PREFACE. 
On of the great advantages arising from a study of Natural 
History is that it is practically inexhaustible. Fresh facts are being 
brought to light every day, and the more we study them the more we 
find there is to learn. ‘The truth of this is forcibly impressed upon 
us as we reflect that the present number of ‘The Zoologist’ brings 
to a close the forty-fourth annual volume of this journal. In point of 
interest and originality it is perhaps not inferior to any of its prede- 
cessors, as a glance at the contents will show. 
The establishment of a Marine Biological Laboratory at Plymouth 
(p. 24) marks a new era in the history of biological science in this 
country, and gives a fresh impulse to scientific research. 
The labours of the Committee appointed by the British Association 
to collect information relating to the Migration of Birds have resulted 
in the publication, during the past year, of a Seventh Annual Report 
p. 460), embodying statistics of much interest and value. It is to be 
hoped that this Committee will receive a sufficient measure of support 
to encourage a continuance of their work until such time as the 
materials amassed by them will enable a practical solution of the 
many interesting problems attending the subject of their enquiry. 
Of the great utility of ‘The Zoological Record’ we have fre- 
quently had occasion to speak. For workers in every branch of 
Zoology no more useful annual has ever been designed, and we are 
surprised to learn that it is not universally supported by local Natural 
History Societies throughout the country. We would strongly urge 
the secretaries of such societies to recommend this annual volume for 
purchase, not only on account of the benefit which the members would 
derive from consulting it, but because the expense incurred in its 
production is so great that, without wider support than is at present 
accorded, it can scarcely be maintained. 
It is satisfactory to note throughout the pages of the present volume 
the scattered contributions towards a better knowledge of the fauna of 
Ireland, a subject which has been somewhat neglected. Professor 
Haddon’s review of recent contributions to the Marine Invertebrates 
(pp. 1-8) it is to be hoped will stimulate further research in this 
direction ; while the communications of Messrs. Ussher on the Birds 
of the Saltees and Kerraghs (pp. 88-98), and the breeding of the 
Fork-tailed Petrel on the Blasquets (p. 367), Warren on the summer 
birds visiting Mayo (pp. 296, 297), Cockerell on the Mollusca of the 
Skelligs (pp. 418-420), and Ellison on some of the rarer species in 
Wicklow (pp. 489, 490, form additions to the Zoology of Ireland which 
should not be overlooked. Pia should Dr. Benson’s recently published 
