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OBITUARY NOTICE. 
‘ Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar,’ in 1875 (second 
edition 1895), which with a very useful ‘ Key List of British 
Birds’ (1888, second edition 1892), I believe formed his only 
separate works; indeed, Irby, like many another best qualified 
to do so, is said to have had “ an invincible objection” to 
publishing any account of his great experiences, “ and had 
an utter contempt both for mere scribblers and ‘collectors.’ ” 
Irby’s connection with our Society commenced in 1886, 
and he was elected a Vice-President in 1903. Although, 
probably for the reasons stated above, he was never a 
contributor to our ‘ Transactions.’ He took great interest 
in the affairs both of the Society and of the Castle-Museum, 
and contributed some valuable works to the libraries connected 
with these institutions, to which it was his expressed intention 
largely to add ; but unfortunately this was frustrated by his 
somewhat sudden death. To the Museum he made his first 
contribution in 1857, and from time to time greatly enriched 
the collection of Birds’ Eggs ; his last gift being his valuable 
collection of British Lepidoptera in two large Cabinets in 
June, 1902. 
Col. Irby was one of those painstaking and conscientious 
workers which, unfortunately, are becoming rare, and the 
work he has left on the birds of S.W. Andalusia, is still, and 
likely to remain, the standard authority on the ornithology 
of that interesting district. — T. S. 
