1903-1904. J 171 



wort {Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) was found growing on 

 almost every dry stone-dyke and roadside, while in the crevices 

 of the sea cliffs the Sea Spleenwort (^Asplenium marinum) was 

 observed to be plentifully distributed, and in boggy or marshy 

 spots was seen the Royal Fern {Osmunda regalis). The 

 absence of the Hart's-tongue Fern {Scolojjendrium vulgare) 

 was noted, the explanation given being that this district has 

 not got the limestone rocks for which this species exhibits a 

 decided partiality, as contrasted with the Hard Fern, whose 

 calcifuge nature is so well recognised, and is here found 

 growing in profusion. 



The following were also found : — Sedum rhodiola, plenti- 

 ful on the cliffs of Melmore Mountain ; Lithosyermum arvense, 

 Filago germanica. 



In the absence of woodland and hedgerows it was not to be 

 expected that the Rosguill peninsula would prove rich in 

 land-bird life, but during the four days spent in Donegal 

 fifty-nine species of birds were observed, among which may be 

 mentioned the Wheatear, very common among the sandhills; 

 the Tree Creeper; the Linnets, which have taken possession of 

 the recently-planted fir trees at the side of the Hotel; the 

 Dunlin, observed in full breeding plumage; and the Little 

 Tern, of which a pair was observed on Lough Swilly. Visits 

 were paid to the nesting-places of some of the sea-birds on 

 the cliffs and two large breeding-colonies observed, one of 

 which is occupied by about a hundred pairs of the Common 

 Gull (Larus canus), (by no means the most common of the 

 gull family in this country), and a few Shags; while the 

 other is teannted by Rock-pipit«, Shags, Oyster-catchers, 

 Rock-doves Common and Herring Gulls, and Black Guille- 

 mots. The young of the Shags and Gulls were observed 

 in the ledges of the cliffs, and a curious difference of habit 

 noted between those of the Herring and Common Gulls, for 

 while the former (whose nests were placed in the higher 

 ledges of the cliffs) stood up and looked defiantly at the 

 intruders, the latter crouched down on the rocks, one little 

 bird in particular being observed, ostrich-like, with its head 



