PR O C E E D I N G S a of Tin: ' VICTORIA RESTITUTE ? OF it -t ' TRINIDAD, Founded 1887 \ HISCERIQtli r HO DAT x POMJtUS FEED'S N-A \ JUNG! ^ABT 1. ^ l a veil 1894 CONTENTS : Report for 1893 Bye-laws Articles of Association Balance Sheet — 1893 - ** - „ „ 1891 and 1892 Report for 1892 Guppy on Edible Molluska Hart on Ventilation | : / Rake on Butterflies -| c - R 24 1894 Mirror Office, w . > • A ^icfopicc* Ipsfifufe, * ^ppipicfed, 1894 . The Victoria Institute of Trinidad (founded 1887) is now in full working as may be seen by the copy sent herewith of the first part of its .Journal of Proceedings. The Scientific Association of Trinidad, which had many correspondents abroad, and exchanged publications with several societies, is amalgamated with the Victoria Institute, and its books, (fee., are deposited in the Victoria Institute Building as public property. The Institute wishes to renew and extend the system of exchanges formerly in operation with its predecessor the Scientific Association, and will, therefore, feel indebted for any contribution your Institution, may be pleased to make towards the completion of its set of the publications of your Institution. Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, 2nd April , 189 Jf. I l i VICTORIA INSTITUTE, TRINIDAD. REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1893. presenting the Second Annual Report of the Victoria J, Institute, the Committee of Management have to congratu- late the Members upon the steady, if slow and gradual, progress made during the year in carrying out the objects of the Institute. Some particulars of the origin and progress of the scheme under which the Institute was founded were given in the first Report of the Committee. We supplement these by the following observations : The Victoria Institute was founded in 1887 as a Memorial of the Jubilee year of the Queen’s reign. It was designed to supply a long-felt want in the public institutions of the island. That want was that of a central scientific institution for purposes not only of original research, but of scientific and technical instruction. The attainment of such an object was never lost sight of by the Scientific Association, which from its foundation in 1863 until it ceased to exisUiir~l .Ttnade that one of its aims, On the 10th March,. a resalu tion^fe^>assed by the APR24 1894 •^Az/UDELP^ 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Association that a Memorial should be presented to the Governor for the establishment of a public museum. A Memorial was accordingly drawn up, and it was duly presented to the Governor by a deputation consisting of Dr. de Verteuil and Dr. Mitchell, Members of the Association. At the final meeting of the representatives of the Association, which took place in 1887 at the Public Library, it was decided that the property of the Association then in deposit at the Library, should be handed over to the Victoria Institute so soon as the latter should come into active being. We have now to report that the books formerly belonging to the Scientific Association, have been duly handed over as directed by this bequest, and are now deposited at the Museum as public property. They thus form the nucleus and commencement of a scientific library. A library of this sort is s much required.* There are a few other books in deposit at the Museum, but these are too limited in number and scope to supply the requirements. It would be desirable if it could be arranged for that the books obtained from Dr. Leotaud’s library should be deposited at the Museum, and these would require some expendi- ture for rebinding. A very favourable offer was made some time ago of a collection of scientific works worth more that .£600, together with a collection of shells and other zoological and geological objects, worth at least as much more, for the value of the books alone, and we hope that this collection may yet be secured. At the first meeting of the Committee of the Institute, held on the 15th July, 1887, the Chairman (S. H. Gatty, Attorney- General) by authority and direction of the Governor, “opened “ the meeting with some remarks as to the object with which “ the Committee had been nominated, and as to the necessity “ that existed for an institution such as it was proposed to * Mr. Alexander Miller, a member of the Committee, has been good enough to deposit in the library for the use of Members, a copy of the Encyclopedia Britanica ANNUAL REPORT, 1893. 3 “ establish. He stated that it would be the work of the Com- “ mittee to decide as to the lines upon which the Institute “ should be constituted, and to raise funds to erect the necessary “ building, and that the expenses in connection with the ad- <( ministration of the Institute would be defrayed bj- the “ Government.” The objects of the Institute as laid down in the Memo- randum of Association, drawn up under the authority and with the approval of Government are as follows : (a) The collection and diffusion of information on agri- cultural, commercial and scientific subjects. (b) The formation and maintenance of a museum of agri- cultural, commercial products, raw and manufactured including a dep6t for the transmission of samples to the Imperial Institute, and to international and inter- colonial exhibitions. (c) The formation and maintenance of a museum of natural history and of the arts and sciences. (i d ) The establishment and maintenance of rooms for the use of the Medical Board, the Agricultural Board, and of the Science and Art Department of the Institute, sub- ject to such conditions and terms as may be from time to time determined upon by the Committee, such rooms to be available for Meetings and Lectures, under the regulations and bye-laws of the Institute, and to acquire and hold such lands as may be necessary for the above purpose. (e) The publication periodically or otherwise, of a J ournal or other papers, with a view to carry out the indica- tions under subhead (a) (/) The doing of all such other things as may be conducive to the extension, or incidental to the attainment of the above objects. 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. In response to the invitation of the Government, and in reliance upon the promises of substantial support given at the initiation of the movement for the establishment of the Institute a sum of over $6,000 has been raised and expended upon the erection of a building, and upon furniture and fittings. The public natural history and other collections are lodged in the Victoria Museum under the care of the Institute. These at present consist of the collection of Birds given to the Colony by Dr. Leotaud, the collection of shells given by Governor Keate and the reptiles given by Dr. Court. The birds are numbered in accordance with a list — but it would be preferable if the names were attached to the specimens. The shells are affixed to tablets and are named. The specimens are mostly very fine, but the collection is almost entirely East Indian and very few West Indian shells are represented. We ought to have a good collection of West Indian and especially Trinidad shells. The reptiles are entirely unnamed. There are also some specimens of Indian antiquities and a few miscellaneous objects in the museum. The Field Naturalists’ Club has done very creditable work in procuring and preparing the specimens of Vertebrata which are deposited in the Museum. The Museum can thus exhibit a few of our native animals. Of economic pro- ducts the show is very limited or rather nil and this is a depart- ment which will require some expenditure on it for it is unlikely that any one will make a collection of such things on the mere chance of getting it paid for, when there are more alluring fields of research yet un worked. In order to carry out the various functions laid down in the minutes, memoranda and program of the Institute as already stated, courses of lectures on science and art have been estab- lished and it is intended as soon as possible to start classes for technical instruction. The means at the disposal of the com- mittee are insufficient to enable them to meet the expenses of these lectures and to provide the necessary apparatus for efficient ANNUAL REPORT, 1893 5 instruction in science and art. The maintenance of the present small staff of the Museum consisting of a clerk, a porter and Lecturers and the current and regular expenses of the lectures and meetings amount to at least three times the amount of the subsidy from Government and there is nothing to provide for repairs and renewal of building, apparatus for scientific and technical instruction, furniture and fittings, or for an appropri- ation towards the extinction of the debt due by the Institute. Besides which the Museum Building requires certain absolutely necessary additions, for instance, latrines, and a workshop in which specimens belonging to the collections can be repaired, mounted or prepared for preservation and exhibition. It is also highly desirable that the grounds of the Museum should be properly fenced and laid out in a neat manner. The scheme of lectures and meetings already referred to has been arranged and is now in full work. It is, however, much to be regretted that the attendance at these lectures and meetings is far below what it ought to be. The terms on which admission is granted to the the lectures are so liberal that any person in the island desirous of attending the lectures can in one way or another easily do so. The lectures arranged for under the scheme laid down in the bye-laws of the Institute are six courses of six lectures each annually, in all thirty-six lectures. Besides these, occasional lectures on subjects not included in the regular program may be given. The lectures are chiefly intended for instruction in the elementary principles of Agriculture, Chemistry, Geology and Natural History. In addition to these lectures the scheme includes twelve evening meetings annually at which questions of science and practice may be discussed and original papers read. The annual payment for associates of the Institute is ten shillings and for this sum each associate is intitled to attend all lectures and evening meetings of the Institute and to make use of the museum and reading-room. The subscription of members of the Institute is Five Dollars annually and for this they are intitled to attend the evening meetings and to vote at the election of 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. members of the Board of Management. They are further in- titled to two tickets for every lecture. They can, if they wish hand one or both of these tickets, to any one. Any person wish- ing to attend the Lectures, -may, therefore, be enabled to do so in any one of three ways : 1 . He may become a member or an associate. 2. He may procure a ticket from a member. 3. Failing these, he can obtain admission to any Lecture on payment of one shilling, or to any course of six Lectures on payment of live shillings. The following is a list of the Lectures given at the Institute since the scheme was started Date, 1893. 14 August 21 „ 28 „ 11 September 18 „ 25 „ 9 October 16 „ 23 „ 30 „ 13 November 20 „ 27 „ 11 December 18 .. Subject. Geology Agriculture Geology Agriculture Geology Agriculture Geology Agriculture Geology Agriculture Geology Agriculture Botany Zoology Botany Lecturer. R. J. L. Guppy P. Car mod y R. J. L. Guppy P. Carmody R. J. L. Guppy P. Carmody R. J. L. Guppy P. Carmody R. J. L. Guppy P. Carmody R. J. L. Guppy P. Carmody J. II. Hart FI. Caracciolo J. H. Hart Evening meetings were held, and papers read as follows : 4 Sept. Introductory Statement, explanatory of the Scheme of Meetings and Lectures, and of the advantages of the popular cultivation of scientific knowledge. R. J. L. Guppy ANNUAL REPORT, 1893. 7 2 Oct. On the Molluska used as Food in Trinidad ; with Exhibition under the Microscope of Slides of Dentition of Molluska. R* J* L- Crnppy 6 Nov. On Ventilation in the Tropics J. H. Hart 4 Dec. On the Study of Butterflies B. N. Rake, M.D. On the 6th November the Committee approved of a program for the lectures and Meetings of the Institute up to March, 1894. inclusive. This program includes the continuation of Mr. Hart’s Lectures on Botany, and of Mr. Caracciolo’s Lectures on Zoology and three Lectures on Music proposed to be given by Mr. Doorly. It was then suggested that upon the completion of the courses of lectures now arranged for, Mr. Carmody should be asked to give a course of six Lectures on Chemistry and another course of six Lectures on Agriculture ; and that Mr. R. J . L. Guppy should be asked to give a course of six Lectures on Zoology, and another course of six Lectures on Geology ; and further that Mr. Hart should be asked to give another course of six Lectures on Botany. This, with the Lectures already arranged for on the program referred to (which has been printed and is in the hands of Members) would complete the arrange- ments for the year 1894. To this report is appended a List of the Members of the Institute. Should any inaccuracies be found in this List, the Committee will be glad if they are brought to the notice of the Secretary. During the year the Institute has lost by death one Mem- ber, the Honourable Henry Fowler, Colonial Secretary of Trinidad. Mr. Fowler was one of the original subscribers to the funds of the Institute. As Administrator of the Govern- ment, he presided at several meetings of the Committee of Management, and at a special general meeting of the Institute held so lately as the 26th September, 1893. Mr. Fowler took some interest in natural science — he collected Indian antiquities in British Honduras, and also in Trinidad, and some specimens collected by him are in the cases of the Museum. He died on the 27 th November. R, J. LECHMERE GUPPY. VICTORIA INSTITUTE, TRINIDAD, 1894 . BYE-LAWS, PART I.— The Board op Management. 1. — The Board of Management (hereinafter called the Board) shall meet at the Victoria Museum on the last Wednes- day in each month at half-past four o’clock in the afternoon, or at such times as may from time to time be duly fixed. 2. — Not less than twelve hours’ notice of any meeting of the Board shall be given by the Secretary to each member thereof. 3. — The nature of the business to be transacted at each meeting shall be stated in the notice thereof. 4. — The quorum of the Board shall be four. 5. — No Bye-Law of the Board shall be repealed, suspended or altered except at a meeting of the Board at which not less than seven members are present. PART II. — The Museum. G- — The Museum shall be open every day from 8 till 6 o’clock, except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday. 7 • — Admission to the public shall be free, except on such days as the Board may from time to time order otherwise, BYE-LAWS. 9 8. Visitors will be required to sign their name in the Visitors Book kept at the Museum for that purpose. 9. — Every person committing any offence against good order, or infringing any of the regulations made by the Board, shall be liable to be removed summarily or otherwise dealt with. * 10. — When the use of the Museum after the hour of six o’clock in the evening shall be required for lectures, scientific meetings or other purposes connected with the objects of the Institute, the following payments shall be made to the funds of the Institute : 1. Where the persons using the building are members or associates, the sum of two shillings and sixpence, which shall be paid to the caretaker as his fee. 2. Where the persons using the building are not members or associates a sum of not less than five shillings, as may be determined by the Board in each case — such sum to include the caretaker’s fee of two shillings and sixpence, and a further sum to defray the cost of lighting and other expenses. 11. Application for the use of the Museum must be made to the Secretary, who, on being satisfied that the objects of the meeting are in accordance with the objects of the Victoria Institute, may grant permission for such use. Otherwise, the Secretary shall refer the matter to a meeting of the Board. In any case, he shall report to the next meeting of the Board. 12. — All Members of the Institute whose subscriptions are not in arrear have the right of attending all meetings and lectures held or given in the Victoria Museum, and of making use of the Library and Reading Room whenever the same shall be open. 13. — Every Member pf the Institute shall have the privilege of introducing one friend at evening meetings of the Institute, on entering the name of such friend in a book to be kept for the purpose, 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. 14. — No stranger or non-member shall at any time be introduced to any meeting or lecture, nor can any stranger make use of the Library or Reading Room except in accordance with bye-laws or rules and regulations made or approved by the Board. 15. — The Board will receive as gifts or as a deposit on loan objects of a kind suitable for exhibition in the Museum. 16. — Objects given to the Institute shall be recorded in a book to be kept for that purpose by the Secretary and each gift shall be duly acknowledged. All articles given to the Museum shall form part of the general collection of the Institute and shall be subject to all rules and regulations made from time to time for the control, preservation and exhibition of the same. 17. — Articles deposited on loan can only be received or removed subject to the regulations from time to time made in respect of such articles. 18. — Persons depositing articles on loan must supply a detailed inventory of such articles and such inventory shall be filed by the Secretary. The condition of any articles shall where necessary be noted in such inventory. PART III. — Associates. 19. The Board may admit as associates any persons they may think fit. Every such associate to pay annually the sum of ten shillings due in advance on the 24th May in each year, or if elected between 1st December and 1st May to pay five shillings for the intervening period ; and ten shillings annually thereafter. 20. — Subject to the assent of the Board any number of associates may constitute themselves a separate branch or section of the Institute and have regular nights for meeting. They may also have the use of the building on special evenings, due con- ^deration being paid to the objects of the Institute Lad to the claims of other branches or sections of the Institute. BYE-LAWS. 11 21. — No associate shall have any voice in the management of the Institute or in the election of members of the Board. 22. — No associate whose subscription is in arrear can be present at any lecture or meeting of the Institute. 23. — Associates can withdraw from the Institute under restrictions similar to those applicable to members under the Articles of Association. PART IV. — Lectures. 24. — The fee for admission of non-members to lectures given under the auspices of the Institute shall be one shilling for each person for each lecture or five shillings for each course of six lectures. 25. — Every member of the Institute shall be entitled free of charge to two tickets for each lecture. 26. — From time to time the Board shall appoint suitable persons not exceeding at any time six in number to give lectures in the following subjects. I. Agriculture and Applied Science. II. Geology. III. Botany. IV. Zoology. V. Chemistry. VI. History, Literature and Music. 27. — Each such Lecturer to give one or more courses of six lectures each annually and to be allowed from the funds of the Institute a sum of Five Dollars for each Lecture and an extra sum of Five Dollars on the completion of a course of six lectures. 28. — All previous bye-laws are hereby repealed and rescinded. The above Bye-laws were passed at a Meeting of the Committee , held on 7th February , 189 f JOHN F, CHITTENDEN, Secretary. ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF The Victoria Institute of Trinidad . (INCORPORATED.) 1. For the purpose of Registration, the number of members of the Institute is declared to be unlimited. 2. These Articles shall be construed with reference to the provisions of “ The Companies’ Ordinance, 1869,” and 11 The Limited Companies’ Ordinance, 1890.” Terms used in these Articles shall be taken as having the same meanings as they have when used in those Ordinances. 3. The Institute is established for the objects set forth in the Memorandum of Association. 4. The Institute shall be styled “ The Victoria Institute of Trinidad (Incorporated).” It is herein, for brevity’s sake called The Institute.” THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT. 5. The business of the Institute shall be* managed by a Board to consist of the Patron (who shall be the Governor of the Colony for the time being if he will consent to act) and twelve members. The Governor shall be entitled to nominate one member of the Board (being a member of the Institute) for each £50 annually contributed by the Government to the ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. 13 Funds of the Institute, exclusive of any sum granted bo the Secretary as Correspondent of Imperial Institute, &c., such nominated members not to exceed five. All other elections to the Board shall be by vote at the Annual General Meeting, except as provided in Article 7. 6. At the first and at each succeeding Annual General Meeting of the Institute all the members of the Board shall retire, but be eligible for re-election. 6. In the event of any vacancy occurring in the management, the Board shall have power to fill such office until the next Annual General Meeting of the Institute. But the Board shall have full power to act notwithstanding any vacancy shall not have been filled up. 8. The Board shall meet whenever convenient or necessary and shall appoint such committees as it may deem expedient. It may associate with such committees any member or members of the Institute with full power to act and vote on those Committees. 9. The Patron or in his absence the President or one of the Vice-Presidents, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Management. In the absence of the Patron, President and Vice-Presidents the meeting shall elect a Chairman. The Patron, President or Chairman of any meeting shall in all cases in which the votes are equal have a casting vote in addition to his original vote. 10. At each Annual Meeting the Board shall present a Report of its proceedings and a statement of the accounts of the Institute, audited, and signed by the President or Vice- Presi- dents and Secretary, and in the absence of the President, or Vice- President or both, then by the Secretary. 11. The Board shall have pow'er to appoint such officers as way be found necessary for the due conduct of the business of 14 PROCEEDINGS eF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE, the Association, with annual salaries or otherwise, to engage professional assistance, and to remunerate all persons employed by them ; and, subject to the provisions of the Memorandum of Association and these Articles, to appoint their own meetings, fix their own quorum, and regulate their own proceedings, to manage and superintend the affairs of the Institute, and act in the name of the Institute, and for that purpose to order the seal of the Institute to be fixed to any Petition, Memorial, or other Document, and generally to execute all powers and functions of the Institute not hereby conferred upon General Meetings of the Institute. 12. The Board shall have power to make, alter, or revoke Bye-laws for carrying on the business of the Institute, provided always that the Bye-laws in force shall not be repugnant to the Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association. lo. The Board shall have the sole disposal and control of all revenues accruing to the Institute ; but if the liabilities exceed the assets for three successive quarters, or the deficiency exceeds one hundred pounds, the Governor shall have authority to assume control of the expenditure, and to appoint an officer to supervise the expenditure until such time as the accounts are brought to an equal balance. 14. As soon as practicable after the Annual General Meet- ing of the Institute Jhe Board shall meet and elect from among themselves a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The election of the Secretary and Treasurer shall be subject to the approval of the Governor and they shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. 15. The Board shall have power to admit a class of Associates with such privileges as the Board may from time to time determine. 16. The Board may elect as correspondents such persons not permanently resident in the Island as are likely to contribute towards the advancement of the objects of the Institute. ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. 15 MEMBERSHIP. 17. A candidate for Membership must be proposed by two members, and must sign a written application for election and an agreement to be bound, if elected, by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. This application shall be brought before the Board at their next or some subsequent meeting, and the Board may admit the candidate as a member. Such admission together with the payment of proper subscription, will con- stitute membership. In case of serious misconduct his expul- sion must be determined by a vote of two-thirds of Members present at a General Meeting called for the purpose. 18. The annual contribution of every member of the Insti- shall be five dollars. This amount shall be payable on election and on the 24th day of May in each year : Provided that Members elected after the 30th November in each year shall only pay one half the above sum until the ensuing 24th of May, upon which the full annual amount of contribution will become due and payable. No member whose annual contribution is in arrear for more than six months shall exercise any of the privi- leges of membership until he has paid up all contributions due by him. 19. Subscribers of £25 will be entitled to a life membership, and subscribers of smaller sums to proportional jmivilege. This will be retrospective in all cases where claims are recognized within six months of the date of the opening of the Institute. 20. A member must give notice to the Secretary one month before the expiration of his subscription year of his wish to retire, or he will be liable for the subscription for the ensuing year. Having given such notice and paid up all contributions due by him he shall no longer be a member of the Institute. 16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. MEETINGS OF THE INSTITUTE. 21. There shall be an Annual General Meeting on such day in each year, as the Board shall from time to time determine, to (a.) Receive the Report of the Board of Management ; (ft.) Receive the statement of accounts ; (c.) Elect the Board of Management for ensuing year ; (d.) Consider, and if necessary take action, with reference to any business or motion of which due notice may have been given, not being inconsistent with the Memoran- dum and Articles of Association. 22. Special Meetings shall be convened by the Secretary (1) whenever he may be instructed by the Board so to do, and (2) on the requisition in writing of not fewer than six members of the Institute. The requisition and notices shall state the object of the meeting, and no other business shall be entertained. 23. Meetings of the Institute shall be presided over by the Patron, President or Vice-President. In their absence the mem- bers present shall elect a Chairman, who shall on all occasions, have an additional or casting vote. Seven members shall form a quorum. 24. No less than seven days’ notice of each meeting and its objects shall be given to members in writing unless in cases of special urgency, the necessity for which to be determined by the Board. ^.5. Questions shall be determined by the majority of mem- bers present and voting, unless a poll be demanded in writing and signed by six of the members present, in which case a poll shall be taken of the whole Institute. 26. A poll of the whole Institute shall be taken by means of \ oting papers, sent to all members entitled to vote, by post, to their registered addresses, and stating the question to be voted upon, and the time, to be fixed by the Chairman of the meeting, ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. 17 within which the voting papers are to be returned. Any voting papers not returned within that time shall be rejected. The voting papers shall be addressed to the Secretary to be laid before the Board, and their Report which shall be final, shall be communicated to the members, and shall be entered on the Minutes. 27. No Resolution of any Annual Meeting, or of a Special Meeting shall be rescinded except by Special Meeting convened for that purpose. 28. The author of every paper published by the Institute shall be entitled to have without charge twenty-five copies of each such paper. 29. Lectures and Conversaziones and Entertainments may be given in the rooms and under the management of the Institute, and the Board of Management of the Institute shall have power to make Rules and Regulations for such and for the admission thereto of persons not being members of the Institute. MINUTES. 30. Correct minutes of the proceedings of the Institute and of the Board of Management shall be kept by the Secretary, and such Minutes shall be open to the inspection of the members at all convenient times. ALTERATION OF ARTICLES. 31. These Articles may be altered by Special Resolution of the Institute, passed according to the provisions or 1 me Companies’ Ordinance, 1869.'’ ^ ■ ■ Memorandum of Association OF The Victoria Institute of Trinidad . (INCORPORATED.) 1. The name of the Association shall be “The Victoria Institute of Trinidad (Incorporated) 75 hereinafter called “The Institute.” 2. The registered office of the Institute shall be the “ Vic- toria Museum.” 3. The objects for which the Institute is established, are (a.) The collection and diffusion of information on Agricultural, Commercial and Scientific Subjects. (b.) The formation and maintenance of a Museum of Agricultural and Commercial Products, raw and manufactured, including a depot for the trans- mission of samples to the Imperial Institute and to International and Intercolonial Exhibitions. (c.) The formation and maintenance of a Museum of Natural History, and of the Arts and Sciences. (d.) The establishment and maintenance of rooms for the use of the Medical Board, the Agricultural Board, and of the Science and Art Department of the Institute, subject to such conditions and terms as may be from time to time determined upon by MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION. 19 the Committee. Such rooms to be available for Meetings and Lectures, under the Regulations and Bye-laws of the Institute, and to acquire and hold such lands as may be necessary for the above purpose. (e.) The publication periodically or otherwise of a J ournal or other papers with a view to carry out the indications under Sub-head (a). (f) The doing of all such other things as may be con- ducive to the extension, or incidental to the attainment of the above objects. 4. The Income and Property of the Institute from whatever source derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the Institute as hereinbefore set forth. No por- tion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise howsoever by way of profit to the members of the Institute. Provided that it shall never- theless be lawful for the Institute to pay such salaries or other remuneration as may be duly authorized to the officers and ser- them to the Institute. b. The preceding paragraph contains the condition on which a License is granted by the Governor to the Institute under The Limited Companies’ Ordinance, 1890.” 6. The building with its furniture and all properties therein contained shall be vested in the Board of Management as trustees for the public. ' * -ff upon the winding up or dissolution of the Institute there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities ai1 y property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or dis- 20 PROCEEDINGS OP THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. tributed among the members of the Institute, but shall be given or transferred to seme other Institution or Institutions having objects similar to the objects of the Institute to be determined by the members of the Institute at or before the time of dissolution, or in default thereof, by the Governor in Executive Council. 8. Accounts shall be kept of the receipts and expenditure of the Institute by the Secretary, and of the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place ; and of the property, credits and liabilities of the Institute ; and these accounts together with all necessary vouchers in support thereof subject to any reasonable restriction, in respect of the time and manner of such inspection shall be open to the inspection of any member. 9. The Accounts of the Institute shall be examined and audited once at least in every year, and the correctness of the balance-sheet ascertained and certified by two Auditors annually elected by the members of the Institute. BALANCE SHEET, 1893, CO ^4 *■*<» k '*< o So .<0 £ <5 cs VO »o o> ^ Tf CO Tt- o CO m O CON M M m VO (JlfOH N H CO Tf* N 04 04 CO IS M H o O H N H <©= ,H~ €©= d a .S’ £ Td w rd S d ^ PQ < Ps U co a) to a C co o •"* CD •-- £ CO -±i • fH C3 ^ *a * _ c M 'd Cl H c 0 (U ^ d be *S £ <- 2 « "1 g V ° ^ '&d W co_ Jh .Q 6 : ri o CO Cd K r * - ' rQ s'S d cd co be d d M ; d £ ’3 S .n o a) ^ 6 ^ 0 s ts . o o o &2 s?S 14 -, M-J o o -. 8 d a ri t . I — 0*0 ^ -M E CO co H ,d P3 • o rQ -M fn CD S . CD Vj rl ctS - ^ d-S o co 2 ^ > ►> a> 5 h V-. d ig ^ d co ^ d ,rt co a) \- r' s H o P CO O ^ CD H5 ■2 c *.o n-'-n w o n ^ °n V OS SO o w dd . CD CO bo,- d d ,H r-^ -*-> ^ d o d ° P d (D t; j-< m E rt o d *: u 1.2 2 S'! g CD 4_, o ||58 Nd g S^rg V-( CD CO d w ri A . d (D CD O .2 +* & H CCS nd o •'-' (D d ^3 'g 8 o Cd^ •- <0 2 ^ d o° r J3 h d d d d - d 22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. 00 VO • o o 00 CO H vO U o o H H -u m o o Cv O' d CO H VO m oo_ q> qv co CO CO CO CO Tf <£» VO N O IO G3 G 3 G G PQ , ts «u^o £3 3* <13 ^ ftpp H3 , & I 00 «= ON q CO PQ G -.2 g 0) .&* o v-. c 03 G 3 PQ C/5 M O O' C CO 3 a O CO VO CO — ^ fill s g aPQ 2 * •m o cn ft 2 ft £ « cS ov CO bp | i .5 w O 'O O C G . 3 WftW ro^ os ^ n ^ is i w si § - >s - 2 Cue £ g%2 o 13 ;s go § PP 2S *- g.C .2 Eu • VO CO VO 00 T3 s -g JG G n« ° d «o rt T3 o TJ to Z in 8* ft hQ 01 >1 av a co G 0) u H . d o ^ § rt u ft 'd* VO VO O CO OO oo H m ■'J* m O' Cl oo m O) CO CO ro ft o CO ■<*• “ w *-i M ' tn H o2^ g g d T3 2 a; S d ^ o -5 ^ (J Q •3 'il o -•-> d CUD ’S « « q £ vh "g.|J&fc o ^ o ^ R ^ C ^ > rQ J*» O 03 Vh O 03 '3 03 -P (L3 O 03 ^ *d - 9 o 1^.0 03 u o ft‘;S ft2 go rt aJ^- 3 ^ tn to y ^ M \3 CJ _ .1=1 to -£ 2 03 *> rt cn o _ U t! 13 td H 2 & 2 2^ c •2 B d pj »*- ^ o ^ Pft 03 °u g > 0) g a o o rt a . O cd a w v qj S cl !■* G in 52 •S ^ 03 4- ^ X. o S a ot/3j- o . *j cn »-< o |‘gJSv&4 C/5 o£ *2 ^ S^5 ? M 3 ^ cn O g 03 « o C ro °5 01 P. o S’S- rt fciO d -M o u S 'V cn •1.2 a 03 O £ .K W^c^p 2 &g q s-o 2 O d O w 03 *- 03 -*-’ ?OOqO “ P O V 1) V ? o -G ^ Jd CO 03 23 .§ |G W 6 ° w ^ • S - Li,— e « g s O h 3 ^ 03 _ C 03 03 ■; £rG +*£ m g av ^ CO w 2 C “03 3 .g G V0 3 G rt « P,^ gCT;^ I §.a.2H^ eJ H ^■5.2 i2 2^ 8 O g'jS'w'S 0^3 P-( ^ O O TJ ^ P, P- '73 VO >. 03 03 03 rt ; ,D TJ ^ d A Report of the Committee of the Victoria Institute For the year ending 31st December , 1892 . The Committee has the honour to present the first annual lp poit on the working of the Victoria Institute. The inception of the present scheme dates back to June, ^ hen Sir W illiam Robinson, K.C.M.G., proposed to mark the Juoilee of Her Majesty’s reign by the foundation of an In- stitute for the encouragment of commerce, agriculture, art, etc. ail( i to provide a Museum for the permanent exhibition of our Jmmercial samples, Natural History, Geological, and Minera- ® lcal s P 8c imens and other productions of the country, and to 1 ' JVl de a Meeting place for scientific societies and other bodies teiesbed in the welfare and prosperity of the Island. Subf and scriptions were invited by Sir W. Robinson, K.C.M.G., sum amounting to $3,918.52 was received, from persons ^ tested or resident in the Colony, and deposited in the w] >n ^ a ^ T* ail k. The sum having fallen short of that expected n the scheme was originally proposed, it was decided to make a be ginning with the funds in hand, and the following gentlemen SCri J ed to the Articles and Memorandum of Association, and 0 q' ee GC ^ i neor porate themselves under the Companies finances, 1869 and 1890 H Ro 'oins°n., K.C.M.G. 1 i T^ mann > Esq. Er U I^ Wilson - C.M.G. ]j j • Chittenden. Edo. ar T Gu PPy> Esq. H o Tn PP> Esq. Car aceiolo, Esq. J. H. Hart, Esq., E.L.S. Prof. Carmody, F.I.C., E.C.S. Syl. Devenish, Esq., M.A. C. W. Meaden, Esq. The Hon. Eugene Cipriani. L. A. Seheult, Esq. L. de Verteuil, Esq. 24 PROCEEDINGS eF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Having obtained a site from the Government on lease for 99 years at a nominal rental this Committee proceeded to erect a suitable building. The designs and estimates of Messrs. Turnbull, Stewart & Co., were approved, and a sum of $6,600 was agreed to be paid for the building, and the opening ceremony took place on the 17th September, 1892. A sum of $3,980 ha 3 been paid on account of the building, and a balance of about $2,800 remains to be paid. An agree- ment has been made with the Government by which a loan of £500 will be obtained towards the payment of this balance. The Institute may at present be said to include undci different sections the local branch of the British Medical Association, the Central Agricultural Board, the Trinidad I ield Naturalists’ Club, the Musical Society and the Literary Societ). The Museum contains the Leotaud collection of birds, the Keate collection of East Indian Shells, formerly deposited in the Council Chamber, and the collection of the Field Naturalists Club. Various scientific and literary journals have been received, and are laid on the table of the reading room. Up to the time of the opening of the building the only members of the Institute were the original subscribers, and the subscribers to the Articles of Association. Since that date several members have been elected. Every effort has been made by means of advertisements and direct application to call the attention of original subscribers to the privilege of membership as laid down in the Articles of Association, but with two or three exceptions no reply has been received. It is contemplated during the current year to institute a course of readings on various subjects. A list of donations to the Museum will be included in the next report. JNO. F. CHITTENDEN. Balance Sheet for the Year ended 81st December , 1892. ANNUAL BALANCE SHEET, 1892. h o mo o s ° 0 00 a % c 2 o g 13 n- tj- o gk >» « fJkff . ^ v-» g ‘h o Hi .-1 U &. g r Si o W«* 0‘S, C « in S '2 « (0 (—i r-' O 'Si O -G 53 G • S S rt CO 3 S-S 8* ^ pt, »' <5 bp V G y a pj . j O co si O W) p rt ^ (J rj PQ o in CO ro SE ^ a ii ©c/3 cC 11 i G. O O s.s £ d (S u Crt 5 § H '13 efi 83 c?) O w O a 6 3 O o x a C\I 4-> !-. <0 ^ bo 5 1.1 g* 0 .9,0 *1 rr-i G c o a «■>('■> CO (U -> .o 5 ‘M o y ci >% C* G CO G t; - o 5^ o y *§•§'.0 ^ > 'n « fl y .2 o £>W H £ SC s 2 g C p G go 2 M g S g « 3 S ^ O r r * r-: J 6 U rJ7' to z z c n c 3 ft o £ O c* < 2 < SO G . Memo by A uditcr.— Counterfoils of subscriptions received to be produced. Item marked (f) no voucher. Proceedings of the Victoria Institute. Monday, 4th September, 1893. Sylvester Devenish , M.A ., Vice-President , in the Chair. The Secretary (R. J. L. Guppy) made a statement explanatory of the scheme of lectures and meetings approved of by the Committee of Management. There were to be six courses of six lectures each annually on Agriculture, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Geology, and on History, Literature and Music. There were also to be twelve evening meetings annually for the discussion of scientific and practical questions — at these meetings original papers might be read and objects exhibited. The speaker then pointed out the immense advantages derived from the cultivation of a knowledge of nature and of the laws and properties of forces and objects. The student of nature pursues knowledge for the gratification he obtains from it and not from the hope of any material reward. His results often of great value he makes a present of to the practical man. The cost of the hobbies of the student are repaid a thousand-fold by his discoveries. As an instance of this among many others the speaker referred to the observations of zoologists that birds of prey were useful and not injurious to man — the experience of Scotch farmers had proved this. A book prepared by the United States Ornithological department showing the habits of owls and hawks was exhibited in further support of the statement. Monday, 2nd October 1893. Sylvester Devenish , M.A., Vice-President in the Chair . The following paper was read ; — NOTES ON THE MOLLUSKA USED AS FOOD IN TRINIDAD. • By R. J. Lechmeke Guppy. I have thought that a short paper on the Mollusks used as food in Trinidad might not be altogether devoid of interest for the members of this Institute. I have therefore put together roughly these few imperfect notes on the subject and they may be considered a sort of supplement to the papers I have written on. the Molluska of Trinidad. The use of Molluska as an article of food no doubt extends to the highest antiquity. Of the Molluska generally it may be said that they are all eatable but their degrees of palatability are very varied. One species of periwinkle cannot be eaten because it is viviparous and the young have a hard shell before birth. The Roman snail {Helix pomatia ) was formerly considered a delicacy ; in Europe it is indeed still eaten in large numbers. Whelks, periwinkles and mussels are sold in immense quantites in London and other large towns and they form a wholesome and cheap food. So also the cockle and the ormer ( lialiotis ) are largely consumed. The scallop is more of a luxury not being quite so abundant. I have not mentioned the oyster yet, it is always placed first in the list in point of gastronomical interest. But so it is in price and hence in Europe, it is the rich man’s and not the poor man’s Mollusk— England cannot, supply her own market in this article and the shores of foreign countries includ- ing those of Portugal and North America have to be laid under contribution to supply her wants. Land shells are not I believe consumed in England. They S L11 find favor on the continent of Europe, though the} aie as fashionable as they once were. The favorite snail of 2S PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Romans, Helix pomatia, is not found commonly in Britain, but Hdix adspersa is : and of this snail a French writer (M. Tou- px.Oj.ley i ells us that an average of 60,000 are consumed in four months of each year by a population of 18,000, and this number at 40 centimes the hundred (a price he has never known to vary) comes to 2,400 francs. According to his opinion which appears to he shared by many persons no other dish is so excellent as one of these snails arrange' d la bordelaise . These snails are co. lecmd in the He de Re duringthe vine harvest or afterwards, and the vine planter takes as much care to collect his snails as he does with his grapes. But M. Toupiolle did not find this same species of snail so palatable when collected in any other than his native part of France (the He de Re before mentioned). He concludes by saying that at the time of writing he had already laid in his Winter store of snails and his two meals a day con- sisted solely of this delicacy. Bm I must come nearer home for if I were to dilate to you upon the consumption of Mollusks in Europe I should exhaust my time and your patience. I know little of what the modern inhabitants of North America think of Molluska as an article of xxl oeyond the oyster and the clam which are both marine and occtvoion ally imported here, the former in ice and the latter m tins. But there is no necessity for any such importation as 1m. e plenty of our own. of quality equal or superior to the ore Li article. Of oysters w r e have two or three kinds — I will ait , emme ._o call them species — the smaller of these are probably . y( ^ ^ Uu somehow one does not get them in town as good as iewmndo and elsewhere, and this may possibly be because ^ t 1 as fresh. The poorer classes seem to have a prejudice against the oyster as food— yet in others of the West Blancis it is freely consumed, as we learn from a paper by T ’ >etlU 011 tae ec ^ e Molluska of Guadeloupe and Martinique. deheious mollusk 1 have ever eaten is Asaphis deflorata 1 * n ^ eau ,s Paper as Capsa rugosci ; he does not think i y of it, possibly it may be on account of its abundance at GUPPY EDIBLE MOLLUSKA. 29 cc Martinique. However this mollusk, like all others except the oyster, requires to be well cooked to he palatable. Some other bivalves are common in the market, notably Mytilus brcisiliensis and Venus granulata. These are plentiful on muddy bottoms in the Gulf. Other species of Venus are eaten, but are not found in quantity. The North American clams belong to the genus Venus, though placed by some systematists in a separate division ”(or subgenus) from our species. The chipchip (Donate) miscalled Tngonia by E. L. Joseph and (following him) by Kingsley, is largely harvested on sandy beaches. The origin of the error in the name doubtless is that one of our bivalves common on the east coast but rare in the Gulf belongs to a group called Trigona, but I have not ascertained that it is eaten nor does it live between tide marks as the Donate does. A portion of the sea beach between the Nariva Cocal and the mouth of the Ortoire is chiefly composed of fragments of this bivalve washed up from below low water mark. It is a very different shell from Trigonia which in the living state is confined to Australian seas though in former geologic ages its distribution was world-wide, including the West Indies and Europe. The large bivalve named Pinna is collected for food chiefly in the neighbourhood of San Fernando. I have never met with anyone who could give me any account of its qualities. The commoner bivalves of which I have already spoken though not great delicacies, yet are sufficiently palatable to form an occa- sional dish at our tables. Some of them are greatly improved by being kept in salt water for a time that they may rid themselves of the sand they ingest with their food. Among univalves those most commonly used as food here are Pyrula melongcnci and P. morio. I do not And that these are as good eating as the bivalves. Nearly all the freshwater molluska And consumers. The large Ampullaria urceus is devoured in quantities by the country people and if the smaller kinds such as Amp. effusci and cornu - 30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. ai ietis are less sought after it is principally because the quan- tity of food they yield is less. I am told that our only large freshwater bivalve ( Anodon leotaudi) is also eaten in quantity but I have never had the luck to see more than two full sized specimens during all the years I have hunted moluska. * ^ tim no ^ aware that our land shells are eaten. Trne they are not \ ery common, with the exception of those of small size which v ould not be worth while collecting for food. The most abundant of a sufficient size are three species of Bulimus ; the large Bulimus oblongus is the first of these. Doubtless it was eaten heie in former times as it still is on the continent. Drouet in his account of the mollusks of French Guiana says (on the report of M. Eyries) qiie la chair est passablement comacS niais il declare lux avoir trouve un gout aromatique asset agr Sable, The othei two, Bulimus (Orthalicus) undatus and Bulimus vin- centinus would no doubt be palatable eating, but I have no infor- mation on the point. On the 8th January, 1864, I read to the Scientific Associa- ° n in id ad a jiaper on a shell deposit near the road from oit of Spain to St. Joseph. This shell deposit had been noticed the Geological Report on Trinidad and had been considered to a raised beach. An examination of it, however, had led me to _ * e ' 6 ^ WaS ra ^ ier a kitchen-midding of the aborigines. eposn has now entirely disappeared — it occupied the site o w at is now the Government quarry at Laventille, a little urther out from town than the sawmill. I gave a list of the luskan remains in this deposit and as it shows pretty well * u i • S ^ ec ^ es were in demand as food among the former it ants of the island, I reproduce it with some correction : — Pyrulamelongena Venus flexuosa 3 j mono „ . i 3 » . , . „ cancellata Tasciolaria tulipa t , Purpura bispinosa ” Tritonidea auriculata n P ec orma Donax dentieulata Ostrea frona , . Area listen » striata GUPPY" — EDIBLE MOLLUSKA. 31 In my paper on the Tertiary Microzoic Rocks of Trim a I referred parenthetically to a question that had more t an once been put to me as to the nature and origin of the shells oun scattered over the surface of the soil in Naparima and ot er pai s of Trinidad. These are generally recent shells an av « , n0 connexion with the formations on which they are founc . 1 ' luska taken on or near the shore have been came, up country for food and the shells have been thrown about. In few cases fossil shells are found on the surface, but this occurs only where there is some exposure of a shell-bearing stratum and although in a few instances this happens the most common ong‘ of the shell-heaps and scattered shells found here and there throughout the country is that I have indicated. Specimens of the dentition of various mollusks were exhibited under microscope; also specimens of the molluska mentioned in the paper as used for food. 32. PROCEEDINGS eF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Monday, 6tii November, 1893. Sylvester Devenish, M.A . , Vice-President, in the Chair. The following paper was read : — / ON VENTILATION IN THE TROPICS. By J. H. Hart, F.L.S. In approaching this subject, it may be thought by some that it can hardly have come within my sphere of study. Some apology is due to members therefore, to show my reason for taking up and dealing with such a subject. Although the subject of ventilation is one which is generally considered to belong to the Builder, the Architect, the ' San- itary Engineer, or the Medical Officer, yet as a Horticulturist, who had for many years to deal with the ventilating of structures into which it was essential that a free current of air should be maintained as well as a given temperature, I claim it can be shown that ere we can properly understand our work, we must ha\ e, not only a practical but a theoretical knowledge of the principles of ventilation, for without such knowledge, plant culture, especially under the artificial conditions which exist in temperate climates, must prove a lamentable failure. In fact, the only successful men are found to be those who have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of ventilation. If it be asked, what has this to do with tropical ventilation ? I reply that a entilation of the kind I have stated, is carried on with the greatest delicacy of tieatment in structures where a tropical climate is maintained night and day. S 0 that in fact although I did not actually reside in the tropics until 1875, still from the year 1862 o. 31 years ago, my experience in connection with the practice of ventilation and a tropical climate, first commenced. Th^ ventilation of structures covering or containing an artificial tiopical climate is necessary for many reasons. 1st plants o not thrive in a place where the air is stagnant or still. The son is easily seen when you remember the am all quantity II A RT V UNTIL AT I ON 33 of Carbon dioxide and other elements contained in a en al1 space, showing that numerous cubic feet of air arc necessary to pass in currents over the surface of the leaves to allow of the Carbon dioxide being abstracted, for use in their internal economy. Ventilation is also necessary to remove any noxious gases that may arise from decomposing or heated material inside the structure or from any accumulations of vitiated air generated b) the heating apparatus or other causes. I have seen nitrogen in the form of ammonia completely destroy the young leaves of the £ ra pe vine in a single night, and where fermenting material is u ^ed for any purpose, it is essentially necessary that the system °f ventilation should be sufficient to remove any of these gases which may arise in. excess of the actual requirements of cultiva- tion for although nitrogen in excess is pernicious, it is known to the cultivator that the presence of free ammonia in suitable quan- tities tends greatly to the healthy development of plants, and in Horticultural structures is freely applied in an artificial manner. To sum up, ventilation is necessary to preserve the health of plants, to assist their growth, to avert any danger which may ar * se through the absorption of noxious gases, and to maintain an equable temperature suited generally to their development. In the same way that ventilation is necessary to plant life, 80 a lso is it necessary to human or animal life and for the exactly the same reasons (viz.) to preserve the health, to supply the gases 111 due proportion necessary to the existence of life— to avert danger through the inhalation of noxious gases, and to maintain ari equable temperature suitable for the comfort of the body. Thus it is seen that ventilation is as necessary to plants as to animals, the gases which are necessary to plants are those expired by animals, and the gases given olf by plants are necessary to animals, the animal being dependent on the vegetable and the vegetable being dependent on the animal, together with the mineral kingdom, for its supplies. 34 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. The ways and means of ventilating plant structures are many, but there are cases where they remain inoperative, are bad in plan, or prove ineffective, through improper application of them. Tiie chief agent in ventilation, causing the movement of air, is heat. It is a well known axiom that heated air rises and cold air descends, and it is upon this principle that the ventilation of Horticultural structures and dwelling houses should be carried out. Perhaps it would be improper for me to condemn in strong terms the general plan of buildings found in Trinidad. Yet, if they are examined, with a view of testing their system of venti- lation I fear that many would prove defective. In fact tho builder (in numerous cases) following in the main the teachings of European architecture, succeeds in erecting buildings, which for a tropical climate are merely so many heat traps and models of discomfort -although quite suitable for other countries. I do not say this is the case everywhere, but I would point om that this styie of l)uilding is much too general in this Island. I have seen a building put up in Trinidad, in which I should be sorry to condemn even a cat to li ve, much less a human being. Ii we build a roof on the following plan, (shewn on Black- board) we have what I should call, a very efficient heat trap, and one wmeh could not be better devised for •accumulating and storing heat, for it is impossible to imagine hew at any other time than during a strong breeze, the heated air could escape fast enough to render the building comfortable. Apologies for this kind of construction, and which admit its faults, are found in the tiny dormer windows which are placed (it is said) for purposes of ventilation, as the roof surface can easily be proved (by recording the temperature) to be several degrees higher than it should be. Again I have heard an engineer say, “Oh, ceil the room and then it will be alrignt.” Ceiling certainly tones down the effect of the II ART VENT! L ATI OX. 35 cone of heated air which is so often boxed up in the apex of the roof like the heated salamander of a French cook over an omelet. That roofs closed at the apex arc not suited to tropical climates, can also be readily proved. The Horticulturist who deals with structures which are partly heated by artificial means, and partly by the sun, has to provide means whereby be can regulate the temperature within one or two degrees Fahrenheit, notwithstanding a sudden outburst of the sun, perhaps on a clouded day, when he has had to keep his heating apparatus going to maintain the temperature ; which outburst would without ventilation result in a rapid rise of temperature. To obviate this difficulty he has to have resource to ventilation, which he first affords, where ? At the base of his building, “Oh, no ! his thermometer tells him better V He first allows the heated air to escape, and makes at the same time provision for the admission of cooler air by establishing a gentle downward current. Affording an outlet to the heated air at the apex of the roof causes but little draught (as great a danger to the health of plants as to that of animals) but only so much as can be drawn in by the openings afforded in the lower part of the house — or by the counter downward current of cool air which is sure to enter by the opening at the top of the roof. Ventilation, by its. allowing a passage of air and causing evaporation, produces a cooling effect upon the atmosphere of a dwelling — but any direct ventilation which causes a strong current, of air through a room in one direction is to he avoided as danger- ous as it abstracts too great an amount of heat from uncovered or covered parts of the body, or surface of plants, and is apt to cause the individual who sits in such a position to “ take cold” and the plant to he what Horticulturists call “ chilled.” If therefore we are not to use such currents, what is the next best thing to do. Such currents we know are quite too common, being the result of construction being left to persons unacquainted with the first principles of ventilation. 36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Sometimes the contractor, willing to carry out his order, lias as a matter of economy to neglect affording proper ventila- tion, but we fear in a great many instances the blame is to be attached to the proprietor or owner, and his own indifference in these matters, when giving orders to the builder results in bad ventilation. In some institutions in neighbouring colonies the principles of ventilation adopted are those which I should most strongly advocate in all tropical countries, namely roof ventilation at the highest point. (Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Hospitals, etc.) This system is being adopted in Port-of-Spain in the larger Merchant’s stores, as a matter of necessity, shown by the large lantern roof provided, but why not in our private dwellings, as well as in the trading place of the Merchant? The early Spanish colonists understood the building of com" fort able dwellings much better than colonists of the present day 5 and the Spanish Casa is to-day a cool and comfortable resting place while a few yards distant, the house of the modern colonist is as I said be i ore a model of discomfort — and yet the house of the Spanish colonist has not the appearance at first sight of being well ventilated — but if examined we find that it really is well and scientifically ventilated. The House is built in foim of a quadrangle ( described on blackboard ). 3 his affords shelter from sun or wind at any time of of the day, and from any point of the compass. The rafters of the roof arc first covered, as described by Dr. Chittenden in a recent article on “ Margarita,” with a covering of canes, of the kind known in Trinidad as “ wild canes’* or white Roseau (Andro. 2 )ogon Sacchar aides ) — over this a covering of clay, and on this the ridge and furrow red tiles are used, which are raised in places to afford ventilation between the tiles and the clay, so that the heat of the sun never penetrates through the roof, thus avoiding the deadly pall of heated air which would otherwise accumulate at times when the sun is shining. HART VENTILATION. 37 Contrast the Spanish system with ours. They have a shaded open court yard admirably suited for creating a rising whirl- pool of air and they have a deliciously cool shaded retreat, within a roof secured from the heat of the sun. Dwellings in Trinidad have none or but few roof openings, as a rule ; they have but the shade of outside galleries, and the roofs are constructed with the heat attracting black slate which is closely nailed to the lathed or close boarded rafter frame, without a particle of ventilation, or in some cases, but a very poor attempt at it. I said in describing the Spanish court yard, that it created a “whirlpool of air.” This may be rather a curious expression but it is the best which I can think of. There is certainly in these places a whirl-pool or cyclone of ascending air and I think I may say without contradiction that this is the best form of tropical ventilation, namely, that which is created by a gentle, though rapidly ascending current of air — formed by a circling motion. If we observe carefully in our daily walks we shall find in the tropics that such currents are common out-door occur- rences, and I am of opinion that the nearer we can imitate them artificially for the ventilation of our homes, the greater comfort we shall attain. The reason of the creation of these currents will probably be given by some lecturer later on when treating on Physics or on Meteorology ; but I shall not attempt it to-night— but will con- clude with giving you my ideal of a house ventilated for use as a habitation in a tropical climate* — ventilation as shown in the Stevenson’s screens shows how a fail' estimate of the outside tem- perature of the air can be obtained. This screen, although by no means perfect, has been almost generally adopted by Meteorologists, as the best extant ; and *Here the author described a house with a roof opening at the top with spiral mechanical ventilations and double roof and drew a sketch on the blackboard. 38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. being made of the same size, the results obtained from the en- closed thermometers are directly comparable ; which is of the highest importance when recording temperatures. We often hear our friends say “ oh, it was 92 J downtown to-day — what was it at the Gardens?” — our reply is generally that it is much lower — “oh, but then St. Anne’s is cooler.”— “No, my friend, I don’t think St. Anne’s is cooler when we consider the general heat contained in the air, but St. Anne’s is certainly cooler when we consider the radiated heat of the many buildings which Port-of-Spain contains.” The temperature shown by a thermometer in a building greatly depends upon the position in which it is placed, and two similar thermometers which read when 'placed side by side exactly the same, will, when put into different buildings read different degrees of heat, simply owing to the fact that they are placed in positions not comparable, but when placed in a Stevenson’s screen, the real temperature, that is to say, the temperature of the air, mixed with the radiated heat of the earth’s surface, is more correctly ascertained. The temperature of the Stevenson’s screen being lower, shows that the system on which it is built gives a due amount of venti- lation, and we are thus shown that with a certain amount of ventilation given in a proper manner we can render our dwellings much more comfortable and conducive to health. Direct sunshine should never be allowed to enter any part of a house, except during the very early morning or evening, when the rays are not powerful enough to raise the temperature to any appreciable extent. Correct currents of air can be maintained through a house if the system followed by the Stevenson’s screen is adopted, without creating any discomfort to the inmates, and a cooler temperature can be maintained without aff actual or direct draught. Where the single jalousie creates a distinct draught or straight current, the double jalousie creates a circulating current II ART VENT! L ATION 39 which should be the ruling idea in all ventilation either for dwellings, public offices, plant structures, places of business, or even the prison cell. I again apologize for bringing this subject to your notice, bat I feel that it is .a neglected one, and one to which greater attention should be given, and if given I am satisfied that European and other residents would in general maintain better health. The facts are it is not the climate alone, but the way we adapt ourselves to the conditions which surround us, which at times have a most pernicious effect upon the health in the tropics. The effect being, not from the heat actually, but from the way in which we accept the inevitable parts of our immediate sur- roundings as being at variance with early training and conse- quently make ourselves uncomfortable and unhappy, when apleasant acquiescence in tropical customs would render life more enjoyable and the climate would then be deemed more healthy. Ventilation is necessary especial!} 7 in the tropics in the basements oi dwellings to prevent the growth of destructive fungi which causes the wood to “ dry rot.” This air from the basement should never be carried into the d wellings, but the entrances should be effected ata higher level, as air at the surface of the earth is likely to contain more pernicious gases than that taken from a higher level. 1 have brought the subject forward with a view of raising discussion, and I am well aware that I have treated it very im- perfectly, but it is a subject in which everyone is interested as it affects us all, and I trust that if no good arises from my few •remarks, more may arise from a better ventilation of the subject. 40 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. Monday, 4tii December, 1893. Sylvester Demnish , ALA., Vice-President , in the Chair. The following ]3aper was read : NOTES ON THE STUDY OF BUTTERFLIES. By Beaven Rake, M.D. The object, as I understand it, of the pajDers which are read at the Victoria Institute on the first Monday in each month is not so much to present any comprehensive or systematic view of a subject, as to suggest a few thoughts or relate a few facts or observations which may provoke discussion. [ must therefore ask the indulgence of any entomologists who may be present if my remarks to night appear somewhat threadbare and fragmentary. Butterflies have always been loved by the painter and the poet, and to the Naturalist and Scientist they are especially interesting from the illustration they afford of various natural laws. Thus the same species may be widely distributed over the earth s surface, showing only slight variations brought about by differences of climate, of soil or of food material. In the Himalayas I noticed that among the commonest butterflies were the Clouded Yellowand the Painted Lady, insects which I had last seen on the Hampshire downs. I was also agreeably surprised one day by a member of the beautiful genus Parnassius , which took me back to a ramble through one of the Norwegian valleys, when Parnassius Apollo was one of the insects recorded in my note book. Only a few weeks ago near Chicago I noticed a Danais which evidently came very near our Trinidad species, and flying over the falls at Niagara was a specimen of the Camberwell Beauty, esteemed such a rarity in England. Charles Kingsley, in one of those short essays which he knew so well how to write, calls attention to the relation between geological formation and certain rare plants, thus explaining theii apparently erratic distribution in the British Isles, His RAKE — BUTTERFLIES'. 41 remarks apply also to butterflies, for though the larvae of many butterflies have two or three food plants, it is usually the case that each species of larva feeds on one particular species of plant. It is thus evident that the distribution of butterflies must be indirectly affected by geological formation. This is a very large subject, and one that requires very careful observations and systematic field notes on the part of naturalists. My object, however, to-night is to bring before you a few rough notes on the habits of Trinidad butterflies, in the hope that I may learn something from the discussion which follows, and that I may perhaps stimulate more members to study this most interesting section of the Lepidoptera. The tendency of modern scientific research is to break down existing barriers and to show that alleged distinctions between groups in the animal kingdom are purely artificial. This is well illustrated in the case of butterflies and moths. The classical distinguishing features of butterflies are three in number : 1. The antenna? end in a more or less gradually formed club. 2. The fore and hind wings are not linked together by a bristle at the base. 3. The flight is generally diurnal. With reference to the first and third distinctions it is only necessary to refer to two common Trinidad moths. We all know the beautiful Urania leilus or Green Page, whose green and gold bands flash in the sun as it flies swiftly over cane fields and savannahs. This insect was regarded by the older writers as a butterfly, for it has thickened antenme and it always flies by day. It is now placed among the moths. The second insect is also well known as the banana sucker ( Castnia liens). It may often be seen darting about by the road side with a peculiar erratic flight. It has large clubs at the ends of the antenna? and is a day flyer. The larva does much 42 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. damage to bananas. This insect was also long regarded as a butterfly, but is now placed among the moths in the family Castniidce next to the Urctniidce. Many other examples of day flying moths with thickened or clubbed antennae might be given, e.g., several of the Sphinges or Hawk moths and the beautiful little Burnet moths often seen in English pastures. The second distinction also does not separate butterflies from moths, for in many moths the fore and hind wings are not linked together by a bristle at the base. It is thus evident that there is no hard and fast line between these two groups, but for the present it is convenient to include the first five families of Lepidoptera under the term Butterflies. We may now briefly consider these five families as they occur in Trinidad. The first and lowest family of butterflies is known as the JTymphalidce, and is distinguished by the fact that the front pair of legs is more or less rudimentary. This is by far the largest family of butterflies and includes nearly half the known species. It is therefore not surprising that in Trinidad we find it very largely represented. In the lowest sub-family is the common Danais or Marti- nique Soldier as it is called locally. This butterfly may often be seen flitting lazily over grass land. It has a very slender body and broad, tawny wings. Two species arc at present known in Trinidad. Other genera belonging to this sub-family and well repre- sented here are Ithomia and Tithorea. The former includes those small delicate butterflies with narrow wings so often seen flit- ting feebly through woods and shady places. One species is quite transparent and is seen with difficulty against the dark foliage and under-growth where it- is usually found. Tithorea includes two species — harmonia and flavescens. The latter was RAKE — BUTTERFLIES. 43 first named by Mr. Kirby from specimens sent home by Mr. Broadway. It is locally known as the Sweet Oil. Both species are striped with yellow and black and are often seen flying round clumps of bamboos. They appear to mimic the dead yellow leaves of the bamboo, and with these leaves as a back ground they are often difficult to make out. Mechanitis polymnia is another exceedinglycommonand vari- able butterfly belonging to this group, and is found in the same localities as the two preceding genera. It is about the size of Ithomia and has yellow and black markings somewhat like those of Tithcrea. All this group of Danaince has a pungent odour which renders them distasteful to birds. For this reason they are mimicked by many other species of butterflies which are without this protective smell, and which would otherwise fall easy victims to their enemies. The next sub-family is that of the Satyrince , well known in Europe by its common representatives, the Meadow Brown, Gray- ling and Ringlets. In Trinidad it is represented by three genera — Euptychia, T ay yetis and Pierella. Eupiychia must be familiar to us all from its common example, the little dingy brown butter- fly with eyes of various sizes on the under surface of the wings which comes down in such numbers to feed on decaying mangoes or other fruit. There are many species of Euptychia in Trinidad, some of them with a beautiful steel blue sheen on the wings, others marked with white, but all of them with eyes on the under surface. Pay yetis includes the larger dark brown butterflies which come out in the dusk and are found flying through shady brush wood. One of the commonest species — Taygelis Andromeda — is locally known as Night. There are several other species here. Of the genus Pierella we have one species — dracontis. It is an insect of rare beauty. The fore wings are dingy brown, but the hind ones are wonderfully dappled with blue, black and 44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. 'white. It is usually found under cacao trees, darting in and out of the bushes with rapidity. When settled on the dead cacao leaves it is almost impossible to distinguish it. These remarks apply to most of the Satyr ince in Trinidad. They are well protected when at rest, by the harmony of their colour with that of the dead leaves on which they settle, and added to this their flight is so uncertain and so cleverly arranged in and out of the low brush- wood among which they live, that to the collector they seem endowed with preternatural intelligence. The next two sub-families — the Morphinoe and Brassolince much resemble one another. The former is represented in Trinidad by the beautiful Morpho Peleides which is so often seen flying along shady streams or roads, its wings of electric blue flashing in the gleams of sunshine which penetrate the foliage overhead. The Brassolince are confined to tropical America. They are represented in this island by three species of Caliga, a significant fact which is only one of the many indications that Trinidad is a part of the American Continent. These butterflies are popularly known here as Owls. They fly alongjthe roadsides in the dusk apparently lazily, but when pursued their flight quickens with remarkable rapidity. I found them especially common in the Naparima cane fields. The Caligos are large insects very like the Morpkos, but far less brilliant. They are generally brown, more or less suffused with blue or purple. On the under surface of the hind wings are large and handsome eyes. The sub-family Acrceince may be passed over, as it only contains one Trinidad species of no particular interest. The Heliconince are a very interesting sub-family. A very common Trinidad representative is Heliconius melpomene. It is a black, narrow winged insect with a broad red band across the fore wings. The caterpillars of this butterfly are very destructive. I nearly lost a passijiora from their ravages and it was not till I had noticed that Heliconius melpomene was constantly hovering RAKE — BUTTERFLIES 45 about the plant, that I was able, by destroying the parent insect to prevent further damage. The Eeliconince have a feeble flight and being without a pungent flavour protect themselves against birds by mimicking the Danaince. Thus Heliconius eucrate mimics Mechanitis polymnia . The last sub-family of JVywiphalidoe is the Eymphrilince. Its members are so numerous that I can only refer to a few of the more conspicuous ones. First we have the handsome Dione vanillce, or Flambeau as it is called here, which resembles the European fritillaries. The upper surface of the wings is a rich tawny colour spotted with black, while the under surface is thickly spotted with silver — far more so than in the European representatives. The butterfly is often found resting with wings closed, on blades of grass. The striking family of the Vanessce which includes the Euro- pean Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady and Tortoise-shells so happily linked with memories of our boyhood is but poorly represented in Trinidad. We have but three butterflies belonging to this family. One of these is Junonia genoveva , our solitary representative of a genus widely distributed through Asia and Africa. It is marked with brown and yellow, and has two black eyes near the margin of each wing. It is common along dry roads or pastures. The other two belong to the genus Anartia . One of these Anartia jatrophoe, is of various shades of grey with black spots, and is called here the Biscuit. The other one — Anartia amalthca— is black, broadly banded with red in the middle of the wings and spotted with white towards the margins. Both these species are extremely common and may nearly always be seen flitting over herbage along the road-sides. Their habits recall those of the small Tortoise-shell at home. Callicore marchalii is a striking bisect. The upper surface of the wings is velvety black with green markings. On the under surface, the fore wings are scarlet at the base, while the hind 46 PROCEEDINGS eF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. wings have two pairs of black spots, each pair enclosed by can oval black figure, and both then enclosed by black concentric circles. From the peculiar markings described above these butterflies are called Eighty-eights, a name which has come to us from the English residents in Brazil. It is difficult to understand the object of these markings, for though the dark colour of the upper surface of the wings serves to conceal the butterfly when flying, the grotesque markings on the under surface render it very conspicuous when at rest with the wings closed. Another common member of this family in Trinidad is Gynoecia divce, commonly known as the Zebra. It has a jerky irregular flight, and when after thus successfully eluding the collector, it settles on a tree trunk with its wings closed, the brown and grey stripes on the under surface of the wings so closely resemble the bark that detection is extremely difficult. The upper side of the wings is brown, with a broad yellow band running obliquely across. Ageronia feronia is also very commonly met with here. Locally it is known as the Guinea bird. It at once attracts attention by the crackling noise which it makes with its wings during flight. The upper surface of the wings is beautifully tesselated with black and grey, and when the butterfly settles, as it is so fond of doing, with open wings on a hog plum, sandbox or other tree with rough grey bark, it is very hard at a distance to distinguish the butterfly from the bark. It seems to mimic its surroundings with the upper surface of the wings, while Gyncecia dirce does the same with the under surface. The beautiful Ageronia Areihusa shows much less of this mimicry and is far more local. Indeed I have only seen it on one or two trees in the Maraval valley 7 where its blue and black upper surface at once distinguished it from the grey bark of the tree. Didonis biblis is often seen in the woods hovering over bushes. It is brownish black with a broad red sub-marginal band on the hind wings. RAKE BUTTERFLIES 47 Victorina steneles, which is a common South American butterfly, is also frequently met with in Trinidad. It is brown with a broad grpen band, entire on the hind wings and broken into spots on the fore wings. There is also an outer row of green spots. Indeed so much does green predominate that when the insect is flying swiftly overhead, it presents the appearance of an entirely green butterfly. A remarkable insect is Hypolimnas misippn-s, a common butterfly on the North coast of South America, and also occurring in Trinidad. It has doubtless been introduced from Africa or the East Indies where it is also common, for no other species of this genus is known to occur in South America. The male is black with a bluish white spot on each wing and is very conspi- cuous. The female is a tawny insect, almost exactly like the common Danais chrysippus. Protogonius ochraceus is a butterfly of somewhat singular form. The wings are long and black and brown in colour. I he fore wings are arched and have sharp projections in the middle of their outer margins. The hind wings have rather long expanded tails. This butterfly seems to be local in Trinidad. I have only met with it in St. Ann’s Valley. The genus Siderone is represented in Trinidad by two or three species. The fore wings are pointed, while the hind wings are rounded, and slightly dentated with a short projection at tho anal angle. These butterflies are rapid flyers and are known here as Shoemakers. The under surface of all the species resembles more or less a dead leaf, so that detection is difficult when the insect settles on tree-trunks or on the ground. This protective mimicry of dead leaves is further assisted by the fact that there is considerable variability in the species. The upper surface of the wings is often brilliantly marked with red and blue. % The next family of butterflies — the Erycinidce — differ from tue last in the fact that the front pair of legs is rudimentary in 48 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. the male, but fully developed in the female. The species are of small size and delicate formation. They are of much interest but need not detain us long to-night as for the most part they are not conspicuous insects. The family is represented in Europe by one species only, the so called Duke of Burgundy fritillary. This butterfly which superficially resembles the true fritillaries is not uncommon on the continent but decidedly local in England, occurring in the New Forest and certain other localities. One of the commonest members of the family in Trinidad is Lymnas Jarbus locally called the Under-leaf from its habit of sitting on the under surface of leaves with its wings spread out flat. I must not omit to mention here the beautiful little Anteros for mom a tiny butterfly brown on the upper surface of the wings, and on the under surface cream coloured with massive projecting gold spots looking as if drops of molten gold had fallen on the wings- The third family of butterflies the Lycamidce is distinguished by having the front legs perfect in the female and front tars 1 more or less imperfect in the male. It is well known in Europe as containing the blues, the coppers and the hair streaks. We have no coppers in Trinidad and of the blues we have only two— Lycoe.ua hanno and Lycoena cassius — both small and insignificant The former is commonly seen flying over grass. But of the Theclas or hairstreaks there are very numerous species in Trinidad. I find twenty one species of Theda in my list. They are very various in their marking but most of them have tails on the hind wings. Their habits are like those of the European Theclas. They may often be seen especially towards evening flitting round trees, often high up and out of reach. The most beautiful Trinidad species is Theda Many as , a large insect with wings of the most brilliant blue on the upper surface. This species is more often seen near the coast and is especially common i# Tobago. We now come to the Papilionidoe the most highly developed of the true butterflies. This family is distinguished by the fact that RAKE BUTTERFLIES. 49 both sexes have six perfect legs. It is divided into two sub- families, the Pierince and the PapiKdninoe. In the former sub- family occurs the genus Dismorphia which is interesting as mimicking Mechanitis and other genera of Danamce. These butterflies are black and yellow or white with black borders. Some of them resemble the delicate European Wood White. The small white or yellow black bordered butterflies which are so common in Trinidad belong to the genus Eurema. There are many species and some are very local. One species I have only found in two places, where a certain kind of sensitive plant grows, viz. : at Maraval and Carenage. Very possibly the larva only feeds oil this plant. Of the genus Pieris including the true whites, we have only one species in Trinidad — Pieris nionuste. It is more common in dry places near the coast e.g. at Chacachacare or the Pitch Lake, though it is not infrequently met with inland. The Brimstones are represented in Trinidad by Catopsilia a genus of which we have several species in Trinidad. The com- mon yellow Catopsilia eubule may often be seen coming down in flights of six or a dozen to drink at the margin of streams or pools and often with it may be see one or two specimens of the rich orange Catopsilia argante. The second sub-family is represented in Trinidad by six or seven species of the great genus Papilio. Some of these must be familiar to everyone. The commonest species are sEneides and Cymochles. These insects when they have recently emerged from the chrysalis and before they have had time to get rubbed are very handsome. The wings are black with large patches of green red or white variously arranged, according to the species. The sexes also differ considerably. These two species are commonly seen hovering round bamboo clumps or low bushes. The local name is Cattle- heart. Another Papilio which is not uncommon along the hedges 50 PROCEEDINGS OF TIIE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. in open ground is Poly damns or the black page. The wings are brown with a yellow margin to the hind ones. Neither of the above three species has tails. Papilio thoas, or the Bamboo Page as it is called, is also common here. This is a very wide spread species, extending from the southern states of North America to Brazil. This handsome species has tails and somewhat resembles the European Machaon. Bike the foregoing species it hovers round flowers and bushes much as humming birds do. Besides these common Papilios there are three or four rarer species in Trinidad. One of these, the beautiful Papilio cirgesilaus , I have seen two successive years in almost the same spot on the Marava. river. Each time I only saw a single specimen. I have never met with it elsewhere. The fact of its being seen in successive years, and the specimen each time being apparently fresh, would suggest that the species probably breeds at Maraval, the 100.1 plant perhaps being very local. It seems strange, however, that more specimens are not seen there. The fifth family of butterflies comprises the Hespcriid& oi Skippers. This is an isolated family, having no great affinity with the other butterflies or the moths. Its chief characteristics are that the body is robust ; the head broad ; the antennae inserted widely apart and often hooked, and the hind tibise spurred, skipper must be familiar to all of us. As their name implies they move rapidly from flower to flower, seeming almost to jump rather than fly. This family is very largely represented in tropical America, severe hundred species being known. Trinidad is rich in skipper- idr. Gatty and I obtained some fifty species, besides many othei not yet determined. There are probably many more to be here, possibly some of them new species. Tn size, form and colour there is wonderful variety, from ^ large common tailed Thymrte to the tiny brown skippers which BAKE BUTTERFLIES. 51 look more like moths than butterflies. Many of the Trinidad skippers are yellow, brown, or black and white, but some of them are richly marked with red or blue. These rough notes may be summed up as follows : — • 1. The study of butterflies is one which i3 easily pursued, and much enhances the pleasure of travel. 2. The habits of the different families and genera are very characteristic, so much so that the mere flight of a butterfly will often give a fairly accurate indication of its place in the series. 3. Some butterflies are extremely local in Trinidad as elsewhere e.g. a yellow and black Ileliconius which I have seen only at the Pitch Lake: Riordina lysippus of which a single specimen was taken at Carenage : Anteros formosus seen in one place at Diego Martin, and several butterflies obtained nowhere but in St. Ann’s Valley. 4 .For this reason remote districts and valleys should be carefully explored whenever opportunity offers for new species may thus be discovered e.g., Tithorea flavescens. I was told in the British Museum that the Trinidad butterflies were worked out but this assertion T think is is not borne out by our experi- ence here. o. All butterflies belonging to genera such as Eurema , Dismorphia or Ileliconius should be carefully collected also all skippers. New species may very likely be discovered in this way. 6. Protective mimicry is very fully illustrated in the but- ter flies of Trinidad e.g. (a.) Mimicry of one species distasteful to birds by another not so protected as in the case of mimicry of various- Danaince by Ileliconincv , Dismorphia , Hypolimnas and others. PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. (6.) Mimicry of surrounding objects e.g.> trunks of trees by Ayeronia feronia when at rest with wings open, or by Gyno&cia or Siderone when wings are closed; bamboos or dead leaves by Titkorea , Euptychia , Pierella and many others. (c). Protection by variability in the same species as in Siderone. 7. The study of the butterflies of Trinidad only confirms what geology ha 3 already shown us, viz : that this island was once part of South America. My best thanks are due to Dr. W. M. Crowfoot, of Beccles, for kindly naming the Trinidad butterfllies which I have sent him. The above paper was illustrated by specimens of the butterflies named. 1894 Clje inform Jfnstitute of Crinibafr Founded 1887 PATRON : His Excellency Sir F. Napier Broome, K.C.M.G., Board of Management Sir John Goldney, President Sylvester Devenisli, M.A., Vice-President. Beaven Neave Hake, M.D., Vice-President. J. F. Chittenden, Secretary. B. J. L. Guppy, Treasurer. Edgar Tripp* Henry Caracciolo. John Hinchley Hart, F.L.S. Francis H. Lovell, C.M.G. II. Clarence Bourne, F. Alphonse Ganteaume. William C. L. Dyett. F. W. Urich, F.E.S. Year of Election. List of Members. 1894 Agostini, J Leon, The Avenue, St. Ann Road. 1890 Alston, Henry McCaul, M.B., Santa Cruz. 1890 Bock, Carl 0. 6, Brunswick Square. 1893 Boland, Charles Laurent, 42, St. Ann Road. 1893 Bourne, H. Clarence. 1892 Broadway, W. E. Botanic Gardens. F Caracciolo, Henry, Customs Warehouse. F Carmody, Patrick, F.C.S., F.I.C., 24, Pr. Clarence Str. 1890 Centeno, Leon, Coblentz , St. Ann. 54 PROCEEDINGS OF THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE. 1890 Chantrell, The Hon. Henry William F Chittenden, J ohn Franks, 5, Frederick Street. F Cipriani, The Hon. Eugene, 21. St. Ann Road. 1892 Creagh-Creagh, G. Marine Square. 1892 Damian, C. F. G„ M. D., 8, York Street. F Devenish, Sylvester, M. A., 29, Barrack Street. 1892 Doorly, Rev., Wilshire Stukeley. 1893 Dyett, William C. L., 1 Wellington Terrace. 1890 Fitzsimons, Robert Henry, St. Clair House. F Ganteaume, Francis Alphonse, 1893 Goldney, Sir John, St. Ann. 1894 Goodwille George, Errol Park, St. An n F Guppy, Lechmere, jnr., Piedmont House, San Fernando. F Huppy, Robert, M. A., Piedmont House, San Fernando. F Guppy, Robert John Lechmere, C.M.Z.S., 26, Queens Ter. F Hart, J ohn Hinchley, F.L.S., Director, Botanic Gardens. 1892 Hewlett, W. G. 1894 Hobson Charles H. D., Belmont. L F Hoffmann, Hugo. 1892 Knox, Charles Francis, M.R.C.S., Tranquility. 1893 Lamy, Joseph Arnold, Town Hall. 1892 Langford C. W. 2a St. Ann Road. 1893 Legge, Lionel Edward, 9, St. Joseph Road. 1894 Lovell, Francis H., C.M.G. 1893 MacCarthy, J. W., La Brea. 1894 Maingot, Andrew P., 2, St. Vincent Street. 1892 Miller Alexander, 16, Frederick Street. 1894 Milner, Arthur S., Colonial Hospital. 1892 Mole, Richard Richardson, Lower Prince Street. 1893 Maingot, Ferdinand, F.G.S., 10, Clarence Street. 1892 Potter Thomas I. 1890 Rake, Beaven Neave, M.D., Loyola, Maraval. 1890 Riddell, Alexander, San Fernando 1894 Rust, Randolph T. H. 1890 Seccombe, George S., Lunatic Asylum, Belmont. LIST OF MEMBERS. 55 F Seheult, L. A. 1894 Siegert, Luis B. C., 3 Wellington Terrace. 1893 Smart, Edward R. 32, Tranquillity. 1893 Smith, Adam 1892 Speir, William, 6, Brunswick Square. 1892 Strong, Henry, St. James Street. Tanner, John Edward, C.M.G., M.I.C.E. 1892 Todd, James, 9, St. Ann Road. 1892 Toppin, Joseph Stanley F Tripp, Edgar 1892 Urich, F. W., F.E.S 7 ., 15, Cambridge' Street. 1893 de Vertenil, Hon. Louis Antoine Aime, CMC MD 8, Clarence Street. ’ ’ } F de Yerteuil, Ludovic, Philipine House, South Haparima. Wilson, The Hon. Lieut.-Colonel David, C.M.G. 1893 Woodlock, Arthur, M.D., 30 First East Street. ' 1894 Wilson, Edwin Connell 1893 De Wolf, James Andrews, M.D., 12, Clarence Street. It is particularly requested that all errors and omissions in the above list may be pointed out to the Secretary without delay.