64 The Irish Naturalist. 



and gravels of the Drift are exposed in a fine section. The points of in- 

 terest were pointed out by Rev. M. H. Close. Some excellent photo- 

 graphs of geological features were obtained by Prof. Haddon and Mr. 

 McNab. (The sketch of the weathering granite in the Dingle, p. 56, is 

 from one of these). Though the interest of the excursion was mainly 

 geological, some good botanical and entomological work was done. Dr. 

 B. J. McWeeney collected Puccinia umbilici, oecidospores of Uromyces poc& . 

 growing on Ranunculus JicaHa, and other fungi, of which a detailed ac- 

 count will be given later. Of Coleoptera, Mr. J. M. Browne took Helodes 

 phellandrii, a chrysomelid new to the Dublin list, Badister bipustulatus, and 

 Philhydrus melanocephalus ; while Mr. H. K. G. Cuthbert secured, among 

 other commoner species, Chlcenius vestitus, Ptcrostichus versicolor, Bembidium 

 doris, Phcedon tumidulum, Hypera niurina, and Sitones tibialis. 



CORK NATURAI^ISTS' FIEI.D ClyUB. 



Aprii, 22nd.— Mr. T. Farrington, M.A., in the chair. Mr. W. J. 

 Knight, IvIv.D., gave a lecture entitled "A Gossij) on the Geology of 

 Cork," illustrated by diagrams and specimens. The ice ages of the world, 

 and the causes affecting them, were first dealt with, after which the 

 lecturer pointed out the distinctive evidence in Ireland of the work of 

 glaciers, especially in the neighbourhood of Cork. He maintained that 

 the lie of mountains in England, Scotland, and Ireland, together with 

 the fact of similar geological formations and minerals being found in 

 each, proves the existence of original ranges now broken up. The old 

 sea-bed of Blarney, and the quarries of Little Island, were described and 

 explained. A discussion followed. The Secretary announced to the 

 meeting Mr. J. O'Sullivan's munificent gift of his herbarium of the Co. 

 Cork flora, containing 7,000 specimens of plants, to the museum of the 

 society. 



ApriIv 29th. — The President, Professor Harto^ D.Sc, F.L.S., in the 

 chair. Mr. F. R. Rohu read a paper entitled "The Skelligs and their 

 Feathered Inhabitants," illustrated by several stuffed specimens. Deal- 

 ing with each species separately, Mr. Rohu gave a description of its 

 plumage and habits. An account of the home-life of sea-birds from the 

 first meeting of the mates to the maturity of their progeny was given 

 with pleasing originality, as also some anecdotes showing the sympathetic 

 qualities of the Guillemot. Mr. W. B. Barrington, Hon. Sec, following, 

 gave a discourse on "Bird-life." After giving an outline of bird-classi- 

 fication, Mr. Barrington dwelt on the compensating qualities in the 

 different zones. The power of flight and subsistence were explained 

 and exemplified. The instinct in birds to migrate, and the ancient and 

 modern theories were discussed, and the aerial routes, and the attractive 

 power of light described. A sketch of local bird-life was then given. 



May 6th. — Rev. J. O. Park in the chair. A discussion took place as to 

 the best days for field-rambles, M-hen it was decided to adopt alternate 

 Wednesdays and Saturdays for the present. Mr. J. L. Copeman, Hon. 

 Sec, gave a paper entitled, "A Gossip on Insect Life," illustrated by a 

 large number of specimens and diagrams. Classification was first dealt 

 with, after which Mr. Copeman explained the metamorphosis, more par- 

 ticularly of butterflies, flies, and beetles, showing the perfect and im- 

 perfect changes, and described the important function performed by 

 insects in the fertilization of plants. A discussion followed. Intimation 

 was given by the Secretary of Mr. Wolfe's offer to give duplicates of 

 insects in his collection to the society's museum. 



The following rambles have been taken by members of the Club: — 



April iSth to Blarney, conducted by Mr. J. O'SuUivan. 



April 23rd to Goulding's Glen, conducted by Mr. W. J. Knight, LL.D. 



April 30th to Little Island, conducted by Mr. W. J. Knight, LL.D. 



May 7th to MonkstoMm, conducted by Mr. J. H. Bennett and Mr. W. H. 

 Shaw. 



