1921. 



Notes. 



83 



so as to almost form a crest. Sat very closely, but always contrived to be 

 more or less hidden from the observer, and when approached more closely 

 took wing to another shrub or small tree. Song a repetition of warbling 

 notes, distinct, rather rapid, but not as strong as that of the Blackcap. 

 Alarm note not heard. Only one bird seen. 



Helen M. Rait Kerr. , 



Carrickmines, Co. Dublin. 



The description given accords very closely with that of the Lesser 

 Whitethroat, except as regards the legs, which in that species are distinctly 

 bluish-grey. The habit of continuing its song during an occasional short 

 upward flight has also been noted of this species by Mr. T. A. Coward 

 (" Birds of the British Islands," vol. i., p. 159). The Lesser Whitethroat 

 is as yet only known as a rare straggler to Ireland, and it would be very 

 satisfactory to be able to add it definitely to our list of the birds breeding in 

 this country. 



C, B. Moffat. 



Dublin. 



IRISH SOCIETIES. 



BELFAST NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB. 



May 4. — Excursion to the Gobbins. — Upwards of lifty members 

 visited the Gobbins, a neighbourhood always popular with the Club. At 

 a spot halfway to the Gobbins Head the Conductor (Dr. A. R. Dwerry- 

 house) gathered the party together and gave an interesting description of 

 the principal geological points of the locality. Fortunately the tide was 

 low, and the members were thus able to trace the Liassic beds (covered 

 at high water), then the Greensand, Chloritic Chalk passing into true 

 Chalk, capped in its turn by basalts, the latter covered by boulder clay. 

 Several characteristic fossils having been obtained, the party moved on to 

 the Gobbins Head, a natural feature which gives such a good example of 

 the flow structure of the basalts. 



Rev. W. R. Megaw pointed out Carex divulsa growing by a roadside in 

 considerable quantity — an addition to the Antrim flora. 



At the business meeting held during the excursion eleven new members 

 were elected, this bringing up the total new members elected since the 

 session opened to eighty, a number testifying to the continued healthy 

 growth of the Club. 



May 21. — Excursion to Belvoir Park. — Upwards of 70 members 

 assembled at the Ormeau Road tram terminus at three o'clock for the 

 purpose of exploring Belvoir Park, permission to visit which having been 

 very kindly granted by the Right Hon. Sir James Johnston, P.C., J. P. 

 The park has always been a happy hunting ground for the Club botanists. 



