NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 223 



Mr. David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S.,, sent for exhibition a fine 



specimen of Fusus antiquum, Lin., var. alba, from the Isle of Man, 

 and remarked that what is most interesting in these varietal 

 forms is the fact that although they may be locally common 

 they are generally confined to circumscribed areas. Dr. Jeffreys, 

 in his " British Conchology," says that this variety of Fiisuts 

 seems to be confined to the Cheshire coasts. The specimen shewn 

 was taken by trawlers off the Isle of Man, where the species is 

 sold in the fish market, together with the smaller typical species, 

 as food, and is said to be greatly esteemed by the inhabitants. Mr. 

 Robertson exhibited another varietal example, Pecten opercularis, 

 Lin. var. lineata, which, although frequently met with off the 

 shores of Hastings, is by no means common, whereas the typical 

 form is abundant all round our coasts; also a curious turreted 

 variety of Littorina iittorea, common on the muddy flats of Belfast 

 Harbour, and met with rather plentifully in Loch Carron, though 

 otherwise it may be considered a rare shell. In conclusion, Mr. 

 Robertson remarked that many of these varietal forms can be traced 

 to the conditions of their habitat, but others cannot be so accounted 

 for, as in the case of Pecten qpercularis, var. lineata, that beautiful 

 variety holding good while associated with the typical form, which 

 shews no tendency to blend with the variety. Perhaps the solution 

 of the problem of divergence may be found in the organisation of 

 the animal itself. 



Mr. J. M. Campbell exhibited specimens of the Natterjack Toad, 

 Bufo calamita, Laur. and a closely allied species, Bufo ciridis, 

 D. et B., the former from England and the latter from Venice. He 

 also exhibited a specimen of the Pope or Ruffe, Acerina vulgaris, 

 Cuv. et Val., a fresh-water fish allied to the percli, and found in 

 the rivers and canals of England. Mr. Campbell made some 

 remarks as to their habits and geographical distribution. 



Mr. J. M. Campbell also exhibited a fine specimen of the Eagle- 

 Owl, Bubo ignavus, Forst., on which he read the following 

 remarks : — 



This noble bird, the largest of the owls, is of rare occurrence in 

 Britain, and I am therefore glad to be able to record its occurrence 



tin Scotland. It is a native of the northern parts of the Old World, 

 and is occasionally found in Northern Africa. Its food consists of 

 large game, such as fawns, hares, and grouse ; but mice, rats, and 



