34 The Irish Naturalist. 



identification, it would secure accuracy. The researches of 

 Mr. J. F. X. King, of Glasgow, into our Neuroptera have 

 much advanced the study of this group, and I am glad to 

 find increasing interest developed in that of our lyCpidoptera. 

 Unfortunately the more prolific fauna of Great Britain tempts 

 our entomologists to neglect that of their own country, and 

 the want of respectable quarters in our out-of-the-way districts 

 hinders systematic exploration. Nevertheless it is extremely 

 probable that very valuable results still await the more careful 

 examination of our marshes, coasts, and woodlands. From 

 time to time I hear reports of insects having been seen or 

 taken, but not preserved, which warrant the belief that most 

 interesting additions still await us. Meanwhile let us have 

 no more doubtful or careless items foisted upon our record to 

 puzzle and confound our speculations as to the origin and 

 development of our indigenous fauna. Although extremely 

 interesting from a scientific point of view, Ireland is not rich 

 enough to tempt the regular visits of the professional col- 

 lector. A few occasionally drop down upon Howth to secure 

 a few Dianthcecia barretii, but Mr. Meek's unprofitable ven- 

 ture some years ago in the Co. Kerry is not forgotten. We 

 are thus left to our unaided resources, a matter not wholly 

 without its advantages, and Ireland still offers virgin tracts 

 for exploration, and it is to be hoped that her sons and 

 daughters will increasingly add to our store of knowledge in 

 this branch of natural science. 



THE FI,ORA OF COUNTY ARMAGH, 



BY R. I,I,OYD PRAKGKR, B.A., M.R.I. A. 



{Coniimied from page 15.) 



During the course of my observations, I endeavoured to 

 trace variations in the flora corresponding with differences of 

 petrological conditions, hoping that I would find on the 

 Tertiary basaltic area, plants characteristic of Antrim and 

 Derry ; on the Carboniferous lyimestone, species of the lime- 

 stone plain ; on the Silurians, a repetition of the Co. Down 

 flora ; and on the granite hills, a similarity to the flora of the 

 Mourne mountains. Some of my expectations were fulfilled, 



