Tue ZooLocist—Aucust, 1876. 5049 
Fox-Shark on the Irish Coast.—I have much pleasure in recording the 
capture of a small specimen of the fox-shark (Alopecias vulpes, Gmelin), 
which was taken in a salmon net at Portrush, County Antrim, on June 
16th. The total length of this example was fifty-seven inches, of which 
the tail measured twenty-nine. Iam told, by the gentleman who skinned 
it, that the stomach was filled with a thick dark-coloured fluid. I believe 
that this is the first well-authenticated instance of the capture of this 
species on the Irish coast, although there are at least three records of its 
having been seen on diffnrent occasions. Since it has been long included 
in our Fauna on mere circumstantial evidence, it is satisfactory to be able 
to place it now on a firm footing. The specimen is in the Royal Dublin 
Society’s museum.—J. Douglas Ogilby ; Portrush, County Antrim. 
Lesser Forkbeard at Kirkwall—A specimen of the lesser forkbeard 
(Raniceps trifurcatus), a comparatively rare fish in British waters, was 
caught here on June 24, in a dying condition, by some boys off the head of 
the pier. Its length was eight inches, breadth immediately behind the 
head ove inch and a half, and it was entirely destitute of tubercles above 
the pectoral fins. —John Bruce; Kirkwall, Orkney. (‘ Field,’ July 6). 
Proceedings of Scientific Societies, 
ZooLocicaL Society oF Lonpon. 
June 20, 1876.—Professor Frowrr, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the 
chair. 
The Secretary exhibited a drawing of a fine species of fruit pigeon of the 
genus Carpophaga, living in the Society's Gardens, which apparently 
belonged to C. paulina, Bp., of Celebes and the Sulu Islauds. 
Mr. Sclater read extracts from letters received from Signor L. M. 
D’Albertis and Dr. George Bennett, respecting Mr. D’Albertis’ proposed 
new expedition up the Fly River, New Guinea, and exhibited a small 
collection of bird-skins made at Yule Island, and on the adjoining coast of 
New Guinea, by the last-named naturalist. 
Dr. A. Giinther read a letter from Commander W. E. Cookson, R.N., 
respecting the large tortoises obtained in the Galapagos Islands, which had 
been recently deposited in the Society’s Gardens by Commander Cookson. 
The living specimens had been obtained in Albemarle Island, those 
obtained in Abingdon Island having died before reaching this country. 
Dr. Giinther added some remarks on the specimens of tortoises and other 
animals collected by Commander Cookson, and promised a more detailed 
account on a future occasion. 
