104 ^^^^ Irish Naturalist. June, 19 17. 



Russet variety of 5nipe in Mayo. 



On January 5th, 191 7, my brother shot a fine specimen of this variety 

 of the Common Snipe. The following are the points of difference in 

 comparison with a common Snipe shot the same day. The most striking 

 difference was that of the plumage. The pale markings of this bird 

 were far more buff-coloured than in the common Snipe, this colour being 

 particularly noticeable on the head and neck. It differed also in build, 

 being much broader across the breast, its neck was shorter and stouter. 

 The legs were much shorter in proportion to the size of the body than 

 in the common Snipe, and did not extend so far beyond the tail. There 

 were fourteen feathers in the tail ; the bird weighed 4I ozs., the wing 

 measuring 5.36 inches and the bill 2.70 inches. The bird was unfortunately 

 not preserved. 



Robert F. Ruttledge. 

 Bloomfield, Hollymount, Co. Mayo. 



IRISH SOCIETIES. 



ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Recent gifts include a Pine Marten from Dr. R. R. Leeper, a Parrot 

 from Mrs. Croly, Golden and Amherst Pheasant from Mr. A. Miller. A 

 pair of young Black Bears from Canada have been deposited by Colonel 

 Mitchell (looth Canadian Grenadiers) ; after the war they are to be given 

 to the ist and 2nd Battalions of the Leinster Regiment (" Royal 

 Canadians.") The female Gorilla, which had lived in the Ape-house 

 since January 28th, 1917, died on May 23th. We propose to publish an 

 illustrated article on this exceptionally interesting animal. 



DUBLIN MICROSCOPICAL CLUB. 



April ii. — The Club met at Leinster House. N. Colgan (President) 

 in the chair. 



Prof. G. H. Carpenter showed a preparation of the jaws of the Turnip 

 Moth {Agrotis segetum), pointing out the modification of the maxillae 

 to form the sucking proboscis, the vestigial maxillary palps, and the 

 minute triangular plates which have been regarded by some students 

 as reduced mandibles. 



Sir F. \V. Moore exhibited spines of Opuntia iiiyiica, a rather un- 

 common species of cactus from Mexico. The young spines were covered 

 by a coat or tunic which was cast off as the spines developed. On 

 reaching full development they were armed with numerous strong and 

 formidable hooks which pointed downwards. These hooks were distri- 

 buted all over the surface of the spines. 



