1^17. ScHARFF.— Oaz the Irish Pig. 185 



Thiel^ indeed alludes to old records according to which two 

 different breeds of pigs formerly lived in Denmark. One 

 of these which seems to have been estabUshed chiefly on the 

 heaths of Jutland had a long arched back, pendulous ears 

 and high thin legs, reminding us of the old Irish greyhound 

 pig. The old Danish invaders may possibly have brought 

 some of these back to their country where, no doubt, 

 another race resembling the north European one was 

 already firmly established. What was its origin ? It 

 was clearly not a domesticated descendant of the Wild 

 Boar. It may either have been a large and modified 

 type of the old turf-pig or possibly a cross between 

 the latter and the Wild Boar. Future researches will 

 probabl}^ throw light on this fascinating problem. 

 Meanwhile may I urge on those interested in the history of 

 the Irish pig to send any pig skulls that may be dug up 

 in bogs, caves or ancient burial places to the National 

 Museum ? 



National Museum, Dublin. 



IRISH SOCIETIES. 



BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



October 24. — Opening Conversazione held in the Carlton Hall. 

 Two hundred members and friends were present. The various sections 

 had interesting exhibits on view. After tea the Vice-President (Mr. A. 

 M'l. Cleland) took the chair in the absence of the President (Major 

 A. R. Dwerryhouse) at the seat of war. Mr. Cleland referred to the 

 fact that the Club had still some of its original members left and also 

 commented upon the flourishing condition of the Junior Section. Prizes 

 won during the session were presented to several junior members by Mrs. 

 Cleland on behalf of Mrs. INIercier, who was unavoidably absent. During 

 the evening three new members were elected. The remainder of the time 

 was occupied by an exhibition of kinematograph films, illustrating various 

 phases of natural history. 



^ Thiel, H., " Entwickelung der Schweinezucht in Danemark,', 

 Landwivtschaftliche Jahrbriicher, vol. xxxv. (Erganzungsb. ii.), 1906. 



