1899-2 "9 



PROCEEDINGS OF IRISH SOCIETIES. 



R.OYAI, ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Recent gifts include a Hooded Crow from Dr. E. Blake Knox, three 

 Peacocks from Lady Mowbray and Stourton, and two Doves from Mrs. 

 Mahon. Two Aondads have been born in the Gardens, while seven 

 Monkeys, a Marabout Stork and a number of small birds have been 

 bought. The rare Hainan Gibber, after a life in the Gardens of two 

 years, has died. Its skin has been secured for the Science and Art 

 Museum 



9,680 persons visited the Gardens in March. 



The Report of the Society for 189S has recently been issued ; it gives 

 an encouraging account of the year's work. Though there has been a 

 falling off both in the number of visitors to the Gardens and of new 

 members admitted, as compared with 1897, the financial position of the 

 Society has improved, the account showing a credit balance of ^"352. 

 The great work of the year has been the erection of the Haughton 

 Memorial house, which will greatly add to the attractiveness of the 

 Gardens. It comprises quarters for Marsupials, Monkeys (which will 

 obtain open-air accommodation in the summer), and Birds, while the 

 upper storey will be available for lectures and social gatherings. It is 

 satisfactory to notice that the Council has called the attention of local 

 authorities in the western counties to the persecution to which Choughs 

 are subjected during the breeding-season. Of the litter of twelve Cape 

 Hunting-puppies born on November 8th, it has been found possible to 

 rear two by transferring them to a foster-mother. The Report is 

 illustrated by some excellent photographs. 



Dubinin Microscopical Club. 



March 16. — The Club met at Leiuster House, Mr. W. Haughtoh in 

 the Chair. 



Mr. M'ArdlE exhibited Riccia sorocarpa, Bish., which he has succeeded 

 in cultivating at Glasnevin, from specimens which were collected last year 

 by Rev. H. W. Lett and himself on a wall-top, by the roadside leading from 

 Dingle to Ventry, Co. Kerry, the only locality known in Ireland, where 

 it was discovered in July, 1873, by Dr. D. Moore and Professor Lindberg, 

 and has not been collected since that period (26 years) by any persons in 

 Ireland. It is very scarce in the locality. When dry the margin of the 

 fronds become inflexed, it is then very difficult to detect, as the plant is 

 minute, having the fronds palmately divided, the divisions fleshy and 

 of a brilliant green colour on both surfaces. Mr. M'Ardle promises at a 

 future date to exhibit the fruit of this curious hepatic, which when young 

 is immersed in the substance of the frond. 



