T9T5. 



Nofes, 



Snakes and their Victims. 



I have not read Mr. G. A. Boulenger's Book on Reptiles and Batrachians, 

 but in the excellent review of it, which I have just been perusing in the 

 Irish Naturalist for January, I- am struck with the statement (apparently 

 made from the book) that — " No animals, except jVIonkeys, appear to 

 recognise Snakes as dangerous, or to show any alarm at their proximity." 

 Surely that is a proposition which the experience of any naturalist con- 

 versant with Snakes must enable him to contradict ? The fear shown by 

 Frogs introduced into a vivarium beside Grass Snakes, for example, must 

 be famiHar enough to anyone who has kept those Snakes in captivity. 

 The Frog seems to know its natural enemy instinctively and instantly, 

 and its fear is very evident in its frantic efforts to escape from the case. 

 I have even heard one " squeal " (if that term be permissible in describing 

 the voice of a Frog) before it was struck by a Snake ; and the behaviour 

 of a Mouse in the company of Adders is very similar. I cannot have any 

 doubt, from such ocular demonstration, that these are not singular in- 

 stances, but that other animals, besides Monkeys, must be able to recognise 

 their deadly foe the moment they become aware of its presence. Perhaps 

 the insertion of this note in the Irish Naturalist may bring expressions of 

 opinion from others. 



George Bot.am. 



Alston, Cumberland. 



The Last(?) Irish Golden Eagle. 



Early in January, happening to call at Messrs. Williams & Sons, No. 2, 

 Dame -street, Dubhn, the well-known taxidermists, I saw, to my surprise 

 and horror, a freshly killed Golden Eagle — a fine old male, M-eighing 

 8i lbs., and whose extended wings measured 6ft. 3in. It had been shot 

 near Ardara, Donegal. This is no doubt the Eagle which my old friend 

 Mr. Ussher told me he had seen on the Donegal coast, north of Slieve 

 League in 191 3. It has had no mate for some seasons, and is said to 

 have inhabited the district for forty years. The middle toe of one foot 

 was missing — showing that it had been trapped— but the wound was per- 

 fectly^ healed. After diligent search and enquiry this was the only 

 Golden Eagle which Mr. Ussher could then trace with certainty as existing 

 in Ireland — though he had heard rumours of one in Mayo. 



What are we to think of those* who are responsible for the extermi- 

 nation of this magnificent bird — whose powerful flight amidst the wildest 

 glens and loftiest precipices added an irresistible charm to some of the 

 grandest Irish scenery ? 



Rtchd. M. Barrington, 



Fassaroe, Bray. 



