r§- ' The Irish Naturalist. January, 



IRISH SOCIETIES, 



ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Recent gifts include a number of Rainbow Trout and Carp from the 

 Department of Agriculture, a Fox from Mr. T. D, Place, Monke3'S from 

 the Right Hon. J. Hogg, Mrs. W. J. Derniod}-, and Mrs. M'Donagh, four 

 Crab-eating Opossums from the Hon, W. Rothschild, a Swan from Vis- 

 count Powerscourt, a Red-mouthed Diver from Prof W. F. Barrett, a 

 Badger from Mr. R. J. Ussher, a Seal from the Traders of Wicklow, 

 a Peregrine Falcon from Mr. J. H. Montgomery, and Parrots from Miss 

 L. Hopkins and Mrs. M'Carthy. A Racoon has been bought. 



DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 



October 8, — Mr. M'Ardi^E showed plants of Riccia glaucescens, Carring- 

 ton, under a dissecting microscope. It is remarkable for the glaucous 

 surface of the radiating flabellate furcate fronds, which are composed of 

 large cells arranged in regular series, thickened along the mid line of the 

 lower surface ; margin membranaceous, reduced to a single cell, with few 

 horn-shaped cilia which are absent on some plants. Capsules few, occupy- 

 ing the central channel near the base of the frond ; these were shown 

 burst, under a high power by which the large muriculate convex spores 

 were seen. The specimens were collected by Mr. M'Ardle in a stubble 

 field, near Lough Salt, Co. Donegal, in September last ; he is not 

 aware that it has been previously reported from Ireland, and it is an 

 interesting addition to the Irish cryptogamic flora. In England it has 

 been found in Cornwall and Westmoreland, also in Wales and Scotland. 



November 12. — Mr. M'Akdi^E showed Lepidozia reptans, L., in fruit. 

 The perianth is almost hj^aline, membranaceous, the upper half consisting 

 of a single layer of cells only, the lower half composed of two layers ; it 

 is cylindrical in shape, plicate towards the apex, which is constricted 

 and dentate; the calyptra is large, oval, and composed of one layer of 

 cells. The capsule is of a deep brown colour dividing into four equal 

 valves. Spores minute, verrnculose, reddish brown. Elaters narrow, 

 bispiral. The specimens were collected last June on the Galtymore 

 Mountains, Co. Tipperary, and though evenly distributed the plant is 

 seldom foiind with perfectl}' developed fruit. 



Prof. Scott showed the action of a light filter containing a solution of 

 chromium sulphate. This substance gives a peculiar spectrum, allowing 

 both red and green rays to pass, and suppressing almost all others 

 Objects when viewed by this light have these colours intensified, par- 

 ticularly those of a brownish or red colour. The result is similar to 

 staining, the sections and objects already stained may be seen with in- 

 creased brilliancy. It is especially valuable in finding faintly coloured 

 red objects which are often nearly invisible by artificial light. 



