192 'Natural History in Ireland, 



has now three hot-houses in it, a green-house, a stove, a vinery, and about 

 2000 distinct sorts of plants, species and varieties included. In the stove is 

 a living »S'iren /acertina {fig. 80. p. 171.), the only one alive in Europe, as far 

 as I have ever heard ; and on Passiflora quadrangularis, over the siren's 

 box, may be seen crawling, a live chameleon, which really strongly changes 

 its colour, according to the colour of the substance it is near or in front of; 

 but it takes hours to effect the change. I wish the notice had been drawn 

 up in Mr. Neill's late housekeeper's time ; her name was Peggy Oliver ; she 

 was housekeeper, cook, and gardener, and, since her death, he has got two 

 maid servants, and a clever young lad as a gardener, and it takes them all to 

 supply her place. Dear Sir, yours, very truly, — 5. R,A. Edinburgh, May. 



Art. V. Natural History in Ireland, 



The Belfast Natural History Society held their anniversary meeting on 

 the 24th of May. The report of the curator of the museum was read by the 

 president. Dr. James L.Drummond, by which it appears that the number of 

 members, which was last year 67, is now 85 ; that considerable additions 

 have been made to the museum, by purchase, by exchange, and by dona- 

 tion, and that a portion of the funds has been devoted to the library. 



" During the last year, the meetings of the Society were uninterrupted, 

 and a great variety of papers were read; many of these were continuations 

 of subjects formerly commenced. It is to be remarked, that members are 

 beginning to confine themselves more to particular branches of natural his- 

 tory, thus giving to the others the advantage of a regular series of papers. 

 In this way, mineralogy has been fully treated of, especially by one gentle- 

 man, Mr. James M'Adam. Entomology has its own admirers. Some indi- 

 viduals have devoted themselves to ornithology, and the first of a series of 

 lectures on conchology was delivered on our last night of meeting. The 

 total number of papers read during the session, is 30 ; twelve of these were 

 on mineralogy, five on botany, one on topography, two on meteorology, and 

 ten on the various branches of zoology. 



" For the purpose of directing to this Society the attention of our coun- 

 trymen abroad, we have drawn up a circular letter, containing directions 

 for the preservation of objects of natural history, and at the same time re- 

 questing their co-operation in furtherance of our views, by sending such spe- 

 cimens connected with our pursuit, as occur in their respective places of 

 abode. In this way much might be done, as there are few persons who have 

 it not in their power to contribute something to a museum ; and the mem- 

 bers feel they can make a request of this kind without hesitation, as they 

 have no individual right of property in a museum intended solely for the 

 promotion of natural science in this part of Ireland.'* 



The address of the president. Dr. J. L. Drummond, contains a short ana- 

 lysis of the principal papers read, and an eloquent and interesting address 

 on the study of natural history, which, as we have been favoured with a 

 copy, we intend giving in our next Number. Speaking of the Magazine of 

 Natural History, the president observes, " I hope to see many of its future 

 pages occupied with communications from this Society" — a hope which, 

 we are sure, all our readers will earnestly desire to see fulfilled, and for the 

 expression of which we are sure they will join with us in thanking the pre- 

 sident and the society. — Cond. 



