers on this subject that the presence in the British Islands of these
fishes implies the former existence of a land connection between Great
Britain and Ireland as well as with Continental Europe (p. 271). So
far there is unanimity of opinion among naturalists. It is only with
regard to the geological period during which the British and Irish fishes
are supposed to have invaded these countries that the conclusions arrived
at by different authors vary considerably. Mr. Regan maintains that
it was only after the Glacial Epoch that the freshwater fishes commenced
to invade our territory, while others believe that the fishes lived in Great
Britain and Ireland before the Ice Age, and survived it in these countries.

Altogether Mr. Regan's work is a very attractive one, and can be safely
recommended to all those who are anxious to acquaint themselves with
the habits and distribution of the British and Irish freshwater fishes.

R. F. S.

November, 191 1. The hish Naturalist. 189

A HIGH LEVEL DEPOSIT OF MARINE SHELLS
IN CURRAUN ACHILL, COUNTY MAYO.

BY J. DE W. HINCH.

The occurrence of large quantities of marine shells above
present high-water mark is often regarded as evidence that
at some past time the sea stood at a higher level than at
present — and with certain reservations the evidence may
be regarded as sound. When we find a formation of water-
worn pebbles and of marine shells, of the types present in
the adjoining sea at the present day, stretching for con-
siderable distances along the present coast-line and at
the same general level above present high -water mark, we
may regard the evidence as sufficient to warrant the theory
that within recent time the sea has stood at the level of
the raised beach. There are, however, cases in which the
presence of sea-shells at considerable elevations does not
necessarily prove that the sea has changed its level, and
the explanation must be looked for in another direction.
One most common case, especially along the eastern coast of
Ireland, is the occurrence of shells in the Glacial drifts.
These beds, occurring from sea-level to over 1,200 feet
in Ireland and Wales, often contain large numbers of shell
fragments, and as many as 37 species have been obtained
from the Dublin hills. These shells have been brought
to their present position by glaciers intruding on the land
from the direction of the sea, and are not evidence of change
of sea-level. Their Glacial origin may be confirmed by
the appearance of a number of Arctic and northern forms,
Leda pernula, Astarte horealis, etc., species which do not
occur along our existing coast-lines. A second deceptive case
which has to be guarded against is the storm-beach which
may be found in favourable localities above sea-level, and
which unless supported by collateral evidence such as a
definite beach-line cut in rock or Boulder-clay, must be
regarded as the result of wave-action working at present
sea-level. A third type, which is the one I propose to
deal with more fully, has the following characteristic.

igo The Irish Nahoalisi. November,

At many points along our shores are to be found con-
siderable collections of marine shells at varying heights
above the sea. These formations sometimes extend for
hundreds of yards along the coast and were long supposed
to be " raised beaches." On closer examination however,
the following variations from normal raised beaches were
established. Gravel and sand were usually absent, the
formation consisting almost entirely of shells. The number
of species present were also very restricted compared with
the number found in a normal raised beach. The shells
were always those of full-grown individuals, and in all
cases the species of marine mollusca used by man for food
were most abundantly represented. These species are the
Oyster, the Mussel, the Cockle, the Limpet and the Peri-
winkle. A series of investigations carried out on the shell-
heaps of Denmark by Steenstrup revealed the presence of
flint implements, fire-places with charcoal, and other
evidence proving that these so-called " raised beaches "
were the sites of settlements of prehistoric man.

During the earlier portion of the nineteenth century it was
the fashion to style practically any naturally-formed bed of
rolled pebbles a " sea beach," and when it contained sea
shells to call it " portion of the ocean bed." These " sea
beaches " existed from sea-level to the i,ooo foot contour-
line, and were found by their supporters in the most un-
likely spots ; in fact no place, no matter how remote from
the sea, need be without its " raised beach." With the pro-
gressive study of glacial geology and prehistoric archaeology
most of these "sea beaches " were relegated to their proper
positions, especially on the eastern coast of Ireland. In the
west of Ireland the distances to be traversed barred research
and the west remained, until very recent years, a land where
supposed enormous fluctuations of the relative levels of sea
and land had taken place. Kerry, Clare, Galway, and Mayo
were counties from which Griffith, and in later years
Kinahan, brought back stories of considerable accumulations
of marine shells at hundreds of feet above sea-level. Very
recently Professor A. F. Dixon and Dr. Gordon, in a paper
read before the Royal Dublin Society, reported the existence
of large deposits of marine shells in Curraun Achill, at

igii- HiNCH. — High-level iMarine Shells in Co. RIayo. 191

levels from 100 to 800 feet above sea-level.^ The authors
do not commit themselves to the theory that the deposits
are " sea beaches," and indeed state that they only bring
the matter forward in order to request an explanation of
the facts, but the impression left on those who heard the
paper read was that they were inclined to regard the usual
theory favorably. The list of mollusca found was sugges-
tive of human influence, and some of those present were
content to keep an open mind on the subject. The cases
were, however, ones to be investigated if possible, and on
my return from Clare Island in July of the present year
I visited the chief locality mentioned by Messrs. Dixon
and Gordon. About three and a half miles west-south-
west of Mallaranny the road to Achill Sound runs through a
small valley which is bounded on the north and south by
low cliffs, and is here about 100 feet above sea-level. In the
crevices of the cliffs the shell deposits occur. The solid
rock of the district is of Old Red Sandstone age, and consists
of tabular sheets of pebbly conglomerate about one foot in
thickness separated b}' flaggy micaceous sandstones, the
whole series dipping ver}'- regularly south towards Clew
Bay at an average of 10°. The differential weathering
which has taken place is very marked, and can be seen
strikingly developed on the sea-shore a few hundred yards
distant. Here the waves have swept away the flaggy
sandstones from between the sheets of conglomerate, and
while the conglomerate itself is able to resist the onslaught
of the sea, the steady undercutting which is going on even-
tually brings down great masses of rock. This marine
erosion has its counterpart in th^e inland valley, and while
the sub-aerial erosion is trifling compared with that effected
by the waves, the results are still considerable and ha\^e
a distinct bearing on the problem. A talus has been formed
at the foot of the low cliff by the tabular masses and mono-
liths of conglomerate which ha\^e fallen as the result of

1 Gordon and Dixon : Deposits of unbroken marine shells at high levels
in the Curraun Peninsula, Co. Mayo. Sci. Pvoc. Royal Dublin Society,
xi., 1905-08. pp. 325-3-27-

192 The Irish Naturalist. November,

the sub -aerial denudation of the friable micaceous sand-
stones. Many of these masses of conglomerate have a
length of seven feet with a breadth of two feet, and on
looking down into the crevices and hollows of this tumbled
mass large numbers of shells are to be seen — the shells also
occurring in two openings in the face of the cliff itself. The
outstanding facts about this shell deposit are — the usual
beach sand and gravel are both completely absent ; the shells
are not wave -rolled ; the species present are all edible ;
and the Common Limpet {Patella vulgaris) forms by far
the largest proportion of the shells present. The shells
in no way recall those obtained from raised beaches ; in
most cases they are entire, and generally they are
in the soft floury condition of shells long exposed to the
effects of the atmosphere. The number of species (as given
by Messrs. Dixon and Gordon they only come to eight)
bears no comparison to the 30 to 60 species of a raised
beach, and when the Limpet is present in the proportion
of at least 200 to every individual of all the other species
we can hardh^ doubt that we are dealing with a rock-shelter
of prehistoric man. This view is confirmed by the con-
dition of the openings in the face of the cliff itself. The
floor of the first (east), on being worked over with a hammer,
was found to consist of the heavy black dirt so characteristic
of fire-places in kitchen-middens. No charcoal was found,
but a water-rounded stone was turned up. This stone
had been blackened by exposure to fire, and on one side
had been fractured so that the rounded surface is abruptly
truncated by a rough surface, which is also blackened by
fire. Many of the shells show signs of having been in the
fire. The second opening, though smaller than the first,
has its floor composed of the same type of heavy black
dirt, and was apparently also a fire-place. Scores of Limpets
are stowed away at the back of both of these openings,
but as they differ in no way from the hundreds of Limpets
lying about under the talus, too much importance need
not be given to their position. The site was probably
chosen on account of the vast number of Limpets to be
obtained from the adjoining coast, where at the present

191 1- HiNCH. — Hi^:^h-levcl Marine Shells in Co. Mayo. 193

day they occur in great quantities. That the site was
occupied before the present talus was formed is probable
when the large numbers of shells which can be seen in the
chinks of it are taken into account. The deposit is
certainly not a raised beach, nor a Glacial deposit. In
my opinion it is a rock shelter of prehistoric times.

National Library of Ireland.

A NOTE ON DOOAGHTRY.

BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER.

To Dooaghtry I was introduced by Mr. A. W. Stelfox
last July. It is a remote and interesting area, lying at the
western base of Mweelrea, between it and the ocean, and
forming the northern side of the entrance to Killary Har-
bour. Here are sandy beaches, backed not by dunes, but
by great stretches of flat sand raised barely above high
water mark, and running inland between rocky ridges
sometimes as much as a mile, and fringing here and there
shallow sand -bottomed lakelets. Great changes in the
geography have occurred in recent times, as shown by the
fragment of the ancient church and graveyard, raised twenty
feet above the surrounding flat, which rises like a little
tumulus on the edge of the Owennadornaun River. Its
steep sandy slope is strewn with tall, uninscribed slabs,
up to nine feet in length, some of which still stand huddled
together, marking the graves on the summit. Around the
scarp the ends of the cofflns stand out ; and skulls and
bones go rattling down the slopfe into the stream, and are
carried seaward.

The Ordnance map of 1839 differs strikingly from that of
1899, the latter showing new river -courses and lakes per-
viously non-existent.

Dooaghtry was found by Mr. Stelfox and his party to
possess a remarkable and rich molluscan fauna, as will
appear from the forthcoming Mollusca paper in the Clare
Island series ; but it is to its curious flora that I wish to
draw attention.

A 2

194 The Irish Naturalist. November,

The flat, damp, sandy waste, stretching from the beach
inland to Corragaim Lough, is covered with a close sward,
in which (Enanthe Lachenalii, Sagina nodosa, Parnassia
palustris, Lcontodon hirtus, Epipactis palustris, Habenaria
conopsea, Scirpus paticiflorus, Carex dioica, Selaginella
selaginoides, are characteristic species. As the ground
gets wetter, Sium crccium and Carex tcrctiuscula come
in, with Bidens cernua var. radiata, and in the water is
Eleocharis acicidaris, unrecorded from West Mayo, and a
Pondweed of the pectinatus group. The rocky bluffs
adjoining on the southward rise from the sand -plain in a
steep scarp, clothed with an almost impenetrable belt of
scrub full of fallen blocks, Hart's -tongues, and nettles, but
possessing less floristic interest than the other types of
ground. On the knolls above grows Carlina vulgaris, which
has one of its few other stations off the limestone or limy
sands on Inishturk, just opposite ; with it are Juniper us nana,
Antennaria dioica, Campanula rotundifolia. Thymus Cha-
maedrys, Agrimonia odorata, and in sandy ground further
southward Viola Curtisii, Ranunculus bulbosus, and much
Ophioglossum vulgatum. Another deep inlet, filled with
flat, damp sand, adjoins on the southward. Here a stream,
which comes down from Mweelrea and sinks long before it
reaches the sea, is banked up at each tide, and at the very
head of the inlet it yields Scirpus T abernaemontani , S.
rufus, Salicornia herbacea, (Enanthe crocata, and Ruppia
rostellata. It is overhung by rocky bluffs, supporting
stunted trees of Populus tremula, Quercus sessiliflora, Betula,
Ilex, and Corylus, with an undergrowth including Thalic-
irum collinum. Erica mediterranea, Dabeocia polifolia,
Osmunda regalis, Saxifraga umbrosa.

I think it will be seen from these notes how curious and
varied is the flora of this remote place — the typical Conne-
mara flora adjoining and in some cases mixing with plants
which we associate with the limestone plain, and which are
brought in here owing to the presence of limy sands ; and
both associated with marsh and salt-marsh floras of interes-
ting types, which would well repay ecological study.

Dublin.

191 1- Stephens. — Some Terrestrial I sopodafotmd in \(^\\. 195

SOME TERRESTRIAL ISOPODA FOUND IN COS.
DUBLIN AND WICKLOW DURING 1911.

BY NORMAN E. STEPHENS.

The following is a list of species of Woodlice which I have
collected since the publication of " The Woodlice of Ireland,"
by Pack-Beresford and Foster ^ ; I have recorded only the
rarer species (unless where peculiar varieties have occurred)
which came under my notice during a stay of nearly three
months in Greystones, and on previous and subsequent
occasions in Co. Dublin. Three of the species mentioned,
namely, R. Mengii, T. pygmaeus, and P. dilatatus were not
hitherto known to exist in Co. Wicklow, although suspected
in the case of the latter two. All except one specimen of
P. dilatatus were found in the open air.

Trichoniscus pusillus, Brandt.

I took a peculiar!}' marked specimen of this common woodlouse in a
rabbit-burrow near Templecarrig, Co. Wicklow, in April last. The meso-
some is narrower and the metasome broader than in typical T. pusillus.
The colour is of a rich cobalt blue with the usual ramificated markings on
the body. The overgrowth of briars prevented me from making a further
examination of this spot in the summer months.

Trichoniscus roseus, Koch.

Co. Wicklow : Glen of the Downs, Greystones, and at certain damp spots
on Bray Head. Co. Dublin : in an old garden in the city.

Trichoniscus pygmaeus, Sars.

Six specimens of this minute woodlouse from a rabbit -burrow at
Templecarrig, and one at Windgates, Co. Wicklow.

Haplophthalmus Mengii, Zaddach.
Plentiful under a large stone implanted in sand on Bray Head, and
under stones at Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Co. Dublin : Rathmines.

Oniscus asellus. Linn.
I took a beautiful pale orange coloured specimen under stones at the
ruined cottages on Bray Head.

' Proc. R. I. Acad., vol. xxix.

196 The Irish Nahiralht. November,

Porcellio pictus, Brandt.
Among stones at the ruins on Bray Head, and under planks of wood,
Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Co. Dublin : in a bathroom at Rathmines.

Porcellio dilatatus, Brandt.
Greystones, Co. Wicklow, among vegetable refuse (young specimens)
and under wooden planks in a lan-eway used for supporting bathing
boxes during the winter months (numerous). Co. Dublin : in a hot-
house near Milltown, and in an old garden in the city.

Porcellio laevis, Latreille.
Numerous under fallen slates and stones of a ruined house near
Blacklion, Co. Wicklow. Co. Dublin ; in an old garden in the city.

Metoponorthus cingendus, Kinahan.
Six feet above high-water mark on Bray Head and at Greystones.

The three woodHce, Porcellio scaher, Oniscus asellus, and
Trichoniscus pusilhis were common in all the districts
\'isited in the two counties, and Philoscia muscorum and
Armadillidium vulgar e in Co. Wicklow. Two days' careful
searching of ants' nests on Bray Head was unsuccessful
in finding Platyarthrus Hoffmannseggii, so that the species,
if it exists (which is probable from its surrounding
distribution) must be exceedingly rare.

It is interesting to note that specimens of Trichoniscoides
alhidus found here in the garden at Rathmines are much
more coloured than those from the shores around Howth.
The former have ramifications of orange on the anterior
and middle of the mesosome, while the latter are perfectly
white. These latter are also perfectly devoid of eyes.

Rathmines, Dublin.

A GENERAL INDEX TO THE IRISH NATURALIST.

Having frequently had occasion to refer to back volumes
of the Irish Naturalist, I prepared for my own use a
MS. index to vols. i. to xviii. inclusive, and thinking it
might be useful to others, got it printed.

The index is now ready, and will be forwarded for 7s.
to any person who cares to have a copy. The price looks
very high, but even if every cop}' were sold, I would still
be out of pocket.

RiCHD. M. Barrington.

Fassaroe, Bray.

igii. Irish Societies. 19

IRISH SOCIETIES.

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Recent gifts include a Green Monkey from Mr. C. A. Lorenzer ; Ocelots
from Mr. G. L. Andrews and Dr. Robinson ; a Civet Cat from Dr. H.
Tweedy ; ten Prairie Marmots from Sir E. Loder ; a Mynah from
Mr. J. S. Bernard ; Sparrow-hawks from Miss Rose Finch and Mr. W. P.
Murphy ; a Merhn from Capt. T. Hone ; an Osprey from Mr. A. F. Mont-
gomery ; a Kingfisher from Mr. E. Fennessy ; a Curassow from Sir Roger
Casement, and a Little Grebe from Mr. J. Battersby. Two Sooty
Mangabeys, a Brown Capuchin Monkey, two Common Marmosets, an
Indian Fruit Bat, a Ratel, two Prevost Squirrels, a Kestrel, and a Pied
Wagtail have bee 1 bought for the collection.

After four years' tenure of the office, Capt. L. C. Arbuthnot has
resigned the Superintendency of the Dublin Zoological Gardens. Dr. B.
B. Ferrar has been appointed by the Council to the vacant post, and has
now entered on his duties.

BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

Geological Section. — September 16. — Excursion to Coi.in Glen. —
There was a large attendance of members, who left Belfast by Falls Road
tram, and on arrival at Milltown, walked by the Glen Road, to the bridge
over the river. Owing to repeated " faulting " the Trias, Lias and
Cretaceous rocks were traversed several times along the course of the
stream, and Mr. Bell pointed out various interesting exposures on either
side. Many of the characteristic fossils were obtained. The last section
examined was at the waterfall, where the yellow sandstones are seen
faulted against the Glauconitic Sands and Keuper Marls. A very fine
photograph showing the waterfall and adjacent faulted Cretaceous and
Triassic strata, taken by the President of the Field Club, is reproduced
in the 1904 Survey Memoir of the Geology of the country around Belfast.

Geological Section. — September 23. — Excursion to Glenshesk.
— The party was under the leadership of Dr. Dwerryhouse. A start was
made from Annoy, whence the niembers^drove through the valley between
Knocklayd and Croaghan. The valley runs nearly east and west, and
falls slightly in the latter direction. At its upper (eastern) end, it is cut
off by Glenshesk (running from south to north) a much deeper glen, and
thus under present conditions there is no possible catchment for a stream
capable of excavating the valley, which is in point of fact, now almost
streamless. The leader showed how this valley had been cut by the overflow
of a lake which temporarily existed in Glenshesk, and whose waters were
held up by the ice of the Firth of Clyde glacier, which at that time stood
across the mouth of the glen, in much the same way as the great Alctsch
Glacier in Switzerland holds up the waters of the Mergilen Sea. Crossing
on to the right (eastern) bank of the Glenshesk river, the party examined

198 The Irish Naturalist. November,

several other similar overflow channels, which had at different periods
discharged the surplus waters of a second ice-dammed lake which occupied
the valley of the Glonniakecran River. The waters of this Lake Glenma-
keeran which were at a higher level than those of Lake Glenshesk, flowed
through a deep gorge in the solid rock of the district and which is now
streamless, into Lake Glenshesk, and thence by the overflow channel
first mentioned, into the valley of the Bush River at Armoy. Several
terraces of gravel in Glenmakeeran were also pointed out, and it was
shown that these corresponded respectively to the levels of three channels
which successively acted as overflows for the lake, it being explained
that the terraces were deltas formed in the lake by inflowing streams,
each tlclta assuming the level of the waters at the time of its formation.

NOTES,

BOTANY.
Eecords of Irish Fungi.

Since the publication of my last note (supra p. 181) 1 have received
another parcel from Professor Gwynne-Vaughan, including the following
species : —

From Lough Nahaltora, Co. Galway : Belonidium lacustrc, I'hill., on
culms of Scirpus lacustris ; D. pulliim, P. & K., on culms and sheaths of
Phragmites ; Stagonospora dolosa, S. & R., on culms of Phragmites.

From Clare Island, Co. Mayo : Fuccinia conii, Fckl., on Co)iium
maculatmn ; Cystopiis candidiis. Lev., on Senchicra Coronopus.

W. B. Grove.
The University, Birmingham.

Two Plants new to Ireland.

During the recent visit of the International I'hytogcographical Ex-
cursion to Ireland, where they were so ably conducted by Mr. R. LI. Praeger,
Dr. Ostenfeld and myself independently found the water-lily Castalia
Candida (Presl.) (= Nymphea Candida, Presl,) in two loughs near Craigga-
more, and also near Roundstone, Co. Galway. Dr. Ostenfeld had previously
shewed me the plant in Perthshire, near Dunkeld. At Killarney I was
fortunate enough to meet with Viola epipsila Lideb, only recently added
to the British flora, the writer having gathered it in Berks and South
Devon. Further details of both species will follow. In Cornwall Mr. P.
Williams shewed the members the hybrid heath described as Erica cinerea
X E. vagans {Journ. Bot., 334, 1910) ; but an examination of it in the fresh
state convinced me that the determination was not correct, so in answer
to my request, Mr. Williams kindly motored Dr. Graebner and Dr.
Schroetcr over to the native habitat, when a close examination showed that
although its appearance recalled E. Mackayi, yet the ovary was hairy,
and both the foreign specialists agreed with me in considering it to be
Erica Tetralix x E. vagans, both of which species grow in the vicinity.

G. Claridge Druce,
Oxford.

igii. Notes. 199

Utricularia ochroleuca, Hartm.

In 1894 I collected at Recess a puzzling Bladderwort, which I labelled

" Utricularia intermedia ? with bladders on leafy stems. Growing with

typical U. intermedia and U. minor, bog-hole, Recess, Connemara, May,

1894." The plant has lain so named in my herbarium until September last.

when a visit of Dr. Gliick of Heidelberg, a special student of this group,

has resulted in its being identified as U. ochroleuca. This plant, but

recently definitely recorded from the British Isles (/. N ., 1910, p. 237)

is now known from a number of stations in Scotland, its only Irish (and

first Britannic) station being Kylemore in Connemara, Druce, 1875.

Mr. Druce has fullv discussed this plant and its distribution in a recent

number of this journal (pp. 120-123 supra). I may add that another

feature, which Professor Gliick says is characteristic, is conspicuous in

my specimens, namely, that the hybernaculum, instead of being compact

and egg-shaped as in U. intermedia, becomes lax, slender, and elongate,

being about half an inch in length, and only half the breadth of those

of U. intermedia.

R. Lloyd Praeger.

Dublin.

ZOOLOGY.
The Distribution of the Marine Copepoda.

The distribution of the Copepoda is a subject which has received in-
creasing attention in recent years, and in this connection it is interesting
to note the issue of the first parts of a work on the subject by Mr. G. P.
Farran. We have received copies of the first two parts which are published
by the Conseil permanent iJitcrnational pour I' Exploration de la Mer. Mr.
Farran's work is a summary of the results of the international investi-
gations carried on in the waters of north and west Europe in the years

IQ02 1908. In these two parts twenty-three species are dealt with in

detail. Each is taken up individually and the facts relating to its dis-
tribution are summarized under several headings, such as : — " General
Distribution and Biology " " Distribution within the regions investigated "
" Relations to the hydrographical conditions " ; " Economic importance "
and "Observations still to be made." ,

Of special interest are the results which have shown the existence of
a distinct periodicity in the occurrence of certain species. This has been
done particularly in the case of Paracalanus parvus, Pscitdocalanus
elongatus, Metridia liicens, and Calanus finmarchicus. As regards dis-
tribution in Irish waters the last two are the most interesting. From
February to May Metridia luccns is abundant on the west coast as far
north as Belmullet, and only moderately common in the Irish Sea. From
August to November on the other hand it extends northwards only as
far as Aran, while it becomes at the same time extremely abundant in
the Irish Sea. The facts with regard to Calanus finmarchicus are more
accurately known than in the case of most of the species, and the seasonal
fluctuations in its occurrence are well established. Speaking of the west

200 The Irish Naturalist November, 191 1.

coast of Ireland, Mr. Farran says " Calanus finmarchicus is moderate or
scarce in February, very abundant up to 20 or 30 miles from shore in
May and August, becoming moderate again in November. Off Cleggan,
Co. Galway, the increase in numbers appears to begin in March and to
reach its maximum by the end of April, after which the numbers decrease
grachially being very low from September to February."

The value of Mr. Farran's work is greatly enhanced by the excellent
series of maps which accompany each part. These show at a glance the
limits of the occurrence of each species, and tlie localities where it has
been found in the greatest abundance. The preparation of the maps must
have involved a great amount of painstaking labour, antl the result is
all that could be desired ; they are at once elaborate and clear.

Colin M. Selbie.
National Museum, Dublin.

Black-tailed Godwits in Cos. Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

I have had under observation for thirteen daj's, 27th Sept. — 9th October,
some birds which I will describe as I saw them. They were on the mud-
banks of the estuary of the Colligan River, at Shandon near Dungarvan,
and appeared fully twice as large as the Redshanks beside them, but not
quite so big as Curlews. They did not carry themselves huddled up with
the head drawn back, like Curlews, when walking, but were slim and
graceful. The beak was long and straight, its prominent part looking
pink in the sunshine ; and in feeding the beak was rammed down into
the mud, so that the eyes were occasionally submerged. The top of
the head was very dark, there was a light streak or band over the eye, and
the chin and cheeks were also light -coloured ; the neck and shoulders
were chestnut or rufous brown. There was a white bar along the middle
of the wing, while the rump and tail were white, except a broad band of
black across the end of the tail. The belly and under tail-coverts were
also white. Since writing the above description we have shot two
of the birds which prove, as I expected, to be Black-tailed Godwits.
They are immature, but full-grown birds, a male and a female. After
these were shot T saw six survivors. I learn from my friend. Major
Barrett-Hamilton of Kilmanock, Co. Wexford, that others occurred near
his place (which is close to Waterford Harbour), on Sept., 22nd, and that
one of them has been shot. In August, 1901, Captain L. A. Otway shot
two out of a considerable number on Wexford Harbour, and Mr. W. B.
Barrington observed a flock in October, 1909, and again in February,
191U on Cork Harbour, one of which was shot.

These Godwits should be looked for in August and September, the
months in which they most frequently visit us. They are irregular visitors
to Ireland on migration, occurring mostly on tidal estuaries, but have also
been repeatedly met with inland. They might easily be mistaken at a
distance for Curlews by anyone who did not take note of their distinctive
characters, or wlio had not a good glass.

R. J. USSHER.

Cappagh, Co. Waterford.

December, 19 1 1 T/ie Irish yaiiiralist. 20I

THE RELATION OF THE PRESENT

PLANT POPULATION OF THE BRITISH LSLES

TO THE GLACIAL PERIOD.

BY CLEMENT KEID, F.K.S.

[The lollow iii.n comiuunicatioii, made lo n joint meeting of the Botanical
and Geological Sections of th< British Association at the receiit meeting
at Portsmouth, was brought forward by Mr. Clement Reid as the opening
to a discussion on the subject to which it refers — a discussion in which
Dr. Scharff, Dr. Stapf, Professor Schroeter, Mr. W. B. Wright, Professor
Drude, F. J. Lewis, Dr. Ostenfeld, and Dr. Arber took part ; also, by
means of letters. Dr. A. R. Wallace, Dr. Marr, and Professor Kendal. In
view of the discussion on this and kindred subjects that have recently
taken place at the Dublin and Belfast Field Clubs and elsewhere, Mr.
Reid's opening statement is of interest to our readers^none the less so
since Mr. Reid's views differ widely from those held by the majority of
Irish Naturalists — and by permission of the author and the Council of
the Association, we reprint it here. — Eds.]

The distribution of our British plants has long been a puzzle
to the botanist, and no explanation was forthcoming till the
cause was searched for in bygone changes of climate, and
changes in the distribution of land and sea. A century ago
it was generally supposed that species had originated mainly
in the districts in which they were then found. But even
under this hypothesis the anomalies of discontinuous areas
seemed to require explanation, for the same species was not
likely to originate at several different points.

With the growth of the idea of gradual evolution it was
realised that faunas and floras had a past history, even if
the included species had remained unchanged. Botanists
recognised that there were many points that required ex-
planation. For instance, it was noticed at an early date
that each of our mountain-tops- possessed a small outlying
fragment of the arctic flora. How came it that the same
species occupied so many different mountains ? This
seemed a perfectly fair subject of inquiry, even to naturalists
who hated the very idea of evolution when applied to
species and genera.

More than sixty years ago a great impetus was given to
this study by the discovery that Europe had passed through
a most remarkable series of climatic changes, and that, too,
during the lifetime of the existing species of animals and
plants. There had not been a mere cooling of the climate ;

202 TJic hish Naturalist. Dccciiibcr.

the temperature in these latitudes had sunk far below its
present level, and then had attain risen.

Edward Forbes, in 1846, seized this clue, and explained
througli it, as relics of the Glacial Period, the arctic plants
stranded on (nn mountain-tops; they were i)lants left
behind when the climate became too warm for them any
longer to survi\-e on the plains. The subsequent discovery
of fossil remains of these plants scattered over the plains
and often associated with relics of arctic animals now extinct
in Britain, seemed a brilliant ])rr)of of Forbes' view, which
has been generally adopted.

In some curious way, howexer, botanists and zoologists
both seem to have overlooked the difficulty that, granting
Forbes' hypothesis to be sufficient to account for our alpine
flora, it rendered more difficult instead of easier the ex-
planation of our southern flora, which occurs in a similar
way stranded in some of the warmest low-l3dng parts of
Britain.

We meet to-day to discuss this question, in the hojje that
botanists, zoologists, and geologists may realise each other's
difiiculties, and may be able in combination to give a clear
teaching on this important problem of geographical distri-
bution.

The discussion I have been asked to open is limited to the
relation of the present Plant Population of the British Isles
to the Glacial Period. Our problem is a special one ; it is
not the same as that which confronts the botanist on the
Continent of Europe or America ; and it is not the problem
of the origin of the flora of an oceanic island. Also, the
wider question of the origin of the species composing the
British flora is outside the discussion, for it would lead us
into too many untrodden bypaths, and could not satis-
factorily be gone into in the present imperfect state of our
knowledge.

Perhaps it will be well to explain at once why the inquiry
is thus limited to comparatively recent periods, and how it
is that we need not explore the unknown earlier periods and
deal with larger questions.

Our first inquiry in this case must be : Has there been any
continuous occupation of Britain by a temperate flora and
fauna from pre-Glacial times to the present day ? Or, to
])ut it in other words : Are any of our plants survivors that

igii- Rrid. — Briiish P/anfs and the Glacial Pe7iod. 203

managed to live through the cold of the Glacial period in
some warm nook in Britain ? They evidently found a refuge
somewhere, for we know that the same temperate species
that live in Britain now were here in pre-Glacial times. But
was this refuge in Britain ?

Here geology comes to our aid, and 1 think that all
geologists who have made a special study of the climatic
conditions will agree with me. Any survival of our flowering
plants, except in the case of a few arctic and alpine species,
was quite impossible.

It may come as a shock to some of my colleagues when I
say that for this particular discussion we have a perfectly
definite starting-point. We have merely to account for the
incoming of our existing flora, after an earlier assemblage had
been swept away almost as completely and effectually as
the celebrated volcanic eruption wiped out the plants of
Krakatoa.

In order to make clear the existence of this limitation,
and for the convenience of the discussion, I have prepared
certain maps, which are now shown. I propose now to say
a few words as to the bygone climatic and orographic
changes indicated on those maps, and on their bearing on
the existing flora of Britain. I must say at once, however,
that you must not take these maps as absolutely exact
statements as to the climatic and geographic conditions at
the different stages involved in our inquiry. But they give
the result of many years' work at this subject, and, I think,
may be accepted as embodying the main factors which
dominate the question we have to discuss.

We know that during the greatest intensity of the cold all
Scotland, Ireland, and the greater part of England were
buried under ice and snow — except, possibly, for some high
peaks on which a few arctic species survived. Ice filled the
North Sea and covered the lowlands of England down to
the mouth of the Thames. Without crossing the Thames
it almost reached London. Its southern limit stretched to
South Wales, where tongues of ice reached the Bristol
Channel in big glaciers like those of the Antarctic Regions or
Greenland. In South Wales a few hills may have escaped,
though surrounded by ice.

A 2

204 The Itisk Aatmalisi. December,

The glaciation in Ireland was even more extreme, for
apparently no part oi Ireland escaped. ICven the warmest
parts of the south-west are striated and covered by morainic
material, the ice extending well out into the Atlantic. The
icebergs were so big, or the ice-luol so thi( k, that, l)reaking
away from the Irish coast, the masses were able to float
across to the Scilly Isles before they melted ; for they carried
with them numerous striated stones of well-known rocks,
now found stranded on the highest parts of the Isles of
Scilly. Thus it is evident that in those days Scilly, our most
southerly and warmest point, was surrounded by a bitterly
cold ocean, and it was submerged to such an extent that it
could be overridden by pack-ice. Could any temperate plant
survive such treatment ? I particularly want you to realise
the climate that Scilly enjoyed in those days, for it is now
one of the warmest spots in our islands, and its temperate
flora has come back, though the islands are surrounded by
fairly deep sea.

It seems evident, therefore, that a temperate flora could
not have survived the cold in Ireland or in the Scilly Isles.
But there is still the non-glaciated area south of the Severn
and Thames to consider, and botanists may tell us that the
temperate flora survived in some warm nooks in Devon or
the Isle of Wight. Here, however, we can point to evidence
that the botanist himself must accept as conclusive.

In the south of Devon one of the warmest of the sheltered
valleys is that through which the Teign flows to Newton
Abbot. But in the alluvial deposits of this valley, and onty
a few feet above the sea-level, Professor Oswald Heer and
Professor Nathorst discovered leaves of the dwarf Arctic
Birch and some Arctic mosses.

Time will not allow us to go into all the evidence ; so I
will only point to one or two other areas which prove the
extreme rigour of the climate in the South of England. Close
to Salisbury are found in profusion remains of various Arctic
mammals — Reindeer, Musk Ox, Arctic Fox, lemming, and
several others. Unfortunately plants do not seem to have
been searched for, and the sections were obscured when I
visited the pit ; however, the flora associated with this
assemblage of mammals can only have been the flora of the
Arctic regions.

igii. Rkid. — British Plants and the Glacial Period. 205

To come nearer home, around Portsmouth itself we have
abundant evidence of this icy sea, for in the peninsula of
Selsey especially we find numerous large erratic blocks
floated by ice. Some of them have been identified as coming
from the Isle of Wight, others from Bognor and Cornwall,
and a number came from the Channel Islands. Thus even
the north coast of France had its shores fringed with ice.

I have attempted to show on a map what the Channel
was like when Spithead was thus blocked with ice-floes. Is
it possible to believe that the plants of the south of England,
many of which can barely hold their own during a severe
winter nowadays, could have survived these arctic con-
ditions ?

If the southern plants were completely swept away by the
cold, the question arises : How did they come back again
especially to islands like Ireland and the Isles of Scilly, and
how did they obtain their very singular present geogra-
phical distribution ? We are told that the matter is simple
enough, for Britain has often been connected with the
Continent, and the plants spread slowly overland. However,
before we adopt the view that for animals and plants to
spread to islands it is needful to have land-connection, you
should remember Krakatoa, and the rapidity with which the
exterminated flora has come back. Also I must point out
that there are peculiarities in the distribution of the different
elements that go to make up the existing British flora that
no land-connection will explain. Look at the recent dis-
tribution. One of the most striking peculiarities is the
Pyrenean element in our flora. It is practically confined to
two areas, the one in Cornwalhand the other in the West of
Ireland. Geologists nowadays will not agree to the recon-
struction of a lost Atlantis to account for this peculiar
distribution.

Undoubtedly since the Glacial period our islands have
seen several oscillations of level. There has also been
widening and narrowing of straits and channels. England
has been connected with France near Dover, and also across
the North Sea with Holland and Denmark. But 20 or 25
metres seem to have been the approximate extent of the
rise in the south of England. I have searched in vain for

2o6 The Irish Naturalist. Deceuiber,

evidence of a greater movement. A shallowing of the sea
b}- 25 metres is not nearly sufficient to connect Ireland
with England or Scotland, or the Isles of Scilly with England.
Still less would it suffice to connect the West of Ireland or
Cornwall with the Pyrenees, where the peculiar plants find
their home. A rise of land to this amount would not even
bring Scilly and the Land's End appreciably nearer together.

This limitation of the extent to which we can bridge over
the gaps between our islands is, however, a point on which
there is much difference of opinion, and I will not insist on
the conclusiveness of the evidence as to the extent of the
oscillations.

From the botanist's point of \iew there are, however,
other archipelagos besides those surrounded by water. No
doubt if we can postulate sufficient orographic changes plants
would spread slowly from land to land during the few
thousand years that have elapsed since the cold died away.
But — and this ' but ' is all-important — they would only do
so if the soils were suitable. An isolated tract of limestone
surrounded by clay or by sand is as much an island, as far
as many of our most peculiar plants are concerned, as if it
were surrounded by water. We have many such islands —
or oases is perhaps a more suitable term for them — and no
possible ups and downs of the land will connect them. Many
of them, like the central limestone district of Ireland, or the
Peak District in Derbyshire, or the West Yorkshire car-
boniferous limestone, must have been isolated from far-
distant geological periods, from times before the present llora
of Britain had an\' existence. We ha\-e a still more difficult
problem than this. Britain is divided into mmierous rix'cr-
basins, for most of which any connection with other basins
in post-Glacial times is unthinkable. \'et each basin yields
numerous aquatic 1 lants and animals of the same species as
those found in other basins cut off by high hills. Isolated
lakes have their aquatic flora ; and ev^en artihcial ponds,
such as the dew-])onds of our high chalk downs, have a fauna
and flora closely proportionate in the number of species
with the time that has elapsed since the pond was made, or
since it last dried up. If no actual connection between
river-basins or isolated ponds is needed for the spread of

igit. JREID. —BnVsh Plants and the Glacial Period. 207

aquatic plants, why need we postulate a land-connection
for the land-plants, or a bridge of limestone to aid the
migration of the limestone plants from crag to distant crag ?
Aquatic plants and limestone plants must obviously in most
cases have taken leaps of many miles to arrive at their
present stations. Our plants have far greater power of
crossing deserts and seas than most botanists are willing to
allow.

Let us examine the present distribution of one of the most
interesting groups of British plants. The Atlantic or Lusi-
tanian plants form an assemblage belonging mainly to the
Pyrenees, and found also in the S.W. of England, and again
in S.W. Ireland. But they do not occur in the intermediate
districts. If we look more closely into the composition of
this Atlantic flora, as it is represented in Britain, we lind
that only plants with small seeds have been able to cross to
Cornwall and Ireland, those with large seeds being left
behind on the Continent. There is only one tree among them,
and that is the Arbutus, one of the few trees with minute
seeds now living in Europe, h. further examination con-
fronts us with the puzzle that, whilst various Pyrenean
species are found also in Cornwall and Kerry, the species
occurring in Cornwall and Ireland are not the same. The
Arbutus is a case in point ; it is wild in Ireland, but in no
part of England. Erica ciliaris and E. vagans are English,
and not Irish ; E. mediterranea is Irish, and not English.

The local distribution of these plants is equally strange.
A few, like Pinguicula lusitanica, have spread throughout
the west country, wherever the conditions are suitable.
Most occur, however, in quite different fashion ; they are
abundant over certain limited areas, to which they are
strictly confined, but they are absent from other adjoining
areas, though equally suited. I have mapped and examined
a good many of these areas, and the plants seem in most
places to be spreading vigorously from certain definite
centres, to which chance has transported a seed. Thus,
Erica ciliaris is confined to three localities in Cornwall,
Devon, and Dorset. E. vagans occurs abundantly in the
Lizard and again on quite different soil in North Cornwall,

2o8 The Irish Nahiraiist. December,

so that the serpentine soil has nothing to do with its present
distribution.

Chance introductions of seeds during thousands of years
explain the existing peculiarities of geographical distribution
in a way that no changes of sea or land or climate will do.
Our alpine flora consists largely of survivors from a colder
period ; the rest of our llora, on the other hand, is constantly
being added to by chance introductions from the nearest
continental shore. That is why the Atlantic element, and
the eastern element, though not consisting to any great
extent of maritime plants, are conhned mainly in Britain to
areas within a few miles of the coast. Seeds are evidently
brought from the Continent and scattered broadcast over
certain coastal districts, and they grow and spread where soil
and climate are suitable. But the post-Glacial period has
been so short that the process is still incomplete, and tlie
slow spreading inland has only as yet extended a few miles.
We can still lix the point or points of introduction.

The most striking elements in the British flora, except the
arctic and alpine species, have a marked coastal distribution.
The plants found correspond with those of the land opposite
(in which they are often inland, as well as coastal). Thus the
Cornish plants and those of S.W. Ireland contain a large
Pyrenean element ; Norfolk plants correspond with those
of the opposite shore of the North Sea ; even two or three
American plants are found on the coasts facing America.

All the evidence seems, therefore, to point to a steady
change and increase in our flora, due to occasional intro-
ductions. These introductions are, I think, now mainly due
to birds driven by exceptional gales. But herds of migrating
bison, deer, and horse have played their part, especially
when the Straits of Dover were much narrower or non-
existent. Packs of wolves which hunted the large game,
foxes, cats, and especially raptorial birds which waited for
and struck down the tired migrants, must also have assisted.
Fences and the destruction of wild animals have j)robably
rendered the process far slower than formerly ; hut it still
goes on, as anyone can see who notes the constant occurrence
of seedling oaks miles from the nearest tree.

I9-I. Reid. — British Plants and the Glacial Perioa> 209

If I am right, therefore, there is no such thing as a native
plant in Britain. Our flora has been swept away hke that of
Krakatoa ; but we have arrived at a much later stage of
the re-peopling in our islands. It seems to me far more
interesting to watch this process of introduction, change,
and spreading than to enter into speculations as to what
species shall be listed as ' natives,' ' denizens,' or ' colonists.'
No such differences exist ; it is all a question of degree.

Britain for several thousand years has been receiving
colonists from all sources, and the process still goes on. The
oldest element in our flora, the alpine, occurs on nearly all
our mountains ; for it once occupied the intervening areas,
and it does not greatly depend on conditions of soil. The
limestone, aquatic, and Lusitanian floras, on the other hand,
are more recent introductions ; they can never have
occupied continuous areas, and their present distribution is
full of singular anomalies. These three elements of our flora
are steadily growing in importance, whilst the alpine
element is stationary, or tends to die out.

Geological Survey, London.

IKISH SOCIETIES,

ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

His Majesty the King has graciously deposited in the Dublin Gardens
•some animals from his South African collection lately exhibited in London.
These are two Verv-et Monkeys, two Blotched Genets, and six Spur-
w.nged Geese.

Recent gifts include a young Otter from Mr. J. Darcy, a Persian Cat
from Mr. H. Cooke, Rabbits from Mr. H. Fottrell and Mrs. Stuart, a
Lanner Falcon from Mr. H. B. Rathborne, a Sparrow-hawk from Mr.
Priestly, three Jacobin Pigeons from Miss V. Stockley, four Nun Pigeons
from Miss French, three Ring-necked Parrakeets, a pair of Grass Parrakeets,
■eight Grey-breasted Parrakeets, a Moustache Parrakeet and four Cocka-
teels from Dr. B. B. Ferrar, and a West African Tortoise from Mr. J.
Scott Byrne, A Mona Monkey has been placed in the collection on
deposit. A Macacque Monkey, a pair of Weeper Capuchin Monkeys, a
Serval and a female Capybara have been acquired by purchase.

Considerable progress has been made with the hospital, which will afford,
when completed, much-needed accommodation for sick animals and a
place of isolation where suspected cases can be kept under observation.

Recently a fine young male Lion and a pair of Lion Cubs have been
shipped from Dublin for the Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Australia.

A3

2IO The Irish Nalnralist. December

ON THE INHERITANCE OF PITTED

LEAF-BLOTCHINGS IN ARUM MACULATUM

AND ON FLORAL VARIATIONS IN THE SPECIES.

HY NATHANIEL COLGAN, M.H.I. A.

Some eight years ago, in the March issue of this journal
for 1903, I drew attention to a pecuhar form of Arum
maculatmn occurring in Co. Dubhn, a form in which the
purple-brown maculations of the leaf were indented or
pitted on the lower surface so as to produce what were called
pseudo-blisters or protuberances on the upper surface.
This paper gave rise to an interesting discussion on the
whole subject of leaf-blotching in this species, and on the
distribution of the maculate -leaved variety in the British
Isles and on the Continent. In the course of this discussion
it appeared that the pseudo-blistering had been observed,
though rarely, in other stations, and that the pittings were
found to occur in some cases on the front or upper surface
of the leaf so as to cause answering protuberances to appear
on the back. Dr. Pethybridge (/r. Kat. xii., p. 149), ob-
served such indentings of the upper surface, as also did Mr.
R. A. Phillips {torn, cit., p. 205), and later {Flora\ Co. Dublin,
1904, p. 206) I recorded the hnding of a similar form by
Miss C. G. O'Brien near Foynes, Co. Limerick, and by
myself at Newcastle, Co. Dublin, in 1904.

In the present paper it is proposed to give some notes on
the behaviour of several plants with blotched and pitted
leaves removed from the Newcastle station, and grown in
my garden for a period of 7 years, 1904 to 191 1.

The first shoots from these transplanted tubers appeared
over ground usually in the first week in February of each
year, and on their first appearance the dark blotches showed
clearly on the outer surface or back of the closely furled
leaves. Even in this early stage, the nascent protuberances
could be traced in the region of the blotches. As the leaves
unfurled, the indentations or depressions on the upper
surface were e.xposed to view, and answering blister-like
elevations stood out prominently on the back (see Ir. Nat.,
xvi., 177). The leaves, in fact, for seven successive years

I9II- CoLGAN. — Leaf-blotchiiigs in Arum maculatum. 211

showed precisely the same blotchings, pittings, and pro-
tuberances as had been observed on the plants when removed
from their station by a shaded roadside at Newcastle. The
blotchings and pseudo-blisters are then not adventitious.
They arise from some inherent peculiarity of the plant which
bears them.

The question next presented itself, is this capacity of
producing repousse leaf-maculations hereditary in the fullest
sense of the word ? Can it be transmitted by seed from one
generation to another ? For some time I despaired of finding
any answer to this question, as the garden plants for three
years after removal from the Newcastle station showed no
signs of flowering. At length, however, in May, 1908, two
liower-spathes made their appearance, each marked inside
with large red-brown blotches. But nothing came of this
flowering. Both of the flower-spikes faded away without
leaving behind a vestige of fruit.

On the 7th May of the next year, 1909, three flower-
spathes appeared, two on one plant and the third on another
at some four inches distance, all three spathes being blotched
as had been those of the previous year. Some four months
later, on the 2nd September, I found that one of the three
flower-spikes had formed a head of 11 well-developed fruits.
These were gathered on the same day and yielded 11 seeds
(one for each fruit) which were forthwith planted in a large
flower-pot in ordinary potting mould. The pot was removed
indoors and kept moist by occasional watering. Some six
and a half months after this sowing, about the 25th March
1910, as no sign of germination was apparent above the soil,
I dug up one of the seeds and found that it had not only
germinated but had developed a rudimentary tuber at the
end of a highly curved germination shoot or cotyledon
proceeding from the empty seed-coat. This shoot was
curved almost into a semicircle, the empty seed-coat at one
end and above, the tuber at the other end and below, with
its radicle or primary root issuing from the base. The
young germination-shoot was replanted, and three months
later, in June, 1910, the surface of the soil was again closely
examined for signs of growth. No trace of a shoot, however,
was visible above the soil, and being at the time ignorant of

212 The I)i>h Naiiiralist. December,

the peculiar life-history of the species, I assumed that all
of the seeds had rotted away ; and so the flower-pot was
laid aside and the experiment set down as a failure.

After the lapse of another three months it occurred to me
that I might have too hastily assumed that all the seeds had
perished, so on the ist October, 1910, I carefully stirred up
the soil in the pot and was surprised to iind seven well-
developed tubers about the size of an ordinary Sweet -Pea
seed. From the crown of each tuber proceeded a shoot of
about half an inch long, sheathed below and showing at the
summit a faintly green leaf -tip. The seed-shells and primary
germination-shoots or cotyledons had all disappeared. The
radicle, too, was gone, only the faintest vestige of its old
attachment showing as a slight scar at the base of the young
tubers, but a few nascent roots appeared near the crown of
the tubers. After examination, the tubers were immediately
re-planted ; the soil was kept well watered and, finally, on
the I2th October, 1910, precisely 13 months and 6 days after
the sowing of the seed, the first leaf-shoot appeared above
ground.

The other leaf-shoots made their appearance in fairly
rapid succession. By the 23rd October, seven shoots were
over ground, by the 4th November, eight, by the 6th Nov-
ember, nine, by the nth, ten, and, finally, on the 22nd
February of the present year, 1911, the last or eleventh shoot
made its appearance. The slow evolution of the closely
furled leaves was watched with interest, and at last, on the
30th October, 1910, a distinct brown blotch was made out
on the back of the leaf which had first appeared above
ground. A second blotched leaf was observed on November
4th, a third on December 15th, a fourth about the middle
of January, 191 1, and a fifth on the following 22nd February.
By this time several of the young plants had grown to a
height of an inch and a half, and two of them to fully two
inches, with elliptic acuminate leaves one inch long and
showing no trace of a basal sinus. The pseudo-blisters stood
out prominently on the backs of the blotched-leaved plants
and corresponded accurately with the outline of the blotch-
ings, which were usually large and oblong, measuring almost
\ inch, save in one leaf where they were hardly one-sixteenth

191 !• CoLGAN. — Leaf'blotchings in Arum maculatum. 213

of an inch long. Six of the 11 plants bore leaves absolutely
immaculate and unpittcd.

This division of the seedlings into spotted and unspotted
forms at once suggested the action of Mendelian factors, and
having discussed the problem with Mr. G. P. Farran, he
proposed the following solution, which it seems to me is one
that further experiment may very likely prove to be true.
On the assumption that we have here to do with Mendelian
characters, he regards the 11 seedlings as the outcome of
a cross between a pure-bred immaculate-leaved plant and
a hybrid spotted and pitted-leaved plant. In accordance
with Mendel's laws such a cross should produce equal numbers
of the two parent forms, and this result has occurred in the
case of the Newcastle fruiting Arum as closely as is possible
in dealing with an odd number of seeds. On the same
assumption as to the hybrid nature of the plants and the
Mendelian character of their spots and pittings, a cross
between two of these hybrids should have given rise to 3
spotted seedhngs for every one unspotted, or say 8 spotted
to 3 unspotted out of the 11 seeds sown. And such a cross
might very easily have taken place since two of the assumedly
hybrid Newcastle plants flowered side by side in my garden
in May, 1909. The actual proportion of spotted to unspotted
seedlings produced may be taken, then, as showing that no
such crossing of hybrids did in fact take place, but that the
fruiting plant which bore the 11 seeds was fertilized by the
pollen of an ordinary unspotted Arum. The only Arums
grown in my garden were the spotted and pitted Newcastle
plants, so that the fertilizing pollen must have been insect-
borne from outside. The ordinary unspotted plant grows
certainly within one-third of a mile of my garden, and may
perhaps grow much closer at hand in copses which I have
not examined. The problem is one that invites further
experiment with artificial fertilization.

Some time after I had completed the observations just
recorded, it occurred to me to look into the literature of the
subject, and by the kind assistance of Dr. Pethybridge and
Prof. Johnson, I was enabled to study at hrst-hand two
important papers on the development of Arum maculatum
to which they drew my attention. The first was a paper by

214 The Irish Naturalist. becember,

Rina Scott and Ethel Sargant, " On the development of
Arum maculatum trom the seed," which appeared m the
Annals of Botany in 1898 (vol. xii., 399) ; the second.
an article in Dr. Kirchner's Lebcnsgcschichtc dcr Bliitoi-
pfianzen Mittclcuropas, pnblished in 1909 (Band i., Abtheil.
3), and giving a full and interesting resume of the result of
observations made previously to that 3^ear.

In one of the foot-notes to the hrst of these jjapers the
authors state that in England the Arum seeds ripen in July
and germinate in autumn, yet a study of the text seems to
show that seeds from Devonshire plants sown b\- them in
July, 1895, did not germinate until early in the ibllowing
January, while the first leaf did not appear above ground
until the spring of 1897, u^" some 19 months after the sowing
of the seed. In the Lebensgcschichte a summary is gi\-en of
the results obtained by Irmisch with plants grown in
Germany, where the fruit matures in September, as it usually
does in Ireland. These results agree rather closely with
those obtained by Scott and Sargant with Devonshire plants.
German seeds sown as soon as ripe were found by Irmisch
to germinate, as a rule, in the following spring, while the
first leaf appeared over ground, as a rule, in the third year
after sowing. In exceptional cases, however, he obserxed
the first appearance of the leaf to take place in the autumn
of the second year, as occurred with the Irish seeds sown b\'
me in September, 1909.

In exploring the literature of this ver\- interesting species
a curious lack of unanimity came to light in the \'iews of
different authorities as to the number of seeds produced by
the fruit or berrj'. In Smith's English Flora, 2nd Ed. 1830,
and in Withering's Arrangement, 4th Ed. 1837, ^^^^ fruit is
set down as containing " several seeds " ; Ray {Synopsis,
3rd Ed., 1724) and Haller {Hist. Stirp. Indig. Helvetiac,
1768) both give the number of seeds as i or 2 ; Hooker's
Stitdenfs Flora, 3rd Ed. 1884, has seeds 2 or 3 ; Babington's
Manual, 9th lid. 1904, *' seeds mostly 4 or 3 or rarely 2 " :
and finalty, not to pile u]) discordant authorities, ScopoH in
his Flora Carinthiaca, 1760, fixes the number of seeds at 2.
This unexpected diversity of opinion induced me to examine
for myself a large series of Irish Arum spadices in \arious

t^ii- CoLGAN. — Lcaf-blotcJiinvs in Arum maailatiun. 215

stages of growth. For the greater part of the material used
in the inquiry, some 250 flowering or fruiting spikes, I am
indebted to the kindness of friends, above all to Mr. R. A.
Phillips, who collected for me in Galway, Tipperary, Cork,
Wexford, Kilkenny, and Queen's Co. Material from Derry
was sent me by Mr.W. E. Hart ; from Co. Down by the Rev.
Canon Lett ; from Wicklow and Kerry by Mr. W. F. Gunn ;
and from Co. Dublin by Mr. R. W. Scully.

A total of 341 ovaries or immature fruits were dissected
in the month of May, 191 1, to ascertain the number of
ovules, and 661 mature fruits or berries were examined
between the 8th September and the 3rd October of the same
year. The result was to show that the ovules were much
more numerous than the ripe seeds and that the number of
both seeds and ovules was variable. The number of ovules
per ovary ranged from 2 to 8, the average being 4.8. Out of
the 341 ovaries examined 300 had from 4 to 6 ovules each,
none had less than 2, 23 had from 2 to 3, and 19 had from
7 to 8 ovules. In contrast with this distribution of the
ovules, the 661 ripe fruits examined gave an average of 1.4
seeds per fruit, the numbers ranging from i to 4. No less
than 443 of the fruits were one-seeded, 163 had 2 seeds,
45 had 3, and only 10 had four.

In Ireland, then, less than one-third of the ovules of Arum
macidatum come to maturity, and, since 606 out of the 661
Irish Iruits examined had either i or 2 seeds, it is clear that
Ray's and Haller's accounts of the fruit are, for Ireland,
at all events, much nearer the truth than either Hooker's
or Babington's.

This abortion of more than two-thirds of the ovules of
Arum niaculatum is, no doubt, mainly due to imperfect
pollination, as is the entire abortion of the fruit which not
infrequently takes place in this species. An examination of
22 fruiting spikes from the counties of Kilkenny and Wexford
made in September last showed that 70 out of a total of
595, or fully II 2 per cent, of the fruits, were completely
aborted. The number of aborted fruits and ovules is probably
in inverse ratio to the number of insect visitors to the spathe.
In the majority of the fully opened Irish spathes examined

216

The Irish Naturalist.

December.

dead specimens of the dipterous insect, Psychoda phalae-
noidcs, were found, the numbers ranging from 3 to 30 per
spathe. According to Kirchner {he. cit.) this is the only
insect proved to effect pollination of the Arum, and as
many as 4,000 individuals have been found in a single
spathe.

Numerical variation in Arum maculniuiu is by no means
confined to the ovules and seeds. It extends to the whole
inflorescence, which, as is well known, is made up of four
distinct members or divisions, the female flowers or })istils,
the pistillodes, the male flowers or anthers, and the stami-
nodes, taking tliem in order from below upwards. The range
of variation and the average for each of these divisions of
the inflorescence is set out in the following table founded
as regards the pistils on an examination of 204, and as
regards the other members of 123 spadices.

Numerical variations in the inflorescence of Arum

maculatum.

1
1

Pistils 1 Pistillodes. Anthers.

Staminodcs.

Range
Average

II to 56 II to 55
30-3 12-5

46 to 150

89-0

20 to 70

42-0 ,

1

The most remarkable colour-\ariation observed was a
species of albinism in which the club-shaped extremity of
the spadix, usually a deep crimson-purple, was cream-
yellow or yeUow blotched with green. Out of 204 flowering
spathes examined, 20 showed the latter variation, the colour
of the club suggesting mouldy Stilton cheese ; only 5 showed
the cream-yellow variation. As a rule the pale-clubbed
si)adices bore pale yellow anthers and staminodes, though
in some cases the colour was pale pink, whereas in the
ordinary purple -clubbed spadices these members were red
or purplish.

igii- COLGAN. — Lcaf-blotchings in Ai'um 7>iacu/ahivi. 217

Monstrosities were of rather frequent occurrence, the
most noteworthy being a double -spathecl inflorescence from
Gort, one spathe being closely furled within the other. Leaf-
like processes, apparently degraded pistils, occurred occas-
ionally in the pistil-bearing region of the spadix and once
amongst the pistillodes ; coalesced pistils, fused two to-
gether, occurred in 5 instances ; and in one case a perfect
anther was found amongst the staminodes.

A marked tendency to pass from the monoecious to the
hermaphrodite type of inflorescence was exhibited in a
curious monstrous spadix sent me by Canon Lett from
Loughbrickland. In this the usual group of pistils or
female flowers appeared at the base of the spadix, their
withered stigmas and depressed crowns showing that
fertilization had already taken place ; above these, in their
normal position, came a group of pistillodes ; next came a
confused mixture of pistils and anthers occupying the region
of the male flowers, the stigmas just matured and shining
with the glutinous stigmatic secretion, while the intermixed
anthers were burst so as to display the ripe pollen. Many
of the pistils here bore seated on their summits a half anther,
most of them were burst open and exposed to view the
included ovules, and here and there an anther appeared
bearing attached to it a couple of naked ovules. The stami-
nodes forming the fourth member of the inflorescence in
this monstrous spadix were quite normal both in form
and position.

Sandvcove, Co. Dublin.

NEWS GLE AIRINGS.

Biological Appointments in Dublin.

We have to record that R. Southern, B.Sc , who has worked for several
years past m the Natural History division of the National Museum, Dublin,
has been recently transferred to the Fisheries Office as assistant naturalist.
His place on the Museum staff has been filled by the appointment of
C. M. Selbie, M.A., from Aberdeen University.

2tS The Imh Natvralisi. December.

OBITUARY.

MARY ISABELLA LEEBODY.

Tho death of Mrs. Leebody on SeptemluT lytli, lollowiui; on that of
S. A. Stewart, deprives the North of Ireland of another of its veteran
botanists. For a long period of years Mrs. Leebody has taken advantage
of every opportunity that offered to imjircvc! our knowledge of the flora,
espcciallv of Derry and Donegal, the counties which lay around her liomc
in Londonderry ; and by her encouragement of others she also furthered
her favourite study. Her finding of Spifnittlies Romanzoviana at Kilrea
was the first indication that that rare ore hid had a wider extension of
range in Ulster than was shown by its first discovery in Armagh ; and
the finding of several rare plants in Donegal — Glyccria aquatica near
liallyshannon. Dryas octopetala on Muckish, Stachys Betonica at Portsalon,
Malaxis paludosa on Slieve Snaght, were due to her work or to the interest
in botany' which she inspired in others. I-'urther from home, she added
Tecsdalia nudicaulis to the native Irish flora by iier discovery of its Lough
Neagh station. Mrs. Leebody took a keen interest in tlie work of the
Belfast Field Club, and seldom missed such club excursions as were held
to ]ilaces within reach of Londonderry.

R. Li. p.

RICHARD PRENDERGAST VOWELL.

I^. P. Vowel! was one of the little i)and of botanists whom the
enthusiasm of A. G. More inspired to undertake the systematic investiga-
tion of the Irish flora, in connection with the preparation of a second
edition of " Cybele Hibernica." The " eighties " of tlie last century
were a heroic period in the history of the botany of Ireland. H. C. Hart,
R. M. Harrington, R. P. Vowell, R. W. Scully. T. H. Corry. and S. A.
Stewart — it is sad to think how few of them are alive now — were all at
work, and hardly an important mountain, lake;. ri\-(.-r, or ]iromising stretch
of sea-shore escaped their attention. Yowell's share in this extensive
survey lay in his joining R. M. Barrington in the exploration of two
interesting and then little-known areas — the cliff -walled hills of the Ben
Bulbcn range, and the limestone shores of Lough Ree ; and the reports
on these two areas, published by the Royal Irish Academy in 1885 and
1888 respectively, still remain the main source of information on the
remarkable flora of those places. Though he did not publish subsequently
any other contributions to our knowledge of Irish botany, Mr. Vowell
retained his keen interest in the subject. His untimely death on October
30, after a brief illness, will be regretted by a large circle of friends, and
by his fellow-botanists throughout Ireland.

K. Ll. p.

igTI A^offS. 219

NOTES.

ZOOLOGY.

Entomological Notes.

I have been much surprised at the absence of insects during the early-
autumn. I was at Loughgall on August 28th, Maghery, Lough Neagh,
on September ist, and Newcastle. Co. Down, on September 6th, all of
them good localities for insects, and at none of them did I meet with any
number of insects, in fact I was greatly taken aback by the scarcity which
prevailed. At Loughgall by sweeping and beating herbage and trees along
the lake and shore in the Manor grounds I took of beetles Cyphoii vari-
abilis, Thnb., C. padi. L., GaleruccUa nymphaeae and Apion ervi. Hub. :
of Hemiptera Miris calcayatits, F?iW., Lygus Kalmii,!^., Aetorhiinis ansu.
latus Fall,. Aphrophora alnce. Fall , Philacnus spumaritis, L. and P.
liiieatus L., also some Psyllina which I liave not determined yet. Besides
I saw some Agrions, also Melarrippe montatiaia and Teyas contaminana.
The afternoon was not favouralilc as there were thunder and showers.
At Maghery, however, I had a gloriously fine day, but though there were
some Trichoptera about, little else were to be had. Mrs. Johnson and I
delved in the sand till we were tired and only got a few Bledius siib-
teyrancus and Deronectes assimilis, the latter seemed to be emerging from
the pupa. Mrs. Johnson also took a solitary Elap/iriis riparius. Among
rejectamenta on the shore I saw a couple of Pliiloiithtis mar^inattis, and
under stones on L)crrywarragh in a fruitless search for Pelophila a few
Pterostichus nigrita. At Newcastle we had a splendid day as far as weather
was concerned, but except grass -hoppers nothing was much in evidence.
I saw one dilapidated Satyr lis semclc on the sandhills, also Lycacna
icarus and Pieris rapae. I took three Anaitis plngiala and a few l)eetles
comprising one Sitones flavesccns and a few Lnngitarsus jac hacac, I also
saw one Broscus ccphahtes dead. The Hemiptera were represented by-
several Nysius lineaius, one Evacanthiis iittcrvuptus and a few Psyllina.
I looked carefully for Cionus hortulaniis on Scrophularia nodosa but found
neither beetles nor larvae, only a few empty pupa-cases to show they had
been there. There were a few Bombi about and one or two Wasps. In
one way the absence of insects was not to be wondered at, for all herbage
was pretty well burned up. The Bracken was fast turning brown and
other things in a dying state, so that there was little to support insects
or attract them either. At home I have made a few captures ; Canipy-
loHciira virgula, that pretty little hemipteron, flew into my sitting-room
and was duly captured. On the morning of the 14th August, I saw a
vellow moth fluttering on one of the paths among the flower beds. It
was speedily captured and on examination proved to be E:.nnmos erosaria,
a moth I had not met with here before ; Pyyaiista pitypnyalrs was also
found in my garden. I have seen single specimens of Pyyanwis alalauta

and P. cardui near tliis.

W. F. Johnson.
Poyntzpass.

220 The Irish Nalvralist. Decctnbcr, 1911.

Bernacle Goose in Co. Wexford.

On the 14th October, Mr. J.J. IVixcval, ol Wexford, sent 1,0 the National
Museum, Dubhn, a Bornacle Goose (Bernida Iciicopsis), wliich liatl been
obtained a few days previously near Kilmore, on the south coast of Co.
Wexford. This Goose is a regular winter visitor to Dundalk Bay, and
the north-west coast of Ireland ; it has also occurred occasionally inland.
but T am not aware ot a s]X'cimen having been previously obtained on the
south coast of Ireland.

A. R. Nichols.

National Museum, Dublin.

The Quail in Ireland.

While out shooting Partridges near here on September 6th, we flushed
four Quail in a stubble field, three oi which were shot. It is many yiars
since ! have seen a Quail in Ireland. No doubt the hot summer has broni.; lit
some over.

Denis R. Pack-Bkreskoro.
Fenagh, Bagenal'town.

The Black- tailed Godwit — a Correction.

In the Irish Natiifalist for November (supra p. 200) is a misleading
misprint which I overlooked in the proof. " The beak was long and
straight, its prominent part looking pink in the sunshine." For prominent
read proximaL by which I meant the nasal part, next the head.

R. J. I'SSHEK.

Cappagh, Co. Waterford.

Black Redstart in Co. Waterford.

A Black Redstart has been on this house all this morning (October
23rd) and for the last two days. Its appearance at Cappagh is becoming
annual at this season when it may be looked for ; its sooty body and
red tail make it eas}- to distinguish, and it jerks its body like a chat.
(See Irish Naturalist, 1909. p. 26).

R. J. IJSSHER.

Cappagh, Co. Waterford.

Introduction of the Marsh Tit and Nuthatch into Ireland.

Should any person meet with a Marsh Tit or Nuthatch in Ireland, it
will be impossible to decide with certainty its origin, as I am informed
that two or three dozen Marsh Tits and a pair of Nuthatches have,
within the past two years, been liberated in Co. Tipperary.

Richard M. Bakkington.
Fassaroc, Bray.

THE IRISH NATURALIST

^ J^lctntltlt) groitxntal

OF

GENERAL IRISH NATORAL 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 Chib :

Tyrone Naturalists' Field Club.

EDITED BY

GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.ScLond., M.RJ.A.,
R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B.A., B.E., M.R.I.A.,

AND

ROBERT J. WELCH, M.R.LA.

VOL. XXI.

DUBLIN : EASON & SON, Limited,
80 MIDDLE ABBEY STREET, and 40 LOWER SACKVILLE STREET,

BELFAST : 17 DONEGALL STREET.
LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL HAMILTON, KENT & Co., Ltd.

I912.

Vol. xxii.. No. 12. December, 1913.

CONTENTS.

Page

Obituary :

Richard John Ussher.—R. M. Barrington, M.A., LLB., 221

Irish Societies :

Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, . . . . . . . . 227

The Irish vSpecies of Petrobius— Prof. Gkorgh; H.

Carpenter, B A., M.R.I.A.— (Plates 2 and 3), . . . . 228

Notes :

The foodof Silpha subrotundata. — W.F.Johnson, ., », 234

Ravens on Brandon, County Kerry. — R. Lloyd Prab;ger, . . . 234

White Wagtails on Migration observed at Inishtrahull. — Prof. C. J.

Patten, M.D,, .. .. .. .. .. 235

Nightjars at Sea. — G. P. Farran, .. .. .. .. 235

The Little Auk in August. — Richard M. Barrington. . . . . 235

Dipper in County Longford, . . . , . . . - 236

Review :

Greuville A. J. Cole's "Outlines of Mineralogy fcr Geologcal

Students."— ( L Swain). ... .. ^, .. 236

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