84 The Irish Naturalist. August, 



certain unique features which they possess. At Ballymena the party 

 had tea in Whiteside's Hotel. Tliis was followed by a short business 

 meeting, the Rev. W. R. Megaw, B.A., in the absence of the President, 

 occupying the chair, when 17 ordinary and three junior members were 

 elected. 



The only stop on the journey home via Kells, Connor, and Parkgate, 

 was at Kells to visit the remains of the old Abbey. Only the western 

 gable is left standing. Close by is the desecrated tomb of the O'Haras, 

 now apparently used as a fowl-house ! 



Throughout the excursion a keen look-out was kept for that extremely 

 local land-shell (in North Ireland) Helix hortensis, known to occur in the 

 Braid Valley, but no specimens were found. 



June 30. — Excursion to Monlough and Tullygirvan Glen. — 

 Over thirty members and friends, under the leadership of the President 

 travelled by motor coach to the shores of Monlough. Owing to the recent 

 spell of dry weather, the drams had practically dried up, which prevented 

 any work being done at the freshwater fauna. Among the marsh-loving 

 plants observed were the Marsh Cinquefoil [Comarum paliistre), Marsh 

 Speedwell {Veronica sciitellata), and several interesting sedges, including 

 Carex vesicaria and C. ampullacea. Of the birds seen may be mentioned 

 the Snipe, Wild Duck, Teal, Reed Bunting, and Stonechat. A Snipe's 

 nest was found containing four eggs ; also that of a Common Sandpiper, 

 which had only empty egg-shells, the young birds having departed. A 

 young Lapwing, still unable to fly, was seen moving along the edge of 

 the lake, while a quiet " plop " in the water betrayed the presence of a 

 Little Grebe, whose nest was afterwards found. 



On reaching the end of the lake the party were conducted to the home 

 of Mr. J. Mc Williams, where an alfresco tea was provided, at the close of 

 which thanks were accorded to the host and hostess for their extreme 

 kindness. The next part of the journey was through Tullygirvan Glen, 

 under the guidance of Mr. Mc Williams. By the side of the lakelet at the 

 head of the Glen the Least Marshwort {Helosciadiiim iniindatum) was 

 found in quantity. A walk of about a mile from the Glen brought the 

 party to Ballygowan station, from which the homeward journey was 

 made. 



ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Some very valuable additions have lately been made to the Society's 

 collectiQn of animals, which are now particularly well worth a visit. 



Recent gifts include two beautiful Leopard cubs, presented by Pro- 

 fessor A. F. Dixon ; three Fallow Deer fawns, given by the Board of 

 Works ; a Bonnet Monkey from Mr. A. H. McLean ; a Pelican from 

 Mr. H. E. Rogers, and a pair of Purple-backed Starlings (Rose-coloured 

 Pastor) given by Mr. G. E. Low. Foxes have been presented by Messrs. 

 Johnston, Gilmore, and Wilson Lynch ; also two examples of the Irish 



