lO 
The Irish Naturalist. 
January, 
by Messrs. Reed, McHenry, and Kilroe to the igneous rocks of 
S.E. Ireland, viz., Old Red Sandstone, and while disclaiming 
any first hand knowledge of the evidence in the case of the 
Irish rocks is inclined, from a consideration of the similarity 
of rock types in both countries, to agree with it as represent- 
ing the period of intrusion of the Welsh rocks with which he 
is dealing. 
The Growth of Hornbi^kndh. 
In a paper on the growth of crystals in the contact zone of 
granite aud amphibolite (/*r<?^. RJ.A., vol. xxv., sect. B, no. 5, 
1905), Prof. Cole directs attention to the great size of certain 
hornblende crystals near the contact zone. This increase in 
size is attributed to the continuous transference of heat 
"which maintains the rock attacked in a favourable condition, 
and promotes the growth of certain mineral species." 
Recent Changes of Sha I^evei<. 
In a paper on Aran {Journ. Galway Arch, and Hist. Soc, vol. 
iv., 1905), Mr. J. Dillon I^awson directs attention to the pre- 
sence of a submerged peat bog, with trunks of oak, etc., in 
Galway Bay near Salt Hill. Incidentally he quotes G. H. 
Kinahan as to the origin of Galway Bay, the explanation being, 
we confess, new to us, viz. — " The Bay of Galway appears 
originally to have been a Granite mountain shattered and 
swallowed during a great convulsion " {I.e. p. 27), Dr. R. J. 
Anderson also contributes a note of several pages in which a 
number of. classical fluctuations of sea-level are mentioned. 
We regret to notice references to ^' numerous interglacial 
periods " in Dr. Anderson's contribution. 
Irish Caves. 
The first report of the Committee appointed to explore Irish 
Caves was published in September, 1903 {Trails. R.I. A., 
vol. xxxii., sect. B., pt. iv.). This report deals with the explora- 
tion of the Kesh Caves, Co. Sligo, under the immediate 
direction of Mr. R. J. Ussher, and records many facts of the 
highest interest. Chief amongst these was the discovery of 
remains of the Arctic I^emming, which is now recorded for 
