1 8 The Irish Naturalist* January, 



the insects and birds he observed n the district. His remarks on birds 

 were illustrated with many well executed lantern slides. He finished 

 up his paper by giving a popular account of the wild, healthy life which 

 he spent with the rest of the crew of the floating laborator} . 



Dr. C. J. Patten (Hon. Sec), considered that the Club was much 

 indebted for the most interesting communication. He (Dr. Patten) had 

 visited the laboratory also and had seen the good work done there. 

 The country was rich in animal life. In addition to the foregoing list 

 made by Mr. Nicholson, Dr. Patten had noted several large seals and 

 many additional birds. 



Rev. W. ELLISON remarked that although he had not investigated the 

 natural history of Ballynakill still much valuable work could be done in 

 remote parts of the West of Ireland. He gave an account of an expedition 

 to Slieve More in Achill Island. There he saw the Golden Eagle now 

 so rare in Ireland. He also noted the Chough. He had recently 

 visited Mayo and Sligo, including the coast lands of Killala and 

 Balliua. He observed that the Curlew — usually a wild and wary 

 bird — was quite tame and easily approached. He referred to his 

 observations on Sandymount strand, Dublin. He gave a list of 

 numerous sea and shore birds from that district, and pointed out that 

 the Heron was seldom seen. 



Miss Mahaffy stated that it was most remarkable that Herons 

 should be so common on the north side of the River Liffey — Sutton and 

 Dollymount— and so rare on the Sandymount Strand. 



Dr. Patten offered an explanation by stating that probably in the 

 former localities suitable food was more abundant. 



Mr. CunninGTon said that he had visited the marine laboratory when 

 stationed at Inisbofin. Birds were so abundant that many were used as 

 articles of diet. The Oyster-catcher in his estimation is a very edible 

 bird. 



Mr. Otway had made observations on the Donegal coast, where he 

 saw many Seals and Ravens. 



Mr. Praeger gave an account of his travels over Slieve More, and 

 pointed out that it is a district full of interest to the naturalist. 



Mr. A. Wiujams briefly touched upon his observations made in 

 Achill Island. Seals were comm.m. The avi-fauna, rich and varied, 

 included many rare birds which had visited the coastlands and sea-board 

 of the island. He had observed Eagles from time to time. 



Mr. de V. Kane described some of the beautiful lakes and mountains 

 in the west of Ireland, also the nature of the bays and inlets. In June 

 he found the Puffin and Great Northern Diver swimming on inland 

 lakes in Monaghau thirty miles from the coast. 



Dr. Aecock and Dr. Pethybridge also offered remarks on Mr. 

 Nicholson's paper. 



The following were elected members: — Miss Dorothy M. Hudman. 

 Rev. D. F, R. Wilson, S. Ball, J. H. Chomley, E. Cumming* H. R, 

 Nelson, Alfred Purser, J. Holmes Pollok, C. E. Steele, and A. Bell. 



