1905. 



proceedings of Irish Societies. 



DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



February 14.— vSpeciai, Meeting.— F. W. Burbidge, M.A. (Presi- 

 dent), in the chair. In accordance with a recomtuendation passed at the 

 Annual General Meeting, January 24, the Committee called this special 

 meeting to consider by what means the interest of the members might 

 be stimulated in the special work of the Club. There were 30 members 

 present, and a number of suggestions were put forward by F. W. Burbidge, 

 Prof. G. H. Carpenter, R. M. Barrington, Miss Ryan, G. H. Pethybridge, 

 R. LI. Praeger, A. Purser, Miss Singleton, Miss Knowles, and F. O'B. 

 Ellison and J. de W. Hinch (Hon. Sees.). 



February 25.— Winter Excursion to Howth.— Members and 

 friends to the number of 27 left Amiens-street terminus by the 1.52 train 

 for Howth, under the leadership of Prof. G. A. J. C01.E, F.G.S. On arrival 

 the party walked round the northern cliff path to the Bailey, Prof. Cole 

 explaining at different points the features of geological interest, drawing 

 special attention to the Cambrian rocks which form so great a part of 

 Howth. Prof. Cole also discussed the glacial deposits, giving an inter- 

 esting account of the different theories as to their formation. After 

 having tea at Howth summit, the party returned to Dublin by the 6,25 

 train, after a most enjoyable afternoon. 



February 28.— The Vice-President (C. B. Moffat, B.A.), in the chair. 

 There was a good attendance of members and friends. Miss M. C. 

 Knowi^ES read a paper on Atropis Foucatidt, a new Irish grass discovered 

 by her last year in the estuary of the Shannon. The paper, which was 

 published in last number of the Irish Naturalist, was discussed by R. 1^1. 

 Praeger. J. Adams, M.A., then read a paper on the Vitality of Seeds, 

 which will be found in full on pp. 80-82. The following exhibits were dis- 

 played during the evening :— Case of Irish plants used for dyeing 

 purposes, by Miss M. C. Knowles ; Plants collected at Howth during the 

 Field Excursion, February 25, by Miss E. M'Intosh, B.A. ; Geological 

 specimens from Howth by Prof G. A. J. Cole, F.G.S. ; Varieties of Green 

 and Golden Plover, by Mr. Edward Williams. Messrs. A. K. Dowling, 

 H. K. Fayle, and Francis O'Brien were elected members of the Club. 



ItllSH SOCIETY rOE THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 



This Society, inaugurated 29th April, 1904, has just issued its first 

 Annual Report. During the year efforts were made to spread informatioli 

 on the subject of bird protection by circulating the leaflets issued by the 

 London society. 



