162 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 



nyms of P. longipes, Bisso, from which the trilohed front and length of 

 legs would separate my specimen. 



I would also correct an error in my description of C. Allmanni 

 (pp. 81, 82), in describing the arm of that species as smooth in many spe- 

 cimens : it is distinctly spined. 



After the conclusion of Dr. Kinahan's paper, the Chairman declared 

 Alexander Henry Haliday, Esq., E.L. S., M. K. LA., duly elected an 

 Ordinary Member. 



The meeting was then adjourned till May. 



FRIDAY EVENING, MAY 1, 1857. 

 Charles P. Croker, M. D., M. R. I. A., V. P., in the Chair. 

 The Minutes having been read and confirmed, — 

 Mr. "W. Andrews read the following — 



NOTES ON THE ORNITHOLOGY OF THE COUNTY OF KERRY. 



It has always been my opinion, that the zoology of the western por- 

 tions of this country, embracing the whole range from north to south, 

 had yet to be developed, and that it may be said that scarcely two- 

 thirds of the species have as yet been recorded. Our knowledge of the 

 marine zoology of the western coasts is still very imperfect, especially 

 as regards the deep-water species. Thus, it were an interesting in- 

 quiry to trace the peculiarity of habits of those species which, though 

 common on our shores, and animals of the most delicate and fragile 

 texture, are yet found of frequent occurrence in deep-water soundings. 



My chief business this evening is with reference to notes on the 

 birds of this country that are considered " occasional or very rare visi- 

 tants." These expressions frequently appear in works on British orni- 

 thology, and I am satisfied must be considered as owing to the want of 

 proper information, arising from a lack of observation throughout each 

 season of the year, and especially from ignorance of the characteristics 

 and habits of birds in the immature states. 



There are several of the gentry whose tastes lead them to make col- 

 lections of the birds of their immediate neighbourhood, and others who 

 occasionally note occurrences that appear singular or strange to them ; 

 but still there is a general dearth of knowledge of seasonal records 

 throughout the country. The collections of my friend, R. Chute, Esq., 

 of Chute Hall, near Tralee, testify, by the great amount of interesting 

 objects he has obtained, what individual zeal can accomplish. The sub- 

 alpine districts of Kerry, with their numerous lakes, estuaries, extensive 

 marshes, and wooded glens, still afford ample fields for observation; 

 and we shall yet learn, through well-directed and continued observa- 

 tions, that the records of — " must only be considered of extremely rare 

 occurrence," should be, "by no means uncommon." 



