io5 
The Irish NaturatisL 
April, 
and V. rufa), that were absent from it in other years. There 
could be no explanation except that their absence in other 
years was due to fear of the stronger tree wasp. That, I think, 
is a very curious case of unobtrusive competition, in which 
things are so adjusted that physical mastery remains with one 
side, while that other form of success which results in 
numerical preponderance lies overwhelmingly on the other; 
for ground wasps, as every one knows, are extremely 
common, while tree wasps are at least comparatively scarce. 
The universality of this tendency to compete seems to me 
unfavourable to any doctrine which would make the great 
struggle of the animal world a struggle with outside forces ; 
but my object to-night has not been to go into the question 
exhaustively, but to ask attention to the discrepancies that 
have, I think, rather seriously prejudiced attempts to compre- 
hend it. 
Ballyhylaud, Co. Wexford. 
IRISH SOCIETIES. 
ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
Recent gifts include a pair of Swans from Mr. Bolton, and a pair of 
European Cranes from Mr. J. N. JLentaigne. Two very small Shetland 
ponies have arrived, and it is hoped that they will be of service during 
the summer in carrying children through the Gardens. 
BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 
March 6, — The President, Professor Symington, F.R.S., in the chair. 
R. M. Henry, M.A., read a paper on "Magic in the Greek and Roman 
World." Professor GrEGG W11.SON, D.vSc, read a report on the work of 
the Marine Laboratory at Larne. He stated that research work had 
been steadily gone on with, old investigations having been continued 
and new started. Work at the Herring had been continued, and the 
investigations into sea drift had been continued, with interesting 
results. He explained the great and increasing need for a properly- 
equipped sea-water aquarium, and appealed to the public of the North 
of Ireland for funds to build a modern laboratory and aquarium at 
Larne Harbour, or at some other seaside resort in Down or Antrim. 
