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HARVARD UNIVERSITY. 


LIBRARY 


OF THE 


MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 


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THE IRISH NATURALIST. 


A Monthly Zournal 


OF 


GENERAL IRISH NATURAL HISTORY, 


ORGAN OF THE 


Royal Zoological Soctety of Ireland; Dublin Microscopical Club ; 
Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society ; 
Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club; Dublin Naturalists’ Freld Club ; 
Cork Naturalists Field Club; Linterick Field Club ; 
Uster Fisheries and Biology Assoctation. 


EDITED BY 
GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc.Lonp., M.R.LA., 


met Tov PRAEGER, B.A, Be. M.R.LA., 
AND 


ROBERT PATTERSON, F.Z.S., M.R.I.A. 


ae i 


DUBLIN: EASON & SON, Limrrep, 
85 MIDDLE ABBEY STREET, anp 40 LOWER SACKVILLE STREET. 
BELFAST: 17 DONEGALL STREET. 
LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL HAMILTON, KENT & Co., Lrp. 


# 1906. 


PRINTED BY ALEX. THOM & Co. (LIMITED), 87, 83, & 89, ABBEY-STREET, DUBLIN. 


CONTRIBUTORS 


TO THE PRESENT VOLUME 


—— ss 


ADAMS, JOHN, M.A., Royal College of Science for Ireland. 

ANDERSON, PROF. RICHARD J., M.A. M.D., Queen’s College, 
Galway. 

BAKER, ERNEST A., M.A., Public Library, Woolwich. 

BARRINGTON, RICHARD M., LL.B., FL.S., M.R.I.A., Fassaroe, Bray. 

BONAPARTE-WYSE, L. H., London. 

CAMPBELL, Davrp C., Londonderry. 

CARPENTER, PROF. GEORGE H., B.Sc., M.R.I.A, Royal College of 
Science for Ireland. 

CARROTHERS, NATHANIEL, 4, Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast. 

CLARK, R., Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin. 

COLGAN, NATHANIEL, M.R.1.A., 15, Breffni-terrace, Sandycove, Co. 
Dublin. 

DELAP, Miss MAauD J,, Valencia, Co. Kerry. 

DILLON, THE HON. ROBERT E., D.L., Clonbrock, she a 
Co. Galway. 

DUERDEN, J. E., Ph.D., University College, Grahamstown, South 
Africa. 

FARRINGTON, THOMAS, M.A., F.I.C., Cork. 

FOGERTY, HARRY, Limerick. 

FostTER, NEVIN H., M.B.0.U., Hillsborough, Co. Down. 

Gunn, W. F., 61, Dawson-street, Dublin. 

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

JoHNSON, REV. W. F., M.A., F.E.S., Poyntzpass. 

KNOWLES, Miss M. C., Dublin Museum. 

LANGHAM, CHARLES, Tempo Manor, Enniskillen. 

LEEBODY, Mrs. M. J., 6, College-avenue, Londonderry. 

LETT, REV. CANON H. W.,M.A., M.R.LA. Loughbrickland, Co. 
Down. 

Paey, © J. tsi, REC. Larne; Co. Antrim: 

M‘ARDLE, DAVID, Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. 

M‘ENDOO, REv. WILLIAM, M.A., Tanderagee. 

MALCOMSON, Herbert T., Belfast. 

MARSHALL, REV. EDWARD §&., M.A., F.L.S.. West Monkton, 
Rectory, Taunton. 

MASSEE, GEORGE, F.R.S, Royal Gardens, Kew. 

MAUNSELL, Mrs. E. L,, Patrickswell, Limerick. 

MILNE, J. E., St. Jude’s-avenue, Belfast. 

MoFFAT, CHARLES B., M.A., 36, Hardwicke-street, Dublin. 

MooRE, FREDERICK W., A.L.S., M.RIA., Royal Botanic Gardens, 
Glasnevin. 

& 2 


List of Contributors. 


NICHOLS, A. R., M.A, M.R.LA., Dublin Museum. 

PACK-BERESFORD, DENIS R., D.L., Fenagh House, Bagenalstown. 

PATTEN, PROF. CHARLES H., M.A., M.D., The University, 
Sheffield. 

PATTERSON, ROBERT, F.Z.S., M.R.1.A., Holywood, Co. Down. 

PENTLAND, G. H., Black Hall, Drogheda. 

PHILLIPS, R. A., Ashburton, Cork. 

PRAEGER, R. LLOyD, B.E., M.R.IA., National Library of Ireland 
Dublin. 

ScHARFF, R. F., Ph.D., B.SC., M.R.LA., Dublin Museum. 

SEYMOUR, HENRY J., B.A., F.G.S., Geological Survey of Ireland 
Dublin. 

SHAW, L?.-Col, Sir F. W., BART., D.S.0., Bushy Park, Terenure, 
Dublin. 

SMITH, WILLIAM G., Ph.D., The University, Leeds. 

SOUTHERN, ROWLAND, Dublin Museum. 

STELFOX, ARTHUR W., Oakleigh, Belfast. 

Swan, ALLAN P., Redbarns, Dundalk. 

TOMLINSON, W. J. C., Northern Counties Railway, Belfast. 

TRUMBULI, J.. L.R.C.S., Malahide. | 

USSHER, RICHARD J., D L.., M.R.I.A., Cappagh House, Co. Water- 
ford. 

WADDELL, REv. C. H., B.D., Saintfield, Co Down. 

WELCH, ROBERT J., 49, Lonsdale-street, Belfast. 

WILLIAMS, W. J., Dublin. 


PLATES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Edward Williams, : ‘ ‘ . ‘ . To face p. 21 
Mitchelstown Cave, ‘ : s | (Platé 1). Toface p. 29 
White forms of Limnza peeears ; «| @Plate:2)- To: fee p. 62 
Monkeys in the Snow, . ‘Plate 3) To face p. 85 
Method of representing geographical d ateen: 

tion, ‘ . : Pp. 89,91, 92, 94 
Distribution of Cicuta virosa, . ‘ ‘ : pp- 88, 90, 91 
Anatomy of Enchytrzus, ; ° ».- ppx 181 182 


Nesting-site of Tree Sparrow, Co. Bercy, zi (Plate 4) To face p. 221 


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INDEX 


Adams, J.: Parsley Fern in Co. 
Wicklow, 233; A fungus which 
grows at 57°5°C, 254; Note on 
some northern Fungi, 280. 

Alien Flora of Ireland, 143. 

Allosorus crispus, 233. 

Alopias vulpes, 156. 

Amaryllis Belladonna, 37. 

Anderson, Prof. R. J.; Some points 
regarding Animal Coloration, 113. 

Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare, 189, 
235- 

Anthus obscurus, 76. 

Arctotis grandis, 132. 

Asplenium Ruta-muraria on Achill 
Island, 42. 


Baker, FE. A.: A visit to Mitchels- 
town Cave, 29. 

Barrington, R. M.: Edward 
Williams (obituary notice), 21 ; 
The American Snowbird in 
Ireland, 137; The Melodious 
Warbler iu Ireland, 157, 194; 
Buffon’s Skua on Clare Ireland, 
193; Pomatorhine Skua from 
Loop Head, 193; Names and 
Uses of Molinia czrulea, 219; 
Gannets on the Little Skellig, 
235; Fhe Scientific Tourist 
through Ireland, 252. 

Bat taking a Trout fly, 278. 

Bat, Whiskered, in Co. Carlow, I6. 

Bathyonyx de Vismesi, 14. 

Beetles from three counties, 74; 
from Co. Fermanagh, 139. 

Belfast Municipal Museum, 156. 

Belfast Natural History aud 
Philosophical Society, 18, 38, 83, 
106, 153, 256, 274. 

Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, 19, 
38, 80, 107, 134, 151,174, 186, 216, 
225, 27%. 

Birds in the South-east, 193; of 
Donegal, 156; of Ireland and the 
Isle of Man, 159. 

Blackbird laying twice in same 
nest, 220. 


‘Blackbirds, Pied, 112. 


Bogslide at Ballycumber, 177. 

Bonaparte-Wyse, L. H. : Entomo- 
logical Notes from $S.W. Ireland, 
234. 

Brambles, 118. 

British, use of the word, 12, 13, 41, 


74, 135- ’ 


Bulbophyllum bisetum, 17. 

Bunting, Lapland, 112. 

Burbidge, F. W., obituary notice 
WF: 


Calcareous 
Carra, 232. 

Campbell, D.C. : Entomological 
Notes from Londonderry, 44; 
Striped Hawk-moth at London- 
derry, I91; Iceland Gull at 
Londonderry, 192. 

Cardamine amara in Co. Derry, 


Deposit in Lough 


170. 

Carine noctua, I12. 

Carpenter, Prof. G. H.: The 
numbering of the County 


Divisions of Ireland, 13 ; Obituary 
notice of Sir Robert Lloyd 
Patterson, 72; The use of the 
word British, 74,135; Review of 
Guenther’s Darwinism and the 
Problems of Life, 121; Advances 
in Irish Marine Zoology, 197; 
Review of Thomson’s Outlines of 
Zoology, 230; Review of 
Folsom’s Entomology, 268 : New 
localities for Pelophila borealis, 
275; Strangalia aurulenta in Co. 
Wicklow, 275. 

Carrothers, N. : Orchis pyramidalis 
and Ophrys apifera in Co. Fer- 
managh, 218; Galium tricorne in 
Co. Down, 255. 

Caves: Mitchelstown, 29; Mam- 
moth cave, Doneraile, 237. 

Centriscus scolopax, I9I. 

Cephalozia leucantha, 37. 

Cesia obtusa, 37. 

Chrysophyllum macrophyllum, 17. 

Clark, R.: Obituary notice of R. G. 
Symes, 249. 

Coccothraustes vulgaris, 136. 

Coleoptera from three counties, 74; 
from Co. Fermanagh, 139. 

Coloration of animals, 113. 

Colgan, N.: Sagacity of the Her- 
ring Gull, 14: New Marine Mol- 
lusca for Co, Dublin, 172; 
Orobanche minor in Co. Dublin, 
219; Pugnacity of the Common 
tern, 220, 276; Marine Mollusca 
of South-east Wexford, 235; The 
Scientific Tourist through Ire- 
land, 252. 


Vili 


Conocephalus conicus, 17. 

Conference on Vegetation Study, 
I. 

Corncrake in February, 112. 

Corvus cornix, 77. 

County Divisions, numbering of, 


£3,042. 
Crow, Grey, at Jerretispass, 77. 
Crustacea from west coast, I09, 197. 


Dactylopius citri, 108. 

Delap, Miss M. J.: New localities 
for Geomalacus maculosus, Igo, 

Dendrobium Beckleri, 18. 

Dillon, Hon. R. E.: Bat taking a 
Trout fly, 278. 

Dotterel in Donegal Bay, 45. 

Draba muralis in Co. Antrim, 154. 

Drosera rotundifolia, 173. 

Dublin Microscopical Club, 17, 36, 
Sr, 108, °132, 151, 173, 270. 

Dublin Museum staff, 84. 

Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, 18, 
38, 82, 108, 133, 153, 176, 188, 215, 
229, 256, 273. 

Duerden, J. F.: The Use of the 
word British, 135. 

Dunn’s Alien Flora of Britain, re- 
viewed, 28. 


Endromias morinellus, 45. 

English Naturalists in Ireland, 231. 

Elms’ Pocket-Book of British Birds, 
reviewed, 231. 

Entomological Notes from Lon- 
donderry, 44; from S W. Ireland, 
234. 

sear alpinus at Downpatrick, 


171: 
Erophila precox, 155. 
Enchytreeus, 179. 
Euphrasia Foulaensis, 43, 


Falcon, Greenland, in Co. Antrim, 
77; Iceland, at Oughterard, 192. 

Farrington, T.: Review of Geol. 
Survey Memoir of country 
around Cork, 27. 

Ficus carica, 173. iG 

Fisheries, Irish : review of scientific 
work, 197- 

Flora of Lough Carra, 207; of the 
South-east, 189: of the West, 257 ; 
alien flora of Kildare, I50. 

Fogerty, Harry: Anodonta cygnea 
in Co. Clare, 189, 235. 

Folsom’s Entomology, reviewed, 
268. g 


Lndexe 


Foster, N. H.: Great Grey Shrike 
in Co. Meath, 156; On the nest- 
ing of the Tree-Sparrow in Co. 
Derry, 221; noticed, 84. 

Fredericia aurita, 271. 

Fungi of the North, 280. 

Fungus growing at 57°5° C., 254. 


Galium cruciatum at Downpatrick, 
c71 

Galium tricorne in Co. Down, 255. 

Galway Bay, origin of, 46. 

Gannets on Little Skellig, 235. 

Geographical Distribution, method 
of representing, 88. 

Geological Survey : Geology of the 
country around Cork and Cork 
Harbour, reviewed, 27. 

oleae Irish, papers relating to, 


Geomalacus maculosus, 190. 
Glyceria aquatica in Co. Donegal, 


233: 

Glyceria festuczeformis in Co. Li- 
merick, 279. 

Gough, G. C., noticed, 134. 

Guenther’s Darwinism and the 
Problems of Life, reviewed, 121. 

Gull, Greater Black-backed, and its 
prey, 277; Iceland, at London- 
derry, 192; Iceland, at Belfast, 
255; Herring Guil, sagacity of, 
14, 46, 77- ; 

Gunn, W. F.: Orobanche minor in 
Co. Wexford, 255. 


Hart, W. E.: Sagacity of Gulls, 77. 

tarting’s Recreations of a Natural- 
ist, reviewed, 131. 

Hawfinch in Co. Clare caves, 134. 

Hawk-moth, Striped, at London- 
derry, [9I. 

Helicella zakarensis in Co. Down, 
110. 

Helix tormensis in Ireland, rgo. 

Helix virgata in Co. Antrim, 76; in 
Co. Down, ITI. 

Hyzena dens of Mammoth Cave, 
Doneraile. 237. 

Hypoderma bovis, 108. 

Hypolais polyglotta, 157, 194. 

Hypophorella expansa, 87, 108, 


Ibis, Glossy,in Co. Down, 236; in 
Ireland, 278. 

Irish biological futilities, 136. 

Irish Field Club Union, 39 

Irish Society for the protection of 
birds, 5, 83, 107- 


lndex. ix 


Irish Topographical Botany, addi- 
tions in 1905, 47. 


Johnson, Rev. W. F. : Pzderus cali- 
gatus at Wexford, 14; Beetles 
from three counties, 74; Grey 
Crow at Jerrettspass, Co. Armagh, 
77; Pied Blackbirds near Poyntz- 
pass, 112; Coleoptera from Co. 
Fermanagh, 139. 

Junco hiemalis, 137. 


Kirby’s British Flowering Plants, 
reviewed, 250. 

Kitchen-midden at Cranfield, Co. 
Down, Io09. 

Knowles, Miss M. C.: A Contribu- 
tion towards the Alien Flora of 
Ireland, 143; Glyceria festuce- 
formis in Co. Limerick, 279. 


Lacerta vivipara at Baltray, Igr. 

Lamanipes bullata, 80. 

Langham, Chas. : Fork-tailed Petrel 
in Co. Fermanagh, 45. 

Lanius major, 156. 

Larus leucopterus, I92, 255. 

Leebody, Mrs. M. J.: Glyceria 
aquatica in Co. Denegal, 233. 

Leicester Literary and Philosophi- 
cal Society, 39. 

Leigh’s Our School out of Doors, 
reviewed, 217. 

Lejeunea flava, 173. 

Lett, Rev. H. W.: Why use num- 
bers for the names of counties ?, 
223; Numbers for the names of 
counties—Supplementary note, 
254. 

Leucojum estivum in Co. Antrim, 
170. 

Liburnia lugubrina, 271. 

Lilium Martagon, 173. ' 

Lilly, C. J.: Vicia Orobus in Co. 
Antrim, 267. 

Limerick Field Club, 256. 


M‘Ardle, D.: A Morel new to Ire- 
land, 158. 

M‘Endoo, Rev. W.: Quail in Co. 
Armagh, 276. 

Macvicar’s Revised Key to the 
Hepatics of the British Islands, 
reviewed, 150; Moss Exchange 
Club Census Catalogue of British 
Hepatics, reviewed, 26. 

Malcomson, H. T. ; Stormy Petrel 
in Co, Down, 276. 


Mamestra persicarie in Antrim, 
190. 

Mammoth Cave, Doneraile, 237. 

Marshall, Rev. E. S.: The Use of 
the word British, 74; Albino 
Common Snipe in Co. Wicklow, 


77- 

Massee, G.: Truffles in Co. Lime- 
rick, 232. 

Maunsell, Mrs. E. L.: Truffles in 
Co. Limerick, 232. 

Melampyrum pratense, haustoria, 


I5I. 
Melittis Melissophyllum in Co. 
Cavan, 155. 
Mercurialis perennis in Co. Antrim, 


154. 

Migration of Chiffchaff and Willow 
Wren 194. 

Milne, J. N.: Some new Mollusca 
records for Co. Tyrone, 75; A 
new Station for Helix virgata, 
76; Helix virgata in Co. Down, 
111; Mamestra persicarie in 
Antrim, 190; Succinea oblonga 
in Antrim, Igo. 

Mitchelstown Cave, 29. 

Mitrophora semilibera, 158. 

Moffat, C. B.: The Struggle for 
Existence, 95; Review of 
Harting’s Recreations of a Na- 
turalist, 131; Review of Mosley’s 
edition of White’s Selborne, 195 ; 
Spiranthes autumnalis in the 
Phoenix Park, 279. 

Molinia czerulea, names and uses, 
219. 

Malitcca, Land and Fresh-water, 
of Co. Roscommon, 76; of Co. 


Tyrone, 75; of North - west 
Donegal, 62; Marine, of Co. 
Dublin, 172; of S.E. Wexford, 
235. 


Monkeys, open-air treatment, 85. 

Moore, F. W.: Obituary notice of 
F, W. Burbidge, 71. 

Morel new to Ireland, 158. 

Moss Exchange Club Census Cata- 
logue of British Hepatics, re- 
viewed, 26. 


Naturalists’ Directory, 1906, re- 
viewed, 73. 

Nemesia strumosa compacta, 8o. 

Nichols, A. R.: Dotterel in Donegal 
Bay, 45; A new Irish Polyzoon, 
Hypophorella expansa, 87; Little 
Owl in Ireland, 112. 

Niphargus Kochianus, 14. 

Nyctea scandiaca, 276 


x Index. 


Obituary: F. W. Burbidge, 71; R 
G. Symes, 249; Edward Williams, 
21 


Oceanodroma leucorrhoa, 45. 
Omagh Naturalists’ Field Club, 
£76; 1872 
Ophrys apifera in Co. Fermanagh, 
218. 


Goeribia dilutata, var. Christyi, 


155: 

Orchis pyraniidalis in Down and 
Antrim, 218; in Co. Fermanagh, 
ONG. 

Orobanche minor in Co. Dublin, 
219; in Co. Wexford, 255. 

Orthagoriscus truncatus, 275. 

Owl, Little, 112; Snowy, in Co. 
Mayo, 276. 


Pack-Beresford, D. R.: Whiskered 
Bat in Co. Carlow, 16; Woodlice 
in Co. Carlow, 142; Vesperugo 
Tjeisleri in? .Co:.+ Garlows” 194; 
Review of Webb and Silleim’s 
British Woodlice, 251. 

Peederus caligatus at Wexford, 14. 

Parsley Fern in Co. Wicklow, 233. 

Passer montanus, 221, 236. 

Patten, Prof. C. J.; Rock Pipit at 
sea, 76; Aquatic Birds of Great 
Britain and Ireland, noticed, 134. 

Patterson, Robert: Greenland 
Falcon in Co. Antrim, 77; Review 
of Ralfe’s Birds of the Isle of 
Man, 124; The Birds of Ireland 
and of the Isle of Man, 159; 
Centriscus scolopax in Irish 
waters. 191; Sandwich Tern 
breeding in Co. .Down,‘) 192; 
Review of Elms’ Pocket-Book of 
British Birds, 231; Glossy Ibis 
in Co. Down, 236; Iceland Gull 
at Belfast, 255. 

Patterson, Sir Robert Lloyd, Obi- 
tuary notice, 72 

Pelophiia borealis, 275. 

Pelseneer’ 5 Mollusca, reviewed, 123. 

Pentland, *G. H::: Lacerta vivipara 
at Baltray, 191. 

Pethybridge and Praeger’s Vege- 
tation of the District iying south 
of Dublin, reviewed, 126. 


Petrel, Fork-tailed, in Co. Fer- 
managh, 45; Stormy, in Co. 
Down, 276. 


Phillips, R. A.: Kilkenny Roses, 
43; Some Irish Brambles, 118 ; 
Hrophila preecox in Ireland 155, 

Pinguicula grandiflora, colour 
variety, 154. 


Pipit, Rock, at sea, 76. 

Piroplasma bigeminum, 108. 

Plectrophanes lapponicus, 112. 

Polecat remains in Clare Kitchen- 
midden, 46. 

Polynexus lag-rus, 36. 

Porella levigata, var. nov. Killar- 
. niensis, 109. 

Praeger, R., Lb: A Conference on 
Vegetation Study, 1; Review of 
Moss Exchange Club Census 
Catalogue of British Hepatics, 
26; Review of Dunn’s Alien 
Flora of Britain, 28; The Use of 
the word British, 41; Asplenium 
Ruta-muraria on Achill Island, 
42; Euphrasia Foulaensis in 
Ireland, 43; Gulls and Gravity, 
46 ; Additions to Irish’ Topo- 
graphical Botany in 1905,47; A 
simple method of representing 
Geographical Distribution, 88 ; 
A colour variety of Pinguicula 
grandiflora, 1545 Melittis Melis- 
sophyllum in’ Co. "Cavan, 155 + 
The Ballycumber Bog- -slide, £77: 
Spiranthes Romanzoviana, 188 ; 
Plants in the South-east, 189; 
On the Botany of Lough Carra, 
207°; Caleareous” “Depusit™ “1m 
Lough Carra, 232; Review of 
Kirby’s British Flowering Plants, 
250;, . The Scienuhe 7; vomrce 
through Ireland, 253; Notes of 
a Western Ramble, PA i 

Putorius putorius, 46. 

Quail in Co. ‘Armagh; 2763 same: 

Louth, 16. 


Ralfe’s Birds of the Isle of Man, re- 

' viewed, 124. 

Reviews: Dunn’s Alien Flora of 
Britain, 28; Elms’ Pocket-Book 
of British Birds, 231; Folsom’s 
Entomology, 268; Geol. Survey : 
Geology of the country around 
Cork “and Cork’ Harbour*737 
Guenther’s Darwinism and the 
Problems of Life, 121; Harting’s 
Recreations of a Naturalist, 131; 
Kirby’s British Flowering Plants, 
250: Leigh’s Our School out of 
Doors, 217; Macvicar’s Moss 
Exchange Club Census Cata- 
logue of British Hepatics, 26; 
Macvicar’s Revised Key to the 
Hepatics of the British Islands, 
150; Mosley’s edition of White's 
Selborne, 195; Naturalists’ Direc- 


Index. xi 


tory, 1906, 73; Pelseneer’s Mol- 
lusca, 123; Pethybridge and 
Praeger’s The Vegetation of the 
District lying south of Dublin, 
126; Ralfe’s Birds of the Isle of 
Man, 124; Science Year-book 
and Diary for 1906, 73; Thom- 
son’s Outlines of Zoology, 230; 
Webb and Sillem’s The British 
Woodlice, 251. 

Rhytisma andromeda, 108. 

Roses of Kilkenny, 43. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, 
156. 

Royal Zoological Society of Ire- 
iid. 75.20, 70500, 132, 151, 173; 
185, 214, 228, 255, 270. 


Sagacity of Gulls, 14, 46, 77. 

Sarmienta repens, 132. 

Scharff, R. F.: Polecat remains in 
a Clare Kitchen-midden, 46 ; 
Open-air treatment of Monkeys 
in the Dublin Zoological 
Gardens, 85; Review of Pel- 
seneer’s Mollusca, 123; Large 
Fox Shark on the coast of Done- 
gal, 3156; Helix tormensis in 
Ireland, 1g0; Oblong Sunfish 
oe the Irish coast, 275 ; noticed, 

Science Year-bcok and Diary, 1906, 
reviewed, 73. 

Scientific Tourist through Ireland, 
252. 

Septoria Petroselini, 271. 

Seymour, H. J.: Papers relating to 
Irish Geology, published during 
the years 1903, I1¢04, and 1905, 6; 
Origin of Galway Bay, 46. 

Shark, Fox, on the Coast of 
Donegal 156. 

Shaw, Sir F. W : The Greater 
Black-backed Gull and its prey, 


a, 
Shrike, Great Grey, in Co. Meath, 


156. 

Skua, Buffon’s, on Clare Island, 
193; Pomatorhine, from Loop 
Head, 193. 

Smith, W. G.: Review of Pethy- 
bridge and Praeger’s The Vege- 
tation of the District lying South 
ot Dublin, 126 

Snipe, albino, in Co. Wicklow, 77. 

Snowbird, American, in Ireland, 


137: 
Southern, R.: Notes on the genus 
Enchytreeus, 179. 


Spiranthes autumnalis in the 
Phoenix Park, 279. 

Spiranthes Romanzoviana, 188. 

Stelfox, A. W.: The Land ‘and 
Fresh-water Mollusca of North- 
west Donegal. 1, Bunbeg, Gwee- 
dore, Horn Head, and Glenveagh 
areas, 62; Some new Mollusca 

= records: for Co: Tyrone, Fe: A 
hew station for Helix virgata, 76; 
Helicella zakarensis in Co. Down, 
IIo. 

Stercorarius parasiticus, 193. 

Stercorarius pomatorhinus, 193. 

Sterna cantiaca, 192. 

Strangelia aurulenta in Co. Wick- 
low, 275. 

Struggle for Existence, 95. 

Succinea oblonga in Antrim, Igo. 

Sunfish, Oblong, 275. 

Swan, A. P.: Quailin Co. Louth, 16. 

Swiney Lectureship, 86. 

Symes, R. G., obituary notice, 249. 


Tern, Pugnacity of, 220, 276; Sand- 
wich, breeding in Co. Down, 192. 

Tetraphis pellucida, 270. 

Thomson’s Outlines of Zoology, 
reviewed, 230. 

Tomlinson, W. J. C.: Mercurialis 
perennis and Draba muralis in 
Co. 2 Antem, 154; Leucojum 
estivum in Co. Antrim, 170; 
Cardamine amara in Co. Derry, 
170; Erinus alpinus and Galium 
crvciatum at Downpatrick, 171; 
Orchis pyramidalis in Down and 
Autrimwn, 218. 

Torula, 80. 

Tree-Sparrow nesting in Co. Derry, 
22% in Co. Dublin, 236. 

Truffles in Co. Limerick. 232. 

Trumbull, J.: Woodcock killed by 
Gulls, 277. 

Tuber estivum, 232. 

Tyrone Naturalists’ Field Club, 83, 
LOS; 133. 


Ulster Fisheries and Biology Asso- 
ciation, 133. 

Ussher, R. J.: Remains of Haw- 
finch in Co. Clare Caves, 136; The 
Iceland Falcon —a correction, 
192; The Hyzena-dens of the 
Mammoth Cave, near Doneraile, 
€o. Cork, 237. 


Vegetation study, I. 
Vespertilio mysticinus, 16. 


X11 


Vesperugo Leisleri, 194. 
Vicia Orobus in Co. Antrim, 267. 
Vulpes lagopus, 36. 


Waddell, Rev. C. H.: The Number- 
ing of the Botanical County Divi- 
sions of Ireland, 12; The Use of 
the word British, 135; Review of 
Macvicar’s Revised Key to the 
Hepatics of the British Islands, 


150. 

Walford’s ScientificTourist through 
Ireland, 252. 

Warbler, Melodious, 157. 194. 

Webb and Sillem’s British Wood- 
lice, reviewed, 251. 

Welch. R.: The Numbering of 
the County Divisions of Ireland, 
42; The Land and Fresh-water 
Mollusca of North-west Donegal, 
ir. Rosguill. Peninsula and 


Index. 


Sheephaven dunes, 67; Land 
and Fresh-water Mullusca of 
Co. Roscommon, 76; Buccinum 
and Patella Kjékken-médding 
at Cranfield Co. Down, log. | 
White’s Natural History of Sel- 
borne, Mosley’s edition, reviewed, 


195. : 
Williams, Edward, obituary notice, 
21; list of papers by, 25. 
Williams, W. J.: Lapland Bunting 
in Ireland, 112; A Corncrake in 
February, 112; Migration of the 
Chiff-chaff and Willow Wren, 
194; Tree-Sparrows in Co. Dublin, 
236; Glossy Ibis in Ireland, 278. 
Woodcock killed by Gulls, 277. 
Woodlice in Co. Carlow, 142. 
Yeast, wild, 8o. . 
Zoology, Irish marine, advances in, 
197 


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@he Arish ilaturalist. 
VOLUME Xv. 


A CONFERENCE ON VEGETATION STUDY. 
BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


In the /7vish Naturalist for April last, some account was 
given of the formation of a committee for the survey and 
study of the vegetation of the British Islands, and of its pre- 
liminary deliberations. I had an opportunity of being present 
at the third meeting of the committee, held in Liverpool on 
November 18-19, and believe that some notes of what was said 
and done at this conclave may be of interest to Irish botanists. 

The committee cannot be accused of indolence. The last 
members to arrive (Dr. Pethybridge and myself) reached 
Liverpool at 3 p.m., and the first to leave (the London 
members) left at 4 p.m. next day. In the interval we sat for 
ten hours—from 3.30 till 10.0 p.m. on the 18th, with an hour 
off during which we dined together, and from 11.0 till 3.30 on 
the 19th. The first session was held at the Exchange Station 
Hotel, the second, by permission of Prof. Harvey Gibson, in 
the Botanical Department ofthe University, where we had the 
advantage of a lantern, black-board, and soon. Out ofa com- 
mittee of ten members, seven were present—namely, Prof. 
F. W. Oliver, D.Sc, F.R.S., and A. G. Tansley, M.A., of 
University College, London; W. G. Smith, B.Sc., Pu.D., of 
Leeds University (Secretary of the Committee); F. J. Lewis, 
F.L.S., of Liverpool University; C. EH. Moss, M.Sc.; and the 
two Irish representatives already referred to. Of the three 
absent members (Messrs. Rankin, Hardy, and Woodhead) two 
were abroad, so the meeting was nearly as full a one as was 
possible. Prof. F. EK. Weiss, D.Sc., of the University of Man- 
chester, who is secretary of the British Association Botanical 
Photographs Committee, was also present by request. 

A 


2 The Irish Naturalist. January, 


After the minutes had been read and signed, Prof. Weiss 
brought forward the suggestion that the work of collecting, 
registering, and indexing of such botanical photographs as 
fell within the scope of the Vegetation Committee’s work, 
should be handed over to them by the British Association 
Committee. The Committee agreed to take over this work, 
subject to the condition that two prints of each negative be 
obtained. one for inclusion in the Association’s reference set, 
the other for inclusion in a lendable set in the hands of the 
Committee. 

Dr. Smith next read a communication from T. W. 
Woodhead, who reported, as delegate from the Committee, on 
the work of the recent Botanicai Congress at Vienna. As 
regards the classification of plant associations, it was stated 
that Schroeter’s suggestions had met with general approval ; 
and it was agreed that some description of his classification 
be published in the “New Phytologist” as soon as possible. 

As regards field meetings of the Committee, Dr. Smith 
reported that the proposed meeting in Ireland last summer 
fell through, as when the time arrived every member of the 
Committee proved to be fully occupied with field work already, 
in England, Scotland, Ireland, or France. It was agreed that 
if possible a field meeting lasting for a week should be held 
next August in Yorkshire, on the close of the British Associa- 
tion meeting at York. 

Next, correspondence was read in reference to grants for 
botanical surveys from the Government Grants Committee of 
the Royal Society. The suggestion has been made that the 
Vegetation Committee should act in an advisory capacity with 
regard to applications made tothe Royal Society for grants 
for vegetation-mapping and ecological studies. Afterdiscussion, 
Prof. Oliver, Dr. Smith, and R. Ll. Praeger were appointed 
asub-committee to conterwith Board E of the Royal Society on 
the matter. Arising from the discussion on this question, the 
advisability of Government publication of vegetation maps 
was considered at some length. The publication of coloured 
maps is an expensive work for any journal or society to under- 
take. Following a recent Irish example, it was agreed to 
approach the Board- of Agriculture with a view of securing 
publication of vegetation maps under their auspices. 


1906 PRAEGER.—-A Conference on Vegetation Study. 3 


A. G. Tansley described the quadrat method of large-scale 
vegetation surveys as introduced by Dr. F. FE. Clements of 
the University of Nebraska, dealt with surveying by. this 
method recently carried out by himself and Prof. Oliver in 
France, showed examples, and advocated the adoption of the 
method by the Committee. After discussion, the Committee 
agreed to recommend the plan as a suitable one for large-scale 
surveys. 

After dinner C. EH. Moss described the vegetation of the 
limestone dales of Derby and Somerset, illustrating his remarks 
with a series of 6-inch vegetation maps. Ash and Hazel scrub 
dominate the steep sides of the valleys, with grass heath giving 
way to Calluna heath above. The question of the occurrence 
of heath on limestone, thus raised, was discussed at some 
length. 

Dr. Smith dealt with the difficulties of preparing vege- 
tation maps on small scales—say less than a }-inch to the 
mile—with special reference to the preparation of a map of the 
district surrounding York, for publication in the forthcoming 
British Association Handbook. An interesting discussion 
ensued, mainly on the question of actual and reconstructed 
vegetation maps—z.¢., those which show the vegetation as it 
actually exists at present, and those which attempt to restore 
the vegetation so as to show the natural vegetation as it existed 
prior to human interference, and would again exist if man’s 
influence were withdrawn. ‘The difficulty was emphasized of 
ensuring the contemporariety of the various parts of a recon- 
structed vegetation, and it was agreed that, if restorations be 
shown on a vegetation map, they should at least be indicated 
by dotted boundaries. 

Resuming next morning in the botanicai lecture-room at 
the University, the writer was called upon for.an account of 
recent mapping work on the Dublin Mountains, Fortunately 
the final procf of the coloured map had arrived a few days be- 
fore, so I was able to show it in illustration of my remarks. I 
drew attention to the “Scirpus moor” and “ Racomitrium 
moor” which are characteristic of the Dublin hills, and which 
apparently replace the ‘‘Kriophorum moor” so largely de, 
veloped in the areas surveyed in the North of England. F. J. 
Lewis stated, in the course of discussion, that he had found 

A 2 


4 The Irish Naturalist. January, 


these identical types last season prevalent in the west and 
north of Scotland. 

Dr. Pethybridge showed 6-inch vegetation maps of the coast 
from Dublin to Rogerstown, and described especially the 
zones of the salt-marsh and sand-dune vegetation of that 
region. In the discussion which followed, A. G. Tansley re- 
ferred to the vegetation of an estuary in Brittany, where he and 
Prof. Oliver had worked last summer. ‘The mode of formation 
of the numerous *“ pans” or muddy hollows was discussed, and 
also the distribution in detail of the leading plants. 

F. J. Lewis followed with a most interesting account of the 
investigations into the peat-bogs of Scotland. He finds that 
on the southern uplands, 800-1200 feet, the following succession 
of beds recurs constantly :— 

. Recent peat. 

. Scots Pine, or Birch (2. alba), with Ling. 

Sphagnum peat. 

Cotton-grass. 

Arctic plants (Salzx reticulata, S. herbacea, Loiseluria 
procumbens, with much Em:petrum.) 

6. Cotton-grass. 

7. Sphagnum peat. 

8. Birch (B&. alba), with Ling. 

The last three zones are inter-glacial : that is, they underlie 
the plants of the last phase of arctic condition, and rest on 
glacial drift. In the Highlands, owing to ice having covered 
the ground, the beds under the arctic plant zone are missing, 
and the succession, in Inverness for instance, 1s :—- 

1. Recent peat. 

: Scots Pine. 

. Sphagnum peat. 

Birch (B. alba.) 

. Empetrum. 

Betula nana. 

Salix ? sp. (alpine or arctic.) 

An excellent discussion followed on various points raised, 
and Mr. Lewis was highly complimented on the completeness 
of his investigation.! 


WE ODO 


Aun wn 


i 


' The first part of Mr. Lewis’s results has been recently published, 
Trans. Roy. Soc. Edinb., vol. xli., no, 28, 1905. 


i906. PRAEGER.—A Conference on Vegetation Study. 5 


A. G. Tansley followed with a good description of the Heath 
formation of the Lower Greensand in the south-east of England. 
Special attention was paid to the regeneration of vegetation 
on surfaces disturbed by quarrying, and the various stages 
were carefully traced. 

Prof. Oliver came last with diagrams (quadrats and transects) 
and photographs illustrating the vegetation of the Breton 
salt-maish at which he and Mr. Tansley had worked last 
summer. He dealt especially with the growth and distribu- 
tion of Salicornia and Suceda. 

A vote of thanks to Prof. Harvey Gibson for allowing us to 
meet in his department brought our meeting to a close. 

Dr. Pethybridge and I returned much pleased with this 
little conference. It is seldom that one has the opportunity 
of sitting on a committee of which every meinber is actively and 
practically engaged on the work which forms the subject of 
the commitiee’s deliberations. The Central Committee for 
the Survey and Study of British Vegetation is thoroughly in 
earnest, and we may look forward to some useful results 
arising from its labours in the new and as yet not generally 
understood field of ecology. 


Dublin. 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


Richard Kearton in Dublin. 


The Irish Society for the Protection of Birds is to be congratulated on 
the success of its first public appearance. On December 5 Richard 
Kearton lectured, under its auspices, on ‘*‘ Wild Nature’s Ways,” and we 
have never seen a larger audience in the Royal Dublin Society’s theatre, 
which was packed from floor to ceiling, The fact that Mr. Kearton held 
his audience for over an hour anda half, and that most of them came 
away wishing for more, speaks volumes for his discourse and lantern 
illustrations, and points, we trust, to a general interest in real natural 
history. 


6 | The Lrish Naturalist. January, 


PAPERS RELATING TO IRISH GEOLOGY. 
PUBLISHED DURING THE YEARS 1903, 1904, AND 1905. 
BY HENRY J. SEYMOUR, B.A., F.G.S. 


TrisH. ERILOBITES. 


In Mr. F. R. Cowper Reed’s paper (Q./.G.S., vol. lviii., p. 74, 
1902) on-the genus Lichas, reference is made to the Lichas 
hibernicus of Portlock. From an examination of the type 
specimen the author considers that the head shields attributed 
by Portlock to this species, really belong to another distinct 
species, for which Mr. Reed proposes the new name Lichas 
kildarensts. 


TRISH CARBONIFEROUS CEPHALOPODA. 


The concluding portion of Dr. Foord’s important mono- 
graph‘son the Carboniferous Cephalopoda of Ireland is now 
published (Pal. Soc., vol. lvii., 1903) and available for workers 
in palzeontology. In this final volume the families described 
belong to the Glyphioceratidee and Prolecantide. In an 
appendix some additional species which have been exa:mined 
since the earlier portions of the monograph were written are 
described, including a fine specimen of Zemmnochetlus coronatus. 
A usetul synopsis of the families, genera, and species of 
Cephalopods is given at the end, and a glance through this 
reveals the fact that no less than forty-eight new species are 
described for the first time. Dr. Foord is to be heartily con- 
gratulated on the completion of this standard work of 
reference: 


Ir1sH MINERALS. 


A supplementary list of minerals occurring in Ireland, 
additional to those mentioned at the British Association 
meeting at Belfast (Report, p. 598), is given by Mr. H. J. 
Seymour in the Report (p. 671) of the British Association 
Southport meeting, 1903. This list includes some species, 
many of which were omitted from the previous list owing to 
lack of sufficiently authenticated records or otherwise. The 


1906. SEYMOUR.—FPafers on Lrish Geology. 7 


occurrence of those now mentioned has been verified by the 
author, and the number of Irish species of minerals is accord- 
ingly raised to 127." 

In this connection may be mentioned the occurrence of 
Dopplerite, described by Mr. Moss (Scz. Proc. R. D. S., vol. x., 
p- 93). This substance, consisting mainly of carbon and 
oxygen, with some hydrogen, was found by Mr. R. Bellina 
peat bog at Sluggan, Co. Antrim. In the literature on this 
material, quoted by Mr. Moss, we note the omission of a 
previous Irish record, viz., that of the late G. V. Du Noyer, 
who described the occurrence of this substance in a bog cut 
through by the M.G.W. Railway near Cloncurry, Co. Kildare. 
WG ae) .VOL-XVil, 1847, Pp. 253). 


GEOLOGY OF THE PORCUPINE BANK. 


An examination of the rocks dredged from the floor of the 
Atlantic off the West coast of Ireland was undertaken by 
Professor Cole and Mr. Crooke, with a view to determine if 
they threw any light on the nature of the region now covered 
by the sea. ‘Their results published (in Appendix IX., Ref. 
of the Inland and Sea Fisheries, [reland, for 1901) in 1903 seem 
to show that the floor of this region is made up of similar rocks 
to those constituting the “ Dalradians” of the neighbouring 
land, the exception being the Porcupine Bank itself. This 
would appear to consist of a mass of gabbro, which the authors 
are inclined to refer to the Carboniferous period rather than to 
the Tertiary. It may, perhaps, be pointed out that undoubted 
tertiary rocks occur as far west as Bunowen, south-west of 
Clifden, Co. Galway. 


BANDED GNEISSES. 


In continuation of similar researches in Southern Donegal, 
Professor Cole discusses the origin of the banded gueisses of 
Tirerrill and Drumahair, Cos. Sligo and Leitrim (Proca- 1. As, 
vol. xxiv., sect. B., pt. 4, 1903), and again finds evidence that 
these gneisses also owe their production to igneous flow and 
absorption of previously consolidated material. He notes that 
the banded structure is usually more pronounced in the places 
where inclusions are most abundant. These gneisses are 


8 The Irish Naturalist. January, 


stated to belong probably to late Archzean times, and to have 
reached their present position as a result of earth-movements 
in early Devonian times. In some of the fluidal aplites the 
bands are made up of garnets, which Professor Cole considers 
indicative of the absorption of originally solidified material. 
We have a very distinct recollection of seeing a well developed 
crumpled structure, accompanied by step shearing, or faulting, 
in the banded gneisses in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Co. 
Donegal. One would like to know if this “ pressure structure” 
is exceptional in the district? 


THE Ox MOUNTAINS. 


In his report on the Ox Mountains (Proc. R.LA., vol. xxiv., 
sect. B., pt. 4, 1903) Mr. A. McHenry brings forward evidence 
that in this region pressure is the dominant factor in the pro- 
duction of “secondary” structures. He regards the rocks of 
this interesting region as being mainly metamorpkosed Lower 
Silurian sediments, a small area (Croagh Patrick) being Upper 
Silurian. The highest beds are quartzites, and in descending 
order come the ‘‘ Boulder-bed” limestone, black shales (Llan- 
deilo) and pebbly grits. Many of the large quartz pebbles in 
the latter are intensely sheared, and proof of this shearing is 
brought clearly before the reader in the form of numerous 
sketches made in the field. Basic and acid intrusions are 
sheared by the same movement, but mucn later granite 
intrusions are also present in the series. Referring to the 
‘“‘ Boulder-bed,” it is interesting to note that Mr. McHenry 
thinks it probable that it represents a Paleeozoic glacial 
boulder-clay marking a break between the Lower and Upper 
Silurian formations in this part of Ireland. 


CARBONIFEROUS LAMELLIBRANCHIATA. 


At the end of 1904 the final portion of Dr. Whéelton Hind’s 
monograph on the above was published by the Palzeontographi- 
cal Society. Opportunity is taken to add in an appendix a 
description of additional species ofinterest, and amongst these 
we note a detailed description of a new genus Vothamusium, 
the precise systematic position of which is not as yet deter- 
mined. One species of two referred to this genus, and called 


1906. SEYMOUR.—Fafpers on Trish Geology. 9 


NV. radiatum, was found in the Carboniferous limestone of 
Little {sland, Co. Cork. An extremely useful table of syno- 
nyms is given, which will be of inestimable value to museum 
curators, and enable them to bring the nomenclature of this 
portion of their collections up to date. 


THE PENDLESIDE SERIES. 


In an account of the distribution of the Carboniferous 
Lamellibranchs in the foregoing, Dr. Hind directs attention to 
the fauna of the Pendleside beds, which he regards as 
homotaxially superior in position to the Yoredale series. In 
a second paper (Geol. Mag., Aug., 1904) Dr. Hind gives us his 
views as to the areas occupied in Ireland by his Pendleside 
series. These in Co. Dublin succeed the Carboniferous 
Limestone near Skerries. He points out that in the south- 
west of Cork, as in Devonshire, there is a passage from 
Devonian to Carboniferous without a stratigraphical break. 
With regard to the Coomhola grits which were regarded by 
the Survey as Carboniferous, Dr. Hind considers the fauna in 
them to he essentially Devonian. Ina more recent paper on 
wie Same-topie (P70c. R:1.A.,. vol. -xxv.,; sect: B, no. 4, 1905), 
and entitled “On the beds which succeed the Carboniferous 
Limestone in the West of Ireland,” we are given the results of 
his investigations in the Counties Clare and Limerick. He 
states that the Pendleside beds (some eighty feet thick in 
Clare) are well represented, and constitute the Upper Lime- 
stone shales of the Survey, the fossils being identical with those 
found at Chokier in Belgium, and in the English Midlands. 
The characteristic fossiis of the lowest beds of the Pendleside 
series have, however, not been yet found in Clare. The olive 
grits which overlie the Upper Limestone shales are equivalent 
to the Millstone Grits, and are largely marine. The paper will 
be of considerable help towards working out the zoning of the 
Irish Carboniferous rocks. 


AGE OF THE IGNEOUS INTRUSIONS OF S.E. IRELAND. 


Mr. J. V. Elsden (Q. /. G. S., vol. lix., p. 604, 1905), refers 
incidentally in his paper on the igneous rocks between St. 
David’s Head and Strumble Head (Wales) to the age attributed 

A 3 


IO The Lrish Naturalist. January, 


by Messrs. Reed, McHenry, and Kilroe to the igneous rocks of 
S.E. Ireland, viz., Old Red Sandstone, and while disclaiming 
any first hand knowledge of the evidence in the case of the 
Irish rocks is inclined, from a consideration of the similarity 
of rock types in both countries, to agree with it as represent- 
ing the period of intrusion of the Welsh rocks with which he 
is dealing. 


THE GROWTH OF HORNBLENDE. 


In a paper on the growth of crystals in the contact zone of 
granite and amphibolite (Proc. R.L.A., vol. xxv., sect. B, no. 5, 
1905), Prof. Cole directs attention to the great size of certain 
hornblendecrystals near the contact zone. ‘This increase in 
size is attributed to the continuous transference of heat 
‘‘ which maintains the rock attacked in a favourable condition, 
and promotes the growth of certain mineral species.” 


RECENT CHANGES OF SKA LEVEL, 


In a paper on Aran (Journ. Galway Arch. and Hist. Soc., vol. 
iv., 1905), Mr. J. Dillon Lawson directs attention to the pre- 
sence of a submerged peat bog, with trunks of oak, etc., in 
Galway Bay near Salt Hill. Incidentally he quotes G. H. 
Kinahan as to the origin of Galway Bay, the explanation being, 
we confess, new to us, viz.—‘‘The Bay of Galway appears 
originally to have been a Granite mountain shattered and 
swallowed during a great convulsion” (/¢ p. 27). Dr. R. J. 
Anderson also contributes a note of several pages in which a 
number of.classical fluctuations of sea-level are mentioned. 
We regret to notice references to “ numerous interglacial 
periods” in Dr, Anderson’s contribution. 


IRISH CAVES. 


The first report of the Committee appointed to explore Irish 
Caves was published in September, 1903 (Z7aus. FLA, 
vol. xxxii., sect. B., pt. iv.). This report deals with the explora- 
tion of the’ Kesh Caves, Co. Sligo, under the imurediate 
direction of Mr. R. J. Ussher, and records many facts of the 
highest interest. Chief amongst these was the discovery of 
remains of the Arctic Lemming, which is now recorded for 


1906. SEYMOUR.—Fapers on Lrish Geology. II 


the first time as an Irish animal. The caves originated in 
pre-glacial times, but only show evidence of having been 
much frequented by man in comparatively recent times (8th 
to r1th century onward). 

Mr. R. W. Evans, LL.B., in the Journal of the Cork Historical 
and Archeological Soc. (vol. xi., 1905), gives an interesting 
account of the Castle Pook caves near Donerail, Co. Cork 
together with a sketch plan of the various passages and 
chanibers. In this cave, as the result of excavations by Mr. 
Ussher, the remains of the Hyzena, Mammoth, Bear and other 
Mammalia have been recently discovered. 


MISCKLLANEOUS. 


It may be convenient to briefly refer here to a number of 
papers bearing on Irish geology, which, on account of their 
having been published in the J/7vish Naturalist, or reviewed 
therein, have not been specifically dealt with in the foregoing 
notes. 

Amongst these, Mr. W. B. Wright’s paper on “‘ Montpelier 
Game (Se. 7 70a h.D.S., vol ix, p. 575) deserves notice, as 
one of the first publications in this country pointing out and 
explaining the peculiar type of valley known as a dry-gap. 

Messrs. Wright’s and Muff’s paper on the ‘“ Pre-glacial 
Raised Beach of Southern Ireland” (Scz. Proc. R.D.S., vol. x., 
1904, p. 250), is a most important contribution to the geology 
of Ireland, as is also the paper by Messrs. Coffey and Praeger 
(2-90r. fc./.4., YOl. xxv-, 1904, sect. C.) on the “ Larne. Raised 
Beach.” 

Mr. G. C. Gough has contributed to our knowledge of the 
fauna (foraminifera) found in glacial sands (.V., Nov., 1904), 
and discusses also the formation of ‘Iron Ore in Lough 
Neagh” (1.V., April, 1904). Amongst recent publications, 
the ‘‘ Geological Survey Memoirs” and ‘‘ Drift Maps” of the 
Dublin, Beltast, and Cork Districts should be mentioned. 
The two former have been reviewed in the /rish Naturalist. 
Mr. R. Kidston (ZV., April, 1903) furnishes some notes on the 
Coal-measure plant remains collected by Mr. J. Ryan from 
the Arigna mines. He considers them to be essentially 
characteristic of Lower Carboniferous Rocks. 


Geological Survey Office, Dublin. 


12 The Irish Naturalist. January, 


NOTES. 
BOTANY. 


The Numbering of the Botanical County-Divisions of Ireland. 


The new Catalogue of British Hepaticze, with their distribution in 
the county-divisions, which is practically a new edition of the ‘‘ London 
Catalogue,” has just been published. Mr. Praeger’s enumeration has 
been adopted for the Irish county-divisions. When I sent my note last 
July to the Z77sk Naturalist and the Journal of Botany, I had hoped it 
would have been possible to find out the general opinion of those 
interested in the matter before printing. Without some general agree- 
ment I would not press the adoption of my scheme, since an inconvenient 
system which all agree to use is preferable to a better one, which meets 
with only partial support. As time pressed it was decided vherctEs for 
the present, at any rate, to use Mr. Praeger’s schemie. 

In the present catalogue I. has been used for Ireland as in the 
‘‘London Catalogue,” and placed before the series of Irish county- 
divisions, ‘‘e.g., Hossombronia angulosa (Dicks) Raddi 1, L, 1, 2, 3.” 

In quotations and general use I. should be repeated before each Irish 
number I1., I2, as Mr. Praeger suggests, and I am sorry a note to this 
effect was not appended. This seems all that can be done conveniently 
to prevent confusion. Mr. Praeger’s term county-diviston seems to me 
preferable to Watson’s vice-county, and C.D. would be a convenient 
contraction for it. 

Tam glad that my remarks in the J77skh Naturalist for September 
have led to so much discussion, but I am sorry that we have only had 
the views of those whose studies have been limited to distribution in 
this island, so that the matter has been regarded from the Irish, and,. 
as I conceive, narrow point of view. If their work had been in a larger 
field they would, Iam convinced, have experienced the inconvenience 
of which I complain, and been more inclined to accept my ideas. If, as 
Mr. Colgan thinks, it is a question for Irish botanists alone, and to be 
settled to suit their convenience, irrespective of those who study the 
distribution of the fauna and flora of the British Isles as a whole, then, 
of course, Ihave no standing ground. Mr. Colgan objects to the use a 
the word British as an adjective for British Isles, and supports it by 
political and financial reasons into which I cannot follow him in these 
pages. There is ambiguity in the use of the adjective. Would he have 
me use ‘‘Great-British” and British? Iam content to follow the use 
of the many British Floras, which include Irish plants, and of the 
London Catalogue of British Mosses and Hepatics, of which the present 
work is an enlarged edition. Towards the end of his note he writes 
‘* British Isles Catalogue.” Surely the old and tried form will commend 
itself to most people. 


1906. Notes i3 


This discussion has brought out one point, which is new to me and 
probably to others, which I have not seen stated in print before, ‘‘ that 
Mr. Praeger’s scheme is now accepted by Irish botanists.” Irish 
botanists may have silently adopted it, but, as was pointed out in the 
September number of this journal, it was not adopted in several recent 
works. My chief object has been to find out the views of others, and I 
think the result of this discussion will be useful. If Mr. Praeger’s 
scheme is adopted by British botanists I hope it may be followed 
universally, in spite of what I corsider its inconvenience in one detail. 


Cc. H. WADDELL. 
Saintfield. 


May I add a word of explanation to Mr. Waddell’s note? I ain exceeed- 
ingly glad to hear that Mr. Praeger’s scheme of Irish county divisions has 
been adopted in the new Catalogue of Hepaticee, and I wish, as one whose 
study of faunistic problems has not “been limited to distribution in this 
island,” to protest with all courtesy against the suggestion that advocacy 
of Mr. Praeger’s scheme is the outcome of any “narrow point of view.” 
An English naturalist who settles in Ireland learns quickly that from the 
standpoint of biogeography Ireland is not an appendix of Great Britain, 
still less of the Shetlands, and from a general survey of the life of 
Western Europe he objects to any scheme that implies such an assump- 
tion, as unscientific and misleading The chief use of a set of numerals 
for the indication of distribution is to enable the student to grasp rapidly 
the range of any species. The first thing he wants to know, when in- 
vestigating distribution in the British Isles, is whether the species occurs 
in both Great Britain and Ireland, or in one only of them. The answer 
to this question is seen immediately from a scheme which gives Ireland 
an independent set of county numbers, while itis obscured by any scheme 
with consecutive numbers for the whole of the British Isles. 

Incidentally Mr. Waddell raises the interesting question of the proper 
use of the word *‘ British ” in natural history writings. At present it is 
used by some writers so as to include, by others so as to exclude, Ireland. 
Clearing our minds from all political, financial, and sentimental con- 
siderations, we must admit that whenever we discuss the distribution of 
plants or animals in the United Kingdom, an adjective to express 
“belonging to Great Britain” is badly wanted. I should like to repeat 
here a suggestion which I put forward two years ago in conjunction with 
my friend Mr. W. Evans, F.R.S.E. (Proc. R. Phys. Soc., Edind., vol. xv., 
p 219). We have two adjectives in current English speech—* British ” 
and “ Britannic ” to which naturalists inight easily attach definite geogra- 
phical meanings. Why not agree to use “ British ” in biological writings 
in a sense exclusive of Ireland, and “ Britannic”? when we wish to include 
the whole archipelago ? 


GrEo. H. CARPENTER. 


i4 The lrish Naturalist. January, 


ZOOLOGY. 


A New Genus and Species of Irish Crustacean. 


In the Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), vol. xiv., pp. 274-283, pl. viii., 
Mr. W. F. de Vismes Kane referred to his discovery of MWzphareus 
kochianus, Bate, in Lough Mask. The occurrence of this blind Crus- 
tacean in an open sheet of water is of considerable interest, since it had 
previously only been obtained in a well near Dublin. 

Among 130 specimens discovered by Mr. Kane, three had well- 
developed pigmentation in the region of the eye, while a fourth had a 
cloudy shading. Fortunately, he senta selection of his specimens to 
Prof. Vejdovsky, of Prague, who agreed with Mr. Kane’s determination 
of all the specimens except the four referred to. These he pronounced 
to belong to a new genus, which he called Bathyonyx. Professor 
Vejdovsky, wishing to honour the discoverer, intended to call it after 
Mr. Kane, but failed in identifying his surname, so that the new species 
stands as Bathyonyx de Vismest (‘* Veber einzige stisswasser-Amphipoden,” 
Sitzungsber d. K. bihm. Gesellsch.d. Wissensch., 1905). It may be mentioned 
that on the Continent the last of a series of names which have been in- 
vented to identify a person by no means always represents his surname. 
Hence Prof. Vejdovsky’s error. 

The new genus stands between Gammarus and Crangonyx, but differs 
from the absence of the secondary gills, and by the possession of a 
forked telson. The eyes especially are peculiar in Bathyonyx, as they 
are not ordinary composite organs as in Gammarus, but such with varying 
nuinber of crystalline cones, which form an irregular spot on each side 
of the head. Prof. Vejdovsky followed up his observation on Bathyonyx 
by some remarks on Miphargus kochianus. 


Pederus caligatus at Wexford. 


Awong some beetles sent to me by my friend, Mr. J. H. Johnston, from 
the vicinity of Wexford, I found a specimen of Pederus caligatus Er. 
This is an addition to our Irish List, and we have now records of all the 
four species of Pederus found in the British Islands. 

W. F, JOHNSON. 

Acton Glebe, Poyntzpass. 


Sagacity of the Herring Gull. 

The following incident in bird life, witnessed at Skerries, Co. Dublin, 
in July last, may be of general interest to readers of the Zzsh Naturalist, 
since it raises the question of the nature and extent of the reasoning 
faculty in the lower animals. I was one of a party of three crossing on 


£906 Notes. a 


foot the wide expanse of level sands, which at low water makes it 
possible to pass almost dry-shod from Skerries beach to the tidal island, 
known as Shennick’s Island. Far out near the water’s edge a straggling 
troop of Herring Gulls on the wing flapped to and fro a few yards above 
the sands, on the look-out for toothsome jetsam. As we drew near one 
of the birds was seen to swoop down, lift something, apparently a large 
shell, from near the tide margin, and mounting rapidly almost straight 
upwards for about 50 feet, let the object fall to the ground. ‘The action 
struck us all as peculiar, and we approached to have a clearer view. As 
we did so the bird swooped down rapidly, seized the shell again; we 
were near enough now to see that it was a large univalve shell, apparently 
a great whelk (Buccinum undatum), and mounting rapidly a second time into 
the air to an obviously greater height than on the first occasion, 
suddenly let his burden fall to the ground a second time. When we saw 
the bird thus repeat his peculiar action we felt strongly tempted to set it 
down as intentional, as designed, in fact, to dislodge the body of the 
whelk either by fracturing the shell or loosening the animal’s hold. 
We approached more rapidly the scene of operations, and as we did so 
the gull swooped down again, lifted the shell (we were now sure 
of its being a whelk) for the third time, mounted straight up with it, 
and, as it seemed to us, to a still greater elevation than before, and for 
the third time released the shell. 

There was hardly any doubt in my mind now as to the nature of the 
gull’saction. Nevertheless I hastened towards the water’s edge, thinking 
to capture the shell, and make sure that it contained the animal. But I was 
too late. The gull swooped down a fourth time, snatched up the shell once 
more, and swept off with it in an almost horizontal path to the distant 
rocks of Shennick’s Island. Though I failed to capture the shell it may 
be fairly assumed that it did contain the animal. A full grown Herring 
Gull is not likely to play with an empty shell as an imaginative young 
terrier sports with a make-believe rat in the shape of a rag or a rope’s- 
end. 

There are three theories admissible as to the nature of the bird’s 
action on this occasion: (1) The release of the whelk in mid-air was 
involuntary or accidental, (2) it was instinctive, or, to avoid the use of 
that ambiguous word, was part of the traditional wisdom of the species 
Larus argentatus, commonly called Herring Gull, and (3) it was reasonable, 
2.e., founded on this particular gull’s deduction from his own personal 
experience in dealing with refractory whelks. 

To a sceptic in the matter of animal sagacity the first theory 
would seem the most acceptable. ‘The whelk, he would say, was too 
heavy for the bird or too awkward in shape to be firmly grasped by its 
bill, or the bird was frightened by the advent of that hostile species 
flomo sapiens, or was attacked or threatened by its comrades, so that for 
one or other of these reasons the release of the shell was in- 
voluntary. And, he would add, the increasing height of each successive 
upwarc flight was probably imaginary, or if real was undesigned on the 


16 The Irish Naturalist. January, 


part of the bird. In answer to these suggestions I would point out that 
although there was a threatening movement mace by the comrade gulls 
when the whelk was first captured, there was no actual attack then; and 
in the second and third upward flights no interference whatever took 
place. And if the bird were frightened by human intruders why, it may be 
asked, did it not fly off horizontally with its prey, as it ultimately did, 
to the rocks of Shennick’s Island. As for the second theory, that the 
action of the bird was, roughly speaking, instinctive, that I must leave 
to the consideration of those who are well versed in a delightful lore of 
which I am lamentably ignorant, the manners and customs of sea-birds. 
Our ornithologist can tell us whether this method of smashing shells is 
as much part of the traditional wisdom of the Herring Gull as is the 
smashing of snail shells on a stone with the Thrush. 

If neither the first nor the second theory fit the facts then we are 
apparently forced to the conclusion that the Skerries gull by a course of 
philosophical experiment attained toa very fair practical knowledge of 
the laws of gravity. 


N CoLncGan. 
Sandycove. 


Quail in Co. Louth. 


I notice in the December number of the /résh Maturaist mention of 
Quail in Co. Waterford and Co. Londonderry. It may interest some 
readers to know that when shooting with Mr. Lionel Hartop, of Bel- 
robin, near Dundalk, about the 2zoth October, we killed two Quail, a 
male and female. These were the first living Quail I had ever seen in 
Ireland, though I have once or twice heard them. I hear of two other 
Quail being shot here this season, and last year Mr. Maxwell Boyle, of 
Blackrock, Dundalk, killed several. I have nv doubt that the two birds 
we shot in October were bred here during the very favourable present 
season, but Iam surprised that they remained so long with us. 


ALLAN P. SWAN. 
Dundalk. 


Whiskered Bat in Co. Carlow. 


On November 7th last a bat flew into the house here, which, on 
examination, I identified as Vessertilio mystacinus (kindly confirmed for 
me by Dr. Scharff). This bat has not, I believe, been recorded before 
from this county, though it has been taken in the neighbouring county 


of Wexford. 
DENIS R. PACK-BERESFORD. 


Fenagh House, Bagualstown. 


| 
| 
| 


1906. 17 
IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a Monkey from Mr. E. Curzon, a Goldfinch and a 
Canary from Mr. Beers, a Chacma Baboon from Mr. A. M‘Clintock, a 
Gevet from Mr. R. M. Byrne, a Ring-Snake from Mr. N. Cromwell, a 
Sparrowhawk from Mr. D. Quillian, and a Squirrel from Mr. N. Cannon. 
A pair of Siamese Cats deposited by Surgeon Lentaigne have been placed 
on view in a large cagein the Monkey House. The Rhesus Monkeys in 
the open air “ Aviary” continue to enjoy excellent health, and suffered 
no harm from the frost and snow of November. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


OCTOBER 18.—The Club met at Leinster House. 

Mr. F. W. Moore showed hairs from the leaf of Chrysophyllum macro- 
phyllum. This plant is very rare, and is a native of tropical Africa. 
The backs of the large leaves are of a beautiful ‘‘ old gold”’ colour, the 
colour being given by a thick coating of hairs These hairs are remark- 
able in shape, being curiously forked. 

Mr. D. M‘ARDLE showed sections through the male receptacle of 
Conocephalus conicus, Neck., one of the largest of the frondose Hepatic. 
These receptacles arise from the midrib, near the apex of the frond, are 
hemispherical in shape, immersed in the cavity of the frond, free, and 
united at a central point beneath. The upper surface is rough, showing 
a few well-marked apertures through which the antheridia escape. The 
sections showed six antheridia contained in linear oblong antheriferous 
vesicles, immersed in the fleshy disk. Mr. M‘Ardle also showed sections 
through a capsule freeing the muriculate spores, which are of a dark- 
brown colour, variously shaped, with a well-marked echinate border. 
The elaters are copious and bi-trispiral. This is one of the few liver- 
worts in which the first division in the germinating spore takes place 
while the spores are still within the sporogonium. The piant differs 
from all others in the frondose section, on account of the reticulated 
epidermis, and the numerous stomata, which are white, and occur in 
lines on the green frond, and can be observed by the unaided eye. 
Fruit is borne in spring. The whole plant has a remarkable aromatic 
smell; it is common on damp banks of streams, abutments of bridges 
etc., and has a geographical range through Europe, Asia, Japan, and 
North America. The male plant, which is separate, is rarer or over- 
looked, which often happens in dicecious hepatics. 

NOVEMBER 8.—The Club met at Leinster House. 

Mr. F. W. Moore showed sections through parts of the flower of 
Bulbophyllum bisetum, a new species recently described. The sections 


showed the delicate fringe of curiously-marked hairs which occurs on 
the labellum. 


18 The lrish Naturalist. January, 


Prof. HENRY H. DIxXon exhibited sections of the leaf of Dendrobium 
Beckler?, showing siliceous spherules in the cells on the outside of the 
bundle-sheath. The spherules are deposited in small cubic cells, which, 
as the siliceous mass grows, lose their nucleus and cytoplasm. ‘The 
spherules are fairly uniformly distributed over the outside of the bundle- 
sheath throughout the leaf, but are not found below the absciss-layer. 
This distribution holds good in all the orchids in which the spherules 
have been observed. 

Prof. G. H. CARPENTER showed two new species of Collembola—an 
Isotoma anda Cryptopygus—collected by the members of the Scottish 
National Antarctic Expedition, under the leadership of Mr. W. S. Bruce, 
on the South Orkney Islands. The Cryptopygus is closely allied to 
C. crassus, Willem, from the shores of Gerlache Channel, Graham’s Land, 
while the Isotoma shows an unexpectedly close relationship to the 
Arctic species, 7. Beselstz, Packard. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


DECEMBER 5.—Mr. W. F. de V. KANE lectured on “ Prehistoric Man 
in Southern France.” 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


NOVEMBER II.—EXCURSION TO THE SLADE OF SAGGART.—Iu spite 
of the inclement weather a number of members and visitors left Terenure 
for Brittas by the 12.15 tram. On arrival the party walked through the 
Slade under the conductorship of F. O’B. Ellison, B.A. (Hon. Sec.). The 
object of the excursion was the study of mosses and liverworts, of which 
many specimens were obtained. After having tea at Brittas Bridge, the 
party returned to Dublin by the 5.30 tram. 

NOVEMBER 14.—R. M. BARRING’TON in the chair. Prof. G. H. Car- 
PENTER, B.Sc., read a communication on Lohmannia tnsignis, an Oribatid 
mite new to Ireland. This communication has been published in full 
in the Jrish Naturalist for December. W. F. de V. KANE, M.A., de- 
livered a lecture on ‘“‘ Prehistoric Man in Southern France,” which dealt 
with the remains left by palzeolithic man in the stations of Le Monstier, 
La Madelaine, Les Eyzies, etc., in the Dordogne. The lecture was 
illustrated by a series of lantern slides, and by a collection of flints. The 
following members took part in the discussion:—R. Ll. Praeger, R. J. 
Ussher, Prof. Carpenter, Miss M. C. Knowles, and C. Wilcox. R. L. 
PRAEGER exhibited Luphrasia Salisburgenses from six Irish botanical 
divisions. Miss M. Paxton, B.A.,and Messrs. Bruce, Stewart, and Wilcox, 
were elected members of the Club, 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 19 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


OcTroBER 17.—The winter session was inaugurated by a conver- 
sazione held in the Exhibition Hall. The guests, who numbered up- 
wards of 400, included representatives of the Dublin and Dungannon 
Field Clubs. Tea was dispensed from seven to eight o’clock. 

At the business meeting Mr. W. H. Phillips (President) occupied the 
chair, and in the course ofa brief speech he reviewed the work of the 
Club during the past year, He said the seven excursions held during 
the summer months had been well attended, the average number present 
being sixty. The clubroom at the Museum had been largely availed of 
for the Wednesday night meetings, and it was hoped that similar success 
would distinguish these gatherings during the coming winter. The 
membership of the Club was now over 4oo. This yearthey had to lament 
the deaths of three oftheir members, including Mr. John Anderson, J.P., 
who was connected with the Club for nearly forty years; Sir James 
Haslett, M.P., and Mr. C J. Lanyon. Proceeding, he said he would 
like to call the attention of the members to the effort that was being 
made to obtain funds for the better equipment of Queen’s College, a move- 
ment which he earnestly trusted they would do their best to promote. 

After the election of four new members limelight views of localities 
visited were exhibited and explained by Messrs. Robert Welch, 
Mena Wj; Hennell, MR ELA; T. HK. Farrington, N, H.- Foster, 
Geo. Donaldson, and W. A. Green, 

The following is a list of the exhibits which were on view during the 
evening :— 

BoTany.—N. Carrothers—Some rare plants from Down and Antrim, 
collected in 1905. C. M. Cunningham—Specimens illustrating growth of 
Hinanthalia lorea or Sea Strap. J. H. Davies—A brick covered with a rare 
moss, We7sta calcarea. G. Donaldson—Plants of North America (from 
Compositae). W. Gray, M.R.I A.—Microscopical sections of plants 
W. H. Phillips—Varieties of Polystichum angulare. R. Ll. Praeger, B.E.— 
Some rare plants collected last season in Clare, Mayo, Leitrim, Cavan, 
and Monaghan. J. Strachan—Specimens of fungus Pezzza adae. Rev. 
C. H. Waddell, B.D.--Mosses and Liverworts from Co. Down. 

GroLOGY.—R. Bell—Ijassic Fossils. C. Bulla—Ores and minerals 
from Laxey mines; rocks from Carlingford. G. C. Gough—Various 
limestones under the microscope; fossils, minerals, &c. J. L. S. 
Jackson—Lepidodendron. De Witt Hinch—Shells from high level 
glacial beds, Co. Dublin. J. Strachan—Dendrites and micro-crystals. 

ZOOLOGY.—S. S. Faussett—Tropical bird-skins from Australia. Rev. 
G. Foster—Collection of Irish butterflies and moths made during past 
season. N. H. Foster, M.B.O.U.—Down from nests of Anatide (12 
species). W.H. Gallway—Snakes from Singapore; Mongoose. W. A. 
Green—Badger and Stoat mounted by exhibitor; butterflies and moths. 
J. N. Milne—Land and fresh-water shells; moths. H. LL. Orr—Butter- 
flies, moths, beetles, and shells. Miss Steele—Marine shells from Mala- 
hide. A. W. Stelfox—Land and fresh-water Mollusca from W. Donegal, 


20 The lrish Naturalist. January, 1906. — 


Prof. Gregg Wilson, D.Sc —Living marine animals; microscopic pre- 
parations. R. Welch, M R.I.A.—Land and fresh-water Mollusca, iuclud- 
ing carinated Buccinum undatum. J. Wright, F.G.S.—Foraminifera from 
Rockport, Belfast Lough. 

MISCELLANEOUS —Thomas Brown—Amethyst from Achill Island, 
mounted and unmounted. Ballycastle Toy Industry—Toys, &c., made by 
peasant children. R.A. Dawson, A R.C.A. (ond.)—Specimens of clay 
and gypsum from Co Antrim, and specimens of simple pottery suitable 
for local industrial development. F. C. Forth, A.R.C.Sc.I.—-Meteoro- 
logical charts; model of tubular bridge at Gobbins. C. Hilland (of 
Dundalk)--Punch bowl of Dundalk Volunteers, 1782. J. L. S. Jackson— 
Old wooden water pipes recently dug up in Donegall Street. Mrs. 
Letts—Penal candlesticks; model of a Ship ‘‘The Neptune,’”? made by 
French prisoners in Nelson's time, &c. Sharman D. Neill—Replicas in 
silver of old Irish cups, methers, &c., showing Celtic ornament. W. H. 
Milligan—Casts of Crumlin and Middlesbro’ meteorites. Miss J. Moore-—— 
Toys made by Cushendall peasants. H. M. Robb—Peat, &c., from the 
Irish Peat Development Company, Maghery. W. H. Robinson—Some 
scarce Irish coins. R. Welch, M.R.I.A.—Natural history phctographs. 

NOVEMBER 21.—The President (W. H. PHILLIPS) gave an address, which 
was illustrated by limelight views, on ‘‘ Reproduction of Ferns.” There 
was a fair attendance. After dealing with the ordinary mode of repro- 
duction, and tracing the history of ferns, the lecturer concluded with a 
description of some of nature’s short cuts in propagation of ferns by 
bulbils on the fronds and rhizomes, by buds, and by apospory and 
apogamy. 

R. WELCH, M.R.I.A., showed sections of, and described the raised 
beach, now exposed by road-widening operations for the electric tram at 
Mount Vernon, Shore Road. This paper will appear zz extenso in our 
pages at an early date. 

Several new members were elected into the club. 

NOVEMBER 29.—N. H. FOSTER, M.B.O.U., gave a talk on “ Bird 
Watching.” For the pursuit of this study the only requirement, in 
addition to our eyes and ears, was a good field-glass, by the aid of 
which birds could be closely observed at a considerable distance. 
Correct identification was imperative if the observations were to be of 
any value; size, shape, colour, characteristic actions, sound emitted, as 
well as the physical features of the bird’s habitat, applied singly or 
collectively, were the main aids to identification in the field. Many a 
rare wanderer to this island undoubtedly escaped notice, and the lecturer 
urged the importance of having every bird which the capturer might 
consider rare submitted to a loca! expert, with full particulars as to when 
and where it had been obtained. 

ROBERT PATTERSON mentioned some extraordinary results of watch- 
ing bird migration off the West Coast of Scotland this autumn, that 
hitherto very rare visitor, the Lapland Bunting, having been obtained in 
large numbers, G. C. Goucn, H. lL. ORR, W. H. Gatiway, and R. May 
continued the discussion. 


WILLIAMS & SON 
Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 


2 DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, 


Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. 


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A Conference on Vegetation Study.—R. Lioyp caren oa ae 
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February, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 21 


EDWARD WILLIAMS. 
BORN 8TH MAY, 1848. DIED I5TH DECEMBER, 1905. 


Edward Williams—what lover of birds is not intimate 
with this simple name, and what Irish ornithologist is there un- 
familiar with the quiet earnest features of this exceptionally 
gifted naturalist, whose handicraft has unquestionably raised 
the standard of the taxidermist’s art? 

Like his well-known brother Alexander Williams, R.H.A., 
Edwatd was a true artist, and this faculty, combined with an 
exceptionally accurate knowledge of birds in their native 
haunts, resulted in those beautiful and instructively mounted 
specimens which not only delight the public in our National 
Museum, and the private collector in his study, but are of 
real service to science. 

Handcock of Newcastle-on-Tyne, an accurate and well- 
known ornithologist and taxidermist, became famous in 
England half a century ago for his wonderfully life-like speci- 
mens; and this at a tinie when our national collections were 
little more than an assemblage of odd and unnatural-looking 
stuffed birds. Possibly Handcock had more imagination than 
Williams, and it would be difficult to surpass the mounting of 
his favourite Greenland Falcons, but in the mounting of 
Gulls, Waders, and Hawks, and the young and tender nest- 
lings of all birds, Williams had no superior, and in the resus- 
citation, so to speak, of a rare and much-damaged specimen, 
or in the skilful imitation of the natural coloration of fish, he 
had no equal. | 

William Williams, Edward’s father, was a hat maker in 
Drogheda, and for generations his ancestors had been felt 
makers in Monaghan. He was no ordinary man. Ex- 
ceedingly fond of natural history, he also gained prizes for 
proficiency in geology. In 1850 he became acquainted with 
Mr. R. J. Montgomery, afterwards assistant secretary to the 

A 


22 7; he lrish Naturalist. February, 


Royal Zoological Society of Ireland, in whose company he 
collected many birds on the Boyne. In 1878 he read a paper 
before the Royal Dublin Society on ‘“ Cervus Megaceros,” and 
in the same year contributed another to the British Association 
on this extinct mammal in its relation to the lacustrine 
deposits of Ireland! He learnt the rudiments of taxidermy 
from a Mr. Evatt of Mount Louise, Co. Monaghan. Kdward 
became an apt pupil to his father, and at the age of 10 could 
set up small birds in a “kind of way.” 

In 1860 Mr. Williams, senior, left Drogheda and moved to 
Westmoreland Street, Dublin, and soon became a member of 
the old Dublin Natural History Society. My first acquaintance 
with his son Edward was in 1867 or’68, when a notice appeared 
in the press that Harelda glacialis, the I,ong-tailed Duck, had 
recently been shot at Ringsend and was on view at Mr. 
Williams’, Bachelor’s Walk, where the business was then carried 
on. At that time there was really no one in Dublin capable 
of preserving a bird decently. Richard Glennon of Suffolk 
Street was dead, and Glennon at his best was not within a 
measurable distance of young Williams, who quickly made a 
name for himself. Specimens of his artistic skill were ex- 
hibited in the shop window side by side with his father’s hats. 
One could readily perceive that Mr. Williams, senior, while 
proud of his son’s achievements, was most reluctant to permit 
his own occupation to be interfered with, for Edward was 
anxious to banish the hats and fill the window with birds. 

Shortly after 1868 No. 3 Dame Street was taken, and here 
the struggle between hats and birds was renewed, with the 
result that there were two windows, one for hats, another for 
birds. Gradually, however, the birds crossed the frontier, 
and in the early seventies (fortunately for Irish naturalists) 
the birds, assisted by the beasts and fishes, swept their enemies 
the hats away altogether, and when another change of resi- 
dence was made to the adjoining premises, No. 2 Dame Street 
(where the business is now carried on)? the entire front was 


1 Printed t# extenso in Geological Magazine, 1881. 
2 And will be continued by Edward Williams’ younger brother and 
eo-partner, Mr. W. Willianis. 


1906. Edward Williams. 23 


filled with interesting and attractive specimens so life-like and 
natural that their novelty in Dublin arrested the attention of 
many foot passengers, anda small group was always collected 
on the pavement outside the window. It is unusual for a 
competition such as I have described to terminate so con- 
clusively in favour of natural science. 

It has been correctly observed that with few exceptions 
“the remuneration obtained for stufhng animals has not been 
sufficient to secure the services of persons trained to produce 
high class work,” but Edward Williams, like all true artists, 
laboured not for pecuniary remuneration but for love. ‘The 
pleasure it gave him to do a thing well would have been (had 
he possessed independent means) sufficient reward in itself. 
This fact, combined with the sustained encouragement given 
him by Mr. A.-G. More, was the keynote of his success. 
Williams was an invaluable ally to More when recruiting for the 
National Museum, for the former had exceptional opportuni- 
ties of knowing the whereabouts of the rarities the latter 
wished to procure, since practically every Irish specimen 
passed through his hands. Edward Williams and More were 
mutually helpful. “ Did you notice that case at Williams’ ?” ~ 
More would say—‘“‘ it is wonderfully good ; you will never see 
its match anywhere—duy zt.” 

When Mr. J. G. Millais, son of the famous President of the 
Royal Academy, and author of many recent and valuable 
volumes written chiefly for sportsmen, was quartered at 
Beggar’s Bush barracks, he was a frequent visitor at 2 Dame 
Street, and his admiration for Edward and his work was keen 
and genuine. An excursion to the great breeding station 
of the Black-headed Gul! near Tullamore, undertaken by 
Williams, Millais, and myself, was a delightful experience ; 
nor shall I ever forget the enthusiasm of my old friend, when 
we two journeyed westward in r904, and saw for the first time 
the Red-necked Phalarope breeding in Ireland. 

A worker rather than a writer, the many short notes and 
papers contributed to the Zoologist, and the Lrish Naturalist, a 
list of which appears at foot, give little conception of his 
varied knowledge, being for the most part simply notes of 
the occurrences of rare and interesting specimens. 

Ae 2 


24 The lrish Naturalist. February, 


It is to be deplored that his hardworking life left him 
neither time nor opportunity to put on record much which 
would have been of lasting value. That two such naturalists 
as More and Williams, with whom all knotty points in iden- 
tification and in Irish field natural history were discussed, 
should have left unwritten a large proportion of the special 
information they possessed as to the distribution and habits 
of birds, beasts, fishes, and plants, in Ireland, is lamentable. 

A keen eye, a quick musical ear, and a retentive memory, 
grafted on to a cautious and truthful nature, free from any 
tendency to exaggeration, made Williams an almost ideal 
field naturalist, but the physical health and strength, so 
necessary for prolonged or adventurous excursions, was 
lacking, and he was thus prevented taking advantage of 
numerous invitations and opportunities for observing nature 
in her wildest aspects. This deficiency was partly consti- 
tutional, and partly due to the constant strain of an occupation, 
the success of which depended in a special degree on his own 
handicraft, and his personal attention to the detailed and 
minute requirements of his individual clients. Often, when 
urged to take holidays, he would reply “ You cannot under- 
stand the fascination my work has for me; I love it.” 

In private, his amiable and retiring disposition, his talent, 
and his absolute freedom from conceit, endeared him to all. 
Without being “religious” in the ordinary sense, he was 
filled with reverence towards the great Creator and Architect 
of all things. His Sunday mornings were frequently devoted 
to walks in the country, his evenings to public worship or to 
hymns sung at his own fireside. His sudden and painless 
death was probably just such as he would have desired, but its 
unexpectedness emphasised his loss both to his friends and 
relatives. When Edward Williams’ mother was being buried, 
the ground deep in snow, a Redbreast alighted on the edge of 
the grave and sang for a short while. ‘This incident appealed 
forcibly to one whose life had been devoted to the study of 
nature, and Edward expressed a strong desire to be buried 
where the birds could sing over his grave. His wish has been 


gratified. 
RICHARD M, BARRINGTON. 
Fassaroe, Bray. 


1906. 


Edward Williams. 25 


LIST OF PAPERS AND NOTES PUBLISHED BY E. WILLIAMS. 


1877. 


1878. 


1881. 


1886. 
1887. 


1889. 


1890. 


189gI. 


1892. 


1893. 


1894. 
1897. 
IgOL. 


1902. 


1903. 


ZOOLOGIST. 


Reappearance of Pallas’ Sand Grouse in Ireland, p. 24; Variety of 
the Common Snipe, p. 24; Roller in Ireland, p. 53; Squacco 
Heron in King’s Co., p. 388. 

Black Hare in Ireland, p. 434; Sabine’s Gull in Ireland, p. 437; 
Early arrival of the Snow Bunting, p. 437. 

Buff variety of the Common Snipe, p.67; Golden Eagle in 
Donegal, p. 68. 

Ruddy Sheldrake near Limerick, p. 35. 

Rare Birds in Ireland, p. 75. 

Golden Eagles in Co. Galway, p. 31; Pectoral Sandpiper in Ire- 
land, p. 32; Solitary Snipe and Sabine’s Snipe in Ireland, p. 33; 
Pallas’ Sand Grouse in Co. Clare, p. 34; Crossbills in Ireland, 
p- 76; Night Heron in Ireland, p. 110; Curious variety of the 
Woodcock, p. 153; Bee-eater in Ireland, p. 229; Loxia curvirostra 
var. rubrifasciata, p. 266; The Scops Owl in Co. Waterford, p. 
313; Varieties of Red Grouse and Land-rail, p. 393; A Breeding- 
place of the Black-headed Gull in the Queen’s Co., p. 396 ; Spoon- 
bull in Co, Kerry, p. 455. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker in Ireland, p. 24; Varieties of the Hare 
in Co. Dublin, p. 70; Green Sandpiper in Ireland, p. 138; 
Hawfinch and Brambling in Ireland, p. 138; Montagu’s Harrierin 
Ca, Wexiord, p- 275; Black Terns'in ‘Co.“Wicklow, pi ‘275; 
Honey Buzzard in Co. Wexford, p. 355. 

Sabine’s Snipein Ireland, p. 112; Parrot Crossbillin Ireland, p. 112; 
American Bittern in Co, Kildare, p. 218; Golden Oriole in Co. 
Galway, p. 318; Wilson’s Petrel in Co. Fermanagh, p. 428; Fork- 
tailed Petrel in Ireland, p. 469. 

Red-necked Phalarope in Ireland, p. 28; Spotted Redshank in Co. 
Dublin, p. 35; Ruddy Sheldrake in Co. Dublin, p. 359; Bee- 
eater in Co. Wicklow, p. 428; Honey Buzzard in Co. Wexford, 
p- 428. 

Ferruginous Duck in Ireland, p. 106; Serin in Ireland, p. 108; 
Waxwing in Co. Wicklow, p. 109; American Red-breasted Snipe 
in Ireland, p. 433; Solitary Snipe in Co. Mayo, p. 434. 

American Golden Plover in Ireland, p. 428. 

Hybrids in Stephen’s Green Park in Dublin, p. 329. 

Variety of the Shag, p. 354; Puffin off the coast of Kerry, p. 355. 

Glossy Ibis in Ireland, p, 467 ; a curious Water-rail, p. 467. 

Great Bustard in Ireland, p. 153; Snow Goose in Ireland, p. 459; 
Little Crake in Co. Kildare, p. 460. 


26 The Irish Naturalist. _ February, 
IRISH NATURALIST. 


1893. Montagu’s Harrier in Ireland, p. 253; White-winged Black Tern in 
Ireland. p. 253. 

1894. Snowy Owl in Co. Mayo, p. 24; Chiffchaff in Rathgar, December, 
1893, p. 24; Spotted Redshank in Dublin Bay, p. 224. 

1896: Irish Bird Notes, p. 55. 

1899. Rose-coloured Pastor in Co. Donegal, p. 230; Wood Sandpiper in 
Co. Waterford, p. 231; Montagu’s Harrier in Co. Wexford, p. 232 ; 
The Occurrence of the Sociable Plover in Ireland, p. 233. 

1900. Montagu’s Harrier in Co. Wicklow, p. 21; Ospreys in Ireland, p. 
22; Rose-coloured Pastor in Co. Mayo, p. 22. 

1901. Turtle Dove in Co. Dublin, p. 204; Wood Sandpiper in Co. Dublin, 
Pp: 205. 

1903. Breeding of the Red-necked Phalarope in Ireland, p. 41; Hoopoe 
in Co. Wexford, p. 111; Rough-legged Buzzard in Co. Tyrone, 
p- 111; Glossy Ibis in Ireland, p. 112; Eider Duck at Malahide, 
p: 112: 

1905. Occurrence of the Greenland and Iceland Falcons in Ireland 

during the spring of 1905, p. 201. 


REVIEWS. 


THE DISTRIBUTION OF SCALE-MOSSES. 


Moss Exchange Club. Census Catalogue of British He. 
patics, compiled by SymMERS M. Macvicar. Pp. 24. York, 1905. 


The publication of this catalogue will be a great boon to workers at_ 
Hepatice. It gives, in a very condensed form, a list of the Scale-mosses 
of the British Islands, with the distribution of each. For Great Britain, 
Watson’s county and vice-county numbers are employed. As regards 
Ireland, the question of the numbers to be used was the cause of a 
recent discussion in our pages. As already announced by Mr. Waddell, 
Praeger’s sub-division and numbers have been adopted, but we notice a 
discrepancy in this connection, for whereas the Preface states that 
the scheme of ‘‘Irish Topographical Botany” is followed, the list 
which exemplifies it embodies Praeger’s preliminary scheme of 1896. 
These two plans differ, inasmuch as, on the representations of H. C. 
Hart, the sub-division of Donegal was changed in the later work. ‘The 
importance of the present list is greatly enhanced by the fact that, at 
the expense of much time and trouble, a large amount of revision of 
naming of the more critical species, including both old and recent 
work, has been done by Mr. Macvyicar, who is one of our first authorities 
on these plants, 


1906. Reviews. 27 


As bearing on the discussion in these pages already referred to, the 
following extract from a letter from Mr. Macvicar to the writer may 
be of interest, as embodying what Mr. Waddell regretted the absence 
of—naniely, the opinion of an extra-Hibernian botanist :—“ I sympathise 
with the view which considers it inadvisable to continue the Irish numbers 
in succession to Shetland. . . . . This matter must be left to Irish 
naturalists to settle in the manner they think best. In my opinion, 
English naturalists must adopt the numbers which are generally agreed 
upon as satisfactory by those in Ireland, when giving the British Isles 
as one botanical or zoological region.” 

R. Lu. P, 


DRIFT SURVEY WORK IN THE SOUTH. 


The Geology of the Country around Cork and Cork Har-« 
bour. Explanation of the Cork colour-printed Drift Map. By 
G. W. LAMPLUGH, F.G.S., J. R. KILROE, A. MCHENRY, M.R.IA., 
H. J. SEvmour, B.A., F.G.S., W. B. WriGHT, B.A, F.G.S., and 
H. B. Murfr, B.A., F.G.S. Pp. 8+135. Six plates. H.M.S.O., 1905. 
Price 3s. And coloured Map, Is. 6d. 


It would be impossible within the compass of a short review to do 
justice to the valuable memoir which has lately been issued with the 
drift map of the environs of Cork. 

The map itself, which shows evidence of most extensive and painstaking 
work, should be of the highest utility to all interested in the surface 
formation of the land around the City and Harbour of Cork. 

The scale is one inch to the mile, and the size 18 inches by 12. The 
ground covered includes portions of four sheets of the regular one- 
inch Ordnance Map, the town of Passage marking approximately the 
middle point of the area. 

A section is shown through the ceutral portion of the district, cutting 
the transverse ridges at right angles, and consequently running nearly 
north and south. 

The Memoir occupies 126 pages, and is divided into three sections. 
The first or ‘‘General Description” deals with the wider and deeper 
geology of the area, including the form of the ground and descriptions of 
the main formations, viz., the Old Red Sandstone, the Carboniferous 
rocks, and the Post-Tertiary or superficial deposits (49 pp). 

The writers adhere to the original theory of Jukes with regard to the 
peculiarities in the direction of the rivers of the district, and reject, for 
reasons which they give, the later suggestions of Prof. EK. Hull and Mr. 
J. Porter, B.E. 

The following passage from the chapter on the Carboniferous Rocks 
may be of melancholy interest to those who still dream of coal nines in 
South Cork :—“ In the original survey...... two or three small tracts 


28 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


“of black slate in the south-western part of the present sheet were 
‘separated out and distinguished as ‘Coal-measures,’ but, as will be 
‘‘shown in the context, there is now strong reason to doubt whether 
‘these beds should be regarded as Coal-measures.” 

In the chapter on the superficial deposits an interesting account is 
given of the discovery of ‘‘au ancient shore line of earlier date than the 
glaciation of the district.” 

Part II. is occupied with a detailed ieaatee of the superficial de- 
posits, and comprises 59 pages of closely printed matter of very great 
value. 

Part III. gives in 18 pages an account of the ‘‘ Economic Geology” of 
the area under the heads of Building Stone, Slates, Bricks, Silica Clay, 
Sand and Gravel, Road Materials, Water Supply, and Agricultural 
Geology. The latter includes useful notes on soils and subsoils, with a 
table showing their localities, nature, depths, and the petrological 
character of their contents. 

There is a good index and an appendix containing a list of papers on 
the geology of the Cork district. The memoir is illustrated by several 
instructive figures in the text, and by six beautiful photographic plates 


by R. Welch. 
SULT oe 


ALIENS, DESIRABLE AND UNDESIRABLE. 


Alien Flora of Britain. By STEPHEN TROYTE DUNN, B.A., F.L.S. 
Pp. 16 + 208. London: West, Newman, and Co. 1905. Price, 5s. 


Before leaving England for Hong Kong in 1903, Mr. Dunn issued a 
“ Preliminary List of the Alien Flora of Britain” This was a list only. 
Now, owing chiefly (so he tells us) to the industry of his wife, he has 
been enabled to publish an interesting little book on the same subject, 
in which each of nearly a thousand species has appended to its name a 
note varying in length from a few lines to half a page. These notes 
give the original home of each plant, and state or suggest its mode of 
origin in these islands, but they are a little disappointing in usually not 
giving any indication of the British localities. ‘“‘ 7yégonella arabica, 
Delile.—An Oriental weed, once recorded in England among grain 
aliens,” does not, after all, convey much more information than was 
given by the inclusion of the bare name in the ‘‘ Preliminary List.” 
But this does not much detract from the value of the book as a record 
of alien immigration and casual introduction. é 

Quite the most interesting feature of Mr. Dunn’s book is the intro- 
duction, in which the questions of true nativity, of degrees of naturaliza- 
tion, of sources of introduction, and of the evidence to be employed in 
fixing the standard of plants, are excellently dealt with. We would 
like to see this essay read and taken to heart by every field botanist. 


R, Ly; igh 


1906. | 29 
A VISIT TO MITCHELSTOWN CAVE. 


BY ERNEST dhs BAKER, M.A. 
PLATE, “Tr. | 


Mitchelstown Cave, the largest ever discovered in the 
British Isles, is not situated at the town of that name, in 
county Cork, but ten miles away, in Tipperary, on the road 
to Cahir. Its entrance is in a small limestone hill in the 
broad vale of the Blackwater, midway between the Knock- 
mealdown Mountains and the sandstone ridges and tables of 
the Galtees. The cave was laid open in the course of 
quarrying operations in 1833, from which time to the present 
the work of exploration has gone on progressively, if at long 
intervals, and may, perhaps, continue until the extent of the 
‘passages known is considerably enlarged. It seems now to 
be entirely forgotten that the spot has been famous from time 
immemorial for a wonderful stalactite cavern. In October, 
1777, Arthur Young was taken into acave, known as Skeheena- 
rinky, after the townland, but the old Irish name of which 
was Oonakareaglisha. ‘“‘ The opening,” he says, ‘is a cleft 
of rock in a limestone hill, so narrow as to be difficult to 
get into it. I descended by a ladder of about twenty steps, 
and then found myself in a vault of a hundred feet long, 
and fifty or sixty high: a small hole, on the left, leads from 
this a winding course of, I believe, not less than half an Irish 
mile.” He goes on to describe the beautiful scenery of the 
cave, which, he says, is much superior to the Peak Cavern in 
Derbyshire, ‘‘and Lord Kingsborough, who has viewed the 
Grot d’Aucel in Burgundy, says that it is not to be compared 
with it.”"' The odd thing is that the very existence of this 
cavern seems to have been forgotten since the discovery of its 
much finer neighbour. Yet the trees and brushwood guarding 
its mouth are in full view of the well-frequented entrance to 
the other cave; and Dr. Lyster Jameson, who was with 
Monsieur Martel on his visit in 1895, told me some years ago 
that an opening had been pointed out to him into a lower 


* Arthur Young’s Tour in Ireland; ed. by A. W. Hutton. 2 vols. Bell 
1892. See pages 464-5, vol. I. 


A 3 


30 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


series of caves, which I have little hesitation in identifying 
with Young’s cavern and the cave-mouth I allude to. 

Dr. C.. A. Hill and I, visited the spot in Atieust, wae, 
intending to go through all the accessible parts of the huge 
series now known collectively as Mitchelstown Cave, and also 
to examine the series referred to by Dr. Jameson, who had 
been unable to undertake their exploration. Our impression 
was that little or nothing was known of the latter series, and 
it was. not until after our return from Ireland that we were 
startled and puzzled by turning up an account in ‘‘ The Post- 
chaise Companion,” (1805 ed., p. 301-2) of a cave in this place 
already known and celebrated thirty years before the discovery 
of the Mitchelstown Cave. ‘The explanation probably is, that 
the guides find one cave a more profitable investment than 
two. ‘To show the second (or rather the first, since the other 
is the usurper) would involve twice as much labour, but 
would hardly bring in twice the income. Since 1833, then, 
the original cavern has been suppressed, so successfully that 
even the omniscient Baddeley never suspects that there are 
two series, although he has read Young’s description and con- 
fused it with the other. Dr. Hill let me down a few feet into 
the old cave-mouth, just such a narrow slit as Young depicts ; 
but we found that the rock was cut away immediately beneath, 
and without more hauling power, the only way to get down 
was to use a long ladder, and this we could not obtain. The 
guide told us that the hole led into nothing of any interest, 
and that the entrance had been used as a receptacle for 
deceased dogs and other excreta. This effectually took away 
any wish to pursue our researches in that direction for the 
present. Still, the old cave ought not to be lost sight of; and 
we propose, if no one else undertakes the work, to explore the 
lower series on some future visit to Ireland. The unscientific 
explorers of a hundred years ago may have left discoveries to 
future workers as important as those which remained for so 
many years after the early explorations in the neighbouring 
great cave. 

What was done in the latter during the first year after the 
discovery may be read in an article by Dr. Apjohn, in the 
Dublin Penny Journal for December 27, 1834, an article 
reproduced from the Dublin Geological Journal, vol. I. Dr. 


1906, BAKER.—Mitchelstown Caves. 31 


Apjohn carried out a most elaborate and painstaking survey 
to points considerably beyond the second great cavity, now 
known as the “House of Lords,” but failed to reach 
‘*Q’Leary’s Cave,” the key of the further ramifications, or to 
explore the tunnels connected with “The River.” His plan, 
worked out to scale, and showing the differences of level with 
great minuteness, remained the only map of the cave until M. 
Martel’s survey in 1895. Meanwhile, various adventurers had 
got to more distant points, particularly to the long chain of 
caverns running east to Brogden’s, at the end of which M. 
Martel’s chart stops. The French explorer does not seem to 
have broken any fresh ground ; but his plan, which appeared 
in this Journal, April, 1896, with an account of his visit, wasa 
brilliant achievement, especially when ‘the short time at his 
disposal is considered, six hours for the whoie of the cavern. 
Parts of this chart were only hastily sketched in, either from 
a rapid survey or from information supplied by the guide, as 
M. Martel explained to me in a conversation a few weeks ago, 
and errors of detail were, under these conditions, unavoidable. 
For instance, ‘‘O’Leary’s Cave” is much larger than appears 
on the plan, and the ‘‘ Chimney” is not situated at the far end 
of a passage, but actually opens in the floor of “‘ O’Leary’s 
Cave.” The caves running east, again—O’Callaghan’s and 
Brogden’s—are not such a simple series of straight passages 
as they seem on the chart; our guide had considerable diffi- 
culty in threading his way among the various bifurcations. 
As will transpire later, there is a mystery connected with the 
name of “ Cust’s Cave,” the real Cust’s being in a totally 
different part of the series, anda different chamber altogether 
in shape. Unfortunately, we did not go prepared tocarry out 
any survey, believing that all this had been done; so that we 
can at the most point out some places where the existing plans 
are at fault. We were also unfortunate in not being prepared 
to take a large number of photographs, the accounts we had 
read not leading us to anticipate the actual grandeur and 
extent of the scenery. M. Martel compares the Mitchelstown 
Cave with such famous continental caverns as those of Adels- 
berg, Padirac, Dargilan and Han-sur-Lesse, and it comes off 
but poorly in such a comparison. I have seen his lantern 
slides of these caves, and after exploring all the most 


A 4 


32 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


beautiful caves discovered as yet in Hngland, I venture to say 
there is not one English cave that would not come off badly if 
set beside any of these. Compared, however, with other 
British caverns, that of Mitchelstown can hold its own easily ; 
though individual chambers may be surpassed, there is 
nothing like the same extent of brilliant subterranean scenery 
anywhere else in these islands. 

The tourist portion of the cavern, a fraction of the whole, 
but yet.a considerable extent of underground passages, is 
deservedly much frequented. Thespacious vault, nicknamed 
the ‘House of Commons,” vies in dimensions and dignity 
with those in the Peak of Derbyshire, but it is far surpassed by 
the ‘‘House of Lords.’ Seventeen massy columns of pure white 
stalactite, surmounting enormous cones of terraced stalagmite, 
tower from floor to roof of this impressive dome, some 140 
feet in span and 70 feet high. The grandeur of its height is 
lost somewhat through the mountain of fallen blocks that rises 
from the entrance almost to the apex of the roof. Behind 
this vast accumulation a sort of ambulatory runs round under 
the walls, opening here and there into side chapels and 
irregular cavities, all bountifully adorned with the fairy-like 
work of the limestone carbonate. The so-called “ Tower of 
Babel” is a majestic pillar rising from the summit of a pyra- 
midai mass of stalagmite, forty feet in circumference, that 
being also the measure of its total height. A crowd of other 
limestone freaks, some aptly and some incongruously - 
nicknamed, and many extremely beautiful, are found in this 
chamber. 

The cavities and passages that lie to the north-east of the 
first great chamber are not often visited. They start from 
“Sadlier’s Cave,’ which is not large but bewilderingly 
picturesque, and contains a superb pillar, ‘Lot’s Wife,” 
almost of the prodigious size of the ‘‘ Tower.” The “ Kingston 
Gallery” is a straight rift, nearly 300 feet long, but only two 
or three feet wide, with sheets of snowy white sweeping down 
the walls, and breaking into whole garlands of scrolls and 
pennons and curtains, which in places have been thrown right 
across the gallery, dividing it into lofty cells) The “Garret 
Cave” is a huge vault with a gorgeous'roof, that has fallen in at 
the end. Hard by the entrance to this and the Kingston 


1906. BAKER.—WMitchelstown Caves. 33 


series, a nameless succession of grottos and tunnels meanders 
down towards the insignificant lakelet called ‘The River,” 
and contains some wonderful examples of cave scenery on a 
miniature scale. It is possible, we learned, to reach the 
easternmost series of caverns by this route, which also takes 
one into the square cavity designated as ‘“‘Cust’s Cave” on M. 
Martel’s chart. Wechose the other way, that is, through the 
passage from the ‘‘ House of Lords” to the ‘‘ Cathedral.” 

In the tangle of contrary passages into which this leads we 
lost ourselves several times, in the absence of the guide, and 
only recovered the thread by careful observation with the 
compass. Eventually we found the way into ‘“ O’Leary’s 
Cave,” which struck us as one of the most impressive 
chambers in the whole cavern. It is not only much larger 
than is shown on the plan, but different in shape. Apparently, 
it is the most recent of allin formation, although this may be 
only an appearance caused by the falling in of the roof. 
Unlike the other parts, where every bit of debris is sealed 
down by a glistening layer of stalagmite, this great cavity is 
heaped high with loose fragmeuts, as free from incrustation 
as if the ceiling had collapsed yesterday. We spent some 
time vainly searching for the horizontal tunnel supposed to 
end at the “Chimney,” and before the guide joined us were 
lucky enough to hit upon a string of chambers that seem 
never to have been entered before. These run, so far as we 
could make out without actual measurement, right over the 
O'Callaghan series. In fact there were openings in the floor 
which we might have explored but for the aggressive and 
tenacious clay bedaubing everything, apparently leading down 
to these nether passages. Brilliant draperies swept down to 
the bold masses of stalagmite below the walls, and long 
crystalline wands hung from the roof in thousands, so that 
we could not move without committing havoc in this pendu- 
lous forest. 

Conducted by the guide, we now descended the ‘‘ Chimney” 
into the tortuous passages leading to the “Scotchman’s Cave,” 
which lies under O’Leary’s. It is a small but very beautiful 
chamber, giving one the idea that it has been hollowed out in 
a mountain of Parian marble. Now we struck into the long 
series running east through ‘‘ O’Callaghan’s Cave” to the 


34 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


furthest point yet reached. This was one of the principal 
channels by which the ancient waters descended, from 
openings now unknown and inaccessible, to the labyrinth of 
forsaken waterways we had left behind. Our guide, who 
astonished us by the rapidity with which he got over difficult 
ground, was unable to make very speedy progress here. The 
ramifications are extremely hard to unravel, and he had only 
been in this part twice before, in 1895 with M. Martel, and 
twenty-five years earlier, as a boy, with his father. Even- 
tually, after many wanderings, we reached “ Brogden’s Cave,” 
where hitherto all direct progress had stopped. On the south 
side (not on the north as shown in the chart) is the “Chapel,” 
which M. Martel rightly described as the most beautiful thing 
in the whole cavern. It is an arched recess, canopied with 
stalagmite of the purest and most delicate lustre. 

Whilst my companion rested, I joined the guide, who was 
hunting for the passage to a cave where his father had taken 
him thirty-five years ago. We discovered the opening at last, 
and after wriggling and squirming round innumerable twists 
and corners, we dropped over a low cliff, beyond which a short 
wriggle brought usinto a long and lofty cave, magnificently 
walled and pillared with snowy calcite. Floor, walls and 
roof were a spotless white, wrought into intricate reliefs and 
embroideries by the flow of the freakish stalagmite. The 
guide stated that this was “ Cust’s Cave,” and the one beyond, 
where our progress stopped, he called the “‘ Demon’s Cave.” 
M. Martel’s chart shows a “ Cust’s Cave” of a totally different 
shape and size, near the “‘ River” ; and, as there is no mention 
extant of any cave beyond Brogden’s, I take it that this, the 
real Cust'’s, was unknown to him. Unfortunately, I had 
followed the guide without bringing the plan or a compass, 
unaware that we were going so far from the known parts of the 
cavern ; and now, to my disgust, the guide was unable to find 
the way back, and for wore than half-an-hour we were com- 
pletely lost. The ball cf string, carried for emergencies like 
this, had also been left in the rucksack, so that we hada 
pretty bad time before we got back to our puzzled comrade. 
It is impossible through these oversights to give more than 
an approximate idea of the lie of this cave, which is some- 
where to the south-east of Brogden’s, and at a distance of 
several hundred feet. 


1906. BAKER.—J/itchelstown Caves. Ke 


The guide brought us back to the ‘ House of Lords” by a 
short cut, and we were glad to return to daylight after an 
arduous day underground. The day before had been spent 
chiefly in photography; but, as we had not anticipated so 
much fine scenery, we had but a handful of flashlight plates 
with us, so that the results were meagre. Wedid not takethe 
camera into the eastern caves, where there is a splendid field 
for the cave photographer. The whole of this portion wants 
to be re-surveyed very carefully ; and I am not at all satisfied 
that nothing is to be found beyond the ‘‘ Demon’s Cave,” 
although we had to take the guide’s statement to this effect 
on trust. 

I am indebted to Mr. R. Lloyd Praeger’s invaluable “ Bib- 
liography of Irish Glacial and Post-glacial Geology” for several 
of the entries in the following list, and for much help in 
unravelling the perplexity as to the existence of two caves at 
Mitchelstown. 


ACCOUNTS OF MITCHELSTOWN CAVES. 


Ti 
The Original Cave. 


YounG (Arthur).—A Tour in Ireland in the years 1776-9. Lond., 1780. 
Ed. A. W. Hutton. Bell, 1892; i., pp. 464-5. 

The Postchaise Companion; or Traveller’s Directory through Ireland, 
3rd ed. Dublin, 1805. Columns 301-2. 


II. 
The Cave found in 1833. 


Kingston Cave. Dublin Penny Journal, ii., No. 61, 65-6; Aug. 31, 1833. 
[Discovery and description of Mitchelstown Cave. ] 

APJOHN (Dr. J.).—On the newly-discovered cave situated between Cahir 
and Mitchelstown. Journal of the Geological Society of Dublin, i., 
(1833-8), pp. 103-111 (read in 1834), 1838; reprinted with illustra- 
tions in Dublin Penny Journal, iii., No. 130, Dec. 27, 1834. [This 
is the fullest and best account of the early explorations, and, with 
Martel’s, forms a fairly complete account of the larger cave.] 

NicuHor, (A.).—[Letter describing Mitchelstown Cave.] Dudlin Fenny 
Journal, iii., pp. 202-3, Dec. 27, 1834. 

CHATTERTON (Lady).—Rambles in the South of Ireland during 1838. 
Lond., 1839, ii, pp. I-14. [Account of a visit, with one illustra- 
tion. ] 


36 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


WRIGHT (Edward Perceval).—Notes of a visit to Mitchelstown Caves. 
British Association Report for 1857, Sections, 108-9. 1858. [Abstract. ] 
Also Natural History Review, iv., pp. 231-241, 1857. [Present fauna. } 

Moore (Rev. Canon Courtenay).—The Mitchelstown Caves. /ournal 
Cork Hist. and Arch. Soc., iti., pp. 1-5. 1894. [Description, with 
reproduction of Dr. Apjohn’s map. | 

CARPENTER (G. H.).—Animals found in the Mitchelstown Cave. Jrzsh 
WNat., lii., 25-35, plate 1, 1895. Partly reprinted in Sfelunca ; 
Bulletin de la Soctété de Spéléologie, 1., 1, Paris, 1895. The Collembola 
of Mitchelstown Cave. Jvish Nat., vi., 1897, 225-233, 257-8, pl. 2. 
On the Insect Fauna of some Irish Caves. Rep. Brit. Assoc., 1902, 
pp. 757-8. [Account of the present fauna, several examples of 
which were believed to be found nowhere else, until their identity 
with various cave insects with a wide European distribution was 
established. Specimens of some were obtained by Dr. Lyster 
‘Jameson in the Speedwell Cavern, Derbyshire, in 1goo.] 

MARTEL (EK. A.).—Irlande et Cavernes Anglaises. Paris, 1897. Chap. 
xii—La caverne de Mitchelstown, pp. 177-185. [Martel’s visit in 
1895.] A translation appeared in the /rzsk Naturalist, vol. v., 1896, 
pp- 101-5, pl. 2. 


Liscard, Cheshire. 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include three Goldfinches, three Canaries, two Redpoles, 
a Bullfinch, and a Grey Linnet from Mr. W. J. Mills. A Great Ant- 
Eater has been purchased; this fine specimen of an uncommonly 
interesting species has been placed in the inner room of the Monkey 
house, in a cage often occupied by our anthropoid visitors. A Tiger-cub 
from the Maherajah Gooch Behar is on its way from India. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


DECEMBER 13.—The Club met at Leinster House. 

Dr. R. F. SCHARFF exhibited a jaw of the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) 
which had recently been discovered in acave near Ennis, in Co. Clare, and 
poiuted out the character of the teeth by means of which this rare 
species is distinguished from the Common Fox. The Arctic Fox had 
not been previously known to have lived in Ireland. It is another 
addition to the Arctic mammalian fauna which once inhabited Ireland 
and of which only the Irish Hare has survived to the present day. 

Prof. G. H. CARPENTER showed preparations of the head and jaws of 
the small millipede, Po/yxenus dagurus, demonstrating the presence of a 
pair of maxillule comparable to the structures already known to exist 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 37 


in the apterous insects and in Scolopendrella. The existence of these 
maxillulee, together with the probable origin of the gnatho-chilarium 
from two pairs of maxille, tends to bring the segmentation of the 
diplopodan head into correspondence with that of the insectan head, 
and to prove a somewhat near relationship between millipedes and 
insects—an opinion supported by the exact correspondence in the 
number of trunk-segments between Polyxenus and a primitive insect. 
An account, with figures of the maxilla and maxillule of Polyxenus, 
together with a general discussion on the segmentation and phylogeny 
of the Arthropoda, has recently been published by the exhibitor (Quart. 
Journ. Micr. Sct., vol, xlix. 1905, pp. 469-492, pl. 28). 

D. M‘ARDLE exhibited fertile specimens of Cephalozia leucantha, 
Spruce, which he collected in a plantation near the shore of Lough 
Conn, at Pontoon, Co. Mayo, in Ig01. The plant is minute, fragile, and 
pellucid, bearing a remarkably large perianth for such a small plant, 
which, like the leaves and stem, is almost white, and hence the specific 
name /eucantha, ‘‘ white-flowered.” 

He also showed Cesta obtusa, Lindberg, one of a curious genus of which 
we have three species in Ireland. They are often difficult to define in 
the field, on account of the upright stems with closely imbricated leaves 
and compact growth, not unlike some species of Lichen. The speci- 
mens shown were collected many years ago by the late Dr. Moore on 
Mweelrea Mountain, Co. Mayo. 

These two liverworts have a very interesting geographical distri- 
bution. In Ireland Cephaloziu leucantha, so far as we are aware, has 
only been found in the extreme west of Kerry and Co. Mayo; in 
Great Britain we have it recorded from near Portach, in Aberdeen- 
shire. Cesta obtusa was found in Co. Mayo, and, northwards, through 
the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, and is not uncommon in North 
Wales, Langdale in Westmoreland, and in West Inverness, Scot- 
land. Both these plants are reported in Professor Alexander Evan’s 
“Notes on the Hepaticee collected in Alaska by the Harriman Expedi- 
tion,” as being found there—a copy, with figures of Cephalozza leucantha 
and salient parts of Cesza obtusa, being also shown. (Proceedings Washing- 
ton Academy of Sciences, vol. 11., 1900, pp. 287-314. Plates xvi., xvii.) 

W. F. Gunn exhibited spiral fibres from the skin of a bulb of 
Amaryllis Belladonna. In the dry investing membranes of this bulb there 
is a very extensive development of these spiral structures, which are 
placed so close togetker, in parallel rows, as to ccnstitute a complete 
*coat,’”’ and as the number of layers is considerable they provide a very 
efficient protection against evaporation. In its uative country the 
plant is subjected to an extreme of dry heat during its resting period, 
and the manner in which these spiral fibres, which usually serve as 
strengthening structures, have been combined and made to serve as 
protecting coverings, forms an interesting example of the adaptation of 
an organ to a function quite different from that with which it is usually 
associated. 


38 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


JANUARY 4.—Professor J. W. BYERS lectured on ‘‘ Ulster Sayings and 
Folk Lore.” 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


DECEMBER 13.—Professor GREGG W11,SON, D.Sc., F.R.U.I, gave a 
lecture on ‘Birds’ Nests,” the Vice-President, R. Patterson, F.Z.S., in the 
chair. The audience being too big for the club-room,where these meetings 
are usually held, the lecture was given in the large room of the Museum. 
It was illustrated by a large number of very fine lantern slides, mostly 
prepared by a former pupil of the lecturer. 

The Vice-President, N. H. Foster, W. H. Workman, and C, M. Cun- 
ningham made remarks on the subject of the lecture, and especially on 
the excellence of the slides shown. Dr. Wilson having replied, the pro- 
ceedings closed. | 


DECEMBER I9.—The President (W. H. Phillips) in the chair. FRANCIS 
JOSEPH BIGGER, M.R.I.A., lectured on “A Week on Innismurray” to a 
large audience, chiefly dealing with the antiquarian remains and the 
legends of the island. Numerous and excellent lantern views were 
shown. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


DECEMBER 9.—EXCURSION TO THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.—A large 
number of members and visitors were conducted through the Gardens 
during the afternoon by Dr. R. F. Scharff, Hon. Secretary of the Royal 
Zoological Society of Ireland, who showed the rarer animals, and ex- 
plained the different methods of treatment used in keeping them in a 
healthy condition. 

DECEMBER 12.—GEoO. H. ee rr ceeeatey PH. D.; inthe chair. “Reza: 
PRAEGER, B.A., presented ‘‘ Additions to Irish Topographical Botany 
during 1905,” which is published in the present number, p. 47. H. K. 
GORE CUTHBERT showed aseries of lantern slides, dealing with natural 
history subjects. The following exhibits were displayed during the 
evening :—Miss M. C. KNOWLES, rare Irish roses; Miss. M‘ARDLE, col- 
lection of Irish plants, illustrating new county anc district records during 
1905; W. CRAMPTON WALKER, Ringed Plover, immature plumage. 
The following were elected members of the Club—J. B. Butler, B.A. 
Mr. Denning, Ireton Jones, H. E. Wilkins. Miss Kathleen Bateman was 
elected an Associate. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 39 


IRISH FIELD CLUB UNION. 
REPORT, 1905. 


The year has been devoid of incident. Two inter-club lectures were 
arranged and carried out, R. Ll. Praeger lecturing before the Cork 
Club (on ‘* The Sligo Conference and its results”), on February 9, and 
Miss Knowles before the Limerick Club (on ‘‘ The Flora of the Barony 
of Shanid”), on November 22. 
The usual committee meeting was held on the occasion of the Dublin 
Club’s annual conversazione on October 31, and was attended by repre- 
sentatives of the Belfast and Dublin clubs. 


ACCOUNTS, 1905. 


RECEIPTS. EXPENSES. 

fea Sch Hedy s. a. 

To Balance, 1904, . 517 0 |N.H. Foster, attending 
Committee, - > oO Ele: 'S 
Affiliation Fees— Wit suiilips, deo i § 

D.N.F.C., 1904, =» 467104 Ochs LJ). Praever,;) Lecture 
in Cork, : ay 137.6 

B.N.F.C., 1904-5, eo 2 

Miss Knowles, Lecture 
L.F.C., 1905, A. OIGG:2 in Limerick, . hy ETE 16 
C.N.E.C,,. 1905, a, 0 tor | Postage, |. ° ee: TAT 
4.35).6 
By Balance, ; 2 Se IG, 0 
£10 6 Oo LO, O_O 

Audited and found correct. J. DE W. HINcH, 


Hon. Sec. D.N.F.C. 


R. LLOYD PRAEGER, 
iith January, 1906. Hon. See. 1. FC. 8. 


LEICESTER LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 


Visit TO ANTRIM CoOAST.—The Geological Section of the Leicester 
Iiterary and Philosophical Society, under the leadership of their 
Chairman, H. A. Roechling, M.I.C.E., F.G.S., paid a visit to the Antrim 
Coast last Whitsuntide. The general outlines were suggested by R. LI. 
Praeger, and the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club appointed a sub-com: 


40 The Ivish Naturalist. February, 


mittee—R. Bell, G. C. Gough ,F.G.S., and R. Welch—to arrange the 
details. G. C. Gough prepared a route programme in book form 
illustrated with half tone blocks and a geological map by A. M‘Henry, 
M.R.1.A., this containing also descriptive notes on the localities to be 
visited. He also gave little talks at the most interesting points on the 
geological features, these being much appreciated by the visitors. The 
hotel and car arrangements were left to R. Welch, who, owing to a long 
acquaintance with the district, acted as general guide. The party 
numbered about nineteen in all, and crossed over by the Midland route 
via Heysham, leaving Belfast in a specially reserved saloon carriage. 
Larne Harbour was reached in time for breakfast at the Olderfleet Hotel. 
Before starting to walk round the Bankheads, where Trias, Rheetic, and 
Lias were passed on the way to the cars at Waterloo, the party visited 
the Larne gravels section at the Aluminium Works, where numbers of the 
Larne type of rude flint implements were collected. Mounting the cars 
at the ved Greensand section, the various cliff and other sections at Bally- 
gally, Ballyrudder, Glenarm, and especially the “slipping village” of 
Stridkilly were examined and photographed by several of the visitors, 
some of whom are well known experts in geological photography. 
Reaching Garron Tower—now a hotel—in time for afternoon tea, the 
time before and after dinner was spent either examining the fine oak- 
carvings in the main rooms or strolling about the shore and pathsin the 
woods on the head. Next day the drive was continued past the fine 
cliffs of Garron Point to the Vale of Glenariff, and the many pot-holes 
and waterfalls in the can6n in miniature at itshead. After tea in the 
Chalet the drive was resumed, this time down the north side and through 
the arch at Red Bay, where some little time was given to the old sea- 
caves in the Triassic conglomerate. Some members visited also the 
jasper veins in porphyry at Limerick Port, while the remainder went on 
ahead to the Glens of Antrim Hotel, the stopping-place for the night, 
On Sunday, the 11th June, a later start than usual was made at 9.30a.m. in 
wagonettes sent overnight from Ballycastle the next stage on the journey. 
A short time was spent at the Old Red conglomerate caves at Cushendun, 
some of the more active members leaving the vehicles well above the 
viaduct, and tramping across the mountain flank to the road again near 
the watershed above Loughaveema. The lough had unfortunately too 
much water in it to show the whirlpool exit into the undergrcund 
channel. After lunch at the Antrim Arms Hotel, that favourite head- 
quarters for the Irish Field Clubs on their north Antrim visits, some of 
the party rested quietly or strolled down to the strand, a few others 
visiting Kenbane Head, castle and that delightful little sea-glen— 
Plantation Port. On Monday all were astir early, some visiting the 
harbour Chalk quarries before breakfast. Fair Head was the main 
objective for the day, the cars driving as far along the colliery road as 
possible, where the party divided, some driving to Murlough Bay direct, 
while others walked or scrambled as best they could along the remains 
of the road left after the 1894 cyclone and the heavy cloud-burst of 1go2, 


1906 Proceedings of Lrish Societies. 4I 


Ascending the head at Carrickmore Port, the cliffs, Rathlin Island, and 
the lough on the head with its fine stone crannoge, received attention. 
The Grey Man’s Path, and its formation along a fault plane was described 
by the guide, the party making their way down the rift in the cliffs 
above M‘Cary’s farminto Murlough Bay. After tea at Miss Clarke’s 
cottage, she kindly showed the ladies the carding and spinning of wool. 
Most reluctantly all took their farewell of Murlough—the more active 
members climbed to the cliff sections, the others taking the path up 
through the woods and glen tothe cars. On Tuesday an early start was 
made to enable those who wished to return home that night to do so via 
Portrush. -Carrick-a-rede was seen from the road, Mr. Gough pointing 
out the interesting geological features, and the party descended to the 
shore at Ballintoy harbour for the caves, Whitepark Bay, and the 
kitchen-middens. Here the party broke into two, the majority returning 
to Ballycastle for an extra day or two, during which they again visited 
Murlough Bay, and the minority going on to the Causeway, including a 
visit to the cliff path, the White Rocks, and the altered Lias at Portrush. 
Dining in the train, the first contingent crossed the Channel on the 
way home on Tuesday night, the remainder on Thursday night, all 
having enjoyed idealsummier weather for the entire visit. The Chair- 
man and his family afterwards visited Ballycastle for a month, and some 
other members with their families propose to do so this coming season. 


NOTES. 


The Use of the word “British.” 


I quite agree with Professor Carpenter that some agreement is 
required among scientific folk as to the use of the word “British.” 
Science has been defined as exact knowledge, yet here is a word used 
daily in different senses by naturalists. We have a ‘London Catalogue 
of British Plants,” ‘Illustrated Manual of Arztish Birds,” &c., &c., British 
here referring to the British Isles; while on the other hand we read 
“Bibliographical Index of Britzsh and Jrish Botanists,” or (to show that 
this use of the term is not confined to scientific men), “ Brit’sh and Lrish 
Steam Packet Company.” The use of the word in this double sense is 
clearly undesirable. As to which of the two meanings of the word 
ought to be adopted, there is not much choice. If we use the word in its 
wider sense of ‘‘ belonging to the British Isles,” we are then left without 
a term for ‘belonging to Great Britain,” which is little less than a 
reductto ad absurdum. 1t seems clear, then, that, as advocated by Prof. 
Carpenter, the word should be used in its latter and restricted sense; and 
the suggested use of the word “ Britannic” for the wider sense seems to 
me to get us out ofa serious difficulty, and to offer no ground for ob- 
jection. 


R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


42 The Lrish Naturalist. February, 


The Numbering of the County Divisions of Ireland. 


The recent discussion in this Journal on the above subject is just as 
important to zoologists as to botanists; for zoologists have long wished 
for a better method of illustrating geographical distribution than was 
supplied by the only scheme which till recently was available—namely, 
that used by the Conchological Society, which was a modification of 
Babington’s scheme. In this the vice-counties of Great Britain are 
numbered from south to north 1 to 112, according to Watson’s plan, 
while Ireland follows on, being numbered from north to south 113 to 
148—a’' wholly unscientific plan. As for the Conchological Society’s 
Census and Taylor’s Monograph (the former was begun as a preparation 
for the latter), such an immense amount of work had already been 
registered on the old system, that to convert it at the last moment 
into Praeger's system would have involved very heavy labour, and been 
in some cases impossible, where the partitioned counties were con- 
cerned. 

Speaking for myself, and many friends in England and Ireland who 
are working at the distribution of Mollusca, we are pleased with 
Praeger’s improved system, by which we can more readily compare the 
fauna of similarly-situated districts in the two islands. No protest 
against the plan was made when it was tentatively published in 1896; 
and it is now quite clear that we have a system given us on which both 
botanists and zoologists can work with advantage. 

In referring to their proper divisions, under Praeger’s scheme, many 
of the old records for the partitioned counties, in connection with the 
forthcoming revision of the Irish Land and Fresh-water Mollusca, con- 
siderable difficulty is being experienced. But Dr. Scharff and those who 
are assisting him, so far as I am aware, are of opinion that it is well 
- worth the trouble. 

As regards the conchologists on whose behalf I have ventured to 
write, Mr. Waddell may rest assured that they are not working on 
narrow lines. Several are hard at work on north England as well as 
north Ireland, another on south England and Ireland north, east, and 
west; and most have since 1896 so registered their records that they 
may be published on Praeger’s plan, and according to the suggestion 
which he made in this Journal for October last, vol. xiv., p. 220. 

R. WELCH. 


Belfast. 


BOTANY. 
Asplenium Ruta-muraria on Achill Island. 


This fern has, like Ceterach offictnarum, penetrated to Achill, presumably 
since mortar-built walls were erected there. Mr. T. Watts has sent mea 
specimen from the yard wall of the Rectory at Dugort. The occurrence 


1906. Notes. 43 


of these wall plants farin the heart of non-limestone districts, where 
population is sparse and mortar-built walls few and far between, furnishes 
an interesting problem in plant migration. It is unlikely that either of 
the ferns mentioned is native in Mayo anywhere west of Westport, where 
the limestone ends. 
R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


Kilkenny Roses. 


In the course of a walk along the Nore valley from Bennett’s Bridge 
to Kilkenny late in September last, I found, among other very interesting 
plants, the following Roses not yet recorded for the county :— Rosa 
spinosissima \,., R. rubiginosa ., R. sepium:, Thuill., R. cantina, var. lutetiana, 
and the hybrid 2. rudiginosa x R. spinosissima = R. involuta, (probably) var. 
Moore Baker. 

Of these, the most interesting is, perhaps, &. sefrum, a very distinct 
plant hitherto found only near the shores of Lough Corrib, Lough Derg 
and Lough Ree, where it is abundant. I met only one bush along the 
Nore valley. 

The hybrid 2. involuta, var. Moorez has previously been recorded from 
Derry only. The Rev. E. F. Linton has kindly confirmed the identity of 
my specimens. 

R. A. PHILLIPS. 

Cork. 


Euphrasia Foulaensis in Ireland. 


Last August, by the kindness of Mr. Grierson, I obtained a supply 
of fresh specimens of the small Eyebright which I had gathered on the 
summit of Croaghaun, Achill Island, in July of the previous year. 
Mr. Townsend at the time considered this plant referable to Z. Foulaensis, 
Townsend, but asked to see further material. As the result of an 
examination of fresh specimens, kindly undertaken in spite of illness, 
Mr. Townsend now writes that the Achill plant is Z. Fou/aensis, differing 
slightly from the Shetland type, and matching the Farde form, which 
according to Ostenfeld, is a frequent plant on those islands. The 
occurrence in the west of Ireland of this Eyebright, hitherto not 
found south of the extreme north of Scotland, is interesting. On 
Croaghaun its neighbours include the tiny Shetland var. procumébens 
Rostrup of Hypericum pulchrum, and Cochlearia grenlendica. Of this little 
group of northern plants, the last alone is found elsewhere in Ireland, 
having several stations in Rossgull, north Donegal. 


R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


44 The Lrish Naturalist. February, 


ZOOLOGY 
Entomological Notes from Londonderry. 


During the past year my brother, Rev. W. Howard Campbell, M.A., 
who was home on furlough from India, devoted considerable time to the 
Lepidoptera of the district in order to complete the local collection in 
our city museum. I was only able to give him alittle assistance from 
time to time, and am happy to say the results were most gratifying, 
as he turned up a number of species not recorded from this district 
before in my list in the /rzskh Naturalist (vol. ii., 1893), or in Mr. Kane’s 
Irish list. A note of these, as well as some of the commoner species, will, 
I doubt not, be of interest to those readers who are entomologically 
inclined. The districts worked were Londonderry, Lough Swilly, Bally- 
money, and Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. ‘ 

Among the butterflies we found the Silver-washed Fritillary (A72ynnds 
paphia) very common in the old oaks and holly woods at Rathmullan, 
Lough Swilly. We took one specimen of the Marsh Fritillary (A/ehtea 
aurinia) at Buncrana, at the same spot that my nephew took a specimen 
four years ago. We probably overlooked this species in past years, 
mistaking it for the male ‘ Argus” when on the wing. 

The Painted Lady (Pyramets carduz) and the Red Admiral (P. atalanta) 
were very scarce. We took two or three Peacocks (Vanessa zo). During 
the years from 1874 to 1884, in which we thoroughly worked this 
district, we never found V. zo. When it turned up a few years ago it 
came to stay, for it has been noticed every year, although in much 
larger numbers during some summers. ‘The very dark form of the Large 
Heath (Cenonympha typhon) occurred coinmonly in the Garry Bog, near 
Ballymoney. The Little Blue (Cupzdo minima) we found commonly on 
the shores of Lough Swilly. 

We took many interesting moths. Among the Noctuz we took two 
Hadena dentina at Portsalon, Lough Swilly. This is a rare species here. 
At Ballymoney we.took, at end of May, a specimen of the rare and 
local Acronycta menyanthidis,and we found the larvee feeding on sallow in 
August. During the early summer we took 7hyatira derasa, T. batts, Plusia 
pulchrina, P. cota, and P. festuce, and many others. 

Later we did fairly well at ragwort, taking among hosts of common 
species Alania maura, Mamestra albicolon, Caradrina alsines, Aporophyla 
nigra, Epunda lutulenta. We were surprised to find Celena Haworthii at 
ragweed, as we had never before taken it in this way. Strange to say, 
we found none of the usual coast Noctuze, not even Agrotis tritice at 
Ballycastle. We were delighted to add Cirrhedia xerampelina to our list 
My brother took a beautiful speciinen at rest on the door of his lodgings 
in Ballycastle. Canon Bristow took a specimen at rest on an ash tree 
about the same time. 

Among the Geometre my brother took Lynomos alniaria at Bally- 
money. We found ZAmmelesia tentata very common in the old oak 


1906. Notes. 45 


woods at Rathmullan, but mostly in poor condition, in July. Geometra 
papilionaria again turned up at Kilderry, and 1 was surprised to find that 
this beautiful Emerald frequented the electric lamps in the city. Mr. 
E. M‘Court, taxidermist in our Museum, brought me a specimen taken 
from a public lamp. We took a specimen of the rare and local “ pug,” 
Emmelesia pygmeata, near Derry. In our gardens we found Cidaria prunata 
very common. 

We collected a large nuinber of “Micros.” Among the Tortrices 
we took Bactra furfurfana, only previously recorded from Co. Cork 
in Mr. Kane’s list. We found Zphippcphora trigeminana at Ballycastle, 
also Peronea aspersana. Tortrix forsterana, only previously recorded 
from Howth and Sligo, turned up at Derry. The three local species, 
Pedisca solandriana, Rhacodia caudan1, and Dictyopteryx holmaniana also 
occurred here, and we took D. /eflingiana, only recorded from Sligo. 

In the other families of “Micros’’ I may mention Scofaria truncicolella 
at Rathmullan, L. Swilly; Cerostoma costella and Tachyptilia populelia at 
Ballycastle—the latter seems only to have been taken at Killarney. 

Then we took two Tineids, Lampronia prelatella and Cerostoma sylvella, 
neither of which I can find previously recorded from Ireland. 


D. C. CAMPBELL. 
Londonderry. 


Dotterel in Donegal Bay. 


On November 30th Mr. W. A. Hamilton, of Coxtown, Bridgetown, Co. 
Donegal, sent to the museum for identification a bird that he had shot 
the previous day out of a large flock of more than 100 birds on a mud 
flat in Donegal Bay. It was an immature Dotterel (Zzdromias morinellus, 
L.), and Mr. Hamilton informs me that he believes the flock consisted of 
Dotterel, as they were smaller than the few Golden Plover near them. 
As the bird was shot unusrally late in the autumn, and since of late years 
the Dotterel appears to be very rare in Ireland, I thought the occurrence 
might be of sufficient interest to record in the /rish Naturalist. 


Aw. RK; JINICHOLS. 
Dublin Museum, 


Fork-tailed Petrel in Co. Fermanagh. 


A bird of this species (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa), was picked up in a very 
weak state, and unable to fly, in a field outside Tempo demesne, by a 
boy who brought it to me on November 28th last. It had evidently been 
blown inland by the gale of the preceding days. It was a female, and 
is now in my collection. This is the first time this species has beer. 
obtained in Co. Fermanagh I think. 

CHARLES LANGHAM. 

Tempo Manor, Co. Fermanagh. 


46 The Irish Naturalist. February, 


Gulls and Gravity. 


Apropos of Mr, Colgan’s observations in the January number (sara, 
p- 14), I may add that on December 24, from the Clontarf tram, my wife 
and I counted eight Herring Gulls engaged in the occupation described 
by the observer named, namely, carrying sea-shells high into the air 
and then deliberately dropping them. ‘There was a whole mob of gulls 
flying about, and probably further observation would have shown that 
the majority of them were practising this device. A ‘‘ knowledge of 
the laws of gravity” wonld seem to constitute a part of the stock-in-trade 
of every well-educated Herring Gull. 

R. Li, PRAEGER. 

Dublin. 


Polecat remains in a Clare Kitchen-midden. 


Miss D. C, Parkinson, who has recently been exploring the kitchen- 
middens of Lahinch, Co. Clare, found among other bones the lower jaw 
of asmall mammal, which she handed to me for identification. I was 
surprised to find that it did not belong to our Irish species, but to the 
Polecat (Putorius putorius) which is not known to exist in this country, 
It is unlikely that anyone would introduce Polecats into this country, 
but Ferrets, which are only pale-coloured domestic forms of Polecats, 
are frequently brought over for sport. On asking Miss Parkinson for 
further information she thought that Ferrets were often introduced for 
trapping Rabbits in the sandhills. The little jaw, moreover, has a recent 
look about it, and it possibly belongs to a ferret which found its death in 
arabbit burrow. I thought it right to place the cccurrence on record, 
because there is of course a possibility that the Polecat may once have 
been an inhabitant of this country, and have become extinct within re- 
cent times. 

R. F. SCHARFF. 

Dublin Museum. 


GEOLOGY. 


The Origin of Galway Bay. 


With reference to my geological notes in last month’s /yish Naturalist, 
Iam informed by Mr. J. D. Lawson, from whose paper I abstracted a 
quotation (szpra, p. 10) that the name ‘‘Kinahan” in his paper was a 
misprint for “Kirwan.” I regret having been the medium for attributing 
to Mr. G. H. Kinahan an opinion which that veteran geologist does not 
hold, and one which I never really believed had originated with him. 


HENRY J. SEYMOUR. 
Geological Survey, Dublin. 


1906. 47 


ADDITIONS TO “IRISH TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY” 
IN 1905. 


BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
[Read before the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, 12 December, 1905.] 


DURING the past year the additions to our knowledge of plant- 
distribution in Ireland have been well up to the standard both 
as regards quantity and quality, though no very startling 
announcement has to be chronicled. The total number of 
new county records to be recorded in this, my fifth annual 
supplement, is 254, a number considerably larger than that 
attained in any previous year. But it ought at once to be added 
that the amount of field work, as judged by its results from a 
statistical point of view, was less in 1905 than usual, and this 
total of additions to the county lists would have been con- 
siderably less but for brief raids made by myself into the 
imperfectly worked north-central region of Ireland, resulting 
in large lists of additions more remarkable for quantity than 
for quality. 

As regards published matter. In addition to my own con- 
tributions on the flora of Central Clare!, and of the Mullet 
district of West Mayo?, the chief papers published during the 
year recording the results of personal field work are those of 
Mr. Phillips, treating of the Brambles’? and of the flora in 
general* of the Limerick district. Miss Knowles’ examination 
of the Douglas collection in the National Herbarium’, has 
added a number of plants to the Kildare flora; and the same 
‘observer has published particulars of the discovery of Glyceria 
Foucaudi on the Shannon estuary®. The result of M. Pugsley’s 
examination of large sets of Irish Fumitories has also appeared 


1 Notes on the Botany of Central Clare. /.WV., xiv., 188-193. 1905. 

2 The Flora of the Mullet and Inishkea. /.M., xiv., 229-244. 1905. 

8 Some Irish Brambles. /.M., xiv., 5-7. 1905. 

* Some Notes on the Flora of Limerick. /ourna/l Limerick Field Club, 
ili.* 32-35. -Plate. June, 1905. 

The Douglas Collection in the Herbarium of the National Museum. 
WN. XIV. TIAL 4S! F905) 

* Atropis Foucaudiino Ireland. 7.4., xiv., 51-53. 1905. 


a 


48 The Trish Naturalists February, 


in the form of a revision of the distribution in Ireland of the 
genus!. Our knowledge of Irish Hawkweeds is also in some 
degree extended by the publication of W. R. Linton’s 
“ Account of the British Hieracia.” 

As usual, the geographical distribution of the new records 
is very irregular. No less than nine of the forty county- 
divisions do not figure at all in the list, while nineteen others 
yield less than four new plants apiece. Work during the year 
has centred in three districts. In the south-west Miss 
Knowles and Mr. Phillips are mainly responsible for 32 new 
Limerick plants, and Mr. Phillips and myself for 35 species 
new to Clare. In the east we have 18 additions to the Kildare 
flora, chiefly from the Douglas collection. And going north- 
west I am mainly responsible for 11 plants new to West Mayo, 
20 to Leitrim, 37 to Cavan, and 39 to Monaghan. ‘The wel- 
come addition of 10 plants to Tyrone and 6 to North Tipperary 
is mostly due to two new recruits, Mr. R. W. Bingham and 
Mr. EK. H. Bowers. To the botanists mentioned above, and 
many others who during the year favoured me with specimens 
and notes, my best thanks are tendered. 

Seven plants published during the year rank as additions to 
the Irish flora, but one of these is an addition in name only. 
Glyceria Foucaudi is the most interesting of the seven. Rudus 
criniger ranks as new, the Co. Down record for this blant being 
now transferred by Mr. Rogers to A. Lettit. Rosa obtusifolia is 
aninteresting addition. Mzeracitum Scullyi is a newly described 
plant with an Irish habitat. A. crebvidens (formerly ranked as 
a variety of A. murorum) is now recorded from Ireland, as also 
FH. stictophyllum ; while A. pachyphyllum, now allotted specific 
rank by Mr. Linton, has already been noted from Ireland as. 
a variety of A. murorum. 

Some important extensions of range have also been made, 
such as Polygonum mite and Carex aguatilis, whose range Mr. 
Phillips has extended the one from Leitrim, and the other 
from Dublin and Kerry, to Limerick. 

Withdrawals during the year are fortunately few. To Rudus 
criniger I have referred already. In Fumaria, setting against 


' Praeger: The Distribution of Fumitories in Ireland. AWM. xiv., 
156-163. 190 


1906. PRAKGER.—Jrish Topographical Botany. 49 


the old list the new list referred to above, and reinforcing the 
latter by old records which, as noted in my paper, there is 
little reason to suspect, we find that the withdrawals in this 
genus are ultimately very few, namely :— 


F. capreolata, withdraw none. 


f. Borat, s iF; 1o,- 20, 24,25, 28, 31. 
L. confusa, 3 Ho E130: 

F. muralis, re all records. 

F. densiflora, iS none. 

F. officinalts, rf £3 


Two other records must also be withdrawn: that for 
Hieracium cerinthiforme, which, if we follow Mr. Linton, ranks 
only as a variety ; and the S. Tipperary record for Lemna 
gibba (1904), which Mr. Phillips transfers to L. polyrhiza. 

I now give the new county-records of the year, arranged 
under the respective divisions. The numerals appended to 
certain names show the page of vol. xiv. of the /vish Naturalist 
ou which those records which have been published appear. 
Hight new records have been published elsewhere than in the 
Lrish Naturalist. ‘Three Limerick ones in the Journal of the 
Limerick Field Club are distinguished hy the letters ‘ L. F.C.’ 
prefixed to the reference to volume and page ; and in con- 
nection with a few Hawkweeds, recognizable contractions are 
used for Linton’s ‘ British Hieracia,’ Williams’ ‘Prodromus 
Flore Britannice’ the Reports of the Botanical Exchange 
Club, and the Journal of Botany. 


NEW RECORDS (ARRANGED UNDER COUNTY DIVISIONS). 


1. KERRY SOUTH— Hieracium Scullvi, Linton’s Br. 
Hier: 

3. CORK WEST— Rosa glauca (subcristata). 

4. CORK M1p.— *Matricaria discoidea, 223. 
Ranunculus heterophyllus. Hieracium Schmidtii. 

5. CORK EAStT— Rubus longithyrsiger (botryeros ) 
Rubus villicaulis (Selmeri), 6. : 

mutabilis, 7. *Matricaria discoidea, 223. 
7. TIPPERARY S.— Bidens tripartita. 


Hypericum hircinum. Lemua polyrhiza. 


50 The Trish Naturalist. 


8. LIMERICK— 
Ranunculus circinatus. 
Baudotii (confusus). 
*Erysimum cheiranthoides. 
Viola canina. 
Stellaria palustris. 
Arenaria trinervia. 
Geranium 
ili 3Ae 
Rubus plicatus. 
rhamnifolius, 6. 
argentatus, 6. 
myrice (hesperius), 6. 
anglosaxonicus, 7. 
scaber, 7. 
ceesius, 7. 
Rosa involuta. 


9. CLARE— 
Thalictrum flavum, I91. 
Ranunculus peltatus, Ig1. 
*Arenaria tenuifolia, 191. 
Rubus rhaminifolius, 6. 
pulcherrimus, 6. 
silvaticus. 
iricus. 
pyramidalis, 6. 
criniger, 7. 
oigocladus, 7. 
podophyllus, 7. 
serpens, 7. 
dumetorum, 7. 
Myriophyllum verticillatum, 192. 
spicatum, 192. 
*Petroselinum sativum, 192. 
*Matricaria discoidea. 
{Picris echioides. 


to, TIPPERARY N.— 
Ranunculus Auricomus. 
Fumaria Borzei, 159. 
Rubus pyramidalis, 6. 


ti, KILKENNY 
Fumaria officinalis. 


13. CARLOW— 


pyrenaicum, L.F.C. 


February, 


Rosa obtusifolia (frondosa). 
Callitriche obtusangula. 
*Carum Cari; 1.b.C. 11, 3% 
Scutellaria galericulata. 
Lamium amplexicaule. 
Polygonum mite. 
+Salix triandra. 
pentandra. 
Potamogeton nitens. 
Carex aquatilis (virescens). 
limosa. 
pallescens. 
Glyceria Foucaudi, 51. 
Festuca sylvatica. 
Agropyron acutum. 
*Bromus secalinus, L.F.C. ili., 34. 
Chara contraria. 


Hieracium crebridens, Williams’ 
Prod. Bis BE. 
Betula verrucosa, 192. 
tSalix fragilis, 192. 
t purpurea, 193. 
Orchis Morio, 193. 
incarnata, 190. 
Sparganium affine, 193. 
Lemna polyrhiza, 193. 
Potamogeton heterophylius, 193. 
niteus, 193. 
prelongus, 193. 
Carex Hudsonii, 190. 
Melica uniflora, 193. 
Glyceria plicata, 193. 
Equisetum trachyodon, 193. 
Chara polyacantha, 193. 
Tolypella glomerata. 


Callitriche hamulata. 
Hieracium vulgatum. 
Sisyrinchium angustifolium, 197. 


Carex Pseudo-cyperus. 


Fumaria 
<iti., 35: 


confusa (hibernica), 


1906. 


14. 


ye 


19. 


20. 


21. 


22. 


27. 


28. 


29. 


QUEEN’S Co.— 
Ranunculus Auricomus. 


Galway N.E.— 
Ranunculus heterophyllus. 


KILDARE— 

Sisymbrium Thalianum, 12. 
*Saponaria officinalis, 12. 
tMelilotus officinalis, 12. 

Lotus uliginosus, 12. 

Saxifraga granulata, 12. 
tFoeniculum officinale, 12. 

Filago germanica, 12. 

Gnaphalium uliginosum, 12. 

Arctium majus, 13. 


WICKLOW— 
tPoa compressa. 


DUBLIN— 
Fumaria Borel, 159. 


MEATH— 
Fumaria densiflora, 161. 


Mayo W.— 
Ranunculus trichophyllus, 235. 
Baudotii, 235. 
Fumaria officinalis, 233. 
Rubus corylifolius (cyclophyl- 
Tus), 233. 
czesius, 240. 


SLIGO— 
*Chelidonium majus. 
Veronica agrestis. 


LEITRIM— 

Ranunculus penicillatus. 
Papaver dubium. 
*Chelidonium majus. 

Fumaria confusa (hibernica), 

161. 

Reseda Luteola. 

Silene Cucubalus. 

Rubus Koehleri (dasyphyllus). 
Potentilla procumbens. 
Scandix Pecten-Veneris. 


PRAEGER.—Jrish Topographical Botany. 


51 


Fumaria confusa. 


Rubus leucostachys, 7. 


*Centaurea Cyanus, 13. 
Lithospermum arvense, I3, 
*Mimulus guttatus, 13 
Lathreea squamaria, 13. 
Potamogeton lucens, 13. 
Zannichellia palustris, 13. 
Agrostis canina, I3. 
Melica uniflora, 13. 
Agropyron caninum, 13. 


*Bromus secalinus. 
Cryptogramme crispa, 222. 


Agropyron acutum. 


Cochlearia anglica. 
Hypericum elodes, 


Sium angustifolium, 236. 
Convolvulus arvensis, 239. 
Hyoscyamus niger, 239. 
Ceratophyllum demersum, 235. 
Potamogeton flabellatus, 233. 
Lycopodium inundatum, 221. 


Kuphrasia Salisburgensis, 221. 
Orobanche rubra, 222. 
Scirpus fluitans. 


Scabiosa arvensis. 
Convolvulus arvensis. 
Ulmus montana, 221. 
Parietaria officinalis. 
Sparganium simplex. 
Lenina trisulca. 

Scirpus fluitans. 
Glyceria plicata. 
Festuca rigida. 
Agropyron caninum, 221. 
Equisetum hyemale, 221. 


52 


30, CAVAN— 


21, 


32. 


33: 


Ranunculus trichophyllus. 


penicillatus. 
*Chelidonium majus. 
Brassica alba. 
tLychnis Githago. 
Hypericum dubium. 
*Prunus insititia. 
Rubus plicatus. 
pyramidalis. 
corylifolius. 
Rosa spinosissima. 
arvensis. 
tSedum Telephium. 
tSmyrnium Olusatrum., 
Valerianella olitoria. 
tAnthemis Cotula. 
Arctium minus. 
*Centaurea Cyanus. 


LouTH— 
Fuuiaria capreolata. 


MonaGHAN— 
Ranunculus Auricomus. 
*Chelidonium majus, 
Viola odorata. 
Poly gala vulgaris. 
Arenaria trinervia. 
Hypericum elodes. 
Myriophyllum spicatum. 
Sium latifolium. 
Pimpinella Saxifraga. 
Aithusa Cynapium. 
Valerianella olitoria. 
Solidago Virgaurea. 
*Tanacetum vulgare. 
Senecio sylvaticus. 
Arctium minus. 
*Silybum Marianum. 
*Cichorium Intybus. 
Leontodon hirtus, 259. 
Andromeda polifolia, 259. 


FERMANAGH— 
Fumaria confusa, 160. 


The Irish Naturalist. 


February, 1906. 


Jasione montana. 
Solanum Dulcamara. 
tVerbascum Thapsus. 
Galeopsis versicolor. 
*Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. 
Salix repens. 
t fragilis. 
Juncus obtusiflorus, 260. 
Luzula vernalis. 
Sparganium minimum, 260. 
Lemna gibba, 260. 
Potamogeton heterophyllus, 260. 
Zizii, 260. 
Carex filiformis, 260. 
Avena pubescens. 
Bromus sterilis. 
tLolium temulentum. 
Isoetes lacustris, 260. 
Chara polyacantha, 260. 


Cochlearia anglica,. 


Veronica hederzefolia. 
polita. 
montana, 259. 
Lathreea squamaria, 259. 
{Mentha piperita. 
sativa. 
Origanum vulgare. 
fBallota nigra. 
*Chenopodium Bonus-Heuricus. 
Euphorbia exigua. 
Juncus obtusiflorus. 
Sagittaria sagittifolia. 
Potamogeton plantagineus. 
Rhynchospora alba, 259. 
Carex vulpina. 
strigosa, 259. 
Avena pubescens. 
Glyceria plicata. 
Festuca elatior. 
Bromus sterilis. 


/ 


*Matricaria discoidea, 259. 
Lycopodium clavatum, 259. 


| 


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REVIEWS :— 
Macvicar’s “ Catalogue of British Hepatics.”—R. Lt. P., 
Lamplugh and others’ * Geology of Cork.” —T. F., bg: 
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TRISH SOCIETIES :— 2 hn ae 
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Field Club, .. Reger". * 

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the: ities of the eer “British: — Rs OL: PRAEGER, B.A., . hey gee gh 
The Numbering of the County Divisions of Ireland. cae Wenn, en res 
M.R.I.A., ; Soe 
Aspleniuni Ruta-muraria on Achill.—R. La. PRAEGER, & we ee 
Kilkenny Roses.—R. A. PHIILIPS, .s en ag oo ae ae 
Euphrasia Foulaeusis in Ireland.—R. Lr, PRAEGER, He po eee oie 434 
Entomological Notes from Londonderry.—-D. C. CAMPBELL, fet go 
Dotterel in Donegal Bay.—A. R. NICHOLS, M.A., ot Je ee 
Fork-tailed Petrel in Co. Fernianagh.—CuHas. LANGHAM, .. oe 45 <4 
Gulls and Gravity.—_R. LL. PRAEGER, 46 
Polecat remains in a Clare Kitchen-midden.—R. F. SCHARPY, Pi D., te TG a 
The Origin of Galway Bay.—H. J. SeyMour, B.A., F.GS., .. : ae 
Additions to Irish ‘Topographical Bee in ae eee 1, in Sea 
PRAEGER, B.A., M.R.LA., te 47> = 


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TECHNICAL 


LIST OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LEAFLETS. 


No. | Name. No. Name. 
1 | The Warble Fly. 38 | Field Experiments—Potatocs, 
2 Out of Print, 39 ca it Mangolds, 
3 | Out of Print. 40) ss a Oats. 
4 | Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1900. Al a - Turnips, 
5 | Separated Milk as Food for Calves. 42 Permanent Pasture Grasses. 
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15 | Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffls Act, | 51 | The Leather-Jacket Grub, ‘> 
| 1893, and (Amendment) Regulations, | 52 | Flax Experiments. | 
1904, 53 | The Construction of a Cowhouse. 
16 | Sheep Scab. 54 | Calf Meal. 
17 | The Use and Purchase of Manures, 55 | The Apple. 
18 | Swine Fever. 56 | Cultivation of the Root Crop. 
19 | Early Potato Growing. 57 | Fruit Packing. 
20 | Calf Rearing. 58 | Sprouting Seed Potatoes, 
21 | Diseases of Poultry :—Gapes, 59 | Seed Testing Station for Ireland, 
22 | Basic Slag. 60 | The Packing of Butter. 
23 | Dishorning Calves. 61 The Care of Milk for Creameries, 
24 Care and ‘Treatment of Premium 62 | Plans for Creamery Buildings, 
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25 | Fowl Cholera. 64 | Varietiesof Fruit suitable for cultiva- | 
26 , Winter Fattening of Cattle. tion in Ireland, 1 
27 ~~ ~Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. 65 | Forestry: The Planting of Waste Lands, } 
28 | Blackleg, Black Quarter, or Blue [| 66 | Forestry: The Proper Method of Plant-] 
| Quarter. ing Forest ‘Trees. | 
29 | Flax Seed. 67 | Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber, } 
30 | Poultry Parasites—Fleas, Mites, and 68 | Forestry: Trees for Shelter and Orna- } 
| Lice. ment. 
31 | Winter Egg Production. 69 | The Prevention of Tuberculosis in 
32. | Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. Cattle. 
33 | Profitable Breeds of Poultry 70 | Forestry: Planting, Management, and | 
34 | The Revival of Tillage. Preservation of Shelter-Belt and 
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to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Iredand, U pper 


Letters of application so addressed need not be stamped, 


- 


+ 
* 


March, 1906. 


34. 


35: 
36. 


37: 
38. 


39: 


40. 


to which they have been added. 


DONEGAL E.— 
DONEGAL W.— 
TYRONE— 
*Hesperis matronalis. 
Rubus leucostachys. 
villicaulis (Selmeri). 
Kcehleri (dasyphyllus). 
Rosa arvensis. 


ARMAGH— 


DowNn— 
Fumaria purpurea, 159. 


ANTRIM— 

Fumiaria confusa, 161. 

Hieracium Orarium, Linton’s, Br. 
Hier. 


LONDONDERRY— 


The Lrish Naturalist. 


53 


Fumaria Boreei, 159. 


Hieracium stictophyllum. 


Leontodon hirtus. 
Primula officinalis. 
Orchis pyramidalis. 
tLeucojum cestivum. 
Ophioglossum vulgatum. 


Tragopogon pratensis. 


Hieracium pachyphyllum, Lin- 
ton’s Br. Hier., and Bot. Ex. 
Club, Igoo. 


Hieracium pachyphyllum, Lin- 
ton’s Br."Hier., and J. Bot., 
XXL, 11d, E895: 

Fumiaria confusa, 161. 


As in former years, I now re-arrange the new records in 
botanical order, appending to the species the county divisions 


NEW RECORDS (ARRANGED SYSTEMATICALLY). 


Thalictrum flavum, 9. 

Ranunculus circinatus, 8. 
trichophyllus, 27, 30. 
heterophyllus, 4, 17. 
peltatus, 9g. 
penicillatus, 29, 30. 
Baudotii, 8 (confusus), 27. 
Auricomus, I0, 14, 32. 

Papaver dubium, 29. 

*Chelidonium majus, 28, 29, 30, 
32. 

Fumaria capreolata, 31. 
Borei, 10, 21, 34. 
purpurea, 38. 
contusa, 13;/' 14,729) 33; 39, 

40. 
officinalis, 11, 27. 
densiflora, 22. 
Cochlearia anglica, 22, 31. 
*Hesperis matronalis, 36. 
Sisymbrium Thalianum, 1g. 
*Erysimum cheiranthoides, 8. 
Brassica alba, 30. 
Reseda Luteola, 29. 


Viola odorata, 32. 
canina, 8. 
Polygala vulgaris, 32. 
*Saponaria officinalis, 19, 
Silene Cucubalus, 29. 
tLychnis Githago, 30. 
Stellaria palustris, 8. 
*Arenaria tenuifolia, 9. 
trinervia, 8, 32. 
*Hypericum hircinum, 7. 
dubium, 30. 
elodes, 22, 32. 
Geranium pyrenaicum, 8. 
{Melilotus officinalis, 19. 
Lotus uliginosus, 19. 
*Prunus insititia, 30. 
Rubus plicatus, 8, 30. 
rhamnifolius, 8, 9. 
pulcherrimus, 9. 
villicaulis (Selmeri), 5, 36. 
argentatus, 8. 
silvaticus, 9, 
myricz (hesperius), 8. 
iricus, 9. 
A 


54 The Lrish Naturalist. 


Rubus pyraniidalis, 9, Io, 30. 
leucostachys, 17, 36. 
criniger, 9. 
anglosaxonicus, 8. 
oigocladus, 9. 
podophyllus, 9. 
mutabilis, 5. 
scaber, 8. 
longithyrsiger (botryeros), 5. 
Koehleri (dasyphyllus), 29, 
36. 

serpens, 9. 

dumetorum, 9. 

corylifolius, 27 (cyclophyl- 
lus), 30. 

ceesius, 8, 27. 

Potentilla procumbens, 29. 

Rosa spinosissima, 30. 
involuta, 8. 
obtusifolia, 8 (frondosa). 
glauca, 3 (subcristata). 
arvensis, 30, 36. 

Saxifraga granulata, 19, 

{Sedum Telephium, 30. 

Myriophyllum verticillatum, 9. 
spicatum, 9, 32. 

Callitriche hamulata, Io. 
obtusangula, 8. 

tSmyrnium Olusatrum, 30. 

*Petroselinum sativum, 9. 

*Carum Carui, 8. 

Sium latifolium, 32. 
angustifolium, 27. 

Pimpinella Saxifraga, 32. 

Scandix Pecten-Veneris, 29. 

+Foeniculum officinale, 19. 

7Ethusa Cynapium, 32. 

Valerianella olitoria, 30, 32. 

Scabiosa arvensis, 29. 

Solidago Virgaurea, 32. 

Filago germanicalg. 

Gnaphalium uliginosum, 19. 

Bidens tripartita, 7. 

tAnthemis Cotula, 30. 

*Matricaria discoidea, 4, 5, 9, 

33: 
*Tanacetum vulgare, 32. 
Senecio sylvaticus, 32. 


March, 


Arctium mayjus, 19. 
minus, 30, 32. 
*Silybum Marianum, 32. 
*Centaurea Cyanus, Ig, 30. 
*Cichorium Intybus, 32. 
+Picris echioides, 9. 
Hieraciuim Schmidtii. 4. 
pachyphyllum, 38, 39. 
crebridens, 9. 
Orarium, 39. 
vulgatum, 10. 
stictophyllum, 35. 
Scullyi, 1. 
Leontodon hirtus, 32, 36. 
Tragopogon pratensis, 37. 
Jasione montana, 30, 
Andromeda Polifolia, 32. 
Primula officinalis, 36. 
Lithospermum arvense, rg. 
Convolvulus arvensis, 27, 29. 
Solanum Dulcamara, 30. 
Hyoscyamus niger, 27. 
Verbascum Thapsus, +30. 
*Mimulus guttatus, 19. 
Veronica hederzefolia, 32. 
agrestis, 28. 
polita, 32. 
montana, 32. 
Euphrasia Salisburgensis, 28. 
Orohanche rubra, 28, 
Lathreea squamaria, I9, 32. 
{Mentha piperita, 32. 
sativa, 32. 
Origanum vulgare, 32. 
Scutellaria galericulata, 8. 
Galeopsis versicolor, 30. 
Lamium amplexicaule, 8. 
tBallota nigra, 32. 
*Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus, 
30; 32: 
Polygonum mite, 8. 
Euphorbia exigua, 32. 
Ulmus montana, 29. 
Parietaria officinalis, 29. 
Betula verrucosa, 9. 
tSalix triandra, 8. 
pentandra, 8. 
¢ _ fragilis, 9, 30. 


1906, 


Salix repens, 30. 
t purpurea, 9. 


Ceratophyllum demersum, 27. 


Orchis pyramidalis, 36. 
Morio, 9. 
incarnata, 9. 


Sisyrinchium angustifolium, ro. 


tLeucojum estivum, 36. 
Juncus obtusiflorus, 30, 32. 
Luzula vernalis, 30. 
Sparganium simplex, 29. 

affine, 9. 
minimum, 30. 
Lemna trisulca, 29, 
gibba, 30. 
polyrhiza, 7, 9. 
Sagittaria sagittifolia, 32. 
Potamogeton plantagineus, 
32. 
heterophyllus, 9, 30. 
nitens, 8, 9. 
lucens, I9. 
Zizii, 30. 
prelongus, 9. 
flabellatus, 27. 

Zannichellia palustris, 19. 

Scirpus fluitans, 28, 29. 

Rhynchospora alba, 32. 

Carex vulpina, 32. 

Hudsonii, 9. 


PRAEGER.—/rish Topographical Botany. 


Carex aquatilis, 8 (virescens). 
limosa, 8, 
pallescens, 8. 
strigosa, 32. 
filiformiis, 30. 
Pseudo-cyperus, If. 

Agrostis canina, I9. 

Avena pubescens, 20, 32. 

Melica uniflora, 9, 19. 

+Poa compressa, 20. 

Glyceria plicata, 9, 29, 32. 
Foucaudi, 8. 

Festuca rigida, 29. 
sylvatica, 8. 
elatior, 32. 

Bromus sterilis, 30, 32. 

. secalinus, 8, 20. 

Lolium temulentum, 30. 

Agropyron caninum, I9, 29. 
acutum, 8, 21. 

Cryptogrammie crispa, 20. 

Ophioglossum vulgatum, 36. 

Equisetum hyemale, 29. 
trachyodon, 9. 

Lycopodium inundatum, 27. 
clavatum, 33. 

Isoetes lacustris, 30. 

Chara polyacantha, 9, 30. 
contraria, 8. 

Tolypella glomerata, 9. 


55 


The proportion of unpublished material is this year so large 
that I have had, in the notes below, to confine myself to giving 
particulars of unpublished new county-records, and have been 
unable to include second records, as given in former papers 
of this series. The latter are many in number, and include 
some interesting and rare plants. 


PARTICULARS OF UNPUBLISHED NEW RECORDS. 


Ranunculus circinatus, Sibth. 
8, LIMERICK. R. Deel at Newbridge, ’05—Miss Knowles and Miss 
O’Brien. 
R. trichophylilus, Chaix. 
30. CAVAN. Shantemon [L,, ’05—P. 


56 The Lrish Naturalist. March, 


Ranunculus heterophyllus, Fr. 

4. CorK Mip. The Lough, Cork, ’04—R. A. Phillips. 
17. GALWAY N.E. Near Menlo, ’02—R. A. Phillips. 
penicillatus, Dum. 
29. LEITRIM. Stream on N. side of GlenadeL , ’o5—P. 
30. CAvAN. Annalee R. below Butler’s Bridge, ’°05—P. 
Baudotll, Godr. 

8. LIMERICK. Foynes,’04 (conufusus)—Miss Knowles. 


= 


2 


R. Aurlcomus, L. 
10 TIPPERARY N. Near Borrisokane, ’03—R. A. Phillips. 
14. QUEEN’S County. Near Ballybrophy, ’03—R. A. Phillips. 
32. MONAGHAN. Bellanode, ’05—P. 


P. dubium, L. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, 05—P. 


*Cheildonium mayjus, 1.. 
28. SLIGO. Ballysadare, ’05—P. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’o5—P. 
30. CAVAN. Near Lisnananagh L,, ‘o5—P. 
32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 


Fumaria confusa, Jord. 
14. QUEEN’S CoUNTY. Maidenhead House, ’05—KE. H. Bowers. 


F. Officinalis, L. 
11. KILKENNY. Piltown, ’05 —E. H. Bowers. 


Cochlearia anglica, L. 
22. MEATH. South bank of R. Boyne above Drogheda, ’o5—W. A. 
Barnes! 
31. LourH. North bank of R. Boyne below Drogheda, ’05---P. 
*Hesperis matronalis, L. 
36. TYRONE. Established near Dungannon, ’05—R. W. Bingham. 
*Erysimum cheiranthoides, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Cornfield at Castleconnell, ’05—R. A. Phillips. Cul- 
tivated land at Ardagh, ’05—Miss Knowles. 


Brassica alba, Boiss. 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, 'o5—P. 


Reseda Luteola, L.. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, 'o5—P. 


+Viola odorata, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. Hedge banks at Bellanode, ’o5—P. 


V. canina, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Castleconnell,’04—R. A. Phillips. 


Polygala vulgaris, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 
Silene Cucubalus, Wibel. 

29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’o5—P. 


1906. PRAEGER.—Jaish Topographical Botany. 57 


tLychnis Githago, Scop. 
30. CAVAN. Butler’s Bridge, ’o5—P. 
Stellaria palustris, Retz. 
. LIMERICK. Castleconnell, ’05—R. A. Phillips. 
Arenaria trinervia, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Castlecounell, ’o4—R. A. Phillips. 
32. MONAGHAN. Bellanode, ’05—P. 
*Hypericum hircinum, L,. 
7. TIPPERARY S. Plentifuland spreading along the river bank at 
Clonmel, ’03—R. A. Phillips. 

H. dubium, Leers. 

30. CAVAN. Lisnananagh L,., ’o5—P. 
H. elodes, [,. 

22. MEATH. Near Virginia Road station, '‘o5—W. A. Barnes! 

32. MONAGHAN. Two miles from Carrickmacross, ’05—W. A. Barnes! 
*Prunus insititia, L, 

30. CAVAN. Frequent in the Cavan district, ’o5—P. 
Rubus plicatus, Wh. & N. 

8. LIMERICK. Newbridge, ’04—Miss Knowles. 

30. Cavan. Annagh L,, ’05—P. 
R. villicaulis, Koehl. 

36. TYRONE. Near Cookstown (Se/wer7), ’05—Miss Knowles. 
R. silvaticus, Wh. & N. 

g. CLARE. Inchiquin L,, ’o5—P. ‘“ Quite characteristic except for 
weak panicle.”—-W. M. Rogers. 

R. hespertius, Rogers. 

This bramble has been recently found in Wales (see Bot. Exchange 
Club Report for 1904), and it is therefore no longer to be looked 
on as endemic in Ireland, though still western in its range. 

R. iricus, Rogers. 
g. CLARE. Inchiquin L,., ’05—P. 
R. pyramidalis. Kalt. 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05—P. 
R. leucostachys, Schleich. 
36. TYRONE. Near Cookstown, ’05—Miss Knowles. 
R. Koehleri, Wh. & N. 
29. LEITRIM. Glenade (dasyphyllus), ’05—P. 
36. TYRONE. Near Cookstown (dasyphyllus), ’05—Miss Knowles. 
R. corylifolius, Smith. 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’o5—P. 
Potentilla procumbens, Sibth. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton and Glenade, ’o5—P. 
Rosa spinosissima, L, 
30. CAVAN. Clonervy Hill, ‘o5—P. 
R. Involuta, Smith 
8. LIMERICK. White River, ’05— Miss Knowles and R, D. O’Brien. 
R. obtuslfoiia, Desv. 
8. LIMERICK. Loghill (/rondosa), 'o5—R. A. Phillips. 


58 The Lrish Naturalist. March, 


Rosa glauca, Vill. 
3. CORK WxHsT. Glengarriff (sudcristata), ’?05—R. A. Phillips. 
R. arvensis, Huds. 
30. CAVAN. Lisnananagh Ll. and other spots near Cavan, 'o5-——P. 
36. TYRONE. Stewartstown, ’96—Miss Knowles. About Dungannon, 
’o5-—R. W. Bingham. 
Saxifraga granulata, L. 

8. LIMERICK. Reported by R. A. Phillips as apparently native at 
Glenstal ; but as certain other plants, such as Geranium pratense, 
which grow freely there now in wild ground, were certainly 
originally planted, the standing of this Saxifrage in Limerick, so 
far from its native stations in the east, appears doubtful. 

+Sedum Telephium, lL. 

30. CAVAN. Shores of Lisnananagh L,., ’o5—P. 
Myriophylium spicatum, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Annagh L.; frequent near Monaghan, ’05—P. 
Callitriche hamulata, Kuetz. 

10. TIPPERARY N. Near Thurles, ’02—R. A. Phillips. 
C. obtusanguia, Le Gall. 

8. LIMERICK. Stream near Ballyclough, 'o4—Miss Kuowles. 
tSmyrnium Olusatrum, L. 

30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05—P. 
Sium latifolium, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Finn R. near Redhill, ’05—P. 
Pimpinella Saxifraga, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Near Monaghan, ’o5—P. 
Scandix Pecten-Veneris, L. 

29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’o5—P. 
#Ethusa Cynapium, L. 

32. MONAGHAN, Near Monaghan, ’o05—P. 
Valerianella olitoria, Poll. 

30. CAVAN. Cavan, ’05—P. 

32. MONAGHAN. Bellanode, ’05—P. 
Scabiosa arvensis, L. 

2g. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’05—P. 
Solidago Virgaureéa, L. | 

32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 
Bidens tripartita, L. 

7, TIPPERARY S. Mullinahone, ’05—E. H. Bowers. 

tAnthemis Cotuia, L. 

30. CAVAN. Roadside near Cavan, ’05--P. 
*Matricaria discoidea, DC. 

g. CLARE. Cratloe, ’05—R. D. O’Brien. 
*ranacetum vulgare, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Monaghan and Bellanode, ’o5—P. 
Senecio sylvaticus, Il. 

32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 


1906. PRAEGER.—Jrish Topographical Botany. 59 


Arctium minus, Beruh. 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05—P. 
32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’o5—P. 
*Silyoum Marianum, Gaertu. 
32. MONAGHAN. Near Bellanode, ’05—P. 
*Centaurea Cyanus, L. 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05—P. 
*Cichorium Intybus, L 
9g. CLARE. The Longpavement record in 7.7.2. belongs to Clare 
not to Limerick. 
32. MONAGHAN. Near Bellanode, ’05—P. 
+Picris echioides, L. 
9g. ©LARE. Two stations near Cratloe, ’05 (Mrs. Webb)—R. A. 
Phillips. 
Hieracium Schmidtli, Tausch. 
4. CORK Mip. Carrigrohane, ’0o5—R. A. Phillips. 
H. vulgatum, Fr. 
10. TIPPERARY N. Near Thurles, ’03—R. A. Phillips. 
H. stictophylium, Dallst. 
35- DONEGAL, WEST. By the Carrick River, ’91—F. J. Hanbury. 
Leontodon hirtus, L. 
36. TYRONE. Orriter near Cookstown, ’o5—Mrs. Leebody ! 
Tragopogon pratensis, L. 
37. ARMAGH. Railway bank at Portadown, ’o5— P. 
Jasione montana, L. 
30. CAVAN. Slieve Glah, ’o5—P. 
Primula officinalis, Jacq. 
36. TYRONE. Frequent between Dungannon and Moy, ’o5—R. W. 
Bingham. 
Convolvulus arvensis, L,. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, 05—-P. 
Solanum Dulcamara, L,. 
30. CAVAN. iLisnananagh L,, 'o5—P. 
Verbascum Thapsus, L,. 
30. CAVAN. {Walls near Cavan, ’05—P. 
Veronica hedereefolia, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. Drumreaske House, ’05—P. 
Vv. agrestis, L. 
28. SLIGO. Near Sligo, ’05—P. 
V. polita, Ir. 
32. MONAGHAN. West of Monaghan,’o5—P. 
{Mentha piperita, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. {Bellanode, ’o5—P. 
M. sativa, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. Slacksgrove L., ’05—P. 
Origanum vulgare, L.. 
32, MONAGHAN. Banks west of Monaghan, ’o5—P, 


60 The Irish Naturalist. March, 


Scutellaria galericulata, L, 
8. LIMERICK. Mountshannon, 'o5—R. A. Phillips and R. D. O’Brien. 
Galeopsis versicolor, Curt. 
30. CAVAN. Belturbet Junction, 'o5—P. 
Lamium amplexicauie, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Ardagh, ’05—Miss Knowles. 
tBallota nigra, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. {Scotstown, ’o5—P. 
*Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus, IL, 
30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05—P. 
32. MONAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 
Polysonum mite, Schrank. 
8. LIMERICK. By the Abbey River near Limerick, ‘o5—R. A. 
Phillips. 
Euphorbia exigua, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. Near Monaghan, ’05--P. 
Parletaria officinalis, L. 
29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’o5—P. 
+Salix triandra, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Near Limerick, ’04—R. A. Phillips. 
S. pentandra, L. 
8. LIMERICK. Mountshannon, ’o5—R. A. Phillips and R. D. O’Brien. 
“Grows with native shrubs and trees. . . Native I think.”— 
R.A. P. 
ts. fragiils, I. 
30. CAVAN. By Lough Oughter, ’o5—P. 
S. repens, L. 
30. CAVAN. North base of Slieve Glah, ’o5—P. 
Orchis pyramidalis, I. 
36. TYRONE. Dungannon, ’o5—R. W. Bingham ! 
+Leucojum zestivum, L. 
36. TYRONE. A Jarge patch in a bog a few miles from Dungannon, 
’o5-—-R. W. Bingham. ; 
Juncus obtusiflorus, Ehrh. 
32. MONAGHAN. Rosefield L., Lakeview L., Annyalty L., Drum- 
reaske L., ’05—P. 
Luzula vernalis, DC. 
30. CAVAN. Near Devon Cottage, ’o5—P. 
Sparganium sImplex, Huds. 
29. LEITRIM. Glenade L., ’05—P. 
Lemna trisulca, I,. 
29. LEITRIM. Lurganboy, ’05—P 
L, polyrhiza, L. 
7. TIPPERARY S. Pool near Clonmel, '03—R. A. Phillips. This is 
the ‘1, gibba” of my paper on Additions in 1903. 
Sagittaria sagittifolia, L. 
32. MONAGHAN. Finn R. near Redhill, ’05—P. 


i906. PRAEGER.—Jrish Topographical Botany. 6t 


Potamogeton pliantagineus, Ducr. 

32. MONAGHAN. Annyalty L., ’o5—P. 
P. nitens, Weber. 

8. LIMERICK. R. Shannon at Castleconnell, ’04—R, A. Phillips, 
Scirpus fluitans, I). 

28 Syico. Carrowgarry near Ballysadare, ’o5—P. 

29. LEITRIM. Lurganboy, ’o5—P. 
Carex vuipina, L. 

32. MoNAGHAN. Scotstown, ’05—P. 
C. aquatilis, Wahl. 

8. LIMERICK. Near Corbally (vzrescens), ’04—-R. A. Phillips. 
C. limosa, L. 

8. LIMERICK. Knockaninagh, ’04—Miss Knowles. 
C. pallescens, L. 

8. LIMERICK. Castleconnell and Mountshannon, ’o5—R. A. Phillips. 
Cc. Pseudo-cyperus, L,. 

11. KILKENNY. Grange bogs near Graigue, ’05—E. H. Bowers. 
Avena pubescens, Huds. 

30. CAVAN. Near Cavan, ’05--P. 

32. MONAGHAN. Monaghan, ’o5—P. 
*Poa compressa, L. 

20. WICcKLow. Arable land at Delgany, ‘o5—W. B. Bruce 
Glyceria plicata, Fr. 

29. LEITRIM. Lurganboy, ’o5—P. 

32. MONAGHAN. Near Monaghan and Bellanode, ’05—P. 
Festuca rigida, Kunth. 

29. LEITRIM. Manorhamilton, ’o5—P. 
F. sylvatica, Vill 

8. LIMERICK. Glenstal, ’05—~R. A. Phillips. 
F. elatior, L. 

32. MONAGHAN. Monaghan, ’05—P. 
Bromus sterilis, L. 

30. CAVAN. Near Cavan. ’o5—P. 

32. MONAGHAN. Monaghan, ’o5—P. 
*B. secalinus, L,. 

8. LIMERICK. Meadow at Castleconnell, ’05—D. K. Stewart! 

20. WICKLOW. Roadside at Rathdrum, ’05—W. B. Bruce. 
tLolium temulentum, L,. 

30. CAVAN. Cavan, ’o5—P. 
Agropyron acutum, R.&S. 

8. LIMERICK. Foynes Island, ’05—Miss O’Brien. 

21. DUBLIN. Sutton, ‘5—D. K. Stewart. Skerries, ’o05—W. 

Bruce, 

Ophioglossum vulgatum, IL. 

36. TYRONE. ‘Three places near Dungannon—R. W. Bingham, ‘o5. 
Chara contraria, Kuetz. 

8, LIMERICK. Mullough R., ’04—Miss Kuowles, 
Tolypella glomerata, Leonh. 

g. CLARE. Above Athlunkard bridge, ’04—R. A. Phillips, 

: A 3 


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ws 
. 


62 The Irish Naturalist. March, 


THE LAND AND FRESH-WATER MOLLUSCA 
OF NORTH-WEST DONEGAL, 


1. BUNBEG, GWEEDORE, HORN HEAD, AND GLENVEAGH AREAS. 


BY A. W. STELFOX. 
[Plate 2.] 


THE north-west corner of the large county of Donegal does not 
seem to have been hitherto explored by any conchologist, 
though limited areas have received fair attention. This was 
the main factor which influenced Dr. Chaster and myself in 
selecting the district for our holiday resort. This part of 
Donegal consists chiefly of granite, though at Horn Head 
smaller areas of quartzite and intrusive diorite occur. Peat 
bogs cover the greater portion of the underlying rocks, so 
that, except for a narrow strip round the coast and the lake 
shores, the ground does not favour molluscan life. Large areas 
of blown sand occur, and these dunes are highly calcareous, 
being composed of finely conminuted shells, and seem to make 
up in that respect for the scarcity of limestone rocks. ‘hese 
latter are represented only by small outcrops of crystalline 
limestone. The greater portion of the dunes is poor collecting 
eround, owing to the constant shifting of the sand, but the 
landward dunes, being turfed over, and lakes having formed 
in their hollows, provide excellent habitats for species not 
usually associated with sand-hill areas. Some of these lakes 
are of fairly large extent, as for instance Mullaghderg, four 
miles south-west of our headquarters at Middletown, Bunbeg. 
The shores of this lake contributed no less than forty species 
to our list—the largest number we obtained in any restricted 
locality. The mainland near Bunbeg was very disappoint- 
ing, while the peninsula of Carrickfin, though only separated 
by a narrow channel, proved fairly good coilecting ‘ground. 
This peninsula, and the district lying around Mullaghderg 
Lough, would, we believe, well repay further investigation. 
None of the outlying islands were visited, but Inishcoole 
(Skull Island), close to Bunbeg, and Inishinny, off the north 
of Carrickfin peninsula, were searched. Both these islands 


1906. STELFOx.—L. & fF. W. Mollusca of N.W. Donegal. 63 


are connected to the mainland at low water by sand banks, 
across which shells could easily be blown, and it seems quite 
possible that this might be the manner in which shells spread 
from the mainland to the islands. It also does not appear 
improbable that even the outlying islands may have beeti 
joined to the mainland, at some not very remote period, by 
this means, because as recently as fifteen years ago, Inishinny 
was connected to the Bunbeg dunes, while now there is at 
least 15 feet of water at the lowest tide separating them. Of 
the many inland lakes only two were closely searched—Dun- 
lewy Lough and Lough Veagh. ‘The shores of these are, in 
parts, well wooded, and in consequence some species were 
found which were not met with on the unsheltered coastal 
areas. On our way houie, we visited Horn Head—which, for 
all fauna records, might almost count as an island— Dun- 
fanaghy district and Glen Lough. At this point R. Welch’s 
list, for the Rosguill and Sheephaven areas, joins on. The 
season chosen for the visit was late September, so that the 
greater number of the species were well grown. The summer 
having been exceptionally hot and dry, we did not expect a 
large list, yet our ten days collecting resulted in sixty-four 
species being found. In the following list Dr. Scharff’s 
nomenclature (as given in this Journal, vol. 1., 1892) is 
adopted. 


List OF SPECIES. 


Vitrina peilucida, Miill.—lLarge specimens common to all the sand- 
hills, smaller at Glenveagh and Glen Lough. 

Hyalinia celiaria, Miill—Must be considered a rare species in this 
district—was found alive at Middletown, Dunlewy, and Horn Head, 
though dead shells were very common in shell-pockets at Mullagh- 
derg and Carrickfin. 

H. alliaria, Miller.—Dark in colour and common in all places visited ; 
one specimen of var. vvidu/a was taken at Glen Lough. 

H. nitidula, Drap.—Dunlewy, Glenveagh, and Glen Lough. 

H. pura, Alder.—Though common with @. cellaria in shell-pockets, 
was only taken alive in same locality as last species. 

H. radiatula, Alder.—Generally distributed, but not common any- 
where, var. vz édescentz-a/ba only seen at Glen Lough. 

H. crystallina, Miill.—This common shell was only found alive at 
Duulewy, Glenveagh. and Glen Lough. 

H. fulva, Miill.—Geuerally distributed and not rare. 

A 4 


64 The Irish Naturalist. March, 


Hyalinia nitida, Mull.—Commion in suitable habitats, and especially 
so on limestone at Sessiagh Lough. 

H. excavata, Bean.—Very sparingly. Found only at Dunlewy and in 
the woods at Glenveagh. 

Arion ater, L.--The black form common everywhere, except at Glen- 
veagh, where lighter colours prevailed. 

A. subfuscus, Drap.—Excepting the above, the commonest Arion in 
the district. 

A. hortensis, Fér.—Dunlewy, Falcarragh, Sessiagh Lough, and 
Glenveagh—except at the last locality was only found near dwellings. 

A. circumscriptus, Johnst.—Fairly common in woods at Dunlewy, 
not seen elsewhere. 

A. intermedius, Normand.—Only found at Sessiagh Lough, under 
dead wood. 

Limax maximus, L.—Extremely rare—only seen in Mullangore 
wood, Glenveagh. 

LiL. Marginatus, Mill.— Very abundant everywhere, even on the old 
watch tower at the extreme point of Horn Head. 

Agriolimax agrestis, L.—Comnion in all localities visited. 

A. lzevis, L.—Everywhere in very damp places with H. zétida and V. 
antivertigo. 

Amalia gagates, Drap.—A few large specimens uear the harbour at 
Bunbeg. 

_ A. Sowerbyi, Fér.—Common at Dunlewy and Mullaghderg; two 
specimens only at Glenveagh. 

Helix pygmeza, Drap.-—Plentiful in shell-pockets, alive only at Dun- 
lewy. 

H. rotundata, M 1l.—Common throughout the district. 

H. pulchella, Miill.—This species as usual outnumbered all others in 
the shell-pockets. It was taken alive at Horn Head and on Inish- 
inny, with var. costata. Some of the specimens collected appear 
identical with A. excentrica, Sterki~as pointed out by some members 
of the Conch. Soc. at the annual meeting in Liverpool, 1905. 

H. aculeata, Miill.—A few spineless specimens were taken on the 
shores on Mullaghderg Lough. Common in most of the shell- 
pockets, but was not observed in those at Horn Head. 

H. lamellata, Jeff—Only one specimen taken, in Mullangore wood, 
Glenveagh—though probably common there. 

H. hispida, L.—Almost absent from the district, though comtion at 
Dunlewy. Also seen at Sessiagh Lough. 

H. fusca, Mont.—Mullangore wood only, common but all very young, 

H. ericetorum, Miill.—This seems to be the headquarters of this 
species in Ulster, as it was in abundance on all sand-dunes in the 
district. Some very marked varieties, both in colour and banding, 
were collected ; while semi-scalariform specimens were seen in most 
places. It may be interesting to note that each area of sand-dunes 
seemed to have a distinctive form, which dominated all others. 


. os ae 


1986, STELFOX.—L. & FW. Mollusca of N.W. Donegal, 68 


Helix caperata, Mont.—A flourishing colony was discovered on Horn 
Head, whose headquarters appeared to be an oldcircus ring, Some 
extremely large shells were taken, and many varieties of colour, in. 
cluding one almost black referable to var. /u/va, Moq. 

H. acuta, Miill—Like & ericetorum very abundant on all sand dunes, 

H. nemoralis, L.—Common everywhere. In some localities the 
white-lipped form was more common than the type. A beautiful 
lemon-coloured form, with translucent bands, was found near Bunbeg. 
In Glenveagh and Glen Lough a few very fragile shells were collected 
—in fact by the time we reached home many of them were damaged. 

H. aspersa, Miill.-Very common on all old walls near all sand-hills, 
In myriadsin graveyard of Magheragallon old church, covering the 
small wooden crosses, until in some cases the wood was scarcely 
visible. 

Cochlicopa Iubrica, Miill.--Very common in all localities visited. 

Pupa anglica, Fér.--Fairly common in woods at Glenveagh, In 
shell-pockets at Mullaghderg and Carrickfin. 

P. cyiindracea, Da Costa.--Mostly small specimens werecollected, 
but at Horn Head and Glenveagh very large thin shells were taken. 

P. muscorum, Miill.--Common in all shell-pockets and found alive 
on Inishcoole. 

Vertigo edentula, Drap.--Dunlewy, Horn Head, andGlenveagh. In 
shell-pockets at Mullaghderg and Carrickfin, rare. 

V. pygmezea, Drap.—-Very common in all localities visited. 

V. substriata, Jeff.—-Very rare alive, at Mullaghderg and Glen Lough. 

Common in all shell-pockets. 

antivertigo, Drap.--Common and very large where suitable 

surroundings were to be found--Bunbeg, Mullaghderg, Falcarragh, 

Horn Head, Sessiagh Lough, and Glen Lough. Also in shell-pockets 

at Bunbeg, Carrickfin, and Mullaghderg. 

angustior. Jeff—Common in all shell-pockets, and though not 

taken alive, some of the shells from Mullaghderg were perfectly fresh 

and could not have been long dead. 

pusilla, Miill—lLike V. angustior this species was not taken alive 

but was fairly common in all shell-pockets. 

Balea perversa, L.--Found at Dunlewy, Horn Head, and Glen- 

-yveagh. At Horn Head the shells were living in dozens on the mortar 
of the old watch tower, which stands at the extreme north point. 
‘They were all very large and had splendidly formed lips, quite unlike 
anything we have seen before, except a few collected on Islandmagee, 
County Antrim, in August last year, by R. Welch and myself. It 
may be of interest to note that the nearest tree to the old watch 
tower mentioned, would be three miles away, most of which distance 
is occupied by bog-land, with a few small cultivated patches 
interspersed. 

Clausilla bidentata, Strém—Generally distributed. 


= 


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66 The lrish Naturalist. March, 


Succinea elegans, Risso.—Mullaghderg Lough, Carnboy Lough, 
Horn Head, and shores of Sessiagh Lough. All the specimens were 
small and dark, and seem referable to the S. P/efer7 of continental 
authorities. 

Carychium minimum, Miill.-. Common in all damp situations and 
in all shell-pockets. 

Limnzea auricularia, L.--The var. acuta of this species occurred rather 
sparingly in Mullaghderg and Carnboy Loughs. Some of the speci- 
mens from both localities were also var. albida, Jeff. 

L. peregra, Miill—Comiunon in all lakes and ponds. A very peculiar 
variety was found in Carnboy Jough, on the Carrickfin peninsula. 
Many of the shells were pure white, and some [see Plate 2] closely 
resemble var. Boissdi, Dupuy. The shellsin many lakes in this district 
show an inclination to the same form, and there are some similar 
specimens in the Dublin Museum, collected by R. Patterson in Lough 
Salt. 

L. paiustris, Miill.—Plentiful in Mullaghderg, not seen elsewhere. 

L. truncatula, Miill.—Generally common. 

Planorbis spirorbis, I,—Common in shallow parts of Mullaghderg, 

Dunlewy, and Carnboy Loughs. Also in many of the smali lakes 

near Middletown, Bunbeg. | 

contortus, I,—Two dead shells in Mullaghderg Lough ; probably 
common. 

P. crista, I,.—Very common in all lakes at Middletown, and also in 
Mullaghderg and Carnboy Loughs, with var. zauézleus. 

P. glaber, Jeff—Mullaghderg, Carnboy, Middletown, and Sessiagh 
Loughs, common and very large. L. EK. Adams gives 33 mm. as the 
standard size, but many of the specimens taken reached 5 mm. in 


diaimeter. 
Ancylus fiuviatilis, Miill.—Comimon, but very young, in Dunlewy 


Lough. 

Acme ah oe Drap.—Owing no doubt to want of time, this shell was 
not found alive, but was plentiful in shell-pockets at Mullaghderg, 
Carrickfin, and Horn Head. 

Vaivata piscinalis, Miill.— Only seen at Sessiagh Lough, very young. 

V. cristata, Miill.—Very common in Mullaghderg Lough, and in Kil 
Lough near Dunfanaghy. 

Unio margaritifer, L.—Very abundant in Clady River, Bunbeg. In 
dry weather when the river is low, the people from the surrounding 
country come to search for pearls, as the banks of the river amply 
testify, being covered with great numbers of valves. We succeeded 
in getting five small dark brown pearls and five or six pieces of pearly 
substance, from asingle shell. The largest of the brown pearls was 
almost one-eighth of an inch across. 

Pisidlum fontinale, C. Pfr.—Mullaghderg and Dunlewy Loughs. 

P. milium, Held.—Mullaghderg Lough, rare. 

P. obtusale, C. Pfr.—Mullaghderg Lough, common. 

P. pusillum, Gmel.—Generally distributed. 

P, nitidum, Jenyns,--Common in lough below Dunlewy House, 


E 


19066. STELFOx.—L. & F. W. Mollusca of N.W. Donegal. 67 


The shell-pockets in the dune areas are extremely abun- 
dant, but as many of the shells may be derived from older 
deposits, these have been listed separately from the live 
records. I have to thank C. Oldham and Dr. Chaster for 
looking over the P7szdza and some other species. 


Belfast. 


2. ROSGUILIL PENINSULA AND SHEEPHAVEN DUNES. 
BY R. WELCH, M.R.I.-A. 


Like Horn Head, the little peninsula of Rosguill may have 
been an island or rather a group of islands in recent geological 
times. Lying between Sheephaven and the long narrow 
Mulroy inlet, it is now connected with what might be called 
its mainland by alow sandy neck, almost covered by high 
spring tides, except on the western side. Herethere are high 
sand dunes fringing the great strand—Tramore—on Sheep- 
haven. The south end of the peninsula is formed mainly of 
quartzite and schistose rocks, very rugged and bare, rising in 
Ganiamore Mountain to 682 feet ; indeed most of this portion 
is over 200 feet high. The northern part is connected with 
this by a great sand flat, over half a mile wide and only a few 
feet above the sea over its entire area. The rocks here are 
mainly granite, which has intruded into the metamorphic 
rocks, Magherachullion Mountain (544 feet) showing the line 
of contact clearly from bottom to top. Most of the areas 
mentioned would be very poor collecting ground, were it not 
for their very rugged character. Useless for tillage purposes, 
they contain masses of loose rocks, with a fair amount of food 
plants—good shelter for the land mollusca. The mossy 
areas of the sand dunes are the homes of immense numbers of 
some xerophile species, with Vzt7ima and Helix pulchella. 

Considering its size, Rosguill has a fair number of fresh- 
water species. Melmore Lough is the largest water area, an 
[_-shaped lake in a deep hollow at the foot of a mountain, 
that is being filled up by drifting sand, blown in through the 
Murder Hole by westerly winds from the open Atlantic. This 
lake looks as if it had filled this extensive hollow at one time. 
Close to Rosapenna hotel is a very shallow lakelet on the sand- 
flat at Trabeg, and these, with a few very small ponds of peaty 


68 The [rish Naturalist. March, 


water and mountain rivulets, provide the only habitats for the 
fresh-water mollusca. ‘There are many old land-shell zones in 
the great dunes of Tramore, and some remnants at Trana- 
rossan sand-flat, but these will be described in a future paper 
on the Irish Pleistocene and recent deposits. As it is quite 
certain that old shells out of these deposits get into the modern 
wind-drifted shell-pockets. I mention separately species found 
in the latter. 

Most of the work for this list was done in 1903-4-5, but I 
collected a-number of species about Trabeg and Rosapenna in 
1893-94. I include a few species found at Doe Castle, near 
Creeslough, and at Lough Salt, where A. W. Stelfox’s list 
just overlaps. 


LIst OF SPECIES. 


Vitrina pellucida, Miill.—In large quantities in autumn on the 
Tramore sand-dunes. Alive at Doe Castle, and also found in the 
shell-pockets. 

Hyalinia cellaria, Miill.—At Doe Castle only: some of these were so 
large that Dr. Scharff thought they might be ZH. Dragarnaudi, but 
some full grown living specimens are necessary to settle the question 
with certainty. In recent research work on the west coast, such 
large forms have turned up of this and other species, that the subject 
deserves special attention. 

H, alliaria, Miller.—Ganiamore, and abundant in the shell-pockets at 
Tramore. 

H. nitidula, Drap.—East slope of Ganiamore, Murder Hole, Doe 
Castle, and a small thin dark form at Lough Salt. 

H. pura, Alder.—Ganiamore, and in shell-pockets at Tramore, Rosa- 
penna. 

H. radiatula, Alder.—Ganiamiore, rare. 

H. crystallina, Miill—Not very common on Rosguill. 

H. nitida, Mill.--South slope of Ganiamore only. 

Arion ater, L,.—Fairly common on Rosguill, all jet black on the 
mountain above 4oo feet altitude. | 

A. hortensis, Fér.—Mevagh and Tranarossan, common but local. 

A. intermedius, Normand.—Very rare, Rosapenna only. % 

Agriolimax agrestis, L.—Very abundant almost everywhere. 

A. lzevis, Miill.—Fine large specimens in a ditch near Carrigart. 

Amalia Sowerbyi, Fér.—The hill above Rosapenna, rare. 

Helix pygmeea, D:ap.—In shell-pockets on Rosguill only. 

H. rotundata, Miill.—-Sparingly on Rosguill and common at Doe 
Castle. 


196, WELCH.—L. & &. W. Mollusca of N.W. Donegal. 69 


Helix pulcheila, Miill.—-Alive under stones at Rosapenna. Common 
in shell-pockets and old land-shell deposits there and at Trana- 
rossall. 

H. acuieata, Miill.--A few only in shell-pockets at Rosapenna. 

H. hispida, [.—A small dark form on Ganiamore and at Mevagh ; 
Doe Castle. Abundant in shell-pockets. 

- H. rufescens, Penn.—One locality only—among nettles on Gania- 

more, 

ericetorum, Miill.—In myriads all over the Tramore dunes, 

Rosapenna, and at Tranarossan—many abnormal in shape. Nearthe 

north end of Rosguill, this species lives as high up the mountains 

as the fine shell-sand blows, well over 200 feet ; but where the sandy 
turf stops and the peaty ground commences, it is no longer to be 
found. This may be well seen where a band of wind-blown sand 
crosses the hills from east to west in anarrow pass south of Melmore 

Lough. 

H. acuta, Miill.—Almost as common as the last. More so on the 
short wind-cut turf at Muslac cliffs. 

H. nemoralis, I,..—Quite as abundant on the sand-hills as in other 
west Donegal localities. Plentiful in the kitchen-imidden black zones 
at Rosapenna, and in almost all the land-shell deposits. I did not 
notice any sinistral specimens, though J. R. B. Masefield, of the 
Conch. Soc., found some at Rosapenna a few years ago. 

H. aspersa, Miill._Local on Rosguill, a few on south slope of Magh- 
erachullion Mt., and in crevices of rocks at east side of Tranarossan 
sand-plain. 

Cochlicopa Iubrica, Miill.—Common, a small form in moss on sand- 
hills at Rosapenna and in large quantitiesin the “ pockets.” 

Pupa cyiindracea, Da Costa.—Seems rare on Rosguill so far as 
living specimens go, but with the next it occursin the shell-pockets, 
though less commonly. 

P. muscorum, Miull.—Alive under stones, locally, at Rosapenna. 
Very common in shell-pockets. 

Vertigo pygmzea, Drap.—Many in shell-pockets; alive but not 
common near Carrigart. 

V. angustior, Jeff.—Dead shells only, abundant in all the ‘‘ pockets” 
and in old deposits on Rosguill, but I found perfectly fresh-looking 
specimens on the Doaghmore dunes in Fanad, on the east side of 
Mulroy Bay, that seemed not long dead. 

Balea perversa, L.—A fewon trees at Doe Castle. 

Clausilla bidentata, Strom.—Very sparingly at one or two rocky 
localities near base of Ganiamore in 1893 and 1904. In comparison 
with its present scarcity the former abundance of this species is in- 
teresting. It occursin some of the old land-shell deposits, under 
some of the dunes at Rosapenna in the greatest profusion ; thousands 
may be collected in some of the larger dune hollows, yet not a trace 
of the living animal now to be found on or near the dunes anywhere. 


= 


7° The lrish Naturalist. _ March, 


It seems to point to distinctly altered conditions of life, possibly the 
destruction of the old Irish forests. Milne found this also on Achill 
(Journ. of Conch., 1891, p. 419). 

Carychium soanlnatad Miill.—On mossy dunes, ee and in 
the shell-pockets. 

Otina otis, Turton.—Mr. W. G. D. Walker sent me this in shell-sand 
from Rosapenna, March, 1902 (/.., xi., p. 174). 

Limnza peregra, Miill.—Several forms in Rosapenna and Melmore 
Loughs. A few in dried-up pools near Ganiamore, and Melmore 
Head. 

L. palustris, Miill.—In a shallow pool near Kinnalargy, in Melmore 
Lough, and pond on Melmore Head. 

L. truncatuia, Mill.—Common in drains near Melmore Head. 

Aplexa hypnorum, [,.--Met with only in one pool below Melmore 
Head, plentiful there. 

Planorbis albus, Miill—large specimens in Melmore Lough and 
pond on Melmore Head. 

P. gliaber, Jeff._-_This local species was first noticed by B. R. Lucas 
in Rosapenna Lough; lately I have also found it in Melmore Lough 
and at Melmore Head. 

P. crista; L.—In a pond at Melmore Head with the var. Py diieas on 
duckweed in a little stream running into Mulroy Bay, and in Rosa- 
penna Lough. 

Hydrobia ulvze, Penn.—In shell sand, Tramore. 

Valvata piscinalis; Miill—Common, Melmore Lough. 

V. cristata; Mill—-In Melmore Lough or the pond near Melmore 
Head. Iam not sure which. 

Pisidium fontinale, C. Pfr.—A few in Melmore Lough. 

P. miiium, Held.—With the last, also in little streams running into 
Mulroy Bay, north of Gortnalughoge Bay. 

P. obtusale, C. Pfr.—Melmore Lough only. 

P. pusillum, Gmel.—Rosapenna and Melmore Loughs, Gortnalug- 
hoge streams, and in a peaty tarn on Ganiamore, The var. grandis 
in a little pond at Melmore Head. 


I have to thank Mr. C. Oldham for examining the Pyszdza, 
and Mr. G. W. Taylor some varieties in other species for me. 


R. Standen’s list for the Old Kingdom of Fanad [ Journ. 
of Conch. vii, p.» 195] continues the survey eastward to 


Portsalon on Lough Swilly. 
Belfast, 


1906, 71 


OBITUARY. 


FREDERICK WILLIAM BURBIDGE, M.A., F.L.8., M.R.1.A. 


The death of Mr. F. W, Burbidge, late Curator of Trinity College 
Botanic Garden, Dublin, at a comparatively early age, has caused wide- 
spread feelings of regret throughout a large circle. Mr. Burbidge came 
to Ireland in 1879 to take up the position which he held until his death 
on 24th December last, and he soon became widely known amongst 
students and lovers of natural history and horticulture. His previous 
training had been such as eminently to qualify him for the position he 
filled with credit and distinction for so many years. 

From an early age he devoted himself to the study of plants. He be- 
came a student in the Horticultural Gardens, Chiswick, passed through 
the full course there, and took the principal prize when leaving. ‘This 
prize, a cheque for £4, he took to Lord Avebury, then Sir John Lubbock, 
to be cashed, and purchased a microscope. Mr. Burbidge has told the 
writer of the pleasant interview he had with Lord Avebury, and the 
kind encouragement he got to persevere in his studies; advice which 
bore good fruit. From Chiswick he went to Kew, where he attended 
classes, and perfected his drawing and painting. From Kew he joined 
the staff of Ze Garden newspaper, and many of its readers remember 
the interesting and instructive articles written by him, sometimes over 
his own name, sometimes over that of ‘‘ Veronica,’? or some other 
pseudonym, but no matter over what name the article appeared the 
charming, free and polished style, and the quality of the matter betrayed 
the real author. In 1877, in company with Mr. Peter Veitch, of Exeter, 
he went on a botanical collecting tour for Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, to 
Borneo and to the Sulu Archipelago, where he did excellent work, dis- 
covering many new plants of merit and interest, several of which he 
successfully introduced into cultivation, and some of which have been 
called after him. He took copious notes, and recorded with accuracy his 
observations of plants and animals in their natural surroundings, his 
analytical drawings of the flowers and plants he collected proving of 
great value to monographers when species came to be described. As 
already stated, he was appointed Curator of the College Gardens in 1879, 
and so highly was his work there appreciated, that the College authori- 
ties conferred on him the honorary degree of M.A. in 1888. 

Always a keen observer, and careful accurately to record his observa- 
tions, he succeeded in accumulating a vast number of valuable notes, 
and published several books which are held in high esteem in gardening 
circles. Amongst these are “The Art of Botanical Drawing,” “The 
Narcissus,” ‘Cool Orchids,” “Domestic Floriculture,’ ‘Cultivated 
Plants, their propagation and treatment,”’ (still about the best book on 
the subject), ‘‘ Gardens of the Sun,” ‘‘ Sweet scented Flowers,” &c. 


72 - ' The Irish Naturalist. March, 


From its commencement, Mr. Burbidge closely associated himself with 
the interests of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, eventually becoming 
its President in 1904. He was also a member of other scientific societies, 
such as the Linnean Society, and the Royal Irish Academy. The Royal 
Horticultural Society of England acknowledged his work by conferring 
on him the Victoria Medal of Honor in 1897, and he also held the Veitch 
Memorial Medal for distinguished services to horticulture. His genial, 
cheery manner, and the honest sincerity of his friendship are traits 
which have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of 
knowing him. 

FE. W, MM: 


SIR ROBERT LLOYD PATTERSON, D.L., F.LS. 


The civic and scientific life of Belfast will long feel the poorer for the 
loss of one of the most prominent of the many energetic ainateur na- 
turalists of the north. Sir R. Ll. Patterson passed away on January 29th, 
the immediate cause of his death being weakness, following on a uecessary 
operation. He had reached his seventieth year, having been born in 
Decetnber, 1836, the second son of Robert Patterson, F.R.S., one 
of the most famous of the eminent group of Ulster naturalists 
of the first half of the last century. Educated at the Royal Aca- 
demical Institution and at Stuttgart, he entered business life as 
a flax merchant when only twenty-two years of age; and he did not 
retire until 1886. His untiring and energetic work on _ behalf 
of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, which he joined in 1864, and of 
which he held the Presidency in 1880 and again in 1896, was recognised 
by the warm esteem in which be was universally held in northern 
business and municipal circles; and the knighthood conferred on him in 
1902 was no surprise to any who knew his work for the good of his native 
city. 

A a naturalist Sir R. Ll. Patterson will be remembered for his obser- 
vations, carried on through many years, of the animals of Belfast Lough. 
He was an enthusiastic yachtsman, and took every opportunity of 
watching the habits of sea birds and other denizens of the waters. His 
studies on these subjects were embodied in his well-known book: “ The 
Birds, Fishes, and Cetacea of Belfast Lough,” publishedin 1888. Notes 
from his pen appeared from time to time in the pages of the /ézs, the 
Zoologist, the Field, and the Jrish Naturalist. In the establishment and 
progress of this magazine he ever took a kindly interest. 

In the scientific societies of Belfast he was always a well-known and 
popular figure. For forty years he was a member of the Belfast Natural 
History and Philosophical Society, and for two periods—in 1881-2 
and 1882-3, and again in 1894-5 and 1895-6—he occupied the presidential 
chair. For the furtherance of this Society—of which his father had been 
one of the founders in 1821—he never spared himself, and the Belfast 
Naturalists’ Field Club also found in him a willing helper. During the 


1906. Obituary. 73 


last few years he took great interest in the establishment of the Ulster 
Fisheries and Riology Association, of which he was a Vice-President. 
One of his latest public benefits was the generous help which he gave to the 
* Patterson Museum” in connection with the Belfast ‘“‘ People’s Palace” ; 
and by his will provision is made for valuable additions and improve- 
ments to the Municipal Art Gallery. His business enterprise, public 
spirit, scientific enthusiasm, and unaffected kindliness, will never be for- 
gotten in the northern city that he loved and served so well. 


Gy Tee; 


REVIEW. 
TWO SCIENTIFIC ANNUALS. 


The Science Year Book and Diary for 1906. Edited by Major 
B. F. S. BADEN-POWELL. Pp. 210 and 365 + vi. London: King, 
Sell, and Olding, Ltd.. Price, 5s. net. 


The Naturalists’ Directory, 1906. Pp. 188. London: L. Upcott 
Gill 7-Price rs Gd. net: 


These two welcome annuals cannot fail to be useful to men of science. 
In the first named will be found notes and tables on Astronomy, 
Geography, Physics, Chemistry, and Metecrology, reviews of the past 
year’s progress in various departments of science by specialists, and a 
directory of periodicals, universities, societies, and of scientific indi- 
viduals, with biographical details; the volume concludes with a 
comprehensive diary. With regard to the sciences which come within 
our scope, we may mention that the summary on Botany is written by 
Mr. Geo. Massee, of Kew Gardens, that on Zoology by Mr. W. P. Pycraft 
of the British Museum, that on Physiology by Dr. Felix Oswald, that on 
Geography by Mr. Edward Heawood, and that on Geology by Mr. Henry 
J. Seymour, of the Irish Geological Survey. 

The information in the lists and directory seems on the whole to be 
accurate, but we notice that the staff of the Irish Geological Survey, as 
given on p. 138, represents that body as it existed five or six years ago. 

Mr. Gill’s “ Naturalist’s Directory” improves with each year of issue, 
divers omissions being filled up and errors rectified. Unfortunately the 
practice of printing advertisements on pages aiternating With the text 
has not been abandoned, though we can conceive of nothing more calcu- 
lated to repel the user of an otherwise handy and pleasant little volume. 


74 | The Irish Naturalist. March, 


NOTES. 


The use of the word “ British.” 


The proposal to substitute the term ‘‘ Britannic” for ‘ British and 
Irish” or ‘belonging to the British Isles”’ strikes me as meeting the 
needs of the case admirably, alike on grounds of convenience and of 
common-sense; and I venture to predict that it will soon pass into 
general use, in this sense. 


EDWARD S. MARSHALL. 
Taunton., 


I feel gratified that my suggestion as to the meaning of these adjectives 
has met with approval both from a “ British” and an “Irish” naturalist. I 
made the suggestion with some diffidence, fearing that the exclusion of 
Ireland from the British area (biologically considered) might be offensive 
to the imperial feelings of some of my colleagues. It was with much 
satisfaction, therefore, that I noticed the use of the term “ British” in 
the sense advocated by me (so as to exclude what is Irish) made by one 
whose imperial enthusiasm is above all suspicion, in a recent allusion to 
a section of the “ Britannic’ fauna. Speaking of the highest family of 
our indigenous mamumalia, the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour is reported 
to have asked at Inverness on January 18th the question —‘‘ Was not that 
playing wth the British and with the Irish people ?” 

Gro. H. CARPENTER. 

Dublin. 


ZOOLOGY. 


Beetles from three Counties. 


Besides the Peaderus caligatus Er. from Co. Wexford already recorded 
(ante p. 14), the following which were sent with it by my friend Mr. J. H. 
Johnston, deserve meution—JSvadycellus distinctus, Dej., Demetrias atrica- 
pillus, 1,., Cercyon lugubris, Payk., Ces bolet?, Scop., Ptinus fur, ly. Lagria hirta, 
L., Apion cruentatum, Walt. None of these species are particularly rare, 
but Cercyon lugubris has not been previously recorded from Leinster nor 
Ptinus fur from Wexford. I hope my friend will go on collecting, for he 
has made an excellent start, and has a capital coadjutorin Rev. J. Mont- 
gomery Browne. 

I got a bag of moss at Omeath, Co. Louth, in November last; but the 
resultant beetles were rather disappointing both in quantity and quality. 
My best captures were Quedius puncticollis, Thorns., Q. vufipes, Grav., Stenus 
declaratus, Er., Mycetoporus splendidus, Grav. (this pretty little Staplylinid 
is widely spread from Donegal to Kerry, but it never seems to occur in 
any great numbers; I do not think I ever got more than two or three at 
oue time); Szfones cambricus, Steph. 


1906. Notes. 75 


In several bags of moss from this neighbourhood I have taken plenty 
of beetles, butnot many worth recording. Bembidum obtusum, Sturm., 
occurred sparingly as it usually does, and I noticed in lamp-light a blue 
reflection on the elytra which I had not observed before. I was pleased 
to take three species of Choleva, viz., C. angustata, F., C. agilis, Ul., and C. 
tristis, Panz.; unfortunately I only got a couple of specimens of each. In 
each of two bags of moss taken from a particular spot I got single speci- 
mens of each of these Choleve ; Baryperthes sulcifrons, Boh. occurred pretty 
freely in the same spot as the Choleva. 


W. F. JOHNSON. 
Acton Glebe, Poyntzpass. 


Some new Molluscan Records for Co. Tyrone. 


Knowing that Tyrone had been somewhat neglected by concholo- 
gists, we have often intended to visit it, but until January 22, 1906, our 
hopes were not realized. Unfortunately the day chosen for the ‘‘ hunt” 
turned out frosty, otherwise a larger list than 36 species would have 
been recorded. ‘The district visited was that lying west of the mouth of 
the Blackwater. This includes the Coalisland canal and part of the 
shore of Lough Neagh. The rejectamenta in Washing Bay, Lough 
Neagh, proved our best collecting ground, in this flood refuse the follow- 
ing species were taken :—Agrtolimax agrestis—in considerable numbers in 
various stages of decomposition, Helix hispida, Succinea putris, S. elegans, 
Limnea stagnalis, L. peregra and var. lacustris, Planorbis carinatus, P. albus 
(rare), Hydrobia Jenkensi, Bythinia tentaculata, Valvata piscinahs, Spherium 
corneum, Pisidium amnicum, P. fontinale, P. pusillum. The Hydrobia ac- 
couuted for nearly 75 per cent. of the shelly part of the rejectamenta, in 
fact, it could have been easily collected with a shovel. With the excep- 
tion of a few of the Zzmuce all of the above were dead shells. 

The following 16 records are new to Tyrone, according to the Coticho- 
logical Society’s Census of 1902 :—Arionw subfuscus, A. hortensts, A. circum 
scriptus, Agrtolimax agrestis, Hyalinia pura, Balea perversa, Succinea putris, 
Planorbis albus, P. carinatus, Physa fontinalis, Limnea stagnalis, Lythinta ten- 
taculata, Hydrobia Jenkinst, Valvata cristata, Pisidium amnicum, P. fontinale. 
On our way home a few mollusca were collected in Co. Armagh, of which 
the following are new to the county :—Arion circumscriptus, Limax arborum, 
Vitrina pellucida, Balea perversa, and Succinea putris. All the above were 
taken at the Armagh end of Verner’s Bridge, which crosses the Black- 
water about 14 miles north of the railway. It might be well to mention 
that at this point the Blackwater forms the boundary between Armagh 
and Tyrone. We have used Dr. Scharff’s nomenclature, as given in 7, ¥,, 
vol, 1., 1892, in the above lists. 

J. N. MILNE, 


A. W. STELFOX. 
Belfast, 


76 The Irish Naturalist. March, 


A new station for Helix virgata. 


While collecting near Magheramourue on January 13 this year, we dis- 
covered a very local but numerous colony of this species, on the railway 
embankment, about a quarter of a mile north of Magheramourne 
station, along with ZH. cagervata and H. rufescens. It is probable that two of 
these three species have been introduced with ballast, and one of the 
railway employees informed us that he remembered ballasting this par- 
ticular portion of the line with gravel that came from a ship at Larne. 
Neither Z. virgata nor H. rufescens seem to have spread from the railway, 
but this cannot be said of H. caperata, as H. l. Orr and J. N. Milne have 
both taken it previously on the old quarry tip, and J. N. Milne has also 
taken it,'two years ago, above the present quarry, fully half a mile from 
the colony. We, ourselves, on 13 January, took a few specimens where 
the quarry tramway runs under the county road. From this it seems to 
us just possible that there may have been an original colony of Z. caperata 
there. The Z. virgata are very different from the Ballycastle, North 
Antrim, form, much higher in the spire, and more varied in colour and 
markings. 

J. N. MILNE 


; A. W. STELFOX. 
Belfast. 


Land and Freshwater Mollusca from Co, Roscommon. 


Mr. B. St. G. Lefroy sends me the following species from Termonbarry 
and the Shannon near there. Roscommon records being few and far 
between, these are welcome towards future county lists :—Limax maximus, 
L. marginatus, Agriolimax agrestis, Limneaa peregra, Planorbts carinatus, P. 
vortex, Bythtnia tentaculata, Neritina fluviatilis, Spherium corneum, Pistdium 
pusillum. 


R. WELCH. 
Belfast. 


Rock Pipit at Sea. 


On Monday, 22nd January last, when crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, 
I noticed a small bird flitting over the waves towards the steamer. As it 
caine quite close to the boat it raised its flight, and, reaching the*rig- 
ging, it alighted for a short time on one of the ropes. After a couple 
of minutes it flew off. It was strong on the wing. When it came on 
board we were about eight miles from the South Stack lighthouse. To 
the best of my belief the bird was a Rock Pipit (Authus obscurus), but as I 
had not my field glass with me, and I was only permitted a very short 
time to make observation, I will not state dogmatically that it was not 
Anthus pratensis, or even a rare species. 


C.J. PArDERN, 
Sheffield. 


1906. Notes. 77 


Grey Crow at Jerrettspass, Co. Armagh. 


When driving to Newry on January 27 I saw a Grey Crow (Corvus 
corntx, I.) sitting in a tree by the roadside between Jerrettspass and 
Goraghwood. This is the first time I have seen this bird about here 
since I began my residence, now ten years since. 

W. F. JOHNSON. 

Acton Glebe, Poyntzpass. 


Greenland Falcon in Co. Antrim. 


On Monday, 12th February, a male Greenland Falcon (Falco candicans) 
was shot on the top of the mountain called the Knockagh, near Carrick- 
fergus, by Mr. Paul Logan. It was brought to me in the flesh, and was 
in beautiful condition. Its stomach contained the remains of a Lark. 
This arctic Falcon has not occurred in Co. Antrim since 1865, when one 
was shot on Rathlin Island. In view of the visitation of these birds to 
the west coast of Ireland last spring, it will be interesting to hear if the 
recent wintry weather has brought any more of them to the inhospitable 
shores of Ireland. 

ROBERT PATTERSON. 

Holywood, Co. Down. 


Albino Common Snipe in Co. Wicklow. 


Early in January of this year, my friends, Messrs. R. Goodisson and E. 
C. Mowbray, saw a pure white Snipe on a bog at the base of Connagh 
Hill, near Hollyfort. A few days later my brother and I shot over the 
same ground; but a sharp frost had almost cleared out the birds, and we 
failed to findit. Jack Snipe have been unusually abundant this season ; 
out of 108 birds obtained, 30 belonged to this species. As arule, we have 
shot less than a dozen in the district. 

EDWARD S. MARSHALL. 

Taunton. 


Sagacity of Gulls. 


At Magilligan Strand, Co. Derry, Ihave, on several occasions. watched 
the seagulls, in numbers together, breaking the shells of molluscs on 
the hard, sandy beach, in the way described by Mr. Colgan. The gull 
would let itself drop at the same moment as the shell, anc reach the 
ground almost simultaneously with it, checking its fall by a sudden 
movement of the wings when within a few inches of the ground, and 
having swallowed its prey, would proceed to look for more. Is there not 
an ancient story related of a certain philosopher, killed by an eagle, that 
mistook his cranium for a white stone, and dropped a tortoise on it? 


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


78 The Irish Naturalist. March, 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


JANUARY 30.—The annual general meeting was held in the rooms of 
the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson-street, the Right Hon. Jonathan 
Hogg, Vicé-Presiden*t in the chair. 

The report stated that 15,000 more people had visited the Garden in 
1905 than in the previous year, and £100 more was taken at the turnstiles 
The receipts from entrance fees and subscriptions amounted to £752 185.— 
the largest amount the Society had ever received from this source, so 
that a substantial balance was carried over to next year’s account. 
Building had been gradually extended. The Council had been able to 
erect a very large open-air aviary on the far side of the lake. As this 
aviary was 90 feet long and about 50 feet wide, by 20 feet high, there 
was space for sufficient freedom of movemeut. In order that some of 
the water birds might also find a congenial home in this large enclosure 
a portion of the lake has been fenced in so as to form part of the cage. 
About half a dozen trees had been left in the aviary, and it was proposed 
to plant shrubs and other undergrowth, as well asto construct wind 
shelters. Having noticed that many species of parrots and parrakeets 
were quite hardy enough to withstand winter temperature in the open, 
the Council had turned over one-half of the smaller old aviary to their 
sole use. The other half of the same structure, which had been divided 
in the middle by a wire screen, had been allocated to a group of Rhesus 
Monkeys. The Council had this year allowed the Rhea, or South 
American Ostrich, and also its near relation, the Emu, to have complete 
liberty in the grounds, Similarly the Pelicans had been set free. Pro- 
bably other birds would join them next year. The Giraffe House has 
been provided with a brick floor, small shelters lad been erected in the 
open-air rodent enclosure, and changes had been made in its internal 
fittings, the large Bear Den had been strengthened, and an iron hut had 
been built in it. With regard to the Council’s future plans, it had been 
deemed of urgent necessity for many years past to enlarge and improve 
the accommodation for Anthropoid Apes. A special committee was 
charged with the details of the scheme, and it was found that the most 
economical method of carrying out the Council’s views was to turn the 
whole of the existing small room attached to the Monkey House into one 
or two cages. The Council had now decided to adopt the comiittee’s 
recommendation, and the work would be commenced immediately. It 
had also been agreed upon that an unheated house for the various 
smaller Mammalia should be constructed, so asto prevent overcrowding 
in the Monkey House, and to enable the Council eventually to use the 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 79 


latter entirely for monkeys. It has been referred to in previous reports 
that one pair of lions—Remus and Vesta— were placed in an open air den 
in 1902. This was, therefore, the fourth winter which they were spend- 
ing in the open air in an unheatedcage. In September last this pair 
had two young, viz, one male and one female, but unfortunately, they 
were both killed by the mother. ‘‘ Pluto” and ‘‘Lady Macbeth” had a 
litter of three cubs in May last, viz., two females and one male. One of 
these was exported to the west of Ireland, the remainder went to 
Germany. Finally, in August, ‘“‘ Pluto” and “‘ Dido” had a litter of two 
males aud one female cub. The Council had thus had eight cubs during 
the year, of which six hadsurvived. It was ratherremarkable that only 
four out of these eight should have been males, as the male cubs, as a 
rule, were more nnmerous than the females. There were, therefore, 
eighteen specimens in the Gardens at present, eight of which were lions 
and ten lionesses, and ten of these eighteen were Irish by birth. Once 
more the Council had trusted largely to donations or exchanges, and had 
refrained from spending any large sum of money on buying animals. 
When any real bargains, however, were in the market, as the Ant-eater, 
the Nigger monkey, the Slender Loris, and some of the Lemurs, it was 
considered advisable to secure them. ‘The Council had also been able to 
effect some exchanges, which enriched the Society’s collections by 
fourteen specimens. Altogether the Council had added by purchase or 
exchange 120 specimens. The amount spent on purchases this year 
amounted to the moderate sum of £148. Altogether 271 specimens had 
been added tothe Society’s collection during the year. In only a few 
cases of the deaths, in such where it seemed particularly desirable, wasa 
post-morteui examination made. The remainder of the dead animals 
were sold. The post-mortem examinations were performed asin previous 
years by Principal Mettam in the Royal Veterinary College. As in 
human beings so also among animals, a great many deaths were due to 
tubercular disease. Thus the White-tailed Guu which had lived in the 
Gardens for five years died from tuberculosis. Sodid a Sambur deer and 
an antelope. The Pigmy Bull suffered from pneumonia, and one of the 
Striped Hyzenas succumbed after an attack of pleurisy complicated by 
peritonitis. A young Leopard which died shortly after being presented 
was found to be affected by ulceration of the stomach, and a penguin 
suffered from acute inflammation of the saine organ. The Council’s silver 
medal for the best set of photographs of animals in the Gardens was 
awarded to Mr. C. C. Haughton. 

The adoption of the report was moved by Mr. Justice Ross, and 
seconded by Mr. George Brett, and carried unanimously. The Earl of 
Dudley having resigned the presidency of the Society on his departure 
from Ireland, the Right Hon. Jonathan Hogg was elected to the vacant 
chair, while Mr. W. E. Peebles’ long and invaluable services to the Society 
were recognised by his election as an honorary Vice-President. The 
Duke of Bedford and Dr. P. Chalmers Mitchell were elected honorary 
members. 


80 The Lrish Naturalist. March, 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


JANUARY 10.—The Club met at Leinster House. 

Dr. R. F. SCHARFF exhibited a piece of cloth which he had obtained 
in abog in Co. Antrim, along with a number of interesting hu man 
implements. He thought the cloth was manufactured from horse hair, 
but had not been able to identify it with certainty. 

J. N. HALBERT exhibited a fresh-water mite, Laminipes bullata, Sig. 
Thor, not previously recorded from the British Isles. A single speci- 
men was found in a pool by the side of Lough Leane, Killarney. The 
species was quite recently described by Sig. Thor from Scandinavian 
specimens (Archiv. fiir Math. og Naturv., vol. xxi.) 

Dr. G.'H. PETHYBRIDGE exhibited two species of wild yeast or torula, 
which he had isolated from ‘‘blown” tins of condensed milk. These 
yeasts are capable of fermenting saturated solutions of cane sugar, pro- 
vided the other substances necessary for their nutrition are present. 
By their action on the cane sugar, which exists asa saturated solution 
in the tins of condensed milk, and is added during the process of manu- 
facture, a strong accumulation of gas occurs, so that the ends of the 
tin become bulged outwards, and the tins are said to be “blown.” The 
two species exhibited had both been proved by experiment to be 
capable of blowing tins of condensed milk. A full account has been 
published in the Zcon. Proc. Roy. Dub, Soc., vol. 1., part 7, 1906. 

W. F. Gunn showed seeds of MNemesza strumosa compacta, and drew 
attention to the wing-like appendage with which it is provided. A 
beautiful network projection runs round the periphery of the seed 
(which is flatly spherical in shape), and, no doubt, aids in its distribution 
by wind wheu the seed is mature. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JANUARY 3.—Robert Patterson (Vice-President) in «the  +chaig 
ALEXANDER MILLIGAN read a comprehensive paper on ‘“ Prehistoric 
Man.” ‘he paper was discussed by Mrs. Hobson, W. Gray, R. Bell, and 
G. Donaldson, and the chairman. 

JANUARY 1I0.--GEOLOGICAL SECTION.—G. C. Gough in {he chairs rd. 
STRACHAN read a paper on “The Origin of the Carnmoney Chalcedony.” 
The mineral occurs in veins traversing the denuded plug of a Tertiary 
volcano. The vein-sides are coated with three layers—first a layer of 
“Hullite,” next a layer of calcium carbonate and zeolites, aud finally a 
layer of chalcedony, often filling the centre of the vein. The reader tried 
to show from both chemical and geological points of view that the 
chalcedony and portions of the calcite or zeolitic layer had been deposited 
by hydrothermal action, as the volcano died out. : 

JANUARY 16—W. H. Phillips (President) in the chair. MADAME 
CHRISTEN contributed “A Summary of the Club’s recent Glacial Work,” 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 81 


After a brief reference to the origin of the work some dozen years ago 
in response to a circular from the Erratic Blocks Committee of the 
British Association to Corresponding Societies in Ireland, the reader 
described the manner of investigating each locality; the formation of a 
collection of Irish rocks and erratics for the Club, the submission of frag- 
ments of unfamiliar erratics to members of the Geological Survey and 
other experts in Dublin, London, and elsewhere, for identification, for 
the purpose of ascertaining their parent locality, which in conjunction 
with the study of strice left by the ice that flowed over Ireland gave 
valuable information as to its direction. One hundred and seven different 
erraticsoccurred in our North-Eastern drifts, many having travelled 
from Scotland. Special reference was made to the wide distribution of 
fragments of Ailsa Craig rock over Ireland, England, and Wales, as well 
as Antrim flints. The occurrence of marine organisms in our drift 
deposits, studied and recorded in the Club’s Proceedings a quarter of a 
century ago by Mr. Wright and Mr. Stewart, has become another factor 
ofimportance in indicating the direction of ice currents, since the con- 
ception of great confluent icefields moving outward over Great Britain 
and Ireland filling the North Channel and Irish Sea, has gradually taken 
the place of the former hypothesis of adeep submergence under arctic 
conditions, whose difficulties were ably pointed out by the Rev. Maxwell 
Close some forty years ago. The description of this work commenced 
with the supposed intrusion of a mass of Scottish ice in our Ballycastle 
district, which glaciated the surface of the headlands, scattering erratics 
from Cantyre, the Clyde, and Ailsa Craig over Rathlin, north-east 
Ulster, and passing on to meet with similar sheets of Irish origin with their 
cargo of local rocks streaming on by Lough Neagh, Belfast,and the Mourne 
Mountains southward over the centre of Ireland. The thirty-six localities 
investigated are fully described in detailed manuscript schedules in the 
possession of the Club, tables of the resnlts being compiled for publica- 
tion in its Proceedings. These thirty-six deposits were roughly grouped 
together (proceeding from Fair Head southward to Newry and Kilkeel) 
as inland, sea-shore, or mountain localities, and the special erratic facies 
of each type pointed out, the constant presence of Ailsa and North 
Antrim rocks, and the graduai introduction of rocks from the West in- 
creasing as the review passes southward, contrasted with the unexpected 
occurrence of rocks of southern origin north of their parental district. 
This led up to a mention of Lake Belfast, a great sheet of fresh water 
depositing sands and gravels described in the recent Memoir on the 
drift deposits round Belfast published in 1904 by the Geological Survey 
ofIreland. Further investigations are urgently needed to confirm or 
refute these interesting speculations, but the importance of careful and 
detailed local records was strongly insisted upon. A short reference to 
the fascination of erratic-hunting and the pleasant friendships developed 
between the members of Field Naturalists’ Clubs concluded the paper. 

W. J. KNOWLES read a paper on “ Stone Axe Factories near Cushen- 
dall.” The papers were discussed by W. Gray, R. Welch, Joseph Wright, 
C. M. Cunningham, R. Bell, R. May, and G, C. Gough. 


82 The lrish Naturalist. March, 


JANUARY 24.—Robert Patterson (Vice-President) in the chair. W. H. 
GALLWAY read a paper entitled ‘‘A chat about British Starfishes,” in 
which he described and illustrated the characters of the different orders 
of Echincdermata. ; 

FEBRUARY 7.—Robert Patterson (Vice-President) in the chair. Mrs. 
HOBSON read a paper on “ Dene-holes and Souterrains.” The paper was 
discussed by Arthur Deane, Alex. Milligan, Miss Andrews, W. H. 
Milligan, and the chairman. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JANUARY 10.—NATURAL History MuskuM.—Under the guidance of 
Prof. Carpenter, the Club visited this section of the National Museum. 
Special attention was directed to the cases illustrating the factors of 
organic evolution, the distribution of animals, and the Irish collections. 
When the newest additions to the Museum had been inspected the party 
viewed the animal remains lately found in the caves of Sligo and Clare, 
and Dr. R. F. Scharff kindly showed some of the study collections, espe- 
ciaily the vast accumulation of bones resulting from the exploration of 
Irish caves. . 

JANUARY 13.—The Annual General Meeting was held in the Royal Irish 
Academy House, C. B. Morrat, B.A.,in the chair. A vote of condolence, 
proposed by Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGH, and seconded by W. F. GUNN, with 
reference to the death of the President (F. W. Burbidge, M.A.), was 
passed. A vote of condolence with reference to the death of Mr. Edward 
Williams, proposed by R. M. BARRINGTON, LU.B., and seconded by 
J. de W. HINCcH, was also passed. The Annual Report and Statement of 
Accounts for 1905 were submitted and adopted. The names of the officers 
and committee for 1906 were then placed before the meeting. The in- 
coming President (C. B. Morrat, B.A,), delivered an inaugural address, 
dealing with “Some different conceptions of the Struggle for Existence,” 
which will be published in the “zsh Naturalist. ‘The Officers and Com- 
mittee for 1906 are as follow:—President, C. B. Moffat, B.A.; Vice- 
President, G. H: Pethybridge, Ph.D., 3B:Se.;~Hon: aA reasurer, ike 
Gore Cuthbert; Hon. Secretaries, J. de W. Hinch, F. O’B. Elison, B.A. 
Committee :—W. B. Bruce, Prof. G. H. Carpenter, B.Sc., Miss Garner, 
W. F. Gunn, J. N. Halbert, D. Houston, F.1..S., Miss M. C. Knowles, 
Miss M‘Intosh, B.A.,C. Murray, B.A., R. Ll. Praeger, A. Roycroft J. F. 
Sheehy-Skeffington, M.A, 


1906 Proceedings of Lrish Societies. 83 


TYRONE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 

A meeting of the Tyrone Naturalists’ Field Club was held in the Tech- 
nical Institute, Dungannon, on 6th February, when Rev. Samuel Lindsay, 
B A.,occupied thechair. Arrangements were made for a course of public 
lectures during the next two months, the subjects being “Canterbury, 
and the Gothic Art of England,” by W. J. Fennell, M.R.LA.: “ Primitive 
Man,” by G. C. Gough, Queen’s College, Belfast ; ‘* The Feathered World,” 
by N. H. Foster, and “‘ The Botanist in Ireland,” by R. Lloyd Praeger. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


FEBRUARY 9.—Mr. JOHN BROWN, F.R.S. lectured in the Grosvenor 
Hall on “ With the British Association in Africa.” 


IRISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 


The second annual meeting was held at the Royal Irish Academy on 
January 26, Dr. James Little in the chair. There was a good attendance. 
The report contained the following, among other items :— 

It has been decided that in future the Society shall be named ‘‘ The 
Irish Society for the Protection of Birds.” Our main work has 
been directed towards securing the protection of birds during the 
close season, and accordingly letters were sent to the County Councils 
of Mayo, Galway, Donegal, and Kerry, asking them to appeal to the 
Lord Lieutenant for power to render it illegal to take or destroy 
the eggs of birds included in a carefully considered scheduled list. 
At the same time other members undertook to write to influential 
acquaintances in these counties. The result has been somewhat dis- 
appointing. Donegal and Kerry did not reply. Mayo and Galway sent 
in their papers with some technical informality, and so lost the oppor- 
tunity for last year, but we hope to gain them safely next spring. Since 
then Mr. May has spared no pains to procure the protection in Co. 
Dublin of the eggs of the Peregrine, Kestrel, Raven, Owls, Skylark, Terns, 
Oyster-catcher, Herring Gull, Green Cormorant, Ringed Plover, and Black 
Guillemot, and has also been instrumental in having the close time 
extended to Deceniber Ist in every year for the following birds :—Bull- 
finch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Redpoll, Linnet, Skylark, and Terns. Both 
orders have now been duly gazetted. Our Society has exercised special 
care over the young Terns at Malahide, placing a watcher in the neigh- 
bourhood of their nests, and it is gratifying to find that the birds have 
enormously increased in their habitat. The Hon. Secretaries were kindly 
accorded an interview with Sir Horace Plunkett, who expressed agree- 
ment with the objects of our Society from an economic point of view, 
and has since informed them that a leaflet on the subject has been 


84 The Irish Naturalist. _ March, 1905. 


prepared, and is to be put into circulation amongst farmers and others 
likely to be interested, in all parts of the country. A considerable amount 
of literature on all questions of bird protection was supplied to the 
stand of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the Horse 
Show at Ballsbridge, and was distributed amongst the visitors. We hope 
this may bring our Society before the country in a more extended way 
than is possible on any other occasion. 

In December the Society invited Mr. R. Kearton, F.Z.S., to give a 
lecture, illustrated by limelight slides, in the theatre of the Royal 
Dublin Society, lent by the kind permission of the Council. ‘The hall 
was crowded with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience. We have 
lately received the satisfactory news that the first of the lessons prepared 
at the request of our Society is to appear, with illustrations, in the next 
number of Blackie’s “ Irish School Journal,” and another in the following 
issue. Later on Mr. Blackie intends to publish the two together in a 
booklet for the use of the schools. During the spring and summer 
several of the Associates much enjoyed the Bird Walks—as suggested in 
our last report—under the guidance of the Hon. Secretary and Mrs. W. 
Webb. The Associates also sentin their note-books, which showed much 
care in observation. The prize was won by Miss Frances Hart. 

It is satisfactory to be able to state that our list of Members and Asso- 
ciates has been more than doubled during the year. A correspondence 
with the Game Protection Association was carried on, and Mr. Barrington 
interviewed some members of the Committee and found they would be 
pleased to-operate with our Society whenever possible. We have to 
thank the Press for many encouraging notices of our work. 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


The Dublin Museum Staff. 


We are glad to record that the old ‘Technical Assistantship”’ in the 
Natural History branch of the Dublin Museum has been transformed into 
a full Assistantship, and that Mr. Rowland Southern, of London 
University and the Royal College of Science for Ireland, has been 
appointed to the new post after limited competition. 


Nevin H. Foster. 


At a recent meeting of the Council of the Belfast Natural History and 
Philosophical Society, Nevin H. Foster, M.B.O.U., was co-opted a mem- 
ber of the Council. We congratulate the Council on the wisdom shown 
by the selection of Mr. Foster, who will undoubtedly anc the 
natural history portion of the Society’s work. 


7 


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Additions to Irish ‘Topographical Sere in -1905. =k In Rees 
PRAEGER, B.A., M.R IA. (concluded) 1S: Se 33a 
Land and Freshwater Mollusca of N. W. en (Plate 2) je Saat ee 


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Sir R. Li. Patterson (G. H. C.), : 33 


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NOTES :-— 


The Use of the word “ British.”—Rev. E. S, pata M.A., Prof. - 
G. H. CARPENTER, 
Beetles from Three Counties. Rev. Ww. F, JoHNSON, M. 1 
New Molluscan Records from Co. Tyrone.—J. N. MILNE and A. w. 
STELFOX, -. Gs 
A new Station for Helix virgata. —J.N. MILNE and A. W. STELFOX, 
Mollusca from Co. Roscommon.—R. WELCH, M.R.1.A,, 
Rock Pipit at Sea.—Prof.C. J. PATTEN, M.D., <% eS 
Grey Crow at Jerrett’s Pass, Co. Antrim. —Rev. W. F. JOHNSON, M.A. ta 
Greenland Falcon in Co. Antrim.—R. PATTERSON, M.R.LA., 
Albino Snipe in Co. Wicklow.—Rev. &. S. MARSHALL, M. Ag. 
Sagacity of Gulls.—W. E. Hart, 


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April, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 85 


OPEN AIR TREATMENT OF MONKEYS IN THE 
DUBLIN ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 


BY R. F. SCHARFF, PH.D., B.SC. 
[PLATE 3.] 


IN reviewing the Report for 1905 of the Royal Zoological 
Society of Ireland, the Editors of the /rish Naturalist have 
already referred to the fact that during the past year a 
group of Rhesus Monkeys has been turned out into an 
open-air enclosure. As this experiment is a somewhat novel 
one and has been attended with considerable success, the 
Editors have kindly invited me to contribute a few further 
remarks on the subject, which I am very willing to do. I 
have also ventured to accompany this article by a coloured 
illustration from the Society’s Report, which demonstrates 
at a glance one of the principal features of the experiment 
which the Council of the Society have carried out. 

The picture shows a number of Monkeys sitting in the 
snow, and eating their meal apparently in perfect comfort. 
Until quite recently it was thought that the only way to keep 
Monkeys-successfully in confinement was to cuddle them up 
in hot houses, so as to imitate as closely as possible the 
climatic conditions of their tropicai homes. But our know- 
ledge of the geographical range of Monkeys has increased 
considerably within the last few years. Travellers who have 
visited the inclement regions of Tibet have reported the 
occurrence of Monkeys. The snow-clad mountains of 
Northern China and the Dupleix Mountains of Western China 
up to a height of 13,000 feet are said also to be inhabited by 
Monkeys, while it has been known for some time that they 
live in the neighbourhood of Pekin, where the thermometer 
often registers a temperature of 10 degrees below zero in 
winter. Now all these cold regions are inhabited by Monkeys 
belonging to the genus Macacus, a tribe which also formerly 
lived in Central Europe, and which is still represented on the 
Continent by the Barbary Macaque on the Rock of Gibraltar. 
In any experiment of open air treatment, the Council of the 
Society acted clearly with forethought in choosing a species 
of this widely distributed genus. 

A 


86 The Irish Naturalhst. April, 


The Rhesus Monkey is, perhaps, the species of Macaque 
most easily obtainable, as it is common throughout Northern 
India and is frequently exported to Europe. But it has really 
a much wider range than that. It has recently been obtained 
in Kashmir, and occurs there probably up to a height of 10,000 
feet, while a colony is said to exist on the hills above Simla 
which are over 8,o00 feet in height. Itisthere found in herds 
of considerable size, generally composed of both sexes. Asa 
rule only one young is produced at birth, and they become 
adult at the age of four or five years. 

Since our herd of over a dozen Rhesus Monkeys was put 
into the open cage last sunimer, they have thriven well. They 
have no artificial heat either night or day, and they are fre- 
quently seen taking a bath and a swim in the small pond 
which is in the enclosure. They are fond of fruit, nuts, and 
most kinds of seeds, of which they can stow away a consider- 
able amount in their large cheek pouches for mastication at 
leisure. In their wild state they are said to live also upon 
insects, so that the feeding in confinement has never pre- 
sented any difficulties. Their prominent superciliary ridges 
give them rather a fierce look, and they are a particularly 
quarrelsome species, though also full of fun and ceaseless 
activity. It is to be hoped that eventually this species will 
breed in our Dublin Gardens, and that we may be able to 
supply other gardens with hardy Irish Monkeys just as we 
have done with our Irish Lions, which are now well known 
products in the Lion market of the world. 


Dublin Museum. 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


The Swiney Lectureship. 


We are very pleased to announce that Dr. R. F. Scharff, keeper of the 
Dublin Museum, has been appointed Swiney Lecturerin Geology for the 
next two years, and that he will consequently deliver two coursesin the 
autumn inonths of 1906 and 1907 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, 
London. For his first course Dr. Scharff has chosen the subject of 
“The Geological History of the European Fauna,” which he has made 
so peculiarly his own. 


gee 


906. 87 


A NEW IRISH POLYZOON. 
HyYPOPHORELLA EXPANSA, KHLERS 
BY A. R. NICHOLS, M.A., M.R.LA, 


TuIs interesting Polyzoon, which inhabits passages that it 
forms in the substance of the tubes of certain marine worms 
(Chzetopterus and Lanice), has been found at a few places off 
the Continent of Europe, but has hitherto only been recorded 
from British coasts by Harmer, who found it in Cheetopterus 
tubes dredged in 30 fathoms off Plymouth.! 

I have been working recently on the Polyzoa of the Irish 
coasts and have examined some tubes of Chzetopterus dredged 
by the late A. G. More in Broadhaven, on the coast of 
Mayo, in July, 18737. By stripping off thin iayers from the 
inner surface of these peculiar parchment-like tubes and 
exainining them with the microscope, I soon discovered the 
presence of Hypophorella expansa by the delicate thread-like 
connexions (stolons) between the zocecia; a few zocecia in a 
rather damaged condition and some of the small holes through 
which the tentacles are protruded into the interior of the worm 
tube could also be seen. ‘he appearance, under the micro- 
scope, of those portions of the layer which contained colonies 
of Hypophorella, resembled closely the figures given by 
Joyeux-Laffuie.* 

This Polyzoon was found by Ehlers in the substance of the 
tubes of Zerebella (Lanice) conchilega and named Hypophorella 
expansa; subsequently it was found in the tubes of Chzetopterus 
by Joyeux-Laffuie, who, not recognizing it as the same species 
that Ehlers had previously discovered, renamed it Delagia 
chetoptert. Uypophorelia was also found in tubes of Chzetop- 
terus by Prouho and Harmer, and, as the latter remarks, is 
probably common wherever this worm occurs. Specimens of 
Chzetopterus have been recorded from various places on the 
west coast of Ireland, but I have only had an opportunity 
of examining those from Broadhaven. 


1 Note on New or Rare British Marine Polyzoa. /ourn. Mar. Biol. 
ASSOC 18975 Pps 51-53: 
2 Tife and Letters of Alexander Goodman More. Dublin, 1898. 
s Description du Delagia chetopteri (J. J.-L.) Archives de Zool. Exp. 
ef Gén. (2), vi., 1888. 
ASS 


88 The Lrish Naturalist. April; 


A SIMPLE METHOD OF REPRESENTING 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 


BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


WHEN one is studying or comparing the distribution of 
animals or plants in small countries, such as this island, a list 
of the areas in which a species occurs, such as is given in 
Cybele Hibernica or ish Topographical Botany, is not adequate. 
While the numbers or names convey a general idea to the 
mind, they leave no definite pictorial impression, and for 
actual comparison of two distributions we must have recourse 
to a map, on which we mark the areas in which each species 
is found. 

Similarly, when we come to publish a paper dealing with 
such problems, the pictorial representation of distribution is 
very desirable for the sake of clearness, but the trouble and 
expense of preparing drawings and then process-blocks are 
practical considerations not to be overlooked. To take an 
actual example : the small map below is one of a set prepared 


Fic 1.—Distribution of Crcuta virosa (1902). 
in illustration of a recent paper by myself, in which the 
distribution of plants in Ireland is considered. The drawing 
of this set of maps involved some 30 or 4o hours of work, 
and the preparation of process-blocks from these cost the 
publishing body some £10. Had the maps been redrawn by 
a draughtsman, as is usually done in such cases, this £10 
would have been nearer £25. And this expense, be it noted, 


1906. PRAEGER.— Geographical Distribution. 89 


is all additional to the compositor’s price per page; for the 
printer, as all editors know, makes no allowance for the space 
occupied by illustrations. These considerations lead me to 
suggest the following plan, which will in most cases serve 
sufficiently well the purpose stated, and by which the heavy 
expense referred to above may be practically eliminated. 

If we take the map of Ireland with the forty division- 
numbers set each in the centre of the area to whichit belongs 
(the map in /.V., vol. v., p. 29, will serve the purpose), and 
shift the numbers so as to bring them within a series of 
vertical and horizontal lines (still preserving the relative 
positions as much as possible), the result may be shown by 
ordinary typography, and wiil appear as follows:— 


74S 


| 35 34|40| | 39 


15 18 {%= | 19) 21 


| Fie leep f [28 | 22 
au : 


9 10} |14} /|20 
8 7} {11/13 
2 esp]. ge: 
acti | [4 15/6] 
oes 
BEG: 


It will be seen that here the figure of the country and 
relative positions of the divisions is tolerably closely preserved. 
Omitting the enclosing lines, and using dashes for the blank 


go : The Irish Naturalist. April, 


squares, we havea series of numbers and dashes which present 
no difficulty to the compositor; and the distribution of Cicuta 
virosa, a Characteristically north-eastern species with a con- 
tinuous range, as shown by this method, appears below, heavy- 
face type being used for the divisions in which it is present :— 


35 34 40 — 39 
— 33 — 37 38 — 
— 27 — 28 29 3032 — — 
— 26 — 25 24 -— 31 
— 16 —17 — — 23 22 — 
= 15 eee a 
a Beek =) Pipes oi) 
sah JS, Rees Oe Stal le 
ee ae 12 
eee Eee 
a ee 


FIG. 3.—Distribution of Czcata virosa.' 


A disadvantage attaches, however, to this plan: the effect 
of the padding of blank squares (while it preserves the pro- 
portions of the diagram) is toexaggerate the area from which 
a plant is absent, and to obscure a continuous range. Any 
further condensation of the figure results of necessity in loss 
of accuracy as regards relative position of the division- 
numbers, yet the following development appears advantageous 
for the reason stated. We eliminate the blanks by pushing 
the numbers together horizontally; and then restore the 
general proportions of the figure by omitting the horizontal 
lines in which 36 Wand “2... ee “stand alone eamatens 
ferring these figures into the adjoining lines. The result is a 
compact figure as shown in figure 4 :—— 


1Since the map (fig. 1) was constructed, Cicuta has been added to 
28 (Sligo). 


1906. PRAEGER.—Geographical Distribution. gt 


35 384 40 39 
83 36 37 38 
27° 28 29 32 
26 25 30.31 
WG £4 524 23 22 
Ee chS. 49.21 
9 $0 14,13 20 
8 rh £2 
ng 45 vor 6 
5) 
Fic. 4. 
In this the general proportions of the divisions and relative 
positions of the numbers are still retained better than might 


have been expected, and this is the device which I wish to lay 
before students of distributional problems in Ireland. 


85 384 40 39 
33 36 37 38 
27 28 29 32 
26 25 30 31 
16 17 24 23 22 


toe bor oe Ft 
Oe hones Fone) 
sevewy Napa a ae bY 
ey Ae ae Die © 
3 
Fic. 5.—Distribution of Cinta virosa. 


I give above the distribution of Czcufa according to this 
method which may be compared with the map and diagram 
on pp. 88-90. 


92 


40 
36 
OZ 
30 
23 
19 
13 
12 


39 
37 


31 
22 
21 
20 


The Trish Naturalist. 


110 08 


05 06 
04 
03 97 
98 
02 76 
Ol 84 
00 75 
78 
74 73 
38 
iA 


A5 44 


Fic. 6. 


07 


Shee 


96 


88 - 


99 
86 
83 
77 
79 
72 


93 
91 
90 


61 


o4 


53 
29 
20 
21 
1. 
14 


April, 


28 27 
26 25 
19 
18 
16 15 


1906. PRAEGER.— Geographical Distribution. 93 


The same plan may of course be applied to Watson’s map of 
Great Britain divided into 112 Vice-counties. Great Britain 
presents more difficulty than is met with in the case of 
Ireland, on acccunt of the greater diversity of size of the units 
of area; and the agglomeration of small counties in North 
Wales and the East Lowlands tends to distort the positions of 
the numbers when they are allotted each an area equalto the 
average. Nevertheless it will be seen from the annexed 
diagram of the British Islands (fig. 6) that the geographical 
features as seen on the map are reproduced fairly satisfactorily, 
and with sufficient accuracy for practical use. But it is possible 
that some botanist having a fuller acquaintance than I enjoy 
with the flora and topography of England and Scotland may be 
able to improve on the arrangement of some of the Vice- 
counties as given above. 

There is of course nothing new in the application of letters 
or numerals in type to express graphically geographical 
distribution. So long ago as 1890 Mr. P. Chalmers Mitchell! 
suggested a scheme on this principle for illustrating the 
distribution of animals in the great zoological regions of the 
world; but I do not find that any attempt has been made 
hitherto to usea method of the kind in such detail, or to apply 
it to our own islands. The advantage of the plan, as I have 
said, is its ease and cheapness; by it we can, in fact, map 
without maps. 

If we wish a less elaborate scheme for the British Isles on 
the same principle, we have, as regards Great Britain, Watson’s 
18 Provinces to fall back upon, and also his 38 Vice- 
provinces. In Ireland we have the 12 Districts proposed 
by Babington, and used in Cydele Hibernica. These latter 
correspond more nearly as regards area with Watson’s Vice- 
provinces than with his Provinces, and therefore the Vice- 
provinces are more suitable for using in conjunction with the 
Irish Districts. Watson’s Vice-provinces and Babington’s 
Districts combine to make an excellent diagram, as shown 
on next page. 


1A Graphic Formula to express Geographical Distribution. roc. 
Zool. Soc. Lond., 1890, pp. 607-9. 
A 3 


94 The Lrish Naturalist. April, 


38 
aie 
35 
By Dati 
38 31 30 
32, 29 
27 28 
1112 26 25 24 
9 10 23 22 
8 21 20 19 
6 18.5 otd oat 
i 2 i7 16 tocar 
Sc igilies 
fey Rae ety 
1 
FIG. 7. 


This forms a convenient and compact figure, easy to set in 
type, and sufficient for most purposes. 

Any of the diagrams, of course, may be set, without much 
loss of legibility, in smaller type than is used above, and 
space saved thereby. The proportions alone must be pre- 
served 


Dublin. 


1906, 95 


THE STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE. 
[An Address to the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, gth January, 1906. | 


BY C. B. MOFFAT, B.A. 


In thanking the members of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field 
Club for the very great honour they have done me in electing 
me their President, I cannot but say how deeply I feel conscious 
of the lack of many of those qualifications which have been 
conspicuous in former occupants of this chair. With particular 
sadness at the present moment we must all reflect on the 
disappearance from amongst us of that distinguished natura- 
list, who was our President till only a fortnight ago, when we 
learned with painthat Mr. Burbidge was no more. A few 
weeks earlier death had deprived the Club of another of its 
most valued and distinguished members, Mr. Edward 
Williams, whose wonderful stores of knowledge were always 
placed so freely at the disposal of his brother-naturalists that 
it would be hard to estimate what Irish zoology owes him. 
We meet to-night undera recent sense of both these losses, a 
sense so keen that I know further words from me would be 
superfluous on the subject; for I am sure that the Dublin 
Naturalists’ Field Club never before lost two such eminent 
members within so short a time. 

The study of natural history has now become so vast and so 
complicated that it is impossible to take a bird’s-eye view of 
the field in the hope of arriving at any general conclusions 
without a great risk of overlooking some really vital fact. The 
field of the specialist, however limited, is at least clear; but on 
the question to which I would seek to direct attention to-night, 
the difficulty is want of clearness. I have no wish to propound 
theories, but to draw attention to the need for closer study to 
avoid a confusion which seems to me to be creeping into our 
conceptions of the phenomena on which the process of evolu- 
tion depends. 

For this purpose, I take the accepted fact of the existence 
throughout nature.of a struggle for existence ; and I ask for a 
clear conception of what that fact means. ‘To explain the 
meaning of my question I propose to pass in review a few of 


96 The lrish Naturalist. April, 


the different and, as it seems to me, conflicting conceptions 
which scientific men have put forward of the nature of the 
contest which every animal or plant has to sustain with its 
surroundings and with its own kind. 

We must all recognise that the life of every animal is beset 
with difficulties and dangers. ‘That proposition is so obvious 
that it has been made the starting point of every believer in the 
theory of Natural Selection in his efforts to convey aclear idea 
of what that theory neans. Darwin has told us—and has laid 
it down as a rule to which he says there can be no exception— 
that all animals are driven into competition with their own 
kind in consequence of the rate at which they tend to increase. 
That proposition implies—and Darwin in more than one 
passage clearly accepts the inference--that there are as many 
animals in the world as the worldcan nourish. Every species 
of living creature, according to the Darwinian view, is at a 
high-water mark in point of numbers, in fact the world is 
congested with it, so that whatever number of young it pro- 
duces during the course of the year, scarcity of food, or scarcity 
of something else that is competed for with equal keenness, 
will in the course of an average year have killed off all the 
overflow and reduced the total number back to what it was in 
the corresponding season last year. 

I do not know that any leading exponent of natural selection 
directly denies the truth of this conception of the struggle for 
existence ; but it is very customary to ignore it, and to argue 
upon an altogether different conception, according to which 
the natural tendency of animals is not to increase but to 
decrease. It is rather curious that the strongest upholder, so 
far as I know, of this anti-Darwinian conception of the nature 
of the struggle is Professor Weismann, the great thinker and 
writer, who, in his enthusiastic advocacy of Darwin’s main 
doctrine, is plus royaliste que levoz, the proclaimer of the “all. 
sufficiency of natural selection,” while it seems to me that by 
the view he puts forward of the struggle for existence he cuts 
away much of the ground on which the most fandamental 
articles of Darwin’s teaching are based. 

For we must remember that if there is.a “limit of subsis- 
tence’ for every species—as of course there must be—and if 
that limit has been reached—as Darwin supposes to be the 


ee. ee es eee! eS 


Ser «de 2 tl, be, Be 


1906. Morrat.— The Struggle for Existence. 97 


case—it does not really matter whether the individuals of this 
or that species suffer from other perils besides scarcity of 
necessaries or not. ‘That is, it does not matter except to the 
mere individual. An animal may be very largely exposed to 
the ravages of beasts and birds of prey; but these ravages, 
tinless they are on such a scale as would in a few years exter- 
minate the animal, will have no other effect than to ease the: 
situation for the survivors by slackening the competition 
among them; so that, in the next season of scarcity, fewer 
will die, and, when that season is over, there should be the 
same total number of individuals living as if the beasts and 
birds of prey had taken none. 

The same may be said of other forms of peril to which 
animal life is undoubtedly exposed. For example, birds when 
on their migration suffer many calamities, the weaker species 
often dying of fatigue, while those of stronger flight, like the 
swallow, however fairly they get over their journey in an 
average season, must now and then be overtaken by tempests 
in which case, of course, the destruction of life is enormous 
But this sort of destruction does not tend to affect the per- 
manent numbers of the species. There is still, in every 
average year—according to our high-water mark conception— 
a margin left over of birds that must die from competitive 
causes ; and the fewer the storms destroy the greater must be 
the mortality among the survivors, so that next year the 
numbers will still be the same as if there had been no storm. 
In an exceptional year, of course, the destruction might be so 
great that no competition among the survivors would be 
necessary ; but even in that case, if we accept Darwin’s‘law as 
to the nature of the limit to multiplication, the loss would very 
soon be made up, probably in the course of the next breeding 
season. Whenever the numbers fall below the high-water 
mark, competition is practically suspended until they have 
reached it again; and this, on Darwin’s supposition, will in 
the case of auy but a very slow-breeding species occur very 
soon. 

Now, Dr. Weismann’s highly original views on this subject 
are conveyed in his interesting essay on the ‘‘ Duration of 
Life,” from which it appears plain that he looks on every 
species of animal as limited in its numbers by the very set of 


A 4 


98 The Lrish Naturalist. April, 


causes which, on the Darwinian hypothesis, should exercise 
no effect on them whatever. Dr. Weismann adopts the remark- 
able view that as some kinds of anivals are much more 
exposed than others, in proportion to their fertility, to the 
attacks of enemies and to other catastrophes, the only way in 
which these animals can maintain their numbers is to develop 
a greater average length of life than is enjoyed by the less 
persecuted forms. This would, no doubt, be a most ingenious 
way out of a difficulty, if an animal’s foes were not those of its 
own household. But it would, J think, be alike useless and 
uncalled-for, in fact paradoxical, if we accept Darwin’s view 
that all: animals are at a numerical high-water mark, and 
suffering constant checks in their efforts to surge over it. 

To quote Professor Weismann’s argument in the case of 
birds, he says (accepting the correctness of Darwin’s and 
Wallace’s view that the number of individuals of each species 
remains tolerably constant from year to year) that if we assuine 
that ‘“‘the individuals of a certain species live for ten years, 
and that they lay twenty egys in each year,” then “of the 200 
eggs which are laid during the ten years which constitute the 
lifetime of an individual, 198 must be destroyed, and only two 
will reach maturity, if the number of individuals in the species 
is to remain constant.” So far, there is at least no friction 
between Weismann’s and Darwin’s points of view; but from 
this we are requested by Weismann to draw the inference as 
a mathematical certainty, that if the average life of the indi- 
vidual had been only eight years instead of ten, and only 160 
eggs instead of 200 had been laid, the causes which on the one 
estimate destroyed 198 out of 200 wouid on the other destroy 
the same proportion out of 160, leaving a surviving residuum 
of less than two; so that the survivors would be fewer and 
fewer in each succeeding generation, and the species would 
disappear. ‘It follows,” says Professor Weismann, after 
enumerating the many perils to which they are subject, “that 
a relatively long life is the only means by which the mainte- 
nance of the species of birds can be secured.” This most 
important inference can only be true on the supposition that 
Darwin was absolutely wrong in his belief that animals are so 
numerous as to have to compete with one another for means 
to live. For in that case it would not matter whether the 


1906. MorFAat.—TZhe Struggle for Existence. 99 


supposed bird lived eight years or ten years. Living ten years it 
produces 200 young, of which only two survive, because, on an 
average calculation, there will only be room fortwo. But if 
it lived only eight years, and produced only 160 young, two 
would still survive; the difference would be not in the number 
of survivors, but in the amount of the mortality from compe- 
tition. By increasing either its duration of life or its fertility, 
an animal would insure the sending forth into the world ofa 
greater number of individuals doomed to premature death, but 
it would produce only the same number as before of descend- 
ants predestined to a term of successful life. 

It is, therefore, a matter of much importance to form a clear 
conception, one way or the other, of what the struggle for 
existence really means. Does it arise from the earth being 
crowded? Is Darwin correctin his assertion that ‘‘ each area 
is already fully stocked with inhabitants,” so that whenever a 
change of conditions enables one species to increase its 
numbers “ other species must decrease”? If so, it appears to 
me to follow that no species can do itself an atom of good by 
an increase in the average length of life of the individuals 
which compose it. 

On the other hand, if animals are permanently kept below 
their high-water mark by external destructive agencies—if 
for instance, mice are practically saved from having to com- 
pete with one another by the extent to which they are preyed 
on by cats and owls, and if storms and the other perils ofa 
long voyage yearly destroy so many chiff-chaffs and willow- 
wrens on their migration that the survivors need never suffer 
from scarcity of food—we are confronted with what I may call 
an altogether opposite conception of the struggle for life, a 
conception in which catastrophe takes the place that had 
formerly been taken by competition. Let us see how this at 
once revolutionises the problem, ‘‘ how can the balance of 
nature be maintained?’ On the competition theory the 
answer was perfectly simple. Nature was a self-righting 
machine. Life was kept surging at a certain limit; beyond 
that limit it could not rise, and below that limit it was much 
too vigorous to fall. Now, we caunot abolish this limit. 
There must be a line, a high-water mark, beyond which animal 
life cannot multiply. But what I call the catastrophe theory 


100 _. Lhe Irish Naturalist. , April, 


assumes that animals do not reach it. The puzzle then is, why 
_are the animal inhabitants of the globe neither permanently 
increasing nor permanently decreasing their numbers? Take 
the case of a bird which escapes the perils of winter scarcity 
by migrating to tropical countries, but which, during its long 
journey, is subjected to great fatigue, so that even in calm 
weather it falls an easy prey to the thousands of carnivorous 
gulls that are ever on the watch for wearied migrants, while 
storms every now and then work wholesale destruction among 
its numbers, and many of those that survive the actual crisis 
are still so exhausted that they only reach land to die. These 
things happen. So far, we have fact to deal with, and not 
hypothesis. But unless they are followed by competition—in 
which case they have no effect on the ultimate number of 
surviving individuals—they leave us without a clue to the 
maintenance of a general average population. It becomes a 
mere chance whether the destruction is too great cr too little 
for that purpose. The odds would be millions toone—in fact 
so great as to put the idea completely out of the question— 
against the chance of the average annual destruction by these 
catastrophes being exactly equal in amount to what is needed 
to prevent the species from increasing on the one hand, or 
from decreasing on the other. Unless, however, the loss is 
adjusted with this impossible nicety, the species will either 
decrease and become extinct, or it will increase until it 
reaches that very limit of subsistence which we are trying to 
keep out of court. We seem, therefore, to have been brought 
back against our will to the view on which animal life is at its 
high-water mark, and competition the ruling factor. 

The only escape, so far as I see, is in Professor Weismann’s 
theory that an animal subjected to greater loss than its rate of 
fertility can afford may save itself from extermination by 
developing either a higher rate of fertility or a louger average 
life, which would come to the same thing. Professor Weis- 
mann himself thinks that an increase in fertility would in many 
important cases be impossible, and that the difficulty can only 
be met by greater longevity. But it seems to me that a 
decreasing animal would have to modify its constitution very 
quickly, if it is to become sensibly longer-lived before it 
becomes extinct. We must remember that natural selection 


1906. MorFrat.— The Struggle for Existence. IOI 


would work very slowly in the case of a decreasing animal, 
which would not be engaged in keen competition with 
members of its own species. The longer-lived females would 
of course produce more young than the shorter-lived, and thus 
there would be some scope for natural selection. But the 
young of the shorter-lived would not be placed at any material 
disadvantage in consequence, there being no competition to 
accelerate the selective process. Ithink, therefore, that 
extermination would generally arrive before Professor Weis- 
mann’s remedy could take effect. Still more unlikely does it 
seem to me that a species subject to a lower rate of destruction 
than its fertility needed, and which consequently was on the 
increase, would put a stop to its increase by becoming shorter- 
lived before it arrived at the high-water mark at which further 
increase would be checked mechanically. Thus I think we 
are brought back again to recognising the necessity for com- 
petition, in view of which the destructive agencies that are so 
often quoted as checks on the increase of animal life discharge 
no heavier function than to vary the method of execution in a 
certain number of cases. 

Now I think I have shown that there are two conceptions 
which are not in harmony, and which cannot both be true, as 
to what the struggle for existence means. It is a very common 
habit among writers on evolution to mix them up—to argue 
sometimes as if one were true, and sometimes as if the other 
were true. Darwin himself, in a very well-known passage, has 
suggested that since cats are destroyers of mice, and mice are 
destroyers of bumble-bees, and bumble-bees are the principal 
agents in fertilising the flowers of red clover, the red clover 
will be better fertilised in a district where there are plenty of 
cats to keep down the mice, than where there are few cats, and 
consequently more mice and fewer bumble-bees. But then, 
we must ask, does not the destruction of mice by cats, however 
useful in the immediate neighbourhood of the cat’s happy 
residence, benefit the mice a very little distance away by 
reducing the enormous pressure to which their own habits of 
rapid increase are constantly keeping them subjected? There 
is on record a very well-known series of observations made on 
some captive field-mice by Mr. R. M. Barrington, from which 
it is shown that a single female produces five or six litters of 


102 The Trish Naturalist. April, 


young in the course of every four months; and that the young 
ones are also mothers when five-and-a-half months old. <A 
field-mouse is known to live for about six years, which would 
give her time, on the most moderate computation, to produce 
some sixty or seventy litters, or at least 200 young, in her life. 
Then when we consider her grand-children, great-grand- 
children, and great-great-grandchildren, by whom she would 
find herself surrounded when only three years old, we at once 
find ourselves running into hundreds of thousands, which 
would become thousands of millions before this venerable 
lady had finished her pilgrimage at the ripe age of six. Now 
we know that whether there are cats in a neighbourhood or 
not, mice do not increase to these enormous, incalculable 
figures ; nor would they do so ifstoats and owls and kestrels 
and all their numerous enemies—including black-headed 
gulls—were to vanish with poor pussy from the face of the 
earth. Every one of these creatures in destroying one mouse 
gives, on Darwin’s own doctrine, a helping hand in life to the 
mouse that escapes it. JI am not questioning for a moment 
the usefulness of these mouse-destroying creatures. They are 
at work all the summer and autunin, thinning the mice at a 
time when mice have plenty to eat, and thus they really, 
during a short season, reduce the total number. But as soon 
as a time of scarcity arrives, competition steps in to insure 
that the number of mice which survive it shall be the same 
number as would have survived it if there had been no pre- 
liminary thinning by cats and owls and the farmer’s other good 
friends. So I don’t think the red clover, which will not need 
the good offices of the bumble-bees till the following June, 
will be much the worse off for the respite the mice have had 
inthe autumn through some temporary scarcity of cats, owls, 
or stoats. The whole questson is too complicated to allow 
me to speak very confidently, but I think we should at least 
endeavour to discriminate clearly between the two points of 
view. 

There are difficulties, no doubt, in the way of our believing 
that we live in a fully crowded world. One is inclined to 
argue that it would be injurious, not only to the weaker 
individuals, whom the competition must kill, but tothe heaith 
and general physical condition of all the individuals. But 


1906. MoFFA’.—- The Struggle for Existence. 103 


we must remember that it suffices to keep an animal down by 
the law of competition, if food or some other necessary is 
scarce for a part of the year, or at some given stage, it may 
be only a short stage, in the term of the animal’s life. For 
example, I think the frog, however much it is preyed on by 
enemies, is as common in Ireland as it could possibly be. 
There may be plenty of feeding-ground for more frogs; but 
are there any additional nurseries, or any more accommoda- 
tion in existing nurseries, for more tadpoles? Itseems to me 
that every spring the maximum quantity of frog-spawn that 
all the shallow ditches and suitable bog-pools can hold is 
deposited in those places. A great many of these pools dry 
up, as often as not before any of the tadpoles are able to live 
out of the water, and even among the pools that don’t dry 
altogether, a great many shrink so much that the poor tad- 
poles find themselves inhabiting a sort of Black Hole of 
Calcutta, and very few of them live to become frogs. But 
allowing that they all became frogs, it still stands to reason 
that no greater number can be reared the next year or the 
next year, because there is no room for more spawn. ‘This 
may keep the number of frogs, as I have before suggested 
that competition for breeding-grounds may keep the number 
of birds, permanently fixed at a number possibly somewhat 
smaller than that which could find subsistence in the country. 
So, when we talk of a fully crowded world, it does not follow 
that every or indeed any species of animal, during the greater 
part of its life, is so numerous as to endanger either the 
permanence of its food supply or the maintenance of its 
eaith. 

But that many animals live zear this high-water mark we 
also have ample proof. When we look to cases like that of the 
vole-plague, which occasionally devastates neighbouring 
countries—for example, the great vole-plague that occurred in 
Scotland in 1892, and the accounts of which made us all feel 
thankful for the complete absence of voles from the Irish 
fauna—we find that though hawks and owls and buzzards and 
weasels and stoats and foxes invariably multiply round the 
affected area and prey extensively on the voles, it is not to 
their efforts that the creatures succumb in the end. The voles 
apparently go on multiplying till their numbers produce 


104 The Lish Naturalist. April, 


disease, and then they die off, sometimes so quickly that, as 
Blasius puts it, the whole race seems to have disappeared 
from the earth as if by magic. In the same way, it appears 
that when toads become extremely numerous, as they did in 
South Wales in 1872, they are attacked by a disease which is 
believed to be caused—at any rate it is aggravated—by blue- 
bottle flies. In 1872, according to observations lately quoted 
by Mr. Distant in the Zoologist', there was quite an 
epidemic of this disorder among the toads about Tenby, and 
in the following year very few toads could be seen; but those 
that were seen were free from disease. I have a note of my 
own, taken in May, 1881, that bumble-bees were at that time 
unusually abundant in Co. Wexford ; but they were succumb- 
ing in great numbers to the attacks of parasitic enemies, from 
which none of the bees seemed free; the walks were strewn 
with dying and helpless bees, whose misfortunes were, I 
believe, largely a consequence of their own excessive numbers. 
If the red clover had suffered in consequence, it would have 
been almost possible to argue that cats, which were rather 
numerous in the neighbourhood, had done the clover harm by 
destroying too many of the mice that might otherwise, by 
their ravages, have prevented the bumble—bees from becoming - 
too abundant fortheirown health. ‘Then it may be remem-— 
bered that in the autumn of 1897 there were many letters in 
the /rish Naturalist and elsewhere on the great scarcity of 
wasps. Most of those who wrote testified that they had never 
known such a scarcity; but the previous year, the hot dry 
summer of 1896, had been remarkable for the enormous 
numbers of wasps, and so had the spring of 1897 itself for the 
number of queens, of which Mr. R. M. Barrington’s figures 
showed that the number destroyed at Fassaroe that spring 
broke his record. I may add that a similar superabundance 
of wasps in the autumn of 1898 and the spring of 1896 was 
followed by a similar remarkable absence of wasps, at least in 
Co. Wexford, in the autumn of 1899. Ido not think these 
abrupt chauges are accidental. I would go a little further 


1 Vol. ix. (4th ser.) 1905, p. 338. 

2 Mr. Barrington has since informed me that the number of queen 
wasps destroyed at Fassaroe in the spring of 1905 was yet greater than 
in any previous year, and during the autumn that followed there were 
again practically no wasps. 


1906. Morrat.— The Struggle for Existence. 105 


and draw attention to the fact that the disappearance of the 
quail from Ireland, through causes which have never been 
satisfactorily explained, was preceded by a great increase in 
the numbers of that bird. Thompson, when he published the 
second volume of his ‘‘ Natural History of Ireland” in 1850, 
observed that the quail had of late decreased in England, but 
had somewhat increased, in his opinion, in Scotland, and was 
“‘ decidedly on the increase” in Ireland. Thirty years later, by 
common agreement, the quail in Ireland was extinct. From 
all these cases I think we may judge that sudden increase of 
any species is very apt to culminate in a great reaction. 
Animals have, in tact, to compete with one another not only 
for the bare necessaries of life, but further to secure those 
conditions which will tend to generate healthy existence. 

In connection with this whole subject the field for observa- 
tion and for constant accumulation of data is very large. 
Observations are wanted as to the relative density of different 
species, as to the extent to which that density may vary in 
different years, and as to the general conditions which seem to 
accompany or cause variation in a given direction. We have 
not often opportunities for observing competition of that 
unrelenting kind which takes place when two species of almost 
exactly similar requirements and habits are brought into 
contact. That sort of competition was exemplified when the 
brown rat arrived in these islands and found them already 
inhabited by a black rat; the requirements of the two were so 
much the same that the competition could only end, as it did, 
in the extermination ofthe weaker, which happened to be the 
black rat. But competition of a less obtrusive kind is always 
to be observed. For a number of years I was annually struck 
by the fact that the swarms of wasps which gather nectar so 
abundantly from the flowers of the figwort were not the 
common wasp, but the tree wasp (Vespa sylvestris), while 
around any other flower or fruit at which wasps assemble I 
might search all day and not find atree wasp at all. I was 
led to the conclusion that the ground-building common wasp 
did not care for figwort. But inthe autumn of 1900, forsome 
reason, there were scarcely any tree wasps, and the figwort 
(about Ballyhyland) was as full of wasps as ever, all belonging 
to the ground-building kinds (Vespa vulgaris, V. germanica, 


106 The Lrish Naturalist. April, 


and V. rufa), that were absent from it in other years. There 
could be no explanation except that their absence in other 
years was due to fear ofthe stronger tree wasp. That, I think, 
is a very curious case of unobtrusive competition, in which 
things are so adjusted that physical mastery remains with one 
side, while that other form of success which results in 
numerical preponderance lies overwhelmingly on the other; 
for ground wasps, as every one knows, are extremely 
common, while tree wasps are at least comparatively scarce. 

The universality of this tendency to compete seems to me 
unfavourable to any doctrine which would make the great 
struggle of the animal world a struggle with outside forces ; 
but my object to-night has not been to go into the question 
exhaustively, but to ask attention to the discrepancies that 
have, I think, rather seriously prejudiced attempts to compre- 
hend it. 


Ballyhyland, Co. Wexford. 


TRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a pair of Swans from Mr. Bolton, and a pair of 
European Cranes from Mr. J. N. Lentaigne. Two very small Shetland 
ponies have arrived, and it is hoped that they will be of service during 
the summer in carrying children through the Gardens. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


Marcu 6.—The President, Professor Symington, F.R.S., in the chair, 
R. M. HENRY, M.A., read a paper on “ Magic in the Greek and Roman 
World.” Professor GREGG WILSON, D.Sc., read a report on the work of 
the Marine Laboratory at Larne. He stated that research work had 
been steadily gone on with, old investigations having been continued 
and new started. Work at the Herring had been continued, and the 
investigations into sea drift had been continued, with interesting 
results. He explained the great and increasing need for a properly- 
equipped sea-water aquarium, and appealed to the public of the North 
of Ireland for funds to build a modern laboratory and aquarium at 
Larne Harbour, or at some other seaside resort in Down or Antrim. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 107 


IRISH SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 


This Society has issued in pamphlet form the address on the history 
and present state of bird protection delivered at the annual meeting in 
January by Mr. George May; and also in very handy form a little leaflet 
summarizing and explaining the various bird protection Acts, and 
instructing persons interested in birds as to how they can assist the 
cause of bird protection. Copies of both may be obtained from Miss 
Constance Pim, Hon. Sec., Charleville, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


FEBRUARY I4.—GEOLOGICAL SECTION.— The Chairman of the section 
(G. C. GoucH, B.Sc., F.G.S.) gave a talk on the ‘“‘Age of the Earth,” 
the President of the Club (Mr. W. H. Phillips) being in the chair. 

After the address a long discussion took place, those taking part being 
C. A. Cunningham, W. Gray, W.J.C. Tomlinson, John Carson, and T. 
Anderson. Mr. Gough having replied, the proceedings closed. 

FEBRUARY 20.—The President (W. H. Philiips) in the chair. A. 
DEANE, the Curator of the Municipal Museum, lectured on ‘‘ Wood, its 
Natural History and Identification,” illustrated by specimens of timber 
and lantern slides. ‘The physiology of the structure of wood was 
thoroughly explained in minute detail. The lecturer laid stress upon 
the fact that any one taking up the classification of wood, asa study, 
would have the satisfaction of finding himself practically on untrodden 
ground. A scientific key was wanted, but until more investigation was 
accomplished, such a key could not be attempted ina satisfactory way. 
R. Welch, W. Gray, and H. lL. Orr spoke to the paper, and the lecturer 
replied. 

FEBRUARY 28.—Robert Patterson (Vice-President) in the chair. 
HuGH LAMONT ORR read a paper on “Simple Mounts for Common 
Objects,” and showed a large number of specimens which he had 
mounted by his method, including birds’ eggs, birds’ nests, butterflies, 
beetles, etc. He gave a practical demonstration of how to make one of 
his mounts, which was much appreciated by the members present. The 
Vice-President, W. Gray, W. H. Gallway, N. H. Foster, R. May, and W. H. 
Robinson, all spoke after the demonstration, testifying to the value of 
Mr. Orr’s paper and to the neatness of his mounts. G. Donaldson (Hon. 
Sec.) afterwards gave a demonstration of another method of mounting 
specimens. 

MARCH 7.— lie President (W. H: Phillips)’ in the, chair.’~ J.C. 
TOMLINSON read a paper on “‘ The Evolution of the Mourre Mountains.” 
He referred to the origin of this group of granite mountains, and con- 
trasted their mode of formation with that of the basaltic hills of Antrim, 
and went on to point out the subsequent causes to which they owed their 
present form. W. H. Milligan, W. Gray, J. Strachan, R. May, Rev. P. 
Quail, and Robert Patterson, discussed the paper. 


108 The Lrish Naturalist. April, 


TYRONE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


FEBRUARY 23.—Mr. James Dickson, J.P., in the chair. Nevin H. 
FOSTER, of Hillsborough, lectured before a large audience on the 
‘Feathered World,” dealing especially with Irish birds and their habits. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


FEBRUARY I10.—EXCURSION TO KILLINEY.—The Club, under the 
conductorship ot J. de W. Hiuch, visited the junction of the granite 
with the Silurian slates. The section on the sea-shore yielded a number 
of minerals, including andalusite, microcline, etc. Return to Dalkey 
Station was made over Obelisk Hill. 

FEBRUARY 13.—The third meeting of the Session was held in the 
Royal Irish Academy House—G. H. Pethybridge in the chair. C. 
MurRRAY, B.A., read a paper on “The Occurrence of Animal Remains 
at Loughshinny.” F. O’B. EiLIson, B.A. (Hon. Sec.), then read a paper 
on ‘‘ Bacterial Disease in Plants.” Mr. Willcox displayed a number of 
minerals obtained on the previous Saturday at Killiney. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


FEBRUARY 14.—The Club met at Leinster House. Dr. R. F. Scharff 
(President) in the chair. 

Joun A. CLARKE exhibited films prepared from blood of cattle 
suffering from red-water, stained to show the sporozoan parasite 
Piroplasma bigeminum in the red corpuscles. 

Prof. G. H. CARPENTER showed eggs of the Ox Warble fly (Hyfoderma 
bovis) and demonstrated the small, ovoid, grocved process by means of 
which the eggs are fixed in rows to the hairs of the cattle. 

A. R. Nicuors showed specimens ofthe polyzoon Hyfophorella expansa, 
Ehlers, discovered by him in tubes of Chaetopterus dredged by the late 
A. G. More in Broadhaven in 1873. This interesting addition to the 
Irish marine fauna is described at length on p. 87 supra. 

F. W. Moors exhibited a section through a piece of wood of the 
Victoria-plum. The section was taken from a twig which had been cut 
back in April, 1905. The wood just below the cut had become coloured 
bright red, the colour extending about half way through the shoot, and 
for less than quarter of aninchinlength. The rest of the shoot being 
normal in colour the contrast was remarkable. i 

J. N. Harper? exhibited mounted specimens of a common and 
destructive mealy bug (Dactylopius city?) found in numbers on grapes. 

Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGE showed sections of the leaves of Andromeda 
Polifolia, 1, attacked by the parasitic fungus /ehydesma andromedae, Pers., 
recently recorded as new to Ireland (Proc. R.LA., XXV., B. no. 6, p. 164). 


1906, 109 
NOTES. 
BOTANY. 


Porella levigata Lindb., var. nov. killarniensis. 


In the Journal of Botany for March, Mr. W. H. Pearson describes under 
the above name a plant collected by S. A. Stewart and G. A. Holt at 
Muckross in 1885, and by himself in Tore Wood in 1905, 


ZOOLOGY. 


New Crustacea from the West Coast. 


Mr. S. H. Kemp describes in the Azzals and Magazine of Natural History 
(vol. xvii., 7th ss., 1906) two new species of Carida from deep water, one 
of these belongs to a genus (Leontocaris) which had only recently been 
founded by Stebbing for some species from South Africa. The other, 
which the author has named Aegeon Brendani, after St. Brendan, was 
obtained in about 300 fathoms off the Tearaght Lighthouse in Co. Kerry, 
Only short descriptions without figures are given, but the author promises 
a full illustrated account in the forthcoming Report of the Sea and 
Inland Fisheries of Ireland. 


Buccinum and Patella Kjokken-modding at Cranfield, Co. Down. 


Kitchen middens of the shells of various species of marine mollusca 
are common on the sandhills of North Down, Antrim, Derry, Donegal, 
Galway, &c. The great mass of material present with broken bones is 
usually a mixture of Littorina, Patella, Mytilus, Ostrea ; and occasionally 
broken Purpura, as in the case of the Dogs’ Bay' and Melmore, Rosa- 
penna shell-mounds. Much smaller proportions of other species occur, 
including sometimes a few Bucctnum undatum. While searching for land 
shells lately on Cranfield Point with J. N. Milne and A. W. Stelfox, we 
came on a shell-midden composed mainly of the last, with a proportion 
of Patella and an odd Mytilus edul’s. Sone bones were present in the 
‘“black band” in a very friable condition, much more sothan usual, this 
likely due to the fact that the dunes here are not high and are highly 
silicious. The percolating water in that case would be more likely to 
dissolve the lime than if the dunes were mainly calcareous as in many 
west coast sandhills. No flints or pottery fragments were noticed, 
though: Mr. Robert Bell tells me that many stone implements are found 
in the ploughed fields of this south-east corner of Down. 


Belfast. R. WELCH. 


' Standen, Journ. of Conch., vol. viii., 1896. Plates v., vi. and vii. 


TIO The Lrish Naturalist. April, 


Helicella zakarensis in Co. Down. 


Some years ago, while staying at Rostrevor, I collected some land 
mollusca in the ruins of a cottage about a mile from that place, on the 
road to Rathfryland vza Mayobridge. The majority were H. ru/fescens, 
but among these was a shell which, at the time, I thought was a speci- 
men of ZH. pisuna, and knowing that this species was found on the Louth 
and Meath coasts, it seemed to me more than probable that it kad come 
from there. It did not happen to attract my attention again until about 
a year ago, when I came across it, and noticed that it was much flatter 
than /7. pisana, finely striated, and had a very wide umbilicus, more 
like that of A. ztala (ertcetorum). In colour it was pale brown, with 
darker blotches of the same, in that respect somewhat like var. ornata 
OL 77. virgata. The striations were its most distinguishing characteristic, 
being very regular and fine. The specimen was alive, but not full 
grown, being about 15mm. in diameter, and having five whorls, whereas 
a H. pisana of the same measurement has only four whorls. None of 
the other xerophile species which are common on many parts of the 
Irish coast are found at Rostrevor, though two of them have been 
found lately at Cranfield Point, about ten miles further south. Not 
being able to name the shell myself, I passed it on to Mr. Welch, and 
he forwarded it to several experts, finally sending it to Messrs. 
Kennard and B. B. Woodward, of London, who compared it with 
specimens in the Norman collection at the British Museum, and came 
to the conclusion that it was a young specimen of Helicella zakarensis 
Kobelt. The following is an extract from a letter of Mr. A. S. Kennard’s 
to Mr. Welch :—“ We at once rejected Z. virgata as clean out of it. It 
was a young shell, perhaps two-thirds grown, so it could not be that 
species, and when we got a lens on it and saw the fine strice, perfectly 
regular, we rejected % pzsana. ‘Then came the great question—what is 
it? Our first surmise was /e/écella affintor, Debeaux, from Oran, but it 
could not be that, though near to it, and a similar result was meted out 
to H. cyclostoma, Bourg., from Oran. We could see at once that its true 
affinities were North African, and then we spotted WZedzcella zakarensts, 
Kobelt, from Drab-el-Mizan, Kabylie (Algiers), and we cannot separate 
it from this form.” Mr. Welch also had some correspondence with Dr. 
W. Kobelt, of Schwanheim, the original finder of the shell in Algiers, 
and I quote below his description of the habitat—“I described Aedzcella 
zakarensis in the fourth volume of the ‘Iconographie,’ second series, 
p- 77. pl. 110, figs. 659-660, together with the next allied forms, Z. calopszs, 
Bourg., and ZH. calida,M. The three species form a group confined to 
Mount Zakar, and are not found eastward or westward, where I also 
collected for some weeks. At Cherchel, near the coast, only H. calopsis 
is found, and I doubt whether the species may have been transported 
to Ireland from the summit of Mount Zakar, as there is no communica- 
tion between the bains of Hammam Rizka or Milianoh on the Zakar 
and the coast.” Mr. Welch and myself paid a special visit to Rostrevor, 
and searched the spot carefully, on 17th September, 1905, but found no 
trace of any colony. Several theories have been advanced in order to 


1906. Notes. III 


account for these southern shells turning up now and then in Ireland. 
The finding of He/¢x limbata at Belfast (/.WV., vol. vii, p. 150) is a case in 
point, but there the animal was living on a hedge bordering a nursery 
that imports plants from southern France, and it was comparatively 
easy in this instance to imagine eggs, or even the shells themselves, 
being carried in the roots of these plants. At Rostrevor, however, the 
conditions were quite different, the habitat being among nettles growing 
on the ruined wall of the cottage, and a fair distance from any garden 
or demesne. Rostrevor House, the most likely place in the neighbour- 
hood to which foreign plants might have been imported, is almost a 
mile away, and Sir John Ross of Bladensburg, who has taken a keen 
interest in the find, states that although he has imported plants from 
Rovelli, and from Pallanza on Lago Maggiore, in Northern Italy, he 
has not received any from more southerly localities. He states, how- 
ever, that the nurseries at these places are often stocked with plants 
from Algiers and other parts of North Africa If the shell had been 
found in or close to the demesne one might have thought this a most 
likely method of introduction, but the distance seems to make this 
doubtful. Of course, there still remains the old theory of carriage 
attached to a bird’s foot, but this does not seem feasible in a case where 
the distance is so enormous as that between Algiers and Rostrevor, 
unless it was only thus carried from the demesne after being introduced 
there with plants. 
A. W. STELFOX. 
Belfast. 


Helix virgata in Co. Down. 


Well over half a century has now elapsed since the only other xero- 
phile mollusk hitherto known to live in Down (e/¢x acuta) was recorded. 
H. virgata was known to live in the adjacent counties, north and south, 
but the keenest search failed to discover any trace of it in the area 
between Ballycastle, in North Antrim, and Greenore, Co. Louth, a coast 
line of about 270 miles, till a month ago, when another Antrim locality 
was found at Magheramorne. During recent years A. W. Stelfox and R. 
Welch made careful search for it in inany localities in the north and east 
of the county, but without success. They finally concluded that unless 
it lived between Greencastle and Cranfield Point (the only limestone area 
of the county) it was unlikely to be found. I joined them ina special 
search for it, and we paid a visit to Greenore on 13th February, and 
crossed by the steam ferry to the Co. Down side. Almost at once we 
found Z. virgata. It is abundant along the edge of the raised beach, also 
among the sand-hills all the way to Cranfield Point. Many were alive, 
and evidently feeding on the plants of the sand-hills. 

It may interest the student of variation to know that, unlike the Bally- 
castle ZH. virgata, the shells are much varied in size, colourand markings. 
Some specimens are almost black, others are white, with translucent 
bands, but all have the dark nucleus. They seem also more variable 
than those on the opposite Co. Louth coast. 


Ju Ne NEEENE. 
Belfast. 


T¥2 : The Lrish Naturalist. April, 1906. 


Little Owl in Ireland. 


A specimen of the Little Owl (Carine noctua, Scop.) was presented to 
the Natural History Museum, Dublin, in November, 3903, by Sir 
Anthony Weldon, Bart., on whose property at Kilmorony, Athy, Co. 
Kildare, it had been caught the previous June in a trap set for hawks, 
&c. The bird had been observed in the neighbourhood in February of 
the same year, but Sir Anthony would not allow it to be shot. 

Although the Little Owl is accommon Kuropean species, it is only an 
accidental visitor to England, and there is no record of a specimen 
having been previously obtained in Ireland. Little Owls are sometimes 
kept in confinement, and it is possible that the bird had escaped from 
captivity. 

A. R. NICHOLS. 

Dublin Museum. 


Pied Blackbirds near Poyntzpass. 


While driving in this neighbourhood I have noticed three Blackbirds 
with white markings—one had the whole back and part of its wings 
white, the second part of the wing and tail, and the third part of its tail, 
white. It seems remarkable that there should be so many pied birds 
in one locality, and I think it worth noting. I am afraid the first has 
been shot for I have not seen it latterly. I may mention that Blackbirds 


are very numerous here. 
W. F. JOHNSON. 
Acton Glebe, Poyntzpass. 


Lapland Bunting in Ireland. 


On the 27th January a bird catcher brought me a bird taken in his net 
with some common JTinnets near Kilbarrack Churchyard, Co. Dublin. 
I showed the bird next day to Mr. R. M. Barrington, who confirmed my 
opinion that it was a Lapland Bunting (Plectrophanes lapponicus), a male 
in winter plumage. This is the second recorded instance of this 
rare Bunting in Ireland; the first was found dead at Fastnet Light- 
house 16th October, 1887, and is nowin Mr. Barrington’s collection; the 
present specimen has been secured for our National Museum. 


W. J. WILLIAMS. 
Dame Street, Dublin. 


A Corncrake in February. 


A Corncrake in fat condition was shot at Markethill, Co. Armagh, on 
the 2nd February. On carefully examining the specimen the wing was 
found to have been broken, but the bones had joined and all outward 
signs of wound had disappeared. This no doubt accounted for the bird 
wintering in Ireland, although it was well able to fly. 


W. J. WILLIAMS, 
Dame Street, Dublin. 


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THE ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY. 


A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, 
EDITED BY 

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May, 1906: The Irish Naturalist. {13 


SOME POINTS REGARDING ANIMAL, COLORATION. 
BY PROFESSOR RICHARD J. ANDERSON, M.D., M.A. 


Mosr people who are interested in the relations of things in 
nature know the main facts bearing on mimicry and protective 
coloration. The shapes of animals and plants serve also in 
the same direction, as is well known, and even the character 
of the shading helps to make a curved animal look flat and 
thus escape notice. The following notes will appear not un- 
worthy of attention, because of the great importance one 
attaches to the general facts regarding mimicry and coloration. 

Taking conspicuously coloured objects, it is evident that 
the colour is more or less conspicuous, the more or less the 
colour has free room to assert itself by contrast or individual 
assertion, or by the object receiving light from a differently 
coloured surface, provided the colour reflected approaches the 
complementary colour. It is obvious that green and red are 
complementary provided the proper shades be taken. If the 
light be so arranged that the red object receive green rays re- 
flected or rays transmitted, then, very obviously in the latter 
and less so in the former case, the red colour becomes dark. 
Hence a red object may seem dark or even black. If the 
medium be blue or green water, red may be as effective as black. 
Red rays may as effectively disguise a green object as if it 
were black. It is said that great thickness of a blue medium 
may give a red character to the transmitted rays. Whatever 
the advantage that may accrue to an animal possessed of con- 
spicuous spots, it seems clear that the spots may be affected 
by the nature of the light through which these spots must 
make themselves felt. If the spots be rendered very dark 
whilst the ground harmonizes with the medium, then these 
spots may be the only clue to the whereabouts of the animal. 
It happens, however, that scent and hearing are both useful 
adjuncts of unquestionable importance in mammals. A hint 
soon becomes sufficient for the trained eye of the bird. 

A 


114 The Lrish Naturalsst. May, 


A number of pictures representing flags of various nations 
were taken. The light was such that one could read words 
half an inch and an inch in size. The blues in the Stars and 
Stripes were pale, and the red dark—nearly black. The Union 
Jack gave the crosses black, the blue a dark gray, while the 
white became dirty white. The Royal Standard showed red 
as black; blue as gray; yellow as dark gray. The dark 
green of the Irish flag and the corner Jack get black, and 
the harp appears light incolour. The Lion of Scotland looked 
very black, whilst the yellow got pale, two dark lines appearing 
round the border. The American Jack showed white points 
on a dark ground, whilst the Standard showed black and white 
stripes, and in the corner greyish white spots on a dark ground ; 
all this in a dull light of the nature referred to above. One 
may enlarge the series, but enough has been said to show that 
light colours are in some cases scarcely distinguishable from 
white and gray, whilst dark colours are as difficult to distin- 
guish from black. Hence may come a condition in which 
things harmonize with the sky on the one hand or with a 
black background on the other. It is of course scarcely pos- 
sible to draw an animal against a dull background without a 
contrast. I think Ruskin speaks generally against drawing 
figures in a landscape with a background of mountain or trees. 
It is evident enough that the sky appearing through trees will 
disguise gray, bluish, or other pale colours, whilst a shady 
wood prevents dark objects from being seen distinctly, if at all, 
just as much noise prevents one from distinguishing sounds 
agreeable or the reverse ; so that considerations of safety may 
suggest to some animals the advantage of hiding near a place 
whence loud sounds arise. And so darkness or dulness— 
an advantage produced by a different light—helps the disguise. 
The advantages are not learned by those animals, which often 
escape, but become ultimately caught by trying the same 
plan “once too often” for the trained eye of a bird. 

There comes in also the question of brilliancy. The mean 
standard, under ordinary circumstances, is the colour as it 
appears in a white or pale yellow light, but there are then light 
shades of red and dark shades. ‘These shades, conspicuously 
different in a bright white light and recognizable, are still 
different but not easily recognized when the light diminishes 


1906. ANDERSON. —A nimal Coloration. IT5 


mtich beyond dusk. The same holds for shades of blue and 
several other colours. Thus, pink paper appeared pale pink 
with a light (white) which is noted as ‘‘dusk,” “dirty” white 
was the colour with still less light, whilst the colour is marked 
as “pale,” when all trace of red had disappeared. Smooth 
orange-coloured paper seemed bluish in a “dusk,” and soon 
became black. This colour it assumed when pink became 
a dirty white. Rough orange paper appeared even darker, 
whilst green paper was in “dusk” yellow, then in increasing 
darkness white. Red became darkish and even blackish. 
Yellow, which is almost as conspicuous as white, became 
whitish, which was succeeded by pale white. The disadvantage 
of colouring walls red has been long recognized. Red walls 
do not help one to find a gate on a moderately dark night un- 
less the gate be paiuted white. White, in any case, is much 
better to mark walls or wires, or, failing this, a pale colour. 
When we take a greater series of colours—say, forty fairly 
well known colours—the general facts are the same. Colours 
that in bright light seem so important become less conspicuous 
in the dusk and lose their character before we are unable to 
distinguish between black and white sufficiently well to 
identify printed words that indicate the name. 

Cardinal gets crimson and black, but scarlet gets light 
crimson and then dark red. ‘The darker shades of terra 
cotta become black soon, but the lighter get brown before they 
get black. Navy blue gets soon black. Tight blues become 
dark and gradually black, or pale according to the degree of 
lightness. Thus, palest blue gets first pale blue; turquoise 
gets pale blue, then pale; dark green grows black in the fail- 
ing light; and palest green becomes bluish white and then 
pale. 

When we try to apply observations to animals without 
actually noting the demeanour of the animals, then indeed is 
it difficult to be sure that the results are correct, for the mode 
of aggregation of the coloured particles in the skin, hair, or 
feathers affects the result. It has been proved that the 
superficial layer alone may not produce the full effect 
observed. One notices that the same surface may appear to 
reflect and absorb in an irregular manner, and this may be 
due to the aggregation of the particles. 

Ae 


116 The lrish Naturalist. May, 


One may begin by noting the effects of increasing darkness 
on the landscape and the animals. The dark foliaged trees 
become darker and not distinguishable from black. Where 
these trees cast a shade or appear against a dark rocky ground, 
the intervals between the branches may get quite dark first. 
The dark red coloured cattle get black and may become with 
their darkening colour quite inconspicuous. If they are partly 
white the white shows long after the red disappears in the 
shade of trees ; if the incidence of the light be favourable the 
oxen may be unrecognisable, when a white wall or even white 
sheep show against a dark ground. The incidence of the 
light of course tells. In early morning dark red cattle are not 
at first recognised, nor dark coloured animals, which commonly 
select this time for grazing. The period of rest is, for some 
animals, the brightest time of the day and as we know, it is 
by no means unusual for animals both wild and tame to 
seek a shady dark place so that the dulness helps more 
than their colour to disguise the mammals or birds, in the 
thickets where they rest. | 

A large number of museum birds were taken and viewed 
in bright and dull lights—red and green parrots, woodpeckers, 
kingfishers, jungle-fowl, and others. The colours grew, 
generally speaking, darker, and became black if they 
happened to be of darker hue when beginning the observa- 
tions, but white spots (eg., in Pomatorrhinus) and pale 
yellows and whites were visible as pale or grey spots after their 
recognition was impossible. Pigeons of different colours 
were noted as they appeared whenthe twilight was advancing 
into darkness. Light lavender owls get pale, but the form 
was not easily recognised. White fantails seemed bright, 
after copper-coloured Jacobins and Archangels were unre- 
cognisable. The darker pigeons became soon inconspicuous 
in the shade. It is evident that the reflection from the leaves 
of trees may contribute to render birds of a complementary 
colour much less conspicuous. 

It becomes impossible to distinguish dull white long before 
white houses or walls are invisible, so that sheep get dull and 
indistinguishable before a white wall or white house is, so that 
in the late evening and early morning the ordinary lightis an 
effectual disguise. Sheep prefer the bare places in fields ; in 


1906. ANDERSON.—A nimal Coloration. 117 


such places gray rocks or white ones enable sheep to escape 
detection, even when things are fairly clear. Umbrageous 
foliage serves animals of darker hue. It is well known 
however that suggestions have been made with reference to 
the protective effect of light and shade for some animals. | 
This problem has been discussed by most competent authori- 
ties, who have pointed out that the effect of light passing 
through trees is to throw a pattern on the ground that may 
serve the animal that is particularly coloured. It is suggested, 
however, that light and shade may not be simple in its origin 
and reflection, perhaps refraction of colours may lead to a 
disguise in animals that have a complementary coloration. 
It is only necessary to suggest that an animal if colour-blind 
would not be able to distinguish red from green, even though 
the light green of grass were the colour complementary to the 
red of certain animals. 

It would seem that the bright, central portions of the 
spectrum retain their characters longer and show later than 
the colours at either end. The yellow and green seem more 
persistent than the light blue and orange. The yellow and 
green seem much more penetrating. It will be seenthat the 
larger question which has received attention from so many 
competent authorities has not been touched upon in the 
present paper. Sensitiveness is so different in different 
animals and animal groups, whether we take the power of 
seeing with a greater or smaller amount of light, or the 
ability of distinguishing objects in light that may have an 
ultra-violet character, or with rays that are of any lower 
degree of refrangibility, that one cannot do more than allude 
to a subject the fringe of which only has been touched. 


Queen’s College, Galway. 


118 The Lrish Naturalist. May, 


SOME IRISH BRAMBLHS. 
BY R. A. PHILLIPS. 


DuRING the summer of 1905, I devoted some little time to a 
further study of the Rubi of the South of Ireland, and in the 
following notes record the results of the season’s collecting. 

All the specimens, which numbered about 170, were sub- 
mitted to the Rev. W. Moyle Rogers who, with his usual 
kindness, has critically examined, named, and reported on each. 

Most of the specimens were gathered within a radius of 
four miles from Cork city, the remainder being from the 
neighbourhoods of Glengarriff and Limerick. A _ large 
number, as the notes will show, are additions to the lists for 
these districts, while two (RX. cuvvidens and the typical form 
of R. longithyrsiger) are certainly, and another (&. Boveanus) 
is probably, new to Ireland. 

As is usually the case with collections of Irish Rubi, many 
of the specimens differ so much from recognized British forms 
that identification is at present impossible; further material 
and study may prove that some of them are new species or 
varieties. Hybrids are numerous, but their parentage is in 
nearly all cases more or less doubtful. 

Mr. Rogers writes of one set of remarkable-looking speci- 
mens from Glengarriff—-“ it strongly recalls the plant named 
R. Briggsit and described by the late Rev. A. Bloxam in Jour. 
Bot. 1869, 33, and as represented by Mr. Briggs’s own speci- 
mens now in my herbarium. Mr. Briggs, however, before his 
death had ceased interesting himself in this plant as probably 
an anomalous form or hybrid ” 

In the following, additions to the county or vice-county 
lists of “ Irish Topographical Botany ” are indicated by having 
the county names printed in capitals. Most of the species 
new to the divisions of Cork are also additions to the flora of 
the county as a whole. 

Rubus argenteus, Wh. &N. (f£ erythrinus, Genev., auct. brit. prius). 


4. CORK MIpD. By the Lee at Carrigrohane. 
R. dumnonienslis, Bab. / 
5. CORK E. By the side of a field near Queenstown Junction, 
R. pulcherrimus, Neu. 
8. Limerick. By the White River at Loghill, and by ditches near 
the Ballinacurra estuary. 


1906. PHILLips.— Some Lrish Brambles. 119 


R. 


*s 


SeImer!, Lindeb. 

g. Clare. Near Kilkee, Dr. George Fogerty. 

Godront, Lee and Lam. (A. argentatus, P. J. Muell, auct. brit 
prius) 

4. CORK Mip. By the Lee at Carrigrohane, an exceptionally glan- 
dular form or variety. 

5. CoRK E. The Glen, Cork (forma glandulosa). 

8. Limerick. Roadside near Limerick. 

robustus, P. J. Muell. 

3. CoRK W. Glengarriff and near Schull 

5. CORK E_ Near Ballyvolane, Cork. 

silvaticus, Wh. & N. 

3. CORK W. Woods at Glengarriff. 

4. CorK Mip. By the River Lee at Carrigrohane. 

5. CorK E Near Glanmire. 

8. LIMERICK. By the White River, Loghill. 

myricze, Focke, var. hesperius, Rogers. 

5. CoRK E. The Glen, Cork, and between Mayfield and Glanmire. 
An interesting extension of the range of this plant, found last 
year in Co. Limerick, previously known only from Lough 
Corrib in Galway and Mavo. 

Questierii, Lefv. & Muell. 

3. Cork W. Woods at Glengarriff. 

5. CORK E. Woods at Glanmire, and The Glen, Cork. 

Sprengelii, Weihe. 

5. Cork EH: . The; Glen,,Cork 

hypoleucus, Lefv. & Muell. (2. mzcans, Gren. & Godr., auct. brit. 
prius). 

5. CORK E. Near Ballyvolane, Cork. 

pyramidalis, Kalt. 

3. CORK W. At Glengarriff (forma Azrsutessima). 

5. CORK E. Fields between Mayfield and Glanmire. 

leucostachys, Schleich. 

4. CORK Mip. Hedgerow at Douglas. 

Boreanus, Geuev. 

4. CORK MID. Near Douglas. | 

5. CoRK E. The Glen, Cork. Mr. Rogers writes of these speci- 
mens—‘*A variety with exceptionally broad and abruptly 
cuspidate leaflets. Record for Cork, and perhaps for Ireland; 
see Four. Pot., 1901, 381, for the only Irish example (?), much 
more doubtful than this.’’ 

curvidens, A. Ley. 

5. CoRK E. Lota Wood, Glanmire. New for Ireland, but not 
identical with the English plant. Mr. Rogers says of it—‘*In 
panicle undistinguishable from Mr. Ley’s ‘‘ Sellack, Meadow 
Place Wood” plant, but differing from his specimens in 
glabrous stem and shorter, roundish-obovate leaflets, but I 
believe it cannot be kept from it specifically.” 


120 The Irish Naturalist. May, 


R. 


R. 


R. 


R 


2 


cy 


= 


infestus, Weihe. 

8. Limerick Near Foynes. 

echinatus, Lindl. 

5. CoRK E. The Glen, Cork. 

oigocladus, Muell. & Lefv. 

4. CORK Mip. Ry the River Lee at Carrigrohane. 

5. Cork E. The Glen, Cork (f. wmébrosa). These specimens were 
seen by the Rev. A. Ley, who agreed with Mr. Rogers in thus 
naining them. 

Babingtonii, Bell-Salt. 

5. CorK E. The Glen, Cork, where it seems to be plentiful. 

mutabilis, Geuev. 

5. Cork E. Between Glanmire and Mayfield, and plentiful in the 
Glen, Cork, where I first found it in 1904. A distinct and 
striking species. 

scaber, Wh. &N. 

5. CorK E. The Glen, Cork. 

longithyrsiger, Bab. (type). 

3. CORK W. Woods at Glengarriff. The first record for Ireland. 

foliosus, Wh. & N. 

3. CORK W. Woods at Glengarriff. 

5. CoRK E. Lota Wood, Glanmire (probably). New to Co. Cork, 
and hitherto recorded only from Down and Derry. 

cognatus, N. E. Brown. 

4. CoRK Mip. Hedgerow near Douglas. 

5. CoRK E. Fields between Mayfield and Glanmire. 

dasyphylius, Rogers. 

10. TIPPERARY N. Near Templemore. Specimens weak and un- 
characteristic. A provisional record. 

Marshalli, Focke & Rogers. 

4. CORK Mip. Fields near Carrigrohane. Previously noted only 
from Co. Down. 

dumetorum, Weilie. 

5. Cork E. Glanmire and Queenstown Junction. 

8. Limerick Near Newtewn. 

dumetorum, Weihe, var. raduliformis, A. Ley. 

4. CORK Mip. By the Lee Fields near Cork. 

5. CoRK E. Glanmire and The Glen, Cork. 

8. LIMERICK. By the Shannon near the Ballinacurra estuary. A 
variety not previously recorded for Ireland. All my specimens 
of this were shown to Mr. Ley, the original describer, who 
agrees with Mr. Rogers in their identification. 

czesius, Linn. 

3. Cork W. Near Glengarriff. 


5. Cork E. Near Rallyvolane, Cork. This is apparently a rare 
plant in Co. Cork. 


Cork. 


1906. {21 
REVIEWS. 


EVOLUTION FOR THE PEOPLE. 


Darwinism and the Problems of Life: A Study of Familiar 
Animal Life. By CONRAD GUENTHER, Ph.D., Professor at the 
University of Freiburg in Baden. Translated from the third edition 
by Jos—EPH McCaBr. Pp. 436. London: A. Owen & Co., 1906: 
Price 12s. 6d. 


In this book the author seeks to bring before the average intelligent 
reader, who has no special knowledge of zoology, the evidence for the 
evolution theory that may be derived from a survey ofthe field of animal 
life. As might be expected from a colleague of the great Weismann, the 
presentation of the subject is frankly “neo-Darwinian.” Not the La- 
marckian factors only, and De Vries’ doctrine of mutations, but Darwin’s 
theory. of sexual selection, and even Weismann’s own contribution of 
germinal selection, are all rejected as needless accretions to that process 
of natural selection by which alone, so the author believes, the whole 
course of organic evolution can be explained. 

The book begins with a vivid account of animal life in a continental 
forest, and from this starting-point the reader is led to a survey of the 
principal groups of animals from the Mammalia to the Protozoa. Unfor- 
tunately the chapters containing this survey are marred by such an array 
of errors that the book (which is entirely without illustrations) will prove 
most misleading as regards zoological facts to any non-scientific reader. 
For example, we are told (p. 155) that “ frogs have only one chamber to 
the heart”; that in birds (p. 102) there is a ‘rigid pelvis formed by the 
fusion of a number of vertebrae,” and that «‘the crop supplies the place of 
teeth.” Then, turning to the insects, we learn that (p. 202) “ masticators”’ 
are present in ‘locusts, moths [!], and beetles, because they chew their 
food,” and (p. 187) that in moths ‘* the larva does not differ so much from 
the imago.’’ Yet a few lines lower down we read, ‘ it isotherwise with 
butterflies,” and two pages further on we meet with “nocturnal butter- 
flies (or moths).” 

It would be insulting to Prof. Guenther to believe him capable of such 
blunders, and the use of the word ‘‘moths” in the two contradictory 
senses just quoted shows that the translator has but a scant knowledge 
either of zoology or of common English animal names. He calls the 
harmless Ring-snake, for example, an “‘adder.”’ Yet there are not a few 
erroneous statements that can hardly be mistranslations. The footnote 
on pp. 202-3 implies that the triungulin larva of Strepsiptera enters the 
imago and not the larva of the hymenopterous host. The bird’s wing is 
said (p. 157) to possess ‘‘ rudiments of five fingers, though the archzop- 
teryx had them well-developed and active.” And it is stated incidentally 
that there are ‘‘ many species” of Dipnoi(p.151). Furthermore, the author 
is not sufficiently careful to distinguish between facts and theories in his 


A 3 


122 The Lrish Naturalist. May, 


pleadings for the neo-Darwinian position. It is positively stated (p. 240) 
that the sessile condition of the eyesis a primitive character in the Crus- 
tacea, whereas evidence for the appendicular origin of these organs is 
constantly becoming stronger. Again (on p. 264), the author, stating that 
the Peripatids are ‘‘the most typical instance of a transitional form that 
we know,” implies that the family represents a direct link in the descent 
of myriapods and insects from annelid worms. No zoologist doubts that 
the Peripatids are, in several respects at least, transitional forms, but there 
are many reasons for disbelieving that they stand in an ancestral position 
to the tracheate Arthropoda. The paragraph on p. 37, summarizing the 
geological history of animal life, is seriously misleading, for the author 
states that ‘nowhere [in the strata] do we find the animals of our own 
time, or, at all events, only in the very latest periods of the earth’s 
history.” ' The persistence of certain generic types through many of the 
great periods to the present day—a fact which tells strongly in favour of 
the Darwinian position—would certainly not be inferred from such a 
sentence by the average reader. And despite the clearness of his style 
and the assurance with which he writes, considerable doubt as to his © 
views on the course of evolution may remain in the student’s mind. For — 
while in many passages he rejects the theories of mutation and of discon- 
tinuous variation, he tells us (p. 158) that ‘‘ the ancestors of all] reptiles 
consisted of a pair of amphibians that reached special conditions, and so 
their offspring formed a newclass. These amphibians lived about the 
end of the Carboniferous period.” The conception of the evolutionary 
process implied in such a statement as this, can only be matched in the 
writings of some extreme modern neo-Lamarckians, or in the famous 
“‘ Vestiges ” of sixty years ago. 

The zoological portion of the book must thus be pronounced to a great 
extent untrustworthy. In the philosophical chapters with which it con- 
cludes, the translator seems to be more at home with his subject, and 
the author’s arguments on the relations of Darwinism to the ‘‘ problems 
of life,” are put before the reader in a manner both forceful and vivid. 
Lite, with its accompaniments of mind and will, is explicable, so our 
author urges, on mechanical principles, and since the whole organic 
world has become what it is by the unaided action of natural selection on 
fortuitous variations, any teleological factor is rigidly dismissed from the 
scientific conception of the evolutionary process. In our judgment, the 
neo-Darwinian position (in the author’s sense of the “‘ all-sufficiency of 
natural selection”) is farther than ever from general acceptance, and we 
believe that were Darwin with us to-day, his reception ofthe light thrown 
on the course of variation by the work of De Vries and the Mendelians 
would be very different from that of the naturalists who claim to be ex- 
clusively his disciples. But despite his exclusively mechanical theory of 
evolution, Prof. Guenther admits that consciousness must ever be at the 
root of all human experience. Dismissing with some impatience the 
ethical systems founded on biological theory, he warns science not to 
overstep her proper sphere of enquiry; and, assuming finally a strongly 


1906. Reviews. 123 


idealist position, he declares that the idea of duty is the beginning of all 
knowledge. Thus the impression left on the reader’s mind as he closes 
the book is one of sharp antithesis—two apparently irreconcilable 
conceptions of his own being both claiming his allegiance. For the recon- 
ciliation and harmonizing of the material and the spiritual outlooks we 
need what underlies even the idea of duty—the faith that behind and 
working through that material universe which is possibly, though not 
certainly, explicable on the mechanical principles for which our author 
pleads, is the Divine Spirit to whom the spirit of man is akin. 
G2. €: 


THE MOLLUSCA. 


A Treatise on Zoology. Edited by E. RAy LANKASTER, LL.D.. 
F.R.S. Part V. Mollusca. By PAUL PELSENEER, D.Sc. London: 
A: and C. Black. 1906. Pp.355. Price I5s. net. 


Prof. Pelseneer is best known among malacologists as the originator 
of the most recent and most reliable classification of the Lamelli- 
branchia. At the suggestion of his former teacher, Prof. Ray Lankaster, 
that the gills might furnish characters of classificatory value, he worked 
out the anatomy of the group with considerable skill and patience. He 
constructed on this basis a new classification dividing the Lamelli- 
branchia into five orders. Further researches convinced him that one 
of these, the ‘“ Pseudolamellibranchia,” should be suppressed, and the 
suborders it contained be merged with the Filibranchia and Eulamelli- 
branchia. This he has carried out in the present work. While these 
anatomical researches are of the greatest value to the systematist, it 
must not be forgotten that the shell of most Mollusca, with its infinite 
variety of vaiuable characters, will probably always remain as a basis for 
specific determination for palzeontological purposes and for the general 
conchologist. It may be worthy of note that Prof. Pelseneer revived 
Goldfuss’ old name of ‘‘ Pelecypoda” for this class, which designation 
has since been largely adopted in text-books, though he himself now 
reverts again to De Blainville’s name of “ Lamellibranchia.” 

The system of the gill structure and the fundamental character upon 
which the classification is based are somewhat difficult to understand, 
and it would have been well if the author had given us a series of good 
diagrams representing the main features of the system. 

Many excellent new figures have been introduced, and some attention at 
least has been paid to the life led by the living animal in the chapters on 
bionomics. This is a distinct improvement on some of the previous works 
of the series. Some of the illustrations, however, might with advantage 
have been left out. It is difficult to understand why the old and badly 
drawn figures of Férussac, Pfeiffer, and Reeve on page 183, which we 
have seen before in so many text-books, should have again been re- 
produced, when better ones might so easily have been obtained. The 


124 The Trish Naturalist. May’ 


slug with a tiled body and the common Roman snail, which is scarcely 
recognisable, are not in keeping with the other up-to-date figures. 

A new feature in the work is the praiseworthy attempt to acquaint the 
student with such genera as he might procure in the British Islands, 
by marking them “ British” (which we presume includes Irish). The 
author, however, does not seem to be thoroughly at home in the science 
of the geographical distribution of Mollusca, as he includes Zonites 
among the British genera, while the genus Hyalinia, or Vitrea, as it is 
often called, is not referred to at all. Moreover none of the following 
genera (all of which are British) are mentioned as such, viz., Amalia, 
Agriolimax, Punctum, Buliminus, Balea, Azeca, and Testacella. 

These are probably slight oversights scarcely detracting fromthe real 
merit of the book, which is full of interesting and reliable matter. The 
text throughout never betrays the fact that the manuscript was written 
in French, the credit of the excellent translation being due to Dr. 
Gilbert Bourne of Oxford. 


REPS: 


THE BIRDS OF MAN. 


The Birds of the Isle of Man. By P. G. RaEFE, M.B:0.U; Pp. 
lv. + 321. Fifty illustrations, and two maps. Edinburgh: David 
Douglas, 1905. Price 185. net. 


Mr. Ralfe has placed “Britannic” ornithologists under a debt of 
gratitude by the issue of the most excellent volume before us. An 
account of the birds of Man has been long required, and the expectations 
we had formed of the promised book have been realised on the whole. 
The introductory portion deals with a topographical description of the 
island. brief accounts of previous publications on Manx ornithology, and 
migration in Man, comparative notes on the birds, Manx bird-names, 
and alist of birds which are ascertained to have occurredin Man within 
the last century. Then follow 286 pages of detailed accounts of each 
species, and a bibliography, copies of local wild birds protection acts, 
addenda and index complete the volume. In the space of a brief notice 
it is not possible to exhaustively review the book, but some of the 
results of a careful study of it may be given. The volume treats of 183 
Manx species, roughly classified as follows :—Resident and breeding 75 ; 
Regular Summer Migrants breeding 18; Regular Autumn, Winter or 
Spring Migrants not breeding 45; Occasional Visitants, 45. It will be 
seen how far these figures fall short of our Irish lists.) Managrees with 
Ireland, and differs from the opposite English counties,in the absence 
or rarity of various summer migrants, such as the Blackcap, Garden 
Warbler, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wag- 
tail, and Tree Pipit; and of the Marsh Tit, of the Carrion Crow, of the 
Woodpeckers, of the Tawny Owl, and of the Jay. It also agrees with 


1906. Reviews. 125 


Ireland in the position, as breeding species, of the Grey Crow and the 
Black Guillemot. Curiously enough Man agrees with England and 
differs from Scotland and Ireland in the status of the Common Gull, 
though perhaps further investigation may modify this conclusion, as is © 
hinted in a note in the addenda. It is surprising to find that the Barn 
Owl is almost unknown to Man, and there is no proof of it being any- 
thing but a mere straggler to the island. Only a few miles off—in Down 
and Antrim—the Barn Owl is so common as to be a recognised 
“ornament”? in houses. On the other hand we find the Tree Sparrow 
resident and fairly well distributed in Man, and yet quite unknown on 
the shores of Ireland, 26 miles away. Similarly, it is strange toread 
that the Heron, which used to breed in Man, has now ceased to do so, 
although during the greater part of the year it seems to be far from un- 
common. Several dissimilarities in the avifauna of the two islands 
could be noted of other species, but enough has been said to show how 
interesting the comparison is. One striking feature is that the 
‘* Manx ”’ Shearwater does not now breed in the island at all. 

Incidentally we may mention that Mr. Ralfe gives some information 
on the Land Mammals, Fresh-water Fish and Reptiles of the island. 
The Mammals are the Common and Long-eared Bats, the Lesser Shrew, 
the Irish form of the Stoat, the Long-tailed Field Mouse, the House 
Mouse, the Brown Rat, the Common Hare, Rabbit and Hedge-hog. The 
Fresh-water Fish are two varieties of the Stickleback. Salmon, Sea 
Trout, Trout, Eel, and Lampern. The Common Frog is said to have 
‘been introduced about two hundred years ago, and Man possesses two 
Lizards (Lacerta vivipara and L. agilis). Newts, Snakes, and Toads seem 
to be unknown. Regarding the Irish information contained in the 
book, we note that most of it has been taken from Ussher‘s ‘“‘ Birds of 
Treland;” but we cannot understand how it is that the Guide issued by 
the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club in 1874 should have been consulted 
(according to the Bibliography), while the much fuller information con- 
tained in the Guide published by the same Club in 5902 seems to have 
been overlooked. Consequently, there areseveral misstatements and 
omissions concerning Down and Antrim which a reference to the latter 
book would have obviated it is pleasing to see frequent reference made 
to the late A. G. More, and to our valued contributor Mr. C. B. Moffat. It 
isa pity that Mr. Ralfe did not adopt Mr. Ussher’s method of conveying 
the gist of each article in a few lines at the beginning. Onehas to read 
through the whole description before one finds whether a certain bird 
really breeds or not, and indeed in several instances, the reader is ieft 
somewhat in doubt upon this point. On page liv. there isa curious 
error, where the Little Tern is put down as a resident. 

These few blemishes do not, however, seriously detract from the value 
of a work which we can cordially recommend to the attention of all 
students of British and Irish Birds. The book is well printed and pro- 
duced, and the numerous photographs add not a little to the interest of 
the volume. | 

| ag 


126 The Irish Naturalist May, 


PLANT FORMATIONS OF THE DUBLIN MOUNTAINS. 


The Vegetation of the District lying South of Dublin. By 
, G. H. PETHYBRIDGE, PH.D., B.Sc., and R. Liovp PRAEGER, B.E., 
M.R.I.A. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, xxv., B. Dec., 1905. 
Pp. 57. Coloured Map. Five plates. Price, 2s. 


The publication of this paper marks the opening of a new era in the 
investigation of the plants of Ireland. The collector and enumerator 
of species has placed on record what plants are to be found, and during 
the last decade one of the authors of this paper has perfected the frag- 
mentary county lists until they are now a representative census. The 
Watsonian side of distribution has also received attention, and the great 
botanical divisions of the Irish flora are known, as well as something of 
their origin. Here and there a County Flora deals specially with the 
plants of a district and their distribution. Thus, from the oft depre- 
cated collecting of plants and making of lists, there has arisen a record 
of the plants of Ireland which has claims to be considered at least 
fairly complete. The progress, like that in most countries, has been 
mainly along floristic lines. Meanwhile, another branch of the out-door 
study of plants has been opening from a prolonged bud-stage, and the 
authors of this paper decided to test the merits of this recent growth, 
the study of plant associations. It is unnecessary to define or to 
describe this study, because in the introduction to the paper under 
review there is an excellent summary of the objects and the develop- 
ment of the subject. This introduction, although it forms the first part 
of the paper, was probably the last part written, because the authors 
state (p. 135): “We decided . . . to avoid reading up the detailed 
work done in Scotland and England, and thus to start devoid of pre- 
conceived notions as to what the associations (if any) might, could, 
would, or should be, and to let them force themselves upon us as they 
actually existed in this area.” This was the best test to make, and the 
result was:—“ We were not long in recognizing that associations did 
exist, acd in deciding that they could be mapped, but only on a map of 
a fairly large scale.” The writer of this review was in some measure 
the means of suggesting the study of Irish vegetation on these lines, for 
one of the authors was present at the Glasgow meeting of the British 
Association (1901), when an attempt was made to explain the work of 
Robert Smith (died 1899), and to encourage its development in Britain. 
The criticism of one who had already done so much topographical work as 
Mr. R. Lloyd Praeger was awaited with somewhat mixed feelings, and 
it was a relief when, in course of time, one learned that the method 
was approved, because from his many-sided investigations on the Irish 
flora, Mr Praeger was better prepared than most men to judge of its 
value. Hence, though at first sight ‘ The Vegetation of the District South 
of Dublin” may appear to be merely of local interest. it has a much 
wider value as a study in plant geography, and isin reality an important 
contribution. 


1906. Reviews. 127 


The district chosen for the survey is a good one for examining zones 
of vegetation. Starting from sea level, it includes a plain of cultivation 
which changes in the south into the granitic mass of the Wicklow 
Mountains, and rises to 2,473 feeton Kippure. A short account of the 
geology and physiography, and a general floristic account forms an 
Introduction. The main part of the paper is concerned with the plant 
associations. These fall into four zones—Seaside, Agrarian, Hill 
Pasture, and Moorland. The seacoast of this particular area is not, 
however, a good example of this zone, but it 1s satisfactory to find that 
in the area north of Dublin, which will, we hope, be the subject of a 
further paper, the authors will be able to deal more fully with this interest- 
ing form of vegetation. From our own experience, we are not surprised 
that the authors have decided to leave out of this paper the peculiar 
problems of the Agrarian or Farmland. The chief interest, therefore, 
centres in the zones of Hill Pasture and Moorland, where the influence 
of man is less evident. Thisis just the kind of vegetation which has 
been most thoroughly examined elsewhere, and one turns to the results 
of the Dublin District with interest. The results may be considered 
from three aspects :—(a) the methods of survey, (4) the map, (c) the text 
and illustrations descriptive of the plant associations. 

The Methods of Survey.—The survey of this area of about 200 square 
miles was carried out during four years, and the authors point out the 
advantages and disadvantages of thissystem. The conclusions arrived 
at after several years are, we consider, more valuable than if they were 
the result of a short vacation study, such as some workers consider 
sufficient to grasp the vegetation of a district. Ifthe work extends over 
a long period uch depends on the method of taking notes. The 
system used in the Dublin District has been carefully thought out, and 
is a model for future workers. The authors used “six-inch” Ordnance 
Survey maps, and, by means of a system of initial letters, they record 
on the map the plants found; we have seen some of their field maps, 
and can vouch for the very careful way in which the area has been 
traversed acre by acre, and we can picture the wading over wet bog and 
the scrambling on rocky hill-sides in all kinds of weather. In addition 
to map records, a system of lists was also kept, and from these the 
plants of each association were finally determined. An example of 
these comparative results is given, which shows at once how the final 
lists of a plant association are arrived at. The system is that generally 
used, but it is a distinct advantage to have it described in detail, and a 
similar precision is strongly to be recommended to all who carry on 
this work. 

The Vegetation Map.—The maps in papers of this kind always attract 
attention, and there, we believe, the interest of many a reader ceases. 
We have said before, and say again, that the map is only “the principal 
picture” illustrating the paper, and is zo¢ the paper. The map of the 
Dublin District has the particular interest that it is the first vegetation 
map printed throughout at the Ordnance Survey Office The colours 


128 The Trish Naturalist. May, 


have been printed on the “one-inch” Ordnance maps, and the result 
is so satisfactory in clearness and detail that it is to be hoped the 
method will be followed in all future vegetation maps. The colour 
scheme has been adopted by the authors after careful consideration, 
and on grounds stated (p. 177). It differs to some extent from that used 
by other workers, and will probably be criticised on this account. It 
must be borne in mind, however, that the earlier colour-schemes were 
experimental, and that a standard scheme can only be prepared after 
the vegetation of the British Isles is better known than it is. The 
vegetation maps published up till now fall into. two groups—those pub- 
lished on the “2 miles to an inch” maps (1: 126720), and those oa 
the “one inch to a mile” (1 : 63360). The Dublin District belongs to 
the ‘“‘one inch” group, along with the maps of Westmoreland (Geo- 
graphical Journal, March and Sept., 1904). Two different systems. are 
represented on these maps: the “solid,” where each association has a 
distinct colour (Dublin map), and the ‘dot and dash” system, wherea | 
few ground colours are used, and differences are indicated by dotting 
and cross-hatching. The “solid system” is certainly the most distinct 
on a map, but the other system aims at grouping the associations. 
Comparing the “ one-inch” maps with the “ half-inch,” it is evident that 
the former allows of much greater detail being shown; thus, the asso- 
ciations designated as Pteris, Juncus, and Ulex in the Dublin map are 
too small. to be separately colonred in a “half-inch” map, and are 
there included under some other colour, although described as separate 
associations in the text. It is easy to criticise, but it is no easy task to 
fix.on a definite colour scheme. The Dublin map has many points of 
value which will aid in fixing such a system. 

The Zones of Vegetation.—The district south of Dublin has not. many 
features of interest as a woodland area, and in itself is not large enough 
to allow of much discussion regarding the distribution of trees. Com- 
pared with England and Scotland, we find a general agreement. Oak 
forest in the main valleys gives: way to a Birch scrub in the uplands, 
with remains of Birch in the peat up to 1,700 feet. The existing plan- 
tations of Scots Pine are found on the moorland edge, but the existence 
of an earlier forest is indicated by stems found in the peat up to 1,250 
feet. The occurrence of Ash with a Hazel scrub on the Mountain Lime- 
stone recalls what has been observed in the valleys of this geological 
formation in Yorkshire. 

The Hill Pasture forms a zone on the upper limits of cultivation. In 
the earlier ‘‘ half-inch” maps this was represented by one colour, but 
in the Dublin District map it is broken up into Pteris association, 
Nardus Heath, and two Ulex associations The main interest centres 
round the Bracken and Gorse associations, none of which have been so 
fully dealt with in any of the preceding British papers, but’the limited 
extent of the Nardus Heath will be noted by workers in areas where 
this is a prominent association. The authors note a strong competition 
between Bracken and Gorse in which the Bracken is the aggressor, 


1906. Reviews. 129 


Again, Bracken and Ling are competitors on undulating ground ; 
Calluna occurs on the slopes exposed to the prevailing westerly winds, 
while Pteris occupies the sheltered slopes. There is evidence that the 
Bracken requires a fairly deep, well-drained soil, and, given this, its 
deep rhizomes, with their rapid apical growth, are capable of invading 
the more primitive Calluna and Gorse vegetation. These conclusions, 
arrived at on a favourable area, will serve as useful guides to other 
workers. The paper on the South Dublin District will be a land- 
mark as a study of Ulex Gallit and Ul’. eurofeus. The authors have 
demonstrated that over a wide area these form two distinct zones, 
U. Gallit the higher, U. europaeus the lower. The reasons for this are 
suggested, but we hope that the authors will be able to make it the 
subject of more detailed study. The same distribution was pointed out 
to me some years ago by Mr. C. E. Moss as a result of his observations 
in Yorkshire, but the limited amount of Gorse did not allow of any 
definite conclusion being drawn up. Some readers of this paper may 
think that the distinction by colour on a map of this scale of two plants 
so closely allied as to be almost varieties is rather “fine.” If such be 
the first impression, a careful reading of this paper will correct it. The 
two dominant plants—U. eurvofeus and UV. Galiii—are, as it happens 
nearly related, but the ecological features of the two associations are 
distinct in regard to plants present, and, better still, on comparing their 
growth—“ The most marked change (in the U. Gad/iz association) is the 
smaller structure of the plants, the absence of tall-growing species, and 
of such as have large leaves; in short, a tendency to more pronounced 
xerophytism in character” (p. 154). Cases of nearly allied plants 
forming dominant species in associations characteristic of very different 
conditions are by no means rare, and our general impression is that 
varieties and sub-species of the systematists are in most cases the out- 
come of growth of the parent species under different external con- 
ditions. The study of the two Ulex associations iu this paper will serve 
one good purpose if it only directs the attention of systematists to this 
aspect of ecology. 

The Moorland zone includes the vegetation which caps the mountains. 
The six most important associations shown by colours on the map 
are :—Calluna, Vaccinium, Juncus, Eriophorum, Scirpus, and Racomi- 
trium. The Calluna association is a familiar one in Britain, and in 
Dublin District occupies the greater part of the moorland. The authors 
record observations on its conditions of life, the chief of which is that 
it requires a well-drained, peaty soil. Vaccinium, which forms an asso- 
ciation covering square miles in the Scottish Highlands, occurs only in 
afew places in the Dublin District, although the species of Vaccinium 
and other plants of the association are common in the other hill associa- 
tions. The Juncus associations, which have already been referred to in 
other papers, were found so extensive in the Dublin District that a special 
colour has been assigned to them. The authors distinguish a Juncus- 
Polytrichum association, generally in wet places where springs emerge 


130 The Lrish Naturalist. May, 


on the hill sides, and a second Juncus association in the lower grounds. 
The distribution of species of Juncus and the plants occurring with 
them is another example of survey work where systematists would find 
a relation between the species and the soil-conditions. Where the peat 
bog becomes ill-drained and wet, Calluna loses its dominant place and 
gives way to other plants better adapted to the conditions. The 
authors record three of these associations—Eriophorum, Scirpus, and 
Racoiitrium moors,—of which the two latter are new. The distinc- 
tion between the Eriophorum and Scirpus moors does uot appear to 
be strongly marked in this district, except in regard to abundance of 
cotton-grass in the one, and the Scirpus-sedge in the other. The authors 
are, however supported in their distinction of a Scirpus moor by some 
later observations made in the North-west of Scotland, and criticism 
which might be made ought to be reserved until greater areas of these 
inaccessible and difficult peat bogs have been surveyed. The Racomi- 
trium association occupies small areas near the summits of the hill mass. 
The name is used to designate a somewhat mixed vegetation of Calluna, 
Eriophorum, and Scirpus, which has one common feature, the abundance 
of the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum. The association occupies bosses of 
peat with intervening wet hollows, and its characteristic appearance is 
shown by anexcellent photograph It is an association which is probably 
not uncommon on summit peat-bogs, and we suspect that the recording 
of it has been overlooked by other workers. This paper has therefore 
added materially to our knowledge of the plants, which by their growth 
and decay haye made most of our peat deposits, and it shows how much 
may be expected from future work on the vegetation of peat. Ireland, 
above all, offers such opportunities for observing plant life on peat-bogs, 
and for investigations on the history of peat, that it is to be hoped that 
Messrs. Pethybridge and Praeger may not only be enabled to give more 
time to this work, but may also be supported by assistance from others. 
The investigation of peat bogs is slow and arduous work, hardly to be 
undertaken seriously in snatches of leisure. In the peat we have a record 
of the succession of recent plant growth on the earth, and so far as 
Britain is concerned, the work of reading the record has scarcely begun. 
The “ Vegetation of the District South of Dublin” in many other ways 
opeus out a new field for the out-door botanist in Ireland. The Royal 
Irish Academy are to be congratulated on the excellent way in which 
this paper has been illustrated. If our hearty appreciation of the work 
of the authors is not obvious, then this review has failed in its object. 
To one who has watched the various papers on botanical survey in 
Britain grow in the field and come into print, it is interesting to see how 
each one opens out new questions and improves on its predecessor ; this, 
the latest, has repeated history and stands as a model. 


W. G. SMITH. 
The University, Leeds. 


1906. Reviews. 131 


SPORT AND BIOLOGY 


Recreations of a Naturalist. By JAMES EDMUND HARTING. 
Pp. xvi., 343. With eighty-one illustrations. London: T. Fisher 
Unwin. 1906. Price 15s. net. 


The versatility of Mr. Harting’s pen is well exemplified in his latest 
collection of essays, in which he touches in a pleasantly instructive 
manner on a number of the heterogeneous topics with which his ex- 
periences in out-door life and his extensive reading have brought him 
into contact. From the fascinations of falconry and the delights of deer- 
stalking Mr. Harting readily passes on to describe the pleasures of an 
ornithological ramble through the marshes in May, or of a day’s punting 
in the ‘reedy labyrinths” of the Norfolk Broads. The author’s special 
interest in the various old-fashioned devices for taking or killing wild 
creatures appears in his very readable article on the Pyrenean method of 
netting Woodpigeons, and still more strongly in that of the now much- 
decayed Wheatear-trapping industry that formerly brought such profits 
to the shepherds of the Sussex Downs. From another article we find 
that Mr. Harting believesin the fact of the Adder’s taking her young for 
safety into her mouth, though a majority of English zoologists still 
doubt the reliability of the evidence for this habit. Taken all round, 
the volume is one that may be read with combined pleasure and profit ; 
aud it has also the merit of containing some excellent and dainty illus- 
trations. On the special province of the Jy7sh Naturalist the author 
hardly attempts to touch, and where he does so he shows that his read- 
ing on that subject has been singularly desultory. For instance, there is 
a chapter on the question what is the true Shamrock; but the principal 
recent authority referred to on that question is Messrs. Britten and 
Holland’s ‘‘ Directory of Plant Names” (1878-1886) ; and though there is 
a reference to Mr. Colgan’s statement in the ‘ Flora of County Dublin” 
that Zrifolium repens and 7. dubium are both worn extensively on St. 
Patrick’s Day and in almost equal proportions, Mr. Harting has 
evidently not seen Mr. Colgan’s important articles in the zsh Naturalist 
for August, 1892, and August, 1893, in which the subject was much 
more fully gone into than would have been in keeping with the plan of 
a county flora. Mr. Colgan’s Royal Society of Autiquaries paper' on the 
Literature of the Shamrock would also have furnished Mr. Harting with 
much interesting matter of which readers of his book will now unhappily 
lose the benefit. 

C. B. M. 


' Journal, R. Soc. Ant. Ireland, 1896, pp. 211-226, 349-361. 


132 The lrish Naturalist May, 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a Silver Pheasant from Mr. C. G. Townsend, and a 
pair of Arctic Knots from Mr. H. B. Rathborne. Two Sooty Monkeys, 
two Yellow Baboons, three Mungooses, and two Shetland Sheep have 
been purchased ; also three Penguins, which have been placed in the lake. 
A Black-striped Wallaby has been born in the Gardens. 

The alterations to the Monkey House are in progress. When finished, 
there will be proper accommodation for Anthropoids, to whose quarters 
sufficient air and sun does not penetrate under existing conditions. A 
house for small Mammals is also being erected, which will lessen the 
crowding of various species in the present Monkey House. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


MARCH 14.—The Club met at Leinster House. Dr. R. F. SCHARFF 
(President), in the chair. 

Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGE exhibited a section of a tomato fruit showing 
parasitic bacteria zz stu in the cells. This form of tomato disease is 
characterised by the appearance and gradual spreading of a black spot at 
the stigmatic end of the fruit. The disease was first recorded from the 
north of France in 1895 by Prillieux, and was proved by him to be due to 
bacteria. It is known in America, has been noticed in a few localities in 
England, and last summer came into the exhibitor’s hands for the 
first time for an Irish locality (Co. Cork). 

W. F. GuNN showed seeds of Arctotis grandis, a composite recently in- 
troduced from the Cape. The achenes are crowned with a pappus of 
membranous scales, and from the base of the fruit a dense tuft of hairs 
proceeds, which are reversed and point in the same direction as the 
coronal scales. 

F. W. Moore exhibited a section of the flower of Sarmzenta repens, a 
scarce little creeping plant from Chili, belonging to the order Ges- 
neriaceae. The flower is bright red in colour, and the corollais covered 
with little glandular hairs. ‘The section showed the colouring matter 
extending into these hairs to the base of the round glandular head. 

Prof. G. H. CARPENTER showed specimens of a new species of 
Halobates found by Prof. W. A. Herdman on the coast of Ceylon. 
Special attention was drawn to the structure of the ovipositor in the 
female, and toa ‘‘comb and file” arrangement on the foreleg in both 
sexes, which appears to be a stridulating organ. An account of the 
insect will shortly be published by the Royal Society in the Supple- 
mentary Reports on the Ceylon Pearl Oyster Fisheries. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 133 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


MARCH 10. EXCURSION TO LOUGHSHINNY.—Members took the 12.30 
train from Amiens Street to Skerries. The party then walked along 
the seashore to Loughshinny, where the Conductor (C. Murray, B.A.) 
discussed the formation of the contortions in the Carboniferous limestones 
and shales, which are so well developed in this locality. After tea at 
Loughshinny village the members returned to Skerries after a successful 
afternoon, in spite of the heavy rain which fell during the whole day. 

MARCH 13.—The fourth business meeting of the session was held in the 
Royal Irish Academy. G. H. Pethybridge (Vice-President) in the chair. 
Dr. PETHYBRIDGE delivered a lecture on the Survey of Vegetation. The 
lecturer gave an account of the methods adopted in the survey of vege- 
tation, and then, taking South Dublin as an example, pointed out the 
different vegetation zones lying between sea level and Kippure, viz. :— 
The littoral, the agrarian, the hill-pasture, and the moorland zones. 
The lecture was illustrated by a large series of lantern slides and maps. 
The following spoke at the conclusion of the lecture :—R. Ll. Praeger, 
J. Wilcox, and W. B. Bruce. 


TYRONE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


MARCH 23.—R. F. Dill, M.A., in the chair. G. C. GouGH, B.Sc., of 
Queen’s College, Belfast, lectured on ‘‘ Primitive Man.” The lecture 
was illustrated by limelight views, and there was a large audience. 

APRII, 6.—J. W. Leebody in the chair. R. LOYD PRAEGER gave a 
lecture, illustrated by lantern slides, on ‘‘The Botanist in Ireland.” A 
good discussion ensued. 


ULSTER FISHERIES AND BIOLOGY ASSOCIATION. 


JANUARY 31.—Annual meeting. Sir OTro JAFFE (in the chair) moved 
the adoption of the Report, which was seconded by the Rev. President 
HAMILTON, who pointed out the excellent work both in pure and applied 
biology carried on at the Larne station and at Lough Neagh. Prof. 
‘GREGG WILSON mentioned that papers 0n Co. Antrim Seaweeds by J. 
Adams, and on Irish Copepods, by J. Pearson, had already been published, 
while a memoir on the Foraminifera of the Larne district by G. C. 
Gough isin the press. The naturalist in charge of the marine station, 
Mr. H. J. Buchanan-Wolleston, is working at the Tunicata of the Antrim 
coast. The investigations at Larne Lough had been interrupted 
through the sinking of the launch—appropriately named the Mysis— 
which had to be raised and repaired. 


134 The lrish Naturalist. May, 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


MaRCH 14.—The Vice-President (Robert Patterson, M.R.J.A.), in the 
chair. W.H. ROBINSON read a paper on “ Coins,” dealing largely with 
those minted for Ireland. 

MARCH 20.—The President (W. H. Phillips) in the chair. The Hon. 
Secretary, G. C. GouGH, A.RC.S., B.Sc., lectured on ‘‘Spiders” to a 
large audience. After dealing with their anatomy, various remarkable 
spiders were mentioned, and their courtship and otherinteresting habits 
dealt with. The lecture was illustrated by lantern slides, and was spoken 
to by the President, Rev. C H. Waddell, John Hamilton, and C. M. 
Cunningham. One new member was elected. 

MARCH 28.—The President (W. H. Phillips) in the chair. The 
American Consul in Belfast, Mr. S. KNABENSHUE, delivered a most in- 
teresting lecture on ‘‘ American Mound Builders.” 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


George C. Gough. 


George C. Gough, F.G $., Demonstrator in Natural History in Queen’s 
College Belfast, has been appointed Professor of Natural History in the 
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. Professor Gough’s departure 
from Belfast will be deeply regretted, not only in Queen’s College but in 
the Naturalists’ Field Club and other organisations, where he has been 
a very diligent and useful worker. Fortunately, he does not give up duty 
in Belfast till the latter end of May. 


Aquatic Birds, 


We notice with pleasurable anticipation the announcement of a 
comprehensive work on the Aquatic Birds of Great Britain and Ireland, 
by our contributor, Prof. C. J. Patten, of Sheffield University. Mr. R. H. 
Porter will publish the book shortly. ; 


1906. 135 


NOTES. 


The Use of the Word “ British.” 


The proposal to restrict the use of the word “‘ British” to Great Britain, 
convenient as it might be, does not appear to me to be possible, even if 
it were advisable. The word has been used too long in the wider as well 
as in the restricted sense to make this possible. The course of words, 
like that of streanis, cannot be diverted at .will and confined to certain 
channels. 

There might be more chance of success if it were decided to use 
‘Britannic ’”’ in the restricted sense, since it is not such a common word 
as the other; but I am doubtful if even this change could be effected in 
popular usage. 

I can offer no other solution of the difficulty unless some other new 
word could be found which would not be ambiguous. 


C. H. WADDELL. 
Saintfield. 


In thanking Mr. Waddell for his courteous comments, I should like to 
point out that my proposal for limiting the meaning of the word “ British”’ 
refers to its use in a definite geographical sense 4y naturalrsts. And this 
restriction of meaning is all the more possible because it is (as I have 
shown) often adopted in popular speech and writing. An exact scientific 
nomenclature depends very largely on such a voluntary restriction of the 
meaning of words, For example, the words “fish” and *‘ Ethiopian” 
convey to the naturalist clear and definite meanings, although in com- 
mon speech they are used widely and loosely. 


G. H. CARPENTER. 
Dublin. 


I have been much interested in the discussion in the /rish Naturalist 
as to the use of the word ‘ British.”” As an Englishman abroad, | have 
often needed a word to distinguish between a person from Great Britain 
and one from the British Isles. In the United States the term ‘‘ bloom- 
ing Britisher” is usually employed to imply anyone from the British 
Isles, but clearly the word ‘“‘Britisher” is ambiguous. Unfortunately 
Professor Carpenter’s word ‘ Britannic’”’ does not lend itself for use in 
the case of persons. A great service would be done to residents abroad 
if two distinctive terms could be suggested applicable to persons. 


J. E. DUERDEN. 
University College, 


Grahamstown, South Africa. 


136 The Irish Naturalist. May, 1906. 


Irish Biological Futilities. 


Our attention has been called to a paper by R. Drane, F.L.S., with the 
above title, published in 1904 in the 7yramsactions of the Cardiff Naturalists’ 
Society, vol. xxxvii. The writer’s “futilities” include the finding of 
Erica ciliaris in Mayo, Oxytropis wralensis in Aran, and a breeding colony 
of Sandwich Terns (of which only two Irish breeding stations are at 
present known) on Lough Mask. While envying such successful field 
work, we fear that futile Irish biologists will ask some proof before 
admitting the above-named plants to the Irish flora, or accepting this 
new station for one of our rarest breeding birds. We are left wonder- 
ing what the “ polyporous form of A//ium ampeloprasum’’ may be, and what 
young ducks look like when “speaking to us in syllables which angels 
use.” 


ZOOLOGY. 


Remains of Hawfinch in Co. Clare Caves. 


The mandible figured in the County Clare Report (7rans. R. 7. A., 
February, 1906), and which had been referred to Hawfinch by Mr. E. T. 
Newton, has, at his request, been submitted to Professor Newton at 
Cambridge. He says that this bone has, without any doubt, been truly 
assigned to Coccothraustes vulgaris, though it is perceptibly larger than one 
in the collection at Cambridge, and is bigger still than that of the 
American C. vespertinus, with which he has also compared it. 

Professor Newton adds :—‘“‘ This seems to me a very interesting occur- 
rence. Eighty years ago or thereabouts Hawfinches were accounted 
scarce visitors to England, and it was only a few years after that they 
were found to breed here. We do not know now what it is that tempts 
them, but it must be connected with new woodland growth, and it is 
instructive.” 

The mandible of Hawfinch occurred at Newhall in the upper stratum 
of the cave-deposits, which yielded six bones of Jay (four at Edenvale 
and two at Newhall), while in each of those places a bone of Great 
Spotted Woodpecker was found, also in the upper deposit ; the bones of 
Crane, however, came chiefly from the lower stratum at Edenvale, 
though the femur referred to this bird occurred in the upper stratum 
at Newhall. . 

The rarity of these species at the present day iu Ireland, and especially 
in the County Clare, makes the finding of these remains of. much 
interest, the caves that contained them having yielded some very 
unexpected mammals, as Dr. Scharff’s admirable portion of the report 
has shown. 

R. J. USSHER, 

Cappagh, Co, Waterford. 


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NOTES :-— 
The Use of the Word “British.” Rev. C.H. WADDELL. Prof. amemrne a 
Prof. J. . DUERDEN, Ore Psat ee _ 86 be ee 
Irish Biological Futilities, .. ss ceo Se Se 
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June, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 037 


THE AMERICAN SNOWBIRD IN IRELAND. 
BY R. M. BARRINGTON, LL-B., F.L;S. 


WHEN the Fourth International Ornithological Congress was 
held in London in June last year at the Imperial Institute, I 
had the satisfaction of showing to many friends at this in- 
teresting meeting a bird not only new to the British Isles, 
but also to Europe. It was shot within fifty yards of Loop 
Head lighthouse, Co. Clare, on May 30, 1905, by Mr. J. 
Watson. 

It arrived when I was absent from home, and my wife 
having compared it with the description of every European 
Finch and Bunting, failed to locate the species. My old 
friend, the late Edward Williams, was puzzled, but suggested 
a melanism of the Chaffinch. To this I demurred—though 
its size and shape and slate-coloured appearance would 
perhaps come near sucha variety. At the Congress I opened 
the box containing the specimen in the presence of one of our 
best British ornithologists. He hesitated momentarily, and 
Mr. Seth-Smith, editor of the Avicultural Magazine, coming 
past, instantly recognized the bird as Juzco hiemalis, Catesby— 
the North American Snowbird. Chapman, Dwight, and other 
American representatives present, confirmed this opinion, and 
were greatly interested in the specimen, which probably 
crossed the Atlantic about the sametimeasthey did. It was, 
they said, the common eastern form of this variable species. 
Seth-Smith, who is so familiar with aviaries, said he had never 
seen this species in confinement, and that in the United States 
it is not caged. The specimen was just in right plumage for 

a wild bird at the time of year. 

- The adults of the genus /unco (pronounced yoon-co), are 
unspotted and unstreaked, and have the colours massed in 
large definite areas. It is a more homogeneous group than 
many recognized genera, and confined to the American 
continent. /. Azemalis is found chiefly in the Eastern states, 
where it is a familiar bird from October till April—bright and 
cheery, and coming fearlessly to the threshold and window-sill 
A 


138 The Irish Naturalist. June, 


in bad weather. In spring it migrates northward, or to more 
mountainous districts, to breed, and is said to nest on or near 
the ground—being a semi-terrestrial Finch. 

When Mr. Watson sent the bird, he said it was a “‘ very rare” 
one; and without telling the name, I enquired why he so de- 
scribed the specimen. He replied :— 

“T surmised that the bird I sent you was very rare, as I do 
not remember seeing one like it before. Please name it for 
me. I first saw it at 8 a.m., and it was then ir a cow-house, 
and flew out when disturbed. At 9 a.m. it was perched on an 
out-house, and when I tried to approach, it flew away when I 
was forty yards distant. About an hour afterwards it was 
perched on a wall, andI got within twenty yards of it and saw 
clearly it was an uncommon bird. It then flew to a field, and 
I shot it when rising.” 

I once was sent “‘a very rare bird” from an island on the 
north coast of Ireland, and the lightkeeper alleged that 
neither he nor any one of the islanders had ever seen ‘the 
like of it” before—it was a common Rock-pipit! From 
another station a ‘‘ Woodcock” was once forwarded—it was a 
common Song-thrush! It is only fair to say, however, that 
Irish lightkeepers rarely make such bad blunders—and one 
wonderful identification was made by Mr. James at the 
Tearaght, Co. Kerry, in 1890, when he recognised that tiny 
Asiatic wanderer, the Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus 
superciliosus) for the first time in ireland. 

But, to return to /uzco. It may have received an assisted 
passage, but if so, how is the almost annual appearance of the 
Greenland Redpoll, Lzzota (Acanthis) rostrata on the west 
coast of Ireland to be explained? Has z¢ been assisted? I 
am inclined to suspect that the White Wagtail and Water- 
rail cross the North Atlantic to Iceland annually; the former 
passing up our west coast every year about the first week in 
May, and the latter bird (which one can hardly make fly 
thirty yards over land)—striking our north-west coast lanterns 
in the autumn, probably on the return journey. Are these 
assisted also? I, for one, am very doubtful. 


Fassaroe, Bray. 


1906, 139 


COLEOPTERA FROM CO. FERMANAGH. 
BY REV. W. F. JOHNSON, M.A., FES. 


I HAD the pleasure of spending a few days in the early part 
of December at Summer Hill, the beautiful seat of Major H. 
St. George Richardson. There were not, of course, many 
insects about, but I succeeded in obtaining several examples 
of Scaphisoma boleti, Panz., in funguson a fine beech. There 
are only two other records of this beetle in Ireland—viz., 
Clonbrock, Co. Galway, and Dundrum, Co. Dublin.’ It is 
somewhat sluggish in its movements, and was mostly on the 
surface of the fungus. I should have obtained more speci- 
mens, but not having a proper collecting bottle several 
escaped me. On the same tree I found a dead specimen of 
Mecinus pyraster, Herbst. Under stones in a wood I met 
with several Leistus fulvibarbis, Dej.,and Loricera pilicornis, F. 
The main portion of my captures were obtained ina large 
bag of moss. The moss was of the most luxuriant character, 
such as is only to be obtained in old demesnes, where the 
ground has been undisturbed for generations. Summer Hill 
is a short distance from Clones, but in Co. Fermanagh; the 
surrounding country is pretty, being of an undulating 
character, with numerous small lakes, and a considerable 
amount of woodland ; the rock of the district appears to be 
limestone. 

In the list which follows of my captures I have marked 
those not previously recorded from Fermanagh with an 


asterisk. 

Notiophilus biguttatus, F. 

Dyschirius globosus, Herbst.—A single specimen. I got this species 
freely in moss at Armagh. 

*Badister sodalis, Duft.—I only obtained one example of this hand- 
some little beetle, which is not at all common in Ireland, although 
it is pretty widely distributed through the country, being recorded 
from Antriin, Down, Roscommon, and Galway. 


Pterostichus strenuus, Panz. } 

P. diligens, Sturm. a. solentitak 
Anchomenus gracills, Gyll. | 
Bembidium Mannerheimi, Sahl. 


1 Johnson and Halbert, Proc. . 7. Acad. (3), vol. vi., 1902 
& 2 


140 The lrish Naturalist. June, 


*Hydroporus angustatus, Sturm.—I was rather surprised to find 
this water-beetle in the moss; it had probably crawled into that 
which I took from the edge of small drains, some of which was very 
wet. The species is not at all common in Ireland, and hitherto 
recorded only from Donegal, Antrim, and Armagh. 

Helophorus brevipalpis, Bedel ) I obtained only these two com- 

Cercyon melanocephalus, L. mon species of Hydrophilide. 

Oxypoda Iongiusculay, Er. 

Homalota circellaris, Grav. 

H. analis, Grav. 

*H. fungi, Grav., var. clientulay Er. 

Tachyporus obtusus, L. 
var. nitidicollls, Steph. 

T. hypnorum, PF. 

Tachinus rufipes; L. 

Mycetoporus splendidus, Grav, 

Quedius fullginosus, Grav. 

*Q. rufipes, Grav. 

Philonthus politus, F. 

P. marginatus, F. 

P. sangulnolentus, Grav. 

Xantholinus linearis, Ol. 

Othius melanocephalus, Grav. 

Oo. myrmecophilus, Kies 

Lathrobium lIongulum,; Grav.—It is noticeable that most of the 

captures of this beetle hitherto recorded have been on lake shores. 

Cryptobium giaberrimum, Herbst.—There are but four other 
localities of this species in Ireland—viz., Armagh; Belleisle, Co. 
Fermanagh ; Leenane, Co. Galway; and Kenmare, Co. Kerry. It is 
very local, but the wide range indicated by the above localities points 
to its probable oceurrence in many other places. 

*Evsesthetus ruficapillus, Lac.—The only other record for this 
species is my own from Armagh. It inhabits wet moss, and, being 
very small and sluggish, is easily passed over. 

Stenus Juno, F.—I got a number ot this fine Stenus. 

S. speculator, Er. 

*S, lustrator, Er.—This is a new record, not only for Fermanagh, 
but for Ulster, the only other record is by Mr. Halbert from Achill, 
where he took it on the summit of Slievemore. The species is re- 
markable for the long, curled pubescence which runs in two lines 
down the centre of the abdomen. 

S. nitens, Steph.—There is only one other record for this species 
from Ireland—viz., Armagh—taken by Mr. W. E. SHarp in flood 
rubbish. It appears to be local in England. 

*S, fuscipes, Gray.—Another interesting little beetle, which, though 
widely spead, does not appear to be at all common in Ireland, 

Ss. brunnipes, Steph. 

Oxytelus rugosus, Gray. 

O. tetracarinatus, Block. 


1906, JOHNSON.— Coleoptera from Co. Fermanagh. 141 


*Trogophleeus corticinus, Grav. 

NMegarthrus depressus, lac. 

*Pselaphus Helsel, Herbst.—Present in numbers, but I could not 
find a specimen of P. dresdensis, though the locality being very suit- 
able I hoped to meet with it. As it was in January that I took it in 
such numbers at Armagh, possibly it is either in the larval or pupal 
stage in December. 

*BythiInus puncticoilis, Denny. 

*B. bulbifer, Reich. 

Scydmezenus collaris, Miill. 

Silpha subrotundata, Steph.—Of course abundant in both black 
and brown forms. 

*Halyzia conglobata, L.—A single specimen. 

*Scymnus suturalis, Thunb. 

*var. Iimbatus, Steph.—There are no recent records of these 
insects in Ireland; the type has been taken near Belfast and at 
Portmarnock, and the variety at Waterford; the habitat among 
fir trees. The dark legs, and complete raised lines round the post- 
coxal foveze separate this insect from its nearest allies. 


Cercus pedicularius, L. ‘) 

*Cryptophagus scanicus, L. var. | Single examples of each of 
patruells, Sturm. f the three occurred. 

*Atomaria basalis, Ex. J 


Cyphon variabilis, Thunb.—The only representative of its family. 
Hydrothassa marginella, L.-—Only one specimen. 
Galerucella calmarlienslis, 
G. tenella, L. 
Longitarsus Iuridus, Scop. 
L. melanocephalus, All.—Very plentiful. 
Phyllotreta undulata, Kuts. 
*P,. exclamationis, Thuub. 
Plectroscelis concinna, Marsh. 
Apion apricans, Herbst. 
A. dichroum, Bedel 
A. ervi, Kirby. 
Strophosomus coryli, F. 
Sclaphilus muricatus, F.—Very numerous. 
Sitones regensteinensis, Herbst.—Only a solitary specimen. 
Hypera nigrirostris, F.—l obtained several of this handsome 
though cominion little beetle. 

Orchestes fagi, L. 
Erirrhinus acridulus, L. 
Ceuthorrhynchidius troglodytes, F. 
Rhinoncus perticarplus, L. 

I have given the full list of captures in order to show the 
capacities of the locality, which is, in my opinion, an exceed- 
ingly promising one. I have no doubt that in the months of 


iat Both pretty abundant‘. 


142 The Trish Naturalist. June, 


May and June, when the sweeping-net and water-net could be 
used with advantage, the above list would be greatly enlarged, 
and there is every probability of good species been found in 
a locality of the sort. 


Acton Glebe, Poyntzpass. 


WOODLICE IN CO. CARLOW. 
BY DENIS R. PACK-BERESFORD, D.1,, M.R.I.A. 


In the /rish Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 319, Dr. Scharff gives a list 
of Woodlice taken by him at Borris in this county. I now 
give a list of those I have taken here, which includes four 
species not previously recorded from this part of Ireland. 
They were all taken round my house with the exception 
of Zrichoniscus vividus, which I found on the banks of the © 
River Slaney, about ten miles from here, and about eighteen 
miles from Borris, where it was found by Dr. Scharff in 1895. 


Trichoniscus pusillus, Brandt.—Common everywhere. 

T. roseus, Koch.—Generally distributed, but not numerous. 

T. vividus, Koch.—On the banks of the River Slaney in a very damp 
situation. Only recorded twice previously in the British Isles, 
namely, from Portlaw, Co. Waterford, and Borris, Co. Carlow. 

Porcellio scaber, Latr.—Commion. 

P. pictus, Brandt.-—A good sized colony found in a stack of tiles, but 
nowhere else. The species in Ireland has only been recorded pre- 
viously from Dublin, Belfast and Galway. 

P, dilatatus, Brandt.—In greenhouses and garden frames only, and 
not very common. Previously recorded as Irish only from Dublin, 
Galway and Newtownards. 

Metoponorthus prulinosus, Brandt.—In considerable numbers in 
garden frames. Previous Irish records are from Dublin, Galway and 
Down only. 

Oniscus asellus, I.—The commonest species of all. 

Philoscla muscorum, Scop.—Very common. 

Armadilliditum vulgare, Latr.—Comnion but not very numerous. 


Dr. Scharff has very kindly looked at all the specimens for 
me and confirmed my identifications. 


Fenagh House, Bagenalstown. 


1906. 143 


A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE ALIEN FLORA 
OF IRELAND. 


BY M. C. KNOWLES. 


WuHuiLstT English, and more particularly Scotch botanists, 
have been paying attention of late years to the numerous 
foreign plants that are introduced into these countries by the 
importation of foreign grain and in other ways, in Ireland, so 
far as I have been able to find out, verylittle has been done in 
this matter. 

Occasionally isolated but obtrusive visitors, such as Crepzs 
btennis, Matricaria discotdea, Linaria viscida, and others, have 
inmade themselves so much at home, and have so evidently 
come to stay, that we have been obliged to take note of them ; 
but of the fluctuating sets of foreign plants that spring up 
around flour mills, inthe neighbourhood of distilleries, docks, 
and on hen-runs, very few lists have been published. Two 
lists, one of some fifty plants collected by Mr. Richard Hanna 
in the neighbourhood of the Belfast Distillery, and the other, 
a smaller one, from Greenisland, collected by Mrs. White 
_ Spuuner, are given in the ‘Supplement to the Flora of the N.E. 
of Ireland.’ These, together with a number of aliens from the 
docks and Cary’s Road quarry, Limerick, mentioned in Mr, 
Praeget’s paper ‘‘ Notes on the Limerick Flora”!; a number 
of additions from these same places collected two years later 
by Mr. R. D. O’Brien, and recorded in my paper “ Additions 
to the Flora of Co. Limerick’; Mr. Scully’s short list from a 
rubbish heap beside the River Lee in the city of Cork’; and 
‘“ Notes on some casuals in Co. Antrim” by Mr. J. H. Davies’, 
sum up all the published matter I can find. Yet, as some of 
these foreigners may in time become more or less permanent 
inembers of our flora, it seems desirable that the date of their 


SANs, Villn: Ui, De! 260. at EM, VOLvivis pt 20. 
2 ZM., vol. xii., p. 249. 4 I.N., vol. v., p. 3C9. 


144 The Irish Naturalist. June, 


arrival in this country, as well as the manner in which they 
have been introduced, and the sources from whence they have 
come, should be put on record when these can be obtained. 
A short account, therefore, of a bed of aliens that I have had 
under observation for the last two seasons may be of interest. 

During the summer of 1904 I spent several Saturday after- 
noons in the country around Lyons and Straffan in the county 
of Kildare, locking up some plants that had been recorded 
from that neighbourhood by Mr. James Douglas. On one of 
these occasions, towards the end of July, taking a short cut 
to the railway station along the canal, my attention was 
attracted by a fine bed of tall weeds—thistles, burdocks, wild 
mignonette, white daisies, and yellow crucifers, &c.—on a 
small strip of ground by the side of a vacant cottage on the 
canal bank. As I had a little time to spare before train time, 
I went over to examine it, and I found to my astonishment 
an undergrowth of Lepidium campestre, Thlaspi arvense, Silene 
noctiflora, Medicago denticulata, several Malvas, Amsinckia 
lycopsoides, allin abundance, besides many others that I did 
not know. This strip of ground was a little bit of waste 
land by the tow-path that had heen railed off. It had not 
been cultivated in any way, but the end furthest from the 
house was strewn with cinders, and it was on these cinders 
that most of the plants I have mentioned were growing. 
Nearer the cottage it was in grass, and led into a small yard 
-at the back. This was also overgrown with weeds, among 
which there was even a greater variety of foreigners than on 
the piece of ground by the side of the house. Under the 
windows in front there was a very narrow flower border, 
the only piece of cultivated ground near; in this there were 
two or three Pansies, several plants of Linaria vulgaris, 
a few Nasturtiums, all evidently planted, and four or five plants 
of Rumex Hydrolapathum, a curious species to find in such a dry 
sunny situation. The last also occurred in the yard in several 
places. I had only time for a very hurried survey of the place 
on this occasion. At the railway station I made inquiries, 
and learned that the cottage had been vacant for some time, 
and that the last occupant was a clerk in the Lyons flour 
mills, but I could learn nothing more. Suspecting from the 
feathers, &c., which were strewn about the yard that he had 


1906. KNOWLES.—.4 lien Flora of Ireland. 145 


kept hens, I wrote to Mr. Shackleton, of Anna Liffey House, 
one of the owners of the mills, to make inquiries ; and I give 
an extract from his interesting letter :— 

“Tt is veryamusing your finding so many casuals on the 
canal bank ; your surmise is right—our clerk, living in the 
cottage you speak of, did keep hens when he lived there, which 
he fed partially on screenings and dirty stuff from the mills, 
Lyons mills, which were burned curiously enough on the 
night of the 5th of November. After that we brought him 
down to work for us here. I have just been speaking to him, 
and he was rather astonished at the result of his fowl feeding. 
in our mills the wheat that we grind comes from all parts of 
the world—for instance, from India, Russia, Australia, the 
eastern States of America, California, Canada. The Caspian 
is what we call the dirtiest, that is, it contains most seeds and 
other foreign substances. The Australian is the cleanest, and 
so gives you least amusement. We also got a lot of wheat 
from Buenos Ayres latterly.” 

This supplied me with the information I wanted, and I paid 
several visits to the place during the autumn of 1g04, and 
made a collection of all the species in flower. Each time I 
went I expected to find a new tenant in the cottage and the 
place swept and garnished, but this calamity had not happened 
up to Deceinber, 1905, the last time J wasthere. These aliens 
seem to flower late in this country, and I had evidently come 
in for the first crop of plants that had sprung up after the 
cottage was vacated. There were a good many, however, that 
had not flowered before the winter cameon. Some of these 
flowered in the following year, and several new species 
appeared, but the summer of 1905 was an exceptionally dry 
one, and the drought killed off many of the plants that had 
appeared the year before, and several of the more abundant 
species had greatly decreased. The following table shows the 
plants that were found in each year, and also whether they 
were increasing or decreasing in the second season. There 
were many others besides those mentioned in this list that 
may or may not have been introductions here, but as they 
occur in cultivated and waste places all over Ireland I have 
made no mention of them. I have confined myself to the 
certain introductions. 


A 3 


146 


NAME. 


Reseda Luteola, I,., 
Lapaver Rheas, \.., 
Brassica 
Roth. 
B. Napus, \., .« 
B. juncea, Coss., 
Barbarea stricta, Andr., 
B. arcuata, Reichb., 
B. pretox, Ik. Br., 
Eruca sativa, Mill., : 
Camelina sativa, Crantz., 
Lepidium camipestre, R. 
Br 
Le YUACT ALE, Tye : 
L. perfoliatum, V4, 
Neslia paniculata, Desv., 
Stisymbrium pannonicuim, 
Jacq. 
Se OFIGLGIE Alay, % 
o. Oph, 1, 
Thlaspi arvense, . : 


sinapioites, 


Erysimum chetranthotdes, 
We 

Silene noctifiora. lL , 
Saponaria, Sp., ‘ 
Malva rotundifolia, \,, . 
M. parvifiora, \.., 

M. borealis, Wall., 

M. verticellata, J,., 

M. niceensis, All., 


( 


1 
\ 


Tropaolum majus, 


Melilotus officinalis, Y., . 
M. parviflorus, Desf., 
M. gracilis, D.C., 
Medicago denticulata, 1,., 


M, denticulata, 
var. apiculata, 
M. sativa I,,., 


: 


| 


The Irish Naturalist. 


1904. 


abundant. 
2 poor plants. 
several plants. 


1 plant. 
2 plants. 
about 20 plants. 


very abundant. 


I or 2 plants. 
I plant. 

I or 2 plants. 

2 or 3 plants. 


3 plants. 
abundant. 
several plants. 


many plants. 
plentiful. 

several plants. 

I or 2 plants. 

I plant. 

I plant. 
several plants in yard 
and flower border, | } 

no doubt planted. |/ 
several plants. 
several plants. 

1 plant. 

abundant. 


several plants. 


2 plants. 


June, 


1905. 


abundant. 
a few small plants. 
only 3 or 4 plants. 


1 plant. 
I plant. 

2 or 3 plants. 
none. 
none. 

not so many. 

I plant. 
decreasing. 


several plants. 
none. 
none. 
none. 


none. 
T plant. 
still plentiful. 
I plant. 


many plants. 
I small plant. 
plentiful. 
several plants. 
I or 2 plants. 
I plant. 
I plant. 


several plants. 
I plant. 


L.or 2 plants’ 
none. 


still plentiful, though 


much decreased. 


several plants. 


none, 


1906. KNOWLES.—A lien Flora of Ireland. 147 


NAME. 


Coronilla sp., 
Potentilla norvegica, L., . 
Enothera stnuata, I,., 
@. biennis,\., . 
Galium tricorne, Stokes, 
Ambrosia artemisiefolia, 
L. 
A. trifida,\, « 
Anthen:ts arvensis, \., + 
A. Cotula,¥.;° . 


Artemisia biennis, Willd., 


nium, Bern. 
C. segetum, Ly, - 
Hemizonia Kellogegiz, 
Greene. 
Lactuca Scariola, U,., 
Madia glomerata, Hooke, 
Campanula rapunculoides, 
L. 


Vinca major, Ls 4 


Amsinckia _—_lycopsotdes, 
Lehm. 

Echinospermum Lappula, 
Lehm. | 

Lithospermum arvense, 1,., | 


Echium pustulatum, 
Sibth. 
Solanum tuberosum, - 


Linaria vulgaris, Mill., 


Marrubium vulgare, 1, . 
Mentha pipferita,1l., . 
M. gracilis ? - 
Dracocephalum parvtfio- 
rum, Nutt. 
Amarantus albus, \., . 


1904. 


I plant. 
I plant. 
I plant. 


2 plants not in flower. 


plentiful. 


one of the most 

abundant species. 
I plant not in flower. 
Chrysanthemum Farthe- | several plants (plan- 


ted ?) 


I plant. 


I plant. 
I plant. 
1 plant. 


a bank of it (planted 


probably). 


plentiful. 


plentiful. 


I plant (probably 
thrown out with 


refuse). - 


several plants 


(planted ?) 


abundant. 


I plant. 


several plants. 


1905. 


4or 5 plants. 
I or 2 plants. 
1 plant. 
2 plants. 


I plant. 
several in good flower. | 


still plentiful. 
several plants. 
still abundant. 


several in flower. 
several plants. 


2 plants. 
none. 


none. 
none. 
none. 

still there. 

decreasing. 


decreasing. 


I plant. 
I fine plant. 


I plant. 


| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
several plants. | 
i 
abundant. 
none. 
I plant. 
2 or 3 plants. 


{ or 2 plants. 


148 The lrish Naturalist. 


NAME. 


| Amaranius retroflexus, lS 
Chenopodium leptophyllum, 

|) ONar tes 

| C. opulifolium, Sched.,. 

| C. polyspermum, YL. 

a: ambrostoutes, 1, 

C. murale? L,., 

| Salsola Tragus, I,., . 

| Polygonum Raii, Bab., 

| Rumex Hydrolapathum, 

[oa jales 

| Asphodelus fistulosus, I,., 


| Agropyron 
| Beauv. 
| Egilops comosa, Sibth., . 
| Avena fatua, L,., . 

| Bromus secalinus, L,., 
|B. commutatus, Schrad., 
| B. tectorum, ; 
| Eragrostis major, Host., 
| Elymus canadensis, l., « 
| Hordeum jubatum, lL, , 

| Panicum miltacerwmn, Vy, . 
| P; capitlare, Tas: 

| Phalarts paradoxa, L., 

| Setaria viridis, Beauy., . 
S. glauca, Beauv., 5 


Caninum, 


1904. 


3 plants. 
several plants. 


several plants. 
several plants. 
2 plants. 
1 plant. 
1 plant: 
1 large plant. 
several plants. 


3 or 4 small plants on 


cinders. 
plentiful. 


1 or 2 plants. 
2 plauts. 
1 plant. 
1 plant. 
2 plants. 
several plants. 
plentiful. 


1 plant. 

I or 2 plants. 
several plants. 
several plants. 

2 plants. 


decreasing, 


June, 


1905. 


1 plant. 
I or 2 plants. 


several plants. 

several plants. 
none. 
none. 
none. 


several plants, 
none. 
plentiful. 


I plant. 

I or 2 plants. 
none. 
noue, 
none. 
none. 

several plants. 


still plentiful. 
none. 
none. 
several plants. 
decreasing. 
several plants. 


though 


As was to be expected, most of the plants on the above list 
are cornfield weeds. With the help of ‘ Index Kewensis’ and 
Mr. Dunn’s ‘ Alien Flora of Britain’ I have arranged them 
below under the countries of which they are native. Among 
them are plants from nearly all the countries mentioned in 
Mr. Shackleton’s letter. The greater number are from S.E. 
Europe and West Asia, which bears out his statement that the 
Caspian grain is the dirtiest. There is no plant that can be 
identified as peculiarly Australian on the list, which also 


1906. Know LEs.—A lien Flora of Ireland. 149 


agrees with the tribute he paid to the cleanliness of the 
Australian grain. 


CENTRAL ASIA. 


Brassica juncea. Malva verticillata. 
Lepidium ruderale. Setaria viridis. 
Malva rotundifolia. S. glauca. 


NorvH AMERICA. 


CEnothera sinuata. Amarantus albus (Mexico, South 
CE. biennis. States). 
Ambrosia artemisicfolia. A. retroflexus (Mexico), 
A. trifida. Chenopodium ambrosioides 
Hemizonia Kelloggii. (Mexico). 
Madia glomerata (prairies). C. leptophyllum. 
Amsinckia lycopsoides (Cali- Elymus canadensis. 

fornia). Hordeum jubatun. 
Dracocephalum parviflorum. Panicum capillare. 


SoutTH AMERICA. 


Tropeolum majus (probably Solanum tuberosum (probably 
planted). thrown out with refuse). 


NORTHERN EUROPE. 


Erysimum cheiranthoides. Potentilla norvegica. 
Malva borealis. Echinospermum Lappula. 
Melilotus officinalis. M. gracilis. 

Medicago denticulata. Salsola Tragus. 

M. denticulata, var. apiculata. Festuca pratensis. 


S. E. EUROPE AND W. ASIA. 


Papaver Rheeas. Authemiis arvensis. 
Barbarea arcuata. Chrysanthemum segetum. 
B. preecox. C. Parthemium., 

Eruca sativa. Campanula rapunculoides. 
Sisymbrium pannonicum. Vinca major. 

S. orientale. Lithospermum arvense. 
Camelina sativa. Echium pustulatum. 
Lepidium perfoliatum, Veronica Tournefortii. 
Neslia paniculata. Chenopodium opulifolium. 
Silene noctiflora . C. polyspermum. 

Malva niczensis. Asphodelus fistulosus. 
Medicago sativa. 4E gilops comiosa. 
Melilotus gracilis. Phalaris paradoxa. 


Galium tricorne. Avena fatua. 


150 The lrish Naturalist. June, 


As the Lyons mills have now ceased to be a means of intro- 
ducing aliens into the country, it is worth noting that in the 
Douglas Herbarium there are quite a number of foreign plants, 
some twenty of which are from the neighbourhood of Straffan 
and Lyons, and it is possible that some of these may have 
been brought in with the grain coming to these miils. 

I have to thank Mr. N. Colgan, Mr. E. G. Baker, Mr. R. LI. 
Praeger, and the Keeper of the Kew Herbarium for help in 
naming some of the plants in the above lists. 


Dublin Museum. 


REVIEW. 
BRITISH AND IRISH LIVERWORTS. 


A Revised Key to the Hepatics of the British Islands. By 
SYyMERS M. Macvicar. Pp. 20. Eastbourne: V. T. Sumfield, 1906, 
Price 9d. 


This useful work, a first edition of which was issued in Ig01, appears now 
in an improved form. It has been completely revised, many new British 
species added, the arrangement in the “Moss Exchange Club Census 
Catalogue of British Hepatics” followed, and so many alterations and 
improvements made that we advise everyone interested to obtain a copy. 

The study of Liverworts is difficult fora beginner. This Key isintended 
to help him to make out the species. It is an aid to the use of a larger 
work. There is first a dichotomous key to the genera, and a new feature 
in the present edition is the use made of the underleaves for diagnostic 
purposes. 

This is followed by a similar Key to the species. Plain and naked-eye 
characters, as opposed to microscopic, have as far as possible been used, 
avoiding those drawn from perianth, inflorescence, or cell-structure. 

In its previous form this Key was found most helpful, not only by 
beginners but more advanced students. The value of the new edition 
can only be properly tested by use, but we believe it will be found an in- 
valuable aid to the use of Lett’s or Pearson’s larger works on this group. 
We notice that many small alterations, suggested no doubt by experience, 
have been made in the salient characters given for each species. 

There is a short introduction, in which some practical hints are to be 
found for the examination of these plants. So much variation prevails 
even in the same plant, we are advised to examine several stems and 
several leaves, and take the average as our type. 


C. H. WADDELL. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 151 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a pair of Tiger Cubs from H. R. H. the Prince of 
Wales; atame Leopard, two years old, from Capt. MacCarthy; a pair of 
Swans from the Board of Works; two Finches from Constable J. 
O’Shaughnessy, and three Swans from Mr. H. B. Rathborne. A pair 
of Marmosets, ten Jackass Penguins, and a King Vulture have been pur- 
chased, and a Barbary Lamb has been born in the Gardens. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


APRIL 1I1.—The Club met at Leinster House, Dr. R. F. SCHAEFF, 
President, in the chair. Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGE exhibited sections of 
the haustoria on the roots of Cow-Wheat (Melampyrum pratense). This 
plant is one of the group of semi-parasitic Rhinanthacee, and although 
green, and thus able to manufacture its own food, it is partly dependent 
for its nutrition on other plants, to the roots of which it attaches itself 
by the absorbtive suckers on its own roots. 

H. C. DRAPER, F.C.S., showed a ‘“‘dark-room” lamp of somewhat 
novel construction, suitable for use in micro-photography. A four-volt 
‘*Qsmi” lamp, in connection with a portable accumulator, is immersed in 
a glass cell containing a saturated solution of potassium bichromate, and 
the novelty consists in surrounding the lamp and lamp-holder by an 
air-bell, preventing contact of the solution with the fittings. An ‘‘Osmi” 
lamp mounted in a rectangular wooden case, open ou one side, grooved 
to take a quarter-plate focussing screen, wasalso shown. This arrange- 
ment gives a soft diffused light, suitable for microscopic illumination. 
By substituting photographic plates, cleared and stained with suitable 
tints, the light may be modified. 

H. W. DARLASTON sent for exhibition an interesting series of bo- 
tanical and zoological slides. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


APRIL 10.—WILLIAM GRAY, M.R.I.A., submitted his report as delegate 
to the meeting of the British Association, and made some valuable sug- 
gesticns as to how the Club might help the Association’s work. 

APRIL 25.—The Annual Meeting was held in the Museum, the President 
(W. H. Phillips) in the chair. There was a fair attendance of members. 

A short notice of the occurrence of foraminifera in gravels was given 
by JOSEPH WRIGHT, F.G.S., who said he had recently received from Mr. 
John Brown, F.R.S., a ball of rolled clay taken from a gravel pit at his 


152 The Irish Naturalist. June, 


residence, Longhurst, Dunmurry, which he thought might yield fora- 
minifera. On examination he found that it contained a large number of 
foraminifera mixed with shell fragments, &c. These foraminifera num- 
bered 1,475 specimens belonging to 35 species, and of which 950 were 
referable to Wontonina depressulag ‘This clay must have been in a soft 
condition when the gravel was deposited, as the stones were both deeply 
imbedded and scattered through it. Through the kindness of Mr. Brown 
he was enabled to visit the gravel pit himself, and was shown several of 
these balls lying loose upon theground, whilst one was zz sctu in a layer 
of coarse gravel. The gravel was stratified horizontally, the seams vary- 
ing largely in character, some being composed of fine, others of coarse 
or medium-sized stones. From a sample of fine gravel interstratified 
between two coarser layers he obtained four foraminifera, also shell frag- 
ments. In the overlying Malone Sand foraminifera were comparatively 
frequent. From such results it seemed strong evidence in favour of these 
gravels being of marine origin. 

The paper was discussed by G. C. Gough, Wm. Gray, G. Donaldson, 
S. A. Stewart, R. Welch, and R. Bell. 

The Secretary (Professor G. C. GoucH), read the Annual Report for 
the 43rd year. The number of members was 396 at the Ist of April, 28 
new menibers having been elected, and 28 members were lost through 
deaths and resignations. During the year nine Committee Meetings 
were held. The summer programme, as usual, consisted of excursions, 
eight being arranged for as follow :— Dungannon, 20th May ; The Gobbins 
(half-day), 1oth June; Diamond Rocks (Mourne Mountains), ist July; 
Dundalk (long excursion with D.N.FC.), 12th to 14th July; Maghera- 
morne (half-day), 29th July; Ballinderry, 12th August; Church Hill, 
County Armagh, 26th August ; The Knockagh (half-day), 9th September, 
These were duly carried out, with the exception of the last, which was 
postponed owing to unfavourable weather, only one member meeting the 
secretaries at the station. The attendance at the excursions was scarcely 
as good as it has been in former years, the largest attendance being at 
the ever-popular Gobbins excursion, when 126 were present. 

The Winter Session began in the usual way by a conversazione in the 
Exhibition Hall. Over 400 members and friends attended. Besides the 
ordinary monthly meetings, the informal meetings commenced last 
session on Wednesday evenings were continued this session, and were 
well attended. Two of the papers read were deemed by the Committee 
worthy of being printed 7 ex/enso, and will be issued as appendices to 
the Proceedings. In connection with the effort to improve the equip- 
meut of the Queen’s College, the Club collected the sum of £20, which 
was sent to the College. Delegates from the Club attended the meeting 
of the Irish Field Club Union Committee in Dublin, andthe British 
Association Corresponding Societies Conimittee in London. Among the 
honours to members must be placed Professor Gregg Wilson’s election 
as a vice-president of the Royal Irish Academy. The Treasurer’s state- 
ment shows a deficit of £11 Ios. 5d. after all accounts have been paid. 
No collections were submitted in competition for the Club’s prizes. 


1906. Proceedings of Lrish Societies. 153 


The Treasurer’s report having been submitted by W. H. Phillips, the 
reports of the Librarian and botanical and geological sections were read 
by J. L. Jackson and A. Milligan, and were then adopted, on the motion 
of the President, seconded by W. J. Fennell, M.R.I.A. 

The election of officers and committee was then proceeded with. On 
the proposal of R. Patterson, seconded by W. H. Gallway, W. H. Phillips 
was elected President, both speakers referring to the valuable services 
which he had rendered the society in the past. 

The other office-bearers appointed were as follow :—Vice-president, 
N. H. Foster; treasurer, W. H. Phillips; librarian, J. L. S. Jackson; 
secretaries, W. H. Gallway and W. J. C. Tomlinson. 

A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the outgoing secretaries, G. C 
Gough and George Donaldson. 

The Committee were re-elected, H. C. Marshall and N. Carrothers 
taking the place of A. Milligan and J. Orr. 

One new member having been elected, the proceedings terminated. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


APRIL 27.—W. C. MARTIN lectured on the teleautograph and Frahm’s 
speed indicator, illustrating his subject by experiments. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


APRIL 7.—EXCURSION TO GLENDHU.—Members and visitors assembled 
at Terenure at 2 p.m. where cars were taken for Rockbrook. Here the 
party, under the leadership of W. B. Bruce, proceeded to study the plant 
associations of the district—principally the hill-pasture and moorland 
zones. An ascent of Tibradden was made during which the members 
had viewed the associations of the moorland zone in detail. Descent 
was made into Glendhu, and the party returned to Rockbrook for tea. 

APRII, 10.—The President (C. B. Moffat, B.A.)inthechair. The Hon. 
Secretaries brought the Report of the Corresponding Societies of the 
British Association for 1905 before the meeting. An animated discussion 
on the Report followed, in which the following members took part :— 
R. Ll. Praeger, W. F. Gunn, C. Murray, J. Wilcox, and H. E. Wilkins, 
The principal feature of the evening was Collections of Exhibits and 
Demonstrations which included :—W. F. GuNN—Collection of British 
and Exotic Shells). C. MurRaAy, B.A.—Carboniferous Fossils, Curkeen 
Hill. R. Ly. PRAEGER, B.A.—Specimens illustrating Vegetative Re- 
production in Plants. Mr. A. H. MacWilliam was elected an Associate 
Member, 


154 The lrish Naturalist. June, 


NOTES. 
BOTANY. 


Mercurialis perennis and Draba muralis in Co. Antrim. 


The two stations—one in Down and one in Antrim—given in Jrish 
Topographical Botany, seem to be the only onesin the north-east where 
Mercurialis perennis has been seen recently. On the 25th April I had the 
pleasure of meeting with it in fair abundance in another Antrim locality. 
This was on the steep, shady banks of the Craigban burn where the latter 
joins the Glenshesk river, about half a mile below the Glen viaduct. As 
the exact spot is rather inaccessible, the plant may easily escape notice. 
The station, however, is, Iam certain, merely a re-discovery, for the 
plant was recorded over forty years ago in the Flora of Ulster from 
‘“‘ Altaferna Glen, near Ballycastle,” and the place where I found it is not 
only within four miles of Ballycastle, but I find from the old 6-inch 
survey map of the period that the Craigban burn is, in its upper part at 
least, described as “ Altiffrnan Glen.” The re-finding, however, is an 
interesting verification. With regard to the Co. Antrim station in /rish 
Topographical Botany, it should read Glynn rather than “Glenoe.” The 
plant occurs on the south bank of the Glynn river, near the village, and 
almost opposite the church. It isacouple of miles east of Glenoe proper. 

On the same day I had the good fortune to see for the first time that 
very rare plant Draba muralis. It occurs abundantly on an old wall at 
the bridge over the Bush river, a short mile east of Armoy, and not far 
from the round tower. It seemsto have been in an equally plentiful 
and luxuriant condition on the same wall ten years ago when it was first 
discovered by the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club. It was in full flower 
when I saw it, and a very pretty sight. Its situation here seems to favour 
strongly the supposition that the plant may perhaps be truly indigenous 
to Ireland. 

W. J. C. TOMLINSON. 
Belfast. 


A colour-variety of Pinguicula grandiflora. 


Miss Lucila O’Connell sends a fresh blossom of a beautiful pale lilac 
form of Pingutcula grandifiora, of which she has found three plants on the 
shore of the Lower Lake of Killarney. Idonot find any mention of 
colour variation in this species, though I have notes of white, lilac, and 
white-tipped varieties of its ally P. vulgarzs. 


R. LLOvD PRAEGER, 
Dublin, 


1906. Notes. 155 


Erophila precox in Ireland. 


Early in April I found this little plant growing abundantly on walls 
and rocks at Ennistymon and Kilfenora, Co. Clare, aud a week or so 
later met with it again in the neighbourhood of Galway. It is quite a 
distinct-looking plant, and seems to be scarce in Ireland, as it is in 
England. I have not seen it in any other locality, although its near 
relation, Z. vu/garis, which is apparently absent from the above districts, 
is common in most parts of the country. Without having any doubt as 
to its identity, I sent a specimen for verification to the Rev. E. F. 
Linton, whose kind reply states that it is “thorough” frecox. I can 
find no previous mention of its occurrence in Ireland, and have much 
pleasure in now recording it. 

R.A. PeILvirs. 

Cork. 


Melittis Melissophyllum in Co. Cavan. 


Miss Sarah Blackwood has favoured me with a specimen of this fine 
labiate. She writes:—‘‘I found it last August in Co. Cavan beside one 
of the smaller lakes, about three miles from the town of Cavan, in the 
direction of Farnham. It was not near a village or cottage, so I do not 
think it can bea garden escape. There was not much of it growing 
where I got this specimen, and although I looked for it beside any other 
lake I came to, I did not find any more. It was growing quite near the 
water in the soft ground, and seemed in a healthy condition.” 

The species is S. European and S. English, haunting woods and copses. 
It cannot, of course, be claimed as either native or naturalized on the 
present evidence, but the occurrence is interesting, especially as the 
plant has not apparently hitherto occurred in Ireland, even as a casual. 
It is to be hoped that its Cavan home will be further studied. 


R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


ZOOLOGY. 


An Irish Geometrid Moth. 


In the Entomologists’ Record (vol. xviii., 1906, pp- 85-9), Mr. J. E. R. Allen 
discusses the moth described by Mr. L. B. Prout as Oforabia dilutata, var. 
Christyz, which he has found at two localities near Enniskillen, and gives 
reasons for believing that it should be considered a “good” species. 
Mr. Allen lays stress on the constant (if slight) difference of marking in 


the wings, and the extreme localization of the moth to a restricted 
habitat, 


156 The Irish Naturalist. June, 1906. 


Large Fox Shark on the Coast of Donegal. 


A photograph was sent to me recently by Mr. R. J. Moss, of a Fox 
Shark (Alopzas vulpes), caught at Port-na-Blagh last summer. I am as- 
sured that it was carefully measured with a tape, the length being 16 
feet. This is an unusual size for a Fox Shark; about half that length 
is the usual record. 

R. F. SCHARFF. 

Dublin Museum. 


Great Grey Shrike in Co. Meath. 


On 23rd March a bird of this species was shot in Co. Meath and 
submitted to me, proving on dissection to be a female, being the first 
time the species has been recorded from thiscounty. The specimen had 
the white bar on the primaries only, characteristic of Lanius major of 
Pallas; whereas the typical Z. excudztor has white bases to the secondaries, 
forming a double wing bar; but Mr. Howard Saunders notes that the 
birds obtained in this country which exhibit the double wing bar have 
usually proved to be males, while those with the single bar are generally 
females. 

NEVIN H. FOSTER. 

Hillsborough, Co. Down. 


Birds of Donegal. 


To the Zoologist for April, Mr. J. Steele-Elliott contributes a note in 
which he records the more noteworthy birds seen in the Narin district in 
the early summer of the previous year. 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


Belfast Municipal Museum. 


We have received ‘Quarterly Notes,” No. 1, issued by the Belfast 
Municipal Art Gallery and Museum. These consist of articles reprinted 
from the Belfast Evening Telegraph, and deal with the art and science 
collections housed in the handsome library in Royal Avenue. 


Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. 


A handy haifpenny guide to the gardens has been issued officially, in 
which an itinerary of the grounds and houses is described in popular 
fashion. 


at 


WILLIAMS & SON, 
Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 


2 DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, 


Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. 


HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS 
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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, 
. EDITED BY 

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Professor of Botany in the University of Aberdeen , 

WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., &c., 
Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. 


This Magazine—a continuation of “The Scottish Naturalist, founded in 1871—is entirely devoted 
to the publication of Origina] Matter relating to the Natural History of Scotland, and includes Papers 
contributing to the elucidation of the Fauna and Flora recent and fossil, Observations on Life Histories, 
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Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. 


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CONTENTS. ae 
The American Snowbird in Ireland.—R. M. ee ee 
LL.B., F.1,8., 5 + ee el oe 


Coleoptera from Co. Fermanagh. —Rey. w. FB. Jounsow, MA; oe “2 


Bo) re ‘ eso” ee ea fe a ee oe > ee aes 


Woodlice in Co. Carlow.—D. R. Pack Bunnerone: D.L,., M. R LAs ee 
A Contribution towards the Alien Flora of Ireland.— — 


M. Co RNOWLES; == .ti a - wes pais ee 
REVIEW :— eases 
Macvicar’ s ee to Hepatics of British Islands. her: C. A. Wants ey / ms 


IrisH SOCIETIES :— 


Royal Zoological Society. Dublin Microscopical Club, ee ee 
Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, : fee we 
Belfast Nat. Hist. Phil. Society. Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, a 


NOTES :— 
-Mercurialis perennis and Draba Sauralis in Co. Antrim—W. Jn G 
TOMLINSON, ae ae = < ss 
A Colour-variety of Pinguicula grandiflora—R. Li. PRAEGER, ey 
Erophila preecox in Ireland. R. A. PHILLIPS, «-  — ee 
Melittis Melissophyllum in Co. Cavan.—R. LL. PRAEGER, .« em 
An Irish Geometrid Moth, .. ec a aA ae 
Large Fox-Shark on the Coast of Donegal. —R. F. Scuarer, Pu. D., F. L. a 
Great Grey Shrike in Co. Meath.—N. H. FosTER, M.B.0.U., x 
Birds of Donegal, .. Zs . ees ae oe : 
NEWS GLEANINGS :— Se Bess se sy ee 


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July, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 157 


THE MELODIOUS WARBLER IN IRELAND. 
BY RICHARD M. BARRINGTON, LL.B, F-L,S. 


ON September 23rd, 1905, Mr. P. Pavlosky of Old Head light- 
house, Kinsale, Co. Cork, wrote :—‘“ Enclosed you will find a 
bird which I have shot, and I think it is a very rare one.” 
When the specimen arrived it was evidently something good. 
Being too much damaged for stuffing, it was made into a skin 
by Edward Williams and forwarded to London for identifica- 
tion, as the series of European Warblers in the Dublin 
Museum is far from perfect. The longer and flatter bill and 
larger size of the bird at once separated it from the Willow 
Wren and Wood Warbler—and as the bastard primary exceeded 
in length the primary coverts it probably was not an Icterine 
Warbler. 

The books led me to suspect it was the Melodious Warbler 
(Hypolais polyglotta)—though the specimen agreed rather 
better with a skin of pallida in the Dublin Museum. How- 
ever the matter was settled by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant who, writing 
from the Natural History Museum, said ‘ undoubtedly 
Hypolais polyglotta.”’ 

Though the bird is new to Ireland and has only been added 
to the British list of late years—having probably been con- 
founded with //ypolais icterina—it is a species which might 
be expected to occur having regard to its continental distri- 
bution. Mr. Aplin'and Mr. Howard Saunders? suggest that the 
bird heard on May 2o9th, 1886, at Coolattin, Co. Wicklow, by 
Rey. A. Ellison’, may have been this species.  S. Jolyglotta 
does not penetrate as far north as S. zcferina and its range in 
France is more westerti. It is satisfactory to have its occur- 
rence in Ireland authenticated by an undoubted specimen in 
spring rather than by an immature autumn straggler return- 
ing south, for the problem of its summer residence is more 
interesting. 


Fassaroe, Bray. 


1 Jrish Naturalist, 1897, p. 222. 2 Manual of British Birds. 
* Zoologist, 1886, p. 333. 
A 


158 The Irish Naturalist. July, 
A MOREL NEW TO IRELAND. 
BY D. M‘ARDLE. 


In May last I received from the Hon. R. E. Dillon, D.L., @ 
single specimen of a Morchella which was found about a mile 
from the only British station where J/. elafa grows, on the 
Clonbrock estate,’ and where it has appeared this year, but 
more stunted in stature on account of spring frosts and cold 
winds. 

As I was acquainted with JZ. elata, the specimen sent to me 
looked different from any Morel I had ever seen. The long 
Phallus-like stipe, small rotundo-conical pileus, free to about 
the middle, were remarkable; probably the true shape of the 
pileus is conical where a series of mature specimens is 
available. I thought it might be J. esculenta var. rotunda, 
Pers., but the long stipe and the large smooth oval sporidia 
separated it from that form at once. 

So through the courteous Director at Kew I sent it to Mr. 
Massee, one of the best authoritieson such matters, and he 
named it Mitrophora semilibera, Lev.? a native of Britain, 
France, Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, and Italy. Mr. 
Greenwood Pim, F.L.S., states that he has not heard of its 
previous discovery in Ireland. 

The pileus when young is conic or sub-globose, yellowish 
olive, the reticulations formed by ribs running down with 
tolerable regularity from the apex, oblong with a few wrinkles 
within. The pileus when mature is 1} inches high, nearly as 
bioad, darker, free for rather more than half its height, with 
reticulations oblong or rhomboidal; the  sporidia are 
large, oval, yellowish; thestem is 5 inches or more high, 1 
inch thick at the base, hollow, pitted and wrinkled below, 


17, Wat.,; Vol. 114 p2i55- 
2 Ann. Sct. Nat., 1846, v. 250. 
I append some of the names it is also known by. 
Morchella semilibera, De Cand., Fl. Fr. ii, p. 212. 
Cooke, Mycographia, vol. i., Plate 85, Fig. 321. 
Cooke, Handbook Brit. Fungi, vol. ii., p. 656. 
Helvella hybrida, Sowerby, Fungi, tab. 238. 
Morchella hybrida, Pers., Saccardo, Sylloge Fungorum, vol. viii., p. 13. 


1906. M‘ARDLE.—A Morel new to Treland. 159 


more or less grooved through its whole length, flexure slightly 
tinged with reddish brown, decidedly furfuraceous, crisp, taste 
pleasant (Engl. Flora). Found on a grassy bank by the 
Clonbrock River, Co Galway. by the Hon. Ethel Dillon, who 
calied her brother’s attention to it while he was fishing, 8th 
May, 1906. 


Glasnevin. 


THE BIRDS OF IRELAND AND THE ISLE 
; OF MAN. 


BY ROBERT PATTERSON, M.R.I.A., M.B.0O.U. 


THE publication of Mr. P. G. Ralfe’s recent work on the Birds 
of the Isle of Man makes a comparison of the avifauna of 
Ireland and Man now possible; and some of the results of 
a close study of Ussher’s ‘ Birds of Ireland” andthe volume 
mentioned above will be found in the following pages. 

At first sight the comparison of the avifauna of so large 
an island as Ireland, with its 20,300,000 acres, with that of 
so small an island as Man, with its 145,325 acres, may seem 
futile, but if we eliminate all of the vexy common species 
found in both places, the result may be worth considering, 
The topographical features of a country affect its bird-life 
so profoundly that we must first find the most striking point 
of difference, as giving the key to the situation. Mr. Ralfe 
devotes twenty-two pages to a very clear description of the 
physical features of Man, and these can be briefly summarised. 
“ The Isle of Man consists of a main central mass of high-land, 
to which, at the north and south, are appended much smaller 
tracts of marly level country. 

I. Tore NORTHERN LOWLAND forms a well-defined district, 
about one-fifth of the island’s total area, sharply bounded by 
the wall-like face in which the central mountain range rises 
from it.” ‘This level district is crossed by a line of low hills of 
sandy cultivated soil, north of which lies the Ayre, forming 
the point of the island, a sandy and gravelly waste, ending in 

A 2 


160 The Irish Naturalist. ; July, 


a very steep beach of large shingle, and containing one or two 
patches of marshy land. South of the sandhills this northern 
tract has many ponds, which are elsewhere rare, and here also 
lies the Curragh, formerly an extensive marsh, but now 
drained to the condition of damp meadow-land, except at its 
west end, where a patch of unreclaimed land contains many 
ponds and trenches of varying size, forming a refuge for some 
marsh birds. , 

II. THe CENTRAL Hitt, DISTRICT—INLAND. South-west 
of the northern plain is the main central mass of hills, the 
highest elevations occupying the centre, with spurs running 
down to the coast on either side. The range is divided by a 
well-defined valley,and is everywhere split and pierced by 
glens. North of this cross valley are some twenty summits 
exceeding a thousand feet. These mountains are chiefly 
covered with grass, but there are tracts of heather and 
blaeberry ; they are very devoid of bird-life at all seasons. 
The highest point is Snaefell (2,034 feet) The glens are 
usually cultivated in the lowet portions, but their higher 
and steep slopes are covered with heather and bracken, 
with rocky scarps here and there, seldom of much height 
or extent. ‘The streams and rivers of these glens often flow 
through fern-clad gorges, while their swampy sources afford 
breeding ground to a few Curlews. Some of these glens 
are absolutely treeless, while others have belts of plantations 
and pleasure-grounds. South of the central valley the 
mountains are lower. There is in proportion more cultivated 
land, and the valleys have a more open character. ‘The 
summit of Crouk ny Irey Lhaa (1,449 feet) falls abruptly to 
the western sea, and a steep and waste mountainside is con- 
tinued for some miles south along the coast. 

III. THE CENTRAL Hin, District—Coast. The coast of 
the whole main central district is high, rocky, bold, and 
clean-cut, broken into by curving, shallow bays, with shores 
usually of the same bold features. The larger of these bays 
have beaches of hard sand, but the muddy reaches which 
attract many Waders and Ducks are nearly absent. Along 
the west from Peel to the Calf is the chief seat of Man’s varied 
sea-bird life. The Calf is an islet of 616 acres separated from 
the main island by a sound 500 yards wide. It rises to 421 


1906. PATteERSON.—Sirds of Ireland and the Isle of Man. 161. 


feet and its cliffs, precipices, caves, and stacks, harbour an 
immense number of rock-loving birds. The one little ravine,, 
with its few low trees and bushes, is much prized by migrating 
small birds. The greater portion of the south shores of Man 
is devoid of cliffs, but we meet them again in the east, low to 
Santon Head, and higher north of that point, to Douglas Bay, 
and again high but interrupted from that to Maughold Head, 
beyond which the rocks gradually subside into the sands of 
Ramsay Bay, which begins the northern level portion men- 
tioned at first. | 
IV. THE SOUTHERN LOWLAND. At the south of the moun-, 
tain district, as at the north, is a level tract, in this case much’ 
smaller and apparently quite devoid of water. The coast is 
low, rocky, and weedy, and this is the best ground for Waders 
and Ducks. ‘There are two fine stretches of sand, with 
shingle banks, and on one of them the Sheldrake is resident. 
From the above condensed summary of Mr. Ralfe’s descrip- 
tion, two points at once strike us; (1) the absence of timber 
(2) the scarcity of fresh water. Timber is scarce and com- 
paratively small owing to the high winds, while only 314 acres 
are under water. When we come to examine the wood-loving 
and water-loving birds, it will be seen how much the avifauna 
of Man has been affected by the want of trees and lakes. 
Taking the breeding birds first, (residents and migrants) 
and omitting the very common species which are found in 
both islands, we come upon some noteworthy differences. 
The central hill district would appear to offer many places 
suitable for the nesting of Ring Ouzels, and yet ‘‘the Ring 
Ouzel has never hitherto been recognised here as anything 
but a passing migrant” (page 12), though it must be added that 
a subsequent paragraph states that nests and young have been 
seen in the Maughold district ; but the eggs do not appear to 
have been actually obtained yet. In Ireland there are only 
four counties from which this bird is excluded, and these are 
not mountainous. Almost the same could be said of the 
Wheatear in Man, which “though common and plentiful as a 
passing migrant, is scarce as a_ nesting-bird,” (page 14), 
although in this casea few nests have been found. In Ireland 
Wheatears are not uncommonly seen in March, but on 17th 
february, 1887, several were noted at the Chickens Rock 


162 The Irish Naturalist. July, 


lighthouse near the Calf—a remarkably early date. The 
Whinchat, which breeds regularly, though in small numbers, 
in about fifteen Irish counties, has only occurred four times in 
Man as a straggler, and the Redstart, which breeds in two 
Irish counties at least, has only been seen a few times. ‘The 
Blackcap is unknown, and the Garden Warbler has only once 
been identified in Man; in Ireland both are local summer 
visitors, the latter especially so. The Wood Warbler seems to 
occupy almost the same position in both islands; though its 
nest has not been taken yet in Man, it has bred in two Irish 
counties. Owing to absence of suitable ground the Sedge 
Warbler is not common in Man and was quite overlooked for 
along time. Up to 1903 the Grasshopper Warbler had only 
occurred once (at a lighthouse), but in the summer of that 
year it was found in some numbers on the turfy wastes of the 
Curragh, where it probably breeds, though no nest is mentioned 
as having been found. Here it is wide-spread and common in 
many places. The Dipper is so common and widespread in 
Ireland, it is strange to read that Mr. Ralfe never saw a living 
Manx specimen until 1903. It now appears to be resident in 
small numbers. Lack of old timberdoubtless accounts for the 
position of the Tits in Man. The Great Tit is the only fairly 
common one, and it and the Blue Tit breed, (but the Long- 
tailed and Coal are chiefly known as winter visitors, though 
the latter will probably be found breeding there soon). Of the 
Wagtails, the Pied is a common resident, and the Grey is found 
in small numbers, but becomes decidedly scarce in summer. 
The Swallow is stated to be “ distinctly scarce” as compared 
with the mainland, and the House Martin even more so, their 
breeding-habits closely resembling those observed in Ireland. 
The Goldfinch is resident in small numbers and seems to be in- 
creasing as a breeding species, but it is not nearly so well known 
as it is here. The Tree Sparrow is resident in the southern 
part of the island, but Mr. Ralfe considers it will be found over 
the whole island. It seems to be increasing rapidly. In Ireland 
it is resident in Co. Dublin, but appears to be spreading, as it has 
been seen in Mayo and elsewhere. 

The position of the Twite in Man is peculiar, as there does 
not seem to be any record of its breeding since 1862, when it 
was reported to the late A. G. More by Dr. Cullin, who ap- 


1906. PAtTrERSON.—JLirds of [reland and the Isle of Man. 163 


parently found it breeding in small numbers both in the north 
and southof theisland. In Ireland it breeds in about twenty- 
two counties, and is ‘a common and characteristic bird of 
wild and exposed parts of our island” (Ussher). It seems 
very likely that the Crossbill may breed in Man, though 
actual proof is yet wanting. The scarcity of conifer woods 
will account for this, as it breeds in small numbers in each 
province of Ireland. The Reed Bunting, here so common 
near water, is a scarce and local bird in Man, as would be ex- 
pected. The Chough seems to be generally distributed over 
the island, and it and the Hooded Crow occupy the same posi- 
tion as they do on the Irish list. The Raven has fifteen nest- 
ing places and is apparently commoner in Man (for its size) 
than in Ireland. It is hard to explain the scarcity of the 
Swift in Man, and strange to say the breeding of the King- 
fisher has never been recorded! It is probably resident in 
small numbers. Of the Owls, the Long-eared is common and 
resident, the Barn is almost unknown, though Owls of this 
species may have nested in ruins and in a hollow tree on two 
occasions, but it is not proved ; while from the fact that on 
four occasions owls’ nests with eggs have been found on the 
ground “in open gorsy spots amid young plantations,” the 
breeding of the Short-eared “‘ seems to be pretty well settled.” 
Definite proof would be desirable, however, more especially as 
the Long-eared Owl has been known to nest on the ground 
elsewhere, and the scarcity of suitable trees in Man might 
have turned a chance occurrence into a habit. It is only. 
right to add that Mr. Ralfe saw a Short-eared Owl flying about 
the rocks at Langness on 3rd July, 1898. As is well known, 
the two first Owls are resident and widely distributed here, 
and the Short-eared (which has never been known to breed) 
occurs more or less commonly in winter. The White-tailed 
Eagle seems to have brea in Man (perhaps two eyries) up to 
1820 or 1830; ‘it is now quite unknown, and the Golden Eagle 
may have been seen on two or three occasions. In Ireland a 
few pairs of each still survive in the wildest districts. The 
Peregrine has ten or eleven nesting places (which are very 
properly not named) all on the coast of Man, where it does not 
breed inland, and strangely enough does not seem to occur in 
winter. It is much commoner in Ireland, where it is found 


164 The lrish Naturalist. July, 


throughout the year and breeds on inland cliffs as well as on 
the coast. The somewhat extensive moorland of the centre 
of Man would seem to be well suited to the Merlin, and yet 
we read that its breeding is a rare, and indeed, casual occur- 
rence, though several instances are given. In Ireland it 
breeds regularly in twenty-four counties. Although the Cor- 
morant is a common bird all round the coasts of Man, Mr. 
Ralfe. only knows two nesting colonies of about twelve nests 
each. The Shagis much more abundant and breeds numerously 
on the cliffs on the east, west, and south of the island. On 
most parts of the Irish coast the Cormorant is more abundant 
than the Shag, but the latter is the more numerous on the 
wild western side. The Heron during most of the year is far 
from uncommon in quiet and suitable places, and yet ‘‘ what- 
ever may have formerly been the case its status as a breeding 
species is now uncertain, and we cannot positively assert that 
any Herons now breed in Man.” Particulars are given as to 
former breeding places, in willow bushes and clusters of ivy, 
owing to want of suitable trees, but there is nothing to show 
why these colonies have been deserted. In Ireland, the Heron 
is resident and common, breeding in every county, there being 
sixty-six heronries in the County of Cork alone. 

Of the Ducks, the Sheldrake, Mallard, and Teal are the only 
species that breed in Man, and only in very limited numbers. 
The former breeds in fifteen counties, and the two latter in 
every county in Ireland, as one should expect. 

The Ring-Dove breeds freely in such woodland as exists in 
Man, but strange to say although the rocky coast seems par- 
ticularly suitable to it, and where it formerly was found in 
great numbers, the Rock Dove seems to be now extinct as a 
breeding species, though there is a doubt as to a few Pigeons 
which breed on Maughold Head. On the other hand, the 
Stock Dove is resident and increasing, and ‘“‘the coasts of 
Patrick, Maughold, and Stanton, all once strongholds of the 
Rock Dove, have all been colonised by this species.” ‘Lhis is 
quite in keeping with the northern and western extension of 
its breeding range lately. In Ireland the two former Pigeons 
are common residents, and the Stock Dove is spreading its 
range, but it is not found nesting on sea cliffs as is apparently 
the case in Man. 


; 
. 
; 


1906. PATTERSON.—ASirds of [reland and the Isle of Man. 165 


The Red Grouse became extinct in Man between 1830 and 
1840, but was re-introduced about 1880 and is now resident in 
limited numbers. The Pheasant has been introduced at 
various times, but does not seem to succeed in Man. “ Stray 
birds possibly still survive,” about half a dozen at Bishop’s 
Court and a few at Maughold. Mr. Kermode’s remark upon 
this species, “ Introduced at different times for the amusement 
of poachers,” probably puts the cause of failure in a nut-shell. 
Both of these birds are resident here and breed in every county. 
Partridges in both Man and Ireland are decreasing, being 
resident in limited numbers. The history of the Quail in Man 
is practically the same as in Ireland : common up to 1850 or 
1860, it then became extinct, but re-appeared in 1892, and was 
much more numerous in 1893, and has occasionally been re- 
corded as shot and as breeding since then. Itis called ‘“‘ Wet- 
my-lip” in Man, *‘ Wet-my-foot” in the North of Ireland. The 
Water-Rail, Moor-Hen, and Coot are as numerous in Man as 
the limited extent of water and marsh will permit, all three 
breed in small numbers. They are common residents in Ire- 
land, the last two especially so. “In his list of 1888 Mr. 
Kermode notes that the Woodcock has occasionally been 
known to breed in Man; he does not repeat this in his later 
account, and there is no evidence known to me, though it 
seems not unlikely.” Doubtless the want of suitable pianta- 
tions in Man is the cause of its absence as a breeding species; 
in Ireland it has long been known to breed, and its increase 
has been rapid. The Snipe breeds very sparingly in Man, 
as would be expected; the mountain bogs and marshy lands 
of Ireland, where it breeds freely, being wanting. For the 
same reason only a few pairs of Curlew nest in Man, 
although large numbers are found round the coast at different 
times of the year. In Ireland it breeds extensively. Coming 
to sea-birds, it is hard to understand why there should 
be only oze colony (of under forty pairs) of Arctic Terns 
in Man (the exact locality being carefully concealed), one 
colony of Little Terns, of about the same size (unknown 
until 1898), and why the Common Tern should be merely 
an uncommon straggler, not breeding. In Ireland all three 
are numerous, though the last two are rather local; there 
are some immense colonies of Arctics. The absence of the 


A 3 


166 The Irish Naturahst. July, 


Black-headed Gull as a breeding species at the present day 
is explained by the want of lakes and bogs, where immense 
colonies exist in Ireland. It isabundant in Man during all the 
year except summer. In the body of the book Mr. Ralfe says 
of the Common Gull, ‘‘ It does not seem probable that any nest 
in Man, though it has colonies very near our coasts,” but from 
a note in the Addenda (p. 315) we learn that on 23rd June, 
1904, an undoubted egg of the Common Gull was taken on the 
Manx coast from a nest containing three eggs. The date is 
very late ; in Ireland the young are sometimes hatched the first 
week in June; and further confirmation of this very interest- 
ing and important point will be looked for. Although the 
Lesser Black-backed Gull breeds in some numbers in Man, the 
Greater Black-backed is not yet known to do so, though 
there must be many suitable places for it. In Ireland both are 
resident, the latter in very much smaller numbers however. 
In Man there is only one comparatively small colony of Kitti- 
wakes, on the Calf, although suitable nesting places must be 
numerous. In Ireland, though local, it breeds in some vast 
colonies. ‘The Herring Gull seems to be the dominant sea 
bird of Man. 

The Razorbill, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, and Puffin all 
seem to occupy relatively the same position in Man that they 
do in Ireland. The J,ittle Grebe is as plentiful in Man as 
could be expected. 

If we now take the “ Types of Distribution” as detailed by 
the late A. G. More in his valuable paper “On the Distri- 
bution of Birds in Great Britain during the nesting season’” 
we get the following result, taking only those birds which 
undoubtedly breed in both islands and leaving out all “not 
proven ”’ cases. 


ays 5 ile Ger- | Atlan- . High- 
ee pas ae manic tic ens land {Total 
ees | sa Type: | ype? DS ‘Type. 
Ireland, beiaa 12 I 4 31 I 123 
| Isle of Man, | 64 8 I I 15 ~ 84 
| 


2 /bis, 1865. 


1906. PATTERSON.—Sirds of [reland and the Isle af Man. 167 


The following birds on the Irish breeding list do not appear 
to breed in the Isle of Man :— 


Whinchat. Pochard. 

Redstart. Tufted Duck. 
Blackcap. Common Scoter. 
Garden Warbler. Red-breasted Merganser. 
Long-tailed Tit. Rock Dove. 

Coat Lit: Turtle Dove. 

Yellow Wagtail. Spotted Crake. 

Siskin. Golden Plover. 

Twite. Red-necked Phalarope. 
Bullfinch. Woodcock. 

Crossbill. Dunlin. 

Jay. Common Sandpiper. 
Carrion Crow. Redshank. 

Woodlark. Sandwich Tern. 
Kingfisher. Roseate Tern. 

Barn Owl. Common Tern. 

Marsh- Harrier. Black-headed Gull. 
Hen Harrier. Great Black-backed Gull. 
Golden Eagle. Red-throated Diver. 
White-tailed Eagle. Great Crested Grebe. 
Gannet. Storm Petrel. 

Heron. Fork-tailed Petrel. 
Shoveler. Manx Shearwater. 
Pintail. 


A glance at this list will show how much Man is affected by 
the absence of ‘‘ wood” and ‘‘ water,” taking these in general 
terms. Of course some species, such as Crossbill, Kingfisher, 
Barn Owl, and one or two others may breed in Man, but the in- 
formation to hand does not prove it. The details of the 
actual breeding are much fuller and clearer in “‘ The Birds of 
Ireland” than in ‘‘ The Birds of Man.” 

One of the longest and most interesting articles in Mr. 
Ralfe’s book is that on the Manx Shearwater (pp. 259 to 270). 
Willoughby described it in 1676 froma specimen taken on 
the Calf of Man, but the colony had been already briefly 
mentioned by Camden in 1586, and Chaloner, in 1656, had 
given a quaint account of the ‘‘ Puffines,” and from that time 
down various writers on Man have described them with more 
or less fantastic details as to habits. ‘In the account of 
‘The Profits of the Calve Island this year’ (1708) is included 
‘the Puffins of ye sd Isle this year being 2,618 birds at 
1d., £13 5s. 6d. (Manx Note-Book No. 8, p. 190).” Bishop 


168 The Irish Naturalist. July, 


Wilson (1797) tells us that the young were ready to fly by the 
middle of August; and that great numbers, few years less than 
4,000 Or 5,000, were then captured, to be salted for food. 
When we think of the vast numbers of Shearwaters that must 
have bred in the Isle of Man, it is astonishing to find that for 
many years the species has been extinct there, certainly some 
time before 1827. Various causes are given; the ravages of 
rats that escaped from a wrecked Russian ship, the rivalry of 
the Common Puffin, now so very dominant, on the Calf, the 
settlement of man and the building of the lighthouse. A few 
Shearwaters are occasionally seen in summer in the sea round 
the island, as if to remind us of their once former greatness 
in tne annals of Manx Ornithology. 

We now come to the autumn, winter, and occasional visitors 
to the Isle of Man, and these may for convenience be divided 
into three groups—(1) land birds, (2) swimming birds, and (3) 
wading birds, using the last two terms in the widest sense 
possible. 

1. Redwings and Fieldfares are regular winter visitors and 
fairly plentiful, the former frequenting the lowland pasture- 
lands, and the latter keeping to the uplands unless driven down 
by a spell of frosty weather, which is not common in Man. 
Both are widely distributed and common in Ireland. ‘The 
Brambling being partial to woods, it is not surprising to find 
that in Man it is a scarce and uncertain winter visitor. Ina 
phenomenal year of frost and snow (1897) a flock of fifty was 
geen. Flocks of thousands have been seen in the north of 
Ireland. The Snow Bunting is a regular winter visitor to 
both islands, though only in small numbers to Man. The 
Short-eared Owl has been mentioned before ; it is only neces- 
sary to add that it is a regular and by no means scarce visitor 
to Man, as it is to Ireland. 

2. Not much can be said of the winter ‘‘ swimming” birds 
of Man. The island not possessing lakes of any size, or 
sheltered marine loughs, the ducks and geese that frequent 
our Irish waters are conspicuous by their rarity, as would be 
expected. The following is a condensed summary of their 
occurrences :— f 

Grey Lag-Goose—Rare, I specimen recorded. 

White-fronted Goose—Rare, 4 specimens recorded. 


1906. PATTERSON.—ZSirds of [reland and the Isle of Man. 169 


Bean-Goose—Probably not infrequent. 

Barnacle Goose—Rare, I specimen recorded, 

Brent Goose—A few, not infrequently. 

Whooper Swan—Rare. 

Bewick’s Swan—Rather less rare. 

Shoveler---Uncommon, about a dozen specimens recorded. 

Pintail—Rare, a few recorded. 

Wigeon—Fair numbers regularly. 

Pochard— Small numbers regularly. 

Tufted Duck—Perhaps occasional visitant. 

Seaup Duck—Little known. 

Golden-eye—Perhaps commonest of the diving Ducks. 

Common Scoter—-Probably a few each year. 

Goosander—Very rare. 

Red-breasted Merganser — Scarce, but perhaps regular 
inigrant. 

Great Northern Diver—Probably small numbers annually. 

Black-throated Diver —Two occurrences. 

Red-throated Diver—Probabiy small numbers annually. 

Great Crested Grebe—One occurrence noted. 

Red-necked Grebe—/ive occurrences of this rare bird re- 
corded. 

sclavonian Grebe—One occurrence noted. 

Black-necked Grebe— One occurrence noted 

This list of Grebes is remarkable from the fact that the Red- 
necked Grebe, the rarest of the larger Grebes, having only ten 
or eleven Irish records in seventy-five years, has occurred off 
the Manx coast five times in thirteen years; while the Great 
Crested Grebe, which in Ireland is resident and breeds on 
numerous lakes in many counties, has only occurred once in 
Man. 

3. Again, owing to comparative absence of suitable mud- 
flats and large sandy bays, the list of ‘‘ waders” is almost 
equally meagre in numbers. For instance, the Knot, which 
occurs regularly in Belfast Lough, sometimes in immense 
numbers, is practically unknown in Man, only tive occurrences 
being recorded, two of these being merely “seen.” Some of 
the other commoner Irish species are only found in small 
numbers in Man, but others, such as Redshanks and Dunlins, 
seem to be more frequent and better known It is quite pos- 


170 The Irish Naturalist. July, 


sible that these two species may in the future be found breed- 
ing in Man in small numbers, although Mr. Ralfe does not 
hint at such a thing. It is scarcely worth while to enumerate 
the ten or twelve other waders I had noted as being found in 
small numbers. Hnough has been said to indicate the general 
character of the avifauna of Man. 

Finally, there is a long list of rare and occasional] stragglers 
to both islands, which need not be considered at all here. 
Probably the Manx list would be extended if the same attention 
was paid to migration at the local lighthouses and light-ships 
as has been so conspicuously successful in Jreland under the 
guidance of Mr. Barrington. 


Holywood, Co. Down. 


NOTES. 


BOTANY. 


Cardamine amara in Co. Derry. 


The occurrence of Cardamine amara in Co. Derry rests on the authority 
of the late Dr. David Moore, one station in Moyola Park, and another 
near Toome, being noted in Cydele Htbernica. As no recent botanists ap- 
pear to have recorded the plant from these localities, it may be of interest 
to note that I found it on the 28th May growing in a wooded marsh on 
the edge of Lough Neagh, immediately north of Ballyronan, between 
four and five miles south of Toome. ‘There was just one good patch of 
it, about seven feet in diameter, and it was in full flower on the date 
mentioned. It was easily seen from the public road in passing. 


W. J. C. TOMLINSON. 
Belfast. 


Leucojum estivum in Co. Antrim. 


It affords me pleasure to record the occurrence of Leucojum e@estivum in 
a boggy wood, on the margin of Lough Neagh, two miles or so south of 
Antrim town. I came across it there on Saturday, 28th April. Being in 
full flower, the few plants there growing formed a very pretty sight, so 
unlike were they to the spongy marsh and tangled wood in which they 
grew. The existence of such a beautiful flower in such surroundings 
puzzled me; and it was not until I afterwards traced its identity (kindly 


- —s 


1906. Notes. 171 


confirmed by Mr. Praeger), that I was aware of its iinportance and place 
in the flora of Ireland. The plant occurs about the centre of the wood 
which borders the lough shore, between the water’s edge and the deer- 
park wall, and is very inaccessible. The ground is thickly covered with 
a stunted wood consisting mainly of Alder, Birch, and Sallows, with a 
dense undergrowth. Between it and the edge of the water it becomes 
more marshy, and is the haunt and breeding-ground of Ducks, Coots, 
and Moorhens. With this rare plant there grows an abundance of such 
common forms as Caltha palustris, Ranunculus Flammula, Scilla nutans, 
and Orchis mascu/a, the two latter in great plenty. The only rare plant I 
have found in the vicinity was Stsymbrium Alliaria; this occurs on 
drier ground at the edge of the wood towards the deer-park. I only 
observed a few plants, but they were deeply rooted and apparently long 
established. If native here, it is just such a plant as would suffer from 
the attentions of transplanters, who in all likelihood would be utterly 
unconscious of their vandalism. On the other hand, if we are to assume 
that it was originally of casfaway origin, the question arises, how did it 
find its way to its present habitat? It could not have been by storm- 
floods as the lough now stands, for the sinuous line of cast-up refuse is 
twenty yards away at least towards the existing water, and the plant 
several feet above the highest reaches of storm periods. But about the 
middle of the last century, during some navigation works, the general 
level of the water in the lough was lowered, so that at its former level it 
may have reached the ground on which Lewcojum estivum is now established. 
Another possible source of origin may have been some garden (there is 
not one now within a mile or two) attached to a residence long since 
demolished to make way for the present very exteusive deer-park. I 
offer these suggestions, but its occurrence is a matter for authoritative 
Irish botanists to ponder over with a view to solution. In this station it 
is decidedly sparse in quantity, but otherwise seems native enough in 
habit and environment. At all events, this first record of its existence 
in the North-east is noteworthy, and may prove of some assistance to 
botanists in tracing its history in Ireland. 


W. J. C. TOMLINSON. 
Belfast. 


Erinus alpinus and Galium cruciatum at Downpatrick. 


On Whitmonday (June 4th), when visiting Downpatrick, I had the 
good fortune to see the above two rare plants in full bloom and very fine 
condition, in their already reported stations, 

Erinus alpinus has spread in abundance all over the outside and inside 
of the gaol wall, and in a good many places on to the walls and roofs of 
the old houses adjoining. As this S. European plant has all the appear- 
auce of having come to stay, its future progress should be noted, as it 


may repeat the history of Zinarta Cymbalaria, and find its way all over our 
country. 


172 The lrish Naturalist. July, 


Galium cruciatum still holds on to its original station, and is growing in 
quantity and splendid condition at short intervals all round the side of 
the rath, for which place it seems to have a special liking, as I could not 
find it in any of the adjacent hedge banks. 

N. CARROTHERS. 
Belfast. 


ZQQLOGY. 
New Marine Mollusca for Co. Dublin. 


Examination of some samples of shell-sand gathered in February last 
at various points on the Dublin coast has had the unexpected result of 
adding four species to the well-explored molluscan fauna of the county. 
None of the four species now recorded are mentioned in Mr. A. R. 
Nichols’ “ List of the Marine Mollusca of Ireland” as occurring any- 
where in his Marine Province No. II., which stretches from St. John’s 
Point in Down to Carnsore Point in Wexford, and embraces two-thirds 
of the east coast of Ireland. 

Odostomia rissotdes, Hanley.—A single specimen occurred in shell-sand 
from the North Bull. This I wasinclined to name O. ez/imozdes of Hanley, 
but on sending the shell to Mr. Nichols he suggested O. rissozdes, which 
name was confirmed by Dr. Chaster. The species is now on record for 
all six of the Irish marine provinces. 

Philine pruinosa (Clark).—A single well-grown, and almost unworn 
specimen in shell-sand from the North Bull. This is apparently a 
very rare species in Ireland, but has perhaps been overlooked on 
account of its small size. Hitherto recorded only from the south and 
west of the island. My naming is confirmed by Dr. Chaster. 

Certthiopsis tubercular’s (Montagu).—Two specimens of this species, 
which has not hitherto been recorded for Marine Province II., were 
gathered on the North Bullin February last. It is no doubt often con- 
founded with Certthium reticulatum, and is probably not uncommon in 
east Ireland. 

Mytilus phaseolinus (Philippi).—A very juvenile state of this species, 
scarce one-twentieth of an inch in the longer diameter, turned up 
frequently in February last from the following stations—The north spit 
of Portrane peninsula, Portmacomoge Point, the South Bull, and the 
North Bull—no less than twenty-four specimens occurring in siftings 
from the last station. Failing to identify the specimens with any confi- 
’ dence, I sent them to Dr. Chaster, with a suggestion that they might be 
an immature 4A7ca, but he named them without hesitation AZ phaseolinus. 

I am indebted to Dr. G. W. Chaster and to Mr. A. R. Nichols for kind 
assistance in the naming of these interesting species. The nomenclature 
used here is that of Jeffreys’ ‘‘ British Conchology.”’ 

N. COLGAN, 

Sandycove, Co. Dublin. 


1906 173 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include Badgers from Lord Wicklow, Mr. O. Murphy, and 
Lieut. M. I, Lakin; Green Monkeys from Capt. MacCarthy Morrogh 
and Mrs. I.. G. Harkness; eight Ruffs and a pair of Godwits from Mr. 
H. B. Rathborne; five Rudd from Mr. F. Godden; an Angora Rabbit 
from Miss D. Pilkington; a Kestrel from Miss E. Kelly; a Sparrow- 
hawk from Mr. J. Johnston; a female Japanese Deer from the Duke of 
Bedford, and two young Leopard cubs from Major Bensley. Two Prairie 
Marmots and a Golden Agouti have been born in the Gardens. A pair 
of the Dublin Lion cubs have been purchased for the Victoria Memorial 
Park at Rangoon. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


May g.—The Club met at Leinster House, Dr. R. F. SCHARFF (Presi- 
dent) in the chair. 

Prof. HENRY H. Dixon showed sections of the anthers of Li/zum 
Martagon, illustrating the various phases of heterotypic mitosis in the 
pollen-mother-cells. 

L.. B. SMytuH exhibited seedling of Drosera rotundifolia, showing linear 
seed-leaves, and the first foliage leaf with large glands. 

Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGE exhibited a series of photomicrographs, in 
the form of lantern slides, of plant tissues, and called attention to the 
superiority of photomicrographs to the ordinary wall diagrams for use 
in teaching. ‘The slides were arranged in aspecially devised frame with 
grooved bars permitting the easy interchange of slides, and provided 
with a transparent but matt background against which the slides are 
viewed by transmitted light. 

DaviIp M‘ARDLE exhibited Lejeunea flava, Swartz, bearing the pear- 
shaped perianths and antheridia. The specimens were collected on 
Lambay, Co. Dublin, on 14th April last, and are typical when com- 
pared with South American specimens. This locality marks the second 
station for this rare liverwort in the Co. Dublin, it having been found in 
Howth demesne in 1897. Its geographical distribution is interesting; it 
is found in South America, Rio Janeiro, Cuba, &c. For comparison Lejeunea 
Holtii was shown, which is also a remarkable plant, and differs from 
every other Zejewnea in having the female flowers borne on short 
branches which put forth no subfloral innovations, and in all the world 
has only been found-in Co. Kerry. The specimens exhibited were col- 
lected at Anascaul, near Dingle, in May, 1894. 

W. F. Gunn showed a longitudinal tangential section of the wood of 
the common fig, /%cws carica, under polarized light. The use of a selenite 


174 The Trish Naturalist. July, 


plate produced a very complete differentiation of the tissues of the wood, 
the result being equal to that obtained by multiple staining. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


May 19.—The first excursion of the 44th year was held to the district 
between Leitrim and Castlewellan, opened up by the new branch line of 
the Great Northern Railway. About seventy members attended. On ar- 
riving at Leitrim station the members visited Magheramayo Fort, and 
the granite quarries and works, afterwards walking into Castlewellan, 
where the famous gardens and grounds were thrown open to the Club by 
the kindness of Lord Annesley. Tea was served in the Annesley Arms 
at six o’clock, and afterwards a short business meeting was held, the 
President (W. H. PHILLIPS) in the chair, when votes of thanks were 
passed, and four new members elected. ‘The party afterwards returned 
by train. The Mountain Fern, Lastrea Oreopteris, which is not common, 
was obtained at Tullynasoo Mountain, near the quarries. The ornitho- 
logists agreed that, on the whole, the district traversed was poor in bird 
life, the Meadow Pipit being the dominant species; a few other common 
species were observed. The movements of a pair of Pied Wagtails in the 
vicinity of one of the lunching groups near the quarries pointed to the 
proximity of their nest. After a short search this was found; it was 
in a crevice in a heap of granite chips, contained one egg, and was pro- 
fusely lined with feathers. Apart from captive birds, thirty-five 
species in all were observed during the day. In the short time spent at 
the railway station, prior to leaving Castlewellan, many Woodcocks 
were observed taking their customary evening flight, and, judging by the 
number seen, it was evident that here, as elsewhere in Ireland of late 
years, this bird is on the increase, and is breeding in tolerable profusion. 

JUNE 2.—EXCURSION TO TANDRAGEE, Co. ARMAGH.—Ninety members 
travelled by the 2.15 p.m. train to Tandragee station, which is situated 
at the Madden Bridge, one-and-a-half miles east of the town. On arrival 
the party were met by a local club member, the Rev. W. F. Johnson, 
M.A., of Poyntzpass, and his wife; also by the Rector, the Rev. Wm. 
M‘Endoo, B.D., who escorted the party over the parish church, and also 
through the Castle demesne. On reaching the River Cushen, on the 
way to the town, the party separated into two sections—about one-third 
of those present entering the lower demesne at the River bridge, and 
working their way through it to the other end, a little south of the town. 
After leaving it, they rejoined the other section in the upper demesne 
attached to the Castle. The size, beauty, and variety of the conifers was 
especially noteworthy. The River Cushen flows through the lower 
demesne, which is locally spoken of asthe Forge Wood. The Kingfisher 
and the Dipper occur here, a pair indeed of the former being noted. 
The coleopterists, led by Mr. Johnson, bottled quite a number of speci- 
mens for further examination. It is also good for Mollusca, but the 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 175 


hurried nature of the visit on the occasion did not give time enough to 
the conchologists. Some twenty species, five of which were slugs, were 
obtained. The rarest were Helix lamellata, Helix fusca, and Vertigo edentula. 
The pretty little Arion minimus was common; large specimens of the 
Tree Slug, Limax marginatus, were also collected. Quite a number of in- 
teresting plants were noted by the botanists. The less common species 
were :—Lychnis diurna, Sisymbitum Alliaria, Galium Mollugo, Veronica montana, 
Lathvea squamaria, Mercurialts perennis, Epipactis latifolia, Carex pendula, and 
Ceterach officinarum. ‘The last plant named does not seem to have been 
recorded from the locality before; the same remark applies to Sisymbrium 
Alliaria. ‘The Dog’s Mercury, Mercurialis ferennzs, is plentiful in both 
demesnes, but another colony of it was pointed out by the conductor, 
close to the roadside, near the Madden Bridge, and which does not 
appear to have been recorded hitherto. Tea was provided, after which 
a formal meeting of the Club took place. 

May 7.—GEOLOGICAL SECTION.—A meeting was held in the Museum, 
W. H. PHILLIPS (President of the Club) in the chair. The meeting was 
convened for the purpose of presenting to G. C. Gough an address 
and testimonial. After tea, the secretary of the Section was called upon 
to read the address, which stated that the members desired to take the 
opportunity of Mr. Gough’s approaching departure from Belfast to 
express their deep regret at the severance of a friendship unhappily as 
brief as it has been enjoyable. Since Mr. Gough came to Belfast, four 
years ago, he had given a large share of his valuable time to furthering 
tke objects for which the Club existed, as chairman of the Geological 
Section, which had progressed in a marked manner under his guidance, 
and as Honorary Secretary of the Club. In conclusion, hearty con- 
gratulations were offered to Mr. Gough on his appointment to the Pro- 
fessorship of Natural History in the Agricultural College, Cirencester, 
with good wishes for his continued success. 

Mrs. J. Wright made the presentation (a bicycle), to which Mr. 
Gough in reply thanked the members. Professor Gregg Wilson, Joseph 
Wright, G. Donaldson, Robert Patterson, and W. J. C. Tomlinson also 
spoke in warm terms of Mr. Gough’s services. During the evening the 
following exhibited objects of interest—Miss M. K. Andrews, R. Bell, 
N. H. Foster, J. Wright, W. H. Gallway, and J. L. S. Jackson. 

May 26.—GEOLOGICAL SECTION.—Excursion to Longhurst, the resi- 
dence of J. Brown, F.R.S. The object of the excursion was to inspect 
the gravel pit in the grounds of Longhurst, which was recently brought 
to notice by the investigations of Mr. J. Wright, F.G.S. Mr. Brown 
had a microscope and slides in readiness, so that the party were 
enabled to inspect the foraminifera which have been obtained. The 
party then proceeded to the pit and were delighted with the section 
exposed. j. Wright gave a short sketch of the features represented, 
aud called attention to his theory as to their marine origin. He showed 
that in early ages the land surface was at a lower level than at 
present, and was probably swept by sea currents from the direction of 


176 The Irish Naturalist. July, 1906. 


Lough Neagh towards Belfast Lough. Owing to the varying strengths 
of the currents and levels of the sea bed, the pebbles and other sedi- 
ment carried by the currents were deposited as shown in the exposed 
section. His description of the gravel pit, together with the balls of rolled 
-clay, also his report on his microscopic investigation of the clay, ap- 
peared in the /77sh Naturalist, June, 1905. Mr. Wright described the 
process of treating the clay in order to extract the foraminifera. A 
spirited discussion on the subject ensued, in which J. Brown, W. Gray, 
T. Anderson, and R. May took part. The following erratics were 
noticed :—Eurite (with riebeckite), dolerite, schist, sandstone (Bally- 
castle’, basalts, and Cretaceous rocks (with included fossils). 

Afterwards the party, under the guidance of Mr. Brown, were con- 
ducted over the grounds and across the Lagan in order to visit the gardens 
and other interesting objects, great admiration being heard from all 
present. Coming home by way of Shaw’s Bridge the section and friends 
were kindly entertained to tea by Mrs. W. J. Fennell, at Deramore 
Drive. Subsequently Mr. Fennell exhibited his collection of geological 
specimens and other objects of interest. 

JUNE 9.—GEOLOGICAL SECTION.—Excursion to Carnmoney.—There 
was a large attendance of members and friends. On arrival at Glen- 
gormley, the road was taken to Carnmoney Church. Afterwards the 
members proceeded to the quarry, which is situated at the base of Carn- 
money Hill, the neck or core of an extinct volcano, through which the 
basalts which flowed over this part of the County Antrim were poured. 
The rock itselfis a crystalline dolerite, containing a good deal of magnetite, 
and in some parts is very vesicular. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


MAY I9.—EXCURSION TO SEA-SHORE BETWEEN SKERRIES AND BAL- 
BRIGGAN.—Members and visitors, to the number of twenty-one, left 
Amiens-street by the 12.30 train. On arrival at Skerries, Rev. Charles 
Benson, LL.D., took charge of the party and conducted it to the sea- 
shore, where under his skilled guidance the members studied the birds 
of the district. On reaching Ardgillan, the party turned inland and 
reached Balbriggan through the demesnes of Ardgillan and Hampden. 
After having tea at the Hamilton Arms, return to town was made by the 
8.27 train. Thirty-four species of land birds were observed during the 
day. 


OMAGH NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. | 


We rejoice to learn that a Field Club has been started in Omagh, 
making the second society now working in Co. Tyrone. We heartily 
wish every success to this new Irish natural history association. Mr, 
J. Henry is the honorary secretary. 


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August, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 177 


THE BALLYCUMBER BOG-SLIDE. 
BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


THE Dublin press of June 20 contained an account of what 
was apparently a sudden and extensive bog-slide which had 
occurred on the previous day near the village of Ballycumber, 
King’s Co. Four acres of bog had been ‘torn up and 
scattered as if by an explosion,” while a mau narrowly escaped 
being buried. The people in terror had driven their cattle off 
the adjoining lands, and abandoned the dwellings which lay 
nearest to the scene, while the bog “kept heaving in all 
directicns.” I saw Prof. Cole, Director of the Geological 
Survey, that afternoon, and as a consequence Mr. H. J. 
Seymour and I found ourselves next morning at Bally- 
cumber. On the journey we had read in the papers that the 
bog-slide had ‘‘ worked great damage to crops and turf,” and 
that the people were in a state of trepidation, being “ alarmed 
by crackling noises:” a list of twelve tenants was given who 
had had their lands covered by the bog-stuff, and heavy 
rains had made the situation critical. It was stated that the 
‘ swiftly-runuing Brosna River, considerably flooded by rains,” 
passed within thirty yards of where the moving bog now 
rested, and that any further movement would choke the river, 
and flood large areas of crops. 

Tramping out of Ballycumber under a scorching sun, laden 
with cameras and other implements of the chase, we therefore 
hoped to catch the bog-slide in the very act. As we approached 
the scene of the disaster, enquiries from a passing girl only 
elicited a smile and a “ never heard of it.” Further enquiries 
were more successful, and we were directed to a spot where 
several men were peacefully cutting and stacking turf, aided 
by a donkey and a pony. We then discovered that the 
disastrous bog-slide was a beautiful newspaper hoax. There 
was no destroyed fuel or crops, or ground covered by out- 
bursts of peaty matter; nor was there any interruption of the 
tranquil life in the cottages whose chimneys peacefully smoked 
some hundreds of yards away. The “‘ swiftly-flowing Brosna,” 

A 


178 The Trish Naturalist. August, 


to which the term “stagnant ditch” would be equally appli- 
cable, was nearly a mileaway. Sitting on the dry edge of a 
turf cutting in the centre of the “explosion,” enjoying our 
lunches, we heard from one of the heroes of the tragedy his 
account of the affair. What had actually happened was this. 
Theturf was cut along a long face, in benches about twenty feet 
wide. The top three feet, which was no use as fuel, was thrown 
into a deep trench cut at the back of the working. No cross 
drains were dug to drain the bog in front of the advance of the 
cutters. Therefore very naturally thefront gave way. The bog 
slid quickly forward, filling the trenches excavated below the 
yeneral level of the cut-away portion, causing a horizontal 
bulging of the general line of the cuttings to an extent of 
perhapsthirty feet,and a vertical bulging of the edge of the cut- 
away part which received the pressure of the slipping portion 
to the extent of about five feet. All was over inten minutes,and 
some of the men engaged in turf-cutting did not even leave 
their work. The effect of the slide on the bog itself is seen 
over about two acres, the level being lowered a few feet, and 
the surface fissured. Similarslight slips are bound to occur on 
every bog where cutting is carried on—as it often is—with so 
complete a disregard to drainage. 

My reason for dealing with so insignificant an occurrence at 
such length is this: thatin many cases, the only accounts of 
bog-slides which are published at all are those in the daily 
press; and the man of science, seeking information, is 
naturally inclined to use what material he can find in news- 
papers. This is exemplified in the report! by Prof. Sollas and 
myself on the Kerry bog-slide of Christmas, 1896. But if local 
reporters in general possess the lively imagination which 
appears to be the inheritance of those of King’s County, the 
value of these press reports from the scieutific point of view 
appears somewhat dubious. 


Dublin. 


1 Sez. Proc. R, Dublin Soc., vili., NO. 57, 1597- 


1906. 179 


NOTES ON THE GENUS ENCHYTRAEUS, 


WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES. 


BY ROWLAND SOUTHERN. 


THERE are atthe present day more than Ioo species of the 
Family Enchytreidz known, of which the larger number 
are recorded from Europe. Of these, only twelve have been 
recorded from Great Britain, whilst the Irish list containg only 
seven species. This deplorable state of affairs is not due to 
the poverty of our fauna, but to the lack of interest shown by 
Irish naturalists in the Oligochzta. Since the time of Robert 
Templeton, in the early part of last century, no naturalist 
has worked at the Irish Oligocheeta, till a few years ago, when 
the Rev. Hilderic Friend published several papers in the 
Trish Naturalist, and in the Procecdings of the Royal Irish 
Academy. He confined his attention chiefly to the 
Lumbricidz, or Earth-worms proper, but he also recorded 
seven species helonging to the family Enchytrzeidee, one of 
which, /ridericia ulmicola, was new to science’. Inthe genus 
Enchytreus, with which this paper is chiefly concerned, he 
recorded a species under the name of Luchytreus parvulus?. 
He has since recognised that this species 1s identical with one 
described by Michaelsen, viz., :xchytreus argenteus’. 

The members of the family Enchytreide are characterised 
by the possession of short sete, not bifid at the extremity. 
The testes are in the eleventh segment, the male pores on the 
twelfth segment. Spermathecz usually one pair in the fifth 
segment, opening on the intersegment 4-5. They are terres- 
trial, aquatic, or littoral worms. 

In the genus Enchytreeus, the setz of each bundle are of 
equal length, straight in the shaft, only hooked at the internal 
end. ‘There are four bundles of setz in each segment, two 
ventral and two lateral. Salivary glands are present, and the 
cesophagus passes gradually into the intestine. 

I have now to record three species of the genus Enchytreeus 
new to the Irish fauna, one of which is also new to science. 


‘Ir. Nat., 1898, p. 195, ?/r, Nat., 1902, p- 110. 5 Tierreich, Vol xX.. p. 9T. 
A2 


180 The Lrish Naturalist August, 
Enchytrzeus sabulosus, ni. sp. 


I found numerous examples of the worm, among other 
Enchytreids, on Sandymount strand, Dublin Bay. It lives 
under stones, and amongst the gravel at high-water mark 
(sabucum, gravel; sabulosus, gravelly). It was in company 
with Euchytreus albidus, to which worm it is most nearly 
related, so I was able to compare it closely with the latter, 
before deciding that it was new. 

Enchytieus sabulosus is a delicate, milky worm, with colour- 
less blood. It is 10-15 mm. long, and ‘25-"5 mm. thick. The 
number of segments is about 45-48. The sete are of equal 
length, slightly thicker in the middle and hooked at the 
internal end. (Fig.1). There are usually three sete in each 
bundle, but never more, sometimes two only. ‘Ihe number 
is very constant, and serves to distinguish this species from 
Enchytreus albtdus, which always has at least four sete in 
some bundles. 

The drazz is about twice as broad as long, and its sides are 
almost parallel. Its posterior border is straight, or slightly 
concave. (Fig. 2). 

The epidermis shows several very faint rows of glands on each 
segment. The c/itellum occupies segments 12 and 13. It is 
not so glandular and conspicuous as that of Exchytre@us albidus. 

There are three pairs of sepfal glands in segments 5, 6, and 
7. The first and second pairs are simple, but the third pair 
are .bilobed.jrs( Fig 3.06, j6,41-) 

The salivary glands (Fig. 3, b) arise from the sides of the 
cesophagus just behind the pharynx. ‘They are of consider- 
able length, twisted and wrinkled, but unbranched, and of the 
same diameter throughout. 

The alimentary canal, behind the pharynx, and, except in 
the clitellar region, is thickly coated with large peritoneal 
cells, which are full of oil drops. (Fig. 4, b). This character is 
somewhat variable. In some cases the peritoneal cells were 
almost as conspicuous as in Luchylreus Bucholzii, whilst in 
others, they hardly exceeded those of Enchytreus albidus in size. 

There isa small dorsal pore present, between the prostomium 
and the first body-segment. The dorsal vessel rises between 
the 16th and 17th segments. (Fig. 4, a.). 


1906, SOUTHERN.—WVoles on E-nchytreus. 18 


The body-cavity contains numerous pear-shaped corpuscles, 
very granular in appearance, either floating freely in the 
ccelome, or attached to the body-wall or septa by their pointed 
ends. Peritoneal cells, detached from the outer wall of the 
intestine, are also to be seen, floating freely in the body-cavity. 


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All the figures were drawn from living specimens. 
Fig. 1. Single seta. 
Fig. 2. Brain, seen from above. 
Fig. 3. Diagram of 3rd-6th segments :— 
a, pharynx; 4, salivary gland; c, e,f, septal glands; d, spermatheca. 
Fig. 4. Showing the origin of the dorsal vessel a, in the 16th -17th in- 
tersegment; 4, peritoneal cells of intestine; c, ventral nerve cord 


182 The Irish Naturalist. August, 


If the body of the worm is squeezed under a cover-glass, these 
cells may be seen breaking away from the wall of the intestine. 

The xephridia are oval-shaped bodies flattened from side to 
side. They consist of three parts—a sinall anteseptal part con- 
stituting the funnel (Fig. 5, a); a flat, oval post-septal part ; and 
a thick duct (d), about equal in length to the post-septal part. 
The duct arises from the hinder end of the post-septal, and 
opens to the exterior in front of the ventral seta’) ) fie 
lumen of the nephridium is convoluted, but does not 


Fig. 6. 


Fig. 5. Nephridium.—a, funnel; 4, septum ; ¢, ciliated regions; d, duct. 
Fig. 6. Spermathece.—A4, Fully mature; @, cesophagus; 4, duct com- 
municating with cesophagus; ¢, ampulla full of sperm ; d, duct covered 
with glands. 
4, Immature spermatheca. 
Fig. 7. Sperm funnel—a, sperm; 4, sperm duct ; c, lip of funnel. 


igo6 SouTHERN.—WNotes on E nchylvaeus. 183 


anastomose, as has been stated by M. Bolsius', to be the case 
in other Enchytreids. If the nephridia are studied in the 
living worm, patches of cilia may be seen in active motion in 
several parts of the lumen. (Fig. 5, c). 

The spermathece lie, as usual, in the fifth segment. (Fig. 
3,d, Fig. 6). They vary very much in form and size, according 
to their state of maturity. The shape of preserved specimens, 
also, is very different from that of the living worm, The 
mature spermatheca consists of three parts (Fig. 6, A). There 
is a narrow duct (4) leading into the cesophagus, an extremely 
large, spherical, transparent ampulla (c), coloured golden- 
yellow by the contained sperm, anda duct (e), leading to the 
exterior, between the 4th and 5th segments. The latter duct 
is thickly covered with small glands along its whole length. 
It is nearly equal in length to the ampulla, and twice as long 
as the duct leading into the cesophagus. Fig. 6, B represents 
an immature spermatheca. When mature, the spermathecz 
are very conspicuous, and the ampulla is much larger than 
that of Exchytreus albidus. 

The /estes, when ripe, fill segments 9, 10, and 11. The 
sperm funnels (fig. 7) are three to four times as long as broad. 
The mouth is coloured golden-brown with sperm (a). The 
lip (c) is very conspicuous. The sperm ducts are very long, 
extending back sometimes to the 20th segment. They 
open to the exterior on segment 12. The ovav7es are in 
segment 12. 

The following characters serve to differentiate this species 
from ali others :—- 

Length, ro-15 mm. ‘Thickness, 0°25-0°5 mm. Number 
of segments, 45-48. Setz usually 3 in each bundle, never 
more. Brain twice as long as broad, slightly concave or 
straight behind. Peritoneal cells of gut large, and full of 
oil drops. Anteseptal part of nephridium consisting only of 
the funnel. Spermathecz with large ampulle, the duct 
covered with glands. Sperm funnel 3-4 times as long as broad. 

Enchytreus sabulosus is most nearly related to £. albidus, 
though it occupies a very central position in the genus. It 
differs from the last mentioned worm (i.) in the number of 


' Mem. d. Acad. Pont. ad. Nuovei Lincet, vol. 1x., 1893. 


184 The Irish Naturalist Augist, 


setze, never being more than three in a bundle; (ii.) in the 
structure of the spermathecee and sperm-funnels; (iii.) in 
size and number of segments; (iv.) and, to a less extent, in 
the form of the septal glands, and the more or less thick 
peritoneal lining to the gut. 

LocaLity.—Among gravel, and under stones at high-water 
mark, Sandymount strand ; Dublin Bay. 


Enchytrzeus albidus, Henle. 

(For the full synonomy and literature of this worm, see 
the ‘“ Tierreich” volume on “ Oligochzeta,’ by Michaelsen, 
page &o9.) 

This worm has avery wide distribution. It has been re- 
corded from all parts of Europe, from North and South 
America, and from Asia. It shows considerable variation in 
structure, and has been named and described as new more 
than a dozen times. I am inclined to think that several well- 
marked varieties are included under this name. 

Enchytreus albidus is a milky-white worm; 10-35 mm. 
long, o'5-1°0 mm. thick. Total number of segments, 50-75. 
Setze 3-5, rarely 6, usually 4, in a bundle. Brain slightly 
concave behind. Nephridia as in Luchytreus sabulosus. 
There are three pairs of lobed septal glands. Sperm-duct 
funnels 4-6 times as long as broad... The spermathecee con- 
sist of an irregular ampulla, and a duct of equal length, 
thickly coated with glands. ‘This species has been recorded 
in England by Goodrich, under the name Auchytveus 
hortensis.1 JT expect it will be found commonly in all parts 
of Ireland. 

TRISH LOCALITIES—In mud at Dundrum, Co. Dublin ; 
among stones, refuse, and manure at high-water mark, round 
Dublin Bay ; and at Baldoyle. 


Enchytrzeus Bucholzii, Vejdovsky. 
(For synonomy and literature, see the “ Tierreich” volume 
on “ Oligocheta,” by Michaelsen, page go). 
This worm has not previously been recorded from the 
British Isles, though it seems to be very common. It isa 
delicate, white worm, 5--10 mm. in length. Total number 


Quart. four, Micr. Sct, VOU, SXxIx,,. Mo 51. 


- 


1906. SOUTHERN.—WVoles on Enchytreus. 185 


of segments, 25-28. The setze are usually 3 in a bundle, 
often 2, and rarely 4.. Brain slightly concave behind. 

The salivary glands are long, slender, and coiled. The in- 
testine is thickly coated with a conspicuous layer of large 
peritoneal cells, full of shining oil-drops. The nephridia have 
a slender anteseptal portion, two or three times as long as 
broad ; the postseptal portion is oval, and has a short duct. 
The sperm-funnel and duct are comparatively short, with 
large glands at the external opening. The spermatheca has 
a sack-like ampulla, and slender duct, with a ring of glands 
near the external opening. 

Enchytreus Bucholzii has been recorded from various parts 
of Europe, and also from Brazil and Patagonia. 

Ir1sH LOcALITIES.—Dundrum, Co. Dublin, in mud, under 
a tree-stump; Bray Head, in manure; Limerick, in soil; 
Mammoth Cave, Doneraile, Co. Cork. 


Key to the Lrish Species of Enchytreus. 
Perivisceral corpuscles deeply pigmented. £. argenteus. 
'  Perivisceral corpuscles not pigmented. 2. 
, Salivary glands very long and coiled. Worm less than 
1omm. long. &. Bucholziz. 
se Salivary glands not so long, and not coiled. Worm more 
than 1o mm. long. 3. 
Sete, not more than 3ina bundle. &. sabulosus. 
' U Sete, usually up tog or5inabundle. &. albidus. 


i 


Dublin Museum. 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a Manchurian Deer from the Duke of Bedford, 
Green Monkeys from Capt. MacCarthy Morrogh and Mr. C. Benuett, a 
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo from Mr. Noel Bryers, two Leopard Cubs from 
Major and Mrs. Beasley, a Gannet from Mr. R. S. Webster. a Blue-fronted 
Amazon from Mrs. Wrench, a pair of Call Ducks from Capt. Boxer, an 
Egyptian Goose from Mr. J. Dunn, and three Weasels from Mr. W. E. 
Peebles. 

A Chimpanzee, a Spider Monkey, a Seal, aGreat Northern Diver, three 
Arctic Knots, a pair of Red-crowned Doves, a pair of Crested Doves, and 
a Nuthatch, have been bought. Three Lion cubs and three Wolf cubs 
have been born in the Gardens. 


& 3 


“186 T he Trish Naturalist. August, 
BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JUNE 16TH.—EXCURSION ON LoUGH NEAGH ‘TO ARDBOE AND 
TOOME.—A party of 85 members and friends attended. Leaving Belfast 
by the 9.15 am. train, Antrim was reached at to. Then the party 
walked to the little quay on the Six-mile Water, where the latter falls 
into Lough Neagh, and embarking on the S.S. Lough Neagh Queen, a start 
was made across the lough for the Tyrone shore, where all disembarked 
at Newport Trench, shortly after noon. The party then walked south- 
ward along the shore by a tolerable path to Ardboe Point, a mile distant. 
Here some time was spent examining the very fine high cross and the 
ruins of the old monastery and church. Short descriptive addresses were 
given by three of the members, W. J. Fennell. M.R.I.A., William Gray, 
M.R.I.A., and Rev. W. S. Smith. Returning to the steamer a start was 
made for Toome Bridge, which was reached about 3.15. A period of two 
hours was allowed here. The principal object of interest to the majority 
of the party was the diatomaceous earth industry carried on by Messrs. 
Grant. Large tracts of the flat land on each side of the River Bann are 
covered to a depth of several feet with an extensive deposit of diato- 
maceous earth; and it was interesting to see it dug out like peat, wheeled 
away to another part of the field, and there stacked up to dry, when it 
becomes white and floury. After tea, a short business meeting was held, 
when seven new members were elected. Tooine was left by steamer at 
5.20, and Antrim reached again at 7.15, in good time to take the 7.52 train 
for Belfast, where all arrived at 8.35. Too much time was occupied on 
the water to enable the naturalists to render a big account regarding the 
places visited. When at Ardboe some Yellow Wagtails were seen, which 
was quite an event to the ornithologists, this being one of the few places 
where this exceedingly local visitor to Ulster occurs. A pair of Oyster- 
catchers on the shore near Newport Trench seemed by their behaviour 
to indicate that their young were in the neighbourhood, but a hurried 
examination failed to discover them. This bird has not hitherto been 
recorded as breeding in County Tyrone. ‘The botanists were fortunate 
in seeing in full flower at Ardboe that provokingly erratic plant, the 
Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger. Two interesting plants were observed in 
plenty on a sandy stretch north of Ardboe, the Soapwort, Sagonarta 
oficinalis, and the Mountain Groundsel, Senecio sylvaticus. Ranunculus 
heterophyllus was alsq obtained at one spot, and among the other less 
common species noted were Myrrhis odorata, Lychnis diurna, Lystmachia 
Nummularta, Conitum maculatum, Valertanella olitorta, and Habenariachlorantha. 
At Toome the best plant was that rare Pepper-wort, Lepzdium campestre, 
which was found ina dry sandy ditch bank by the road, on the County 
Derry side of the bridge, a first county record apparently. 

JUNE 30.—EXCURSION TO SHANE’S CASTLE.—A party of over 80 
travelled from York-road Terminus, by the 12.25 p.m. train, to Randals- 
town Station, on arrival at which they were met by a few local members. 
Prior to entering Shane’s Castle demesne, Mr. A. R. Hogg, one of the 
members, photographed the party. About four hours altogether was.the 


——— 


1906. ‘Proceedings of Irish Societies. 187 


‘ time spent in the exploration of the demesne. The long two-mile stretch 
from the entrance to the point where the River Main debouches into 
Lough Neagh, at Main-water-foot, was much adinired; and the groves 
and river banks proved good collecting grounds. On arrival at the im- 
pressive ruins of the old ancestral castle of the O’Neills, destroyed by 
fire in 1816, and never rebuilt, the Rev. W. S. Smith, of Antrim, a Club 
member, gave a brief account of the history of the castle and of the 

‘ O’Neills. The party subsequently walked into Antrim, where they met 
for tea...A short business meeting was afterwards held. The members 
returned to town by the 7.52 p.m. train from Antrim. The following 
‘plants were noted during the afternoon :—T7halictrum flavum, Ranunculus 
pentcillatus, Sisymbrium Alliaria, Viola canina, Arenarta trinervis, Sedum Tele- 
phium, Galium boreale, Lycopus europeus, Scutellaria galericulata, Lamium 
album, Neottta Nidus-avis, Briza media, and Sisyrinchium angustifolium. The 
last, considered a doubtful native. has not hitherto been recorded from 
Shane's Castle, although included in the flora of a few other Irish coun- 
ties. The ornithologists observed forty-eight species of birds during the 
day. A single Kingfisher was seen on the river. The Dipper was also 
seen, besides a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Common Sandpipers. A large 
family of Long-tailed Tits and a Tree-creeper. were busily engaged in 
searching the same tree for insect food. Of course Lough Neagh afforded 

‘an opportunity of seeing some interesting birds. Nine adult Great 
Crested Grebes were seen together not far from the shore, and many 

.: Tufted Ducks, evidently breeding, resented the invasion of their ground. 
Mallards were common, while a male Red-breasted Merganser, accom- 

_panied by two females, gave rise to interesting speculations as to where 
they might be breeding. Black-headed, Gulls were very numerous on 
the lake, and two other species of gulls were seen, while Common Terns 
were. fairly abundant., Sandpipers fluttered about the shingle, and a 

_ beautiful nest with four eggs was found. A single Cormorant was seen, 
and of course innumerable Coots.croaked at the intruders and hastened 
to hide their young. —) 


‘OMAGH NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


May 17.—The first ramble of this Club took place in inclement weather. 
_ Mountfield demesne, on the side of Mullacarn Mountain, was visited, and 
something was learnt of its flora and fauna. 

May 31.—The Club, under the leadership of P. G. Pe Ae visited 
_Tattynure Wood, on the right bank of the Strule, midway between 
». Omagh and Newtownstewart. Botany was the chiefstudy : many of the 
-ordinary species were found, but nothing new. 

JUNE 21.—A number of the members visited Rossnowlagh (Donegal 
. Bay). The day was rather wet and gloomy, nevertheless some flower 
photography was accomplished, and the Sea-Devil or Angel Fish (Xhina 
squatina), whose ugliness, like the bull-dog’s, is his beauty, had his features 
under the lens. The Wheatear and Black Guillemot were the only birds 
noticed out of the ordinary. 


‘ 


188 The Irish Naturalist. | | August, 


JUNE 28.—Close on 30 members and adherents visited the demesne 
Cecil Manor, near Augher, Co. Tyrone. The beautifully wooded slopes 
of Knockmany, the gardens containing rare exotic trees, the lakes with 
waterlilies in bloom, and the glen, were much admired. The party left 
for Omagh at 8.30 p.m., after spending a delightful evening. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


‘JUNE 16.—EXCURSION TO CARTON.—Members and visitors to the 
number of fifty left Broadstone by the 3.30 train for Maynooth. On 
arrival the party visited Carton demesne, and botanical work was under- 
taken for some hours. Return to Maynooth was made for tea, after 
which the party worked along the canal until 8.30, when return was made 
to town. 


NOTES, 
BOTANY. 


Spiranthes Romanzoviana. 


Ata recent meeting of the Royal Irish Academy I exhibited a series 
of dried specimens of this plant from its four known Ulster stations, and 
mentioned that the question of the identity of the Irish plant had been 
recently under consideration as follows. Mr. Arthur Bennett had 
written me drawing attention to specimens of Gyrostachys stricta, 
Rydberg, in his herbarium, received from the late Dr. Moring. This 
plant was described as a new species by Rydberg in his “ Flora of 
Montana,” p. 107 (1900), and accepted by Dr. Britton in his ‘‘ Manual of 
the Flora of the United States and Canada,” p. 299 (1901). On com- 
parison, Mr. Bennett was inclined to refer specimens of S. Romanozoviana 
from Co. Armagh and Co. Derry, which I had sent him some years ago, 
to S. (or G.) stricta, and suggested that an expert should be consulted. 
Accordingly, I sent my specimens from all four Ulster stations to Dr. 
Rendle, who kindly reported on them. At the same time ke sent a copy 
of Ames’s “ Monograph of the American Species of Spiranthes” (1905), 
in which, as he pointed out, this orchid authority quotes Rydberg’s 
plant as identical with S. Romanzoviana, and not a distinct species. Dr. 
Rendle’s examination leads him to agree in not regarding G. stricta as 
distinct; and he would refer all the Irish specimens (the Berehaven 
plant included) to S. Romanozoviana. Ina discussion which followed my 
remarks, Mr. F. W. Moore remarked that he had not heard of the 
Berehaven plant being seen for a long time, and feared it had been ex- 
terminated by certain ploughing operations. Whereupon Mr. R. M. 
Barrington conveyed the welcome intelligence that Mr. A. H. Evans, of 
Cambridge, had visited Berehaven in 1904 to obtain the plant, and had 
procured some specimens without difficulty. 


R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


1906. Notes. 189 
Plants in the South-East. 


Brief trips during the spring were the occasion of the making of the 
following casual notes. J7o/a /uéea was traced from its headquarters 
around Brittas as far up the King’s River valley as Knockalt Bridge (800 
feet), where it was joined by Saxifraga stedlarts. It was particularly 
abundant ina pasture south of Ballyknockan, not only in the typical 
yellow form, but with purple petals (var. amena, Watson), and was 
accompanied by a profusion of Ophtoglossum, Botrychium, Orchts Morio, 
O. mascuda, and three Habenarias. /oypodium Phegopteris grew on cliffs 
north-east of Mullacor. Cystopter?s fragilis, whose only two recorded 
Wicklow stations are on high mountains, was seen grown sparingly on 
the walls of one of the Seven Churches = /soeles Jacustris is abundant in 
the lower lake at Glendalough. 

Going further westward, Potentilla procumbens and Populus tremula (seem- 
ingly native), both new to Kilkenny, were seen about Inistioge and 
Thomastown, and in its old station at Inistioge Colchicum autumnale 
formed numerous tufts’ of dark foliage in damp meadows. /va 
nemoralzs, also new to Kilkenny, grew in hedges near Brittas, north of 
Inistioge. In Borris demesne, Co. Carlow, Lastrea spinulosa grew on a 
tree-stump. On the railway bank of the Carlow branch, close to Kildare 
junction, removed from any cultivation or road, Zuphorbia Cyparassias 
has a large colony. 


R. LL. PRAEGER. 
Dublin. 


ZOOLOGY. : 


Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare. 


On June 14th last, the Limerick Field Club paid a visit to Cullane in 
Co. Clare. While walking round a little sheet of water known as 
Cragaunowen Lake, one of the members found some broken shells of 
large size, and they were recognised as broken Anodonta cygnea. 
Considering them sufficiently interesting to invite another visit to the 
spot, Dr. George Fogerty and I drove out afew days later. The level 
of the lake, which is situated about five miles inland from the village 
of Sixmilebridge, was very low, a large piece of foreshore being 
uncovered, and on this lay quantities of damaged shells, but not a living 
specimen was to be seen. However, after a search which necessitated 
wading into the lake, a colony was found in about eighteen inches of 
water. The shells lay thickly on the muddy bottom, covering an area 
of about ten square yards. The majority of the specimens were about 
44 inches long and 2 inches wide, though some reached 5} inches by 23 
inches. 

I sent some to the Hon. Recorder of the Conchologica! Society for 
registration, and I think this makes the first recorded instance of Ano- 
donta cygnea in Co. Clare. I may mention that the full list of shell 


190 The lrish Naturalist. August, 


found in the Limerick district, since I commenced collecting some 
mouths ago, is published in the Journal of the Limerick Field Club for 
June. 


‘ 1 HARRY FOGER’TY,; 
Limerick. 


New Localities for Geomalacus maculosus. 


On June 18 I found a specimen of the slug Geomalacus maculosus on the 
western face of Bolus Head, Co. Kerry, and on same day found another 
specimen on the eastern slope of Kilkeencragh mountain, near the pass 
between that mountain and Killemlongh Hill. In both cases the slug 
was found on the site of old ruins. 


M. Jj. Era, 
Valentia, Co. Kerry. 


Helix tormensis in Ireland. 


In the Nachrichtsblatt d. deutschen Malakozoologischen Gesellschaft, part 2, 
1906, Mr. Clessin refers to the fact that He/7v tormensis, Sandberger, occurs 
in the Pleistocene tuff deposits, near Regensburg, in Bavaria. This 
species has been described by Sandberger as being heavier in texture 
than Helix nemoralis, to which it was otherwise closely allied. I therefore 
sent some specimens of our heavy Helix nemoraiis from the well known 
sandy deposit of Roundstone, Co. Galway, to Mr. Clessin for his opinion. 
He now informs me that the Irish specimens agree with the German ones 
of Helix tormensis in every respect. Whether, therefore, the latter is 
looked upon as a good species or only as a race or variety of Helix 
nemoralis, it is interesting to note the occurrence of this remarkable form 
in the south of Germany and the west coast of Ireland. 


R. F.SCHAREE; 
Dublin Museum. 


Succinea oblonga in Antrim. 


It may be worth recording that near Antrim town, on the shore of 
L. Neagh, S. od/onga is fairly abundant. The locality is rather unusual 
for this mollusc, as it occurs there in a wood along with great numbers 


of A. nitida. 
J. N. MILNE 


Belfast. 


Mamestra persicarie in Antrim. 


Last year I got some larve near Antrim. Some have now emerged, 
and among them there were over twenty specimens of AZ fersicarie. 
The Rev. W. F. Johnson, Poyntzpass, tells me this moth is widespread in 
Ireland, but decidedly rare. Antrim town is at present its most northern 
station, so far as I know, in Ireland. 

J. N. MILNE. 

Belfast 


1906. Notes. igi 


Striped Hawk Moth at Londonderry. 


On 5th June Mr. Kric Donnell brought me a fine specimen of 
Detlephila livornica, which he had found in his garden at Victoria Park, 
Londonderry. ‘This is the first record of the moth for this district. 


D. C. CAMPBELL. 
Londonderry. 


Centriscus scolopax in Irish Waters. 


On 24th May I heard that a curious fish had been taken from the 
stomach of a Hake, and I at once went to see it. The Hake had been 
taken the day before off Ardglass, Co. Down, was landed there, and sent 
to Belfast in the usual way. The fish was the Trumpet Fish (Cex¢r7scus 
scolopax), and it could not have been long in the Hake, as it was quite 
fresh and almost uninjured. The edges of the fins were a little frayed, 
and the tip of the long snout was broken, but otherwise the fish was in 
perfect condition, digestion not having begun. I took down the following 
particulars as soon as I got the fish home:—Length over all, 6 inches ; 
breadth at centre, 17 inches; greatest thickness, £ inch ; from centre of 
eye to end of snout, 2 inches; length of dorsal spine, 1? inches; weight, 
2 oz. full. Pale pink, with a few darker streaks of pink, shading into 
silver at belly. Skin very rough to the touch. I could find no Irish 
record of this Mediterranean fish in all the books at my disposal, and on 
communicating with Dr. Scharff he states that no Irish record is known 
to him. Although it is impossible to say where the Hake swallowed it, 
I think from its perfectly fresh appearance, that not more than an hour 
or two can have elapsed till the Hake was caught and killed, and there- 
fore it can be fairly added to the Irish list. Its passage was ‘‘ assisted,” 
but there are birds on the British list with a more shadowy claim. 


ROBERT PATTERSON. 
Holywood, Co. Down. 


Lacerta vivipara at Baltray. 


On Thursday, May 31, when I was playing golf on the links of the Co. 
Louth club, at the mouth of the Boyne, one of the caddies produced a 
live lizard, just caught. He had tethered it by a string tied to its ¢az/, 
which was still attached to the poor little reptile’s body. It was about 
six inches long, and an ordinary specimen of its kind. I bought it for 
a shilling, and let it go into a rabbit hole. I have known for many years 
that lizards exist in the sandhills along the Louth coast, but they 
must be very rare, as this is the first one I have seen, and none of the 
caddies had ever seen one till this year, when they suddenly appeared in 
asmall colony. One of them was brought to the Hon. H. Pery, at Ter- 
monfeckin, a few weeks ago, and the caddies reported that there were 
crocodiles a yard long on the links, of which it was supposed to be the 
young. 

G. H. PENTLAND. 

Black Hall, Drogheda. 


192 The Irish Naturalist. August, 


The Iceland Falcon.—A correction. 


In the /vish Naturalist for 1905, p. 115, it is stated that at a meeting of 
the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, Edward Williams exhibited an Iceland 
Falcon from Co. Donegal. At p. 202, Edward Williams stated that this 
Iceland Falcon was obtained at Oughterard, Co. Galway. I presume the 
latter statement is correct. If so, it may be well to correct the former, 
so as to avoid its being copied. 


R. J. USSHER. 
Cappagh, Co. Waterford. 


Iceland Gull at Londonderry. 

On 23rd April I saw an Iceland Gull (Larus /eucopterus) flying about the 
quay at Londonderry. It was in company with other gulls, chiefly 
Herring Gulls, which are always much _ in evidence about the steamers 
and vessels. It flew quite close to me at the quay edge. 


D. C. CAMPBELL, 
Londonderry. 


Sandwich Tern Breeding in Co. Down. 


On May 27, 1906, accompanied by Mr. Nevin H. Foster, I visited a 
certain place in Co. Down, which had better be left nameless at present. 
Here we were much pleased to find six or eight pairs of Sandwich Terns 
(Sterna cantiaca). Apart from their black bills and feet, they were 
distinguishable from the other terns by their larger size, hoarser cries, 
and more powerful flight, their wing-beats being very strong. Presently 
they soared higher than the rest, and their harsh cries were modulated 
by distance. I was so fortunate as to find one egg of this species (which 
I submitted to Mr. R. J. Ussher, who confirms the identification) lying 
on grass, without auy attempt at a nest. This was the only egg obtained. 
The place was visited again by Mr. Foster on June gth, and although 
the Sandwich Terns were clearly identified, no more eggs could be 
found. Perhaps the visit of an Englishman a day or two before may 
account for this. On June 23, Mr. Foster and I paid another visit to the 
place and could find no more egys. But the birds were still there, and 
they betrayed all the anxiety of breeding birds, wheeling round and 
round uttering hoarse cries. It is most interesting to be able to add the 
Sandwich Teru to the list of birds breeding in Co. Down. 

ROBERT PATTERSON. 

Holywood, Co. Down. 


[Since above was written, I received, on July 16th, from Mr. S. M. 
Stears, four eggs of the Sandwich Tern, taken in another locality in 
Co. Down, several miles from where I found the first colony. It would 
therefore seem that these birds visited Co. Down in some nuinbers this 
year, and it is to be hoped that they will become a permanent addition 


to our breeding birds. 
Riki] 


1906. ' Notes. 193 


Pomatorhine Skua from Loop Head. 


I have just received a splendid specimen of Stercorarius pomatorhinus, 
the Pomatorhine Skua, from Loop Head, Co, Clare, shot on June 6th, 
while chasing some small birds roo yards inland from the sea. According 
to Ussher, this is its first occurrence in Clare, and only one other June 
record exists for Ireland. 

This species breeds in the north circumpolar area, and isa great oceanic 
wanderer. It can hardly be confounded with any other European Skua, 
the vertical twisting of the two central tail feathers being a remarkable 
feature, apart from other differences. The specific name was originally 
written Jomarinus, but amended in 1562 by Sclater to fomatorhinus. from 
mivpa, a lid or cover, and piv, the nostril. from the nasal operculum. 


RICHARD M. BARRINGTON. 
Fassaroe, Bray, 


Buffon’s Skua on Clare Island. 


A beautiful adult specimen of Buffon’s Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) 
was caught on Clare Island, Co. Mayo, on June14th and sent to me by 
Mr. Henry Hammond, Light-keeper. This swift and graceful Skua has 
the two central tail feathers projecting 7 or 8 inches beyond the rest. 
The shafts of the two outer primaries ONLY are white in Buffon’s Skua— 
whereas in the Arctic Skua (S. cvesidatus) the shafts of ALL the primaries 
are white according to Saunders’ Manual. 


RICHARD M. BARRINGTON. 
Fassaroe, Bray. 


Birds in the South-east. 


At Glendalough on June 7, the Cuckoo sang till 9.30, when it was quite 
dark. It may be true that Skylarks “never warble o’er” the lake there 
(Iam not aware that they are addicted to warbling over any lakes), but 
the “gloomy shore” has no terrors for the Woodcocks, which were 
observed taking their evening flight with its weird vocal accompaniment 
backwards and forwards across the lake. A pair of Ravens was seen on 
Mullacor, close by. At Bagenalstown station, a goods train drawing up, 
Rooks and Jackdaws at once descended and vigorously devoured the 
grease from the axle-boxes. Rey. W. S. Green tells me he has observed 
the same habit. We were much struck by the number of Goldfinches 
seen in this part of Ireland. 


Ko Leo PRARGER: 
Dublin. 


194 The lrish Naturatst. August, 


The Melodious Warbler in Ireland. 


My old friend, Robert Warren, of Moyview, draws attention to a stupid 
and obvious error of mine in the notice of the above bird (p. 157 of the 
current volume). “It is satisfactory” in the last sentence should read, 
‘«Tt would be satisfactory. ” 

RICHARD M. BARRINGTON. 

Fassaroe, Bray. 


Migration of the Chiffchaff and Willow Wren. 


The spell of unusually fine, warm, and bright sunny weather which 
prevailed at the latter end of March and early in April last, helped te 
hasten the. migration of our spring warblers. and it was remarked in some 
English papers that migrants had appeared a week earlier than usual. 
Being in the south-west of Ireland I had a favourable opportunity of 
looking out for them, and I was agreeably surprised on the 9th of April to 
find the Chiffchaff (Phyloscopus rufus), and the Willow Wren (P. ¢roch7lus),in 
full song, and numerously dispersed along the wooded shores of Kenmare 
River. At Derreen, 18 iniles from Kenmare, and situated on the shore of 
Killmakillioge Harbour, Kenmare River, the woods were vocal all day 
long with their notes. In some of the outlying glens where there were 
only low gorse bushes and also thorn and alder, I found the birds as 
numerous as in the well-wooded districts. 

Being in London on the 2ygth of Apri, I wished to look up some 
English district for comparison, and selected Chislehurst, in Kent, an 
ideal place,—woods of tall stately trees, large heath and gorse-covered 
commons, with plantations of young trees and plenty of undergrowth. 
I was greatly surprised to find no gorse in bloom, and during the entire 
day I spent there I only heard one Willow Wren and no Chiffchaff. 

The subject of bird migration is a fascinating one, and it seems rather 
pvzziing to find a district less than roo miles distant from the Continent, 
and separated by only 20 miles of sea, so thinly supplied with birds 
twenty days later than the date when they were so abundant in the 
Kenmare and Killarney district, distant over 450 miles from London. 


ALEXANDER WILLIAMS. 
Dublin. 


Vesperugo leisleri in Co. Carlow. 


I have to record the capture here of a specimen of Vesferugo /edslert. 
This bat, though fairly conmmon in the eastern counties of Ireland, has 
never before, I believe, been recorded from County Carlow. 


DENIS R. PACK-BERESFORD. 
Bagenalstown, 


_——-— Ts = | 


1906. 195 
REVIEW. 


A ‘“READY REFERENCE” SELBORNE. 


The Natural History of Selborne. By the REv. GILBERT WHITE, 
M.A. Re-arranged and classified under subjects, by CHARLES 
Mos.LEy. London: Elliot Stock, 1905. Pp. vili.'and 266. Price 6s. net. 


The idea of this new edition of a favourite and incomparable classic is 
to re-arrange all the observations embodied in the Selborne letters as far 
as possible under the headings of the species referred to, to facilitate ready 
reference. There may be students to whom it will be useful for that 
purpose, though all the charm of the old ‘‘ Natural History of Selborne” 
is completely lost in Mr. Mosley’s series of scrap-book extracts, and 
though the editor has found it necessary to depart from or vary the prin- 
ciple of his scheme in so many ways that those who turn to his volume 
as the quickest way of finding out what White had to say on the subject 
of some particular species, will frequently find only another illustration 
of the wisdom of the homely warning, ‘“‘ More haste less speed.” They 
will look in vain under ‘‘ Fieldfare” or under “Redwing” for any 
extract from the several interesting letters (¢. g. VIII. and IX. to Daines 
Barrington) in which White touched on the question whether those birds 
might sometimes breed in Great Britain; in vain under “Cuckoo” for 
his remarks (letter X, of same series) on the local variations which a 
musical neighbour had detected in that bird’s note; in vain under “ Fly- 
catcher’ for the touching story (related in letter XIV.) of parental 
affection shown by the pair of Spotted Flycatchers which had their nest 
in White's vine. These extracts, of course. areall given elsewhere in the 
book, under miscellaneous headings; but what becomes of that con- 
venience for speedy reference which is supposed to be the justifying cause 
of Mr. Mosley’s edition? The book certainly does not enable us to see 
at a glance all that White had to say on each animal of which he wrote. 
Even with the help of its index it fails to tell us this, for the “ Observa- 
tions on various parts of Nature,” the “ Naturalists’ Calendar,” and the 
Poems, which figure in most modern editions of the classic, are excluded 
from Mr. Mosley’s. Thus the student who may flatter himself that he 
has readin this book all that White has left on record concerning the 
habits of (for instance) the Nightjar or the Hawfinch will be wofully 
misled. 

There are some cases in which letters of real interest have been most 
unhappily dissected. Inletter 26 to Pennant, for instance, White notes 
what he regards as certain analogous peculiarities in the habits of the 
Swift and of the Great Bat, or Noctule, and suggests, though diffidently, 
an inference from this analogy. Mr. Mosley cuts the passage in two, puts 
the sentences dealing with the Noctule under ‘‘ Bats.” and those dealing 
with the Swift under ‘‘ Swallow, Martins, and Swift.” The effect of this 
treatment is, naturally enough, that the argument cannot be followed, 


196 The lrish Naturalist. ~ August, 1906. 


Not only in the above instance, but throughout this book, the total 
absence of foot-notes, even where they are absolutely necessary to render 
a detached paragraph intelligible, or to indicate in what part of the book 
its context will be found, is a grave blemish. One extract (p. 181) 
abruptly concludes with the sentence: ‘‘I have discovered this summer 
three species of birds with us, which writers mention as only to be seen 
in the northern counties.” One has to turn to one of the ordinary editions 
of White's ‘‘Selborne.” and there to look up the letter (20 to Pennant) 
from which this extract was taken, to discover what the three birds were ; 
though it would have been easy for Mr. Mosley to avert this absurdity by 
appending a short foot-note—‘“ See under Ring-Ousel, Sandpiper, and 
Shrike.” 

A further mischief resulting from the absence of foot-notes is that the 
headlines placed over some of the paragraphs are unnecessarily dogmatic, 
and even misleading. For example, under ‘‘ Lesser Whitethroat” the 
editor sets two paragraphs which obviously cannot both refer to that 
species. One is the description in letter 40 to Pennant of the notes and 
habits of the bird which White himself called the Whitethroat, and which 
he knew at the time his correspondence with that naturalist opened as a 
regular summer visitant to Selborne. The other, in a much later letter 
(LVII.to Barrington), speaks of ‘‘a rare, and, I think, a new little bird,” 
frequenting White’s garden, which he described as “much resembling 
the Whitethroat,’? but having a more silvery breast and different habit. 
It is true that each of these passages, looked at separately, has been con- 
jecturally referred by good naturalists to the Lesser Whitethroat ; but it 
is almost au insult to White’s memory to put them together and to say— 
without even the suggestion of a doubt—that they doth relate to that 
species. One or the other conjecture must be wrong, and both may be. 
The present reviewer sees no reason at all for doubting that by the “ White- 
throat” White meant the Common Whitethroat, and nothing else. 
Otherwise, that observant naturalist, the first discoverer in England of 
the Noctule and of the Harvest Mouse, entirely overlooked one of the 
commonest and most generally known of the British warblers; and it 
would take a much stronger reason than Mr. Harting has adduced in his 
edition of Selborne for the conjecture that the Lesser Whitethroat was 
meant, to convince us that any such error was possible. 

By the way, although White in his letters refers at least twice to Ireland, 
we do not find the name of this country in Mr. Mosley’s index. The 
references will be found under “ Lizards’ and “ Miscellany.” 


> Chibsiy 


WILLIAMS & SON, 


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NOTES :— 3 : 

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Plants in the South-east.—R. Li. PRAEGER ce ss Swe 
Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare.—HARRY FOGERTY, - 
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MILNE, ee ed 
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Centriscus scolopax 1 in Irish waters.—ROBERT PATTERSON, M.R.1LA., et, 
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The Iceland Falcon—a correction.—R. J. USSHER, D.L., .. se 
Iceland Gull at Londonderry.—D. C. CAMPBELL, .. 
Sandwich Tern breeding in Co Down.—ROBERT PATTERSON, M. Re i: A., 
Pomatorhine Skua from Loop Head. Buffon’s Skua on Clare Island.— 
R. M. BARRINGTON, M.A,, F.L.S., = ex ey Heone 
Birds in the South-east. =k LLOYD PRAEGER, .. . 
The Melodious Warbler in Ireland.—R. M. BARRINGTON, M. A. 1 Ee E23 a2 
Migration of the Chiffchaff and Willow Wren.—ALEx. Wrirtams, 
R-B.A., 
Vesperugo leisleri in Co. Carlow.—DENIs = PACK-BERESFORD, D. Li 


REVIEW :— 
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September, 1906. The lish Naturalist, 197 


ADVANCES IN IRISH MARINE ZOOLOGY. 
BY PROFESSOR GEO. H. CARPENTER. 


THE work of the naturalists attached to the Fisheries Branch 
of the Irish Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruc- 
tion has resulted during the last few years in the accumulation 
of large and valuable collections of animals from the Irish 
marine area, especially from the deeper waters off our western 
coast. The scientific exploration of the Atlantic slope, so 
well begun twenty years ago by the Royal Irish Academyand 
the Royal Dublin Society, is now being systematically carried 
on under the auspices of the Government Department respon- 
sible for Irish fisheries. It must be particularly gratifying to 
Mr. W. S. Green, who was so zealous as a pioneer in this marine 
zoological research, to see the harvest of results that is now 
being reaped under his oversight, through the splendid work of 
Mr. Holt and his assistants. 

Several references have already been made in this magazine 
to the published results of the Fishery Branch’s work. Farran’s 
account of Nudibranch Mollusca and of Copepoda, Holt and 
Tattersall’s monograph of Schizopoda from the Atlantic slope, 
Hoyle’s notes on Cephalopoda, and Calman’s description of the 
Euphausid genus Nematobrachion, are among the works that 
have thus been noticed. On the present occasion we propose 
to call attention to several important contributions that have 
been published during the last and the current year. 

Dr. W. T. Calman’s paper! on the Cumacea is of quite 
exceptional interest and value. Its fifty-two pages and five 
plates contain notes on forty-eight species, nine of which are 
described and figured as new to science. ‘These are Leucon 
siphonatus, Cumella gracillima, Nannastacus brevicaudatus, 
Campylaspis rostrata, Ptatyaspis  orbicularis, Diastylis 
tubulicauda, Cumellopsis Helge, Platycuma FHfolti, and 
Ceratocuma horrida. ‘The three last-named are referred to new 
genera, of which Platycuma “ presents in its specially-coiled 
alimentary canal an anatomical character which is unique 
among the Malacostraca,’ while Cumellopsis “is in some 


1Ww. T. Calman. The Marine Fauna of the West Coast of ireiand. 
Part iv. Cumacea. Fisheries, Zreland, Sct. Invest., 1904, 1., [1905]. 
A 


198 The Lrish Naturalist. September, 


respects intermediate between the families Nannastacide and 
Campylaspide, and suggests that they ought probably to be 
merged into one”; and Ceratocuma “is so aberrant that it has 
been considered necessary to establish a new family for its 
reception.” 

Besides these hitherto unknown species, Dr. Calman 
enumerates twelve Cumacea new tothe “British area” of 
Norman. Five of these—Cvclaspis longicaudata, G. O. Sars, 
Campylaspis verrucosa, CG. O. Sars, C. sulcata, G. O. Sars, 
Platyospis typica, G. O. Sars, and Leptostylis macrura, G. O. 
Sars—occur both in Norwegian and in South European 
waters ;. two—Leucon pallidus, G. O. Sars, and Hemilamprops 
uniplicata, G. O. Sars—are Norwegian; another—Lepéostylis 
longimana, G. O. Sars—is North American and Norwegian ; 
another—Ludorella hispida, G. O. Sars—has hitherto been 
recorded only from the New England coast of the Atlantic; 
while the remaining three—Cyclaspoides Sarsi, Bonnier, 
Procampylaspis armata, Bonnier, and Campylaspis nttens, 
Bonnier—are South European or Mediterranean species. 

Most of the above-named species were obtained by a townet 
attached to the beam of the trawl or dredge, a method of 
collection admirably adapted for securing delicate organisms 
from the sea-bottom, as Mr. Holt has abundantly shown by his 
work on the Schizopods. Two localities seem to have been 
especially fruitful. A station 64 miles N.W. 3 W. of Cleggan 
Head, Co. Galway, yielded, from a depth of 199 fms., eight of 
the twelve species new to Britannic waters, and one of those 
new to science. Another station 77 miles W.N.W. 
of AchiJl Head, Co. Mayo, the depth being 382 fms., was the 
locality for six of the twelve new Britannic species and seven 
of the nine new to science, including the three referred by 
Dr. Calman to undescribed genera ! 

The wonder of this spot in the Atlantic waste is shown also 
by Prof. G. H. Carpenter’s paper! on the Pycnogonida. Thence 
were dredged three species of “ Sea-spiders’”’ unknown in our 
marine area—a northern Nymphon—W. Jeptochele, G. O. Sars ; 
the hitherto undiscovered male (exhibiting remarkable 
structural features) of a blind northern Anoplodactylus—A. 


1Geo. H. Carpenter. ‘She Marine Fauna of the Coast of Ireland. Part 
vi. Pycnogonida. ésheries, Ireland, Sct. Lnvest., 1904, iv. [1905]. 


1906. CARPENTER. —/rish Marine Zoology. 199 


typhlops, G. O. Sars; and a new species of Pallenopsis 
(described under the name of P. Hol¢z), a genus not before re- 
corded from the British and Irish area, most of its species 
being southern in their distribution. 

Another novelty described and figured in this paper is 
Anoplodactylus oculatus, a large and handsome species with a 
remarkably prominent eye-eminence, obtained bythe townet 
on dredge 50 miles W.N.W. of the Tearaght, Co. Kerry, at a 
depth of 306 fathoms. The remaining nine species enumerated 
are all well known and widespread British pycnogons. 

The western locality previously meutioned, or stations 
within a few miles of it where dredgings have been made at 
a depth of over 300 fathoms, yielded alsoa large proportion of 
the new and rare Isopoda described by Mr. W. M. Tattersall at 
the British Association meeting in 1904, and now fully 
illustrated in another of the publications of our Fisheries 
Branch.! The townet on trawl in “one remarkable haul” on 
this ground yielded no fewer than twenty-one species of 
Isopoda, seven of them new to science, three new to the British 
and Irish fauna, and the majority of the remainder very rare 
indeed. 

In this paper, Mr. Tattersall separates, as an order distinct 
from the Isopoda, the Tanaidee under the name Tanaidacea. A 
new species, 7yphlotanatis proctagon, is described from 60 miles 
west of Achill Head in 199 fathoms, while two species of the 
same genus are recorded for the first time from the Britannic’ 
area; these are Z: éenuicornis, G. O. Sars (50 miles W.N.W. 
of Tearaght in 320 fathoms), hitherto known only from Nor- 
wegian waters, and 7. Richardi, Dollfuss (77 miles W. of 
Achill Head, 382 fathoms). A very rare Azorean species, 
Leptognathia breviremis (Lilljeborg), already known in the 
British area, was dredged from the Tearaght station, andis an 
addition to the Irish marine fauna. 

Turning to the Isopoda in Mr. Tattersall’s restricted sense 
we notice that Cecognathia stygia (G. O. Sars) and 42 ga arctica, 
Lutken, arctic species(the former blind), have been added to the 


™W. M. Tattersall. The Marine Fauna of the Coast of Ireland. Part 
v. Isopoda. /%shertes, Lreland, Sct. Invest., 1904, ii., [1905]. 

?Mr. Tattersall uses *‘ British and Irish” in the sense in which 
Carpenter has proposed (see Z, WVaz., p. 13 of current volume) to employ 
‘‘ Britannic.” 


= 2 


200 The lrish Naturalist. September, 


Britannic fauna through specimens dredged west of Co. 
Mayo, while two other arctic species of the latter genus (4&. 
ventrosa, M. Sars, and . crenulata, Tuitken), already known 
from North British waters, have been dredged off the Kerry 
and Mayo coasts. C7volana Hanseni, J. Bonnier, from the Achill 
station, already known from the Hebrides and the Bay of 
Biscay, is yet another addition to the Irish marine fauna. 
Cymodoce granulatum, M.-Edw., dredged off Galway and Mayo 
in 72to 74 fathoms, is a most interesting addition to the 
Britannic fauna, having been hitherto found only in the 
Mediterranean. 

Of all the species described in the paper none is of greater 
interest than Bathycopea typhlops, a blind Isopod dredged 
from two stations 60 and 77 miles W. of Achill Head, and 
from three stations 50 miles W.N.W. of the Tearaght, which is 
referred by Mr. Tattersall to a new genus, and grouped with 
Leach’s A ncinus depressus in a new family. 

Among the Munnide, Mr. Tattersall describes as a new 
genus AZetamunna typica taken off Cleggan Head and on the 
Porcupine Bank, adds M/unna limicola, G. O. Sars (Porcupine 
Bank) to the Britannic, and Pleuvogonium inerme, G. O. Sars, 
and Paramunna bilobata, G. O. Sars, to the Irish fauna. In 
the Desmosomidee, a new species of Ischnosoma (7. Gveent) is 
described from specimens dredged west of Achill, while 
I. bispinosum, G. O. Sars, a species both Norwegian and 
Mediterranean, together with the Norwegian Desmosoma 
lineare, G. O. Sars—both dredged off Achill—are recorded for 
the first time from Britannic waters, and Hugerda tenuimana, 
G. O. Sars—already known from Norwegian, Orcadian, and 
Mediterranean seas—-is added to the Irish fauna. 

Among the Munnopside, Mr. Tattersall describes as new 
Munnopsis oceanica, taken off Eagle Island, Co. Mayo, and 
refers to a new genus (Munnopsoides) a species, 17. Beddardi 
dredged from the deep-water stations west of Achill. 
Munnopsoides includes also a species dredged by the 
“ Challenger” off Kerguelen—so the range of the genus is 
remarkable; while the genus Ilyarachna is brought for the 
first time within the Britannic fauna through a new species, 
Ll. Plunketti, dredged off both the Mayo and Kerry coasts. 
Eurycope longipes is anew species of large size allied to the 


1906. CARPENTER.—/rish Marine Zoology. 201 


arctic #. gigantea, and obtained 50 miles W.N.W. of the 
Tearaght, while three Norwegian species, &. /attrostris, G. O. 
Sars, /. megalura, G. O. Sars, and #. producta, G. O. Sars, are 
now first recorded for the Britannic, and another, Z&. 
phallangium, G. O. Sars, for the Irish area. Lipomera 
lamellata, dredged 60 miles W. of Achill in 199 fathoms, is the 
type of anew genus. Another new genus—Scyracepon—is 
founded on S. ¢uberculosa, belonging to the Epicarida, dredged 
48 miles W.N.W. of the Tearaght in 337 fathoms. To the 
same tribe—parasitic on other  crustaceans—belongs 
Plenrocryptella formosa (Giard and Bonnier), taken in 500 
fathoms west of the Porcupine Bank—a Canarian species, and 
Asconiscus simplex, G. O. Sars—a Norwegian species, neither 
before dredged in Britannic waters. <lspidophryxus peltatus, 
G. O. Sars, another Norwegian species already recorded from 
the Scottish coasts, is new to the Irish list. 

In a special section of the paper dealing with the Isopoda 
of Ballynakill and Bofin Harbours, Mr. Tattersall records 
fourteen further additions to the marine fauna of Ireland. 
These are:—Leptognathialongiremis (Lilljeb.), Pavatanais Batet, 
Sars, Anthura gracilis (Montagu), Hurydice spinigera, Hansen, 
i. truncata (Norman), Limoria lignorum (Rathke), Jdotea 
neglecta, G. O. Sars, lacra marina (Fab.), l. Nordmanni (Rathke), 
Munna Kroyeri, Goodsir!, MZ. Fabricit (Kroyer), Pleurogontum 
rubscundum, G. O. Sars, Bopyrus squillarum, Watr., and 
Bopyrina virbit (Walz). Altogether the paper increases the 
Irishlist by twenty-three species, andthe Britannicby fourteen, 
while ten species are recorded as new to science, five of which 
are referred to new genera. Mr. Tattersall now reckons the 
British and Irish marine Isopoda as numbering 134 species 
“made up of roughly, one-half boreal, and one quarter southern 
types, and one quarter representing forms at present only 
known from British and Irish waters.” The present paper 
contains a description and figures of one extra-Britannic 
species—fYetervophryxus appendiculatus, G. OQ. Sars, from the 
Bay of Biscay. Its inclusion in a paper on the “‘ Marine Fauna 
of the Coast of Ireland ” may possibly cause confusion to 
recorders and students of distribution. 


1 This species is recorded from Belfast Lough by Thompson (‘ Nat, 
Hist. of Ireland,’ vol. iv., p. 413), in a list of Pycnogonida! 


202 The Lrish Naturalist. September, 


Another order of Crustacea—the Copepoda (littoral species 
and fish-parasites)—are dealt with by Mr. Joseph Pearson, who 
during his too short sojourn at the Larne Marine Laboratory 
gave much study to this group. He points out that 
previous observers have paid most attention to the pelagic 
Copepoda, and that discoveries may be expected among the 
bottom-haunting species. The present list’ includes 89 free 
living, shore-haunting copepods and 25 tish-parasites. 

We owe to the labours of Messrs. EK. W. L. Holt and W. M. 
Tattersall two important papers? on Schizopoda from the 
‘« Atlantic slope,” the first of which has been already mentioned 
in this Journal.’ The net result of these two memoirs is the 
addition of twenty-six species to the British and Irish marine 
fauna, of which twelve are new to science, four of these being 
referable to new genera. Several new oceanic species are 
described which were obtained beycnd the 1,000 fathom line, 
and are therefore excluded from the “Irish marine area.” 
Among the Euphausiacea the additions are Luphausia 
Muller7, Claus, a southern species; /. Lanez, a new species 
(obtained off Achill); 7hysanopoda distinguenda, Hansen, an 
Azorean species; 7: acutifrons, a new species dredged off Mayo 
in 600-1,000 fathoms; Nematobrachion boopis, Calman ; 
Stylocheiron Suhmi, G.O. Sars ; S. abbreviatum, G. O. Sars; and 
Thysanoessa gregaria, G. O. Sars, widespread oceanic species. 
Still more remarkable are the discoveries among the Mysi- 
dacea. Guathophausia zoca, Will.-Suhm ; Hucopia sculpticauda, 
Faxon; /. unguiculata, Will.-Suhm ; Katerythrops Oceane, a 
new species; and Chunomysts diadema, the type of a new 
genus, are all oceanic in habitat. Melerythrops picta is a new 
species found off Achill, and from the same region come three 
new generic types—Dactylerythrops dactylops, Hyperythrops 
serriventer, and Paramblyops rostrata. Euchaetomera Fowlert, 
Holt and Tatt., formerly taken in southern and western 
North Atlantic waters, is now brought within the Irish 


1 Joseph Pearson. A List of the Marine Copepoda of Ireland. Parti. 
Littoral Forms and Fish Parasites. /isherzes, [reland, Sci. Invest., 1904, iii., 
[1905]. | ¢ 

2H. W.L. Holt and W. M. Tattersall. Schizopodous Crustacea from the 
North-east Atlantic slope. /%sheries, Ireland, Sci. Invest., 1902-3. iv., 
[1905]. Supplement, 2., 1904, v., [1906]. 

* J, Nat., Xiv., 1905, p. 116, 


1905 CARPENTER.—/rish Marine Zoology. 203 


area. In the genus Psewdomna there are three new species— 
P. calloplura, P. Kempi, and P. nanum, and a northern 
' species, P. affine, G. O. Sars, added to our area. Amblyops 
abbreviata, G. O. Sars, is another boreal addition ; while in 
the genus Boreomysis, 2. arctica (Kroyer), B. tridens, G. O. 
Sars, B. megalops, G. O. Sars, and B. microps, G. O. Sars, are 
new to the Britannic area. MW7ysidetes Farrand is an interesting 
new species from deep water to the west of Kerry. There are 
a number of additions and corrections in the supplemental 
paper, which, like the earlier, is illustrated by plates beautifully 
drawn and executed. 

Echinoderms from the Co. Galway harbours and the deep 
Atlantic waters are enumerated in a paper by Mr. S. W. 
Kemp,.! Twenty-eight species were dredged in the harbours 
of Ballynakill and Bofin—nearly 60 per cent. of all the British 
species known from less than 20 fathoms depth. The deep- 
water list contains 73 species, and includes all the forms that 
have been found off our western coast outside the 50-fathom 
line. There are several faunistic additions. Among the 
Asteroidea Solaster affinis (Dan. and Koren), first discovered 
by the Norwegian North Atlantic expedition, has been 
dredged 40 miles W.N.W. of Cleggan Head in 70 fathoms, 
and a specimen from the ‘‘ Lord Bandon” cruise, included 
by Prof. Haddon under S. pafossus, is now referred by Mr. 
Kemp to S. afints. Plutonaster Pareli (Dib. and Koren), 
dredged in 220 fms. off Mayo, is brought within the Britannic 
area; a previous record from 1,360 fms. having been made by 
the “Porcupine” expedition. Turning to the Ophiuroidea, 
we find an interesting northern addition to our fauna in 
Ophiacantha abyssicola (G. O. Sars), dredged in 380 fathoms 
off the Mayo coast. There are several species now recorded 
from various localities that had hitherto been represented 
only by a single Irish specimen. 

The Fisheries Branch has not yet published an account of 
the Coelenterata, but a preliminary note,? by Prof. S. J. 

‘ Stanley W. Kemp. The Marine Fauna of the West Coast of Ireland. 
Part iii Echinoderms from Ballynakill and Boffin Harbours, Co. 
Galway, and of the deep water off the West Coast of Ireland. Ann. Ref. 
Fish., Ireland. 1902-3. Pt. ii., App. vi. [1905]. 

2 Sydney J. Hickson. Remarkable Coelenterata from the West Coast 
of Ireland, ature, \xxiii., 1905, p. 5. 


204. The Irish Naturalist. September, 


Hickson, on some of the material of this group, which he is 
working out, must lead all Irish naturalists to look eagerly 
for the issue of the full paper. A Coraliid—Pleurocorallium 
Johnsoni—has been dredged 60 miles off Achill Island in 382 
fathoms, and the family of precious corals to which it belongs 
has so far been found only in the Mediterranean, the Japanese 
seas, the Banda seas, and the southern regions of the North 
Atlantic. Another feature of very great interest is the pre- 
sence within our marine area of three representatives of the 
Antipatharia, hitherto regarded as an entirely exotic group ; 
these are Cirrhipathes spiralis, Antipathella gracilis, and a 
species of Stichopathes allied to S. Lutkeni. ‘There are also 
examples of Ceratoisis, Stachyodes, and EKunephthya, genera 
of the Alcyonaria which Prof. Hickson believes to be new to 
the Britannic fauna. 

Some ‘‘ Miscellaneous Notes”? of the Fisheries Branch! 
contains three short papers each, by Mr. G. P. Farran and Mr. 
W. M. Tattersall. In a supplement to his list of Nudibranchs 
from Ballynakill Harbour, Mr. Farran adds Stauvodoris 
verrucosa (Cuv.) to the Britannic, and Styliger bellula (d’ Orb.) 
to the Irish marine fauna. He further records the rediscovery 
in numbers, at the oyster ponds, Ardfry, Co. Galway, of 
Alderia modesta (oven), a nudibranch found in 1846 by 
Allman near Skibbereen, and the occurrence off our west 
coast of large colonies of the floating barnacle, Leas 
Jascicularis (Ellis and Sol.). 

Two of Mr. Tattersall’s notes refer to Crustacea. Of these 
one is on Stomatopod Larvee, which occur in numbers from 
the middle of August until the end of October in the pelagic 
fauna of our western coasts, while no adult member of the 
‘order has yet been found in the Irish area. The second note 
is on the occurrence of an interesting Leptostracan—Vebalia 
typhlops, G. O. Sars—in deep water (120-200 fms.) west of 
Counties Mayo and Galway. ‘This is an addition to the 
Britannic fauna, as the species had hitherto been known only 
from the Norwegian and Mediterranean regions. 

Mr. Tattersall’s third note is on the adult Enteropneust, 
which was obtained by digging in sand, at low-water, off 
Coastguard Point, Ballynakill Harbour. Hitherto no adult 


1 Ann. Rep. Fish., Ireland, 1992-03, pt. ii. App. vii. [190 .] 


1906, CARPENTER.—/rish Marine Zoology. 265 


member of this interesting class of the “non-vertebrate 
Vertebrata” had been found in the Britannic area, though the 
tornaria larva has been met with not infrequently. The 
species is a new one—Dolichoglossus ruber—and a full account 
of it, with figures, will be published shortly. 

Some very important discoveries among the Fishes are re- 
corded by Messrs. E. W. L. Holt and L. W. Byrne.! ‘To their 
previous article on the British and Irish Gobies? they now add 
description and figures of the Giant Goby (Godzus capito, 
C. and V.) which occurs in the western English Channel, but 
has not yet been found in Irish waters. A short note, with 
figures, deals with the discovery of Dentex vulgaris, Cuv. in 
Dingle Bay, a widespread species thus added to the Irish 
marine fauna. The descriptions, with beautiful drawings by 
Miss Woodward, of the British and Irish species of Solea, will 
be of value to the gereral marine zoologist. Of the six species 
dealt with in this paper, four occur in Irish waters, and one 
—S. profundicola, Vaillant—should be of especial interest to 
Irish naturalists, since “‘of twenty-one specimens known to 
science all but five have been taken off the south-west of 
Ireland.” 

In the “First Report on the Fishes of the Irish Atlantic 
slope,” issued during the present year, no fewer than twenty- 
seven species new to the British and Irish area are recorded. 
These are Centrophorus ringens (Boc. and Cap.), Spznax niger, 
Bon., Chimaera mirabilis, Collett, A lepocephalus rostratus, Risso, 
A. Giardi, Koehler, Conocara macroptera (Vaillant), Bathylagus 
atlanticus, Gunther, (hitherto known only from the South 
Atlantic), Bathytroctes rostratus, Gunther, Xenodermichthys 
socialis, Vaillant, Gonostoma microdon, Gunther, G. bathy- 
philum, Gunther, Synaphobranchus pinnatus (Gronow) (= LVet- 
tophichthys retropinnatus, Holt, 1891), Scopelus punctatus (Rafin.), 
S. crocodilus (Risso), S. elongatus, Costa, S. Rafinesgut, Cocco, 
Notacanthus Bonaparti, Risso, Bathypterots dubius, Vaillant, 


+E. W. Ll. Holt and L. W. Byrne. i—Note on a specimen of 
Dentex vulgaris from Dingle Bay. ii—The British and Irish Gobies: 
Supplement. iii--Figures and Descriptions of the British and Irish 
species of Solea, Ann. Rep. Lish., Ireland, 1902-03, pt. ii., app. v. [1905]. 

—— First Report on the Fishes of the Irish Atlantic Slope. Fisheries, 
Lreland, Sct. Lnvest., 1905, ii., [1906]. 

* Ann. Kep, Fish, Lreland, 1901. See frist Nat., vol. xii., 1903, p. 319. 


A 3 


206 The Irish Naturalist. September, 


Macrurus mediterraneus (Giglioli), JZ labiatus, Koehler, J7. 
Guenthert, Vaillant, Zvachyrhynchus trachyrhynchus, Risso, 
Molva elongata, Risso, Antimora viola (Goode and Bean), 
Melanphaes eurylepis (a new species from the deep water off 
the Mayo coast), Scorpena echinata, Koehler, and Divetmus 
argenteus, Johnson. Five species—Avgentina silus, Ascan., 
Maurolicus borealis, Nilss., Stomzas boa, Risso, and Scopelus 
glacialis, Reinh.-—are additions to the Irish marine fauna. 
And a deep-sea variety, evz/zs, of the common shore pipe-fish, 
Nerophis equoreus (Linn.), is described. 

In conclusion, there are a few general remarks that it seems 
advisable to make on these most valuable publications. They 
are worthy of far better paper and printing than has been 
bestowed upon them, and their appearance might be taken as 
an example of the light esteem in which science is held in 
certain official quarters. The titles of the publications— 
especially the nominal and actual dates, sometimes two or 
three years apart—will, it is to be feared, cause much incon- 
venience to bibliographers. We notice that in the case of 
only one group is it stated that the specimens have been 
deposited in the Dublin Museum, while in another the type 
collection has been presented to the British Museum. And 
when we find that two of the recent reports of the Royal 
Irish Academy’s Flora and Fauna Committee—that by Mr. A. 
R. Nichols on the Echinodermatat, and that by Miss J. 
Stephens on the Coelenterata2—were drawn up in apparent 
ignorance by their authors of the rich collections in these 
groups which the Fisheries officers were accumulating, we 
cannot help regretting the seeming lack of co-operation 
between two bodies of earnest and enthusiastic naturalists. 
The recent advance in our knowledge of marine zoology has 
been gratifying. Still more gratifying might it be if our 
workers could advance together. 


1 Proty Rid RANG, Bi, F903) 2. 1b. ZKV., B., 1905: 


1906, 207 


ON THE BOTANY OF LOUGH CARRA, 


BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


LouGH CARRA is one of the chain of lakes which runs from 
Galway Bay to Killala Bay, intervening between the great 
limestone plain, which stretches away to the eastward, and 
the Connaught highlands, formed largely of metamorphic and 
igneous rocks, which rise, often abruptly, on the western side 
of the lake-basins. While not attaining anything like the 
size of Corrib, Mask, or Conn, Lough Carra is nevertheless a 
good-sized sheet of water. It has a length of six miles anda 
breadth of two, but is much broken up by promontories and 
islands. One large land projection almost cuts the lake in 
two, and as there are certain differences of character between 
the two portions, I shall distinguish them as the upper (ze, 
northern) lakeand lower (z.¢.,southern)lakerespectively. Lough 
Carra lies just inside the western boundary of the limestone 
area, which runs north and south within a mile of the lake- 
shore. The strip of Carboniferous Sandstone, a couple of 
miles wide, which then intervenes between the limestone of 
the plain and the slates, gneisses, and porphyries of the 
mountains, supports the ful! calcifuge flora which charac- 
terises the latter. Around the lake the limestone dips east 
and south-east at very low angles—generally about 3°—which 
tends to produce shallow water on the eastern side of the 
islands and points, while the western side often descends 
steeply into deeper water. The lower lake is mostly very 
shallow, the upper lake deeper, and with higher shores. 
Lough Carra has long been famous for the wonderful colour 
of its water, which is a pale pellucid green. This results 
partly from the purity of the water itself, but mainly from the 
extraordinary limy incrustation which covers the whole 
bottom. Even on the boulders just below water-level this is 
an inch or two in thickness—a soft crust, with pinkish and 
greyish blotches caused by algal growth. Deeper down the 
deposit is softer and more soapy in feel, and white or cream 
in colour. The incrustation is most dense in the lower lake, 
and has there a very deleterious effect on aquatic plant-life. 
Hydrophytes are nearly absent, and a few starved beds of 


208 The Trish Naturalist. September, 


Chara, desperately incrusted, and some spindly stems of Pofa- 
mogeton perfoliatus rising from deep water, represent the 
aquatic vegetation. Even the reed vegetation is affected, and 
the groves of Phragmites and Scirpus are thin and rather 
stunted. Inthe upper lake the incrustation, though every- 
where present, is not nearly so dense, and hydrophytes have 
a better chance. The lake is here seen to be divided into 
areas of pale green and areas of dark green. ‘Ihe former 
indicate the white limy bottom; the latter were found by 
dredging to represent great beds of Chara hispida, growing 
in 10-20 feet of water, mixed with Potamogeton perfoliatus 
and C. polyacantha. Along the margin of the upper lake, too, 
Littorella and littoral Pondweeds may be gathered. It may 
be noted that both in the streams which enter the lake, and 
in the stream which drains it, the hydrophytes are quite un- 
incrusted, and excellent specimens of Pondweeds and Charas 
may be gathered. 

Lough Carra lies 69 feet above Ordnance datum. The sur- 
rounding country is low. Around the lake in some places 
drift is absent, and limestone pavements are developed, 
though to no great extent. The shores are wooded in many 
places, sometimes with pines and other exotic trees, some- 
times with a native vegetation. Peat bogs are rare in the 
vicinity of the lake, and cultivated land and woods pre- 
dominate. 

The flora of Lough Carra is by no means unexplored. 
John Ball, F.R.S., visited the lake in 1837, and notes! the 
occurrence of TZhalictrum minus, Rhamnus catharticus, R. 
Frangula, Euonymus curopeus, Rubia peregrina, Galium 
boreale, Antennaria dioica, Gentiana verna, G. Amarella, 
Spiranthes autumnalis, Lastrea Thelypteris, and Lgutsetum 
variegatum 

A. G. More visited Lough Carra in 1854, but notes? only 
eight plants—namely, Viola canina, Rhamnus catharticus, 
Myriophyllum verticillatum, Antennaria dioica, Gentiana verna, 


1 Botanical Notes of a Tour in Ireland, with Notices of some new 
British Plants. Azz. of Nat. Hist., i1., 35. 1839. 

2 Localities for some plants observed in Ireland, with remarks on the 
geographical distribution of others. Proc. Dublin Univ. Zool. and Bot. 
Assoc., 11 , 54-65, 1860, and Wat. Hist. Review, vil. (Proc.), 434-443. 1860, 


1906. PRAEGER.— On the Botany of Lough Carra. 209 


Plantago maritima, Sesleria cerulea, Selaginella selaginoides, 
To these he added, in the first edition of “ Cybele,” Rubus 
saxatilis, Rosa Sabint, and FEpipactis palustris; and in the 
same work Ophrys apifera is recorded, on the authority of 
Miss Lindsay. Lastly, Mrs. D. D. Persse collected a good 
deal in the Ballinrobe district in 1892-4, and kindly allowed 
me to take notes from her herbarium when I was gathering 
material for “ Irish Topographical Botany.” The rarer Lough 
Carra plants included in her collection were Thalictrum 
collinum, Gentiana verna, Salix pentandra, Juniperus communis, 
Spiranthes autumnalis, Ophrys apifera. This appears to 
exhaust our previous knowledge of Lough Carra botany, save 
for Rubus cesius, published by Focke,! as collected there by John 
Bail in 1837, and Ophrys muscifera and Lastrea Thelypteris, 
given in “ Cybele Hibernica” (ed. II.), as found at Lake View 
by Miss Jackson in 1894-6. 

Towaras the end of last July my wife and I spent four days 
at Lough Carra. By the kindness of Mr. Stanhope Kenny, of 
Ballinrobe, we not only found comfortable quarters close to 
the lake in the house of Mr. P. J. Loughlin, but had a boat at 
our disposal, which was an invaluable aid to botanical work. 
Three days were spent on the water, visiting the islands, 
points, and bays, while on the fourth we cycled round the lake, 
to gain some idea of the flora of the adjoining country. The 
following notes convey our impressions of the vegetation, and 
give particulars concerning the rarer plants observed. 

ZONES OF VEGETATION.—On the shores of the lake, and 
particularly upon the islands, the zoning of the vegetation is 
very marked. Four zones are present, each with a charac- 
teristic flora. They may be distinguished as follows :— 

1. Woodland zone. 
2. Sesleria zone. 
3- Schzenus zone. 
4. Scirpus zone. 

Scirpus zone.—To take the lowest first. “This extends from 
water-level to some feet below it, and is characterized by 
patches of Scirpus lacustris and Phragmites communis. As al- 
ready mentioned, water-plants are quite rare, especially in the 


1 Tist of the British and Irish Rudz in the herbarium of the late Mr. 
John Ball, F.R.S. Journ. Bot., xxix., 162-163. 1891. 


210 2. The trish Naturalist. September, 


lower lake (which is the more characteristic as well as the 
larger portion), and some stunted Chara is usually the only 
other inhabitant of this zone. 

Schenus zone—-This extends from summer water-level to 
about two feet above it. Ground wet and marly. Schenus 
nigricans is absolutely dominant, and very abundant. Here 
also “Lpipactis palustris has its headquarters. This lovely 
Orchid is remarkably common around Lough Carra, and 
hardly a yard of shore, on island or mainland, is without it ; I 
never saw it in such profusion before. Other abundant and 
characteristic plants of the Scheenus zone are Galium boreale, 
Cnicus pratensis, Parnassia palustyis, Pinguicula vulgaris, 


Habenaria conopsea, Selaginella selaginoides. ‘Two interesting 


Orchids, Ophrys apifera and O. muscifera, seen at Derrinrush 
and below Moore Hall, grew in this zone, as also Aguitsetum 
variegatum (var. majus, Syme), found on Bush Island. 

Sesleria zone—When the ground reaches about two. feet 
above sumimer water-level (the lake does not appear to be sub- 
ject to much winter flooding), Sesleria cerulea becomes 


abundant, and as one ascends, quite replaces Schenus, grow-. 


ing luxuriant and tall (up to 24 feet), and easily dominant, 


save on one or two islauds, where the zone is controlled by a 


tall growth of Festuca elatior. ‘The ground here is dry, and 
masses of disintegrating shells thrown or blown up by storms 
help to make a light limy soil. Abundant and characteristic 
concomitants of the Sesleria are 7halictrum collinum, Viola 
canina, Rhamnus frangula (growing almost prostrate), Rubus 
saxatilis, Galium verum, Antennaria dioica, Carlina vulgarts, 
Leontodon hispidus, Campanula rotundifolia, Chlora perfoliata, 
Plantago maritima, Orchts pyramidalis, Agrostis nigra—a very 
calcicole group, it will be noticed. Odd young trees from the 
next zone—mostly Birches—are sometimes present. 

Woodland zone—At about four feet above summer water- 
level the grass formation gives way abruptly to arboreal vege- 
tation. On shores facing-west this presents a very dense 
thicket, sloping upwards from the ground; on the other side 


the bushes are larger, and their front not sodense. Thé leading. 
species are Betula pubescens, Rhamnus catharticus, Fraxinus: 


excelsior, Salix aurita, S. cinerea, Juniperus communis. ‘There 


are also present Cvategus. Oxyacantha, Llex Aquifolium, . 


. 


Se 


1906. PRAEGER.—On the Botany of Lough Carra. 211 


Euonymus europeus, Rubi, Rosa canina, R. tomentosa, Pyrus 
Aucuparia, P. Aria, Viburnum Opulus, Ulmus montana, 
Corylus Avellana, Populus tremula, and more rarely Prunus 
Avium, Sambucus nigra, Alnus glutinosa, Salix caprea, Quercus 
Robur. Allthese are, I believe, native. Onsome of the islands 
conifers and other trees have been planted, and on others, 
which are close to mainland plantations, seedling Pines and 
Sycamores may be seen; but the flora of most of the outlying 
islands appears to be quite undisturbed, and I have no doubt 
that Ulmus, Populus, and Prunus Avium, which are sometimes 
questionable natives, are indigenous here. Of the trees and 
bushes mentioned, Juniperus communis and Rhannus catharticus 
especially haunt the woodland edge, along with tall herbaceous 
plants, such as Sfivea Ulmaria and Eupatorium cannabinum. 
The largest trees are Fraxinus and Ulmus, attaining a height 
of about 20 feet. Below the trees, the ground is carpeted with 
Ivy, often infested with Ovobanche Hedere, and Primula vul- 
garts is abundant. 


So much for the zones of vegetation of the lake-shore. It re- 
mains to refer further to the flora of different types of habitat 
which occur about the lake. 

Lake Plants.—The great poverty of the aquatic flora has 
been already mentioned, but, as stated, in the upper lake, and 
especially at its northern end, hydrophytes flourish. The most 
interesting of these is Potamogeton filiformis, found in no less 
than four stations, all of them being shallow sheltered sandy 
bays. Itis accompanied by Hanunculus trichophyllus, Myrio- 
phyllum spicatum, and MM. alterniflorum. 

Streams, Marshes, and Bogs.—Iu the stream which enters the 
lake south-east of Moore Hall, Ranunculus Lingua aud Myrio- 
phyllum verticillatum are abundant, also a Pondweed of 
puzzling appearance, on which Mr. Arthur Bennett makes 
the following report :— 

“Interesting specimens. I have the counterpart of your sheet in my 
herbarium from the canal between Woking and Frimley in Surrey, and 
Ihave not put a name toit, though I have it in the heterophyl/us cover. 
I have nothing exactly like it from Asia, America, or Europe, among 
some hundreds of specimens. In Europe the nearest is Irish, ze., from 
* Lough Derg, 28/7/1882, B. King’; but itis a poor specimen. The for- 
mation of fruit is against its being a hybrid, thongh at one time I thought 


212 The Irish Naturalist. September, 


it might be heterophyllus x nitens, though xzfens has rarely (if ever?) been 
found with fruit. The lower parts are very like specimens named 
P. intermedius Tiselius, from Sweden, but the upper part is not! There 
is a plant that is somewhat like yours, oniy on a very small scale, from 
Canada, lat. 56°, gathered by Prof. Macoun. You will say—well, what is 
it? My answer will be P. heterophyllus, Schreb. f. confertus.” 


In the stream which drains the lake P. /ucens and P. nitens 
grow, and the latter was also seen ina starved condition in 
the lake. In marshy ground and shallow bays, especially on 
the upper lake, Cladium Mariscus and Juncus obtusiflorus are 
abundant, with some Cavex Hudsonii, and C. /filiformts. 
Cladium also climbs out of the water, and colonizes the chinks 
of limestone pavements, up to six feet above lake-level. The 
few wet peaty places yield Drosera anglica, D. intermedia, and 
Scirpus pauciflorus, and peaty pools are full of Potamogeton 
plantagineus, Myriophyllum verticillatum, and Lemna trisulca. 

Woods.—The shade or dependent flora of the dense thickets 
on the islands is limited, and has been referred to already. 
At Derrinrush an extensive natural wood occurs. In addition 
to the trees mentioned above, Prunus Padus grows here. The 
shade plants which carpet the ground include Viola Reichen- 
bachiana, Geum rivale, Crepis paludosa, Veronica montana, 
Neottia Nidus-avis, and Lptpactis latifolia. 

Limestone pavements.—Along the western side of the lake 
there are several areas of bare limestone, forming irregular 
pavements and terraces. These were examined with some 
care, to see what members of the Burren flora extend to this, 
the extreme northern limit of the Galway-Clare area of lime- 
stone pavements. The best find was Veotznea intacta, of which 
two stations were discovered by my wife and one by myself, 
namely, half mile south of Deradda, half mile west of 
Bonniamillish Island, and half mile north-west of Church 
Island. As these stations range from the south to the north 
end of the lake, and as the plant was of course in fruit, and 
therefore difficult to find, there can be little doubt but that it 
is fairly abundaut in this district. Its previous most northern 
station in Ireland was by Lough Corrib, near Cong’(D. Moore, 
1872). On these limestones Audbia peregrina and Aqutlegia 
vulgaris are abundant, as well as all the plants mentioned as 
characterizing the Sesleria zone around the lake. TZaxus 


1906. PRAEGER.—On the Botany of Lough Carra. 213 


baccata occurs occasionally, and AWreracium tricum had at least 
one station. Another Hawkweed, now out of flower, I brought 
home to grow. Avica cinerea grew and flourished on the bare 
limestones. The absence of Luphrasia Salishburgensis was 
noticeable. On our journey to Lough Carra we had found it 
abundant near Clonbur, and traced it northward nearly to 
Ballinrobe ; but about Lough Carra we did not meet with it. 

The Calcifuge Flora.—Though not actually touching the 
lake shore, we turned westward for half a mile out of Partry 
to note the change of flora caused by the substitution for 
limestone of Carboniferous Sandstone. This is very marked. 
On one side of a narrow shallow valley rise green limestone 
bluffs, clothed with Sesleria, Chlora, and Carlina. On the 
other are dark-brown heathy knolis, covered with Erica, 
Calluna, and Dabeocia in profusion. The river which divides 
East from West Mayo is here still half a mile distant, so this 
furnishes a very satisfactory third East Mayo station for the 
last-named. With it, among the heather, grew Listera cordata 
at an unusually low elevation—about 100 feet above Ordnance 
datum. 

Cultivated Avea.—At Ballintober Lychnis Githago grew 
among crops, and TZanacetum vulgare in a rough field. 
Anthemis Cotula and Euphorbia exigua occupied roadsides 
near Partry, where also Lolium temulentum was gathered, and 
Inula Flelentum in a rough field at Carrownacon. Matricaria, 
discotdea lines every road and lane right round the lake. 

Influence of Birds.—On several islands, such as Bush Island 
and Illanatran, Black-headed Gulls and Terns breed, but 
without effect on the flora. On a small rocky wooded islet 
south-east of Castle Carra, however, there is a large colony 
of Black-headed Gulls, which largely control the flora there. 
The birds breed not only on open rocks, but on flat rocks 
among dense bushes. The trees and certain other plants, 
such as Phragmites, seem benefited by the guano, and flourish 
exceedingly. Other usual plants of the islands are missing, 
and have presumably been exterminated. A third set of 
plants have been introduced by the gulls. These include 
Stellaria media, Sonchus asper, Polygonums and Atriplices, 
Urtica dioica, the cultivated Oat, Matricaria inodora, and even 
M. discoidea. 


214 The lrish Naturalist. September, 


Additions to FE. Mayo flora.—-The following plants, which 
have been referred to above, are additions to the flora of 
Division 26, Hast Mayo :— 


Viola Reichenbachiana, Kuphorbia exigua, 
Prunus Avium, Ulmus montana, 
P. Padus, Juniperus nana, 
Myriophyllum spicatum, Taxus baccata, 
tAnthemis Cotula, Listera cordata, 
- Hieracium iricum, Neottia Nidus-avis, 


tLolium temulentum. 

Taxus baccata has, in fact, been previously found in East 
Mayo (see “Irish Top. Bot.”) but only in a ‘“ probably intro- 
duced” station. 

Of the plants previously recorded from Lough Carra, those 
which we did not meet with were Rosa Sabini, Gentiana 
verna, and Lastrea Thelypteris. ‘These were found about 
Moore Hall or Lake View, places to which we devoted only a 
few minutes. 

One of the most interesting features of the Lough Carra 
flora is its richness in Orchids. . Out of the Irish lishing, 
species, 19 were found around the lake—namely, eottia 
Nidus-avis, Listera cordata ana ovata, Spiranthes autumnalis, 
Epipactis latifolia and palustris, Orchis pyramidalis, Morio, 
mascula, tncarnata, latifolia, and maculata, Ophrys apifera and 
muscifera, Flabenaria conopsea, intacta, viridis, bifolia, and 
chloroleuca. 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a short-eared Owl from Mrs. J. E. Ellis, a Sulphur- 
crested Cockatoo and a Mealy Amazon from Mrs. St. George, a Kingfisher 
from Mr. H. G. Cooke, a Herring Gull from Dr. J. Wentaigné, an Amazon 
from Capt. J. R. Simpson, four Black-headed Gulls, two Call-dueks, four 
Redpolls, and a Bullfinch from Mr. W. W. Despard, a Ring-snake from 
Mr. J. Marshall, and Badgers from Mr. J. C. Carter. 


1906, Proceedings of L[rish Societies. 215 
DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JuLY 5-7—EXCURSION TO ROSSLARE AND Districrt.—Members and 
visitors travelled from Harcourt Street terminus by the I0.10 a.m. train 
on Thursday morning. On arrival at Wexford the party was met by J. J. 
Perceval, who (with the Hon. Sec.) acted as conductor during the excur- 
sion. At Rosslare the whole party, which numbered 17, was well 
accommodated at Kelly’s Hotel. After lunch the members drove to 
Ballytrent, and (after a visit to the very fine rath) proceeded to walk 
northwards along the seashore towards Ballyhire. The sand-loving plants 
of the neighbourhood presented great attractions, and members made a 
large number of finds. A very fine specimen of Ofhrys apifera was secured 
near Ballytrent. From Ballyhire the excursion returned to Rosslare, va 
Tagoat, at 7.30. On Friday a start was made in brakes at 9 o’clock for 
Carnsore, the most south-easterly point of Ireland. At about half amile 
from Carnsore the members left the brakes and proceeded on foot to the 
seashore. Here the geologists had an opportunity of studying the oc- 
currence of the Carnsore granite in the field and collecting specimens. 
The botanists collected here the rare Salvia Verbenaca and Atriplex laciniata. 
From Carnsore the party drove to the northern end of Lady’s Island 
Lake for lunch. Here the botanists obtained 77i/olium filiforme. At two 
o'clock a start was made on the most important work of the excursion, 
which was to see D¢otis maritima in, perhaps, its only remaining station 
in the British Isles. It was found by Mr. N. Colgan growing in great 
abundance on the shingle barrier between Lady’s Island Lake and the 
sea. A few specimens of this very rare plant were obtained in flower. 
Its present range on the shingle bank, according to Mr. Colgan, is about 
400 paces, and every care was taken to prevent needlessinjury. T?zfolium 
striatum was also obtained here. At 3.30 the party drove to “Lake” 
Tacumshin, where the fauna and flora of this brackish lagoon was studied 
This lake, which was open to the sea in 1683, has become enclosed since 
by the formation of sand and shingle banks across its inlet,and a severely 
dwarfed fauna and flora has resulted. Rosslare was reached at 8.30. 

On Saturday, July 7th, an early start was made from Rosslare for 
Wexford, and at 10.30 the party left Wexford in steam and motor 
launches (kindly lent by Mrs. Deane-Morgan, of Ardcandrisk, and Mr. 
Pearse, of Wexford) for a botanical trip up the Slaney. At various points 
on this beautiful river the party landed and studied the local flora. These 
halts included Ferrycarrig, Carrigmannon, where the party lunched, 
and Bellevue, where a section of the party left the launches and botanized 
along the railway line to Macmine Junction. At Macmine the members 
were very hospitably entertained by Capt. A. G. Richards, of Macmine 
Castle. The excursion finally came to an end by the departure of the 
members from Macmine Junction by the 6.10 train for Dublin, after one 
of the most successful excursions of the D.N.F.C. Among further inter- 
esting plants collected were—7Z7rifolium glomeratum, Brassica nigra, and 
Sisyrynchium californicum, the last being obtained by W. F. Gunn north of 
Rosslare Station, 


216 The Irish Naturalist. September, 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JULY 12-14.—EXCURSION TO SOUTH-WEST DoNEGAL.—Forty-eight 
members joined in this excursion. Leaving Belfast by the 7.30a.m. train 
on the morning of July 12, Donegal was reached shortly after mid-day. 
The first afternoon was devoted to driving round Lough Eske, with visits 
to Ashdoon Waterfall and Ardnamona demesne, at which latter place 
the members were received by Sir Arthur R. Wallace, C.B., D.L., and 
entertained to tea by Lady Wallace. The combination of wood and 
water at this place, situated as it ison the edge of the Carboniferous 
limestone area, and lying between the Barnesmore and Blue Stack groups 
of mountains, was much admired, and the geological and botanical 
features noted. The ferns and orchids for which the district is noted were 
mostly all seen, including Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, H. undlaterale, Cystop- 
teris fragilis, Lastrea spinulosa, L. emula, L. Oreopteris, Polypodium Phegopteris, 
and Osmunda regalis. Lobelia Dortmanna grew abundantly inthe lake. In 
the evening a visit was paid to Donegal Abbey. Friday was devoted to 
a drive to Brownhall, where, under the guidance of Major Hamilton and 
his son, the members explored the wonderful ravines, caves, &c., made 
by the Ballintra river as it works its way alternately above and below 
ground through the limestone strata of Brownhall Demesne. ‘The drive 
was continued to Coolmore Strand, on the shores of Donegal Bay. Anti- 
quarian members busied themselves in the sand-hills between Coolmore 
and Rossnowlagh, where neolithic remains and shell-mounds occur fre- 
quently. Others made their way along the cliffs as far as Kilbarron 
Castle. On the return journey to Donegal Ceterach officinarum and 
Cystopterts fragilis were noted on walls between Coxtown and Laghy. 
The most noteworthy botanical feature of the district was the frequent 
abundance of Carduus pratensis and Habenaria conofsea, just as the pre- 
valence of AZelampyrum pratense was a feature in the woods at Ardnamona. 
The geologists obtained a numberof Carboniferous Limestone fossils from 
rocks south of Coolmore Strand. Here also were noted Zvochus lineatus 
and the Purple Sea Urchin, Stromeylocentrotus hvidus. A short business 
meeting of the Club was held after dinner, the Vice-President, 
N. H. Foster, M.B.O.U., in the chair. Three new members were elected, 
and avote of thanks accorded to the secretaries. The forenoon of 
Saturday was devoted to a drive to Mountcharles, where the sandstone 
quarries and works were inspected. Afterwards the drive was continued 
to The Hall, where the party were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. J. A. 
Hanna.- Two members reported collecting, during the excursion, 43 
species of land and fresh water Mollusca. Very few beetles were ob- 
served. Four species of butterflies and nine of moths were obtained. 
Five species of Hymenoptera were collected, including the Giant Sawfly, 
Sirex gigas. ‘The bird-men noted a total of 64 species. They were in- 
formed that Black-headed Gulls, Terns, Red-breasted Mergansers, and 
Herons, breed regularly on Lough Eske. The most remarkable fact 
learnt, however, was that the common House Sparrow is unknown at 
Ardnamona and Brownhall. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 217 


JuLy 28.--EXCURSION TO KILLOUGH AND ST. JOHN’S PoINv.--The 
morning was so excessively wet that not a few were deterred froin joining 
in the excursion to St. John’s Point. A party of nineteen travelled to 
Killough station. Before reaching Killough the rain which had pre- 
vailed during the morning had cleared away, and the afternoon was very 
fine. The excursion was mainly a botanical one. In the progranimea 
list of fifty species was given of the rarest plants recorded from the area 
around Killough, and fully three-fifths of these were obtained in addition 
to other rare species which had not been solisted The area examined lay 
between Rossglass, round the shore by St. John’s Point to the railway 
station at Killough. Among the rarer plants noted were :—/apaver 
Rheas, Glauctum flavum, Raphanus maritimus, Trifolium striatum, T. filiforme, 
Crithmum maritimum, Artemisia maritima, Mertensia maritima, Atriplex 
portulacorides, A. farinosa, Ononis repens, Beta maritima, Juncus obtustflorus, 
Cochlearia danica, Senebiera didyma, Torilis nodosa, and Polygonum Ratt, At 
Rossglass Euphorbia Paralias occurred sparingly, a small extension of 
range. The white flcwered variety of Zrythrea Centaurium grew profusely 
between St. John’s Point and Killough. On waste ground near the light- 
house Sorago officinalis and Saponaria officinalis grew. Crithmum maritimum 
and Artemista maritima seem to be increasing at their old stations. Thirty- 
five species of birds were noted by the ornithologists of the party. The 
geological members studied the igneous dykes, glaciated slates, old sea 
cliffs, raised beach, and consolidated sands and gravels that stretch round 
the coast here. The party met in the Castle Hotel, Ardglass, for tea, after 
which a business meeting was held. 


REVIEW. 
NATURE STUDY FOR SCHOOLS. 


Our School out of Doors.—A Nature-book for young people. By 
the Hon. M. CoRDELIA LEIGH. 2nd edition. London: T. Fisher 
Unwin, 1906. Pp. xii.+142. Price, 2s. 


This is a handy little book intended for the use of teachers to guide 
them to appropriate natural objects when taking their classes for country 
rambles. There are twenty-four lessons, two for each month, and the 
calendar-arrangement leads naturally to a miscellaneous grouping of 
subjects. In spite of a few unhappy expressions, such as ‘ barnacle- 
mussels,” the “tongues” of butterflies, and the “pupa” of dragon- 
flies, the zoological and botanical facts are trustworthy, and there is a 
genuine out-of-door air about the lessons that must appeal to the field 
naturalist. There are numerous illustrations, many of which are good 
but some of the half-tone blocks have been badly spoilt in the printing. 


218 The Irish Naturalist. September, 


NOTES. 


BOTANY. 


Orchis pyramidalis and Ophrys apifera in Co. Fermanagh. 


In the middle of last July, when spending a few days in the vicinity of 
Enniskillen, I had the pleasure of finding the above two Orchids on the 
south side of Lower Lough Erne, between the entrance to Ely Lodge and 
Blaney Post Office. Ophrys apifera was very sparingly distributed, single 
plants being only found at long distances apart, except in one spot 
where a small colony of about six were found growing close together. 
Orchis pyramidalis was even more limited in quantity, only a few single 
plants growing at long intervals apart. 

N. CARROTHERS. 

Belfast. 


Orchis pyramidalis in Down and Antrim. 


The occurrence of Ovchis pyramidalis as a native in Co. Down was ad- 
mitted by Mr. R. Ll. Praeger, in /rish Topographical Botany, when he 
inserted it on the strength of Mr. S. A. Stewart's finding of two speci- 
mens at Ballyholme, in 1873. Mr. Praeger himself, in I902, found it in 
fair abundance at Killard Point, and one plant on a slope by the road- 
side east of Murphystown. On Saturday, July 21, I got a solitary plant 
on the sand-hills, a short distance west of Rathmullan Point. In the 
iminediate vicinity no more plants could be seen, but no special search 
over the district was made. I did not see it at Murphystown, nor could 
I turn it up at Killard Point, on the occasion of a visit a fortnight earlier, 
although at the latter station Habenaria viridis grew plentifully. Ovchés 
pyramidalzs Y again turned up on the evening of July 23, this time on the 
old chalk quarry spoil-bank at Cave Hill, overlooking the city of Belfast. 
As before, I only met with one plant, and stumbled acrossit when search- 
ing for Ovobanche rubra, which I found in fair abundance at the same place. 
This appears to be the second record of the Pyramidal Orchis from County 
Antrim: the first being that of Mr. Praeger, in 1888, his locality being 
also a quarry spoil-bank, at Magheragall, near Lisburn. It may be in- 
cidentally remarked that Geranzum pratense occurs by the margins of the 
disused tramway leading from the Cave Hill quarries, and even over the 
old spoil-heaps, where it seems to be firmly established. This year many 
of the plants have flowered; and it is an interesting question how it 
obtained its foothold at this station, as it does not exist in any of the 
gardens in the neighbourhood. Its discovery at Cave Hill quarries was 
made last year by Mr. H. L. Orr. 

W. J. C. TOMLINSON. 

Belfast. 


1906. ; Notes. 219 


Names and Uses of Molinia ccrulea. 


When at Sneem, Co. Kerry, I was struck by the frequent reference of 
the tenants on the Warden Estate to ‘‘ Finnaun,’ and on Friday, July 
20th, I found some of them engaged drying ‘“‘ Finnaun” to make ropes 
for thatch. 

The plant is Molinia caerulea. They told us no other grass would 
make as strong and as lasting ropes for binding down the newly 
thatched roof. I also found that Zuphorbéa hiberna is used as a black dye 
for wool, in addition to its well-known use as a poison for fish when 
pounded up and placed in a salmon pool by poachers. 

My friend, Mr. N. Colgan, writes :—-‘‘I find the name ‘ Finnawn’ entered 
in my notes for Sneem, in 190%. For Southern Mayo (in 1899) I have 
entered the name ‘ Finntonac’ for the dried Jo/inza, gathered in autumn, 
and I believe the grass is there used for thatching. The name in Mayo 
for the younger growing stage of the grass is ‘Fay-ur Shliev’ (phoneti- 
cally rendered), which means the Mountain Moorgrass. 

‘*T am inclined to believe that ‘Finnawn,’ as well as ‘ Finntonac,’ may 
both be names for the dried grass, the hay, in fact, of Molinza carulea, 
rather than for the growing green state.” 

It is, however, applied to both states of the grass in Sneem. 


RIcHD. M. BARRINGTON. 
Fassaroe, Bray. 


[Mr. Barrington kindly sends us with this note a specimen of the 
grass.—EDS, | 


Orobanche minor in Co. Dublin. 


This parasite of clover fields, first detected in Co. Dublin in 1893, is 
spreading rapidly. In July last I had an opportunity of studying its 
present distribution in the north-eastern part of the county, District 2 
of the Flora of Co. Dublin, where I found it growing in no less than 14 
stations additional to those already recorded for that district. It 
appeared in 7 distinct stations near Skerries, in 1 between Skerries and 
Balbriggan, in 2 near Lough Shinny, and in 4 near Rush, while in its 
original station of Shennick’s Island, off Skerries, it remained as 
abundant as it had been thirteen years earlier, when discovered there in 
its first Dublin station. In almost all cases the plant was found where 
mixed clover and Italian Rye-grass had been sown, the parasite 
shooting up with the clover after the cutting of the grass. In one of 
the Rush stations it appeared in a sandy fallow. Whether this species 
is spread by repeated fresh sowings of alien clover-seed, or is naturally 
disseminated by its light and minute seeds which may be so easily 
carried by the wind, it is hardly possible to decide. Further observation 
in other parts of Ireland will, no doubt, show that the species is 
becoming quite common. 


N. COLGAN. 
Sandycove. 


220 The Irish Naturalists September, 1906. 
| ZOOLOGY. 


Pugnacity of the Common Tern. 


While shore-collecting on rocks to the north of Balbriggan, Co. 
Dublin, on the 20th July last, I was annoyed by the clamour of a pair of 
Common Terns (Sterna fluviatilis), which kept circling in the air a few 
feet above me. Their behaviour suggested the neighbourhood of a nest, 
and five minutes careful search was rewarded by the discovery of a 
young bird sitting motionless, yet keenly observant, at the upper angle 
of a large rock pool, near high-water mark. The still callow nestling 
sat partly in the water, and its coat of whitish, tawny down, mottled 
with gray, was extremely hard to separate from the surrounding lichen- 
clad rocks. The position of this nest, if nest it was, was peculiar, yet 
the bird was apparently too helpless to have scaled the deeply jagged 
and splintered rocks which hemmed in the pool, so that it was not im- 
probably hatched in the terraqueous cradle where I found it. While I 
stood inspecting the nestling at a distance of a couple of yards, from the 
opposite side of the pool, the conduct of the parent birds became most 
aggressive. They swooped down again and again to within a few inches 
of my head, and to save my eyes from the threatened attack I was 
obliged to clear a circle round me with a stick. After a short time I 
withdrew from the rocks, escorted, or rather chased, by the old birds, 
and sat down on the shore to watch their further movements. 

The rocks lay in the path of a procession of sea birds—Black-headed 
Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls—which kept 
passing northward in straggling lines to feeding grounds near the 
mouth of the Delvin river. Some ofthese gulls took a high-level route, 
thirty or forty feet above the rocks, others skimmed close over their 
jagged crests, but none of them appeared to pay the least attention to 
the rocks as they flew steadily northward. Nevertheless, the parent 
terns, who now kept hawking above the pool where their nestling lay, 
were full of distrust. They chased every gull that crossed the rocks by 
the low-level route, forcing the large birds to mend their pace, and, in 
some instances, striking the tail feathers of a laggard. The most 
amusing part of the performance was the perfect docility of the gulls. 
Not one of them made the least resistance to the apparently un- 
provoked attacks of the terns, who, no doubt, were secure in their 
superior agility against any onslaught of the more powerful birds. The 
gulls who took the high-level route were allowed to pass unmolested. 

N. COLGAN. 

Sandycove. 


Blackbird laying twice in same nest, 


In the Zoo/og7st for June, Mr. W. H. Workman records an instance of a 
Blackbird rearing a brood of young, and then laying a second clutch of 
eggs in the same nest, near Belfast. 


oS WILLIAMS & SON, 
Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 


2 DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, 


Designers of the Life Groups in the National Museum, Kildare-street. 


HEAD AND ANTLERS OF THE GREAT EXTINCT IRISH DEER, CERVUS 
GIGANTEUS, GENERALLY IN STOCK 


TO SUBSCRIBERS, 7s. 6d. PER ANNUM, POST FREE. 


nes ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY. 


A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, 
EDITED BY 

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Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union ; 
JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. 

Professor of Botany in the University of A berdeen 3 

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Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. 


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Edinburgh : DAVID DOUGLAS, 10, CASTLE-STREET. 


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Vol. XV., No. 9. 


CONTENTS. 


Advances in Irish Marine Zoology.—PRoF. Gro. H. CARPENTER, “i 


On the Botany of Lough Carra.—R. LLloyp PRAEGER, 


IRISH SOCIETIES :—~ 


Royal Zoological Society, ax ‘E Eines Pees 

Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, “a ae ne 

Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, nig oe ce 
REVIEW :— 


Leigh’s ‘‘ Our School out of Doors,” % 


NOTES :— 


a “September 1 


ee 


217 


Orchis pyramidalis and Ophrys apifera in Co. baee to —N. CarR- 


ROTHERS, ee © se 


Orchis pyramidalis in Down ae atlases —wW. J. C, TOMLINSON, 


Names and uses of Molinia ccerulea.—R. M. BARRINGTON, F.L.S., 


Orobanche minor in Co. Dublin.—N. ConGANn, M.R.I.A, 
Pugnacity of the Common Tern.—N. CoLGANn, M.R.LA., 
Blackbird laying twice in same nest, .. ee s: 


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TOBER, 1906. 


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ORGAN OF THE F 
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October, 1906, The lish Naturalist. 221 


ON THE NESTING OF THE TREE-SPARROW IN 
CO. DERRY. 


BY NEVIN H. FOSTER, M.B.O.U. 
PLATE 4. 


On 16th August last I was sitting on the cliffs of the coast of 
Co. Derry, when a bird alighted on the rock a short distance 
off. Ata first glance I considered it to be a House-Sparrow, 
but noting the peculiarly light colour of its plumage and the 
generally slimmer appearance of the bird, I examined it with 
my binoculars and was surprised and pleased to find that it 
exhibited all the characteristic markings of the Tree-Sparrow, 
Passer montanus (1,.) The bird carried in its beak a moth, but 
in a short time flew out of sight round a projection of the rock, 
so I altered my position in order to command a view of the 
part of the cliff towards which it had gone, and soon saw it 
emerge from a Sand-Martin’s nesting hole. Shortly afterwards 
its mate appeared, and for some time I watched the pair as 
they went and returned, each time conveying a supply of in- 
sect food with which they entered the hole. As this was the 
first observation recorded of this species actually breeding in 
Ireland outside Co. Dublin, I wired to Mr. Robert Patterson, 
who came, and accompanied me to the place, where we sat for 
two hours watching these birds, and he confirms the discovery. 
At this time the young were fully fledged, and we saw them 
come out to the entrance of the hole to receive a supply of 
food each time one of the parent birds approached. 

Whilst watching we were amused to observe a Rock-Pipit 
pursuing one of the Tree-Sparrows from point to point on the 
rocks, with the evident intention of depriving it of the food 
supply which it carried, but in the end the Sparrow managed 
to elude its pursuer and convey to its brood the prey it had 
secured. 

By the 20th, the young had left the nest, and though I 
searched the vicinity I failed to see the birds afterwards. 

Mr. R. Welch kindly came and photographed the place, thus 
enabling the production of a plate showing the position of the 
nest (see Plate 4). The nesting hole (marked by an arrow) 

A 


222 The Irish Naturalist. October, 


was situated near the top of an almost perpendicular cliff com- 
posed for about 60to 70 feet from sea-level of rudely columnar 
basalt ; overlying this a band of about 5 feet of clay iron-ore, 
on which rested about 4 feet of the upper series of the basaltic 
lava flow, and above this a sand-bank averaging about 3 feet 
thick at the face of the cliff, the nesting hole being about 2 
feet below the summit. Alongside were about a dozen nests 
of Sand-Martins which must, at the time of our visit, have con- 
tained young, as the Martins were continually flying back- 
wards and forwards and conveying food to the nests. 

The Tree-Sparrow is fairly common in many districts of 
England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, but so rare in Ireland 
that it may be well to summarise what has been recorded as to 
its distribution in this island. Thompson (Wa/ural History of 
Ireland, 1849)says—“ The Tree-Sparrow appearsin Templeton’s 
Catalogue of Irish Vertebrate Animals ‘as a doubtful native,’ 
but to my ornithological friends and myself it is quite un- 
known.” Watters (Birds of Jreland, 1853) does not mention 
the species at all. The British Association Guzde to Co. 
Dublin (1878) says of this species-—“‘ Very rare Winter visitor. 
One shot near Sandymount in March, 1865, is in Museum of 
Science and Art.” A. G. More’s List of Irish Birds (1st Edition, 
1885) says—‘ Very rare, and hitherto found chiefly near 
Dublin, but apparently increasing of late years. Has occurred 
about Baldoyle, Sandymount, and Dalkey. Some nestlings, 
obtained by Mr. E. Williams from near Howth, are in the 
Museum [June, 1882]. The first Irish specimen was exhibited 
in May, 1852, to the Dublin Nat. Hist. Society by Mr. R. J, 
Montgomery.” 

The above contains the first recorded notice of the Tree- 
Sparrow breeding in Ireland. In the 2nd Edition of More’s 
List (1889) the following is added—‘ A pair were found, as it 
breeding, on Aranmore Island, Co. Donegal, by Mr. H. M. 
Wallis, in May, 1886 (Zoologist, 1886).” Ussher (Birds of 
Ireland, 1900) states that since 1852 “ the species has evidently 
increased and spread over that part of the county between Dublin 
Bay and the Malahide Estuary. . . . In December, 1900, 
a specimen was obtained near Bray, on the borders of Dublin 
and Wicklow. On the 22nd October, 1896, a Tree-Sparrow, 
now in Mr, Barrington’s collection, was caught exhausted on 


196.  Foster.—Vesting of Tree-Sparrow in Co, Derry. 223 


the Tuskar rock, off Wexford, in the route of migrating birds, 
I have notices of this bird from the Counties of Wexford and 
Fermanagh, which I have no wish to discredit, but the corrobo- 
ration of specimens is wanting, and until such are obtained 
those localities cannot be admitted.” Referring to Mr. H. M, 
Wallis’ note in the Zoologist for 1886, he adds—“ The species 
cannot have established itself there, for in 1896, when I 
visited Aranmore with Rev. A. Ellison, we passed an hour in- 
specting the Sparrows about the cabins on the island, without 
meeting with a Tree-Sparrow.” Inthe /rish Naturalist (1905) 
Mr. Robert Warren records the finding of a colony of Tree- 
Sparrows at Belmullet, Co. Mayo ; and Mr. Ussher writes me 
that it has been reported from another coast village in the 
same county. 

It is probable that the Tree-Sparrow has established itself 
in many other localities, but owing to its resemblance to the 
male House-Sparrow, has not been recognised. Doubtless a 
careful scrutiny, more particularly around our coast, would 
reveal the existence of the species in many other localities, 


Hillsborough, Co. Down. 


WHY USE NUMBERS FOR THE NAMES OF 
COUNTIES ? 


BY CANON H. W. LETT, M.A., M.R.I.A. 


AN article in the May number of the /rish Naturalist (supra, 
p. 118) on “Some Irish Brambles” has induced me to give my 
views on the use of numbers in the place ofthe names of the 
counties in Topographical Botany. In the paper referred to, 
the writer gives the localities under the double designation of 
the county name and a number according to the plan used by 
Mr. R. Ll. Praeger in his Jrish Topographical Botany and 
other more recent writings, while some authors go the whole 
length of giving the number only. The system of recording 
the localities by this double method was first used by Mr. 
H. C. Watson in his Cyéele Britannica published in 1847-1852, 
and was subsequently fully developed as it now stands for 112 
‘“‘vice-counties” in his Zopographical Botany published in 
1873-74: 
A 2 


224 ; The Irish Naturalist. October, 


. Whenever I turn over any of the 584 pages of this last work, 
I am fairly astounded at the marvellous waste of printing. 
There is on every page column after column ofthe numbers 
assigned to the counties, and alongside each number the full 
name of the county. for which it stands—as an explanation of 
what the figures are meant to point out. Andin Mr. R. LL 
Praeger’s /rish Topographical Botany there are 400 pages 
printed after precisely the same method. Kach _ plant 
has its column of the names of the counties in which it has 
been found, and to each county-name is prefixed the number 
by which Mr. Praeger would have botanists designate the 
county. Ifthe columns of numbers were absent there would 
be less printing on each page, and surely the county names 
would at once locate the parts of Ireland and of Great 
Britain which the respective plants inhabit. I do not think 
the numbering of the counties affords any assistance to re- 
calling to one’s mind their respective positions on the map. 

In the instance, for example, of, say, Primula elatior, the 
numbers are ‘19, 26, 29, 30,” which convey no idea of locality 
to my mind, while at once I grasp the meaning of ‘“‘ Essex N., 
Suffolk W., Cambridge, Bedford,” which are the localities for 
this plant. 

In Watson’s Zopographical Botany there are 1,428 of these 
columns of explanation, be they shorter or longer, according 
to the circumstances of the distribution of each plant. And 
in Mr. Praeger’s lrish Topographical Botany there are 400 
pages of similar columns of explanation of what the numbers 
stand for as concerns Ireland! } 

Every time I open Watson I am more impressed with the 
difficulty created by his numbers. I can never forget the 
impression made on me the first time I opened his book, by 
his numbersforwhat hecalls his ‘‘ provinces,” “‘ sub-provinces ” 
and “vice-counties.” The county name without the prefixed 
number answers every purpose that a botanist can need. But 
Mr. Watson was not satisfied with his revolution of the 
appellations by which the counties are known, and he actually 
abolished the use of the word “ county,” for which he substituted 
*‘vice-county,” having much the same meaning as the older 
word “viscounty”; and Mr. Praeger in his work abolishes 
“county” for the slightly longer word “division.” And al] 


1906. Lert.—Numbers for Names of Counties. 225 


the while in both Topographical Botanies, the county 
boundaries, as the public know them, are strictly adhered to. 
Nothing has been gained by this substitution of numbers for 
the names of counties. The authors of the plans could not do 
without giving each county’s name after the number, each 
time they used one of the numbers. And we must always bear 
in mind that the assignation of the numbers is a _ purely 
arbitrary experiment. And if the numbers are so all-important 
and necessary, and so free from any chance of confusion or 
mistake arising, there would be no occasion to repeat on every 
page, again and again, the names of the counties signified by 
the numbers. 

In the communications on the Irish portion of this subject 
that have appeared in the Journ. of Botany and Lrish Naturalist, 
the only reason given for the use of the numbers resolves 
itself into this—‘‘ H. C. Watson did it for Great Britain and I 
have done it for Ireland,’ But the proceeding islike many 
another experiment that has been tried on ireland. Now, if 
somebody had the courage to put his pen through every one 
of those iterated columns of numbers in Watson, he would be 
a benefactor to every student who is interested in the botany 
of these islands. I might suggest that the presence of such 
an overwhelming array of numbers should be recognised in 
the titles of the works, and that they should be called 
“ Numerical Botany.” 

It is more than a pity to risk the grand old names of Shi 
counties around which are clustered so many-histories and 
memories, and to label them off with numbers as if-they were 
porters, or policemen, or convicts who are knows only by a 
number. 

It takes 2way the interest that is more or less attached to all 
and each of the county names, and the next step in this drying- 
up system may very well be the substitution of the numbers 
set down to the plant names as found in the London Catalogue 
of plants, in place of the Latin names of genera and species— 
such might be the perfection of mathematical or arithmetical 
exactness in botany. But would it assist students, or attract 
recruits to any department of botany? 

I have been told that “a great practical difficulty ” exists in 
botanical works for want of these numbers instead of the 


226 The lrish Naturalist. October, 


familiar names of the localities, but ifso, it is a ‘ difficulty” 
known only in the British Islands, for in no other country has 
such a plan been adopted. 

Somebody, who is an advocate for the numbers, refers me to 
the numbering of the avenues and streets in New York and 
other great cities of the United States of America; but thatis 
quite different, and is moreover carried out after a system 
which is impossible with the wildly irregular contours of Great 
Britain and Ireland. I grant that in an enormous and re- 
gularly built city, the numbering instead of naming the streets 
and cross-avenues is an aid for quickly finding the spot one 
desires to arrive at, but in that case the numbers are not arbi- 
trarily assigned, they follow in regular succession. ‘The dis- 
mal prospect of the complete disuse of the names of counties 
reminds me of the mathematical master of a pack of hounds 
of whom I have heard, who would have none of your ‘‘Jowlers,” 
or “ Keepers,” or “ Fireflies,” or “ Dairymaids,” but severely 
with scientific accuracy called to his poor dogs instead as 
és ” 6c af” 66 ai" ae &e. 

I do not enter a plea for the retention of the county names 
instead of the numbers without having had a practical trial of 
Watson’s numbers. In a little handbook of the British 
Hepatics that I printed a few years ago, I took the distribution 
of the Hepatics in Great Britain from Mr. W. H. Pearson’s 
magnificent work, and inserted the numbers without the 
county-names as he had done. And I regret having done so. 
I constantly use my own book, and I have always to turn up 
the explanation of the numbers when I want to see in what 
county a certain plant has been found. 

The sample of beautiful and ingenious maps recently pub- 
lished by Mr. Praeger convinces me that it is well it is too 
late to map out all the British Islands into rectangles, each 
designated by a number. The mere idea of trying to study 
the botany of our own country with such guides fairly takes 
one’s breath away. Would it not be better worth while to 
work out something more attractive and less costly. One 
cannot be too thankful for the names of the county-divisions, 
they are quite sufficient, and whether poetical or historical, 
there is no danger of their being lost sight of, at least, so long 
as Messrs. Watson’s and Praeger’s Topographical Botanies 
exist in their present forms. 


matin 


nian eek a 


ee ea 


‘ae 


1906. Lerr.—Numbers for Names of Counties. 227 


In a certain way the counties and their names have a 
necessary connection—namely, through long usage or custom, 
and our familiarity with them acquired by the use of maps in 
our school-days. I might even say we inherit a certain part 
of this association from our forefathers, and it does not need 
a prophet to predict that there will be many generations passed 
away before our descendants find the numbers as convenient 
as the names—if they ever do so. 

Not one reason has been brought forward against the use of 
the existing county names: one writer did allude to the con- 
tractions of tne names of the Irish counties that have been al- 
ready used by the Rev. W. Moyle Rogers in his handbook of 
British Rubi, and in my Hepatics, as if it was an invention on 
our parts. But there was nothing new or original in these 
contractions, no more than in the use of ‘‘ Jan., Feb., Mar.,’ 
&c., and ‘‘Mon., Tues., Wed.”, &c., which I am aware some 
persons prefer to speak of as the ist, 2nd, and 3rd months and 
days. 

If the contractions of the Irish county names just referred 
to are too short for perfect distinctness, it is easy for writers 
to lengthen them according to their fancy by adding a few 
letters to each. Thus—Ant., Arm., Carl., Cvn., Clare, Cork, 
Down, Dngl., Dub., Ferm., Gal., Kery., Kngs., Kldr., Kiky., 
L.dry., Leit., Lgfd., Lim., Lou., Mayo, Meth., Mon., Qns., Rosc., 
Slg., Tyrn., Tip., Wick., Wat., Wex., W.meth.—none of 
these are likely to be confounded one with another. And if 
at any time it might be considered advisable to split a county, 
nothing is easier than adding as a suffix a letter from the 
compass, such as “N.” for ‘ North,” and so on, which would 
not dislocate the existing designations. The same could be 
effected for all the ‘‘vice-counties” of Watson.: I have made 
the experiment for my own amusement, but it would take up 
too much space to give them in the present article. 


Loughbrickland, Co. Down. 


228 The Trish Naturalist. October, 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include two ‘Talpacoti Doves, two Californian Quails, and 
a Weka Rail from Mr. W. Cross, a Roseate Cockatoo from Mr. A. Coe» 
twelve Green Lizards from Mrs. Blacker, a Squirrel from Mr. W. S. Tighe, 
a Crossbill from Dr. J. Trumbull, three Snow-geese from Lord Lilford, a 
Wolf from Mrs. Cockburn, Sparrowhawks from Mr. J. C. Carter and Mrs. 
Gumbleton, Hedgehogs from Mr. M‘Grogan and Mr. H. C. Poulter, 
a Seal from Mr. J. H. Kincaid, nine Guinea-pigs from Mr. T. Beatty, a 
pair of European Storks from the Royal Gardens, Kew, a Song Thrush 
from Dr. Tweedy, a Fox from Mr. J. C. W. M‘Clintock, a Cuckoo from 
Mr. W. W. Despard, and a Mongoose from the Countess of Kilmorey. 

Two Lion cubs, a Pigmy Calf, and a Golden Agouti have been born in 
the Gardens. Among recent acquisitions by purchase are a Chimpanzee, 
a White-nosed Monkey, twelve Rhesus Monkeys, a Capuchin Monkey, 
three Marmosets, a Brown Lemur, four Hedgehogs, four Canadian Tree- 
porcupines, three Hamsters. two Pumas, a Red Kangaroo, two Tasmanian 
Devils, a pair of Red-throated Francolins, two Black. Tanagers, a South 
Amnerican Starling, three Indian Starlings, two Pileated Jays, an Amster 
Pigeon, four Talpacoti Doves, two Greek Partridges, two Grant Quails, 
two Pelicans, five Storks, two Ibis, a Curassow, and six Egrets. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


AUGUST [I1.—EXCURSION TO GREENCASTLE AND CRANFIELD POINT.— 
Fifty-three members attended this excursion. The main body travelled 
by the 9.20 a.m. train from Belfast to Warrenpoint, where several other 
members joined. At noon a steamer took the party down Carlingford 
Lough to Greencastle, where the tumulus, old church, and old castle 
were exatnined. The party then walked round the sandy shore from 
Greencastle Point to Cranfield Point. This district is rich in maritime 
and sand-loving plants, and the trip afforded many members an oppor- 
tunity of seeing in their native habitats Glaucium flavum, Cakile maritima, 
Raphanus maritimus, Eryngium maritimum (this in immense quantities), 
Lavatera arborea, Salsola Kali, Beta maritima, Polygonum Rait, Euphorbia Para- 
lias, and £. portlandica, The Wild Teasel, Dipsacus sylvestris, was observed 
at its old station at Cranfield Point. The small outcrop of Carboniferous 
Limestone on the shore was examined, and in the vicinity of Soldier’s 
Point a few fossils were collected. The raised beach at this place is very 
conspicuous, and near Cranfield it affords clear evidence of the existence 
of early manin the district. The party returned to Warrenpoint from 
Cranfield by coach. A halt was made at Rostrevor for tea, after which a 
business meeting was held. Afterwards a visit was. paid to the quarry 


1906. Proceedings of Lrish Societies. 229 


adjacent to the hotel. The party returned to Belfast by the 7.10 p.m. 
train from Warrenpoint. 

AUGUST 25.—HALF-DAY EXCURSION ‘TO BALLYCARRY.— Fifty-two 
members and friends attended, took the 2.15 p.m. to Ballycarry, and 
walked to the village. After visiting the early seventeenth century 
church, the party walked to Redhall demesne, permission to visit which 
had been granted by W. J. Porritt, Esq. As Redhall has for many years 
been strictly private, it has been saved from the vandalism of excur- 
sionists. Among other plants noted were crested forms of Scolopendrium 
vulgare, Polypodium vulgare, var. semilaccrum, Circea alpina, and Epipactis 
latifolia ; also Epzpactis media, whose only Ulster station hitherto was 
Glenarm Park, where it was noted long ago by S. A. Stewart. After tea 
at the Gobbins Hotel a business meeting was held, the President, W. H: 
Phillips, in the chair. One new member was elected, after which the 
members returned to town by the 7.30 train. 


We have received the Annual Report and Proceedings of the Belfast 
Naturalists’ Field Club for the year 1905-6, which furnishes, as usual, 
good evidence of the activity of this Society. In addition to the usual 
record of summer excursions and abstracts of papers read at winter 
meetings, the series of ‘‘ Appendices” is revived (after an interval of 
ten years) in two useful papers—one by Madame Christen, giving a 
summary, with tables and a map, of the work on glacial erratics carried 
out by the Club, and the other by Mr. James Strachan, discussing the 
origin of the chalcedony of Carnmoney. The only change in the usual 
get-up of the publication is one we cannot commend—namely, the 
printing of scientific names of species in roman type, instead of italic as 
heretofore. This makes it very difficult to pick out zoological or 
botanical records from the discursive—sometimes more than discursive 
—iiatter in which it is embedded. 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


JuLy 28.—ExcuRSION To ,LOUGH BRAY AND KIPppURE.—Meuwibers to 
the number of twelve took part in this excursion. The party met at 
Terenure at 9.15 a.m., and started on cars and bicycles for Lough 
Bray, via Rockbrook and Killakee. At Glassamucky Dr. G. H. 
Pethybridge, who acted as conductor, explained the methods of plant 
surveying, and pointed out the different associations in view. After 
lunch at Lough Bray the party ascended Kippure mountain, From the 
top of the slope overlooking the loughs a very fine view of the glacial 
moraines of the upper and lower loughs was obtained. After tea at 
Lough Bray cottage the members returned to Dublin by Enniskerry and 
the Scalp. 


230 _ The trish Naturalist. October, 


REVIEWS. 


THE NEW “THOMSON.” 


Outlines of Zoology. By J. ARTHUR THOMSON, M.A. 4th edition, 
revised and enlarged. Pp. xx.+856. Edinburgh and London: 
Young J. Pentland, 1906. Price, 15s. 


The issue of another edition of Prof. Thomson’s well-known text-book 
is sufficient evidence of its continuous popularity, and showsat the same 
time that the author will spare no pains to make his work merit the warm 
approval of students and teachers of zoology. In this edition 36 pages of 
letterpress and 55 new illustrations have been added. The accounts of 
the Tunicates and of Balanoglossus and other worm-like animals, now 
regarded as low type vertebrata, are fuller than in previous editions. In 
the chapter on the Protozoa there is now a summary of Schaudinn’s re- 
searches into the life-history of coccidian parasites, but fuller references 
to the Hzemosporidia that cause blood-diseases in man and domestic 
animals would have been welcome. The Fishes are classified according 
to the views of most recent authorities on the class, but the chapter on 
Mammalia—excellent and full of information as it is—needs further re- 
vision. For the Okapi, and the recently discovered fossil Hyracoidea 
and ancestral Proboscidea are all treated as non-existent. We notice, 
too, that Prof. Thomson retains the old division of the Streptoneurous 
Gastropoda into Zygobranchs and Azygobranchs, which has been 
abandoned by modern malacologists. The section on the Arthropoda 
is exceptionally good. In the next edition we hope that the author will 
see his way to abolish the class ‘‘ myriapoda,” and treat centipedes and 
millipedes as separate classes. The figures of these these two types, by 
the way, are among the few bad things in the book; another figure that 
we hope may soon be replaced is that of the arterial system of the pigeon 
on p. 644. 

In the domain of biological theory there are not a few improvements. 
A short summary of Mendel's observations has been added, but the 
deductions drawn thence as to the nature of the germ-cells is curiously 
omitted. We wonder what the Mendelians will think of the “ Diagram 
showing hypothetically the action of natural selection in the evolution 
ot a white race of mice from a dark-coloured stock” on p. 811! But 
whatever our opinion on matters of detail, the book as a whole is one to 
be confidently recommended to students. For the subject is made so 
“living,” the facts mentioned are so used to point out problems that 
remain for solution, the need for fresh observation and experiment is so 
constantly urged, that no student who uses the book intelligently can 
fall into that most dangerous mistake of believing in the infallibility of 
any printed page! 

G. H. C. 


1906. Reviews. 231 
ANOTHER BIRD BOQK. 


Pocket-Book of British Birds. By E. F. M. Eyms. London: 
West, Newman & Company. 1906. Price 25. 6d. 


The idea and plan of this little book of 150 pages is excellent, and if 
well carried out, it would be most useful to the naturalist in the field. 
But much as we should like to recommiendit, there are several blemishes 
which impair its usefulness. The price is too high; it should have been 
sold at Is., so as to make it uniform with Miller Christy’s ‘“‘ Bird Nesting 
and Bird Skinning.” Then, again, the Irish information is not at all 
satisfactory. For instance, the Redstart is given as ‘‘rather rare,” the 
Chiffchaff as “rare,” the Willow Wren “rarer,” aud the Wood Wren 
“rare.” Those who know of the status of these four birds in Ireland 
will at once see hcw misleading these definitions are; they are practically 
put on the same basis, which, as we all know, is absurd. Again the 
Marsh Tit is noted as “ rarer in Scotland and Ireland”! We could pick out 
numerous instances of similarly misleading information regarding birds 
in Ireland, but the above will be enough to indicate that reference to Mr. 
Ussher’s well-known book may be recomimended to the author if a second 
edition should be called for. Some of the remarks about common birds 
are not very happy. For instance, the song of the Thrush can hardly be 
described as ‘‘monotonous.” We were under the impression that its 
variety was one of its chief charms. It would have been a great im- 
provement if Mr. Elms had given the average sizes of the eggs. We 
consider this a great want, that much detracts from the value of the 
book. As we said before, the idea is an excellent one, and it is a pity it 
had not been more carefully carried out. The book is well printed on 
thin paper, takes up very little room in the pocket, and there are blank 
pages for notes at the end. If the letterpress were revised, and the price 
reduced, there should be a large sale for this little book. 


R. P. 


NEWS GLEANINGS. 


English Naturalists in Ireland. 


During September Mr. G. C. Druce, of Oxford, visited Kerry, Galway, 
and Wexford, and carried out some botanical field-work. ‘The results of 
his tour will appear in our pages before long. During the same month a 
party of well-known English zoologists—Dr. G, W. Chaster, Edward 
Collier, R. Standen, and C. E. Wright—spent ten days in conchological 
work in the Galway district ; their observations will be recorded in due 
course in the /yish Naturalist. Mr. F. J. Hanbury spent the month 
near Lough Caragh in Kerry. 


232 The Lrish Naturalist. October, 


NOTES. 


BOTANY. 


Truffies in Co. Limerick. 


I send a specimen of Truffle (I believe 7Ziber aestivum), of which I 
found a considerable quantity a few days ago ina grove in this place 
(Newborough, Patrickswell). They were in groups, and of various sizes, 
slightly protruding over the earth, chiefly under beech trees. One or 
two were found some years ago in the same grove, but never in such 
numbers as at this time. I should much like to know whether they 
are uncommon in this country, and if they can be cultivated ? 
The “find” might perhaps be of interest to the readers of the Jrish 
Naturalist. 


E. Ll. MAUNSELL,. 
Patrickswell, Limerick. 


The Truffle is 7uder estivum, Vitt.; itis edible, but is much inferior 
in flavour and aroma to some other species, as Zuber melanosporum, 
Vitt., etc. A French book, entitled ‘‘La Truffe,” by A. Chatin, Paris, 
1892, deals with the cultivation of the various species of edible truffles. 
Numerous attempts have been made to cultivate truffles in this country, 
but the result has never proved satisfactory. 


GEORGE MASSEE. 
Kew. 


The Calcareous Deposit in Lough Carra. 


With reference to the calcareous incrustation that covers the bottom 
of Lough Carra, to which I drew attention on a previous page (p. 207 
supra), I sent several specimens of the crust to Mr. William West, F.L.S., 
asking him how far alge could be held accountable for its formation, 
and pointing out the curious fact that while deposition of lime was 
going on in L. Carra, the limestone was being dissolved, apparently 
with some rapidity, in the adjoining and, on the whole, similarly 
situated loughs of Corrib, Mask, and Conn, as is witnessed by the 
curious and well-known perforations and pock-markings so charac- 
teristic of the shores of these lakes. In the course of an interesting 
reply, Mr. West writes :— 

“JT should say that the peculiar conditions in 1. Carra are due pro- 
bably to the much smaller supply of water to it, and from /ow ground. 
The water will probably be stiller, and may get warmer than the other 
three loughs you mention (dissolved CO, will then be more readily 
given off). The three other loughs have high hills west of them, from 
which much water will flow into them not saturated with Ca CO; in 


1906. Notes. 233 


solution, and if this water contains much CO, in solution it will neces- 
sarily act asa solvent. I find alge similar to those contained in your 
specimens on shady limestone rocks in Yorkshire in the ghylls 
(ravines) with precipitous banks, where there is a constant but small 
trickle of water, which is so highly charged with lime that a tufaceous 
deposit gradually results. The alga which forms much of the matrix 
of your specimens is Dasyglwa amorpha, Berk., a blue-green alga; this 
occurs in all the patches. The pulvinate patch has also radiating and 
branched filaments of Stigonema mamillosum, Agh. The soft specimen 
from the bottom appears to be mostly Dasyg/wa amorpha. There is also 
present, scattered among the other algz, a very slender Phormidium, 
probably P. fenue. The above are all (blue-green [cyanophyceous)] 
Myxophycee. As mixtures among (or resting on) the above were 
Gleothece linearis, another blue-green alga; also Cosmarium granatum var. 
subgranatum, Euastrum pectinatum, Epithemta Argus, Cocconema lanceolatum, 
and other diatoms. I have not had time to make a list of all the 
species ; the diatoms would require some days’ preparation.” 


R. Ly. PRAEGER, 
Dublin. 


Parsley Fern in Co. Wicklow. 


In the JZr7sh Naturalist for October, 1905, the occurrence of the 
Parsley Fern (A//osorus crispus) near Lough Nahanagan, in Co. Wicklow, 
is recorded. Up till that date it was not known south ofa line drawn 
from Dundalk to Sligo. On one of the excursions in connection with 
the Summer Course in Botany for Teachers, held last July at the College 
of Science, I obtained several fronds of the Parsley Fern growing in 
crevices between stones at Ballyknockan, near the granite quarries. 
Several tufts were observed, and they were bearing sporangia at the time. 
Probably other stations will be found for it in Co. Wicklow, where it 
seems to be undoubtedly native. 


J. ADAMS. 
Royal College of Science, Dublin. 


Glyceria aquatica in Co. Donegal. 


Travelling on August 7th on the recently opened branch line between 
Donegal and Ballyshannon, at a place where the line runs on the level 
through old marshy meadow land, I noticed an unfamiliar grass growing 
in drains near the railway. On August 9th we went and gathered a 
quantity. I diagnosed it to be C. aguatica, and sent a specimen to Mr. S. 
A. Stewart, who confirmed my identification. The grass was growing 
most luxuriantly, and extended into the meadows for some distance. It 
has all the appearance of having been there for generations. I may say 
that the railway was only completed a few months ago, so there could 
be no possibility of introduction in that way. 


M, tc LEEBRODY. 
Londonderry. 


234 The lrish Naturalist. October, 


ZOOLOGY. 


Entomological Notes from S.W. Ireland. 


I spent a pleasant month’s holiday in the vicinity of Killarney from 
the middle of July to the middle of August. Short visits were made 
early in August to Kenmare and Glengariff. Most of my time was spent 
in ‘doing the sights’ and making sketches of the lovely scenery which 
surrounded me on all sides, but much of my leisure also was devoted to 
collecting the various insects—chiefly butterflies, moths, and beetles— 
which I met with on my rambles. The weather unfortunately was very 
unsettled during the greater part of my stay in this enchanting country 
and many a carefully planned excursion was spoilt by the rain. Never- 
theless I took close on a hundred species of coleoptera and about sixty 
of lepidoptera. Many of these were, of course, common species, but the 
following are perhaps worthy of mention. The species marked with an 
asterisk have not, I believe, been recorded previously from Co. Kerry— 
they were all taken in the Killarney district unless otherwise stated. 

COLEOPTERA.— Cicindela campestris ; Carabus glabratus,a crushed speci- 
men near Upper Lake on the Kenmare Road; C. granulatus, a jet-black 
variety in the same locality as the last; Lezstus riufescens* ; Bembidium 
monticola*, quite common under stones near the Colleen Bawn Rock, 
Middle Lake; B. pallidipenne; Amara spinipes (aulica); Taphria nivalis ; 
Aleochara bipunctata* ; Philonthus splendens, one specimen at Glengariff; P. 
puella* ; PB. intermedius; P. fumarius* ; Xantholinus tricolor; Stilicus 
similis* ; Hister carbonarius ; Adalia obliterata* ; Geotrupes spiniger* ; Melolontha 
hippocastant—1 took a single specimen on the road near the entrance to 
Tore Waterfall on August 5th. Avomza moschata—I was very pleased to 
meet with the beautiful Musk- Beetle which is, I believe, of rare occur- 
rence in Ireland. I took six specimens: four at Muckross on umbelli- 
ferous flowers growing by the side of a stream, and two at Kenmare on 
Sallows.  Strangalia armata occurred rather commonly on bramble 
blossom near the Upper Lake in the Derrycunnihy district. 

LEPIDOPTERA.—Pyrameis cardui; Vanessa to—the larvee of these two 
beautiful butterflies were very abundaut in the Killarney district. Thecla 
guercus—I took a very fresh example of the Purple Hairstreak on the 
wall adjacent to the entrance to Tore Waterfall on August 2nd. Saturnia 
pavonia (carpint)—I found a full-fed larva of this handsome moth crawl- 
ing on the Kenmare Road near the Upper ake on August 5th. Zhya- 
tira derasa, T. batis—both these moths occurred at dusk in July. Uvapteryx 
sambucata, not uncommon. Selenia bilunaria var. juliaria—one specimen in 
Torc demesne. Soarmia gemmarza, not uncommon at dusk, one specimen 
at Glengariff on August toth. Melanthia bicolorata; M. ocellata; M. 
albicillata, all three occurred at dusk—the last-mentioned rather com- 
monly. Hemithea strigata; Scopula lutealis*; Botys ruralis* ; Tortrix forsterana*, 

Most of the above have been examined and determined by Messrs. 
W. F. Johnson and J. N. Halbert, to whom I tender my best thanks, 


London. lL. H. BONAPARTE-WYSE, 


1906. Notes. 235 


Marine Mollusca of South-east Wexford. 


As the marine fauna of the south-eastern extremity of Ireland appears 
to have received little attention either from the dredger or the shore 
collector, the following notes on the Mollusca of the Wexford coast in 
the neighbourhood of Rosslare, Greenore Point, and Carnsore Point may 
be of interest. They were made during the visit of the Dublin Field Club 
to Rosslare on the 5th and 6th July last. A half hour on the strand 
north of Rosslare hotel yielded only thirty-seven species. Most of these 
were ubiquitous for Ireland, but the following may be mentioned as 
being apparently unrecorded for Wexford :— R2ssoa costata, Actaon tornatilis, 
Pleurotoma rufa, Montacuta bidentata, and Lacuna pallidula. In shell sand 
from this station, too, a couple of specimens of the minute sea-urchin, 
Echinocyamus pusillus were found. A small gathering of sand made at 
Ballyhire, immediately south of Greenore Point, gave better results, 
yielding twelve specimens of Caecum glabrum, five of Aclis unica, two each 
of Lamellina perspicua, Cyclostrema serpulordes, and Eulima distorta, and one 
each of Rissoa proxima and R. fuletda. A handful of Laurencta pinnatifida 
taken from the rocks at Carnsore Point on the 6th July gave numerous 
specimiens of Skenea planorbis and three of Odostomia pallida. All of the 
species mentioned in this note appear to be previously unrecorded for 
Wexford, and 2issoa fulgida is new for Marine Province II. of Mr. Nichols’ 
List of the Marine Mollusca of Treland. 

N, COLGAN. 

Sandycove, Co. Dublin. 


Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare. 


Since writing my notice of Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare, published in 
the August number of the /rish Naturalist (supra p. 189), my attention has 
been called to the fact that this shell has previously been recorded (/r7sh 
Naturalist, 1902, p. 140), by Mr. Grierson, for Loughannillon, making an 


earlier record than mine, 
HARRY FOGERTY. 
Limerick. 


Gannets on the Little Skellig. 


On June 5th this year I sailed around the Little Skellig Rock, Co. 
Kerry. The gannets werein full swing—gathering surface seaweed for 
their nests--and thousands were sitting on nests alreadymade. I am 
glad to say they have increased enormously since my last visit nearly 
twenty years ago, and the entire rock is inhabited. I estimate fifteen to 
twenty thousand gannets. If the colony continues to increase at the 
same rate for the next ten years, it will be the largest in Europe. 


RICHARD M. BARRINGTON, 
Fassaroe, Bray, 


236 The Irish Naturalist. October, 1906. 


Tree Sparrows in Co. Dublin. 


On the road from Skerries to Balbriggan on the 19th August I founda 
colony of this species feeding in the corn fields close to the sea road. In 
one flock I counted twenty birds, and there were several small parties 
feeding further in the field. I think this species is often overlooked, as, 
owing to its wildness, it is almost impossible to identify. It usually flies 
straight in the air, not allowing a nearer approach than eighty yards; but 
the note is different from the House Sparrow, and once you are familiar 
with it you can always detect the Tree Sparrow even in the company of 
his more confiding brother (Passer domesticus); it is smaller in size, but 
any person wishing to become acquainted with this species, had better 
arm themselves with a powerful field glass; in my opinion itis the 
wildest small bird in this country. 


W. J. WILLIAMS. 


2 Dame-street, Dublin. 


Glossy Ibis in Co. Down. 


On Monday, toth September, I had the pleasure of examining, in the 
flesh, a beautiful specimen of the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus, Linn.), 
which had been shot on the sloblands of the old “ People’s Park,” now 
Victoria Park, on the Co. Down side of the river, and at the extreme 
end of Belfast Lough. It was first seen on Thursday, 6th, and its large 
size and dark plumage having attracted attention, it was pursued by a 
gunner the following day—7th inst.—and shot. It was only winged, 
and came into the possession of Mr. S. M. Stears, who kept it alive 
until the Sunday evening, when it died. Mr. Stears very kindly 
brought it to me early the next morning, and it is nowin the hands of 
Messrs. Sheals, the taxidermists. Like most of the twenty-five speci- 
mens which are on record as having occurred in Ireland, this bird is a 
young one. It isa male, 24 inches long, and weighed 1 lb 20zs. Its 
stomach contained nothing but a few bits of seaweed. Mr. Stears tried 
to feed it, but he noticed the great difficulty it had in picking up any 
object from a hard, flat surface, showing that it was accustomed to delve 
for its food in soft oose. The Glossy Ibis has only occurred twice in 
Ulster previously—viz., in 1819 and 1853—Co. Antrim claiming both 
records. 


ROBERT PATTERSON. 


Holywood, Co. Down. 


WILLIAMS & SON, 


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Vol. xv., No. 10: / LSB, ae oS Da ties 1) - October; tors 


CONTENTS. 


On the Nesting of the Tree-Sparrow in Co. Derry.—N®&vIN 


H. Fostsn, M.B.O.U. 4(Plate a)-tp- 09 eae 2 

Why use Numbers for the Names of Counties!—Canon H.W. 

LETT, M.A., ee ee ee ee ee ee. 223 = <A 
TRISH SOCIETIES :— a 

Royal Zoological Society, Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, .. oe 223 4 

Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, . ee <¥ ere Naipte 229 Bi. 


REVIEWS :— 


Thomson’s “Outlines of Zoology,” 4th edition.—(G. H.CG.),.. 3 230. 
Elms’ “ Pocket-Book of British Birds.”—(R. P.), .. oo as 231 
NEws GLEANINGS, “a ay eb ie espe gear 
NOTES :— nee , 
Truffles in Co. Limerick._E. L. MAUNSELL. GEO. MASSEE,F.RS,.. 232. 
The Calcareous Deposit in Lough Carra.—R. Lr. PRAEGER, i 232 4 
Parsley Fern in Co. Wicklow.—J. ADAMS, M.A., « a “as "233° =m 
Glyceria aquatica in Co. Donegal.—Mrs. LEEBODY, cake ee | 233 
Entomological Notes from S.W. Ireland.—L. H. BoNAPARTE-WYSE, .. 234. 
Marine Mollusca of S.E. Wexford.—N. CoLGan, M.R.LA., .. ot eee 
Anodonta cygnea in Co. Clare.—H. FoGARTY, .. : Se 
Gannets on the Little Skellig.—R. M. BARRINGTON, M. < ore ae 235 
Tree-Sparrows in Co. Dublin.—W. J. WILLIAMS, Be S 236 
Glossy Ibis in Co. Down.—R. PATTERSON, M.R.1.A., = oe 236 : E 


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November, 1906. The Irish Naturalist. 237 


THE HYANA-DENS OF THE MAMMOTH CAVE 
NEAR DONERAILE, CO. CORK. 


BY R. Je USSHER, D.L,, M.R.I.A. 


IN my communication to the Royal Irish Academy (Proceedings, 
Nov., 1904), the discovery of extinct animals in this system of 
caves is described. Since then I have devoted 31 weeks to 
the excavation of the rich contents, and have altogether sent 
to the Dublin Museum 76 baskets-full of fossil bones and teeth 
from the Mammoth Cave. 

The summer and autumn of 1905 were occupied in clearing 
out the contents of the Hyzena-Hall and the cavities connected 
with it, which yielded enormous quantities of bones of Rein- 
deer, a great many of Bear and Mammoth; while Wolf and 
Hyeena were also represented, the latter by a very perfect 
ramus of the lower jaw. 

The bones and teeth of Lemming were found to occur in the 
sand of the Hyzena-Hall in the utmost profusion, and with the 
above animals a few bones of birds were associated. 

In June, 1906, we broke up the stalagmite floor of the pas- 
sage to tne Hlephant-Hall, which extended into and covered 
much of the latter, and in it found several bones of Mammoth 
completely enclosed in stalagmite, while others were deeper 
in the sand. The latter deposit was removed from a great 
part of the EHlephant-Hall to daylight, but the results were 
less satisfactory than in the Hyzna-Hall. 

At the end of July we went to work in a very remote series 
of eleven galleries, more than 100 yards from the cave’s mouth, 
and approached through the Fairy Hall and the Hall of the 
Agonies by much creeping through low passages. I know 
this remote part as ‘‘ Hyzna-land” from the abundance of 
remains of that animal which were found there, with its 
coprolites, and the bones of its prey deeply scored by its re- 
markable teeth. 


EXTRACTS FROM Dairy NOTEs. 


| JuLY 30.—There are four small, narrow galleries, which had 

the upper stalagmite floor overhead. This, as well as the 

dividing walls, are broken down in places. The gallery which 

we dug to-day had a bed of dark sand, in which were fragments 
A 


238 The Irish Naturalist. November, 


of limestone, stalagmite and brecciated sand. In it we found, 
not far below the surface, the densest assemblage of various 
bones I have met with. ‘There were many of small Mammoth, 
also bones of Bear, Reindeer, a metatarsal and back tooth of 
Wolf (?) a maxilla, an ulna and metatarsals of some small 
carnivore. 

JULY 31.—Continued to dig in the Third Gallery of the Quad- 
ruple Set, which, as we worked southward, was found to have 
a 6-inch stalagmite floor formed in the sand in the trench of 
rock, 3 feet below the shelf, partly under the portion of the 
upper stalagmite floor overhead, and partly where it was 
absent. 

We found in the sand under this lower stalagmite (as well 
as where the sand had no stalagmite cover) bones of small 
Mammoth, Bear, Reindeer, Fox, Hare, and Lemming. 

Where the lower stalagmite ceased the sand soon failed, and 
the trench had rubble in it, among which a bone of the small 
Mammoth occurred. 

AvuGust 1.—Dug deeper along thesame ‘Third Gallen and 
found an os innominatum of a little Mammoth. We then ex- 
plored the gallery further on, where the right wall had fallen 
down and leanedin. It was undermined or imperfect beneath, 
and, in the hollow among rubble, huge stones, and breccia, 
found a Mammoth’s radius Ig inches long, lying loose, which 
weighed 9 lbs. It was coated with mudon one side. Wealso 
found in the same mass of stones a segment of the head of 
humerus (?) of Mammoth, deeply scored by the teeth of car- 
nivores, and the shaft of a long bone of a small Mammoth. 
In afternoon worked in the next or Fourth Gallery, which atits 
northern end has the upper stalagmite floor zz sztu. A little 
further south this has fallen in huge masses on the sand. 
Further again is a subsequent uneven stalagmite floor on 
sand, blocks, and rubble; and further on again, opposite to 
site of the Mammoth radius of yesterday, was only rubble and 
blocks of stalagmite. In the latter we found a radius and 
calcaneum of Hyzena disengaged, but slightly coated with 
sandy mud. 

AvuGuSsT 2.—Dug and searched the sand in this Fourth 
Gallery, and found in it more bones of Hyzena, a perfect tibia 
and fibula, patella, astragalus, calcaneum, a number of meta- 
tarsal and metacarpal bones and phalanges. We also found 


. 
| 


1906. UssHER.—//ya@na Dens of Mammoth Cave. 239 


many bones of Bear, Reindeer, and Mammoth, the latter fiag- 
meutary, except two phalanges. 

Aucus?Y 3.—Continued to dig the rubbly sand where the 
Fourth Gallery widens and its course is continued on another 
parallel. Here we found pale sand uppermost, with darker 
sand beneath. Besides limestone blocks and rubble, we found 
buried in the sand several worn sandstones, the absence of 
which from the sand of the outer halls was so remarkable. 
Found in the sands here many bones of Bear, Reindeer, Mam- 
moth, a femur of Hare, and the ends of a shin of Irish Elk. 

In the afternoon I had the great pleasure of taking Dr. and 
Mrs. Scharff and their sons through the cave. Dr. Scharff 
showed me that we have got both the Norwegian and Arctic 
Lemmings, of which we have recently obtained jaws. 

AvuGust 4.—Worked beyond (west of) the Fourth Gallery, 
where the dividing walls are gone and there is a low con- 
tinuous hall over benches of rock that represent the founda- 
tions of the dividing walls. On these rock-benches sand and 
bones had accumulated, and a lower stalagmite floor had 
formed like that in the Elephant-Hall, but at a much shorter 
distance below the upper stalagmite. Besides the bones found 
in the lower stalagmite (which we had to take out with cold 
chisel and hammer) we found others of Bear, Reindeer, and 
small Mammoth either in sand below the stalagmite or in 
rubble where the sand had been drained away. A humerus 
of Hyzena was in the sand. A tibia and horns of Reindeer 
had been extensively gnawed by rodents, apparently while 
they were fresh, and the marks had been coated with sandy 
mud. 

AvucGust 6.—Continued working the low hall, and got into 
a wide gallery which flanks it on the west, called from its con- 
tents the Gallery of the Aged Carnivores. In this some of the 
upper stalagmite remains like a ceiling 2 to 4 inches from the 
rocky roof; between it and the sand below there is room to 
creep. In part of this gallery, opposite where we entered, 
were found in or near the surface many bones of Reindeer, 
Bear, and Mammoth. Of the latter we got mostof a large 
mandible, containing a fine molar tooth. 

AuGust 7.—Dug iu the deep bed of sand under the stalag- 
mite bridge and found many bones of Reindeer and Bear. 

Mn & 


240 The Irish Naturalist. November, 


Avucust 8.—Continued to dig the sand in the Gallery of the 
Aged Carnivores, working north, and found so many bones 
that we had to carry them home in a bucket twice. The sand 
was not dark, but fairly sharp and clean; besides limestone 
fragments, it contained rounded sandstones, one nearly of 5 
Ibs. There is a deep, narrow, minor gallery to the right, 
divided by a thin partition of limestone. In this we got por- 
tions of a Bear’s skull, and in the main gallery a half mandible 
and other bones of an aged Bear, also a pile of bones of Rein- 
deer, including a boss of antler, with 3 branches deeply 
gnawed. Our principal find was portions of a maxilla of a 
huge, aged Hyzena, and part of the mandible, with most of the 
teeth. The former was near the centre of the gallery, a foot 
or more beneath the surface of the sand,on which lay the 
wrecks of the upper stalagmite that had fallen here. We also 
got other bones of Hyzenas. 

Avucust 9.—Continued to dig, about 3 feet deep, the sand 
in the Gallery of the Aged Carnivores, from 10 feet to 17 feet, 
after which there is a swallow-hole, and beyond Ig feet our 
progress was stopped by the roof having partly fallen in. At 
lo feet there is a low arch communicating with the Gallery of 
the Elephants’ Teeth (the next parallel to the west); in this 
archway we got, in the sand, the jaw of a very young Bear, 
with all the teeth perfect and of an ivory colour, while the bone 
was grey-green, with buff blotches, a beautiful specimen. A 
humerus and radius of young Bear may have belonged to this. 
About the same part of the principal gallery we got an imper- 
fect humerus and radius of Hyzena, two large pieces of Mam- 
moth’s ribs, and many bones of Bear, Reindeer, and bits of 
Mammoth. John Power explored beyond the Gallery of the 
Elephants’ Teeth, and reported six new galleries that com- 
municated and were workable. 

Avucus?t 24.—After a fortnight’s absence, resumed work in 
the Gallery of the Aged Carnivores, working south, partly be- 
yond (north o1) the stalagmite bridge, and partly under it, 
digging deeper than before. : 

Along the west side, under a pale barren sand, was a darker 
sand that contained many bones, especially in a recess under 
the stalagmite bridge, and under an opening into the next 
gallery. We found several worn sandstones, some of which. 


1906, UssHER.—Hyena-Dens of Mammoth Cave. 241 


at least were in the dark or bone-bearing sand. The animals 
represented by to-day’s find were Reindeer, Bear, Mammoth, 
Hyeena, and Irish Elk, of the latter only a penultimate 
phalanx. 

Avucust 27,—Continued our deeper excavations, working 
south until we were past the stalagmite bridge ; pale, barren 
sand again on top of a darker sand, which contained many 
bones. Power worked deep under the orifice that leads west 
into the Gallery of the Elephants’ Teeth, under the stalagmite 
bridge, and found more Hyzena bones, including a jaw, with 
all the teeth much worn, corresponding with those found on 
the 8th inst. We also got several coprolites of Hyzena (?), an 
astragalus, and piece of shin-bone of Irish Elk, and three plates 
of the molar of a young Mammoth, with other bones of same. 
On the east side is a swallow-hole, near which we got, at the 
bottom of our excavation, the humerus of a young Mammoth 
and the spine of the vertebra of an old one, with other bones 
of these. 

We met with rolled or worn sandstones at all depths, also 
buried pieces of stalagmite floor nearly under the south edge 
of the bridge of this material which remains overhead. ‘These 
once doubtless formed a continuation of it; but to the west 
side of the gallery were large pieces of a floor of brecciated 
sand, buried very deep, and evidently z szt#z. Ona lower level 
was a dark moist or muddy, barren stratum. 

Avucus?t 28.—Continued to dig in the Gallery of the Aged 
Carnivores under the south edge of the stalagmite bridge, and 
found the cranium of a large Reindeer, 7 feet 6 inches below 
the limestone roof. 

We opened up the swallow-hole on the east side, and down 
in this, about 8 feet from the roof, Power found the cranium of 
a Hyzena lying loose, and the right ramus of the mandible 
perfect, except one incisor. A black wing-bone of a bird was 
also found down this swallow-hole. Slabs of limestone, the 
dividing walls of galleries that existed before the stalagmite 
bridge was formed, were found buried in the sand, and several 
worn sandstones were in and about the swallow-hole. 

AvuGustT 29.—Continued to work south. There were about 
12 to 18 inches of sand, and beneath this were buried the. 
wrecks of the upper stalagmite floor which had fallen. The 


242 The Lrish Naturalist. November, 


sand overlying these wrecks contained the bones, chiefly of 
Bear and Reindeer, so that these must have been deposited 
there after the fall of the stalagmite, and not before it, as in 
the “ Fairy-land.” 

Aucust 30.— Dug on south in the Gallery of the Aged Car- 
nivores. Palesand above, darker beneath, but very irregularly 
stratified. Found many bones of Bear and Reindeer, the latter 
of a very large individual, a slender jaw of Fox, and a portion 
of a jaw and other bones of Wolf (?). Thisjaw, which con- 
tained a fine sharp back tooth, was 2 feet down, near a humerus 
of Reindeer, by the west wall. 

AUGUST 31.—Dug on, 3 feet deep, the gallery being 8 feet 
wide. Much fallen limestone was on and in the sand, and we 
got afew worn sandstones. Stalagmite was not met until we 
dug to 3 feet, below which fragments of the fallen sheet were 
found. Some of the stalagmite remains zz situ near the roof 
on the east side of this gallery, and it still bridges over the 
passage by which we enter. Found many bones of Bear and 
Reindeer from 8 inches to 3 feet below the surface. Several 
bones of Hare occurred, and the remains of the skull of a Fox 
was found 3 feet deep under sand in which stones were packed. 
It was close to the ulna of a Bear on the same level. A foot- 
bone of Mammoth was found 18 inches below the surface. 

SEPTEMBER 1I.—Continued to excavate, 3 feet deep; the 
darker layer of sand having paler sand above and below it, 
with many limestone fragments and pieces worn by solution ; 
also a few rounded sandstones, no stalagmite. The horizon 
of the great majority of bones found to-day was within a foot 
of the surface. This applies to a skull of Wolf (?), partly in- 
corporated with a mass of breccia. It was recovered in 
slender bits, as also the remains of a ramus of mandible. 
We seem to have got some metatarsals of Wolf and a couple 
of bones of Lemming, a good many bones of Bear and Rein- 
deer, and a tibia of Hare. 

We have now worked out the Gallery of the Aged Carnivores 
for 34 feet; beyond this point southward it is piled with 
masses of rock fallen from the roof, and beyond these masses 
is a great earth-fall. It might be suggested that the cobbles 
or rolled sandstones found in the sand-beds of this gallery 
were intruded with this earth-fall in later times; but the sand- 


1906. UssHER.—Ayena-Dens of Mammoth Cave. 243 


stones occurred at all the levels we dug in the sand, and the 
presence of so many bones of extinct animals, from Lemming 
to Mammoth (and especially the fragile skulls of Wolf and 
Fox, which broke up when stirred) seems irreconcilable with 
the idea that the bone-sand was rémanié, as it must have 
been if more recent stones were mixed with older material. 
The examination of these worn sandstones may throw light 
on the glacial relations of the cave-fauna. 

SEPTEMBER 3.—Resumed the excavation of the Fourth 
Gallery, Quadruple Set, where we left off on 3rd August. I 
call this the Threatening Gallery, as dislocated blocks 
impend over its entrance from the low hall. Among the 
bones found in it was an axis of a small Mammoth, and 
further on a skull of Hyzena, which retains the back teeth 
on both sides, and one side of the maxilla connected with the 
cranium and forehead. The worn teeth denote great age. 
It was about eight inches below the surface, and was full of 
sand. 

The repeated finding of remains of Hyzena, associated in 
narrow galleries with those of Mammoth and Reindeer, 
makes it evident to my mind that these animals must have 
been contemporaneous in Ireland, as also the Bear, Wolf, 
Hare, and Lemming. 

SEPTEMBER 4.—Continued to work the Threatening Gallery 
southward. A thin stalagmite floor lay on the surface of the 
sand, which was packed with limestones and a few worn sand- 
stones, and the older broken-up stalagmite occurred at various 
depths in the sand. The latter contained many bones of the 
following :— 

Mammoth :—adult, vertebra and patella, and fragments ; 
young, two milk teeth in portion of maxilla, larger un- 
ground molar, larger ground molar. 

Hyzna:—canine of aged animal {probably belonging to 
skull found yesterday); ramus of mandible of young Hyzena, 
humerus, femur (?), vertebra, and metatarsus. 

Bear :—tibia and other bones, part of skull, with molar 
teeth, being 2 ft. 6in. deep. 

Reindeer :—several bones, one two feet below the surface, 
while several of Hyzena were less. The gallery being narrow. 
J take this as proof that Hyzenas lived in the age of the 


244. | The Lrish Naturalist. November, 


Reindeer. The Threatening Gallery was, in short, a den of 
the Hyzna, whose favourite prey seems to have been Mam- 
moth, especially in the very young state. We founda junk 
of bone or antler remarkably dug into by Hyzenas’ (?) teeth. 

SEPTEMBER 5.—The Threatening Gallery, before it has 
‘quite reached nineteen feet from the corner where it was 
diverted, ends in a cul-de-sac, but before we reach this there 
are openings on the right into the Aged Carnivores Gallery, 
and on the left (east) into a continuation of the Third Gallery 
(Quadruple Set), which had become impassable. The part 
opening into the Threatening Gallery has a deep bed of sand, 
on the surface of which Ned Dalton found the head of a 
Mammnioth’s femur, a globe of bone, coated with mud. I call 
this Dalton’s Gallery. Beyond this another opening leads into 
a further gallery, 244 feet long, which is encumbered with 
fallen blocks and rubble; its walls are insecure, and it ends 
in an earth-fall. So leaving it, we continued to work out the 
Threatening Gallery, in the sand of which we found chiefly 
Reindeer’s bones, with some pieces of Hygena and Mammoth. 
These were coated with mud rather than with sand. A few 
rolled sandstones were found. 

SEPTEMBER 6.—Among the bones found in the extremity 
of the Threatening Gallery is an astragal of Hyzena, and the 
ends and middle part of a metacarpal of a very large Rein- 
deer, the intermediate piece being plainly crushed, probably 
by Hyezenas. 

We then worked the Dalton Gallery, and found in it quite 
a lot of Hyzena remains, teeth of great size, and pieces of jaws, 
scapula, ulna, astragalus, ribs, vertebrz; also the spine of 
a Mammoth’s vertebra, and ends of bones of Reindeer. The 
above were all found less than two feet deep, while under 
them was buried stalagmite, probably part of that overhead, 
which is here broken off, and ceases on the high level. 

SEPTEMBER 7.—Worked in Dalton’s Gallery down to three 
feet below surface, finding bones, the largest canine of Bear I 
ever found, over 44 inches long; two canines of Hyzena, one 
on the surface. Here I may note a remark of John Power, 
who did the digging, that in both these galleries the remains 
of Hyzena were usually near the surface, while bones of 
Bear were found among the deepest. In Dalton’s Gallery 


1906, UssHEerR.—Hya@na-Dens of Mammoth Cave. 245 


there was a bed of pale sand, 15 inches deep in the centre, 
deepening to the left, and dark sand under it. Bones were 
found in both sands, but most numerously in the pale. 
Several bones of Bear occurred between the two layers at 
2 feet 4 inches, and deepening to the left is a paler sand than 
either of those above it. 

SEPTEMBER 8-10.—-Among the bones found in Dalton’s 
Gallery was the broken-up skull of an old Bear ; it was one foot 
below the surface, and a piece of the broken-down stalagmite 
floor was resting on it. The excavation of the Threatening 
Gallery was then deepened, and among the few bones found 
were the vertebra of a small Mammoth and a canine ofan old 
Hyzena probably belonging to the skull found on 3rd Sep- 
tember. 

We then commenced to dig in the Gallery of the Elephants’ 
Teeth, beyond (west of) that of the Aged Carnivores. About 
6 inches below the surface, near the ope by which we entered, 
Dalton found the molar of au adult Mammoth, with bones of 
Reindeer, &c. 

SEPTEMBER I1.—Dug 3 feet deep in same gallery and found 
many bones, all of Reindeer, some of which were stuck into 
the walls, and we left a metatarsal there zz situ. A scapula 
was embedded in a piece of stalagmite which was embedded 
in the sand. 

SEPTEMBER 12.—Gallery of the Elephants’ Teeth. Dug four 
feet deep. Wemet with 18 inches of pale barren sand on 
top; beneath that was darker sand containing many bones of 
Reindeer, which increased in number as we dug down, and 
not a few were got at four feet deep. They were more 
numerous by the walls, especialiy near the junction of the 
Gallery of the Irish Elk. There were some very large Rein- 
deers’ bones, and what appears to be part of the mandible of 
an adult Mammoth. We also got a bone or two of Hare and 
Fox (?), black like those of Reindeer. 

SEPTEMBER 13.-—Dug on north in same gallery, 4 feet 6 
inches deep, the sand being pale and barren on top, blackish 
at bottom, and containing limestone fragments and a few 
rolled stones. A huge tibia and metatarsus, and other bones 
of Reindeer found near the junction of the gallery of the 
Irish Elk in a hollow under the wall, where the water must 
first have undermined it. Here again, the Reindeer was 


a3 


246 The lrish Naturalist. November, 


found at depths down to four feet, in a gallery which con- 
tained remains of Hyzna. Of the latter we found a canine 
and a molar tooth; also an ulna and metatarsal. Thereisa 
canine of an aged Wolf (?), and a fine os zmnominatum of 
Hare (?). We got several lumpy pieces of Mammoth bone, 
and a worn molar of this Elephant occurred two feet below 
the surface with rubble. There is a very small humerus, 
which may have belonged to a foetal Mammoth, and some 
ivory-like surfaces of plates of bone or ivory ; also a coracoid 
of.a bird. 

SEPTEMBER 14.—Same gallery. Most of the sand worked 
to-day was pale and barren; but at 8 feet 6 inches froin the 
ope got, 2 feet deep, a small Mammoth’s tooth, and at 9 feet 
6 inches, and 3 feet deep, got a companion tooth to that found 
on the roth inst. in this gallery. These teeth were near acon- 
necting ope from Gallery of Aged Carnivores in which we got 
so many bones on goth August. Several broken bones of 
adult Mammoth were also found to-day. Beyond this ope 
the sand fills up the gallery to the stalagmite floor, which 
had been separated from it in the parts previously dug, and 
here are two well-defined burrows in the sand made by foxes 
or rabbits. Our work was discontinued at 12 feet 6 inches, 
from the dangerous nature of the roof. 

SEPTEMBER 15.—Irish Elk’s Gallery. This branches off 
north-westwards from the Gallery of the Elephants’ Teeth, 
nearly opposite the ope that leads from the Aged Carnivores. 
Its stalagmite remains like a roof, asin the last gallery dug, 
but separated from the limestone roof by a space of 6 inches, 
and from the sand beneath by another short space. Then 
there were g inches of pale barren sand, below which was bone- 
sand, darker and containing blocks, to a depth of 2 feet 6 
inches, and then blackish sand. ‘The limestone blocks must 
have fallen from above before the stalagmite was formed over 
the sand, and the associated bones would therefore be older 
than the stalagmite in this gallery; while in that of the 
Aged Carnivores bones and sand overlay the fallen stalagmite 
(see 29th August). We got to-day a small molar of Mam- 
moth, a jaw of old Hyzena two feet deep, under overhanging 
wall to the right, and other bones of Hyzena, Reindeer, 
and Hare. What gave its name to this gallery were the fol- 
lowing remains of Irish Elk :—A blackened ulna, with pallid 


1906. UssHER.—Hyena-Dens of Mammoth Cave. 247 


blotches, found three feet deep under a block; a phalanx 
similarly marked, and the beam of a large antler, which, at 
its proximal end, had all the appearance of being shed, but 
at its broken end had evidently been gnawed, so that it pro- 
bably had been in possession of a Hyzena. It was found 
two feet deep in the sand. Two large sandstone cobbles 
were found in this gallery, between the bone-sand and the 
upper sand. 

In this pale upper sand we got a Reindeer jaw, and below 
that, 1 foot 6 inches from the surface, several portions of the 
broken skull of a Mammoth. 

SEPTEMBER 17.—Found a long bone of Mammoth, whose 
ends had been gnawed away, about I5 inches below the surface, 
above a limestone block; and also at 15 inches deep, near 
the same spot, was an ulna of Hyzena. Here, we may say, 
we found the Hyzena in the midst of its prey, Irish Elk and 
Mammoth. Among other things found to-day were vertebre 
and other small bones of Hyzena, plates of a young Mam- 
moth’s tooth, Bear’s canine, and bits of Reindeer. 

SEPTEMBER 1&8.—Found a Bear’s femur 3 feet 8 inches below 
the stalagmite. 

SEPTEMBER 19.—Up to 13 feet the Gallery of the Irish Elk 
has an uvbroken stalagmite sheet overhead (once a floor) ; 
then a vacant space of about a foot, then 9 inches of pale 
sand, and below that coarse, dark sand, with limestone 
rubble; in this was an angular block of limestone, 1 foot 
3 inches to 3 feet below the stalagmite. Beyond 13 feet the 
stalagmite is broken down, and its fragments lie on the sand. 
Between 12 feet and 13 feet the humerus of a large bird was 
found. A Reindeer’s dorsal vertebra came out of the pale 
sand, and other pieces of Reindeer were below the limestone 
block. 

SEPTEMBER 20.—Dug in a diagonal gallery that branches 
off from the last to the left at 6 feet. In the mouth of this, 
2 feet 6 inches below the stalagmite, an ulna of Hyzena in 
dark sand and rubble, with a sandstone cobble near it on the 
same horizon; from the diagonal gallery and its offshoots 
we obtained Mammoth, Bear, and Reindeer, some bones of 
the latter loose on the surface. 

SEPTEMBER 21.—The remainder of the Gallery of the Irish 
Elk, up to 18 feet, proved to be full of pale soft barren sand, 
and beyond that point there was an earthfall; but at 18 feet 


248 : The Lrish Naturalist. November, 


a narrow gallery led off to the left in which we found in deeper, 
darker sand a Mammoth’s cervical vertebra almost entire. 

SEPTEMBER 22.—We found the rest of the Gallery of the 
Vertebra unsuitable for excavation, owing to the insecuré 
nature of its east wall; but at 21 feet 6 inches, where it termi- 
nates, there is a side opening into another gallery, the Bear’s 
Den, which runs a further course south of 16 feet 6 inches. 
This, again, before it terminates, opens east and west into 
other galleries. Passing through the eastern ope, we reached 
a narrow gallery that slopes down into a deep swallow-hole. 
Johnny Nicholls, who went down into it, brought up the finest 
tooth of adult Mammoth we have yet got, in perfect preserva- 
tion, and of a rich mahogany-colour, which he said was 
loose under a stone, also two imperfect Reindeer antiers; and 
Power pulled out of the side of this swallow-hole from sandy 
earth a Reindeer’s cranium, wanting the maxilla and nasal 
part. 

SEPTEMBER 24.—Excavated the Bear’s Den down to 4 feet 
below the surface. It was barely wide enough for a man to 
work in, and the sand, which was muddy or earthy, contained 
blocks and rubble which increased as we dug down. The first 
fout or so in depth contained hardly any bones, but the bed 
below that was the richest I have seen, so that we filled two 
large riddles with remains of Mammoth, Bear, and Reindeer. 
There is a tibia found near the surface which I take to belong 
to Wolf, and some other bones may also be of Wolf. Of 
Mammoth we got two teeth, not full-sized, the head of a large 
femur, a long piece of rib, a phalanx, and many other pieces. 
Of Reindeer we found the longest piece of antler I have seen 
in the cave. 

From the swallow-hole and its gallery we got a large lot 
of broken bones of Reindeer, some of Bear, and some bits of 
Mammoth. The richness of these galleries seems to be due 
to their narrowness, which retained the bones within close 
limits in times of disturbance. 

SEPTEMBER 25.—The Swallow-hole Gallery, worked by Power, 
yielded a large Mammoth’s tooth under the superficial rubble 
in a vacancy, under a block, and over the sand. <A sandstone 
cobble was embedded under bones of Reindeer. We also got 
here a piece of mandible of Hyzena and bones of Hare and 
Rabbit (?). A portion of Lemming’s skull was taken out of a 


ll ae A ll a a REE Te SS 


1906. UssHErR.—AHyena-Dens of Mammoth Cave. 249 


Reindeer’s vertebra. Ned Dalton worked a gallery on the 
other side of the Bear’s Den. In it a bed of harder limestone 
dipped northwards, and at the foot of this slope the gallery 
expanded into low cavities right and left, which yielded bones 
of Bear and Mammoth, chiefly of the latter. In the cavity on 
the west side Dalton found in dark sand, under a cake of 
brecciated sand (which protected it) a huge Mammoth’s 
humerus in two pieces. The head was gone, but the shaft 
and distal end when put together were 2 feet 2 inches long, 
and the latter was 1 foot 10 inches in girth. The latter part 
had the deep indentations of teeth, probably of a Hyzena. 
This is the largest bone we have yet found, and it taxed the 
efforts of both my men to get it out safely ; as it was packed 
into a cavity with limestone blocks, where it had doubtless 
rested through many floodings of the cave. 


The foregoing notes are offered to give some idea of how we 
found the haunts of the Hyzenas and what was in them, and 
to indicate broadly the nature of the record which is being 
deciphered, a chapter in the far past history of Ireland which, 
to a great extent, is still an unwritten one. 

It is not intended to forestall the systematic report which 
will be presented hereafter to the Royal Irish Academy when 
the collections from this cave shall have been examined by 
Dr. Scharff’s critical eye, and when the learning of the 
geologist shall have been exercised upon the complex pro- 
blems this great cave offers. 

I look to that report to correct any errors I may have made 
in naming animal remains upon the spot, or in offering my 
ideas about the sequence of remote events, as well as to in- 
form us of new things that I have not attempted to specify. 


Cappagh, Co. Waterford. 


OBITUARY. 
RICHARD GLASCOTT SYMES, M.A. 


The death of R. G. Symes removes one who took an active share in the 
elucidation of various problems in the geology of our country, and whose 
careful working out of many complicated areas, more especially in the 
west of Ireland, it appears impossible to improve upon. 

Son of the leading physician of Kingstown, Co Dublin, he entered 
Trinity College, where he graduated M.A. and Licentiate of Engineering, 


250 The Irish Naturalist. November, 


qualifying for thelatter by a course of practical mechanics at the Inchi- 
core works of the Great Southern and Western Railway. Appointed to 
the Geological Survey of Ireland in 1863, he entirely surveyed six ofthe 
one-inch maps, and, in conjunction with other members of the Survey, 
seventeen others ; and though his earliest work was carried on over forty 
years ago, it has borne the test of time, none of his lines having since 
been altered. Some of the districts he completed, such as Lough Conn, 
Sheet 64, and the Pettigo area, Sheet 32, were of a very complicated 
character. His latest Irish work was in north-east Antrim, which was 
specially allotted to him on account of his practical knowledge of the 
coal and iron deposits. It is especially satisfactory to note that recent 
exploration of the Ballycastle coalfield has entirely justified his mapping 
of the district, and the sections he plotted. In 1874 Symes was one of the 
Secretaries of the Section of Geological Science at the meeting of the 
British Association in Belfast, and in 1878 filled a similar position to the 
Section of Mechanical Science at the meeting in Dublin. Upon the com- 
pletion of the Geological One-inch Map of Ireland he was transferred to 
the Geological Survey of Scotland, where he surveyed several sheets of 
the one-inch maps of the Argyll districts; his descriptive memoirs of the 
areas he surveyed were interesting and clear, and his mapping and 
draftsmanship of more than ordinary merit. He was an ardent sports- 
man, and as a shot or at casting a fly, had few equals. He took a keen 
interest in the fauna of the districts in which he was successively 
engaged, and there was no better practical authority on the birds and 
fishes of Ireland. 

Injuries sustained from acar accident whilst engaged surveying the 
country near Campbeltown, Argyleshire, shattered a previously robust 
frame, and he was ultimately carried off after only a few days illness. 


ees 


REVIEWS. 


LATEST ADDITIONS TO THE BRITISH FLORA. 


British Flowering Plants. By W. F. KIRBy, F.L.S., F.E.S. 
Pp. 8+ 216. 120 coloured plates. London: Sidney Appleton. 
1906. 


“Ts things what they seem, or is visions about ?” One must be excused, 
in noticing this book, for taking refuge with Truthful James. On opening 
the pages of Mr. Kirby’s “British Flowering Plants’’ casually, we are 
confronted with portraits of Rhamnus alpina and Cytisus capztatus, plants 
which are unknown in Britain even as garden escapes. And on trying 
again, we find ourselves face to face with Zfzlobium Dodonai and Trapa 
natans. Turning in some bewilderment to the preface for an explanation 
of these startling introductions into the British flora, we find a guileless 


_—) 


1906, Reviews. 251 


sentence :—“A few of the illustrations [25 at the lowest estimate] repre- 
sent plants not found in the British Islands; but, with a single exception 
(Globulariacee), every Order figured is represented in our British Flora.” 
A further examination of the book convinces us that, instead of the plates 
and text being made to fit the subject, the text has been written to fit a 
stray series of rather bad plates, taken presumably from some cheap 
German work. It isa pity that Mr. Kirby, whose fine work as an ento- 
mologist is known to everyone, should have been induced to a piece of 
book-making resting on so insecure a foundation. The letterpress itself 
is interesting, and Mr. Kirby’s bent is abundantly evident in the full in- 
formation given concerning the insects which feed on the various plants 
treated of—indeed, there is often more information about the insects than 
about the plants. 
R. Lt. P. 


BRITISH AND IRISH ONISCIDZ. 


The British Woodlice, beiug a monograph of the Terrestrial Isopod 
Crustacea occurring in the British Islands. By WILFRED MARK 
WEBB, F.L.S., and CHARLES SILLEM. Pp. x.+54, with 25 Plates and 
59 Figures in the text. London: Duckworth & Co., 1906. Price, 6s. 
net. 


This well got up little work is a reprint from the “Essex Naturalist” 
(vol. xiv.), and will be welcomed by all interested in the study of British 
Woodlice. It commences with an illustrated account of the structure, 
development, and habits of the whole tribe, followed by a detailed de- 
scription of the different species. Figures of the flagellum of the 
antennz, by which the various species are to a great extent classified, 
are given in every case, and area great help to their identification. It 
might have been well however to point out the fact, that this character- 
istic is only to be relied on when the animal is adult, as in immature 
specimens the proportional lengths of the terminal joints varies con- 
siderably. As the authors in the preface invite corrections, it must be 
noted thatalth ough “compound eyes”’-is given as one of the generic 
distinctions of Trichoniscus, both 7. vo ews and 7. vévidus have simple 
eyes; in the latter species the large single-lens eye being one of its most 
striking features. In 7. pusz/lus, too, although the eye is compound, 
consisting as it does of usually three, though often only two, very in- 
definitely defined lenses, it differs very much from the compound eye in 
the other families. 

These facts affect considerably all that is said on the genus Trichon- 
iscus, and would make it seem doubtful whether the characteristics of 
Trichoniscoides albtdus (Sars) are sufficiently distinct to warrant its 
being placed in a seperate genus. 

The book concludes with a bibliography and twenty-five plates which 
are for the most part excellent. 

DENIS R. PACK-BERESFORD. 


252 The lrish Naturalist, November, 


NOTES. 


BOTANY. 


“The Scientific Tourist through Ireland.” 


There is a book called ‘‘ The Scientific Tourist through Ireland, by an 
Irish Gentleman” ; plates, 1818. It has various topographical plant lists, 
and it is not mentioned in last edition of Cyele Hibernica. 


RICHD. M. BARRINGTON 
Fassaroe, Bray. 


A copy of this little book—a small octavo of some 200 pages, with seven 
pretty full-page engravings—has been lent me by my friend, Mr. R. M. 
Barrington, who appears to be the first amongst latter-day Irish botanists 
to draw attention to its county plant lists. The book has certainly 
escaped my notice, and so far as I can discover it has been overlooked 
by the authors of the first edition of Cybele Hibernica, as well as by Mr. 
Praeger in his Jrish Topographical Botany. Mr. Barrington has only dipped 
into the book himself, and believing that many readers of this Journal 
will be curious to learn what this early-eighteenth century Irish gentle- 
man may have to say about Irish natural history, has given me carte 
blanche in the matter of criticism. 

The full title of the book runs thus :—‘ The Scientific Tourist through 
Ireland: by which the Traveller is directed to the Principal objects of 
Antiquity, Art, Science, and the Picturesque; arranged by counties, to 
which is added an Introduction to the study of the Antiquities of 
Ireland, &c.—Bvy an Irish Gentleman, aided by the Communications of 
several Friends. London: printed for T. Booth, Duke Street, 1818.” 
From the date of publication one would expect to find embodied in the 
book the fruit of the researches of Wade and Mackay, whose Plantae 
Rariores and Catalogue of Rare Plants appeared many years earlier in the 
Transactions of the Dublin Society. But the Irish Gentleman, who 
modestly withholds his name, knows nothing of these moderns, and 
draws all his botanical lore from such seasoned authorities as Keogh, 
Threlkeld, and Smith. The Statistical Surveys of the Dublin Society 
are laid under contribution for the plant lists of some of the counties, 
and nothing in the shape of an original record is to be found anywhere 
in the book, unless the following deserve to be so classed :—“ Co. Antrim. 
Rhinanthus, Yellow Rattle; on dry soils: Dactylus glomerata, Cock’s-foot 
Grass; meadows near Lisburn—Co. Londonderry. Leontodon Taraxacum, 
Dandelion ; in pastures: Achillea Millefolium, Yarrow; in pastures on the 
banks of the Fahan.” Our northern botanists have no doubt verified 
all of these records; but I cannot say that I have been able to do as much 
for the following Co. Dublin record :—“‘ Euphorbia hyberna, knotty-rooted 
Spurge; on mountainous districts.” The botany of Mayo is dismissed 
with the perfectly true statement that it ‘‘ requires a scientific explorer,” 


1906, Notes. 253 


Westmeath is declared to be a ‘ virgin field, but promising great variety 
of aquatics”; Wexford botany is “yet uninvestigated,” and Queen’s 
County is little better off as being “ yet unexplored.” 

So much for the botany of the Scientific Tourist. What about the 
various other branches of natural history to which the “inquisitive 
traveller” so often referred to in the Introduction may be supposed to 
give a share of his attention? There is a little mineralogy and a little 
geology; there is a reference to the Gillaroo trout of Lough Corrib, 
‘“with a gizzard like a fowl,” and another to the pearls that may be 
picked up “ from a muscle peculiar to the lake.” Butit isto the student 
of insect life that the strongest incentives are offered to a scientific tour 
in Ireland. Here is the prospect held out to him in the Introduction :— 
“The entomologist will be certain of finding numerous sources of amuse- 
ment. Mr. Hall in his tour, Vol. 2, p. 168, asserts that with a tolerable 
glass one sees animals grazing like cattle in a meadow on the leaves of 
every vegetable, and these also much larger than in Great Britain.” 
What have our Irish entomologists been doing for the last century that 
we are still in the dark about these grazing animals? 

As a guide book in the ordinary sense of that term, the Scientific 
Tourist through Irelandis a most interesting and meritorious little work, 
and was, no doubt, highly esteemed by the “ picturesque tourist” of its 
day. As a contribution to the history of Irish natural science it is of 
no account. And I must confess that I pen this latter severe judgment 
with a certain sense of relief; for I should have found it hard to forgive 
myself for overlooking the work had it been of any scientific value. Can 
any bookish reader of the /77sh Naturalist tell us who the Irish gentleman 
was? 

N. COLGAN. 

Sandycove. 


The author of this book was Thomas Walford, militia officer and anti- 
quary, born 1752, died 1833. He also wrote “The Scientific Tourist 
through England, Wales, and Scotland... ,” 2 vols., 1818. He had no 
claim to his zom de plume of “An Irish Gentleman,” as he was born at 
Whitley in Essex, and lived and died there, being a Deputy Lieutenant 
of the county, and a major of the local militia. Walford was a member 
of the Society of Antiquaries, and of the Linnean and Geological Societies, 
and contributed to Areheologia, Vetusta Monumenta, and the Linnean 
Society’s Transactions, Having dealt with England, Wales, and Scotland 
in his larger work mentioned above, he evidently undertook the descrip- 
tion of Ireland, for which he was not specially qualified, in order to make 
his survey of the British Isles complete. As the author himself says in 
his Jntroduction:—‘‘ This interesting country becoming every day more 
and more the subject of inquiry and personal observation, an HIBERNIAN 
TouRISTS’ GUIDE consequently forms a necessary adjunct to our original 


plan.” 
R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


254 The Irish Naturalist. November, 


Numbers for Names of Counties—Supplementary Note. 


I wish to be allowed to modify a statement in my article (supra, p. 223) 
on the use of numbers for the names of counties in recording localities 
of plants. I find that three years previous to the publication of his Cydele 
Britannica, Mr. H. C. Watson had introduced the method of double re- 
cording by a number and a name, in what he called the third edition of 
his Geography of Plants, the first part of which, down to Papaveracee, 
was issued in 1843. In this he divided Great Britain into his 18 districts, 
and the description of each plant was accompanied by a map, measuring 
2in. by I}in. of the districts, and an enumeration of them thus :— 
“ Districts—Peninsular, 1; Channel, 2; Thames, 3; Ouse, 4,” and soon. 
But the project was abandoned, it evidently fell flat, and no other part 
was issued. The existence of this attempt of Watson’s seems to be almost 
unknown, and it was too late to add it to my paper when I first heard of it. 
It is interesting, as it is much the same idea that Mr. Praeger so recently 
worked out on Watson’s 112 ‘‘ vice-counties” and his own 40 “‘ divisions.” 


H.. W. EET. 
Loughbrickland, Co. Down. 


A Fungus which grows at 57:5° C. 


While it is known that certain Algae grow in hot springs in Iceland 
and other countries at a temperature of 50°-60° C., it is rather startling 
to find that Fungi can thrive at the same temperature, and in Ireland 
too. During last August at Antrim I noticed that several ricks of hay were 
“heating.” This is a phenomenon well known to farmers as the result 
of the hay being somewhat damp when ricked. On inserting my hand 
into the rick I was surprised to find that the heat was too great for the 
fingers to bear. The temperature of the air outside the rick was 133° C. 
at the time, while inside the rick the first reading was 50° C., and the 
second reading in another part was 573° C. (equal to 1353° on the Fahren- 
heit scale). The hottest parts were completely infested with a Fungus 
bearing sporangia in all stages of development, and consequently the 
high temperature must have been admirably suited to its growth. It was 
a species of Mucor, and in company with it there was another brown 
septate fungus which, however, did not exhibit any reproductive organs. 
It is a matter of common observation that, when forking the hay of a 
heated rick on to the cart, clouds of white dust arise from it. These ate 
doubtless the spores of the Mucor which caused the heating. 

As hay when put up damp will invariably heat, the spores of the fungus 
must be present on the leaves and stalks before they are cut, or in the 
decaying vegetation of the soil. As these, on the most liberal estimate, 
are not likely ever to exceed a temperature of 273° C., it thus appears 
that the fungus can endure a range of temperatute of at least 30° C.—a 


very remarkable case of adaptation to environment. 
J. ADAMS. 
Royal College of Science, Dublin. 


i906. Notes. 255 


Galium tricorne in Co. Down. 


This season I noticed in several places near the railway line between 
Belfast and Kinnegar the above plant (Ga/zum tricorne). When in flower 
it might readily be passed for G. Afarzne, but when in fruit it is very easily 
recognised, the fruit being deflexed, destitute of hooks, and having a 
granular surface. As this English alien seems to flourish and like our 
Irish soil, it may in time be admitted as a naturalised member of our 
flora. 


N. CARROTHERS. 
Belfast. 


Orabanche minor in Co. Wexford. 


Referring to Mr. Colgan’s note in the September issue of the /rish 
Naturalist (p. 219 supra) regarding Orabanche minor, it may be worth putting 
on record that the plant was noticed frequently by myself in July last 
near Enniscorthy. I first found it in three places on the roadside, in 
every instance parasitic on White Clover. Later on a number of speci- 
mens, at least half a dozen, were observed in a closely cropped pasture 
containing a good deal of Medicago /upulina. It would therefore seem to 
be fairly plentiful in the vicinity of Enniscorthy. 


W. F. GUNN. 
Dublin. 


ZOOLOGY. 


Iceland Gull at Belfast. 


I am informed by Mr. S. M. Stears that on April Ist, 1906, an Iceland 
Gull (Larus leucopterus) appeared on the river Lagan, opposite the gas 
works, and settled on a governor house at the river side amongst other 
gulls, and stayed about twenty minutes, when it rose and flew away 
steadily to the south. Mr. Stears got within twenty yards of the bird, 
and saw that it was in mature plumage, and that it agreed with the 
description in books, 

ROBERT PATTERSON, 

Holywood, Co. Down. 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Recent gifts include a White-nosed Monkey from Miss J. Halpin a 
Rabbit and a Guinea-pig from Mr. A. W. Sweeney, two Shetland Sheep 
from Mr. J. Sinclair, a pair of Barbary Doves from Mr. W. Moscardi, a 
Kingfisher from Capt. A. F. Boxer, and two Pied Wagtails from Mr. 
H. B. Rathborne. 


256 The Trish Naturalist. November, 1906. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


SEPTEMBER I5.—ANNUAL MEETING.—In the absence ofthe President 
(Professor SYMINGTON) the chair was occupied by the President of the 
Queen’s College (Rev. Dr. HAMILTON). The Hon. Secretary submitted 
the annual report of the Council, which stated that the winter session 
was opened in the Museum on the 7th November, 1905, and five other 
meetings were held, at which lectures were delivered and papers read. 
Amongst these were: “ Prehistoric Man in Southern France,” by W. F. 
de V. Kane, M.A., D.U., and “ Report on the work of the Marine 
Laboratory, Larne Harbour,”’ by Professor Gregg Wilson, D.Sc., M.R.1LA. 
The most important donation received during the year was that of the 
Battersby collection of British Lepidoptera, which contains many rare 
specimens. Sympathetic reference was made to the loss the Society has 
sustained by the deaths of Sir Robert Lloyd Patterson, D.L., F.L.S.— 
who was President of the Society for two distinct terms,—and Mr. John 
Anderson, F.G.S., who had filled the office of Treasurer. Sir Otto Jaffe 
had been co-opted to fill the place of the late Sir Robert Lloyd Patterson 
on the Council, and as Vice-President. The five retiring members of 
Council were then re-elected, and the Treasurer’s statement showed a 
deficit of £26 8s. 5d. At the conclusion of the business the Council met» 
and elected the following office-bearers—President—Sir Otto Jaffe. 
Vice-Presidents—Sir James Henderson, D.l..; Rev. President Hamilton; 
Robert Patterson, M.R.I.A.; and W. Swanston, F.G.S. Hon. Treasurer— 
John Horner ; Hon Librarian—John H. Davies; Hon. Secretary—R. M. 
Younes, j.c: 


DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


SEPTEMBER 8.—EXCURSION TO IRELAND’S EYE.—A large number of 
members and visitors took part in this excursion, which started from 
Howth at 1.30. On reaching the island the party broke up to 
study the geology and botany. One section under the conductor (N. 
Colgan, M.R.I.A.) went on a dredging trip in the ground between Lambay 
and Ireland’s Eye, and obtained specimens of the usual ground forms 
which live at from nine to twelve fathoms. The party returned to Howth 
for tea, and returned to town late in the evening. 


LIMERICK FIELD CLUB. 


We kave received Vol. Ili., No. 10, of the Jowrna/ of this Club, being the 
issue for 1906. As usual, the contents are mainly archeological, but the 
number also contains ‘‘Some Stray Notes on Birds,” by Rev. T. F. Abbott, 
B.D., and a preliminary paper entitled ‘‘Some Land and Fresh-water 
Shells of the Limerick District,” by Harry Fogerty. 


/ 


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Naturalists, Furriers, and Taxidermists, 


2 DAME-STREET, DUBLIN, 


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~ 


Vol. xv., No. 11 


CONTENTS. 


The Hyzena-Dens of the Mammoth Cave, near Doneraile, Co. 


ae —R. s Es USSHER, D. Tos M. R.]I I A; ee ee ee 
OEie Age = 
Richard Glascott Synies, w= ee ox ve oy 


REVIEWS :— 


Kirby’s “ British Flowering Plants.”—(R. Li, P.), ae es 
_ Webb & Sillem’s ‘‘ British Woodlice.”—(D. R. PACK-BERESFORD), ce 


NOTES :— 

The “Scientific Tourist through Ireland.”—R. M. BARRINGTON, 
N. CoLGAN, and R.L1, PRAEGER, oe ie 4 

Numbers for Naines of Counties. Shee eere Note.—Revy. Canon 
H. W. LETT, M. A., ms * ce oe 

A Fungus which grew at 57°52 C.—J. Anis M.A., Ae owes 

Galium tricorne in Co. Down.—N. CARROTHERS, aS Pa 

Orabanche minor in Co. Wexford.—W. F, Gunn, +4 ES e 

Iceland Gull at Belfast.—R. PATTERSON, M.R.LA., = et 


IRISH SOCIETIES :— 


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Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, ee oe 


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNICAL 
INSTRUCTION FOR IRELAND. | 


No Name. 
‘1 | The Warble Fly. 
2 | Out of Print, 
3 | Out of Print, 
4 | Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1900, 
5 | Separated Milk as Food for Calves, 
6 | Charlock Spraying. 
7 | Fluke in Sheep. 
8 | Timothy Meadows, 
9 | The Turnip Fly. 
10 | Wireworims, 
11 | Prevention of White Scour in Calves. 
12 | Out of Print. 
13 | Contagious Abortion in Cattle. 
14 | Prevention of Potato Blight. 
15 | Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 
1893, and (Amendment) Regulations, 
1904. 
16 | Sheep Scab, 
17 | The Use ane Purebase of Manures, 
18 | Swine Fever, 
19 | Early Potato Growing. 
20 | Calf Rearing. 
21 | Diseases of Poultry :—Gapes, 
22 | Basic Slag, 
23 | Dishorning Calves, 
24 | Care and Treatment of Premium 
3ulls. 
25 | Fowl! Cholera, 
26 | Winter Fattening of Cattle. 
27 | Breeding and Feeding of Pigs. 
28 | Blackkg, Black Quarter, or Blue 
Quarter, 
29 Flax Seed. 
30 Poultry Parasites—Fleas, Mites, and 
Lice. 
31 | Winter Egg Production. 
32 | Rearing and Fattening of Turkeys. 
33 | Profitable Breeds of Poultry 
34 | The Revival of Tillage. 
35 | The Liming of Land, 
36 | Field Experiments—Barlev 
mi | i Meadow Hay, 
38 * é Potatoes, 
39 as 33 Mangolds, 
40 ae 33 Oats. 
4] 5 5 Turnips. 


No. 


LIST OF THE DEPARTMENTS LCEALEE 


Name. 


Permanent Pasture Grasses. 

The Rearing and Management of 
Chickens. 

“ Husk” or “ Hoose’”’ in Calves, 

Ringworm on Cattle. 

Haymaking. 

The Black Currant Mite, 

Foul Brood or Bee Pest. 

Poultry Fattening. 

Portable Poultry Houses, 

The Leather-Jacket Grub, 

Flax Experiments, 

The Construction of a Cowhouse, 

Calf Meal. 

The Apple, 

Cultivation of the Root Crop. 

Fruit Packing. 

Sprouting Seed Potatoes. 

Seed Testing Station for Lreland, 

The Packing of Butter. 

The Care of Milk for Creameries, 

Pians for Creamery Buildings, 

“Redwater” or “ Blood Murrain” 
in Cattle. 

Varieties of Fruit suitable for cultiva- 
tion in Ireland. | 

Forestry: The Planting of Waste Lands, 

Forestry: The Proper Methodof Plant- 
ing Forest Trees, 

Forestry: Trees for Poles and Timber. 

Forestry: Trees for Shelter and Orna- 
ment, 

The Prevention of Tuberculosis in 
Cattle, 

Forestry: Planting, Management, and 
Preservation of Shelter-Belt and 
Hedge ow Timber. 


Forestry: The Management of Planta- 


tions, 
Forestry : Felling and Selling Timber. 
The Planting and Manage ent of 
Hedges. 
Some Common Parasites of the Sheep 
Barley Sowing. 
American Gooseberry Mildew. 
Scour and Wasting in Young Cattle. 


Copies of the above leaflets can be obtained free of charge and post free, on application 


to the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Technica Instruction for Ireland, Upper 


Merrion-street, Dublin. 


re eee 


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NOTICE. 


It is proposed to devote the January and February numbers to an 
account, fully illustrated, of the zoology, botany, 


aud geology of Lambay, 
the result of researches which have been in progress for the last 


two 
years, For convenience, these two numbers will be issued as one, 
about Ist February. 


THE EDITORS. 


December, 1906. The lish Naturalist. 257 


NOTES OF A WESTERN RAMBLE. 


BY R. LLOYD PRAEGER. 


DuRING July last some time was devoted to working round the 
edges of what we may call the Galway-Clare limestone area, 
which is characterized by the peculiar flora which has its head- 
quarters in the Burren district. The object of this field-work 
was to endeavour to define or to extend the range of some of 
the more interesting members of that remarkable flora. 

On July 2 my wife and I took train to Athenry, and cycled 
northward to examine the areas of bare limestone of that por- 
tion of N.EK. Galway. I was curious about these, owing to re- 
ports received from time to time from Mrs. Frank Joyce of 
various rare plants growing there amid an abundance of the 
usually calcifuge Evica cinerea. About Cahermore no great 
area of limestone is exposed, but Sesleria cerulea, Gentiana 
verna, Asperula cynanchica, Galium sylvestre, Evica cinerea, and 
Calluna vulgaris grow amicably together. As one descends 
the hill northward or westward, the limestone is covered with 
a well-developed heath formation. Pools here yielded Peplis 
Portula, a strongly calcifuge plant hitherto unrecorded for 
N.E. Galway. From Cahermore a very wide prospect ex- 
tended of the characteristic scenery of this western part of the 
T,imestone Plain—a great expanse of rather bare country, 
broken up by wide low ridges here and there, and chiefly re- 
markable for its distances and its loneliness. Along the 
western horizon a beautiful mountain panorama extended, 
contrasting strongly with the nearer distance—the Ox moun- 
tains, Nephin and Nephinbeg, Croaghpatrick, Maanitrasna, 
Maam Turk, the Twelve Bens and lower hills of Connemara, 
and the Burren uplands—a view full of botanical suggestions. 
Next day we ranged far on our machines. On the south edge 
of the Coolaran woods there is a nice piece of limestone, with 
plenty of Victa Ovobus (as reported by Mrs. Joyce), and Ophrys 
muscifera. We returned late in the afternoon to the western 
slope of the Coolaran ridge, where there is a fine area of bare 
limestone, with abundance of Arctostaphylos Uva-urst, Geranium 
sanguineum, Rubia peregrina, Euphrasia Salisburgensis, and 

A 


258 The Trish Naturalist. December, 


other plants indicating a well-developed outlier of the Burren 
flora. The neighbourhood of Lackagh yielded /nula Helenium 
run wild, and about the old castle Cevastium tetvandrum, 
Calamintha officinalis, Lamium intermedium. ‘The esker lying 
north of Athenry furnishes interesting ground. Here grows 
plenty of Juniperus nana (new to N.E. Galway), and Ophrys 
muscifera ; and in less quantity O. apifera, Ophioglossum vul- 
gatum, and Botrychium Lunaria. Near Cregmore Bridge 
Crepis biennts, another addition to the local flora, fills several 
fields. 

After'a day and a half at Athenry, we cycled north-westward 
across the low limestone country, crossed Lough Corrib at 
Kilbeg ferry, and halted at Oughterard, on the edge of the 
Connaught highlands. ‘The neighbourhood of Claregalway 
yielded some additions to the flora of N.E. Galway, which are 
listed later on ; and Geranium sanguineum was abundant with 
Ononis arvensis in heathy fields near the same place. At Kil- 
beg the Bee Orchis grew in profusion on the lake shore east 
of the ferry. On the Connemara side, the limestones were 
thickly colonized by Luphrasia Salisburgensis, new to W. 
Galway. 

At Oughterard a search for Potentilla fruticosa in Wade’s 
old station (1804) below Lemonfield was not successful. On 
the Lough Corrib shore further north Centunculus minimus 
was plentiful, and about the interesting ruins of Aughnanure 
castle, built on limestone tunnelled by water channels, there 
grew Petroselinum sativum, Lithospermum officinale, Verbascum 
Thapsus, Calamintha officinalis,and Taxus baccata. Our second 
day at Oughterard was spent on the limestones about Moy- 
cullen. Ballycuirke Lough proved interesting. The western 
shore, formed of metamorphic rocks, had a regular Connemara 
flora—Dabeocia polifolia, Lobelia Dortmanna, Evtocaulon septan- 
eulare,and soon. The eastern side is on the limestone, and 
low bluffs overlook the margin. TEere there are many good 
plants. Dryas octopetala is plentiful on the bluffs : its previous 
W. Galway stations are Gentian Hill near Gdlway, and 
Lisoughter near Recess. In three places /Veofinea intacta was 
obtained, being abundant in one of the three. Its previous 
W. Galway record rests on a few fruiting specimens from Ross 
Lake (1899). On the lake shore grew Ophrys muscifera and 


1906. PRAEGER.—WNoles of a Western Ramble. 259 


O. apifera, and in the water Potamogeton Zizti, P. nitens, and 
Myriophyllum verticillatum. Bushes of Yew grew here and 
there with /uniperus nana, and plenty of Euphrasia Salis- 
burgensis grew among the Gentiana verna and other charac- 
teristic plants of the limestone pavements. 

Two miles N.N.E. of Moycullen there is an extensive area 
of bare limestone occupying a conspicuous low ridge. Here 
Neotinea intacta, Euphrasia Salisburgensis, Ophrys musctfera, 
&c., were seen again. Gortachalla Lough is very shallow 
and reedy, but yielded Potamogeton heterophyllus in nice con- 
dition, with Chara polyacantha and Nitella opaca. Thence 
our road followed an esker across miles of bog to near Ross 
Lake, where Pimpinella magna and Verbena officinalis were 
conspicuously abundant, and Cystopteris fragilis grew by the 
roadside. The last plant of the day was Petasztes fragrans, 
growing close to Oughterard—West Galway being one of the 
three divisions from which this south Italian species had not 
hitherto been recorded. 

Roundstone was our next stopping-place, and a few days 
were devoted to exploring the south-west corner of Conne- 
mara, with interesting results. The occurrence here of 
A sperula cynanchica and Sesleria cerulea at Roundstone, 
twenty-five miles from the nearest point of the limestone 
country, seemed to point to an outlier of the calcicole flora on 
the Dog’s Bay sand-dunes (which, be it remarked, are highly 
calcareous in character). We hoped to add further members 
to this interesting little colony, and were not disappointed. 

On the peninsula beyond Dog’s Bay, in a sward dotted with 
Arabis ciliata, Chlora perfoliata, Orchis pryamidalis, and the 
plants already named (a highly calcicole group), we were 
delighted to get Huphrasia Salisburgensis, far from its home 
on the limestone pavements. And herea surprise awaited us, 
for it proved to be by no means confined to the limy sands of 
Dog’s Bay. We traced it inland to the road, and on up the 
side of Urrisbeg to a height of 300 feet, where the character of 
the ground changes, and wet peat with a bog flora replaces 
light loam and humus witha grassy heath flora. When it 
leaves the coast line here, the plant, though widespread, is 
particular as to the situation in which it grows. It chooses 

ee: 


260 The Lrish Naturalist. Decembet, 


especially well-drained positions, delighting in the little nearly 
vertical fringe of Wild Thyme and grass that edges boulders 
and rocks, and also the Thyme-covered bosses which mark 
the nests of a small yellow ant. In the latter situation the 
ants, by ‘‘earthing up” the plants in the course of their 
operations, stimulate their growth, and here I gathered the 
finest £. Sal/zsburgensis I ever saw—regular little bushes up to 
12 inches in circumference and 2} inches in height. We 
eventually traced the plant from Cregduff Lough near Round- 
stone along the coast, over the top of Bunowen Hill, to near 
Slyne Head, and thence north to Mannin Bay. On the whole 
peninsula on the neck of which Ballyconneely stands, the 
plant can only be described as very abundant. Over the 
greater part of this range there is no sand present in the soil, 
or other possible source of lime, and the plant grows in light 
peaty loam. Later on, it may be mentioned, we sampled the 
north-west Connemara coast about Letterfrack, Renvyle, and 
Killery mouth without seeing this Eyebrignht anywhere. But 
a still more interesting plant of the limestone pavements 
grows at Roundstone. As we returned on our last day from 
Dog’s Bay, my wife found, on the stony bank by the roadside, 
a fine fruiting specimen of Veotinea intacta. A search failed 
to reveal more; but as the fields around were all closely 
grazed, and the plant had run the gauntlet already for three 
months, this was not a matter of surprise. We hope next 
spring to examine into the question of its range in this 
neighbourhood. 

While at Roundstone, one day was devoted to a long tramp 
from Urrisbeg to Mannin Bay, through the network of lakes 
that spreads over that great tract of bog and heath. While 
characteristic Connemara plants, such as Lobelia Dortmanna, 
Eviscaulon septangulare, Deschampsia discolor, Rhynchospora 
fusca, Dabeocia polifolia, were present in great abundance, I 
searched without success for any extension of range of Erica 
mediterranea, 2. Mackatt, or Natas flexilis, all of which were 
seen in their known stations close at hand. An extreme 
sameness characterizes the flora of this wide tract of curious 
country. 

An interesting day was spent on the peninsula west of 
Ballyconneely. There are a number of lakes here, with a 


1906. PRAEGER.—WVotes of a Western Ramble. 261 


flora quite different from that of the lakes in the area last 
mentioned. Though in most cases now quite cut off from the 
sea, some of these waters have a brackish flora, including 
Cnanthe Lachenaliti and Ranunculus Baudotii. They differ 
also in yielding Charas and Pondweeds in profusion and 
luxuriance, which have, moreover, a calcicole flavour—Chara 
polyacantha, C. hispida, C. fragilis, Potamogeton plantagineus 
(growing many feet in length), P. 2zfens, and P. Zizit. Sium 
angustifolium and Rumex Hydrolapathum, unknown hitherto 
in West Galway, were unexpected finds in this extreme 
corner of Connemara. There are wide stretches of sandy 
wastes here, and also of shorn rocky heath where sand is 
absent. On both, a calcicole flora grows in great abundance, 
embracing Asperula cynanchica, Carlina vulgaris, Chlora per 
foliata, Euphrasia Salisburgensis, Orchis pyramidalis, Sesleria 
cerulea,and more locally Avabis ciliata. ‘The interesting little 
Tertiary volcanic neck of Doon Hill, for instance, which, 
rising abruptly from the low ground into a 200-foot knob, 
yieldea all of these except Chlora, Orchis, and Arabis. 
Other plants of this remote area were Apium graveolens, 
Caucalis nodosa, Lamium intermedium, Utricularia vulgaris, 
Carex teretiuscula, sSenebiera didyma, Agrimonia odorata, 
Peucedanum sativum, Matricaria discotdea, Centaurea Scabiosa, 
Convolvulus arvensis, Stachys arvensis, Epipactis palustris, 
flabenaria conopsea—the first five being additions to the flora 
of West Galway. The vegetation of this extreme corner of 
Connemara, in fact, which one might have expected to be 
very poor and limited, was found to include twelve plants 
not previously known from West Galway, and another dozen 
hitherto known oniy from the limestones on the eastern 
margin, forty miles away. 

Leaving behind us our pleasant experiences of Roundstone 
(‘‘the nicest place in Ireland,’ according to A. G. More), we 
cycled via Glen Inagh to Renvyle, seeing Poa nemoralis (new 
to West Galway) at Ballynahinch and Rubus plicatus at Tully, 
and got in late in pours of rain. It was a wild night, but by 
10 o'clock next morning the wind had moderated sufficiently 
to allow of astart for Inishturk, which was reached after a 
34 hours’ beat in a lively sea. We spent a delightful week on 
Inishturk, and botanized the island pretty thoroughly. An 


262 The Irish Naturalist. December, 


account of its flora (which has not been systematically 
examined hitherto) will, I trust, follow close on the heels of 
the present discursive narrative. We left again early one 
glorious morning, with the amazing panorama of Connaught 
mountains spread out in every tint of blue—(and I would 
remark parenthetically that the view from Inishturk fur- 
nishes perhaps the finest mountain panorama to be found in 
Ireland)—and drifted back to Renvyle. ‘Thence we cycled 
via Salruck, Leenane, Lough Nafooey, Clonbur, and Ballin- 
robe, to Lough Carra—a ride through glorious mountain 
scenery unsurpassed in Ireland for variety and beauty. But 
few observations were made by the way. The fine waterfall 
above Lough Nafooey is remarkable chiefly for the beautiful 
pebbles of jasper of many shades that fill the conglomerate 
at the top of the fall. The flora of the lake itself appeared 
extremely poor. The change at Clonbur from the calcifuge to 
the calcicole flora was full of interest. A halt on some lime- 
stone pavements, two miles north-east of Clonbur, revealed 
Euphrasia Salisburgensis once again in profusion, and we 
traced it at intervals to near Ballinrobe. At the same place 
Matricaria discoidea put in an appearance, and till we left the 
district it was our constant companion on every road and 
lane. Lough Carra was reached on the evening of July aist. 
I have already, in these pages, given some account of the 
result of our botanical observations on and about that pretty 
lake. On our last day we visited the spot, close to Liskilleen 
House north of Ballinrobe, whence Mr. Stanhope Kenny sent 
me Geranium pusillum in 1900. We found the plant still 
there, though sparingly, as the spot is now closely grazed. 
The habitat is the edges of a haggard close to a cottage set 
in the middle of large grazing fields, and the plant has the 
appearance of a colonist there. 

I have to record the following additions to the flora of 
Galway West and Galway North-east, as given in “Irish 
Topographical Botany,” and its “Supplement, 1901-1905.” 


ADDITIONS TO 16, GALWAY W. 


*Chelidonium majus. Apium graveolens. 
Sagina maritima. *Petroselinum sativum. 
*Trifolium hybridum. Sium angustifolium. 


Prunus Avium. Qinanthe Phellandrium. 


1906. PRAEGER.—WVotes of a Western Ramble. 263 


Caucalis nodosa. Atriplex hastata. 
Galium sylvestre. Rumex Hydrolapathum, 
*Petasites fragrans. Lemna trisulca. 
Euphrasia Salisburgensis. Carex teretiuscula. 
Utricularia vulgaris. C. vulpina, 

Mentha sativa. Poa neimoralis. 

Laniuum intermedium., Glyceria maritima. 


*Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. Festuca elatior. 


ADDITIONS TO 17, GALWAY N.E. 


*Chelidonium majus. Valerianella olitoria. 
Sisymbrium Alliaria, *Inula Helenium. 
tLychnis Githago. *Tanacetum vulgare, 
Lotus uliginosus. *Crepis biennis. 

Vicia hirsuta. Mentha sativa. 

V. angustifolia. Stachys arvensis. 
{Prunus Cerasus. *Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. 
Callitriche stagnalis. Empetrum nigrum. 
Peplis Portula. Juniperus nana. 
{Smyrnium Olusatrum. Potamogeton perfoliatus. 
Pimpinella magna. Carex vulpina. 

Scandix Pecten-Veneris. Glyceria plicata. 


QGEnanthe crocata. 


The following notes give in systematic form particulars of 
the stations of the above plants ; also of others which, taking 
into consideration our present knowledge of their distribution, 
seem worthy of note, including those which have been referred 
to in the preceding narrative :— 


Ranunculus heterophyllus, Fr.—!7. Claregalway. 

R. Baudotli, Godr.—16. Several lakes about Bunowen. 

R. sceleratus, L.—I6. Near Oughterard. 

*Chelidonium majJus, J,.—I6. Moycullen. 17. Claregalway. 

Arabis cillata, Fr.—16. Sands by Aillebrack Lough near Bunowen, 
and still abundant on sands at both ends of Dog’s Bay. 

Sisymbrium Alliarla, Scop.—I7. Near Claregalway. 

Brassica alba, Boiss—I6. Frequent, Roundstone to Slyne Head. 

Raphanus maritimus, Sm.—I6. Bunowen, Ballyconneely, and 
very abundant 2 miles west of Dog’s Bay. 

Viola Curtislii, Forst.—16. Abundant 2 miles west of Dog’s Bay. 

tLychnis Githago, Scop.—17. Near Claregalway. 

Cerastium tetrandrum, Curt.—I6. Common in S.W. Connemara. 
17. Old Castle at Lackagh. 

Sagina maritima, Don.—I6. Roundstone, and frequent in S.W, 
Connemara, 


264. The Irish Naturalist. December, 


Spergularia rupestris, lLebel.--I6, Roundstone and Bally- 
conneely. 

Malva rotundifolia, 1.—17, Drumgriffin. 

Geranium sangulneum, L.—I7, Coolaran, and 3 miles S.E. of 
Claregalway. 

Onenis repens, L—lt. 3 miles S.E. of Claregalway. 

Trifolium hybridum, L.—I6. Moycullen. 

Lotus uliginosus, Schkur.—17. Claregalway. 

Vicla hirsuta, Koch.—I7. Athenry. 

V. angustifolia, Roth.—I16. Roundstone. 17. Castle Lambert. 

Pranus Avium, I,.—16. Near Moycullen among native shrubs, not 
planted. 

+P. Cerasus, L.—I7. Lackagh. 

Rubus plicatus, Wh. & N.—I6. Tully. 

R. corylifolius, Sm.—26. Lough Carra. 

R,. saxatilis, L.—I7. Coolaran. 

Dryas octopetala, 1.—16. Abundant on bluffs on E. edge of Bally- 
cuirke Lough. 

Agrimonia odorata, Mill.—I6. Roundstone, Killery mouth, and 
frequent in S.W. Connemara. a 

Myriophyllum verticillatum, I,—I6. Ballycuirke Lough. 

Callitriche stagnalis, Scop.—I7. North of Athenry. 

Peplis Portula, l,.—17. Near Coolaran. 

Eryngium maritimum, L.—I6. Doonloughan, and abundant 2 
miles west of Dog’s Bay. 

tSmyrnilum Olusatrum, L,.—17. Lackagh. 

Apium graveolens, L.—I6. Bunowen and west of Roundstone. 

*Petroselinum sativum, Hoffm.—!6. Aughnanure Castle near 
Oughterard. 

Sium angustifolium, L.—I6. Dog’s Bay, and frequent on Bunowen 
peninsula, very dwarf. 

Pimpinella magna, 1,.—I7, Near Kilbeg Ferry. 

Scandix Pecten-Veneris, J,—I7. Castle Lambert. 

CEnanthe crocata, [,.—Claregalway. 

c. Phellandrium, Lamk.—I6. Auglinanure Castle near Ough- 
terard. 

*Peucedanum sativum, Benth.—I6. Pebble-beach at Ballyconneely, 
and sands at Bunowen. 

Caucalis nodosa. Scop.—I6. Roundstone and frequent westward. | 

Galium sylvestre, Poll.—I6. Near Gortachalla Lough. 17. Fre- 
quent north of Athenry. | 

Asperula cynanchica, J,.—17. Common north of Athenry. * | 

Valerlanella.olitoria, Poll._17. Near Claregalway. 

*Inula Helenium, L.—1I7. Copse at Lackagh. | 

tAnthemis Cotula, I,.—I6. Roundstone. 

A, nobilis, L.—16. Sands at Loughnafooey,. 


tsa -we 


1906. PRAEGER.—WNotes of a Western Ramble. 265 


t{Matricaria discoidea, DC.—I6. Runowen and Tully. 17. Clare- 
galway, Common Clonbur to Ballinrobe. 

*Tanacetum vulgare, I,.—I7, Castle Lambert and Claregalway. 

*Petasites fragrans, Presl.—I6. Oughterard. 

Carlina vulgaris, L.—I6. About Bunowen. 

*Crepis biennis, L.—I7. Fields near Cregmore bridge. 

Statice rariflora, Drej.—I6. Ballyconneely Bay and Mannin Bay. 

Centunculus minimus, L.—I6._ L. Corrib shore near Oughterard. 

Lithospermum officinale, L.—I6. Aughnanure Castle near Ough- 
terard. 

Convolvulus arvensis, l.—1I6. West of Ballyconneely. 

Vverbascum Thapsus, I,.—Aughnanure Castle near Oughterard. 

Euphraslia Salisburgensis, Funk.—I6. From Roundstone along 
the coast to Slyne Head and Mannin Bay, being abundant about 
Dog’s Bay and the Bunowen peninsula, and ascending Urrisbeg to 
300 feet. Abundant on the limestones between Killybeg, Moycullen 
and Oughterard. I7. Abundant on limestones in Athenry district. 
26. Abundant on limestones two miles N.E. of Clonbur, and thence 
to near Ballinrobe. 

Utricularia vulgaris, I,—I6. Ballycuirke L. and Doonloughan L. 

tVerbena officinalis, L.—1I6. Abundant east of Ross Lake. 

Mentha sativa, I,.—I6. Roundstone. I7. Kilbeg Ferry. 

Calamintha officinalis, Mcench.—I7. ‘Old castle at Lackagh. 

Scutellaria galericulata, L.—I6. Ballycuirke Lough, and Lough 
Corrib below Oughterard. 

Stachys arvensis, l.—I6. Bunowen. 17. Claregalway. 

Lamium intermedium, Fr.—I6. Roundstone and Doonloughan. 

*Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus, [L.—I6. Moycullen. I17, 
Lackagh. 

Atriplex hastata, L.—I6. Roundstone and Bunowen. 

Rumex Hydrolapathum, L.--I16. Doonloughan Lough and marshes 
two miles west of Ballyconeely. 

Salix pentandra, L.—tI6. Ballyconneely and Renvyle. 

Empetrum nigrum, [.--I7. Coolaran. 

Juniperus nana, Willd.—I7. Abundant on Athenry esker. 

Taxus baccata, J..— 16. On limestone at Ballycuirke L., near Gorta- 
challa L., and Aughnanure Castle. 

Epipactis palustris, Crantz.—16. Two miles west of Ballyconneely 

Orchis pyramidalis, L.—16. Bunowen, Ballyconneely, and abun- 
dant at Dog’s Bay. 

Qphrys apifera, Huds.—1I6. Ballycuirke Lough. 17. Athenry 
esker and by L. Corrib at Kilbeg. 

O. muscifera, Huds.—16. Jimestones near Gortachalla Lough. I7. 
Athenry esker, abundant. 

Habenaria conopsea, Benth.—I6. Bunoweun. 

H, intacta, Benth.—I6. Three stations on east shore of Ballycuirke 
Lough; limestones near Gortachalla Lough; roadside near Dog’s 


Bay 
A 3 


266 The Irish Naturalist. December, 


Habenaria chloroleuca, Ridley.—16. Roundstone. 

Lemna trisulca, 1.--I16. Moycullen. 

Potamogeton plantagineus, Ducr..—I6. Cregduff Lough near 
Roundstone; Doon L,., Aillebrack L., and Doonloughan L,. near 
Bunowen. 

P. heterophyllus, Schreb.—I6. Gortachalla Lough. 

P. nitens, Weber.—I6. Ballycuirke L., Maumeen J, and Doon L. 
(Bunowen). 

P. Zizii, Roth.—I6. Aillebrack lL. near Bunowen, and Ballycuirke L. 

P. perfoliatus, 1.—1I7. Lough Corrib at Kilbeg. 

P. perfoliatus, [L., var. macrophyllus, Blytt—16. Maumeen 
Lough. 

Ruppia rostellata, Koch.—I6. Ballyconneely Bay. 

Scirpus pauciflorus, Lightfi—I6. Ballyconneely. 

Rhynchospora fusca, R. & $.—16. Frequent in district west of 


Roundstone. 

Carex teretiuscula, Good.—I6. Marsh 2 miles west of Ballycon- 
neely. 

C. vulpina, I,.—I6. Frequent from Roundstone to Bunowen. I7. 
Claregalway. 


Cc. fulva x flava,—I6. Dog’s Bay peninsula. ) 

Sesleria caerulea, Arduin.--16. Abundant on the Bunowen penin- 
sula. 

Koeleria cristata, Pers.--I6. Common in $.W. Connemara. 

Catabrosa aquatica, L,., var. littoralis, Parnell.-I6. Sea sands 
at Doonloughan Bay, and 2 miles west of Dog’s Bay. 

Poa nemoralis, L.--I6. Woods near Ballynahinch Castle. 

Glyceria plicata, Fr.--17. Castle Lambert. 

G. maritima, M. & K.--16. Roundstone and near Ballyconneely. 

Festuca rottboellioides, Kunth.--I16. Roundstoune, Ballyconneely, 
Bunowen. 

F. ovina, 1,.--16, The viviparous mountain form grew on sea sands at 
Killery mouth, and on the edge of the “Narrow Lake,” Lough 
Mask; the blue-leaved maritime form on sands at Loughnafooey. 

F. elatior, l.—16. Ballynahinch. 

Asplenium marinum, [L,--I6. Dog's Bay and Ballyconneely. 

Ophiogiossum vulgatum, I, --I6. Dog’s Bay, Urrisbeg, Ballycon- 
neely, &c. 17. Athenry esker. 

Botrychium Lunaria, Scop.—I6. Dog’s Bay and Ballyconneely. 

fat 17. Athenry esker. 

Isoetes lacustris, L.- 16. Maumeen Lough. 

Chara polyacantha, Braun.--I6. Cregduff I, near Roundstone. 
Doon L,, Aillebrack L., and Doonloughan IL. near Bunowen. 


National Library, Dublin. 


: 


1906. 267 


VICIA OROBUS IN CO. ANTRIM. 
BY Co js LILLY, 


IN July, t904, when searching for Gymnadenia albida at Tait’s 
Hill, between Larne and Ballynure, I observed a large tuft of 
a vetch, which I took for Vicia sylvatica, in full bloom on an 
old wall: as V_ sylvatica is not uncommon on the coast near 
Larne, I took no special notice of this plant, but was rather 
surprised to see it so farinland. During the summer of 1905 
and 1906 I saw the same vetch in considerable abundance in 
a rocky moorland pasture at Lower Ballygowan Hill, near 
Headwood railway station, about three-quarters ofa mile from 
Tait’s Hill. On 17th July last I was looking over plants in 
the Belfast Museum with Mr. S. A. Stewart, and on turning 
up Vicia Orobus—a species hitherto unknown to me—I saw at 
once that it strongly resembled my Ballygowan plant; I sent 
a specimen accordingly to Mr. Stewart, who identified it as 
V. Orobus. 

Subsequently, I made further search in the same locality, 
and found two specimens on similar ground at Spennin Hill, 
about one-half mile distant from Ballygowan Hill, which 
appears to be the head-quarters of this interesting plant. Al- 
though it has no tendrils, I observed that in some instances 
it had climbed to the height of two or even three feet among 
stunted hazel bushes, where its large purplish racemes were 
very conspicuous. 

It will be recollected that Vzcza Orobus was first found 
in Co. Antrim by Mr. Stewart in July, 1873—a single plant at 
the Sallagh Braes, about five miles to the north-east of Bally- 
gowan Hill. The latter is an isolated patch of moorland sur- 
rounded by cultivation, and a veritable paradise for the 
botanist in June and July; the vetch seems to be confined to 
about half an acre of rough bushy pasture and hazel scrub, 
and in the same area I found no less than seven orchids, 
Gymnadenia albida and G. conopsea being very abundant, and 
Habenaria viridis trequent, also Pyrola media in great pro- 
fusion, and several other uncommon plants, 


268 The Irish Naturalist. December, 


I did not succeed in finding any more of V. Ovobus at Tait’s 
Hill, and searched several other patches of rocky ground in 
the neighbourhood without success, but there are some more 
mountain pastures in the district which I hope to explore 
next year, in order to define the distribution of this plant 
more accurately. 


JYarne, 


REVIEWS. 


THE STRUCTURE AND LIFE OF INSECTS. 


Entomology, with special reference to its Biological and Economic 
Aspects. By Justus WATSON FOoLsom, Sc.D., Pp. viii. + 435. 
With 5 plates and 300 text figures. London: Rebman L(d., 1906. 
Price 14s. net. 


The author of this beautifully produced book, who is lecturer on 
entomology in the University of Illinois, has favoured both students and 
teachers by its composition and publication. Our knowledge of insects 
grows so rapidly that a fresh presentation of the whole subject of ento- 
mology is always welcome, and Dr. Folsom, who is well known to 
zoologists for his researches into the morphology and embryology of the 
Collembola, has proved himself excellently fitted for the task. 

At the commencement of the book, the author gives us a summary 
classification, indicating by the way his views on phylogeny and relation- 
ships. He upholds the monophyletic nature of the Arthropoda and the 
kinship between the Insecta and Crustacea, which has been recently ad- 
vocated by Hansen, Lankester, and Carpenter, rejecting the dismember- 
ment of the Arthropoda into a number of separate phyla as proposed by 
Packard and other zoologists. The only feature of this introductory 
chapter to which serious exception can be taken is the position of the 
Coleoptera in the diagnostic list of orders, between the Diptera and Lepi- 
doptera, and in the diagram of phylogeny between the Thysanura and 
Orthoptera. Surely a kinship with the Neuroptera is far more probable 
than either of these alternatives. 

No spacein the book has been devoted to any systematic survey of the 
orders of insects. Consequently the author has ample space at his dis- 
posal for dealing fully with morphology, embryology and metamorphosis, 
aquatic adaptations, colour, the origin of adaptations and species, the 
life relationship of insects among themselves, with other animals, and 
with plants, their behaviour, their distribution in space and time, and 
their econoinic importance. In the excellent chapter on anatomy and 
physiology, occupying 120 pages, the account of the nervous system and 


1906. Reviews. 269 


sense organs is especially good. The clear descriptions are illustrated 
by well-drawn figures and a few good photographs. Second-rate half- 
tone blocks such as illustrate (?) anatomical detail in certain recent 
American publications are pleasingly absent from the present volume. 
The chapter on development is good as far as it goes, but both embryolo- 
gical and post-larval growth might have been more fully treated with 
advantage. The recent positive statements of Heymons and Lécaillon 
that the “mid-gut” of winged insects arises from the ectoderm deserve 
at least a passing mention. 

The summary of the various theories of organic evolution given by Dr. 
Folsom is effective and impartial. He appears to be a Darwinian in 
Darwin’s sense (not in Weismann’s), and his mind is open to the factors of 
isolation and mutation advocated in recent years by Romanes and 
De Vries. It is surprising, however, to miss from this summary any 
mention of Mendel’s work. The inclusion of these general topics in an 
entomological text book is fully justified by the light which the study of 
insects can throw on their solution. 

A strong feature of the book is the section devoted to the bionomics of 
insects. The chapters dealing with coloration, plant and insect relations, 
and insect habit, are full of interest, and some results of the recent 
researches of Janet, Méller and the Peckhams, on ants and other 
Hymenoptera are readily available for the English reader. Perhaps the 
author is too ready to accept as explaining details of insect behaviour the 
“tropic” terminology of Loeb and other recent experimenters. Reflexes 
doubtless play a large part in the actions of insects, but the “reduction” 
of memory and consciousness to reflexes is more than “improbable.” 
The chapter on distribution contains a valuable summary of recent work 
on fossil insects, with figures of the most remarkable forms. The geo- 
graphical section of this chapter gives the first indication that the book is 
primarily meant for American students, on account of the predominant 
attention paid to the problems presented by the distribution of insects in 
the United States. Many of these problems, however, have an interest for 
the European zoologist, who may be grateful to Dr. Folsom for bringing 
together in a convenient summary many facts scattered in the enormous 
economic literature of American entomology. In the discussion of the 
world-regions no mention is made of the proposal—first put forward 
by Merriam and subsequently advocated by Scharff—to establish the 
Sonoran as the headquarters of a fauna distinct from the Holarctic. And 
by some curious slip it is stated that the Euploeincze—a group of butter- 
flies most characteristic of the fauna of the Eastern tropics—‘‘are 
restricted. almost without exception,” to South America. 

But for the book, on the whole, we have nothing but praise, and not 
the least obligatlon which Dr. Folsom has conferred on the student is 
the admirable bibliography occupying 57 pages and containing over 1,000 
references. 


Eee s id Sa 


270 The Lrish Naturalist. December, 


IRISH SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Two young Chimpanzees which have been lately purchased are now 
exhibited in the excellent new Ape-house. Another very interesting 
purchase is the curious Anoa from Celebes. Other animals recently 
acquired are a pair of Capybaras, a pair of Patagonian Cavies, a Civet 
Cat, a Ring-tailed Coati, a pair of Curlews, two Pileated Jays, eight 
Francolins, three Troupials, two Tanagers, and a Cow-bird. Four Gion 
cubs have been born in the Gardens. 

Recent gifts include a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo from Dr. B. B. 
Ferrar, an Amazon from Miss Bradshaw, three Peafowl from Mr. T. 
Halpin. a Senegal Turtle-dove from Mr. H. B. Rathborne, five Guinea- 
pigs from Mr. T. Beatty, two Belgian Hares from Mr. G. P Beater, six 
Marsh Tits from Mr. W. J. Williams, a Greenland Redpoll, a Butcher 
bird, and a Fox-sparrow from Dr. J. Trunbull, a Black Vulture, a pair of 
Tyrant Birds, a pair of Yellow-billed Cardinals, a Black Troupial, a 
Bengalese Finch, and a pair of Guira Cockatoos from Mr. A. Goodbody, 
a Green Monkey from Mrs. Peyton, and a pair of Peafowl from Mr. 
Justice Wright. 


DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 


OCTOBER 10.—The Club met at Leinster House, the President (Prof. 
G. H. CARPENTER) in the chair. The accounts for the past year were 
adopted, and the usual grant made towards the expenses of the /vish 
Naturalist, in which the Club’s proceedings are published. 

D. M‘ARDLE showed TZetraphis pelluctda, Hedwig., bearing the terminal 
gemtiferous cups, which are formed of four or five broadly reniform 
bracts, and enclose numerous paraphyses and stalked lenticular gemme. 
This moss grows in dense tufts, bright green above, reddish below, one- 
half to one inch high. In the absence of fruit the plant may be known 
by these cups, which are borne on more slender and flexuose stems, 
bearing more uniformly-rounded ovate and more distant leaves than 
those on fertile plants, which have a stronger stem often branched, 
bearing imbricated leaves, the lower ones ovate and those near the apex 
of stem narrower. The genus is remarkable aniong mosses on account 
of the solid undifferentiated teeth of the peristome, and peculiar frondi- 
form leaves which, after germination, appear on the protonema at the 
first development of the moss stem; in this species they disappear 
before the stem develops. The specimens were collected last year in 
the Correl Glen, Co. Fermanagh. 

H. J. SEYMouR exhibited a section of a volcanic ash formerly much 
used as a road 1inetal in one of the southern counties of Ireland. The 
material was most unsuited for this purpose, as it consisted of a nuinber 
of fragments cemented together by asmall amount of calcite. On the 


1906, Proceedings of Lrish Societies. 271 


solution of the latter substance, the whole rock fell into a powder, pro- 
ducing quantities of mud in wet weather. On his advice, a suitable rock 
occurring locally is now being used instead. 

R. SOUTHERN exhibited a mounted specimen of the Enchytreid worm 
fridericia aurita, Issel. This species was first described by the Italian 
zoologist, Dr. Issel, in 1905, in the Zoologische Jahrbiicher, from specimens 
taken in Piedmont, Italy. Its only other locality at present known is 
in Lambay, where it was found last June. It is chiefly characterised 
by the shape of the spermatheca. Attention was drawn to the stoma- 
like guard-cells surrounding the dorsal pores. 

Prof. G. H. CARPENTER showed new species of Pycnogonida collected 
by Dr. J. Stanley Gardiner in the Indian Ocean. The species, which 
belong to the genera Pallenopsis, Anoplodactylus, Colossendeis, and 
Rhopalorhynchus, will shortly be described and figured in the 7vansac- 
tions of the Linnean Society. 

J. N. HALBERT exhibited specimens of a new irish plant-bug, Lzburnza 
lugubrina, Boh., found in marshy places near Mullingar. The species 
seems to be rare in Great Britain. It was introduced into the British 
list—without locality—many years ago, and no definite locality is men- 
tioned for it in Mr. Edwards’ recent monograph (Homoptera of the 
British Islands, 1896). 

Dr. G. H. PETHYBRIDGE exhibited the parasite fungus Septoria Petro- 
selint (Desni.) var. 4/27, which was growing on and causing ccnsiderable 
damage to celery plants. The fungus is well known in England and in 
America, but its presence in Ireland has not hitherto been noted. 


BELFAST NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


OCTOBER 25.—OPENING CONVERSAZIONE.—The Forty-fourth Winter 
Session was opened by a conversazione, held in the large hall of the 
Y.M.C.A., which was largely attended by members and friends. Tea was 
served from 6.30 to 7.30 o’clock. The following is a list of the principal 
exhibits shown :—BoTany: Botanical Section—Specimens from Club’s 
herbarium. N. Carrothers—Mounted plants. Rev. Canon Lett, M.A., 
M.R.I.A., and Rev. C. H. Waddell, M.A., B.D.—Mosses. Liverworts and 
Lichens, together with Handbooks. H. C. Marshall— Propagation of 
British ferns, &c. Professor Gregg Wilson, D.Sc., M.R.I.A.— Microscopic 
demonstration—Plant sections, etc. GkOLOGY: Miss M. K. Andrews— 
Microscopic sections of Tertiary rhyolites from Co. Antrim. R. Bell— 
Cephalopoda. W. Christy—Chalcedony and opal from Carnmoney ; fish 
teeth from the Cretaceous rocks. A. Duncan, B.Sc —Carboniferous 
fossils, etc W. H. Gallway—Chalcedonic geode from South America, 
containing globule of water. J. L. S. Jackson—-Liassic fossils from 
Whitby ; Nautilus; Ichthyosaurus; Plant Remains, etc. J. Strachan— 
Native Irish silicas, including quartz, chalcedony, flint, opal, hyalite and 


249 The lrish Naturalist Deceinber, 


jasper; Intra-basaltic deposits of Antrim, including iron ore, bauxite, 

quartz crystals in matrix of bauxite, lignite, and lithomarge. Specimens 

ot opal, hyalite and onyx, from Sandy Braes, Co. Antrim. W. J. C. Tomlin- 

son—Kocene fossils from Barton, Hants. J. Wright, F.G.S.—Foraminifera 

froin gravel pits in the vicinity of Belfast. ZooLoGy: John Donaldson— 

Pond Life (microscopic demonstration). George Donaldson— Butterflies, 

Moths and Beetles from India. N.H. Foster, M.B.0.U.—Eggs of Common 

and Arctic Terns, showing variation in size and colouration. W. Gray, 

M.R.I A.—Some forms of Hydrozoa; Multiple images in insect’s eye. 
W. H. Gallway—Star Fishes and Sea Urchins; Pipe Fishes. W. A. 

Green—Long-eared Bat from Lough Mourne; Horned Toad from Mexico, 

Alligator, etc. F. M. Greeves—Facsimiles of eggs of extinct birds, care- 

fully imitated from originals, viz. :-—pyornds maximus of Madagascar, 

Dinornis giganteus of New Zealand, Ala impennis or Great Auk; also col- 

lection of lithographs of extinct animals. H. Malcomson—Collection of 
British birds’ eggs. H. L. Orr—Some bees and wasps and their nests. 

Professor Symington, M.D., F.R S.—Microscopic sections illustrating 

the structure of nerve cells and fibres. Mrs. Swanston—Collection of 
birds from Florida, U.S A. S.M. Stears—Glossy Ibis (Plegad?s falctnellus), 

captured in Co. Down in September; Clutch of Sandwich Terns’ eggs, 

taken in Co. Down. R. Patterson, M.R.I.A.—Variations in eggs of 
Herring Gulls; Egg of Sandwich Tern taken in Co. Down; First Irish 

Specimen of the Trumpet Fish (Centréscus sccolopax) taken off Co. Down 

coast. R. Welch, M.R.I.A.—Living Specimens of a very local land shell 

(Helix pisana), from Baltray sandhills, Co. Louth; Living specimeus of 
two local slugs (Amalia gagates and A. Sowerbyz). MISCELLANEOUS: Miss 

Andrews—Views of St. Patrick’s bell and its jewelled shrine. R. Bell— 
Pre-historic implements from Belfast hills. Thomas Brown—Case of 
unmounted gems ; Amethyst crystals from Achill Island. W. A. Green— 

Bronze objects found on the pre-historic hearths, Dundrum; also stone 

implements, etc., from this and other sites of Early Man. D. E. Lowry— 

Obsidian flakes and arrow-heads, etc., made by the Indians of Mexico. J. 

Lizars— Microscopes and apparatus. R. May--Old wooden candlestick 

from Copeland Island; Ship’s hour-glass by Lee, Belfast; Flint imple- 

nents from the Soudan, Egypt, Japan, etc.: Recent local sand-dune 

finds. W.S. M‘Kee— Polarisation of crystals, etc. Omagh Naturalists 

Field Club—Natural history photographs. R. Welch, M.R.I.A.—Natural 

history photographs. There were also microscopic demonstrations given 

by various members throughout the evening. 

At 9.15 the President of the Club (W. H. PHILLips, took the chair, and 
delivered a short address. After welcoming the members of the Dublin. 
Naturalists’ Field Club and the Omagh Naturalists’ Field Club, Mr.’ 
Phillips referred to the great success that had attended the summer ex- 
cursions of the Club this year, and said this was almost entirely due to 
the energy of the Secretaries, Messrs. Galway and Tomlinson. Fourteen 
new members were elected, and a lantern display was then pro- 
ceeded with, the views shown on the screen being taken principally 
during the summer excursions by the members of the Club. 


1906. Proceedings of Irish Societies. 273 
DUBLIN NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 


OCTOBRR 30.- CONVERSAZIONE in the Royal College of Science, 
Stephen’s Green. This change from the usual meeting place of the 
Club arose from the fact that the Council of the Academy were intro- 
ducing electric light into the Academy House, which was therefore not 
available. At 8.30 the President (C. B. Morrat, B.A.) took the chair, 
and after welcoming the visitors called upon Prof. CARPENTER, who 
delivered a short lecture on ‘‘ Animal Form and Colour.” The lecture, 
which dealt with protective coloration and mimicry in the animal world, 
was illustrated by a large series of coloured lantern slides. The remainder 
of the evening was spent in examining the numerous scientific exhibits 
which were on display. The following is a list of the more important :—- 
J. ADaMs.—Specimens of Parsley Fern (Cryftogramme crispa), from Bally- 
knockan, Co Wicklow. Miss BERNARD.—Sketch of vegetation zones 
on slopes of Upper Lough Bray, August, 1906. BOTANICAL, DEPART- 
MENT, SCIENCE AND ART MuSEUM.--Some Diseases of forest trees. 
W. B. BRUCE.--Collection of certain Genera (Medicago, Melilotus, Trifolium) 
of Leguminose, made during 1906. J. B. BUTLER.—-(a) Copepoda, from 
Norwegian fiords; (6) Skins with ossicles of various Holothurians, 
Norway; (¢) Living plankton, Dublin Bay. Professor G. H. 
CARPENTER.--Injurious Insects of the Year. Dissections of nervous 
systems of Vertebrates. Professor G. A. J. CoLk.--(a) Exhibit illustra- 
ting succession of materials erupted during recent outbreak of Vesuvius ; 
(4) Geological photographs from S. Africa. W. F. GUNN.»#-Exhibit 
illustrating the various storage organs of plants. Specimens of Szsyrin- 
chum californicum, and Diotis maritima from their Irish stations. J. N. 
HALBERT.--Several Water-mites new to Ireland. Miss HENSMAN.-- 
Samples of Seed in various stages of germination. Professor T. 
JOHNSON.--Sea-weeds and other natural history objects from Heligo- 
land. Miss M.C. KNOWLES.--Glyceria Festucaformis, and other plants 
new to County Limerick. D. McARDLE.--Some large Irish Mosses. 
Miss McARDLE.--Specimens illustrating dispersal of seeds. Miss A. L. 
Massy.—Deep sea Mollusca. F. NEALE.--Specimens of large Saw Fly 
(Strex gigas). Nest with eggs of cave dwelling Spider (A/eta Menardiz) from 
Quin, Co. Clare. A. R. NicHors.—Humming Birds from Central 
America; (a) Sword-billed Humming Bird (Decimastes enciferus); (6) 
Dwarf Humming Bird ( Chetocercus bombus). GEO. H. PETHYBRIDGE.— 
Map of Howth showing progress made during the year 1906 in vegetation 
survey of the district north of Dublin. A. Roycror?t.—Specimens of 
granite from Carnsore Point.. R. SOUTHERN.—Earthworm (L£uésenia 
veneta [Rosa] ), new to British Isles, with map ofits distribution. New 
Irish Oligochzete (Branchiura sp. Beddard), Victoria Regia tank, Glasnevin, 
probably introduced from S. America. Miss J. STEPHENS.—Case of 
sponges from Natural History Museum, Merrion-street. D. K. 
STEWART.--Collection of certain genera (Medicago, Meiilotus, Trifolium, 
Lotus) of Leguminose, made during 1906. I. Swarn.--Structure of the 
Belemnite. Miss E. H. Wi1son.—Kreuzotter (Felias berus), from West 
Prussia. 


274 The Irish Naturalist. December, 


There were six nominations of membership. Several past members 
replaced their names on the roll of the Club. 

SEPTEMBER 29.—EXCURSION TO PORTMARNOCK AND MALAHIDE.— 
Members and visitors to the number of thirty took part in this excursion, 
which left Amiens-street by the 1.45 train. On reaching Portmarnock 
station the party walked across the dunes to the seashore, under the con- 
ductorship of W. F. Gunn. From this point until near Malahide the 
shore line is occupied by rocks of the Lower Limestone—dolomites, 
shales and purer limestone, which yielded abundant but rather frag- 
mentary fossils. Near Malahide the dunes again occupy the shore line, 
and here the botanists were able to collect some of the rarer plants— 
Thalictrum dunense, Trifolium arvense, Atriplex Babingtonit, &c. At Malahide 
the party had tea, and returned to town by the 6.35 train. 

NOVEMBER 10.—EXCURSION TO KILLAKEE.—Members and visitors to 
the number of thirteen, attended this meeting, which was devoted to 
the study of Fungi. Leaving Terenure at 1.30 the main party drove to 
beyond Rockbrook, and then ascended the slope of Cruagh as far as the 
edge of the wood. Here D. Houston, F-1..S., explained the life history 
of the fungi, and then led the party through the beech wood, collecting 
and discussing such representatives of the group as turned up. These 
incluced Coprinus, Russula, Boletus, Polyporus, Clavaria, and several 
Myxomycetes. Darkness put an end to the search, and the excursion 
returned to town, after having met for tea at Rockbrook Post Office. 

NOVEMBER 13.--The first business meeting of the Session took place in 
the lecture theatre of the Royal College of Science. The President in 
the chair. There was a crowded attendance to hear a paper by Prof. 
G. A. J. COLE, F.G.S., on “Continental Glaciation in ancient and modern 
times.” The lecture covered a large section of the subject, dealing with 
modern glaciation in the Alps, the origin of the Prussian Plain, modern 
glaciation in Greenland and Alaska, and the traces of former glaciation 
in Permo-Carboniferous times. Prof. Culverwell, T.C.D., spoke on the 
paper and discussed the different theories as to the cause of ice ages. 
Prof. Carpenter followed with remarks on the effect of the Ice Age on 
botanical and zoological distribution. R. Ll. Praeger pointed out the 
difficulties which would arise if the suggestion of the sun being a 
variable star were accepted. 

The following were elected members:--Mrs. Sheehy-Skeffiington, 
M.A.; Miss Powell, T. Irvine, T. Hailissy; and as associate members :— 
Gerald Tierney, P J. L. O'Connor. Two proposals for membership and 
two proposals for associate-membership were received. 


BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


NOVEMBER 13.—Sir OTToO JAFFE, J.P., delivered his Presidential 
address, on the subject: “ Weimar and its Associations with Goethe and 
Schiller.” The address was illustrated by a special series of lantern 
slides, 


1906. 275 


NOTES. 
ZOOLOGY. 
Strangalia aurulenta in Co. Wicklow. 


In June of the present year I received from my friend Mr. Jas. Black, 
among a number of insects for identification, a specimen of this beau- 
tiful longhorn beetle, which he had taken in the Avondale demesne near 
Rathdrum. This insect has hitherto been known in Ireland only from 
the south-west ; its discovery in the south-east is therefore of considerable 
interest. Its British and continental distribution suggest that it belongs 


to the Lusitanian fauna. 
GEO. H. CARPENTER. 


New localities for Pelophila borealis. 


The southern shore of Lough Gill, Sligo, has long been known as a 
locality for this most interesting northern member of our fauna. In 
June of this year, when on field work with our College students, speci- 
mens were found on the northern shore of the lake close to the ancient 
castle of the O’Rourkes. Numerous specimens were also discovered on 
the eastern shore of Lough Melvin, which we passed on the road from 


Manorhamilton to Belleek. 
GEO. H. CARPENTER. 
Royal College of Science, Dublin. 


The Oblong Sunfish off the Irish Coast. 


The Comunon Sunfish ( Orthagoriscus mola) is fairly abundant off the Irish 
coast, but the Oblong Sunfish (Orthagoriscus truncatus), must be looked 
upon as one of our greatest rarities. The latter is truncated posteriorly, 
while the other is more oval in shape. The Common Sunfish grows to a 
great size, and attains a weight of from 300-400 lbs. The Oblong Sunfish 
is a much smaller species and much less heavy. There are other less 
evident characters which distinguish these two fishes. 

Our oldest record of the Oblong Sunfish coming within the boundary 
of the Irish marine area, dates from the year 1837, when Mr. J. Wright 
observed one near Youghal. Another one was taken amiong seaweed off 
the coast of Waterford in 1845. Of this specimen we are certain that the 
determination was correct, as a fine water-colour sketch of the fish was 
made, which is preserved in the Dublin Museum. 

Last July another Oblong Sunfish was taken in Tralee Bay, and sent 
to the fish-market in Dublin. It was acquired for the Museum collection 
from Mr. May, and I think it is the only Irish specimen which has been 
preserved. It was of a beautifully violet colour, becoming almost white 
underneath, the whole suffused in a silvery hue. It measured 2 feet 2} 


inches in length, and weighed 184 lbs. 
R, F. SCHARFF, 
Dublin Museum. 


276 The Irish Naturalist. December, 
Stormy Petrel in Co. Down. 


On October 16 a Stormy Petrel passed quite close to me, flying towards 
Sydenham from the direction of the Engine Sheds, and about a mile 
from the centre of Belfast. When I first saw it several Meadow Pipits 
were in pursuit, but they soon gave up the chase, and I watched it until 
it flew out of sight. There was a fairly strong wind blowing from the 
south-west at the time, and it was flying with the wind, and appeared 
strong enough on the wing. . 


HERBERT T. MALCOMSON. 
Belfast. 


Quail in Co. Armagh. 


It may be of some interest that a Quail was shot in this county a short 
time since. Mr. Arthur Sinton was out partridge shooting about the 
middle of September, when to his surprise a Quail got up, which he 
promptly shot. He thinks there was another, or perhaps two, but 
is not sure on this point. He is getting the one he obtained stuffed by 
a well-known man in Belfast. I have avoided giving the particular 
locality for obvious reasons. 


Wn. M‘ENDOO 
Ballymore Rectory, Tanderagee. 


Snowy Owl in Co. Mayo. 


In the Zoologest for September Mr. W. J. Williams records a Snowy Owl 
(Nyctea scandiaca) in second year’s plumage, shot at Belmullet on July 21. 


Pugnacity of the Common Tern. 


Since the appearance in the September issue of this Journal of a note 
under the above heading, my attention has been drawn by my friend, 
Mr. C. B. Moffat, to the great difficulty of distinguishing, on the wing, 
the Common Tern (Sterna fluviatilis) from the Arctic Tern (S. macrura). 
On looking into the matter more closely, it appears to me that my 
identification of the Balbriggan bird is open to some doubt. I am not 
prepared to assert that the bird was not the Arctic Tern, and, on the 
whole, it seems safer for the present to regard its identity as an open 
question. This much at all events is certain, that the bird belonged to 
one or other of the two species mentioned. 


N, COLGAN. 
Sandycove. 


1906. Notes. 277 


The Greater Black-backed Gull and its prey. 


We have been watching the predaceous habits of the Greater Black- 
backed Gull on the long flat sands at Skerries during the month of 
September. On one occasion we observed through a telescope a murder 
being committed on the edge of the retreating tide. One ofthe children 
rushed out to the rescue, but only arrived in time to witness the last 
struggles of a young Guillemot, lying with its back broken in the water. 
The huge Black-backed, disturbed, rose slowly, flapped about half a 
mile down the shore, and promptly attacked and killed a second 
Guillemot. The whole proceeding we watched through a telescope. 
The Gull struck at the Guillemot repeatedly ; the latter endeavoured to 
escape by diving, but the water being too shallow it was unfortunately 
unsuccessful. Later on we picked up the rentains of the dead Guillemot 
and found that the Black-backed Gull had only cut it open with its 
powerful beak, and had eaten the entrails. We found several other young 
Guillemots killed in the same way, and in each case the Gull had 
devoured the inside only, not touching the flesh. Although we have 
watched the numerous and interesting seabirds at Skerries for many 
years in the month of Septe:znber, we have never before noticed the 
Greater Black-backed Gull preying on the Guillemot. 


¥F. W. SHAW. 
Bushy Park, Terenure. 


Woodcock killed by Gulls. 


On 2nd November a Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) was brought to my 
cabin on board R.M.S. “Virginian,” which was caught at 7.30 a.m. by 
one of our crew, 3} miles north of Innistrahull. It seemed quite healthy 
and in good condition, but apparently very tired. I put it in a locker, 
and two hours later, when it had to all appearance recovered from its 
recent fatigue, I carried it on deck. It crouched down with its head and 
neck outstretched seemingly not realising for a few seconds that it had 
its liberty, when suddenly it rose and made direct for Rathlin Island, 
distance about two miles. Scarcely had it flown 300 yards when it 
was intercepted by a flock of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 
One Gull swooped down like a hawk and struck it on the back. The 
Woodcock, finding that it was hopeless to reach land, tried to regain 
the ship, but the whole flock—about twenty—closed in upon it and 
dashed it into the water and commenced to pull it to pieces. This inci- 
dent appears to me to show that large numbers of exhausted and even 
healthy stragglers from flocks are killed yearly approaching our shores. 


248 The Irish Naturahst, December, 


The Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull are generally distributed 
round the coast. Both gulls are very quick in discerning whether a 
bird is able to protect itselfor not. I have known a Lesser Black-backed 
Gull await patiently an opportunity of attacking a wounded Widgeon. 
If there had been several Woodcock they would, no doubt, have allowed 
them to pass unmolested. 


J. TRUMBULL. 
Malahide. 


Glossy Ibis in Ireland. 


During the month of September five Glossy Ibis were shot on the 
east coast of Ireland, and examined by me. They were all in immature 
plumage, and in poor condition—on the 7th a female, shot near Wex- 
ford; on the 1oth, male and female, shot at Tramore, Co. Waterford; 
on the 11th, female shot on the North Bull, Co. Dublin; on 1oth a male, 
shot near Clonakilty; and on October Ist a male, shot in Co. Clare—the 
first record from the west coast in this flight. Since then I heard of 
another bird seen at Donabate, described as a black Curlew, but no 
doubt an Ibis. 


W. J. WILLIAMS. 
Dame-street, Dublin. 


Bat taking a Trout Fly. 


A trout, about 21lb. weight, was continually rising near a bend in the 
river where a breeze never touches the water. I went (September toth) 
after tea to try him with a dry fly. Having tried in vain with a 
‘‘Fisherman’s Curse,” 000 size, at 6 o'clock I put upa “ Detached Olive” 
oo hook. The first cast was short, and, while drying the fly, I felt a 
pull behind me, and saw that I had hooked a bat. Thinking that the 
bat must be foul-hooked, I laid the rod down and gently brought the 
animal towards me, when I discovered the hook to be deeply imbedded 
in the lower jaw behind the left lower canine tooth. It was a male 
Long-eared Bat. It wasa bright evening, the sun still shining. I did 
not know that bats hawked for food so early. This one, at any rate 
must have gone at the fly, as the hook was inside the mouth. It also 
proves, I think, the accuracy of Mrs, Ogden Smith’s imitations of the 
natural fly. 


R. E. DILLON. 
Clonbrock, Ahascragk. 


1906. Notes. 279 


BOTANY. 


Spiranthes autumnalis in the Phenix Park. 


I think it may interest Dublin botanists to know that Sfzranthes 
autumnalis still survives in its old locality in the Phoenix Park, ‘between 
Chapelizod and the Magazine,” where, as quoted in Mr. Colgan’s “ Flora 
of County Dublin,” it was stated to grow in Miss K. 5S. Baily’s “ Irish 
Flora,” a work published in 1833. Here, on September 9, I had the 
satisfaction to come across three plants of this little Orchid, in good 
flower. I am not aware of the existence of any note showing that it 
has been observed in the spot—though, of course, it may have been— 
since Miss Baily’s book was published; and Mr. Colgan, to whom I 
applied for enlightenment, tells me that he believes all later references 
to the Phoenix Park locality are based on the “Irish Flora” record. 
The spot being so close to Dublin, the absence of recent confirmations 
for a record so old as 1833, might lead one to suppose that the plant had 
died out, and I am glad to be able to state that this is not the case. 


Cc. B. MoFrFra’. 
Dublin. 


Glyceria festuceformis in Co. Limerick. 


At the end of May last, when exploring some of the small islands of the 
Shannon off Morgans, in company with Miss Brisco and Mr. Donough 
O’Brien, we came on Glyceréa festuceformis growing on the shingly northern 
beach of Trummera Big. This small island, the largest and highest of 
those we landed on, is only a few roods in area at high tide, and must be 
completely swept by winter storms. Itis roughly triangular in shape. 
The southern end is along, narrow sandy point, almost bare of vegeta- 
tion, but at the time of our visit thickly studded by sea-birds’ nests. The 

— greater part of the shore, however, and especially the northern face, is 
stony and shingly, and it was here that we found Glyceréa festuceformts. 
It grew in large isolated tussocks from just below spring-tide level right 
down to the water’s edge. We landed shortly after high tide; and the 
waves were still lapping the roots of some of the clumps. It was the 
predominant plant on the beach, and the only one growing so low down 
on the shore. Higher up Statice rarifora, and a few stunted plants of 
Aster tripolium grew with it, and higher still on the beach Coch/earia, 
Armeria, Glaux, Arenaria peploides, &c., and just fringing spring-tide mark 
Triticum repens and Matricaria inodora grew in the greatest profusion. As 
it was early in the season, the Glyceria was immature, most of the flower- 
heads being stillin theirsheaths, but its general look, its mode of growth, 
its size and habitat, all tallied so exactly with Mr. Praeger’s account of 
Glyceria Jestuceformis as it grows on the Co. Down coast, that I felt sure at 


280 The Irish Naturalist. December, 1906. 


the time it could only be that grass. We brought away two roots. One 
was despatched to Mr. Praeger for his opinion, which coincided with my 
own, and the other was planted in Miss O’Brien’s garden, where it 
flowered later. It is not wise, however, to dogmatise on immature 
material or material ripened under unnatural conditions, so, early in July 
I wrote to Miss O'Brien asking her if possible to get me a good gathering 
of the grass in full flower, from Trummera. This she very kindly did, 
sending mie two large tussocks. Specimens of this later gathering were 
sent to Dr. Rendle, of the British Museum, who has confirmed the 
naming. This new station for Glyceria festuceformis is very satisfactory, as 
it further establishes Mr. Praeger’s contention that the plant is native in 
Ireland. 


M. C. KNOWLES. 
Dublin. 


Note on some Northern Fungi. 


The following four Fungi were observed during the summer of 1906. 
They do not seem to have been previously recorded for Co. Antrim :— 

Lepiota procera, Scop. (Parasol Mushroom). On sandy pasture, Mas- 
sereene Park, Antrim. 

Phallus impudicus, I, (Stinkhorn). In a wood in Massereene Park, 
Antrim. 

Merulius lacrymans, Fr. (Dry Rot). This was observed growing on the 
woodwork of an outhouse at Windsor, Belfast. It need not necessarily 
be considered native in this locality, as the timber was probably foreign. 
Recorded by Templeton as occurring ‘‘ near Belfast.” 

Hirneola auricula-judae, Berk (Jew’s Ear). Occurred growing on old 
Elder trees at Muckamore, near Antrim. 

In the /rzsh Independent of 7th September, 1906, the following note ap- 
peared :—“ A large globular Fungus weighing 2}]bs. and measuring 27 
inches in circumference, was discovered by Mr. H. R. M‘Fadden in Lord 
Ranfuriy’s demesne near Dungannon, on Wednesday. The growth is 
perfectly round’‘and quite solid.” This in all probability refers to the 
Giant Puff Ball (Lycoperdon giganteum, Batsch). According to Lett’s 
‘Fungi of the North of Ireland” (1886) it had previously eee recorded 
for Antrim aud Down, but not for Tyrone. 


J. ADAMS. 


Royal College of Science, 
Dublin. 


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Val. xv., No. 12. December, 1906. 


CONTENTS 
Notes of a Western Ramble.—R. Lioyp PRAEGER, .. ee 257 
Vicia orobus in Co, Antrin.—-C.J, Ley) 2 iwice 6 iv eae oe ee. 
REVIEW :— 7 aig! 
J. W. Folsom’s “ Entomology.”—(G.H.C.), ae sxe Ses 268 
IRISH SOCIETIES :— 
Royal Zoological Society. Dublin Microscopical Club, ees et ie 270 
Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, we es oy ks 271 
Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, as Ae HPs oe 273 
Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, - .. «e 274 
NOTES :— 
Strangalia aurulenta in Co. Wicklow. New localities for Pelophila 
borealis.—Prof. G. H, CARPENTER, ee «e ee 275 
The Oblong Sunfish off the Irish Coast,—R. F. ScHARFF, PH D., oa 275 
Stormy Petrel in Co. Down.—HERBERT T. MALCOLMSON, a 276 
- Quail in County Armagh.—Rev. WM. M‘ENpDoo, B.D., os ‘ae 276 
Snowy Owlin Co. Mayo, .. a et a oo. vt B70 
Pugnacity of the Common Tern.—N. COLGAN, M.R.I.A., ee sg : 276 
The Greater Black-backed Gull and its Prey.—Sir F. W. SHaw, ‘ea oe ee) 
Woodcock killed by Gulls——J. TRUMBULL, M.R.C.S., oe <n 4, 277 
Glossy Ibis in Ireland.-W. J. WILLIAMS, — soe ee ae iat 248 
Bat taking a Trout-fly—-Hon. R. E. DILLon, D.L,, wa a 278 
Spiranthes autuminalis in the Phoenix Park.—C. B. MOFFAT, B.A. .. 279 
Glyceria festuczeformis in Co. Limerick.—Miss M. C. KNowLEs, rs 279 
Note on some Northern Fungi.—J. ADAms, M.A., az 8 yt e280 


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IRIsH NATURALIST, VCL. XV.] | PLATE 


From Photo by E. A. BAKER. 
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From Photo by E. A, BAKER. 
Picturesque corner on way to The River. 


MITCHELSTOWN CAVE. 


T y , y ) ATER 
IRISH NATURALIST, VOL. XV. PLATE 


“Photo, R:- WEECH.- 


White forms of Limnaea peregra, mainly var. boissyi Dupuy. 


Carnboy Lough. Bottom row showing iron incrustation. 


To face page 62] 


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