106 DUBLIN NATUEAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 



The common fox ( Vulpes vulgaris). — Common all through the wild 

 parts of Clare. The country people frequently catch them, and sell them 

 to the hunting gentry of Galway. 



The wild cat {Felis catus). — I have not been able to ascertain for 

 certain the existence of the wild cat in Clare. I have often been told 

 of their occurrence in different places, but on close inquiry they turned 

 out to be either martens or tame cats run wild. 



Seals (Phocidce.) — Are often seen close along the shore in pursuit of 

 salmon. I have not been able to identify the species. 



The common brown rat, or IS'orway rat (Mus decumaniis). — Is only 

 too abundant. They are very frequent along rivers and drains, and 

 grow to a great size. 



The common mouse {Mus musculus). — Is met also in great abun- 

 dance. 



I have never remarked or heard of the occurrence of the black rat in 

 the west of Clare. 



The varying hare {Lepus varialilis). — Occurs in great plenty over 

 this district. Along the coast they are very fond of grazing close to the 

 sea in the spring of the year. I have frequently observed them at Kilkee 

 where patches of pasture occur near the edge of the water, approachable 

 by some precipitous pathway down the cliff. They are certainly much 

 more abundant in the limestone district than in that of the coal-mea- 

 sures. 



The rabbit {Lepus cuniculus). — As elsewhere, very abundant in 

 suitable locales. 



I may in conclusion add, that Burren at one time possessed more 

 mammals than it now does. The heads and antlers of the red deer have 

 frequently been found at Inchiquin Lake, near Corrofin, as also those of the 

 wild ox. Mention of the wild ox of Burren is made in an old Irish poem, 

 translated by Mr. Curry, and mentioned in a paper read by Dr. Wilde 

 before the Royal Irish Academy, at the meetings of the 9th and 25th of 

 May, 1859. Fin Mac Cumhaill was made prisoner by Cormac Mac Art, 

 King of Erinn, who, however, consented to liberate him when a ransom 

 of two of every wild animal in Ireland, a male and female, were brought 

 before him on the Green of Tara. Cailte Mac Ronain, the foster-brother 

 and favourite of the celebrated Irish general, undertook and accom- 

 plished this task within twelve months, and in this poem is said to have 

 related to St. Patrick the result of his mission. Among the animals he 

 mentions "two wild oxen from Burren." Afoot note in the paper 

 says — "Burren, a wild district inBurren, county of Clare, in which herds 

 of cattle were very common at the time referred to. In the Leabhar- 

 na-g-Ceart we read of 1000 oxen from Boirinn being part of the tributes 

 of Cashel to the kings of Erion." 



