I04 The Irish Nationalist, April, 



suitable plots of ground; that this competition keeps down the number 

 of nests and limits the birth rate. 



This paper will be published in an early number of the Irish Naturalist. 

 A short discussion followed, but it is much to be regretted that the 

 ornithologists of the Club and indeed the zoologists as a whole were 

 conspicuous by their absence from the meeting. 



J. Adams exhibited the fruit of a South American palm which had 

 been picked up on the shore at Howth. Owing to its high specific 

 gravity it could not have reached these shores by means of ocean 

 currents. 



T. Crook gave a short account of the chief features of the excursion 

 held on the previous Saturdaj'. G. H. Pethybridge exhibited spotted 

 leaves oi Arum maculatum found on the same excursion, together with 

 sections through the spots shown under the microscope. A short paper 

 on this subject may be expected in a future number of the Irish 

 Naturalist. 



Professor J. Wilson, M.A., B.Sc. and J. Clarke were elected members, 

 and M. J. van Steenberghe and F. J. C. Skeffington.M.A., were proposed 

 for membership of the Club. The meeting then resolved into 

 conversazione to examine the various exhibits. 



NEWS GLEANINGS. 



The Belfast Biological Station. 



Under the somewhat imposing and not very euphonious title of " The 

 Ulster Fisheries and Biology Association," Prof. Gregg Wilson's 

 scheme for a Belfast biological station has been launched. We most 

 warmly welcome the movement, under whatever name, and are glad to 

 give the following particulars, which have been sent out to persons 

 likely to interest themselves in the undertaking. 



Programme of Investigations. 



It is proposed from the first to carry on work both in the sea and in 

 Ivough Neagh. The marine work will include:— (a) Study of the dis- 

 tribution of local species of plants and animals, {b) Inquiry into the 

 habits and life-histories of some of our food-fishes and of the organisms 

 on which they live. (<r) Observations on the chemical and physical 

 characters of the sea-water. The work at the fresh-water loughs will 

 likewise embrace : — (a) Determination of species ; migration, &c. {b) 

 Study of life-histories of fishes and organisms forming the food of fishes. 

 {c) Physical and chemical observations. 



The Honorary Director will undertake the general supervision of the 

 work of the staff of the Association— both paid and voluntary— and will 

 distribute such material as may be collected to members and associates 

 and others for detailed examination and report. 



