OCCASIONAL NOTES.
The Natural History of Donegal.—The paper on the Natural History of Donegal, by Mr. James A. Mahony, which you have introduced to the readers of 'The Zoologist,'[1] has attracted my attention, as well by its style as by its statements; and taking as I do some little interest in Irish Natural History, it would, I believe, be prejudicial to the cause of truth were some of its passages allowed to go unnoticed. The descriptive paragraphs on the Physical Geography, Geology, and Botany of Donegal would be more appropriately criticised outside the pages of 'The Zoologist;' but coming to the list of Mammalia, and neglecting its omissions, we are informed that "The Squirrel, Ferret, Fox, Weasel, Bat and Hedgehog are often to be seen, and it seems to be quite true that there are no Toads, Moles or Snakes in Ireland." If the Squirrel has reached Donegal, it is quite a new locality; and if particulars were given as to when, where, and by whom it was seen, the information would be more valuable. The Ferret is not wild in Ireland; and Thompson's cautious statement as to the Weasel has rather been confirmed than controverted of late years. The Natterjack Toad is found near Dingle, County Kerry. As to birds, it may be said that the casual manner in which the Tawny Owl is alluded to shows rather Mr. Mahony's ignorance as to its great rarity in Ireland than the accuracy of his observation. The Sedge Warbler is generally regarded as the "Irish Nightingale," and not the Thrush; and the curious assertion about the "Common Crane" is no doubt correctly explained in the Editor's note.—Richard M. Barrington (Fassaroe, Bray, County Wicklow).
Natural History of Donegal.—Allow me to offer a few remarks upon the notes on County Donegal, published in your last number (p. 149), as I think it very desirable to correct some errors in the zoological part. In the first place, I and other Irish naturalists would be much obliged to Mr. Mahony if he would inform us in what part of the county Squirrels are found in a wild state, and whether he himself saw them or took the statement on hearsay? So far as I know, the Squirrel is not found in any part of Donegal. The few Irish counties in which I have heard of its occurrence are Wicklow, Queen's County (near Portarlington), and Kerry. By Ferret, I suppose your correspondent must mean the Marten (Martes abietum), which is still tolerably common in the wilder parts of Ireland; and of course the Stoat is intended when the Weasel is mentioned. Here I will take the opportunity of correcting a mistake which has somehow got about—that there is an Irish specimen of the Weasel in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. This specimen I myself sent up from Tyrone, and received in return an intimation that it was the true Weasel, and the first known Irish example: it is, however, but a small Stoat. I wish your
- ↑ See: "The Natural History of Donegal" (Wikisource-ed.)
