2 Introd^idoiy . 



Zoological Societ}^ of Ireland, the Belfast Natural History 

 and Philosophical Societ}^ the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, 

 the Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, the Dublin Microscopical 

 Club, and the Armagh Natural Histor}" and Philosophical 

 Society have passed resolutions according a heart}' welcome 

 to the new magazine, appointing it their official organ, and 

 urging their members to render all possible assistance; and 

 the officials of the Ro3^al Dublin Society and Royal Irish 

 Academy are taking an active and friendly interest in its 

 welfare. The regular publication of the Proceedings of these 

 Societies in our pages will keep our readers well posted up 

 as to what is doing in Irish scientific circles. 



While articles, monographs, and local lists will occupy 

 a considerable portion of our space, we would especiall}^ 

 invite correspondence and discussion on obscure problems 

 in Irish Natural Histor}', and the communication of short 

 notes on all points worth}^ of record. These items are 

 invariabl}' of interest, and frequently draw forth further in- 

 formation from other observers. 



For the present, at least, our usual monthly issue will con- 

 sist of sixteen pages. The amount of material already in our 

 hands, or promised at an early date, is sufficient to justify 

 an issue of double that size ; but it is thought best to make 

 z, modest beginning, and look forward to enlarging the 

 Journal when a matured age and an assured circulation 

 have made success a certaint}'. To ensure this result, we 

 appeal with confidence to Naturalists both in Ireland and 

 elsewhere. Though our records w411 always be of primary 

 interest to those resident in our own country, we believe 

 they will also be of value to workers in Great Britain, 

 Kurope, and America. The discovery of a species in Ireland 

 may have important bearing on some question of world-wide 

 scientific interest. 



As we go to press we receive promise of support from the 

 new Naturalists' Field Club at Cork, a notice of the establish- 

 ment of w^hich will be found on p. 24. We heartily wish the 

 Cork society a prosperous and useful career, and hope that 

 .other centres in the south and west of Ireland may soon 

 follow the example of that city. 



