I9IO. Notes, 243 



including some from Bantry and others labelled H. helveHca^ comparing 

 them at the same time with the large series of continental H. helvetica 

 and H. glabra in the same collection, and found that all the Irish 

 specimens there are forms of H. cellaria, which seems to be a much more 

 variable species in Ireland than elsewhere. 



As the matter now stands, there seems to be no doubt that the original 

 Bantry and Whitegate shells were similar to the Kilrush ones mentioned 

 above, and belong to a form of H, cellaria. The Sligo shells recorded by 

 Mr. J. W. Taylor are, as Mr. Stelfox has pointed out, another form of the 

 same species. 



Mr. Stelfox's query must therefore, I think be answered in the negative, 

 and all records for Hyalinia helvetica in Ireland regarded as erroneous or 

 at least doubtful, until such time as genuine Irish specimens, which at 

 present do not appear to exist, are forthcoming. 



R. A. Phii.IvIPS. 



Cork. 



New Station for Helix hortensis in Ireland. 



While working the banks of a small tributary stream of the Shannon, 

 in Co. Limerick last August, I found a large colony of Helix hortensis. 

 This, I think, is the first recorded instance of this shell in the county, 

 and that it should have escaped observation hitherto is peculiar, as it 

 was by no means scarce in the locality ; in fact in the evenings the shells 

 swarmed over the bushes, Blackberry and Sloe, which, with Willows, 

 formed the home of the colony. The type was predominant, but var. 

 lutea and var. arcnicola were also represented. I may mention that I dis- 

 sected the " darts " so as to leave no doubt as to the record. 



Harry Fogertv. 



Limerick. 



The Red-backed Shrike in Ireland. 



A specimen of the Red-backed Shrike ( Laniiis colluris) was caught, 

 October ist, 1908, at Wicklow Head light-house, and another was 

 caught at the Fastnet Rock light-house, Co. Cork, September 26th, 

 1910. Both specimens are in my collection. The only other Irish record 

 is the specimen obtained in Co. Down, August loth, 1878, and now in 

 Belfast Museum. The two lighthouse specimens are in the same 

 plumage, and immature. Both birds were exhausted. 



Richard M. Barrtngton. 

 Fassaroe, Bray. 



Hoopoe in Co. Down. 



A female Hoopoe {Upupa epops) was shot on 28th September, 1910, at 

 Rathcunniugham, near Killyleagh, Co. Down. It is being mounted by 

 Mr. Sheals of Belfast. This is only the sixth occurrence recorded for 

 Co. Down. 



RoBKRT Patterson, 



Glenbauk, Holywood. 



