T&E MARTEN IN IRELAND. 10? 



mountain was severely trapped last season, and these animals 

 have strayed from certain woods belonging to my neighbours, it 

 does not appear to me that there is much fear of the animal 

 becoming extinct ; and if any of the gentlemen who lament the 

 probability would like to procure a few specimens to turn into 

 their own coverts, I shall be happy to put them in the way of 

 doing so." But this was written eighteen years ago. We have 

 seen a specimen preserved in the collection of Mr. Borrer, of 

 Cowfold, Horsham, which was sent to him by Col. Cooper, of 

 Markree Castle, Sligo. 



Co. Leitrim. — The occurrence of the Marten in this county 

 has been noted on the authority of the late Col. J. Whyte, of 

 Sligo (cf. ' The Field,' June 10th, 1876). In the Belfast Museum, 

 where several specimens of the Marten are preserved, is one 

 which was procured in this county in 1881. Martens used often 

 to be seen at Glenfarne. 



Co. Eoscommon. — No records. 



Co. Galway.— At Kylemore, Connemara, according to Sir 

 Wm. Wilde (Proc. Roy. Irish Acad. vol. viii. p. 194), the Marten 

 was formerly abundant, as it was also around Lough Corrib, and 

 at Ballynahinch. 



Of late years its chief enemies have been game-preservers 

 and their keepers, who seldom or never lose an opportunity of 

 trapping or shooting it. Nevertheless it is gratifying to know 

 that, notwithstanding this persecution, there are still many wild 

 districts in Ireland where Martens may hold their own for many 

 years to come. 



For any additions to this list of Irish localities for the Marten 

 the Editor will be grateful. It is remarkable that in the first two 

 series of ' The Zoologist ' (1843—1876) not a single note is to be 

 found on the subject of the Marten in Ireland. 



In a future number it is proposed to give some information 

 respecting the life-history, food, and habits of this animal, and 

 to notice some interesting facts concerning it of which no 

 mention has been made in the standard work on British 

 Quadrupeds. 



