210 ti*i^o-j. B.N.E.O, 



the eyes remained wide open ; only birds closed their eyes in 

 dying. The lecturer also referred to the feathers of birds, 

 which varied much, some being for warmth, some for flight, 

 and some for ornament; and touched upon the great and 

 absorbing efforts of the bird to obtain food. Most of the 

 small birds were good friends to the farmer and gardener, as 

 they destroyed myriads of insects, while the gulls acted as 

 splendid scavengers, clearing off the decaying garbage that 

 would bring disease and plague to many a fishing village and 

 seaside town. Taken all round, birds were among the most 

 beautiful objects which the Creator had given them, and 

 nobly fulfilled their part in keeping up the wonderful balance 

 of nature. 



The lecture, which was illustrated by a large number of 

 lantern slides, shown by Mr. A. R. Hogg, was listened to with 

 great attention, and at its close Mr. Welch and Mr. N. H. 

 Foster referred to it in laudatory terms. 



Messrs. Burton Sefton and William M. Campbell having 

 been elected members, the proceedings terminated. 



"VARIETIES IN BRITISH FERNS." 



" SOME SOUTERRAINS IN ANTRIM AND DOWN." 



''BIRDS AND NESTS." 



"NOTES ON THE DISCOVERY OF DOPPLERITE IN 



SLUGGAN BOG." 



The third meeting of the Winter Session was held in the 

 Museum on 19th January, when four short papers were read. 

 The President (Mr. W. J. Fennell, M.R. I.A.I.) occupied the 

 chair, and there was a large attendance of members and 

 friends. 



The first paper was by Mr. W. H. Phillips, on " Varieties 

 in British Ferns." Mr. Phillips said on the excursions of the 

 Club one is often asked the following questions: — "Do you 

 still take as much interest m ferns ?" " How many species are 

 there?" " How do you know the differences; they all appear 



