Dublin University Zoological Association. 331 



deposits were found 1 — to which Mr. Grainger replied, that the eleva- 

 tion did not exceed 4 feet. 



Dr. Allmau drew the attention of the Meeting to the facts described 

 with regard to the retention of colour iu some of the shells ; and 

 mentioned as an analogous instance of the lasting nature of the 

 colours derived from a similar source, that in certain tombs of Etruria 

 garments have been found with the colours still fresh and un- 

 faded. 



The General Secretary read a paper by Capt. Smith, Hon. Mem- 

 ber, on Hirudo Smiguisuga ; in which the author mentions having 

 found one of those leeches devouring a Helix aspersa. 



The President remarked, that he had many years since observed 

 on Dalkey Common, in a pool of water, a frog apparently very much 

 distressed, and on closer examination found several leeches almost 

 imbedded in its body : the species he did not ascertain. 



The following communication from A. Furlong, Esq., Hon. Mem- 

 ber, was then read : — 



" During my recent excursions I particularly explored the marine 

 sands of our coast, — I mean those of an elevated character, such as 

 Portmarnock, and such as are for the most part locally known as 

 warrens : they vary considerably in their productions as to insects, 

 although similar as to plants. At Tyrella sands (Dundrum, Co. 

 Dovra) I found, during the intense sun in July, the surface literally 

 strewn with insects — dead ; I could not bear to hold my hand at the 

 time upon the sand ; similar insects were gathered in great numbers, 

 alive, on the tufts of sandy grass. I think that spring and autumn 

 answer best for such localities. I found Cleomis sulcirostris on those 

 sands rather plentiful, and nowhere else, at both sides of the harbour ; 

 Dasytes viridis I have only found at Ai-klow, North Sands, facing 

 the sea ; Phaleria at Arklow and Tramore, never at Portmarnock ; 

 Timarcha Icemgata (?) was superabundant at Tramore within the 

 sands ; I have not met vn.th it elsewhere in Ireland. Near Rostrevor 

 I found for the first time Mniophila muscorum, on the banks of the 

 Demesne river, rather high up. I found the sands near Dunfanaghy, 

 Co. Donegal, very extensive, but my visit having occurred at the time 

 that the bay was strewn with whales, I was driven off by the effluvia. 

 The Rossbegh or Glenbetry sands on Dingle Bay, and those at the 

 opposite side, are very remarkable and extensive ; the variety of 

 Creophilus called C. ciliaris attains the highest perfection in that 

 locality, and is very striking when recent ; both varieties change 

 greatly after death. I took Cucvjus testaceus at Guidore, Co. Do- 



Mr. Furlong subsequently stated, that the supply of food afforded 

 by the dead whales (Delphinus melas), to which he above refers, 

 had attracted a very large number of carrion crows (Corvus corone). 

 This is a rare bird in Ireland. 



Mr. Hogan exhibited some specimens of Arachnidse, preserved in 

 small glass tubes filled with alcohol, by R. H. Meade, Esq., of Brad- 

 ford. 



Mr. Hogan exhibited specimens of Sphceria entomorrhiza (?) taken 



23* 



