2l8 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



In connection with this subject, the subjoined note of recent 

 shells was added : — 



Tapes decussatus and Scrobicularia piperata. These two 

 species, which are so abundant in, and characteristic of our 

 Estuarine Clays, were considered to be now extinct on the 

 North of Ireland shores, and this opinion has been recently 

 endorsed by the writer 1 . Mr. Wm. Swanston, F.G.S., has 

 since informed him that he obtained the latter in a fresh 

 state on the strand near Horn Head, in Donegal ; and they 

 have both been taken by the writer (the former alive, the 

 latter recently dead), at Fort Stewart, Lough Swilly, 

 during the past summer. 



Gastrana fragilis. This shell is noted above as having been 

 found fossil at Downpatrick. A number of fresh single 

 valves were obtained on the Lough Swilly shore along 

 with the two last-named species ; and Rev. Canon Grainger. 

 M.R.I.A., has since informed the writer that he has also 

 taken it there. It without doubt lives in that locality. 



The second paper was entitled " Three Days on Rathlin 

 Island : with Notes on its Flora and Fauna." A large map of 

 the island hung on the wall, and on the table were collections 

 of the local birds and birds' eggs, plants, and antiquities, to 

 which constant reference was made, and during the course of 

 the lecture lantern views, artistically executed by Mr. Welch 

 from photographs taken by him on the island, were successfully 

 exhibited by Mr. George Donaldson. The reader first described 

 the position and physical features of Rathlin, which lies off the 

 North Antrim coast, separated from the mainland by a deep 

 and turbulent sound, through which the tides run with 

 tremendous force, so that except during calm weather the 

 passage is effected with difficulty. The island is almost com- 

 pletely surrounded by high, inaccessible cliffs, but at the 



1 Proc. B.N.F.C, 1886-7: Appendix, and "Marine Shells of the North of 

 Ireland," in Proc. B.N.F.C, 1887-8: Appendix. 



