i88o-i88i.] 53 



examined the deposit in the field, and under the microscope, 

 giving the full weight of their evidence in favour of Mr. 

 Stewart's views. 



Mr. Thomas Darragh was then requested by the president 

 to favour the meeting with his notes on the fine series of birds 

 which occupied the table. He commenced by stating that the 

 birds formed part of a collection made by a gentleman in town 

 since the month of August last, and which he had the pleasure 

 of setting up. They were almost all shot in the Lough, and are 

 consequently either swimmers or waders. The following are 

 worthy of notice, from their being such fine specimens, or 

 showing some peculiarities of plumage : — The golden plover, in 

 full winter plumage, a very large-sized specimen ; ringed plover, 

 young bird. The grey plover, which so nearly resembles the 

 former, had its distinctive features pointed out. The green 

 plover, or pewit, was represented by a beautifully crested 

 example. The oyster-catcher, a striking bird, with brilliant red 

 bill, was shown in both winter and summer plumage. The whim- 

 brel, a summer visitant, and the curlew, a fine specimen, both 

 shot in County Down, were exhibited. The redshank — a young 

 specimen. The little dunlin, or sandlark, and its much rarer 

 cousin, the purple sandpiper, were represented. The scoter — 

 another rare visitant to our Lough — and the red-breasted mer- 

 ganser were the only representatives of their family, but were 

 good examples. The king of the collection was a magnificent 

 specimen of the great Northern diver, in full summer plumage. 

 A more beautifully marked bird it would be impossible to procure; 

 its graceful outline and bold, but easy, position, were much 

 admired. Mr. Darragh, who had evidently prided himself in 

 setting up so imposing a bird, stated that it was remarkable to find 

 the summer dress in this species so late as the end of October, 

 when this was shot. The black guillemot showed admirably the 

 changes from summer to winter dress. The puflSn and razor- 

 bill, and the common and green cormorant, were shown — the 

 latter bold and powerful birds. The common tern, so well 

 known to summer residents at the sea-side, and four species of 



