1904-1905.] • 335 



catcher. On the other hand, some species had decidedly 

 increased as breeders within recent years, as, for example, 

 the starling, tufted duck, and stock-dove. In 1891 the red- 

 necked phalarope was accorded a place on the Irish list on 

 the strength of a solitary example obtained in County 

 Armagh, but in 1902 this species was reported as breeding 

 in the West of Ireland; and he had been informed by a 

 gentleman who had visited the locality last year that there 

 were then at least 30 pairs breeding. Wisely, this locality 

 had so far been kept secret. It had been asserted more than 

 once that the wigeon breeds in Ireland, but, although this 

 may possibly be correct, these occurrences have never been 

 authenticated. Mr. Foster exhibited eggs of all birds known 

 to breed in Ireland, and going through the list, order by order 

 and family by family, he directed attention to the variation 

 in shape, size, and colour of the eggs, and explained the 

 habits of nidification obtaining in the different species. The 

 collection of eggs was examined with much interest by the 

 members present, and an animated discussion ensued, in 

 which Messrs. W. J. Fennell, Robert Patterson, H. L. Orr, 

 G. E. Reiily, S. M. Stears, etc., participated. 



HONOURS TO MEMBERS. 



The fifth meeting of the Winter Session was held in the 

 Museum on Tuesday, 21st March. Mr. W. J. Fennell, 

 M.R.I.A., presided, and there was an exceptionally large 

 attendance of members and friends. During the " Science 

 Gossip Half-hour '' before the meeting Mr. Thomas Anderson 

 exhibited a fine collection of minerals. Previous to the regu- 

 lar business, Mr. Robert Patterson, F.Z.S., announced that 

 the Club had been highly honoured last week by the election 

 of three of its members into the Royal Irish Academy, and 

 moved the following resolution : — " That the hearty congratu- 

 lations of the Club be conveyed to our fellow-members, Major 

 Berry, Messrs. W. J. Fennell, and R. Welch, who have had 

 the distinguished honour of being elected members of the 



